Dying To Survive
Chapter 12- Hazy Escape
"There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our open eyes." – Jawahral Nehru
..::-::..
Everything was filled with buckets full of peace; there was silence, no one itching for a fight. The dust swirled calmly, having no specific place to go. Katara smiled to herself as the white light engulfed her. Every part of her body was as light as the air and she couldn't feel anything but the numbing sensation that she was free. The stillness lasted for a few more moments and then the light vanished. Winds slashed at her body and at once she felt the weight again, dragging her downward into a spiraling funnel. Darkness consumed her vision and then her breath halted. Her arms flailed around madly trying to seize anything but there was no one to help her. She was alone in a place that she didn't know existed.
The pressure in her head exploded as did the colors in her eyes. Swirls of red, blue, green and yellow zoomed by her and she felt like she was drowning in them. Her feet weren't placed on any flat ground and the only thought that crossed her mind was death. Suddenly, the sticky air began to pop and little by little, drops of rain fell onto her dry skin. Katara turned around and her eyes widened as her entire world was immediately covered in water. Her mouth opened and a stream of water ran into her body. She closed her eyes and mouth right away and circled her arms fiercely. Nothing happened and when Katara realized she was going no where, she frantically looked upwards. The water's surface was clear and shining. She strained her legs and arms to pump herself upward.
Katara gasped as the cold air swam over her damp hair. Her upper body bounced up and then settled itself as she panted heavily. While coughing up the water, Katara scanned the surface in shock. It seemed like she was in Lake Nuchai, but the last thing that had happened was on top of the mountains. It wasn't possible. Her breath returning to normal, Katara looked around as she realized what had truly happened.
"We touched the orb… Zuko and I touched it and… Zuko!" Katara yelled frantically. She didn't see him anywhere. If he had touched it with her, the same thing must have happened to him. Her legs were strained and a numb ache froze them in place. Katara took a deep breath and then exhaled sharply as she saw a body float to the surface. "Zuko!" Katara forced her body to move towards him and as her fingers ran through the icy water, she grasped onto his wet clothing and turned him around. His face was pale and his skin was turning deep shades of violet. She clenched her teeth and saw the shore ahead of them. A log reached out into the water and she kept her eyes on it as she pulled Zuko and herself through the chilling lake.
Before she could reach it, her eyesight began to blur. Katara's breath was deep and slow and she shook her head to regain her strength.
"It's just a bit further…" she said to herself. The old log swayed as Katara reached for it. By now, she could stand in the water so that it hit her waist. She dragged Zuko through the lake and bent over as his body slid onto the moist sand. Her chest expanded and deflated as she dropped to the ground with her hands on her knees. Nothing made any sense to her, but the one thing she knew was that Zuko wasn't breathing. She picked up his head and tried pulling out the water from his body with her bending. Her fingers plucked the air above his mouth, but nothing came out.
"What's going on? Why isn't this working?" she asked herself with panic. Time was running out and Zuko's cheeks were becoming colder, her fingertips aching from trying so hard. Katara's heart rushed with anxiety and with a deep feeling of worry, she bent her head lower. She didn't want to do it, but if she were to save his life, it was the only way. Katara placed her hands on Zuko's chest and pushed down a couple of times. Just as she was about to pinch his nose, Katara stumbled back as Zuko's body jerked up. He spewed out the water with gurgling coughs. Katara came back to his side and helped him sit up. The amount of relief she felt was enormous. Zuko blinked a few times as he coughed the rest of the water up. Once he saw that Katara was at his side and that they were no where near the peak of the mountains, he lost control.
"What happened?" he asked her. Katara shrugged her shoulders and looked at him sincerely.
"The last thing I remember is us touching the orb," she replied. He narrowed his eyes and then struggled to stand up. Katara helped him and once the two stood on their own, they looked around. The lake wasn't as large as Lake Nuchai. It was about the same size as the place they had first met in the Ionen Forest, but Katara gasped as she noticed for the first time that there was a waterfall. Its water flowed gently into the lake's surface, creating foam and spray, but there was no noise. It was subdued under the water with crystal clarity. She turned and saw a heavy mist surrounding the outskirts of the lake, its deep emerald water flowing into the sand, but never lapping onto its shore. Zuko took a step towards the water and saw the log drifting away slowly. He turned to face Katara and then he clenched his fists.
"Did you save me?" he asked quietly. Katara looked into his face and saw the shame shining off of it. She nodded slowly and walked up to him.
"I found you in the lake and dragged you to safety, but you took care of yourself. I didn't even have to get the water out of you," she said. His face lightened up and she could tell that made him slightly happier. Zuko peered over the horizon and then looked away from the lake. The trees were all aligned and the darkness swept through them. Their thickness was that of a wall and they stretched out to the point where Zuko couldn't tell where they ended. The branches were short and stubby, but the vines and leaves up above were bushed together to form solid barriers in the tree tops. Katara rubbed her arm nervously and poked Zuko's arm.
"Do you think we…" she couldn't finish her sentence. Zuko took a deep breath and then looked back the lake. His eyes widened and he pointed. Katara turned and did the same. Their eyes locked onto the glowing orb as it hovered above the water. Its four colors spun around the spherical surface at great speed as it moved closer to the waterfall. The light from the orb grew and then when it hit the water, a sharp sizzle attacked the air. Rushing water spilled over the surface and then pushed the orb directly into the lake. Katara gaped as the light from the orb grew fainter until finally, they could no longer see it in the lake.
"I think we're not where we're supposed to be," Zuko commented. Katara swallowed hard and then turned to see Zuko walking away from her. He paced back and forth until he stopped and paused to think. She could see the thoughts through his fiery eyes. The confusion and hatred he felt were hidden inside of her as well, but the more she thought about their current situation, she was less likely to think about that. Somehow, they had escaped from their world, from the fight that was to their death, but Katara didn't understand how.
"Do you think it was the orb that took us away?" Katara asked. Zuko picked his head up as he recalled her last words. He took another deep breath and then nodded.
"It's the only thing I can think of. The orb has gone into the lake, and we can't bring it back unless we want to risk our lives. Somehow, it gave us the power of teleportation," he said.
"You mean like the masters? Didn't they appear out of nowhere?" Katara implied.
The mention of the two cruel servants of evil spurred Zuko's hatred and he yelled furiously. "Those two! I can't believe I fell for it all! I was led into a trap! I thought I was going to be helping the world somehow… but instead I let them use my hopelessness for their own purposes!" Katara put her hands up to her mouth as Zuko turned to a tree and punched into it with all of his might. His eyes burned with a passion and he wanted to release the fury inside of him. Suddenly, as his fist collided with the wood, it disappeared and his fist went through. Zuko's eyes widened as his body began to sway forward from the momentum. Katara ran up to him and pulled him back just as he was about to be swallowed into the tree. As soon as his fingers left the bark, the hole closed in and the tree looked like it had before Zuko's attack. He stood stupefied and his mouth hung open with shock.
"How did I do that… what is this place?" he asked. The night darkness curled around the edges of the trees and Katara pulled Zuko away before something else opened up unexpectedly. She looked around and saw that there was nowhere to go. The only source of light was the glowing water from the lake. The sand radiated softly as well, but the dim forest of fortified trees stood in the middle of the pitch black darkness. She sighed and bit her lip to keep herself from falling under the pressure of the stress.
"I think we should just wait here. Maybe something will happen if we wait," Katara proposed. Zuko looked at his hands curiously and walked a few steps away from her. She looked at him and he narrowed his eyes.
"I could have sworn I firebended. I thought I was doing it when I punched the tree, but no fire came out," Zuko said out loud. Katara stood a few feet away from him as Zuko took a stance and pumped his fist into the air. The sweat trickled down his reddening face as the flames didn't appear. He tried again, but didn't succeed. Zuko screamed in frustration and then looked at Katara who was glancing to the side with sorrow. He walked up to her panting. "Can you waterbend?" he asked.
Katara already knew the answer but she tried to see if maybe something had gone wrong before. She looked at the water and tried pulling it towards her. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she shook her head and looked at the ground.
"I can't do it," she said.
"And I can't either."
They looked at each other as a swift wind sliced through the air. Zuko put an arm around Katara's shoulder as her body shriveled beneath the force. Once it passed, Zuko stood straight up and shivered slightly. Katara, on the other hand, was shaking violently. Her teeth chattered and she looked up at Zuko while her damp hair clung to her face.
"I'm fre-ezing," she chattered. Zuko's eyes widened and he put a hand on her shoulder, but just then another blast of wind swept through the air, this time surrounding them with warmth. Katara felt her kimono drying up along with her hands and head. Zuko wiped his forehead and then looked around with astonishment.
"This is unbelievable. Maybe we're dreaming?" he asked. Katara gave him a serious glance and he shrugged his shoulders. "It was just a suggestion. I don't see you coming up with a better one," Zuko said. Katara stepped away and flung her hands into the air.
"Well I'm sorry, but right now, we're stuck in who knows where, with no place to go, no food, no one to help us, and I just can't seem to figure anything out. So if you want answers, don't look at me," Katara retorted.
The tension between the two of them returned as the dark atmosphere fueled the anger. Zuko thought about what she said and then he suddenly realized something.
"Are you hungry?" he asked. Katara opened her mouth and her eyes widened.
"What kind of question is that? Don't you care where we are?" she asked.
"Just answer me," he said simply. Katara rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Of course I'm… wait… now that you mention it… I'm not hungry at all. I haven't been hungry since we got here. This is really strange. Zuko, what are we going to do?" she asked. Her eyes started to shine with tears but they didn't fall. She needed to be strong in order to survive the ordeal. He lowered his eyes, not knowing how he should comfort her. There were no words that could help, nor was there any way he could get the orb back at the moment.
"Don't worry… we'll figure this out somehow," Zuko said reassuringly. Katara sniffed and then folded her arms with a sigh. She saw the kindness on his face and believed him for some reason. The entire time since she saw him again in the temple, there was doubt growing everywhere in her mind, growing from the seeds of past memories that she couldn't erase. When Taiko told her that Zuko was evil, she believed him instead of the man who had saved her. Even though Zuko didn't want to admit, Katara still believed that there was a brighter side to Zuko.
Just as she thought that, in the distant grove of trees, a light shined brightly. It was a small sphere and it danced right and left slowly while coming forward. Katara gasped and Zuko turned to see what it was. He squinted but couldn't tell what the light was. Katara stepped closer to Zuko and he held out his arm in front of her.
"Don't move. Whatever it is, I'll get it with my swords," he said. Automatically, Zuko's hand came to his side and he curled his fingers around the sheath of the swords. To Katara's astonishment, the swords were still with him, even though she hadn't noticed when she dragged Zuko out of the lake. The light was coming closer but as it did, Katara noticed that there were two separate lights dangling in the air.
"Zuko, what if it isn't going to attack us?" Katara asked.
"Just stay quiet. I'll attack if I have to," he said. She bit her lip as they both waited in the silence that stemmed from the still lake and all around them. The lights came nearer until they were only a few feet away from Zuko's perspiring face. His grip on the swords was strong and he backed a foot away with Katara edging back as well. Suddenly, they heard a faint childish giggle as the lights circled in the air and then came to a stop. All at once, the air beneath the lights vibrated and a form appeared. Katara gasped and Zuko's jaw dropped in shock.
"You look so frightened! How exciting!" she said.
A pair of identical twigs connected the lights to the girl's back where a set of dark green wings sprouted. Her white hair was playful and short, only going down to her ears so that it made her look like a little boy. The creature's eyes shined like violet topaz and her four arms embraced herself and the shimmering white gown she wore. The girl floated in the air and spun around once, revealing that she had no feet, only a pair of short stubby legs that rounded off at the end. Katara's lips twitched into a smile as she acted against her fear and gripped onto the hope that the little being had brought to her. Zuko let go of his swords and sighed.
"My name is Ryuu! What's your name?" she asked. Katara beamed and stepped in front of Zuko. She stretched out her hand and smiled.
"I'm Katara and the guy who is sulking behind me is Zuko," Katara replied sarcastically. Ryuu floated down to Katara and hugged her tightly.
"It's so nice to meet you Katara! I've been looking for some friends to play with!" she said. Zuko eyed the creature curiously and decided that it was time to quit with the introductions. He pulled Katara away and pointed at Ryuu, the fairy, or whatever she was, and scowled.
"Could you tell us where we are? We haven't seen anyone else except for you, so you better tell us or I'll force it out of you," he said. Katara inhaled deeply, shocked that Zuko was taking such a harsh action with the cute little girl.
"Zuko! Stop it! You don't need to threaten her! I'm sure Ryuu will tell us if you ask politely," Katara said. Zuko rolled his eyes and stared at the girl. She folded her four arms and waited with a smug look on her face.
"Katara's right! I'm waiting," Ryuu said.
"All right. Will you please tell us where we are Ryuu?" Zuko asked and then ran his hands through his hair. She bounced up and down in the air and floated from tree to tree before coming back to them and smiling. Her hands worked through the air and she narrowed her eyes portraying the darkness of the place they were in. Then she giggled and sighed.
"Katara, Zuko, you are new guests in my wonderful home!" she said.
"And where is that?" Katara asked anxiously.
"Why, this would be the Spirit World! Look! Your clothes are already changing!" Ryuu said gleefully. The two words echoed in Zuko's and Katara's heads as they looked at each other's clothing. Sure enough, their kimonos were shedding their color and the strands of blue and green disappeared as the breeze picked them up. Their kimonos turned as white as Ryuu's hair and she giggled at their shock. Katara couldn't express her confusion and fear. It stung on her tongue and she gripped Zuko's arm for support as she lost her balance.
"The Spirit World?" she repeated feebly. Ryuu sighed and nodded while she smiled. Zuko looked at his sleeves and the spotless white that he was covered in. It couldn't be true. There was no possible way that they could have traveled to the Spirit World, the place where the dead lived and the spirits resided, watching over the generations as they passed away. Zuko felt Katara gripping his arm and he looked at Ryuu with narrowed eyes. He clenched his fist and grumbled.
"Yup! You've traveled far, but it's strange… I haven't met people like you! Whenever I meet humans, they're always dead! Strange, but you two are still alive!" Ryuu exclaimed as her wings fluttered. Katara let out a deep sigh of relief. Ever since she heard the words 'Spirit World' come out of the fairy's mouth, she believed that they had somehow died. But if Ryuu said that they were alive, she would believe that source of information.
"That's a relief," Katara said. Zuko looked at her and raised his eyebrow.
"Katara, she just said we're in the Spirit World! How can that be a relief? The Orb of Chi took us to a different dimension, and you're happy about it?" Zuko asked her. She stepped back and put her hands on her hips.
"Yes, I'm happy about that! We found out where we are, we aren't dead yet, for some reason we don't need to eat and we have a friend that will help us. To me, that seems better than nothing, but for you, it looks like you'd rather be dead," Katara said accusingly. Zuko narrowed his eyes and growled.
"You want to know something? I would rather be dead. My life has been one upset after the other. There's no reason to go back to Earth now. After all, this is where the dead live, so I'd just rather be dead if I'm going to be stuck here," he stated. Katara mulled over what Zuko told her and she sighed.
"Well I don't want to be dead, and don't want you to be dead either," she said quietly. Zuko glanced over to her and saw the light radiating from her shining white kimono. Her skin glowed and he let his lips part slightly. She had said that she didn't want him dead. At that point, he thought nothing in his life was worth it, but Katara had just unknowingly given him a strand of hope. A deep yawn came from the creature up above them and they looked at Ryuu instantly.
"Are you two done chatting? I'm getting rather sleepy… it is nighttime after all. The Spirit World has day and night too, so you should be sleeping!" Ryuu exclaimed, suddenly filled with enthusiasm. Katara pulled her shoulders up to her ears and then folded her arms.
"I'm not tired at all, and I still have a lot of questions to ask you!" she said. Zuko nodded in agreement as they looked at the fairy. She winked and her violet eyes sparkled with a hidden taunt. Ryuu swept down towards them, her dark green wings fluttering rapidly. A small dust cloud spilled onto Zuko and Katara's faces and they sneezed. Zuko looked up to find Ryuu and all he saw was a pair of white lights. He blinked a few times, yawned and fell to the ground. Katara stretched her arms and fell to her knees. She rocked herself down to the ground and sighed as her eyes closed. The night was young, the fairy was in flight, and a happy smirk spread across her face as she flew away.
..::-::..
It was still dark when Katara woke up. She wrinkled her nose and blinked open her eyes to see that Zuko was sleeping on the ground next to her. Katara looked everywhere to make sure she hadn't been dreaming. When she saw the docile surface of the lake, the waterfall that made no noise, and the trees that seemingly went on forever, she knew that it was all real. She was in the Spirit World with Zuko and Ryuu had found them. Katara nudged Zuko in the side and he moaned.
"Get up Zuko," she said.
"Not now… not… now…" Zuko mumbled. Katara sighed and rolled him over forcefully. Just as she did this, a pair of lights shined above Zuko. Katara smiled as Zuko winced from the brightness. Suddenly, as he woke up, Ryuu appeared, her face right in front of his. Zuko screamed slightly and backed into Katara. She put her hand on his shoulder and laughed along with Ryuu. Zuko looked at Katara and then shrugged her off. He stood up and dusted off his white kimono. Katara stood up as well and then looked at Ryuu.
"Good morning," she said.
"And a good morning to you as well!" Ryuu replied cheerfully.
Zuko narrowed his eyes and then folded his arms, pouting as he yawned.
"I don't think it's morning yet. It's still dark," he commented as he looked towards the still pitch black grove.
"Of course it is! Here in this part of the Spirit World, it's always dark, but that doesn't mean it can't be morning!" Ryuu said. "All right then, let's get going!" she said as she zoomed forward. Her dark green wings fluttered and mixed in with the surrounding darkness. Zuko ran after her and Katara followed Zuko.
"Wait! Slow down!" Katara called out.
Ryuu did as she was asked and then smiled as she twisted her head around. Her white hair bounced as the wind picked up.
"What are you?" Zuko asked suddenly. Katara hit him on the arm and he winced.
"Zuko!" Katara said sternly. Ryuu chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.
"I'm what they call a treefly. There are lots of us here… but my family likes to stay at home. I'm the only one who isn't afraid to go out and explore!" she said, spreading her arms out to the surrounding trees. Zuko and Katara walked down the path in between the sides of the trees while Ryuu hovered in the air, leading the way.
"Are you like a fairy?" Katara asked.
"Almost. We were born on the treetops. The light of the spirits shined onto the leaves and the branches sprouted white flowers. Then, after a few years, boom! We pop out! I'm old though! I've been around for six thousand seven hundred fifty two years and twenty nine days!" Ryuu watched the color drain out of her friend's faces and then laughed. "You think that's old? My grandpappy is seven times as old! I don't know exactly how many years though. Each treefly can only keep a number for themselves."
Zuko blinked and then rubbed the back of his neck. Katara looked around anxiously and saw the dark shadows stretching between each thick tree.
"Why are the tree trunks stretched out like this?" Katara asked.
"Oh, well you see, the trees are actually paths you can go through. Each one gets you to a different place in the Spirit World, so it's easy to get lost if you fall through! I once heard of a treefly that got lost for a hundred years or so. Or maybe it was five hundred, give or take another hundred. It wasn't that bad though. Just an ounce of a lifespan!"
Zuko watched the treefly's lights bounce up and down. The memory of his body falling forward into the tree haunted him and he shivered. Zuko looked around and wondered if they could really trust her.
"Excuse me, but would you please tell us where we are going?" Zuko asked politely. Katara smiled as she looked at Zuko from the corner of her eyes. He was learning to be much more patient even though they were in an unfamiliar situation. Ryuu did a flip in the air and then twirled around.
"We're going to go see my master," she said. Katara froze in place at the mention of a master, but Ryuu gave them a reassuring smile. Zuko stopped next to Katara and held her hand quickly before letting it go. She looked up at him and stared. Ryuu laughed and clapped together her four hands. "My master is the Spirit of Tranquility, Fola. She's taught me well and she's really wise! So I think she can help you out, since you're not really supposed to be here! You're still alive, but in the Spirit World, no matter what you are, you don't need to eat to get by. The spirit air fills you with energy, but that means you can't bend. You don't need to worry though! My master won't harm you! She's really great to be around! Hmm… I think we just need to go a bit farther, ah yes! Here it is! It's this tree!" Ryuu exclaimed.
"Are you sure Ryuu? What if it's the wrong tree?" Katara asked nervously.
"Don't worry! There you go!" she said as she pushed them into the dark trunk. The hole appeared, large enough for Zuko and Katara to stumble through. Once Katara got her footing together, she saw that the area around them wasn't a forest, but instead it was a vast land of mist. She walked forward, Zuko soon finding her and coming to her side. They walked forward in silence. The hazy mist rolled through the air in calm puffs while the cool air refreshed Katara's mind. Zuko's eyes blinked slowly as he felt the calmness rising in his body. Ryuu floated in between them and pointed forward. Her voice wasn't as loud as before and she whispered to them.
"There she is! I've told her you two were coming, so go ask her for help!" Ryuu said as she nudged them both forward. They walked up the soft ground as the hill became steeper. Suddenly, they came upon a cloudy edge and they sat down. No one was there. In the middle of the hill, a low circle of mist gathered and it rose higher into the air. Katara's mouth opened and Zuko put his hands on his knees to steady himself. With the gracefulness of a single feather falling to the ground, the mist rolled down and revealed a woman who bore a sheer silver cloth around her body. Her hair was tied back into a low bun and her eyes reflected like the pools of mist around her. They were grey, yet so entrancing that Katara's heart melted with warmth as she looked into Fola's eyes. The immense power that washed over them drowned their anxieties as she smiled warmly.
"I've been waiting for a long time dear children," she said. Zuko blinked twice and then realized the spirit was talking to them.
"Ryuu said you could help us," Zuko said quietly, still in awe of the spirit's simple beauty.
"Please guide us wise spirit," Katara pleaded with her fingers intertwined. Fola closed her eyes and as she did so, Katara and Zuko did as well. Immediately, they felt their hearts slow down and their breaths lock into a steady pattern of in and out, slowly to the beat of their inner drum.
"You've come from the living world to the place where the departed dwell. I alone am not able to help you, but I can bestow a small amount of tranquility into your troubled souls. Don't look far for help, when it already resides inside of you. All you need to do is find the one place you can be at peace with yourself, where no one else can bother you. Look, breathe… find yourself," she said quietly.
Katara squinted while she searched for her place of sanctity. After a few moments, she saw the waterfall near the lake, but it was inside of her. The water was clear and it flowed through her fingers as fluidly as possible. A small drop of water trickled down her face and into her mouth where she tasted the core of her being. She sighed and smiled as the relaxing feeling overwhelmed her. After so many days of tension, she finally felt whole again, almost as if she had healed herself. Suddenly, Katara jerked her eyes open as she heard a frustrated growl.
"I can't do it!" Zuko said amidst teary eyes. Fola opened her eyes and gently swept down to Zuko. Her sheer robe rustled the mist and she knelt down next to Zuko as Katara stared in wonder. Her skin was transparent yet it was whole. She backed away a few feet; the presence of the spirit was overwhelming. Zuko clenched his fists and looked down into his lap. Fola put her soft hand on Zuko's face and wiped away the stream of tears.
"What is it that prevents you from knowing true inner peace?" she asked. He stared at her and pouted.
"I don't know who I am. I don't know my purpose… I should have died when I was born. It would have saved everyone a lot of trouble," he said. Fola suddenly gave him a stern look and her fingers clutched Zuko's chin tightly. Katara gasped as Zuko cringed. Fola let go slightly and then calmly spoke to him.
"It is upsetting to hear you speak like that. Zuko, you are a man with his own mind, his own actions, a firebender by birth. It is true that you have not had an easy life, but no human has. It can take years to find out who you really are, but if you discard the parts of you that made your past unbearable, then you will never know who you really are because you keep it hidden. Your father gave you a mark, but that doesn't mark who you are," she said.
Fola's fingers slid over his eyes and he closed them as he found himself searching for his core. Zuko looked in and out until he finally found it; the source of his flames was a circular wall of rocks. It burst into the fire that kept him going and when he touched it, the warmth spread through his heart. He opened his eyes and smiled.
"I won't keep myself hidden anymore," Zuko said.
"That is good to hear my child. Zuko, Katara as well, I don't know how to help you get back to the living world, but I do know that your presence here in the Spirit World is destined. I've watched your lives, trying to reach out to you in times of need, but it was your friends that helped you the most. You must rely on each other now. There are forces working against the way of the worlds, against the balance that holds peace and tranquility in tact. I dwell here in my own sanctuary, for there is not much I can do to stop evil from spreading. I can only guide you with simple words that will remind you of who you are. Now you must go, but I will send Ryuu so you can seek other help. Farwell and good luck."
The mist rolled back up and Fola's grey eyes sparkled with extreme radiance. Her head vanished and the mist spread away from the center. Katara looked at Zuko and took a quick breath. Zuko stood up and took Katara's hand as they walked back the way they came. The light diminished and left them with a satisfying ease of mind. The dark blackness opened up and they saw two floating lights. Ryuu appeared and clapped happily.
"Wasn't my master such a warm spirit? She really just makes me feel so happy!" Ryuu exclaimed. Zuko looked at Katara and widened his eyes.
"Do you think I'll be able to find my purpose?" he asked her. Katara saw a difference in the way he held himself up now. It seemed that with his straight posture, there was more confidence, and his fingers held the fire that couldn't be used in this world. He was optimistic and she could see it in his bright eyes. The determination sparked and she smiled warmly as she put her hand on his arm.
"Of course you will Zuko. I believe you can," Katara said. He smiled and his eyes squinted momentarily. Katara felt the stream of freedom flowing into her body and she couldn't help but let the elation guide her mood. Ever since they had come to the Spirit World, she felt completely changed. Zuko's presence next to her kept her feeling secure and safe. Ryuu, their new friend was guiding them and they even met a spirit.
"So that's what she talked to you about then?" Ryuu asked. "Did she say anything about how to get back to Earth?"
"No, she didn't, but she said you might now someone else that could help," Katara stated. Ryuu rubbed her chin in thought and then nodded.
"All right! I think I know some friends that will help. Let's go!"
They marched down the path once again and Katara looked at each tree curiously.
"Ryuu, how do you know which is which?" Katara asked.
"It's like I was born with that knowledge. Some treeflies don't care about it though and they let it fade into their memories, so that's why they stay put. Me, I like exploring! If I don't, then the years pass by without any excitement!"
"They're all the same though. Each tree is exactly the same," Zuko said blandly. He shook his head and decided that saying anything would be useless. He had never been to the Spirit World before and he wasn't going to pretend like he knew how things were supposed to be.
Katara and Zuko talked with the treefly about the spirit they had met and how wonderful she had been. The mother like presence was astounding and they wondered what else could be found in the Spirit World. They had been walking for some time and the darkness only grew darker. Ryuu's small glowing orbs lit the way and the shadows playfully crossed Katara and Zuko's faces. Their legs began to grow tired of walking, but Ryuu assured them that they weren't far away.
"This place seems to go on for ages. But it really is amazing, don't you think Zuko?" Katara asked.
He nodded and then sighed. "I wish we had a map. It would help a lot," Zuko said.
"Hey now, what do you think I am? I know this place better than a map, so don't say things like that!" Ryuu said and shook her head of white hair. Her dark green wings vibrated quickly and then her violet eyes widened. Katara saw the change in expression and touched one of Ryuu's four arms.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"Huh? Oh… it's nothing! Just a little chill. We're almost there," Ryuu said hesitantly. Zuko eyed the treefly and then scrunched his nose. He could sense that something was wrong, but he didn't know what it was. After they took a few more steps, Katara suddenly became stuck to the ground. Her feet were immersed in black shadows and her panic grew. Zuko realized quickly that Katara wasn't at his side anymore and so he turned around. His eyes widened as she struggled to free herself. Zuko took out his swords at once and then slashed the shadowy mist that was beginning to creep around Katara's legs.
"Zuko, don't do it! You might cut me and I can't heal myself in this place!" Katara said quickly. Zuko grimly put away his broad swords and then he turned to Ryuu who was hovering in the air behind him. She had all four hands up to her mouth and her eyes were wide with fear.
"Don't just sit there! Do something," Zuko bellowed.
Ryuu nodded and gathered up her courage. For a small being, she had lots of it, if only someone encouraged her on. She took all four hands and raised them up in the air. The light from her orbs gathered in the cusps of her hands and then she shot it at Katara's legs. She felt a prick and then the shadows slithered away. Katara ran forward and Zuko put his hands on her shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes.
"Did anything happen?" he asked.
"No, Ryuu got whatever that was just in time."
The treefly suddenly cowered and started to flee.
"Run! Please run away with me!" she screamed. Katara looked back and saw that the shadows were creeping towards her again. Zuko pulled on Katara's arm and they ran forward through the darkness, trying to hold onto the light that was dimming in front of them.
"Ryuu! Slow down! We can't see anything!" Katara yelled. Her head of white hair turned around swiftly and then Ryuu narrowed her glance. The shadows were coming closer to her friends and she decided then that she would do everything in her power to help them. Her wings fluttered crazily as she darted past Katara's shoulder and into the growing shadows. A haunting shrill echoed around them and Zuko cringed. A stream of foreign words spilled out of Ryuu's mouth as another beam of light shot at the shadows. This time, the shadows regrouped more quickly and then grabbed a hold of the treefly's legs.
"Ryuu!" Katara screamed. The treefly struggled and sent beams of light at the shadows. Zuko clenched his fists in anger and decided to give it another try. He took the focus from his core and he slashed at the base of the shadows with all of his might. The shadows recoiled and then rose up into the air. Zuko's eyes widened and he backed away as Katara's heart began to pound.
"Zuko! Watch out!"
The shadows were grouping together to form a large wall. Ryuu breathed quickly and sent all of her light at the evil force. Suddenly, just as Zuko was about to be surrounded, a strong gust of wind blew by and pushed the shadows back. Ryuu's wings collided against her back and pushed her in the same direction as the retreating shadows. A crack of thunder resounded as Katara ran to Zuko and put her hand on his arm. Zuko panted and they watched together in agony as Ryuu's tiny form disappeared with the shadows into one of the trees.
"Don't come after me! Keep going straight!" Ryuu's small voice yelled out. Those few words echoed in Katara's head as she shook away the tears. The wind died down and the grumble of thunder moved away. All became silent and still once more. Katara began to sob and Zuko looked at her wet face with sadness in himself as well.
"After everything she did for us, we couldn't do anything! What if she… that thing will…" Katara couldn't finish her sentence. Suddenly, Zuko embraced her and she let herself cry into his arms.
"She said not to go after her. I'm sure she'll be fine. After all, she loves excitement," Zuko said. Katara looked up and found herself smiling as Zuko's face gazed down at her warmly. "Come on, let's keep going like she said." Katara nodded and together they ran farther ahead.
After some time passed, Katara couldn't keep running. She collapsed to the ground where her knees buckled. Zuko sat down next to her and gathered his breath.
"I think we've gotten away," Katara said. Zuko swallowed and nodded. Just as they began to relax, a swirling wind came down from the sky. Zuko shifted his position, but then a woman appeared, much like the presence of Fola. Katara observed her features and found something strangely familiar. The open emerald eyes greeted them with kindness at once and her shabby large garments flowed beautifully through the air as she landed. Her black hair glided freely and she bowed her head in respect so that her hair fell to the floor. Katara and Zuko both bowed even deeper to show the greater sign of respect, even though they didn't know who she was. Her age was shown in the crests under her eyes but other than that she seemed thrilled to see them.
"I believe I unintentionally blew away your friend earlier," she said. Katara narrowed her eyes as did Zuko. "Beg my pardon, I will introduce myself first. I am Hyana, the Spirit of Storms. When I sensed the danger lurking, I quickly helped you. I'm deeply sorry for what happened to the treefly."
"It's all right. She's strong," Zuko said.
"I appreciate your understanding," Hyana said. Katara stared into Hyana's eyes and suddenly she knew why the spirit looked familiar. She gasped and put her fingers to her mouth as Zuko looked from one to the other in confusion.
"Katara, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Do I look familiar dear child?" Hyana asked. Katara nodded and then Hyana smiled. "Many of us spirits know about you two. It was destiny that we should meet, but until that time, I let my son look after you. Hyoku doesn't know much about me though, he just knows that he can control the winds through his flute. I gave it to him when…"
"Hold on. Hyoku? He's your son?" Zuko asked incredulously.
"Why yes. It is very strange, I know, but you see, when I surpassed my boundaries and came to the real world for a visit, just to see what it was like, I was punished. I was given a child, and then he was ripped away from me. Hyoku never knew that his mother was in the Spirit World, he doesn't know now that I give him my powers every so often, but he knows that flute he has had from birth is his. It's his only connection to me."
Zuko slapped his forehead and let the fingers slide down his face. He stared at the spirit and shook his head.
"So he wasn't just saying all of that to get attention?" Zuko asked.
"Of course he wasn't! Zuko, couldn't you tell there was something special about him?" Katara asked. He scratched his head and shrugged.
"Anyways, even though he doesn't have any recollection, when he met the two of you, he knew that he had to protect you somehow. He tried when you discovered the replicas in the mountains. Curse that stubborn spirit! He's always making a mess of things! But there wasn't a way he could stop the two of you from coming!"
Hyana's long black hair swirled in the calm wind and she smiled at Zuko and Katara's confusion.
"First Fola, now you. Why does everyone keep saying we're so special?" Zuko asked. Katara poked him in the ribs so he could see her scowling at him. "Stop it already with that. I'll speak how I want to." Katara rolled her eyes and sighed. She pushed her shoulders back and then looked at Hyana with curiosity.
"I was actually wondering the same thing. Could you explain that to us?" Katara asked.
Hyana sighed deeply and clasped her hands together.
"It is unfortunate, but the Spirit World is not as peaceful as it seems. There have been troubled times. Attacks upon our creatures are becoming more frequent and the balance of power is being distorted. Us spirits have not much power to control these happenings, fore we have only one specialty that deals with humans and their world. I control the storms, but that won't help stop the evil spreading through our world here. For ages, this doomed time has been foretold and it was also foretold that two travelers would guide us through the times of misfortune."
Katara's jaw dropped and she leaned forward and back with shock.
"There's no way that's us though!" she exclaimed.
"Are you not two travelers that have come from the other world?" Hyana asked.
"Yes, but it could be anyone. Why would it be us?" Zuko asked.
"I just know it somehow. Listen to me carefully. You'll need to go further down this lane until you find a tree that glows. Go through that one and you will find a spirit that is older and wiser than I am. He will be able to inform you on the happenings of the world you are currently in. I am needed else where so for now, you are on your own. However if there is trouble, another spirit will find and help you. Beware of appearances though! Not everything is as it seems to be!" Hyana said quickly.
The dust gathered and the funnel struck down into the ground. As it spiraled back up, Hyana disappeared with it and she was gone. Katara swayed gently and then Zuko steadied her by holding her arms. He looked at her seriously and she returned his glance, full of meaning and confusion still.
"Do you think it's true?" Zuko asked.
Katara sighed and stood on her own. "There's only one way to figure out," she said. They nodded and began to walk farther yet. The darkness wasn't as overwhelming anymore and the light was growing. They could see the shapes of the trees and where the solid path was. Katara felt the jabs in her legs, but knew the pain was from walking so far without resting. Suddenly, a thought struck her. The entire time she had been with Zuko in the Spirit World, she hadn't felt any signs of pain like previously. It could only mean that Taiko's power over her stopped when she entered the Spirit World. She could be next to Zuko calmly, without having to worry about any signs of pain. Katara let out a deep sigh of relief as she smiled widely. Zuko noticed this and laughed slightly.
"What are you smiling for?" he asked.
She turned towards him and shrugged. "I never thought this could be possible, but here we are! I'd say this is about as exciting of an adventure as life can give me. But I'm glad you're here. It wouldn't be so fun if I was by myself," she said. Zuko smiled as they stared at each other. No words needed to be said; each knew that the other's presence meant so much more than simply it being more fun. Zuko rose his hand and was about to stroke Katara's hair when she turned and gasped. She pointed down the row of trees and jumped.
"Look! It's the tree! It's glowing!" she said. Zuko shook his head and smiled as they walked forward towards the tree that shined with delicate elegance. Katara observed it and looked at Zuko for confirmation.
"It looks like the one Hyana described," he said.
"Then should we go?" Katara asked.
"I'm ready when you are," Zuko said. She took his hand and their fingers interlocked to form a solid bond between them. Zuko held her glance and knew that even though he was lost in a world with spirits and evil shadows, Katara's smile made it all worthwhile.
A/N: ... let's take a moment together to take it all in breathe...
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! They're in the Spirit World! FINALLY!! I've waited soo long to write this chapter! the whole plot was just a way to get into the SW! Ever since the concept popped up... Aang going and all... Iroh too, I just fell in love with the idea of Zutara going and I wrote a oneshot once, I think I'll upload it later, but this... this is the beginning of the S.W. Arc!! (Now you know why I couldn't mention anything ;) it would have given it all away) though maybe you already thought that's where this was headed?? well anyways, I just hope you like it! It's a lot different than the previous chapters...
A) It's only Z+K... I'm sorry for those who really like J+L... they're being held off at the moment... which brings me to B) what happens to them and the Masters?? well, let's just say that time has stopped in the real world... but Z+K don't know that :D C) will they get back? yes... or no... but there are still a couple more arcs to go!!
Do you like Ryuu!?! I just love her! and don't worry... she'll be back
? of the Ch: Did I portray the S.W. in good details?? Could you picture it well or no? (please be honest!) there will be a few more chapters so I need good advice to make them the best possible!!
thanks for reading:D
-Monika-