A/N: This is a long chapter but before you read I'll explain a few words to those who won't know them. A sensei is a teacher or master of some kind people admire. Zazen is a form of mediation and they will be referring to that often. So keep that in mind… oh and I also decided to add in a character for a few chapters… he won't be in the whole story though lol Finally, the chapters won't have any titles, but on the right side menu, the titles will just have something random from that chapter so I can distinguish them when I get to like, chapter 18 or something… Enjoy!!
Dying To Survive
Chapter 2
"Facing your foe, even though he has changed, was never an easy task. Pride usually gets in the way."
..::-::..
A bird started to chirp on Zuko's windowsill. He groaned and rolled over onto his back as the song chimed in his ears. Rubbing his eyes, Zuko sat up slowly. There wasn't anything he liked more than watching the sun rise. Standing next to the window, the sun cast its warm glow onto his face, and he smiled slightly. The yellow bird flew into the air suddenly and Zuko turned away. His eyes narrowed and he clenched his fists as the memory of the previous night weighed on his mind.
"What am I going to say to her if I see her again?" he asked himself quietly. Suddenly he jumped as a loud repetitive knock banged on the door to his room.
"Weary traveler, it's time to get up!"
It was the voice of the gate keeper and Zuko opened the door gradually. She smiled as she saw his ruffled hair.
"Are you also one of the Temple's maids?" Zuko asked with a cocked brow. The gate keeper nodded cheerfully, the morning light reflecting in her eyes. She was definitely a morning person like himself, and Zuko chuckled a little.
"I sure am! Oh, and I do believe now that we will see each other often, that I should introduce myself. My name is Oraka," she said while smiling broadly.
"Thank you for all of your help Oraka. Are we going to go eat breakfast now?"
"Yes, but you will eat separately from the rest of the students. First, you need to meet the Masters of this Temple. You are welcome, but to gain the full privileges of a student, your stay needs approval," she explained.
Zuko nodded and followed Oraka out of his room. They wandered down the halls and Zuko was surprised to see the assortment of students in black robes. Each time he met the gaze of a fellow student, he glanced away; his heart raced, hoping that he wouldn't bump into Katara while he made his way to the Masters. Oraka disappeared behind a door and Zuko's eyes widened. He quickly swung the door open and ran inside.
On the first level, Katara sat in the Gathering Hall for breakfast. Her nose wrinkled as she smelled the porridge. Steam rose up from her spoon and she sighed, putting the food in her mouth. Katara cringed and then placed the spoon back into the bowl. A deep familiar voice came from her left and she turned quickly. Her eyes widened with relief, as did her smile.
"Looks like the breakfast is very appetizing this morning," Jet said sarcastically, sporting his infamous grin. He sat down next to her in his own black day robe and took a bowl of porridge for himself. The familiarity she sensed sitting beside him eased her mind's racing thoughts. It had shocked her when she came to the Temple to find out that Jet had been a resident for three years. Relief flooded her body when she saw him standing there for the first time, and ever since then, the two had become close friends.
"How can it be more appetizing if it's the same breakfast each morning?" Katara replied with enthusiasm and a raised brow.
"I thought your expression meant that you loved it."
Katara laughed and put her hand up to her mouth. Jet took a bite and displayed the same reaction as Katara had shown. Then, all at once, he scuffed down the rest of the meal in less than a minute. Katara's jaw dropped as she watched speechlessly. Her finger pointed at him in astonishment.
"You just… ate it all! I thought you didn't like it!" she exclaimed dumbfounded.
"Well you know," he said turning towards her, "your body doesn't run on air alone. I ate it as quickly as possible." He stretched his arms in front of him and then sighed. "You should try it. I guarantee that you won't taste anything if you gulp it down. Go ahead, try it."
She looked at the lines in his face as he smiled optimistically. Katara tilted her head in the direction of her food and then quickly took the bowl in her hands. Her lips touched the wooden bowl and then raised it up so that the mushy food slithered down her throat. It was Jet's turn to sit there flabbergasted. She took a deep breath after she swallowed and then set the bowl down as it thudded against the table.
"You're right Jet! It wasn't as bitter as before!" Katara said as she stood up. He followed suit and smiled, putting his hands on his hips.
"Come on, we're going to be late for our first class. I just love rest and relaxation first thing in the morning, don't you?" Jet asked, leaning his head towards her. Katara suddenly stared away from him, into the distant crowd of students around them. She stood still as she thought about the unexpected arrival of Zuko the night before. Surely she hadn't dreamt it, and if that was a right assumption, then she would be in for an interesting meeting if she were to bump into him again. "Hello? Earth to Katara! Hey, why aren't you listening to me?" She jumped as he shook her shoulder and then her face widened in shock.
"Oh, I'm sorry Jet, I was just thinking to myself. Yeah, let's go," she said distantly. Jet eyed her curiously as he followed her out of the room. He hadn't seen her that troubled since she first arrived at the temple. They both bowed their heads as they passed the halls and the students among them.
"So, what did you do last night after the feast?"
"What? Why do you want to know?" Katara asked, taken aback.
"You seem distracted for some reason. Did you do something you're not telling me about?" he asked suspiciously.
"No I didn't," she snapped. "I just went back to my room, okay? What did you do Jet?"
He laughed as she furrowed her face into a scowl.
"I did the same, my lady. You definitely need to do some zazen," he said while laughing once more. Katara rolled her eyes and stormed off angrily. He had no idea who had come to the temple, and she wasn't about to explain in detail her anguished feelings. Zuko's sudden appearance had brought back the pain and torment and more importantly the memories she wanted to forget.
"Maybe it would be better if I didn't know the answer to the question," she said to herself as she entered a room with a few other students. Katara found a mat and sat on it cross-legged as did everyone else. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. There was no roof to the room. Craning her neck back, Katara could see the bright blue sky above her.
"Wait a minute, let me in!" Katara spun around as she heard Jet's voice. The teacher for the session shook his head as he pushed Jet out of the room.
"Sorry, this session has already begun. You'll have to go use the next room," the teacher said, nodding his head. Jet locked eyes with Katara and then shrugged, leaving for the room next door. Katara turned back around to face the center of the room. The teacher's mat was placed there and he sat down happily, beginning the new session.
"Today is a brand new day. Let us forget our troubles as we breathe in the scent of the fresh air." Katara closed her eyes and took a deep breath in unison with the rest of the class. She needed to forget about Zuko; if Katara kept thinking about him, she was going to become insane.
..::-::..
Mayuri looked up as the door was shut. A man with a scarred face entered behind Oraka and she smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Zuko," she said lively. He rubbed the back of his neck and then quickly bowed.
"Good morning. I'm sorry to bother you with my presence," Zuko said looking directly into her eyes.
"It is of no trouble at all. Sit please." Taiko entered the room with his gaze pointed towards the ground. His eyes were puffy and his hair was frizzy from a restless night of sleep and thought. A weak pulse filled his body and Taiko looked directly into Zuko's face. He nodded his head in respect and spoke.
"Good morning, Master, if I may call you that," Zuko said automatically. Oraka smiled to herself. This man was going to fit in without any hesitations.
"Yes… yes, you may call me that," Taiko replied as he squinted. Mayuri smiled at her husband and then beckoned him to sit down next to her. Zuko looked down on the steaming breakfast eagerly and he had to control his stomach's growl so that he wouldn't seem impolite in anyway. Since seeing Katara the night before, he made a resolution to stay in the temple for at least a little while so that he could free his conscience of the guilt and doubt that nagged him.
"Please, eat as much as you would like," Mayuri insisted cheerfully. Zuko nodded and started to eat ravenously. Oraka chuckled, clapping her hands and eating as well. The two Masters followed suit and then after a few minutes of silence, Taiko spoke to their guest.
"As we have been informed, you go by the name, Zuko. Are you perhaps the son of the deceased Fire Lord Ozai?" he asked harshly. Zuko's eyes widened and then he looked away ashamed, furrowing his forehead.
"Yes, that is right," he replied, his voice almost a whisper. "I know that the war has been over for a long time, but it seems you still might not trust me." Zuko looked up and his face lit up with a touch of eagerness. Mayuri's expression softened and she tugged on her husband's sleeve while Zuko continued speaking. "Please don't consider the past. I want to become stronger and I have heard that there are people here who can help me do that."
Taiko scratched his chin in thought and then nodded slowly to Mayuri's approval; however he didn't forget the foreboding feeling in the pit of his gut.
"All right, you shall be admitted here as a student. You shall be dismissed in a moment for your first zazen class, however, later you will be called upon once again. I need to test your abilities to see if you deserve a place among our elite student body," he finished and stood up. Zuko's face lit up even more and he bowed his head thankfully.
"I am in your debt. Thank you for your willing acceptance." Taiko left the room as he waved Zuko's appreciation away from him. He looked away and Mayuri instantly felt Zuko's discomfort.
"Don't worry too much about my husband. He didn't have a fair night of rest, and he hasn't gone for his routine meditative session. I'm sure that you'll be accepted, so don't worry." Mayuri smiled kindly, her hair swinging in front of her face she moved her head towards Oraka. She sat perfectly still, gazing at Zuko intently. "Oraka, please make sure that our newest pupil is given a new set of robes at once."
Coming out of her trance, the gate keeper nodded enthusiastically. Mayuri stood up and the two remaining on the ground stood up as well. The Master walked out of the room after her husband and once the door was closed, Oraka turned towards Zuko with large round eyes. He backed away uneasily as her face inched closer towards his.
"How come you didn't tell me that you were the forgotten prince? I can't believe I've finally met royalty! All of my life I…" Zuko cut her off by walking away. She stared at his back unbelievably and huffed.
"I'm not royalty. I never was, so I'm sorry, but your life long dream has not been fulfilled," Zuko said irritably as he walked down the corridors towards his room. Students were rushing around madly and Zuko suddenly took an interest in them. Oraka caught up to him and he turned to her, his face calm and intrigued.
"Oraka, why is everyone in such a rush?" he asked with confusion. She put her hands up to her head and then pushed him away. "What are you doing?" Zuko asked loudly.
"Our Masters have ordered you to get ready for your first class and like everyone rushing around, you will be late if we don't hurry!" Zuko rolled his eyes as he found his room and walked inside. Sitting on his bed was a sleek black robe, just like the ones the other students wore. He took the fabric into his hands and felt a sudden impulse stir within him. It was as if Zuko had been meant to wear it for his whole life and he had just found it now. Oraka stared at him incredulously and her loud voice wailed into his ears. "What are you doing? Get dressed! You have no time to lose!"
Zuko muttered to himself and shut the door so he could change. A minute later, he came out, blending in with the rest of the student body. Oraka beamed and then pointed down the hall excitedly.
"We have to hurry! Come on!" she exclaimed enthusiastically. Zuko still couldn't understand where the woman got her energetic nature from. A dull tone resounded and he heard angry moans coming from a few lingering students. Oraka mumbled to herself as she struggled to find the First room of zazen practice. Suddenly, her eyes lit up and she dragged Zuko to the right. He followed without saying a word and finally they stopped in front two overwhelmingly tall white oak doors. "We're here!"
Oraka tapped the door gently three times. It opened a few moments later and the teacher appeared in front of them. Katara's peaceful breaths were disrupted by the knock and she grumbled to herself for the disturbance, as did many of her fellow students. She was annoyed and it wasn't helping her become calm. Her eyes forced themselves into total dark oblivion and she let the whispers from the door vanish within her audition.
"Oraka, you know perfectly well that there is a session going on right now," the teacher said calmly, his eyes looking down on her and not Zuko.
"I have been ordered to guide a new student to his first zazen lesson," Oraka said quietly as to not disturb those sitting near the door. It was then that the teacher noticed Zuko who looked past his shoulders and into the mess of black bodies. The teacher hummed thoughtfully and then sighed.
"So the masters have given permission for him to join my class? All right, come in and find a place, but be quiet about it. I won't announce your presence until the end of the time period."
Oraka winked as Zuko left her side. He rolled his eyes and lifted his hand to the back of his head. Zuko followed his new teacher as quietly as possible and found a corner of the room that had a few open mats. Noticing that everyone was meditating, he sat up straight and closed his eyes.
"Do not think of any disturbances that can awaken your soul from its peaceful state. Just relax and let the mind flow like a peaceful river."
Everyone breathed in together and exhaled on cue. Katara smiled lightly to herself. She was finally feeling at ease and nothing could ruin her mood. For the next half hour, they all sat in silence, except for the sounds of nature on the outside. Her back was erected and all too soon she heard the teacher's voice again.
"On the count of three, you will all open your eyes slowly, letting the pure light enter through your renewed sight. One… two… three."
Katara obeyed and soon saw the smiling face of her sensei. Calming her mind, she exhaled once more, releasing her shoulders from their firm position. She was about to stand up when the teacher did so first. He put his hands together and looked to the far right corner of the room, opposite Katara.
"I'd like to announce to you all that we have a new student present among us. His name is Zuko. Please greet him as kindly and warmly as we always do," the teacher said while pointing in Zuko's direction. Heads turned around everywhere and Katara felt the breath in her lungs freeze. Her body finally let go of the shock and she choked slightly, holding her neck tenderly. Each strand of hair on her body was on its end and her eyes widened magnificently. Even though he was on the other end of the room, she felt like his presence was engulfing her.
"How can it be? How can he be a student in the class, much less the temple?" she asked herself quietly. Still sitting, Katara didn't notice that everyone was gathered around Zuko, greeting him and laughing. She saw his tight responses and glared. How could he be so calm around strangers? The thought of him being anything but ruthless was an absurdity in her mind and she clasped her hands together, closing her eyes shut. Her nostrils flared and Katara breathed deeply; she wasn't going to let his presence make her so angry after she had spent such a long time being composed.
"Katara? Why aren't you leaving for your next class?" Her eyes burst open and her mouth gaped. The room was empty except for her and the teacher. Zuko had apparently left, and with him the rest of the class. She took the teacher's hand and stood up hurriedly.
"I'm sorry sensei. Do I have time to get to my next class?" she asked hopefully. He laughed slightly and cocked his head to the side.
"My dear, don't you know that there is an extended time limit after the first class?" he asked curiously. Katara slapped her forehead and then bowed.
"Yes, I must have forgotten. Please excuse me." She left the room anxiously, and then her steps picked up as she ran down the hall. Suddenly a hand gripped her arm back and she gasped.
"Where do you think you're going?" Jet asked. Katara whirled around and smiled with relief.
"Jet! I'm so glad to see you!" she exclaimed with a beaming face. Jet pursed his lips together and looked at her questionably.
"Really? You're never this excited to see me. Something is definitely different about you today, Katara," he stated with a bemused smile. He inched towards her and put his arm around her shoulder. "Come on, let's go to the next class. This time, try not to get ahead of me, all right?" Katara laughed to herself and nodded.
"Okay. I promise I'll stick by you so we don't get separated again," she said positively. Jet let go of her and they started to walk down the halls. Katara watched the passing cheery blossom leaves floating in the air and instantly thought of Zuko. No matter what she did, he was constantly intruding in on her thoughts. Thankfully, she had Jet to distract her.
"Do you feel better after the zazen?" Jet asked casually, making sure not to offend her again.
"Yes, much better," she said as she lied through her smile.
"Good. I like it when you're not acting like a crazy old lady," he taunted. Katara turned and playfully hit him on the shoulder. Jet pretended to be hurt and he pouted.
"What did you do that for? Are you really going to be angry because of a little comment like that?"
"Yes, I will," she said contradictorily to the smirk on her face. Suddenly, her gaze spotted a familiar looking head of black hair and her eyes widened. She pulled on Jet's sleeve and they entered a room up ahead a few steps.
"Why are we going here?" he asked puzzled.
"I want to have a shika lesson," she responded quickly. Jet shrugged his shoulders and nodded.
"Suit yourself."
They came into the room with a few other students and the instructor, a young beautiful woman with flowing red hair, stood in the middle of a pond of water. Katara was grateful for this lesson and the fact that she was able to get away from Zuko instantly after she spotted him.
"All right. Let's start even though not everyone is here yet. Grab a bowl and fill it with this water. Today we are going to observe its most distinctive yet invisible properties," the instructor said dreamily. Jet stuck his tongue out to the side to indicate to Katara that this lesson wasn't what he usually preferred. But that didn't matter to her; there was no way Zuko would come into a shika lesson, she was sure of it.
Outside in the corridor, a small group walked with Zuko. He walked at the back of the pack; he was ordered to follow them to a room for another lesson. The mediation had relieved him of the great discomfort he had felt during his travels. It was a long time since he had felt so relaxed, so much in fact, that he had completely forgotten about a certain water bender. A young woman about his age walked alongside him and smiled cheerfully as she breathed in the fresh air.
"Don't you think late springtime is the best time of year, Zuko?" Laia asked with a sigh. She wore the same black robe as everyone else and her short brown hair swayed around her face. A pair of emerald eyes stuck out and Zuko nodded in agreement.
"It's never too hot and never too cold, just the way I like it!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air. A man turned around to face her and he laughed at her remark.
"That's just like you, isn't it Laia. She's always this optimistic about everything, so don't worry," the man said to Zuko. He laughed and then Laia joined him. Zuko watched the group add him in on their conversation and for once he felt like he belonged. It was a change Zuko had least expected; he was finally accepted for who he was.
..::-::..
At the top of the temple, Mayuri raced after her husband. Her hair swung back and forth quickly and when she finally reached him, she stopped and caught her breath. Taiko turned towards her and sighed.
"Dear, why have you come after me?" he asked with a hint of irritation.
"Master, why did you give me that look after you questioned Zuko?" she asked desperately.
"Isn't it obvious? He's the ex-Prince of the Fire Nation. I don't think there is a reason as to why I shouldn't doubt his intentions," Taiko said strictly. Mayuri's eyes softened and she looked away. He put his hand on her shoulder and brought her face up with his fingers. "Don't get too attached to him. I know he resembles our lost son, but that doesn't give you a reason to sympathize with his situation." Mayuri's mouth quivered and she buried her face into his chest. Taiko sighed and comforted her shortly.
"I can't seem to help it! Zuko's voice even sounds like him! What are we going to do? He just showed up out of nowhere, a weary traveler looking for a place to stay," she commented while drying her tears with her sleeve. Taiko stepped back suddenly, his eyes wide. Zuko was indeed a traveler. The prophecy had spoken of two travelers. He had found his first clue. Mayuri gazed at him wondrously. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Huh? Oh, nothing, dear. Please don't worry with the memories of the past. We can only hope for the best and see that he passes his first test," Taiko said with a small smile. He kissed her forehead and left her standing alone. Mayuri walked onto the balcony of the top most level and her eyes scanned the lively atmosphere bellow her. She sighed sorrowfully, remembering her deceased son who had brought so much joy to her life. Clenching her fists, Mayuri turned away and walked down the steps of the tower.
..::-::..
"Wow! That was actually an interesting lesson! Who knew that water was in the air?" Katara narrowed her gaze and looked at Jet through the corner of her eyes. He mocked an innocent look as they walked away from the class. "What? Why do you always give me that look?"
"It's because you're so dim sometimes, Jet," Katara said waving her hand in the air. The dull bell sounded once more and rang through the halls. They had attended a few more lessons, and Katara's apprehension about bumping into Zuko lessened. She hadn't seen him anywhere. It was time for their lunch break, and she was feeling a bit more cheerful. "Come on, let's go get some good seats outside for lunch today! The breeze is warm and the sun is shining!" she exclaimed while twirling around in her place. Jet looked at her with his hands on his hips and he chuckled, amazed at the turn around in her attitude.
"It seems that you're feeling a lot better, am I right?" he asked.
Katara nodded and smiled at him, taking his hand and leading him away. "Let's stop talking and let's get some food!" Students sat scattered across the courtyard. Katara looked around and found a lone tree near the pond of crystal water. Her eyes widened happily and she turned to Jet. "All right, I'll go find us a spot while you get the food," she said superiorly. He gawked at her and folded his eyes.
"Why do I have to get the food?" he asked with his mouth tight.
"Because I say so, that's why," Katara said with a smirk. "Hurry up! I'm starving!" Jet watched her bounce away towards the tree and he rolled his eyes.
"Why do I always have to be bossed around by her? It's not like I'm a slave or something," he stated to himself. He walked away from the courtyard and headed towards the Gathering Hall where the food was being served. Katara found another tree not too far away and smiled to herself. It had cheery blossom petals falling from it. Seeing as she adored the vibrant scent, she walked towards the tree eagerly. She sat down and stretched her legs and arms out as she lay down.
"Hey!"
Katara immediately sat up and looked to her left where the voice had come from. Her hand had hit someone's head when she was extended her arm out.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! Please accept my apologies. I didn't see you there," she said with a slight chuckle. The man turned around and her face fell; Zuko was staring at her as he turned around. He held the same shocked expression and the two were silent. Suddenly, Katara realized how close she was sitting towards him and a deep blush spread across her face. The wind tousled his hair gently and then the shock became filled with anger. She pointed at his face accusingly and began her rant. "What are you doing here?" she asked bitterly. Zuko's eyes narrowed and he folded his arms.
"I was about to ask you the same question," he responded with a flicker of annoyance.
"You want to know why I'm here? I've been here for six months already! What about you? Since when did you get here?" Katara retorted, full of forceful tone.
Zuko stammered and looked away towards the water. She had been there for a lot longer than he expected.
"Well, I don't know if you know this, but I've been accepted as a new student as of today. I had my first class in the morning," he stated. Katara's mouth hung open and then she closed it, looking at him crossly.
"How could I not know when it was announced to everyone in the class?"
Zuko's eyes widened and he turned to face her directly again. He saw the flicker of resentment in her blue eyes and his voice dropped.
"You were there?" he asked timidly.
"Of course I was. You didn't see me?" she asked as she folded her arms as well. He turned away from her and stood up.
"No, I didn't."
Katara's eyes opened up more and she stood up as well. "So you were just accepted like that? You didn't have to do anything?" Zuko looked back at her with disbelief. She was finally treating him like a normal student, and not because of his past.
"No, I still have to take a test. The Master wants to see if I really qualify," Zuko said with a shrug. She stood with her arms at her side and then she suddenly swung them over her head.
"You've seen the Master?" she asked incredulously.
"Yeah, why? Haven't you?" Zuko stated blandly.
Her eyes narrowed once more and she held her tongue so that she wouldn't shout at his ignorance. "No one is allowed to see the Masters unless it is a matter of great importance. I'm guessing you're so great because you're a Prince. I should have guessed why you came here. You just want more power, don't you?" She turned to him again and stepped up to him with dignity. "This isn't a place where you can rule over everyone else Zuko! Each of us here wants to improve ourselves for the benefit of finding a purpose in life! We don't come here so that we can learn how to lord our powers over others!"
She breathed deeply and then her eyes enlarged with shock as Zuko walked behind her and then whispered in her ear.
"I came here because I want to find a purpose to my life. That's the truth."
Before Katara could say anything in response, he left her side and disappeared. She turned around after a few moments and was about to call out his name when Katara wailed and fell back. Jet stood there carrying two bowls of rice and steamed meat. He cocked his brow and laughed.
"Why do you look like you've seen a spirit?" Jet asked, amused by her surprised state.
Katara scowled and snatched her bowl of food away from him. "Oh shut it. Let's just go eat." They walked over to the tree and sat down. Katara chewed on her food eagerly, staring into the water, deep in thought. Jet sighed and leaned against the tree as he finished his bowl. His eyes kept watch as Katara's back kept leaning forward. Suddenly, she let go of the empty bowl and let it fall into her lap. She sighed and let her head rest on the palm of her hand. Her heart jumped inside her chest when she felt a hand on her shoulder and a voice in her ear.
"What's wrong Katara?" Jet asked softly. She turned around to face him and then looked straight into his concerned face.
"It's nothing Jet! How many times do I have to tell you that?" she retorted. Her gaze shifted past Jet's shoulder where she saw a small group leaving a man whose figure she'd never forget. Zuko stood by himself, the edges of his robe blowing along with the breeze. His scar was alive as it burned his skin in the sunlight. Jet followed her gaze and saw the back of the man a few yards away. He laughed to himself and eyed Katara with a smirk.
"So, it's an old friend of yours, isn't he?" Jet asked teasingly. Another blush spread across her face and she slapped Jet on the cheek. His head turned away and then he raked his hair with his hand.
"It's not like that!" she exclaimed furiously.
Jet put his hands up in front of his chest in defense and smiled. "All right, all right, I get it. But I'm right, aren't I? He's the reason why you've been so moody today." Katara knocked him on the top of his head and he flinched.
"I've been moody? I can't believe you…" She stopped in the middle of her sentence as the realization occurred to her. Jet looked at her with focused eyes and she sighed, letting go of the tension. "I'm sorry Jet. I didn't mean to take it out on you."
"That's okay. So, how about you introduce me to him?" he asked brightly.
Katara's eyes widened and she shook her head. "No! I'm not going to go talk to him again!" Jet laughed and grabbed her hand, dragging Katara across the plain of grass and towards the man who stood by himself.
"Hey you, Katara here has been thinking about something all day, and I think you might know what it's about. It seems like the two of you are old friends and I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Jet," he said letting go of Katara. Zuko's eyes flashed and he slowly turned around. Katara put her hand up to her forehead and closed her eyes momentarily. The breeze shifted as Jet's eyes widened; he saw the dark scar on his face and knew exactly who he was.
"What? Zuko? Bastard! You were the cause of everything! Everything that happened because of you, firebender!" he exclaimed wrathfully, pointing at his face with accusation. Katara's mouth hung open in shock. Zuko didn't even pay attention to her. He narrowed his eyes and replied.
"It wasn't my fault, it was yours. If you hadn't accused me in the first place, you wouldn't have been taken away."
Jet gritted his teeth and lunged forward, only to be stopped by Katara.
"Jet, please stop! There's no need to argue," she said, looking him in the eyes. Zuko changed his gaze so that it was focused on the back of her head. She suddenly turned towards him and his vision sharpened as it came into contact with her pure stare. "I don't know what the two of you are talking about, but keep your voices down before a sensei comes."
Zuko folded his arms and rolled his eyes. "As if you're one to say we need to calm down." Katara's jaw dropped and she clenched her fists. She was about to retort when Jet pulled her back.
"I understand now why you were acting so strangely today, Katara. I'm angry about running into him again too," Jet stated, coldly looking at the firebender. Zuko noted his words and looked at Katara with a raised brow. She fumbled with her hands, embarrassed that Zuko knew how she had reacted to seeing him the night before.
"Wait, just wait a minute. Tell me how the two of you know each other. I don't understand this one bit," Katara said while holding back her growing headache.
Jet scoffed and kicked the ground. "I don't get how you know him Katara. Since when did you become friends with the enemy?" Katara's anger boiled and she yelled at him.
"He's not the enemy Jet! The war is over now, will you ever forget your past?" she asked frantically. Zuko mused over her words to himself and then looked away.
"It's not an easy thing to do Katara, especially if it's him."
She sighed and looked up at Zuko but turned her attention to the gate keeper coming by them. Zuko turned as well to see who Katara was looking at, and he smiled somewhat with exhausted relief.
"Oy, Zuko! It's time for your test," Oraka said with a small wave. Zuko turned towards Katara and bowed.
"I have to leave for my acceptance test," and with that he left Katara standing there with the flash of his golden eyes focused on her own. Her lips parted slightly and then together with Jet, they watched him disappear from the courtyard.
"That was strange," Jet stated. Coming out of her dazed state, she blinked a few times and then looked at her friend. "He almost sounded… worried." Katara held his questioning stare and then bit her lip. Like a round gong, the bell yawned and Katara moved forwards automatically with Jet.
"We have to get to our next class, but will you promise me something Jet?" she asked hopefully as her eyebrows rose.
He looked at her while they walked into the shadowy halls and nodded. "What is it?"
"Promise me that you'll tell me what happened between the two of you, okay?"
Jet cracked his fingers as he stretched his arms out. "All right, I'll tell you. I think it will be an interesting story for you. Remember Lake Laogai?"
Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped, but she didn't hear another word because the teacher came into the room and Jet's words were silenced.
..::-::..
Zuko entered the darkly lit room as he and Oraka left the dwindling staircase. They were beneath the Temple's grounds and in a strange earthy dungeon. His body became alert as the metal door slammed shut behind him. Oraka sighed and turned to walk back up the steps.
"Good luck young one," she whispered. Zuko stood still as he waited for something to happen. Suddenly, his eyes caught a slow movement at the edge of the large room's corner. A pair of green eyes glimmered and Zuko stepped forward.
"I'm ready for my test," Zuko said, his voice echoing against the walls.
Gradually, Taiko stepped out of the shadows and on his face was a cruel mock. "Are you really ready?" he asked curiously.
"Yes, I can handle anything," Zuko said confidently. Taiko closed his eyes and then took a deep breath. He strode past Zuko, his footsteps etching a path in Zuko's racing heart. Finally alone with the Master, Zuko felt a heavy burden on top of his body, pushing him down and inside towards his core. His eyes widened and he didn't move; Taiko opened the door and held it open so the light shinned inside briefly.
"Let's see how you manage in here, prisoner."
Zuko turned around quickly, his mouth gaping open, but he was only able to see the spite directed towards him in the pair of haunting eyes.
"What do you mean? Why are you saying that?" Zuko asked, full of panic, but he didn't receive an answer as the door slammed shut. He ran at the wall and started pounding the door enraged. "Let me out of here! You can't do this to me! I won't let you treat me this way, I'll…" Suddenly, realization hit Zuko and he backed away from his pounding anger. He turned around and walked a few steps before Zuko sat down and closed his eyes. This was his test. Taiko thought he could be angered so easily, but he was wrong. A deep breath crept into his body and Zuko started meditating; he was going to win, no matter what.
At the staircase entrance, Taiko perked his ears as the shouting from below ceased. "Perhaps you are worthy, Zuko." He turned the corner and walked past the marble walls until he saw his wife standing with her hands on a silver railing. Taiko smiled and approached her with a smirk. "Dear, why do you look so lonesome?"
Mayuri smiled at him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I missed you. Did Zuko start the test?" she asked almost at once. He nodded and then took her hand in his.
"I'll check on him in a few hours," the Master replied casually. Mayuri stood back immediately, her face stricken of its rosy color.
"What? You're leaving him in there? What if… what if he…" she couldn't get the words out of her throat without choking on them. Taiko shook his head and gripped her hand.
"He's not going to die. If he's anything like we make him out to be, he will survive the night. It's my test devised especially for the people holding Fire Nation origin, and up till now, everyone of them has passed it," Taiko explained as he leaned over the railing. He spotted a woman and man walking quickly near them and Taiko took Mayuri's hand. They hid behind a pillar as the voices reached closer.
"I'm not going to tell you what happened until after our last class, okay?" The man's voice was deep and Taiko recognized no special aura of energy coming from him. He heard his wife gasp suddenly and he looked at her intently.
"Jet, if it's about Lake Laogai, then I need to know!" Mayuri trembled slightly and then shook away the horrible power that was pulsing within her body. When the two students passed them, Taiko took his wife in his arms as he calmed her down.
"What happened?" he asked with worry.
Mayuri gazed down the hall as the feeling subsided. "It's… it's nothing really. Well, yesterday after the reading, and just now, I felt the same foreboding. I've never felt it before." Taiko's eyes narrowed and he shook Mayuri by her shoulders.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" he asked, his voice shattering her resolve.
"I didn't think it mattered. The students' power increases all the time, and it didn't seem like anything important, but… but the feeling is much different than what I should feel when I'm near a student," she concluded softly.
Taiko took a deep breath and then turned away. They had mentioned Lake Laogai. He was aware of that place, and he had heard rumors about it, but it never occurred to him to check the backgrounds of the people who came to his temple. Mayuri looked to her husband for any kind of reassurance, but she received none. By now the light was growing fainter and classes would soon be over.
"Come Mayuri, we need rest."
..::-::..
Katara left her last class for the day and Jet promised to meet her for dinner in the Gathering Hall as soon as they both changed into their evening gray robes. Quickly, she changed and rushed into the hall to see that most of the students were already eating. Her eyes narrowed as she searched for Jet. Finding him in the isolated corner of the room, she passed by everyone, not taking her gaze off of Jet for a minute. She sat down and he beckoned her to eat her food first. When she was done, the drone of conversation filled the back of her mind.
"You wanted to know how I met Zuko?" he asked, knowing the answer.
"Yes, do I have to repeat myself?"
"No, you've made your question clear enough. It was a time when I wanted to change into a better person. Smellerbee, Longshot and I were coming to Ba Sing Se on a ferry. There, I got to know this old man and his nephew. At the time, his name was Lee, but I never fully trusted them. My instincts told me something was different about those two. I talked with Zuko about his scar, and I believed he was a refugee like me, fleeing to a new life."
Katara held his gaze as her heart started to pound. She couldn't control it; her body was starting to become tense. She was getting closer to knowing the truth.
"Zuko and I organized a way to help the people on the ferry. We ate a hot meal that night, but the next day, after we got off of the train, I saw it, I saw the old man heat his tea… with nothing but his hand." Jet closed his eyes and slammed his fist against the table. "From that moment on, I tried every possible way to make sure I was right, but nothing worked. Those two kept tricking everyone, including themselves. When I became fed up with waiting, I accused them directly of being firebenders." His eyes opened and they seemed to be on fire. Katara's mouth hung open slightly and she felt the air electrify around them as he continued. "No matter what I did, he didn't give in! The fight broke outside of the tea shop and then… the Dai Li came."
Katara gasped and Jet nodded. "Is that how…"
"Yes Katara. I tried to tell everyone that they were Fire Nation, but no one listened, and the Dai Li took me away. I remembered everything that happened after the war ended. They brainwashed me in a dark room. They strapped me in and made me forget all of my feelings. After that, I bumped into you… and you know the rest," he finished and looked at her intently.
Katara was numb inside. He had never told her this story in the time that she spent with him at the temple.
"So that's how it happened. You met Zuko and fought him, you fought the Fire Nation and lost," she stated.
Jet burst up from his seat and his voice boomed. "How can you say that? How can you take it all so lightly?" She narrowed her eyes and he sat down slowly, taking note of the soft murmur around them. "I forgot. You know him too. How about you tell me what happened between the two of you?" he asked, full of hostility.
"Jet, please calm down. I know that Zuko was the Prince of the Fire Nation, but… he's not anymore," she said quietly, thinking about the conversation she had with him during her lunch break.
"But he still has Fire Nation blood in him!" Jet exclaimed.
Katara narrowed her gaze and replied darkly, "I know that Jet. I know that better than anyone else. He was there on the day I found the Avatar. He was there on the day the moon almost died, and he was there when Ba Sing Se needed him the most. His sister Azula threw him in my prison cell and I confronted him. I said the same thing you said. He's Fire Nation and I should never trust him because he's evil. Well, I was wrong. He had a heart Jet, but he just lost it somewhere down the line. That day he betrayed everyone and took sides with Azula. But then, he was there on the last day of the war."
She didn't continue and Jet saw her look away. His face was tired and drawn out, and he couldn't help but feel responsible. Katara looked like she was dying from all of the stress the day had presented to them; him questioning her wasn't helping either. Her mouth fell open as she felt his fingers curl around her own. Jet smiled warily and looked at her with confidence.
"If you say he's not the person he seems to be, then I'll trust your opinion," he said softly. Katara's heart lifted as did her eyes. For some odd reason, she felt like a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders, as if the tension was swept away with an angel's wings.
"Thank you Jet. Promise me you two won't fight again and cause a scene," she added desperately.
"All right, whatever will make you happy," he replied. The two of them stood up and started to walk out of the Gathering Hall. Most of the students had gone to their rooms for the night, but Jet and Katara were still wandering around in the halls. They came to a step near a railing and Katara sighed deeply, looking up to the moon. Jet observed how perfect she seemed to be in the moonlight. Her face was luminescent and he longed to touch her cheek, just to feel her beauty radiate through his fingertips. Suddenly, he used his courage to ask her the question that was pressing on his mind.
Katara heard Jet laugh next to her and she turned to him curiously. "What's so funny?"
"I was just thinking, if Zuko is supposedly a good guy from the Fire Nation, then how come you were so against seeing him today?" he asked boldly, not showing any signs of anxiety. The question shocked her and she looked away pensively.
"I don't know. I've been trying to figure it all out myself. There are a lot of things I don't know about Zuko. I hardly know him," Katara concluded.
Jet let the breath out of his body and sighed. It wasn't the answer he had expected but her long and distant gaze gave him an idea of the real answer. She turned towards him and bowed her head, smiling.
"I think I'm going to head to my room now. You and I should probably get some sleep."
"Yeah, you're right. Good night then, Katara," Jet said with a smile as she left his side. He scratched the back of his head and then turned around himself, heading in the opposite direction toward his room.
Underneath the peaceful temple, a man sat in a dungeon, almost ready to suffocate. There was barely any flow of air in the dark room as Zuko sat meditating. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, but the quickening pulse in his veins told him that something was definitely wrong.
"What's… going on? There's no more air!"
He choked and then a chill went through him, sending Zuko's head towards the floor. His body lay sprawled out and then his fingers trembled slightly.
"I have to stay still. I have to concentrate," he reminded himself. Zuko continued to meditate while he was lying there, and for a few moments he held his breath. Suddenly, a swift cold breeze entered from somewhere and his body lifted itself without any restraint. Zuko's eyes widened as his blood circulated within him once more. He planted his feet on the ground as the force withdrew itself and the room was silent again.
"What kind of test is this? Is he trying to kill me?" Zuko asked himself with doubt. He shook his head and sat down once more. He tried to focus not on his empty stomach but instead on the peaceful serenity surrounding him. After he was attacked by the mysterious wind, Zuko felt alive once more. Suddenly, Katara passed through his thoughts like she usually did when they were calm and collected. Had she sincerely stood up for him? It seemed like she didn't want to be anywhere near him during lunch, but something in her tone made Zuko think otherwise. He sighed and shook his head to clear his buzzing thoughts. The night was young, and still no one had come back to see if he was all right.
But sitting on her bed, a woman was entranced. There was nothing on her mind except for the vagueness encircling Zuko. Katara sighed and looked at the bright moon. She was utterly and completely confused; partly because Zuko seemed to be an honest man, and partly because she wasn't sure why she was still so against him.
A/N: So that man I added in was Jet ;) I really wanted to write a Jetara and Zutara triangle… but this isn't going to be really that serious… and I missed Jet and didn't want him dead after Lake Laogai since he changed… so I resurrected him lol XD And those who probably thought… "What is he doing in the temple if you need to be a bender to do those things?" Well my answer to that is simple: he can't bend and can't do many of the things like everyone else so he just lives there, helping out and going to his favorite class everyday: Zazen :) He was a wandered kind of like Zuko so they took him in kind of thing
Okay, so here comes the point where I'm going to beg, yes, BEG you to review! Just a few words, maybe one if you truly want to be like that… and why do I really want some? Because I know you're reading this and if you read the whole thing, then I'm sure you realize how much time I spent on this chapter and will be spending on the rest of the story. I want to give you guys the best possible Zutara fic, so if you want one too, please review!! I really appreciate any kind of support! The less reviews I get, the worse the writing is going to be… and I accept anonymous reviews as well!! So feel free to speak your mind!! Thank you so much :D Have an awesome day!!
-Monika-