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, I've had a few questions from people that I'm just going to answer here.
Where did you get the idea for Zuko's dream? It was really creepy.
Truth be told, I kind of cheated a little. Zuko's dream was actually a nightmare that I had myself. I'm an Insomniac and don't sleep very well. I have quite a few nightmares, but they definitely prove for good writing.
Is this story going to be all about Taang now?
No. It is staying strictly focused around Zutara. Taang is just like a little bonus on the side for any supporting shippers out there.
Who is using the secret tunnel that leads up to the palace? Is it Azula?
I'm afraid that you're just going to have to wait and find out. Sorry, no spoilers yet.
Is Fumio the landlord with the Sila Vatra too?
No, he's not. He's just a bit of a bum that Piando used to know. For anyone still wondering, Piando knows Fumio because that's where he used to get his Opium fix from.
Will we ever find out why Chit Sang was in the Boiling Rock?
Although it isn't going to play an important part in the story, you're going to have to wait to find out exactly why he was put into the Boiling Rock. As I said, it isn't an important part of the story, but it's just interesting. You'll find out sooner or later.
I'm trying to write my own fic, but I can't seem to make the chapters long enough. How do you write such long chapters?
This is quite a popular question. Trust me, my chapters aren't long! For anyone who's read any of Fandomme's Zutara fics, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say that my chapters aren't that long.
But still, I'll help you guys out.
When I first starting writing EAI, each chapter was only about 1500-2000 words long. But as the story progressed, I found that if I didn't make longer chapters, then the fic would just be WAY too long. So I set myself a task. Before I start a chapter, I give myself a quota. I have to write between at least 4500-6000 words before I'll allow myself to post it here. It's hard going (especially when you have writers block), but definitely worth it when you guys give me back such brilliant reviews.
I have writers block – help?
Ah, the dreaded writers block. I used to suffer from it quite a lot. But I've found a way to beat it. Some of my regular reviewers may have noticed that I tend to release short stories every now and then. That is the key to beating writers block. Just forget about the fic you are working on and just go and write about something completely different. If you've had an idea in your head for a while and you want to get rid of it – write it down.
It helps keep the creative juices flowing an then when you're done, not only is your writers block gone, but you have another story/fic to add to your collection.
Anyway – on with the story!
Zuko clenched his teeth as he knocked on the looming metal door. He was trying to keep a cool head in front of Katara and Toph, but secretly, Zuko was worrying. Although he had dumbed down their importance when he was talking to Katara, he knew perfectly well that if they were discovered, the Sila Vatra would hold no mercy.
I won't let them take her back to that place. I won't.
The panel in the door slid open. Zuko blinked against the sudden source of light, even with the hood pulled over his face. He felt Katara flinch beside him. A pair of beady, suspicious eyes stared out at him through the slot. Mentally preparing himself for what was to come, Zuko tried to think of anything he could that would prevent them from being captured again.
"With fire through my veins, I shall prevail..." the voice from behind the door said eerily.
Zuko stared at the door for a moment, dumbstruck. What was he supposed to say in return? Was it some kind of code?
He recognised the saying. Somewhere from long ago, it nagged at him. He had heard it somewhere before. When he was younger, taking lessons from the Fire Sages up at the palace.
Wait! The old psalms? That hasn't been used for almost three hundred years! Is that their code?
Regaining himself quickly, Zuko responded to the guard, who seemed to be waiting for an answer. He finished the last of the old psalm, hoping to Agni that he wasn't just about to put them all in great danger.
"...to the highest hill and over dale."
His body went rigid as he waited for the mans answer. Who knew that his useless Fire Nation history lessons would help save the world on day? Only royalty and the Fire Sages were practiced in the old ways. He wondered exactly why the Sila Vatra still used them. Perhaps it had something to do with the secret tunnel leading up to the palace.
Maybe Katara was right. Maybe it is Azula? Who else would know about the old psalms?
"Bear your marks." the voice behind the door barked. The beady amber eyes squinted at them through the slot in the door, watching and waiting like a messenger hawk.
Awkwardly pulling down the neck of his Blue Spirit clothing, Zuko exposed his forearm up to the light in the slot. He hoped to Agni that the fake tattoo hadn't rubbed off or smudged underneath the clothes. Katara and Toph followed suit, holding their marks up to the light. The pair of suspicious eyes glowered at them momentarily, before closing the slot in their faces and shutting out the light. Zuko held his breath. He tried not to sigh with relief when he heard the sound of scraping metal from behind the door. The locks were undone and the door swung open, prompting Zuko to take a step back. Light flooded out into the street and Zuko lowered his head from the guard now standing in front of them, ushering them in.
Don't look at my face. Don't look at my face.
"Make haste." the guard grumbled "Lest we be spotted."
The guard also spoke in the old tongue. Zuko wondered exactly why he was doing so, as none of the other Sila Vatra they had encountered had done so. Perhaps he was just a bit more radical than the others? Maybe it was only the guards to the door that spoke in the old tongue?
Nodding his head without looking at the mans face, Zuko strode quickly into the hallway beyond the door. Toph and Katara quickly followed behind him. He hoped that they were not giving the guard any cause for concern by acting nervous or out of place.
The guard locked the door again behind them. He was decked in black, as was every member of the Sila Vatra, but Zuko didn't risk looking up at his face, just in case they were discovered. His scar was like a beacon among his people. He had been able to elude the guards outside the Merchant's District, simply because he had never set foot out into the place. But that wouldn't help them now.
He turned to walk away, when the guard spoke up. Zuko tried not to flinch.
"Ones so young, as to fight for our cause. It is pleasing to see such patriotism instilled within the youngest of us."
I'll show you patriotism, you idiot...
"We have business to attend to whilst in the capital." Zuko replied simply. He didn't want to get on friendly terms with any of these people "We seek a consul with The Warden."
Zuko had decided not to risk giving them away. So he had also taken up the old language, hoping to blend in a bit more. Finally, something he had learnt as a Prince was paying off! The guard paused, as if he was surprised. Zuko could only see his lower body, but he was certain that the man was crossing his arms.
"To address one so formally is quite rare. There are no formalities within these walls, boy. But I shall not ask you of your reasons. You seek Chun Sau? You shall find him in the upper floors, though he is indisposed right now. Perhaps you come for the re-birthing."
Zuko nodded his head in thanks, though he felt like a fool. He sent a quick prayer to Agni, hoping that the guard wouldn't become too suspicious. He wondered what the guard had meant exactly when he had said 're-birthing'.
Stupid! Obviously The Warden has a first name like the rest of us! He wouldn't call himself 'The Warden', would he? Why didn't I find out his name? Stupid, stupid, stupid!
As Zuko turned, beckoning Toph and Katara to follow with a flick of the wrist, Zuko repeated The Warden's name over and over again in his head, just in case he forgot it. Simply knowing someone's name around the Sila Vatra could mean life or death for them.
Chun Sau. Chun Sau. Chun Sau.
They walked down through the long hall in silence, until they turned a corner. Zuko made sure that the guard would not hear them, checking that they were alone and out of ear-shot.
"Sparky, what the heck was that all about? You were talking like an old man!" Toph whispered.
Zuko darted his head around, making sure that nobody was approaching. No one else seemed to be in the hall with them. They were safe for the moment.
"That guard was talking in the old tongue. I don't think that they would have let us in if I didn't already know it."
Katara frowned curiously.
"What are you talking about? The old tongue? What does that mean? I thought we just needed tattoo's?"
Zuko rubbed at the back of his neck nervously. It was incredibly warm in the Sila Vatra's base. He worried that soon his tattoo would smudge. He could feel himself sweating. Hopefully, they wouldn't need to prove themselves again.
"Look, we don't have time. I'll tell you later. But this has just gotten a whole lot more difficult. Just keep quiet and let me do the talking. Toph, you need to tell us where we're going. We have to find whatever that thing was that the Sila Vatra were so interested about."
Shrugging, Toph put her palm onto the metal wall on the corridor, frowning in concentration. For a moment, Zuko was reminded of his old ship. Everything was metallic and there were pipes everywhere in the halls, all leading directly upwards. The halls were lit by hundreds of brightly burning torches, lining the wall.
"It's three floors up. But I still can't get a fix on what it is. It's way too small." Toph said, striding forward "There are quite a few people up there, so don't blow it, okay?"
Zuko sighed as he followed Toph. He hoped that he wasn't just putting them in a great deal of trouble.
Every time someone passed them in the halls, Zuko would tense. His dual swords clinked gently against his back. They followed Toph through winding corridors and steeps stairs. But luckily, none of the other Sila Vatra members seemed to pay them much attention. To them, they were just other members. They were too busy wrapped up in their own conversations and planning.
Although Zuko's focus was solely on discovering the Sila Vatra's plan, he tried to listen in to any whispers of conversation he could. He looked in the doorways of each room they passed, intent on finding anything that would help them gain any more information.
"When do you think the preparations will be ready?" one member asked another. Zuko's ears had immediately focused in on the two black-clad men as they walked past.
"I don't know." the other replied "But if it's ready before the Comet comes, so much the better. The Avatar will fall before he's even started."
Gritting his teeth and taking in a deep breath, Zuko fought the overwhelming urge to cut both men down where they stood. But he couldn't. It would jeopardise the entire mission. And he still remembered his promise to Katara all those weeks ago, when they had first escaped the Sila Vatra.
"How can you say you've changed when you keep hurting people?"
The more Zuko looked, the more he felt intrigued as they walked through more halls and up winding stairways. He was focusing in on every detail. Every voice and creak of metal.
It seemed that not all of the Sila Vatra spoke in the old tongue. In fact, very few did. Those that did seemed to be either elderly or proud. Finally, Zuko concluded that it all just came down to personal preference.
There were several groups of Sila Vatra littering the hallways now. Walking towards the end of the hallways, they crossed by one particular group of men, who seemed more than interested in the words of the eldest member.
"I believe it was obtained fairly soon after the arrival of the last comet." the old man was explaining to the group, standing in the halls. "T'was found by General Inawa during one of the first few raids on the Earth Kingdom. If I recall, legend says that he claimed it from one of the fallen generals at the outskirts of the city. It had been borne into the hilt of his sword. He swore that the relic was not to be taken by idle hands. Before he died, the Earth Kingdom General bespoke that it would be the undoing of us all, should it be taken into the wrong hands."
One of the other men laughed. He was younger than the first, but still spoke in the old language.
"Surely the claim is based on madness and ridicule? A mere stone to become the undoing of the Fire Nation? Surely not."
Zuko's shoulders tensed as they neared the group of men in the hall.
A stone...
The first man who had spoken lowered his voice. He seemed to be warning the younger men. There was a knowledge in his voice that Zuko knew should not be taken lightly.
"I should not be so quick to laughter, Kanula. Each of us knows of the power hidden within it. If you value your life, I would not speak ill of such things. Though we may harness its power, if used without due care and attention, that stone would be the undoing of us all. Not simply the Fire Nation, I fear. But everything."
As they passed the group of men and their conversation became fainter, Zuko tried not to run back to the old man and shake the information out of him. He could see Katara stiffen beside him as they walked. Zuko had a feeling that she was thinking about what the old man had said too.
A stone. A stone and an Earth Kingdom General. What does it all mean? It would be the undoing of us all? Of everything? And even when they know that, the Sila Vatra are still intent on using it?
Is a stone their secret weapon? What does it do that's so terrible?
As they neared the end of the corridor, the ranks of Sila Vatra began to grow in number. Although they had only encountered a small few upon entering the building, Zuko could see that groups of Sila Vatra were becoming far more frequent.
Many of them were talking amongst themselves and joking. Some looked grave and sullen. Zuko wasn't quite sure which was worse.
Toph cleared her throat, still at the head of the small procession, leading the way with blind eyes. Bringing his attention back to the group, Zuko widened his stride and drew level with the small Earth Bender. Katara did the same. They talked in hushed whispers, keeping their eyes to the ground, hoping not to draw too much attention to themselves as the clusters of Sila Vatra began to grow among the hallways.
"What is it?" Zuko whispered to Toph, his eyes shifting underneath his hood.
"We're getting closer." she whispered back hoarsely. "But there's way too many people in there. There's no way we're gonna be able to just run off with it, whatever it is. That means you, Sparky."
Zuko pouted, feeling a little offended.
"I wasn't going to take it!" he hissed back. "It's Katara that steals things, anyway."
Strange that I would have taken that as a compliment not long ago...
Katara scrunched up her face. Looking around to check that nobody was looking, she flicked him sharply in the head.
"For the last time, it was from pirates!" she whispered fiercely. "It's okay if you take things from pirates!"
Zuko was sure that underneath her hood, Toph was smirking. He grunted and fought the urge to rub at his scar, that was still throbbing. Before diving into the icy waters of the North Pole, Zuko's scar had never given him any trouble during bad weather. But ever since subjecting himself to the freezing temperatures and almost succumbing to hypothermia, the skin seemed to have become far more sensitive. He could hear his Uncle's voice sounding inside his head.
"A storm is approaching. A big one."
"We don't have time for this." Zuko said simply, trying to fight back the irritation in his voice. "We just need to get in, find out what their secret weapon is, and get out again. No stealing. No bending. No trouble. Got it?"
Nobody gets captured. Nobody gets hurt. Nobody dies.
Katara crossed her arms angrily as she walked. Her billowing black robes trailed along the floor and caught around her feet. They were obviously too long for her.
Toph just grunted underneath her hood and moved in a way that Zuko assumed was a shrug. His vision was limited only to feet and lower bodies.
"Whatever, Captain Grumpy Pants." she sighed "It's at the last left on the end. But you might want to get ready. I'm pretty sure you're not gonna like what you see once you're in there."
The muscles in Zuko's mouth tightened. Taking a deep breath as they reached the end of the corridor and turned left, Zuko hoped to Agni that for once, Toph's feet were wrong.
Zuko swore under his breath.
Toph's feet were right.
They always are...
The large and brightly lit oval-shaped room was full to bursting with Sila Vatra. Dozens upon dozens of them! They were crammed up into the corners, behind pillars and in between each other, a murmur of excitement passing over the crowd. There was a raised platform at the very end of the room, with a single alter placed in the centre, covered by a black cloth. No one dared stand atop the platform. The very edge of the room was covered by a thick black curtain that wafted in the slight breeze every so often.
Zuko found, however, that he couldn't quite distinguish the source of the gentle wind.
Before Zuko, Katara or Toph could utter a single word, they were shepherded into the fray by some other Sila Vatra members, who had entered the room soon after they had. They were pushed and shoved as the crowds of people hurried past them or shuffled around to make more room. Within less than a minute, Zuko found himself alone. He couldn't see Toph. Nor could he see Katara among the almighty crash of black that stretched before him.
Katara? Toph? Where are you?
Zuko's stomach had tightened. If they were discovered now, then there would be no way out. They would be done for. The entire room was full to bursting with Sila Vatra. If something were to go wrong, then there would be no escaping now. There would be no way out.
Zuko desperately wanted to take off his hood. He could barely see anything in front of the sea of black clothing and the intense heat was stifling. But if he revealed himself, then he would put them all in even more danger. He couldn't risk being recognised.
Zuko darted his head around, trying to catch sight of Katara or Toph. He couldn't see them anymore.
Where are they? What if they've been spotted? Oh Agni, don't let Katara have to go back to that place. Not because I was too stupid and foolish-
Zuko felt a steady, cool hand tightly clasp his own. He looked down at the white-knuckled fist locked in his own. Brown skin and slender fingers, that held onto him as if her life depended on it.
Katara always comes back.
Another palm clasped at his other hand. It was smaller, but surer and stronger, the vice-like grip never letting up.
Toph. Thank Agni!
Despite himself, Zuko let out a long and relieved sigh. They were both safe. As long as they remained together, they had a chance. The fingers on his left hand squeezed tightly, until Zuko's fingers began to hurt a little.
"Don't get any idea's, Sparky." Toph grumbled quietly "This isn't a date. I just don't want to get lost in here. It stinks like a rooster-pig pen!"
Zuko heard Katara stifle a laugh beside him, as they were continually pushed and prodded in the swaying crowd of black. But their link never once let up. He would not let it break.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips underneath his large black hood when he replied quietly to Toph.
"Sure, Monkey Face. I'll believe you this time. But how did you find me?"
Toph squeezed his fingers a little harder, making him squint underneath his hood. The Earth Bender had a strong grip.
"I found Princess first." she said, planting her feet firmly on the ground against the moving crowds. "All I had to do to find you was just listen out for your big ego."
Rolling his eyes underneath the darkness of his hood, Zuko gave Toph's fingers a squeeze back. Zuko was glad for the light-hearted conversation. He was even happy for the useless jokes and titters, but that didn't keep him from worrying. Worrying about what was to come. What they would discover. And what they may have to endure to make it out again.
Katara's delicate fingers wound through his own soothingly. The cool touch of her skin brought him back. Neither of them had forgotten exactly what they were doing and why they were here.
He tried not to let the fear grip at his heart when he finally heard the sound. The deafening, almighty, dangerous sound.
The gong rang several times, reverberating throughout the halls and bouncing back again, to hit him square in the face. It was the sound of recompense. Of fear. And of the beginning of the end.
The almighty crowd of Sila Vatra fell completely silent. Nobody moved. Zuko could feel the pressure of both Katara and Toph's hands crushing against his own. Forcing himself to look towards the alter, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for the rest.
It's now or never. If we get this wrong, it could make or break the shaping of the war. Of the world.
There was a hushed silence as the crowd waited patiently.
It seemed as if the entire world held their breath along with Zuko, all united. All intent to see exactly what would become their undoing.
Eventually, Zuko was able to distinguish a figure, moving between the folds of the curtains. The figure was large and bulky. It strode confidently, with an air of self-importance. For one horrifying moment, he recognised it.
Please, anybody but him. Not him.
But his prayers were not answered, as the reptilian face of Chun Sau, The Warden stepped out from behind the curtain.
Zuko would have slapped himself on the forehead, had it not been for Katara and Toph both clutching at them.
Why does it always come back to him? Is he further up than I first thought?
He could feel Katara freeze beside him, the grip on his hand tightening slightly. She had also experienced the full wrath of the cruel and uncaring man. She did not wish to suffer it again. And neither did he.
Stepping out from behind the curtain, The Warden was greeted by a series of menacing smiles and small cheers. He raised his arms skywards in appreciation, draining the crowd dry for all of their worth and valour (if in fact, they did posses any).
"My lords. My ladies." he began, his voice booming with an air of self-imposed importance. "You have been gathered here at this very point, and at this very time, to witness the making of history. The crowning of kings. The end of the war!"
His words were greeted with a series of cheering voices, all raised in the same sick patriotism that sickened Zuko to his very core.
You call yourselves men? How can you watch as the rest of the world suffers like this?
He grit his teeth and listened intently along with the rest of the Sila Vatra as the notorious Warden continued his speech.
"Today you shall all bear witness to the ever-present, all consuming power of the Fire Nation." his portly frame shook in triumph as he stood before the crowd. "For almost one hundred years, the Fire Nation has harboured a weapon so powerful, so deadly, it has remained dormant until now. But once again, Sozin's Comet is upon us, my brethren. Once again, the Fire Nation shall rise higher than the brightest star! Once again, we shall strike down our enemies! Once again, the Fire Nation shall be victorious!"
To Zuko's horror, The Warden was once again greeted by murmurs of agreement, smiling, maniacal faces and applauding veterans. He cursed himself inwardly, wishing that he had seen fit to listen before, when he was back at the palace. To have paid more attention. To not have sat idly and ignored the horrific actions of his countrymen.
How can they do this? This is insane! This is madness! This is wrong!
The Warden strode confidently around the raised platform, a single blotch of black amongst thousands, intent on commanding complete and total attention. Toying with the remaining members, as if they were mice to the slaughter, at the mercy of far larger and stronger predator. He would let them feast and rejoice, for the moment. But when the time was right, Zuko was almost certain that Chun Sau would have no inhibitions about slaughtering his countrymen in cold blood to obtain his goal.
How he hated him.
"You, my brethren," he boomed from grotesquely reptilian lips "are the third of seven groups to bear witness to this grand occasion. Each and every one of you shall provide a service to your country. Each and every one of you shall be responsible for helping to end this long and fruitless war. For your country, for your people and for your lives, you shall defend! It is with you, my brothers and sisters, that the fate of the Fire Nation lies. It is with you that we shall obtain the power to end the war. To destroy the Avatar! And to make the world our own!"
The Warden was greeted by more cheering. More calls of encouragement and appreciation. More enthusiastic smiles.
Zuko felt the pressure tighten on both of his hands. Katara seemed to be shaking. Toph stood stock still, intent on staring straight ahead, with her blank and all-knowing eyes. It was as if they were two halves of the same whole, with Zuko in the middle, each attached to one of his hands.
With all of his might, Zuko willed for The Warden to tell them more. He had never cared for dramatics, or long-winded speeches. All he cared about was knowing the Sila Vatra's purpose. Their secret weapon. And their power.
"It is tonight that each and every one of you shall bear witness to the beginning of the end." The Warden's loud and booming voice echoed through the halls. "Each of you have been chosen. Chosen for your power. Your strength. Your determination."
Chosen? Chosen for what?
Walking confidently into the centre of the platform, The Warden's maniacal, reptilian smile cast over each and every face within the crowd. Zuko strained to see what was happening, but without revealing himself from underneath his hood.
Reaching the very centre of the platform, The Warden placed a single hand over the black cloth covering the pedestal.
Toph and Katara held on tightly to his hands. Zuko squeezed them both back, but kept his gaze ever forward over the sea of bobbing black. If this was their secret weapon, then he had to know what they were up against.
"Tonight, you shall empower yourselves and your country through blood!" The Warden's voice had reached a more determined and confident pitch, working towards the climax. "I too have given what is needed to prevail. And to win this war."
He proudly held up his palm to the light, the other gripping the black cloth covering the pedestal tightly. There was a long, dark gash in the centre of The Warden's palm. It was an angry red, edged with brown. It looked as if it were still healing, apparently made very recently.
What? He...he cut himself?
"What has he done?" Zuko mumbled quietly to himself.
"What is it?" Toph whispered to him as quietly as she could manage "What's happening?"
Zuko frowned, feeling foolish. He had completely forgotten! How would Toph be able to understand anything that The Warden was showing them when she couldn't see it herself?
"He...he's cut his hand open." Katara mouthed in horrified wonder. "And I think he wants us...to do the same."
Discarding his worries about being spotted, Zuko pulled the hood back slightly above his eyebrows, straining to see what was happening over the sea of black. It was now or never. They had to figure out what to do – and soon.
"It is through your blood, that we shall give life to the power we posses. For almost one hundred years, we have guarded our most powerful secret, awaiting the day when its power would once again be awoken. That day is upon us, my brethren. And it is now that each of you shall bring forth its power. My brothers, I ask you to lend your blood and your strength-"
With a single, swift movement, The warden pulled the black cloth from over the pedestal and cast it aside.
"-to the Blood Stone!"
The voices of dozens of men and women rose in triumph around them. They cheered and screamed excitedly, enveloped in their hysteria. Many of the Sila Vatra got down onto their knees and bowed their heads low to the floor. Those crammed against the pillars hung from them, whooping and crying out happily. Every body in the oval room jumped, bowed or swayed in excitement.
All but three.
Zuko's good eye widened in horror. He felt an almost overbearing weight come over him, as if his bones were made of metal. He froze, whilst Katara and Toph stood beside him, stock still. Katara's grip on his hand was almost crushing. Her palm began to shake in his hand. Toph's head darted around, startled by the sudden commotion.
"What? What is it?" she asked him, sounding worried.
But Zuko was too stunned to answer. He knew that Katara felt much the same.
It can't be...
For what Zuko and Katara saw atop the pedestal, placed delicately on a black cushion, was all too familiar. A delicate, rounded stone, barely the size of an Earth Kingdom coin. It's black surface glistened and shone in the light, the same incredible texture of the Black Ice Blade, hanging at Zuko's hip. The blinding light of the room swirled delicately over the pattern engraved into the stone. The image of rolling waves and colliding sea's.
"Nori's necklace..." Katara whispered hoarsely. She sounded as if she might cry.
Author's Note : I'm afraid that it's another cliffhanger, guys. I know just how much you hate them. And sorry, smartcheer, but it wasn't a potato lol.
Hopefully, this chapter didn't turn out too badly. I was actually drinking when I wrote half of it lol.