I'll Follow You Home – A Zutara Story.
Meeoko
Summary : Sequel to 'Eventualities Are Inevitable'. After being captured by a group of Fire Nation radicals and uncovering a secret plot to destroy the Avatar Cycle, Zuko and Katara must work together to find a way to stop the Sila Vatra before Sozin's Comet arrives.
Spoilers : Puppet Master, Day Of Black Sun part 1 and 2, Western Air Temple, Fire Bending Masters and Boiling Rock part 1 and 2.
Author's Note : Sorry that this chapter took a little longer to upload. I had a very very busy day. Long story short – my boyfriend managed to slice his finger open on my penknife and we had to get a friend to drive us to the Hospital illegally. Not exactly the best day ever.
Anyway, my page views and reviews have been getting scarce lately. I'm worried that I've been doing something wrong or not writing to the ways of the people. So I've uploaded a poll on my profile for you all to vote on, so that I can begin writing the way you all want me to. If you are an anonymous reader, don't worry, you can vote too.
Zuko pulled the rice hat even further down over his eyes. They were now close enough to the Merchant's Gate to have joined the other Fire Nation traders and citizen's in the slow moving queue.
What if they recognise me? If I'm spotted, then it's all over.
Unfortunately, there hadn't been all that much they could do to make Zuko less conspicuous other than provide him with a rice hat. His tell-tale scar was like a beacon. Although luckily, Zuko had never spent any time in the Merchant's Quarters when he had returned to the palace. Despite the fact that it was common knowledge in the Fire Nation that the royal prince had a large burn somewhere on his face, Zuko had never really made many public appearances.
Hopefully, that would be enough to keep his identity a secret.
There must be countless other Fire Nation people with burns, right? As long as nobody recognises me as the Prince, they would just think that I'm another careless Fire bender who lost control of my inner flame.
Toph tugged at his arm. Zuko had looped his own arm around hers before approaching the main bulk of the Merchant's Track. Zuko hadn't wanted Toph to give them away by walking confidently and unaided when she was supposed to be blind.
Of course, this was a stupid thing to say.
Toph was blind. But it was her Earth Bending abilities that still allowed her to 'see', and she walked with all the ease of someone who had perfect vision.
So despite Toph's complaining and incoherent grumbling, Zuko had taken her arm and led her along as if she needed his help to find her way.
"This is so stupid." she mumbled under her breath. "I feel like a kid."
"Toph, you are a kid." Zuko sighed. Although he was happy for the conversation to keep his mind off the impending threats ahead, Toph's whining wasn't exactly keeping his spirits up.
She elbowed him in the ribs. Zuko had to restrain himself from rubbing his side and giving her a sense of satisfaction.
For such a small kid, she sure packs a punch.
Zuko was also keeping a careful watch over the others, who were now all temporarily colour blind. Although this didn't hinder their visibility or ability to find their way around, he noticed that sometimes they would stumble over a rock underfoot or catch their toes on the ground.
Zuko suspected that although being colour blind was not a serious problem for the group, they were still adapting to the different tones of grey and white and having to get used to it. Some tones were a lot harder to pick up in the sea of dark grey that Zuko suspected was now the trail the walked along.
In the back of his mind, Zuko vaguely remembered his Uncle telling him that the eye could tell the differences between about a hundred and fifty shades of grey. Obviously, the others were still realising this new factor.
The queue was slowly inching forward, bringing them ever closer to the gates. Zuko kept his head down and tried to avoid the ever wary gaze of the guard. None of them spoke as they neared the heavy iron gates. What was there to talk about?
"Next."
Numbly, Zuko realised that it was now their turn to approach the gates. Every entrant into the Fire nation capital was always thoroughly checked over before they were allowed entry into the gates.
Hakoda was the first to step forward. As the only present adult, he had been automatically been given the position of leader for their entrance into the capital.
"How many in your party?" the guard asked, checking over a piece of paper in his hand. He sounded bored and incredibly uninterested in what he was supposed to be doing. Zuko held a small hope in his heart that the guard wouldn't be too thorough with their questioning.
"Six." Hakoda answered calmly.
"And your business in the city?" The guard drawled, as if shooting relevant questions from a list that he was required to ask, but without really having to listen to the answer.
"Visiting a friend before the Comet. We also hope to begin trading, if time allows it."
"Which friend? The name of the house?"
"Piando." Hakoda replied.
"Sword Master Piando, huh?" the guard asked, looking a little sceptical. "Pretty important guy to be receiving such...visitors."
Zuko kept his head down and tried not to snarl.
Sokka had sent Hawky ahead to master Piando with message, even before they had begun to pack their things at the Air Temple. They had explained their situation in code and he had soon replied.
Master Piando had his own accommodations in the capital city, being a well-respected member high society Fire Nation. He had been more than happy to provide housing for them whilst they continued their observations in the capital. He (much like everyone else) was eager to see the end of the war and was more than happy to play his part.
"I shall have to receive confirmation before allowing you through." the guard stated sceptically.
Zuko could feel a small niggle of doubt gnawing at his insides. The guard's curiosity seemed to have sparked at the mention of Master Piando. He was after all, a fully respected member of the Fire Nation, with high standing among the nobles.
And we don't exactly look like rich and noble acquaintances. We're entering from the Merchant's Gate after all...
But Hakoda played his part well.
He sighed heavily, as if this was an irritating convenience and rolled his eyes at the guard.
"How long will this take?" he asked dryly.
Exactly like a pompous, rude, but perfectly innocent Fire Nation noble.
The guard straightened his piece of paper and brought a quill from his pocket. He began to heat up the tip, so as to singe the letters onto the parchment.
"Name?"
They had practiced this before. They had also checked first with Master Piando, to notify him if this kind of situation were to occur.
"Juntao." Hakoda replied, still keeping up his act and sounding incredibly bored. "Hiro Juntao."
"And the rest?" the guard asked after jotting down Hakoda's new identity. He pointed his quill at them and Zuko lowered his head even more, praying to Agni that his rice hat would somehow grow larger.
"This is my son, Ichiro and my daughter, Asami." Hakoda replied, pointing at both Katara and Sokka. On cue, they both bowed to the guard. Hakoda continued, pointing in turn at Toph, Zuko and Teo.
"These three are Katsumi (Toph), Lee (Zuko had wanted to stick to his typical Ba Sing Se identity) and Masaru (Teo). They are of the Sadao family."
"And why are they travelling with you?" the guard asked. He still sounded sceptical and wary.
Still in character, Hakoda snarled and allowed a great frown to distort his features.
"Sir, I don't appreciate your unneeded questioning. We have travelled far and with very little, from the colonies. I have had to protect them all on our travels, especially Katsumi!" Zuko felt a distinctive pressure from Toph's hand, that was still slotted through his arm. She obviously was not too happy about being made to look so helpless in front of the enemy. Hakoda continued, his voice bellowing and dominant, his character working himself into a bit of a rage.
"I owe these children's father my life! Now he is gone and these three children have no one. If I had not taken them in for their fathers kindness, I would not be able to call myself a man!"
Zuko tried not to smirk.
Looks like there is a talent for acting among their family. Very convincing.
The guard frowned, but said nothing as he scribbled down their names and relevant information onto his scroll. Placing his fingers between his lips, he whistled and awaited the call of his messenger hawk.
Placing the tightly wound scroll into the carrier on its back, he sent the animal back into the air, which circled and glided over the heavy iron gates with a piercing call.
As they awaited the return message from Master Piando that would allow them entry into the city, Zuko tried to regain his inner focus. There was always one thing that made him most uncomfortable in any urgent or relatively dangerous situation – waiting.
Before battle, every soldier, sailor and man would simply sit around with hands clasped tightly or stand with heads bowed.
Zuko loathed waiting.
Just don't say anything. Don't do anything.
"Hiro?" Toph squeaked from beside him, playing the role of helpless child. "What is happening? Why must we wait? Will we be here long?"
Hakoda made sure not to soften his face when he replied, his gaze still fixed on the guard, who shuffled uncomfortably from foot to foot.
"Not long now, my dear. Apparently, we are not to be trusted."
Intimidation. False offense. And the innocence of a blind child.
"I do so hope that your friend, Master Piando has some food." Toph said. Her tone was sickly sweet and Zuko had to try very hard not to laugh at the Earth Bender's radical change in personality. "I am very hungry."
Katara put a hand on Toph's shoulder and Toph jumped and darted her head around, taking full advantage of her characters 'blindness'. Katara shifted her face into a pitiful look. Zuko could almost physically feel the guard squirming with guilt.
"It's alright, Katsumi." Katara soothed, as if she were talking to a wounded animal. "I'm sure that once we arrive, Master Piando will treat you to all the delicacies you can think of. And if you would like it, I can take you to see his Koi pond. The grass if very comfortable and it smells so wonderful this time of year. Wouldn't you like that?"
Oh, for the love of Agni!
Zuko was actually beginning to feel a little guilty himself, for having to treat Toph like such an infant. No doubt they would all pay dearly for it later, but if it was required to help them make their stories more convincing, there wasn't much more they could do.
"Oh Asami! Does he really have such a wonderful garden as you say? I should very much like to feel the grass beneath my feet again. I only wish that I would be able to see the beautiful koi fish. I sometimes forget what fish look like after the accident..."
"You can have all of the fish you want, Katsumi." Teo spoke up from his wheelchair. "If it will make you happy, I shall catch you an entire seabed of fish. Nothing is too good for my sister."
By this time, Zuko was biting down on his trembling lip, trying to keep the laughter inside him at the charade they were playing. But he stiffened, when he heard the guard speak to Hakoda.
Too good to be true.
"Why has he not spoken? Surely he has something to say about our city. I haven't even seen his face."
The guard was speaking about him.
Now or never. Make or break. Don't screw this up, Zuko...
"Take off your hat, boy." the guard ordered.
They had also prepared for this eventuality, but it was still risky. Hakoda was instantly back into his offended, grief-stricken war veteran character. His voice rose and Zuko saw his clenched fists from under the brim of his rice hat. Toph's grip on his arm tightened.
"He does not have to answer to you!" Hakoda boomed. "This boy has suffered much in such a short time and he has no obligations to answer to your petty whims!"
But the guard was resilient.
"I will not allow you passage without first confirming his identity. It is a matter of National Security in such times. Even with the arrival of Sozin's Comet nearing, we must still be cautious. Now please, boy, remove your hat and look at me."
Well, here goes...
Making a mental note to burn the guard to cinders once (or if) the war was over, Zuko timidly removed his rice hat. Looking up to face the guard, Zuko was enrage to see his reaction. The podgy, bald headed man looked utterly repulsed by the searing, angry scar that covered half of Zuko's face.
Zuko was fuming with rage. His old self would have burnt the man to a crisp where he stood, but he wasn't that person anymore. No. He had to keep his cool, for the good of the mission. He tried to breath and stay focused.
Don't lose your temper. Don't lose your temper.
Looking away from the guards horrified expression, Zuko hurriedly placed the rice hat back onto his head and kept his gaze locked on the ground beneath his shoes. Hakoda continued to play his part.
"Do you see? This young boy has suffered and you insult him! How can you call yourself a man of the Fire Nation? Our country is made of great, loyal men willing to sacrifice what they can for the greater good and you gape at him as if he is some sort of attraction!"
The guard spluttered a reply, obviously taken aback. Zuko could see the edge of his boots shifting about nervously. He was tempted to shoot fire at them and make him dance.
"I-I did not mean to offend. It's just standard regulation. He-he did not speak. He would not meet my eyes. I was just doing my job."
"He cannot speak, you fool!" Hakoda boomed. "He has been rendered mute after his accident! And he did not look at you because he did not wish for you to see his shame!"
My shame...ouch...
Although the minor insult stung, Zuko was able to breath a slight sigh of relief. The guard had not recognised him. He didn't suspect a thing.
Before they had joined the Merchant's Track, Zuko had explained to Hakoda exactly how such injuries would be obtained without direct attack, so that they could get their stories straight.
Fire Bending was all about the breath. About controlling the inner fire within a person through every inward and outward breath. Keeping the flame at a steady level. This level of control must remain constant, never once allowed to grow any larger.
But if a careless and stupid Fire Bender were ever to lose control of his or her inner flame, the damage could be colossal. Their rage would overtake their ability to control the fire and it would simply burn them from the inside out. A Fire Bender that had lost control of their inner flame would instantly lose all respect from other benders, if they were able to survive. They would be considered a failure, an outcast and branded an idle fool.
That is why Hakoda had referred to Zuko's scar as 'his shame'. Almost every Fire Nation citizen knew exactly what this one word meant, without explanation. This nosey and rude guard was luckily, one of them.
Dear Agni, this is shameful. Who would ever want to boast that they had done something like this to themselves? It makes me feel a fool even lying about it!
The other people queueing up behind them were beginning to grumble and complain about the delay. Zuko felt his mind flinch. The more attention they received, the more danger they would be in.
Come on, Piando. What's taking so long?
But then, as if answering the groups silent prayers, a flash of red darted overhead, emitting a shrill caw as the brilliant messenger hawk landed on the awkward guards outstretched arm. Taking the scroll from the hawks pack, he sent it back into the air and unravelled it with stiff, trembling fingers.
Zuko hoped that he felt a true fool.
Thank Agni! It's about time!
After a minute or two, the guard looked up from the scroll. He did not meet their gazes, but mumbled quietly what they had all been waiting to hear - that they were permitted to enter through the gates.
Releasing a breath he hadn't realised he was holding, Zuko slowly walked through the heavy entrance as the iron doors creaked open with the rest of the group. They all stuck closely together as they finally entered their destination. The capital city. The Fire Nation.
Just before he passed behind the daunting structure of the iron gates, Zuko shot the guard a glare from underneath his rice hat and with his free hand, shot the guard a very impolite Fire Nation gesture.
Zuko hadn't ever felt such a contrasting mix of emotions. He felt incredibly happy and relieved to have gotten into the city safely, but he was also filled with an innate sense of dread and had to fight the urge to grab the others and physically drag them away and back through the gates to safety.
Home. But is it? Was it ever? And will it ever be again?
Almost immediately after passing through the iron gates, their small party was greeted by two sets of carriages, drawn by ostrich-horse. Atop each carriage was a driver.
One of them dismounted from his seat and welcomed them with a curt nod.
"Welcome. The family of Juntao. And welcome. The family of Sadao."
Sokka greeted the man warmly, clearly defying his character. He clasped the portly old mans arm and smiled a large, and very uncharacteristic smile.
"Fat, hi! Good to see you."
Hakoda coughed loudly behind Sokka. Quickly, he seemed to remember himself and regained his forlorn, sad Fire Nation colonial face.
I guess not all of the family have the acting talent...
Standing aside like a courtly gentleman, the old man (who was apparently named Fat, unless Sokka had some sort of horrid private joke going on) gestured for them to enter the carriages.
Although Zuko desperately wanted to ride with Katara, he was bundled into the back of the carriage with Toph and Teo (who had a rather hard time organising himself and his chair in the confined space). Zuko knew it would help to reinforce their separate families act, but couldn't help wishing that he was sharing the carriage in front of them with Katara.
Great. Just my luck.
Zuko felt a little deflated. Their goal had been reached. They were in the city and on their way to Master Piando's. So why didn't he feel accomplished? Glad? Happy?
But to say that Zuko was happy would have been inaccurate. The only time Zuko felt he ever came close to feeling happiness was whenever he was with Katara. Alone with Katara.
Vaguely, Zuko remembered something he had said to Sokka a few weeks ago, whilst they had spent some time together at the Boiling Rock.
"I'm never happy."
Teo and Toph, were eagerly chattering about the Fire Nation city. Teo was peering over the edge of the high seated window and describing to Toph what he could see (but without the aid of colour). She however, was telling him what she was also able to feel as they slowly wound through the city in their carriages.
"I think there's people dancing under the ground. Must be a party. Last time we were here, this place was a ghost town. Ooh, and someone's bursting firecrackers around that corner! We so have to get some of those!"
Zuko however, was not feeling so jovial.
What's going to happen now? We're going to have to split up soon. Who knows if we'll be able to see each other again before the arrival of the Comet? Or...at all?
The carriage rocked gently as the ostrich-horse pulled them at a quick pace up through the winding hills of the capital. Although Master Piando's house was still within the confines of the Merchant's Quarter, Zuko could see the subtle changes taking place, the higher up the roads they went. The more expensive and lustrous houses of the Merchant's Quarter were often built along the steady and yielding walls of the volcano towering above. Many had long, intricate dirty pathways that wove higher up into the walls and stood on stilts, built to adapt to the very rock that held it upright.
The structures were similar to those of Ember Island. But these houses were of a far grander scale.
Privately, Zuko wondered why Master Piando had acquired a house in the Merchant's Quarter – he was far more noble and wealthy that most of the civilians in the Quarter put together. Surely he would have his house built somewhere more suitable for a Fire Nation nobleman?
What was it? There was something said about him.
Digging back through the old rumours he had heard, years before his banishment, Zuko tried to recall exactly what it was that he had heard about Master Piando. Of course, he had been too involved with Princely valour and splendour to pay too much attention to rumours, but he could remember that the particular rumour had struck him as odd. The Sword Master was highly respected and adored for his service to the Fire Nation and the rumour had certainly caused an uproar among the nobles.
Zuko knew that it was something that was frowned upon, but couldn't quite remember what it was. Dismissing it as unimportant, Zuko tried to lose himself in the gentle rocking motion of the carriage on the dirt path.
"Look!" cried Toph, sensing the structure ahead. "We're here!"
Teo strained to bend his neck around the front of the carriage and ostrich-horse combined to try and get a good look. Zuko however, didn't even bother to turn his head. He simply stared ahead, with blank eyes.
"Huh." Toph mused "I thought it'd be bigger. His mansion was a lot more...'Fire Nation Swords Master'."
Dear Agni. It's going to be a long night.
As the carriage began to slow, the rocking motion became far more jagged and threw them around uncomfortably in their seats.
The pathway was littered with loose rocks and bumps.
Obviously, Master Piando's capital home had not been subjected to visitors (or indeed good housekeeping) for quite some time.
When they finally stopped and descended from the carriage, they were faced with a breath-taking view from their new perch.
They were at the highest point of the Merchant's Quarter, nearly seventy feet directly above the tallest house. Far below them, they could see the winding streets, the various people hustling and bustling about their work and a chess board of countless red-slated rooftops.
It seemed as if everything and everyone, so oblivious in their everyday lives, just blended together as one in a large painting. Or a jigsaw puzzle, with each different piece came its own story and identity.
Vines climbed down from the sides of the volcano to coil lazily around the rooftops below and Bonsai tree's were sprouting along the crags of the earth, leading down the steep descent into nothing.
"That's quite a sight." Teo stated, open-mouthed in awe.
"It is indeed." a smooth voice said from behind them.
Turning around to face their addresser, Zuko saw a tall, white haired man dressed in a black robe. His face was almost as plain and emotionless as Zuko's own. He simply stared at them with unblinking eyes and expressionless features. He seemed to look like Zuko felt.
Katara, Sokka and Hakoda joined them, with their backs to the scene beneath them.
Sokka instantly fell to his knee's and bowed his head low to the ground.
"Master. It is good to see you."
But the old man quickly bid him to his feet, letting the faint whisper of a smile dance across his lips before he promptly hid it again. He seemed to have a soft-spot for Sokka.
"Sokka" Piando greeted him sullenly in that same, monosyllabic tone. He then addressed the rest of the group.
"I welcome you, my friends, to chaos."
Okay. That chapter was a little writer-block hazard. Sorry it took so long. I've been busy. My boyfriend cut his finger open on my penknife and we had to go to hospital, then I had to go to a jewellery making course, then I had driving lessons and had to help my boyfriend and his flat mate prepare for a flat inspection. It all kind of got out of hand.
Anyway, thought I'd let you know about the name system I worked out for the gaang when they were thinking of their new identities. I chose each specific name for their meaning, so that they fit the character.
Hiro (Hakoda) – Broad, widespread.
Ichiro (Sokka) – First son (I couldn't find a Japanese name for 'Guy Who Likes Meat')
Masaru (Teo) – Intellect, victorious
Asami (Katara) - Morning beauty
Katsumi (Toph) – Victorious beauty
Oh, and sorry about the little joke about Fat. Hope that didn't offend anyone. I just think it's a bit of an...ugly name (again, sorry if this offends anyone, it's just my opinion).
I thought I'd just keep Zuko's name as Lee, because he seems to favour it so much.
Anyway, I'm soon off to watch the finale (I'm totally psyched, even though I have to stay up until 4am to watch it).