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 : Okay guys. This is where things start to get back on track. This chapter was really enjoyable to write and I hope you guys like reading it as much as I liked writing it.
Zuko rolled over in his bedsheets. He was trying very hard to ignore the pull of the sunrise, longing for him to rise.
But he didn't want to rise. Not just yet.
He had slept a fitful nights sleep, with plaguing dreams of a black dragon and the sound of a cracking mirror.
He fingered at his nose tenderly, expecting it to hurt. It didn't.
That's twice she's broken my nose now. Katara's got a really good left hook. And apparently a very hard head. And I thought that the Sila Vatra did most of the damage...
Master Piando had allowed them to stay in his house for the night, before they were to head off for the Three Embers Inn. Zuko tried not to sigh thinking about it. The East side of the Merchant's Quarter was notorious for its crime rate. It was a well-known fact that it should be avoided. The East District was always home to a series of robberies, illegal rooster-pig fighting, whore-houses and even several murders. Zuko was definitely not looking forward to working there.
I never thought that I'd miss that tea shop in Ba Sing Se so much...
It had been the night before that Zuko had finally remembered the rumours that he had once heard about Master Piando all of those years ago. It had immediately become clear when he had walked into the Briefing Room. There had been those same dirty stains on the ceiling. The swirling dark smudges in almost every corner of the room. The smell still lingered on the furniture, despite Fat's attempts to air out the house by opening all of the windows.
He had seen Katara staring at them too, though he doubted she knew exactly what they were or what it meant. Zuko was pretty certain that Hakoda knew what they were, but had chosen to ignore it out of pure desperation for the mission to succeed.
I hope to Agni that he hasn't been foolish enough to continue with it. If Piando's mind isn't clear, he could endanger us all.
Master Piando had been the last person Zuko would suspect to be addicted to Opium.
He always seemed so ready, so serious and noble. He remembered the hubbub the rumours had caused all of those years ago. Soon after they had spread, Master Piando had moved far away from the capital and hadn't returned until now. His reputation had been tarnished and he had been looked down upon by the nobles. It was no wonder he had wanted to get away.
The stains on the ceiling could have meant either of two things. Either they were old and had been present for years. Or master Piando had never been able to conjure enough willpower to address his problem and stop. Zuko hoped that it was the former of the two.
He was also a little worried about Toph's recent behaviour. She had seemed to be acting so hostile towards Katara the night before. So bitter.
But Zuko knew that it was a little justified. He knew what Toph must be thinking about. It was likely that unless Katara was able to conjure up enough courage to talk to Toph about it, then the hostility would just continue. He was beginning to wonder why Katara had left it so long.
There was no way that Zuko would be able to take charge of the situation and calm things down. This was between Katara and Toph.
I only hope that Katara isn't too stubborn to talk about it. This will keep eating away at Toph until they get it out in the open. After all, Katara should know how she's feeling better than anyone.
He could hear his own voice ringing inside his head, as the same advice he had given Katara came back to haunt him.
"We're going to have to grow."
He had sounded like his Uncle. But Zuko wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
Unable to resist the sun's pulsing thrall any longer, he forced himself out of bed and began to get dressed. Zuko hadn't realised just how much he had missed real beds, with clean sheets and soft pillows.
Pulling on his shirt, he began his morning stretches. That was always the trouble with being a Fire Bender; they rose with the sun and there wasn't much to do until everyone else woke up.
So he continued to stretch himself out, feeling all of the laziness from the night slowly filtering out of him. Walking toward the basin in his room, Zuko filled it with water from a bucket Fat had previously provided. Cupping the cool water in his hands, Zuko splashed it over his face and on the back of his neck.
When he rose from the basin and evaporated the water from his body, he froze. Above the basin was a small mirror. He looked at himself for a moment. He looked as closely as he could, intent on analysing every single inch of himself. He could see the same jaw line. The same chin. The same brow. And the same eyes. The same as his father.
You won't be him. Just remember what Katara said. He doesn't define me. He never did.
Ever since taking note of the resemblance between Sokka and his father a few days previously, Zuko had begun to think about what he himself would look like as he aged. He had never really considered his gene pool before and it scared him. He didn't want to be known as the man who reminded his nation so much of his cruel and oppressive father. In appearance and especially not in personality.
I've slipped up before. Katara said so herself. What if one day, I go too far? What if I can't come back? What if I become Ozai?
As the notion had slowly began to grow larger in his mind, Zuko had thought back to every father and son team he had encountered and searched for the resemblances.
Teo and his father had the same, bushy hair and grey eyes.
Haru and his father were both broad and shared the same facial structure.
Even his cousin, Leu Ten had shared the same kindly face and big sideburns as his Uncle!
Sighing, Zuko stepped away from the mirror, desperately trying not to think about how he might look like in ten years time. By the time he had found his way downstairs and into the small courtyard at the front of the house, Zuko had only come to one conclusion – now he was never going to grow a beard!
Finding the only available patch of grass he could in the courtyard, Zuko sat down. Of course, Katara had been paraphrasing when she had said to Toph that Master Piando had a large garden and a koi pond, but Zuko wished it were true none the less. When your house was built into the side of a volcano, there wasn't much room for loping, scented gardens and fish.
No wonder Master Piando moved away. This place is just so repressive.
Crossing his legs and closing his eyes, Zuko tried to centre himself, slowly breathing in and out. He imagined his inner flame shrinking and growing with each breath. The suns rays seemed to empower him, if only slightly. The heat it emitted pulsed through him in waves. Slowly, Zuko's mind began to clear and the swirling shapes of two koi fish, one black and one white, formed in his mind.
"Master Lee." a voice came from behind.
Zuko's concentration was immediately broken.
He turned around, with his legs still crossed, intent on angrily confronting the person who had interrupted him. But when he saw that it was Fat, standing behind him with a pot of tea on a tray, he found he couldn't. There was something about the servant that seemed so calm and certain. Zuko fell victim to its influence.
They had agreed that whilst they were staying in the city, they would all be called by their false names, though only when outside. Mostly, it was in case anybody was listening in. But Zoke harboured a deep worry that they might be paid a visit from the Dai Lee. And that meant only one thing – Azula.
"Yes?" Zuko asked, unsure of exactly why Fat wanted to speak with him.
"I was wondering if you would perhaps care to share a pot of tea, sir." the old man replied. "Being the only Fire Bender of the house, I usually find it rather lonesome just after dawn, before the master has risen."
It only just occurred to Zuko that he was probably meditating in Fat's spot. It was after all, the only area of grass in the courtyard and directly in front of the suns influence. He felt a little guilty and accepted the mans offer.
Zuko moved over so that the old man could sit beside him. Fat placed the tray of tea in front of him on the grass and poured each of them a cup. The tempting scent of Jasmine wafted over Zuko and he couldn't help but take a refreshing sip.
"I'm sorry if I took your spot." he apologised, as the old man sipped his own cup of tea.
"It is no trouble, master Lee." he replied, looking straight ahead "It is indeed a calming place in which to meditate."
Zuko sipped at his tea, a little unsure of what to say, but perfectly content to sit and listen to the noises of the early morning. Fat seemed to be doing much the same, until he asked him an unexpected question.
"If it pleases Master Lee, I should like to ask you a question."
Zuko tried not to raise an eyebrow.
"Please, just call me Zu- uhm, Lee." he said, taking note of his mistake. "And of course you can. You and your Master have been very hospitable."
The old man nodded and cleared his throat. Zuko noticed that he never seemed to meet people's eyes. He also wondered if Fat had any intention of dropping the word 'Master' from his title.
"I should like to request that you do not speak to anyone of Master Piando's...problem, Master Lee. He has mastered much in his lifetime, but self-control has always seemed to pose a problem. I can assure you though, young Lee, that my Master is quite free of its influence now."
Zuko frowned. How had the old man known that he knew about Piando's secret?
"I won't say anything, Fat. But if Master Piando's...problem appears again and puts us at risk, then I'll have to take action. I can't let him put our mission at risk."
Fat remained silent for a moment, still staring blankly ahead at the view of the Merchant's Quarter. Zuko wondered if he had offended the loyal servant.
"I understand, Master Lee. You must do what is necessary to protect her."
Did he just say what I think he said?
"Uhm. Excuse me? Protect who?" Zuko stumbled stupidly.
The old man finally turned to face him. He was smiling; something that Zuko had not seen until now.
"You are perfectly aware of the lady in question, Master Lee. She is quite beautiful, sir. With a kindly face. You would do well to hold onto her, if I may say so."
Seeing Zuko's gawping expression, Fat chuckled and continued, oblivious to Zuko's astonishment.
"An experienced old man has eyes everywhere, Master Lee. But do not fret, sir. I shall not tell your secret if you do not tell of my Mater's."
Zuko quickly closed his mouth, realising that it was open. He wasn't given a chance to reply. The strange old man rose from his position on the grass, holding the mostly un-touched tray of tea in his hands. He smirked in an all-knowing fashion that reminded Zuko of his Uncle.
"Thank you for sharing your company and conversation, Master Lee. It is appreciated." Fat said, as if nothing had happened.
Zuko sat with brows creased and mouth slightly parted as he watched the strange and unnerving servant walk back up the path and into the house. He wondered if all the old men in the world acted so aloof and utterly baffling, or if it was just the ones that he knew.
Soon after Toph and Katara had woken up and enjoyed a light breakfast of rice cakes and soy sauce with Zuko, they were summoned by Master Piando.
As they stepped outside the house and into the courtyard, they were greeted by Hakoda and Sokka. Behind them was another ostrich-horse carriage, with Fat at the reins. Master Piando also stood by the carriage, with his hands tucked inside the sleeves of his robes. He looked solemn, as he usually did.
It seems like all we do is say goodbye...
Katara's face remained brave as she hugged both her father and her brother. Zuko could see what she was doing. She was trying to give them faith. She wanted to assure them that everything would be alright and that she would try everything in her power to see them together again.
Toph also said goodbye to Sokka, giving him another one of her tender punches on the arm. Sokka simply smiled one of his cheesy grins and gathered the unsuspecting Earth Bender in a big hug, bringing her feet up from the floor. She resisted, but Zuko could tell that she would miss Sokka as much as he would miss her.
"Ichiro, put me down, you dork! I can't see anything up here, ya know!"
Once again, Zuko was left feeling a little alienated. Everyone had connections and relationships between them. The only possible thing he had was the fact that he had spent the last few months tracking them endlessly and attacking them whenever possible.
He still felt a little guilty for it, even after everything that had happened.
"Lee!"
Zuko couldn't help but feel a little surprised to hear Hakoda's voice calling him. He was still wary of the Water Tribe Chieftain's strange behaviour for the past few days. But he walked over regardless – it may very well have been the last time he was going to see him. Sokka and Katara were talking to Toph and Master Paindo. They paid them no mind as Hakoda took Zuko aside.
What is all of this about? What could he possibly want to talk to me about?
Hakoda's face was kindly as he spoke to Zuko, who in comparison, felt slightly awkward.
"Lee. Before you go, I would just like to tell you a few things."
Zuko braced himself for the worst, fearing that Hakoda would ask him exactly how he had allowed for himself and Katara to get captured. How he had put his only daughter at risk.
"I want to thank you, Lee. I have said nothing of it until now, but I can't help myself any longer. I want to thank you for all that you have done for my daughter and for my son. And for all that you have done for me."
It took almost all of Zuko's willpower not to let his good eyebrow fly up underneath his hairline. He had expected Hakoda to be angry or stern with him. He certainly hadn't expected for the Water ribe Chief to thank him.
Hakoda continued.
"You have sacrificed much to help us. You have put your own safety on the line many times, for both my son and for my daughter. They are all I have left now. I don't know how I could bare it if something were to happen to them." Zuko could see a sadness in Hakoda's eyes. "There are many things that I would like to do, to begin to repay you, Lee. But unfortunately, we don't have the time. Until then, my friend, when this war is over, I would like to ask you to become an honorary member of The Southern Water Tribe."
What?
Reaching for a sheath at his side, Hakoda pulled a dagger from his belt. It was a typical water Tribe design, made of rough turtle-seel-skin leather and hemmed with blue fabric. There was a dark stone set into the sheath that seemed to match the swirling colours of Katara's necklace. Hakoda held out the sheath in front of Zuko and drew the blade away from inside its cover.
It was nothing like his Uncle's old knife. This knife was slightly curved at the tip (much like Sokka's own Water Tribe sword) and the handle seemed to be made from some sort of black, sparkling substance. It was incredible.
"I give this to you, Prince Zuko, as a token of my appreciation, and in the hope that someday you shall accept my offer. This knife belonged to my father and his father before him. The hilt is made from black ice, found from the very heart of Southern Water Tribe land. No matter how hot it gets, it will never melt, but it will retain the sharpness and dexterity of the ice. It was infused with the particles from a fallen star and is the strongest known natural material on earth. The blade shall never break and will always remain by your side. Just as we shall always be. Just as you have."
Despite himself, Zuko couldn't help but let his mouth fall open. He was utterly dumbstruck. His brain seemed to be thinking of a thousand replies at once, but his mouth just seemed unable to form any of the words. He stared at Hakoda for a moment, his eyes fixed on him, unable to believe what he had just heard.
I can't believe it. He can't be serious. Is this some sort of test? Am I failing?
"A-an honorary member?" Zuko spluttered."But, sir, I-I haven't done anything other than my duty! I cannot accept this. I don't deserve your praise, though it is greatly appreciated. I did what I did to repay my own debt to the avatar, to both your son and daughter, and to the world."
It felt incredibly strange having to call Hakoda 'sir', but Zuko really had no idea how he should address him. It seemed as if life had turned upside-down. If somebody had told him that he would one day be offered a place in the Southern Water Tribe by the Chieftain himself, whilst helping the Avatar to fight his father, Zuko would have laughed in their face.
He looked up at the large and chiefly man, who was staring down at him intently.
"You deserve this, Zuko. You have proven more loyal and capable than any man I have ever met. You protected my family in their time of need. You have sacrificed everything to help us when the world is at its most dangerous. And you have made my daughter the happiest I have seen her in years."
I have?
Hakoda put the knife back in its sheath and held it out.
"You have earned this, Zuko."
Completely oblivious to the fact that Hakoda had forgotten their safety protocol by calling him by his real name for the past few minutes, Zuko took an inward breath. He reached out to take the knife and looked up at the Chieftain. His eyes seemed to be sparkling with something Zuko had only ever seen in Katara's.
"Sir. Hakoda. When this is over, when all of our worries no longer exist. I would be honoured to accept your offer." Zuko bowed low to the chief, feeling his eyes begin to prick. "Thank you."
Zuko rose and was immediately enveloped in a crushing bear-hug. He stood stock still for a moment as Hakoda embraced him. Hakoda towered above Zuko by at least five or six inches and his crushing hug was so unexpected, Zuko found that he didn't know how to react.
But as Hakoda pulled away from him, almost as quickly as he had come, Zuko couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with happiness and acceptance. The two men clasped arms and smiled at each other knowingly. Before Zuko turned back towards the carriage, Hakoda spoke once more with a sly grin on his face.
"Oh, and Lee? Even though I never thought that I would see a Fire Nation Prince as my daughter's love-interest, I am glad that she has chosen wisely."
Zuko wasn't sure wether he should smile or cringe as he walked back to the carriage to meet the others.
Well, that explains a lot of things...
The short journey to the Three Embers Inn was a particularly interesting one for Zuko. He had to constantly fend off questions from Katara as to what her father had wanted to say to him.
"Was he telling you something stupid, like 'Take care of my little daughter?'"
"Why were you so long anyway?"
"You didn't make him angry, did you?"
Eventually, her questions became so frequent and irritating, that Zuko gave in and let her know what she wanted to know. He did however, leave out the fact that Hakoda knew what was going on between them.
When he had told her what Hakoda had proposed and showed her the knife, Katara's mouth fell open, just as his own had.
"He actually gave you his grandfathers knife? He asked you into the tribe? That knife is famous - it's the Black Ice Blade! Nobody had ever seen anything like it before. It is the only one in the world, they say. Nobody has been able to find black ice for almost a hundred years now! And the particles from a fallen star – it's almost like Sokka's space-sword. But they're so different! I can't believe he did that – it's just so un-heard of!"
Zuko was relieved to hear that Katara looked and sounded happy about the decision, even though it probably went against everything that her tribe stood for.
Toph however, seemed mostly unimpressed.
"Yeah, yeah. So you got a fancy knife and you're going to live with penguins? Big whoop."
Katara seemed to scrunch up her face at Toph's reply. Zuko stopped himself from smiling. Their feud was almost amusing at times, though he hoped that they would work it out soon.
"Well, I think that it's amazing." Katara shot back. "It's completely unheard of."
Unsheathing his new knife, Zuko admired the quality of the blade. It was far superior to the knife he had taken from Chan, and even the one he had been given by his uncle. The blade was indeed the same deep grey colour as Sokka's space-sword and had glistening particles shimmering along the surface. This knife, however, was transparent and Zuko could see right through the blade, as if he were actually looking through real ice! It was razor sharp and even though it was almost eighty-five years old, the knife still looked as if it had been forged the day before.
Turning it over in his hands, Zuko noticed that a small inscription sat at the bottom of the blade, just before the hilt. It reminded him of the one his uncle had given him.
"I'll Follow You Home" he read. He looked up at Katara. "What does that mean?"
"There's quite a long story behind it." she smiled. "It's all about my great-grandfather and how he came to make it. I'll have to tell you about it some other time – we're almost there now."
Zuko looked out of the carriage window, with his rice hat now firmly placed over his head. Katara was right. They were indeed nearing the East Side of the Merchant's Quarters.
She must have been studying that map. He thought.
He was certain that Katara didn't want to take any chances if they were discovered, after they had been stuck in the middle of nowhere after escaping from the Sila Vatra. She had probably tried to memorise the layout of the city and the location of Master Piando's house, in case they were spotted. Zuko thought this was a little pointless, considering that he knew almost every street and alleyway of the city anyway. It was after all, supposed to be his one day.
Looking back to his new and most valued posession, Zuko wondered at the superior craftsmanship of the new Black Ice Blade. He thought of how many obstacles it had overcome in its time. How many people's lives it had saved and how many others it had taken away.
Zuko was also curious as to the story behind it. He wasn't particularly familiar with Water Tribe folklore or legend. He wasn't even that sure of its history. If only he had been able to ask his Uncle. He had studied them himself, after all, and had developed the technique to re-direct lightning that had saved Zuko's life.
Ill find you one day, Uncle. I'll get down on my knee's and beg for your forgiveness and you will see how I have changed. You'll see the man that I have become.
The carriage jutted to a halt, momentarily startling them. Toph however, was unaffected. She had been aware of where they were moving and when they were going to stop. She tittered when Zuko had to pull himself up from the floor of the carriage. The unexpected momentum had carried him onto the floor and onto Katara's feet.
"Man, Sparky. You're just as graceful as ever, aren't you?"
Zuko couldn't help but smile. The young Earth Bender was always able to bring out the best in him.
Grabbing her ankle, Zuko hauled her down onto the floor of the carriage with him. She landed on her backside with an 'ooph!' and immediately started pummelling at his shoulders. They were light (or at least, light for Toph) and playful as Toph yelled at him, with a smile on her face.
"Sparky! You're such a dork! I swear, I'm going to put a crab in your bed tonight!"
Katara stuck her bottom lip out. She seemed as if she wanted to laugh along with both of them. But Zuko assumed that she was still a little wary of Toph's aggressive treatment of her for the last two days.
"Master Lee. Mistress Asami. Mistress Katsumi." Fat said regally as he opened the door to their carriage. He seemed a little taken aback for a moment, when he saw the scene of limbs, punches and the occasional curse word in front of him. "We, uhm, we have arrived."
After several seconds, Zuko, Katara and Toph all managed to manoeuvre themselves away from each other and out of the carriage. Zuko's good mood immediately shot back down into despair and embarrassment as he stood in front of the Three Embers Inn.
Katara seemed to flinch away from the very building that would soon become their home.
Ugh! The East Side Merchant's District. Piando could have chosen the Noble's District. The Harbour. Even a weapons factory! Anywhere better than this.
The Three Embers Inn stood (barely) in front of them. It was a tiny, run-down two story building made of the most flimsy wood Zuko had ever seen. The outside support beams were beginning to rot and several panes of glass had been shattered in the top story windows, which had been uselessly boarded over. The downstairs windows were blacked out and they could hear the sounds of drunken laughter and distinguish the pungent smells of what Zuko desperately hoped was not more Opium.
A sign creaked overhead, hanging directly above the door. It was of three interlinking flames, which were all black. On the dilapidated front door leading into the inn, someone had crudely scratched the words 'Ozai is law' and 'Ba Sing Se? No way!'.
"It's, uhm...really got character, huh?" Katara said feebly, trying to make the best of a bad situation, as she usually did.
"Face it, Sweetness." Toph grunted "This place is a dump."
Suddenly, the front door burst open to reveal the silhouette of its owner. After stepping out into the open and away from the thick, smokey darkness, they were approached by a scruffy-looking man, whose top-knot was askew and beard was in desperate need of trimming. He did not smile or even wave in greeting. He looked dirty and smelled a little strange.
The man simply walked up to Fat and they exchanged two round objects. Zuko caught the flash of white.
Lotus tiles. They can't seriously have let this guy become a member!
"I see you favour the White Lotus." the man grumbled.
"Those who do can always find a friend." Fat replied.
The two men nodded to each other in understanding. Katara had raised one eyebrow and her mouth slanted sideways. Toph just rubbed at the back of her neck and toed at the dirt with her foot. Zuko would have to explain The White Lotus Society to them both later.
Turning back to face the three of them, the scruffy (and rather smelly) man barked at them, gruffly, making Katara jump beside Zuko. He spoke rapidly and without pausing to allow them to even introduce themselves.
"My name is Fumio Asagi. You will do as I say without complaint, when I tell you to do it. You shall each work to pay for your boarding. You will be required to work from sunrise until sunset. You will each share a single room. I do not expect to hear any complaining. Whilst you are here, my word is law. Your work shall pay for your lodging, but you shall each be given three square meals a day. We only have cold water, so if you want a bath, it's freeze or nothing."
Fumio bowed his head to Fat, who bowed in turn. As he mounted the front seat of his carriage to return home, he also nodded to the three of them before flicking the reins of the ostrich-horse.
Fumio began to head for the front door and beckoned them to follow as he was enveloped back into the dark, musty Inn.
"Hurry up, you bunch of time-wasters. There's work to be done!"
Before following their new employer into the darkness, Katara looked at Zuko with an incredibly uncertain look.
"How does Master Piando know somebody like that?"
Zuko looked back at the shrinking form of Fat as the carriage sped up along the road and remembered their deal.
"No idea." he replied.
Toph strode forward confidently into the entrance to the Three Embers Inn.
"I dunno. I kinda like him. He's got attitude. I think that we're going to get on very well."
Author's Note : Awww, Hakoda has mad love for Zuko. :)
And now you'll be able to find out the story behind the title of the fic (and evidently the story behind the Black Ice Blade).
Hope that this chapter wasn't too boring. It was mostly a fill-in before the real action starts.
Oh, by the way, Fumio's name means 'literary/scholarly child'. This is of course meant to be sarcasm. His parents obviously didn't name him very well, lol.