Chapter 4: Friends and Enemies.
"Sifu Toph do you really have to go?" Ho-Tun asked following Toph about her room.
"Yes I am. I dunno how I'll find them but Twinkle Toes and the rest of them need my help" Toph Beifong said bluntly as she began to pack things in her bag, and slung it over her shoulder.
The young master Earthbender and founder of the subset Metalbending was in a big hurry.
The night before she had, had a very peculiar dream in which she saw things that at first didn't seem recognizable to her, however she knew what it she sensed about that dream. Aang and her friends needed her and she would not leave them to face whatever was happening alone. She'd drop a boulder on them if they tried to anyway.
Toph had wanted to go with her friends to the celebration at the South Pole despite her aversion to any place that was nothing but snow, ice, and water where her ability to see with Earthbending would be useless but nevertheless she missed her friends. However at that time she had gotten a message from her parents and unlike the last time this wasn't some kinda trap but a genuine request for her to visit them at her home. She had brought Ho-Tun along, one of her Metalbending students while the other two leading ones stayed behind to supervise the fresh batch of 'lily livers' as she had dubbed anyone who first joined her academy.
The door to her room opened and from the sound of the footsteps on the stone floor she knew it was her parents
"Dad, Mom I'm going. You're not going to stop me" Toph said bluntly as put on her green conical hat, a memento of the invasion on the day of black sun. She didn't normally bother with it but Katara had once pointed out she might get by more easily if people weren't so quick to notice her eyes, and thus try and help her out.
During the wait for Sozin's comet she had sent her parents a letter detailing how her life was going with her friends, how she was sorry if she had worried them, that she loved then, and that she would help do her part in saving the world so they could all live in peace.
Since returning home her mother and father had for the most part gone right back to their old habits treating her like she was a delicate doll that had to be handled with care. For the first little while, which turned into an impressive hour of patience, Toph tried to use an approach Aang or Katara might have vouched for but after her dad had made the mistake of calling the Avatar no hero for kidnapping his daughter she had exploded at him saying Aang, and the others were her best friends and that she would not stand for any bad mouthing. This coupled with the fact she had stamped her foot to make herself rise well above her dad's height had elicited a quick apology. It didn't take a high pillar as much like Aang Toph had finally started to grow, while not as significant as any of the others she was about a foot taller and much more muscular but in a lean manner from her days travelling via walking or by Earthbending for speed.
After that argument Toph had begun to make some headway in getting her parents into seeing her for who she was.
"Toph please try to understand, we just don't think its right for you to just run off like this all because of a dream" Lao Beifong said with concern.
"Yes Toph and even if the Avatar is in trouble he has his other friends to help him. Why is it you have to go?" Poppy asked.
"I have to go because they need me, I can't explain it but Aang called out to me. I know there headed to the North Pole-"that was a mistake mentioning that.
"Toph you cannot go there! It's cold, and there's water all around you could get very sick, or hurt, or worse" Lao said cutting her off.
Toph was fast nearing the end of her patience she wanted to get going. Her plan was likely not the greatest but all she could do was head west towards the village she'd heard about that was known for its Avatar Day celebration. She knew her friends went to the South Pole and if they were headed north that would be her best chance to meet up with them if not she could just head north on her own and try to catch them somewhere else. While normally the pragmatic member of her group of friends she knew this plan all based on a dream was not her style but after all she had seen, so to speak, with Aang she was more of a believer now.
"If you insist on some trip at least let us go with you, well prepare our carriages and hired a number of guards, you much too young to go alone" Lao said continuing.
Finally Toph had enough.
She stamped the ground with her foot shaking the entire room making her parents fall over along with Ho-Tun who had remained respectfully quiet.
"Listen Dad, I know you love me and you want me to be safe but you have to let me live my own life. I've told you a bit about my adventures and that's just made you get worse with your overprotective attitude! I've had enough, if you can't respect the fact my friends need me that I won't be coming back" she shouted.
Lao and Poppy looked hurt and while she could not see she could sense it then sighed "I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout" she said
Lao and Poppy both stood then walked forward to hug their daughter.
"No Toph, we're sorry we just have been having such a hard time accepting this. We love you so much we just want you to be safe" Poppy said.
"I know Mom but this is something I have to do" Toph answered hugging them back.
Both her parents where silent for a moment then finally Toph's waiting paid off.
"Then please come see us again when you have finished helping your friends" Lao said.
Toph smiled and nodded as she headed outside to get moving. Ho-Tun followed her.
"Are you sure you want to go alone?" He asked
"Yeah I've got a lot of ground to cover and it's probably best I go at my speed. You should back home to the others and keep training the new Lily Livers were getting more by the day I bet" she said.
Ho-Tun Bowed to his teacher and followed her to the edge of town to see her off.
Wasting no time Toph stamped the ground with her foot to break apart the earth and used her seismic sense to get her bearings, she knew she'd be heading west and the feel of the familiar paths helped her know which way to go. The mountains would be no trouble she knew all the secret paths and she'd likely come across people on the road to ask for directions to Chin Village.
"See ya!" Toph called as her took off on her earth wave rolling the loose rocks under her feet so when she took a step it was more like the earth under rolled along so she could move fast. This normally took a lot of energy but Toph was skilled enough that she could maintain this for some time. She figured she'd reach the mountains by just before dusk. Hopefully she would figure out what to do next after she got through them.
"There's Kyoshi Island" Sokka announced.
He had taken over flying duty having relieved Katara who took over for Zuko, this way they helped pass that time as they didn't take as many breaks to land as they normally would have. It was already dusk and the dim light was just strong enough for them to see the island and land on the beach.
Appa gave a groan of relief as he settled down onto the still warm sand. It was still early fall but the days were pleasantly warm and the nights only starting to get cool. The group also seemed happy to get a chance to stretch on land. While accustomed to riding around on Appa for extended periods they could use the break.
While Zuko and Sokka starting to make camp, setting up their tents, collecting some dry wood that was available rather than use any of the supplies they had packed, Katara was untying Aang from his life line and moved him down so he could rest against Appa's side. The gentle Bison was only too happy to help shifting about as to make both himself and Aang comfortable. Katara smiled and patted Appa's leg in appreciation then turned to help with the remaining chores for making camp.
"How's about we head into town and get some fresh food, no sense using out dried stuff until we have to" Sokka suggested.
Zuko took a moment to consider this "I guess it can't hurt but let's try and keep things about Aang quiet, if anyone asks say were…..accompanying him on a spiritual journey or something and that way if anyone sees him we can say he's meditating" he offered.
Katara and Sokka nodded in approval "That's a great idea Zuko" Katara said
"Also I think we want to try to avoid topics like where we're headed next or what's out destination" he continued
"How come? I doubt there's anyone on this island that's an enemy to us" Sokka pointed out.
"It's not here I'm worried about. See way back when I was chasing you I only found you on this island because my cook talk to the fish merchant who got his fresh stuff from one of the fisherman on this isle" he said looking a bit sheepish at the mention of his old avatar chasing days but he was thinking practical and those old adventures provided good experience.
Sokka suddenly looked comically shocked at how fast work can travel like that, then again when the Avatar is concerned it's not hard to swallow "I guess you got a point there, alright let's go. Katara, you coming?" Sokka asked
Katara cast a glance to Aang then sat down while gathering some stones to make a circle for a camp fire "I'll pass this time, I think one of us should always stay close to Aang you never know what could happen" she said avoid eye contact.
Zuko realized she wanted a bit of alone time and gently nudged Sokka towards the path leading to the village before he could argue.
"We'll be back soon" he said as the vanished into the dark as now the sun had set and the stars were coming out.
Katara quickly got to work fixing a fire then took a drink from her water skin. Then she walked over to Appa's saddle and got out some dry hay for him to eat.
"Thanks for getting us this far so quickly Appa, I know how you feel I want Aang back too. Don't worry if we keep this up we'll be at the North Pole a lot faster than last time and before you know it he'll be back on his feet" she said reassuring both Appa and herself.
Appa meanwhile groaned his possible yes before eating up the offered hay, one of his favoured things to eat.
Katara then went to sit down by Aang and was gently holding his hand when she felt a chill breeze blow by and felt as though she was not alone.
Turning around she saw no one, just the beach, their tents, the water and the tree line. It was dark and the light of the fire didn't go very far.
"Sokka? Zuko?" She called out thinking they had forgotten something.
No one answered.
However she wasn't satisfied. Her hands shifted slowly as she reached to position her water pouch ready to strike.
Then suddenly she heard a voice "Poor little girl, missing your dear sweet avatar?" it asked
"It's you. That shadow who attacked Aang, what did you do to him!" She called out standing up and in front of Aang defensively.
"It's it obvious girl? I took his Airbending for my own" the voice replied and suddenly a gust of air came at her, it was meant to spook her not knock her down but she stood ready.
"Why don't you show yourself, or are you scared to face a girl?" Katara taunted, pushing her pouch back a bit she glanced to the sea water only about 15 feet away, she had plenty of water to fight with.
Suddenly she heard footsteps and saw a figure in the light of the fire coming closer. Expecting to see the shadow man shape, or perhaps that water tribe guard he had made himself look lie she was surprised to see if was a man in a fire nation uniform. The uniform was of high rank, but he wore a common helmet with a skull white mask to hide his face.
"I see the avatar is still alive, looks like he managed to hold on but not for long" he said as he took a stance.
However he was too slow.
Katara raised her arms and swung them wide as she snarled at the man the water from the sea rose up and she called a large jet of it to strike the man, spin and taking new stance she lifted her hands up calling the same water she had used to lift up and then brought it back down freezing it and turning it to ice spears.
Her aim was perfect and precise. She knew this spirit likely could not be killed but maybe incapacitated and questioned, she also hoped she might be able to figure out how to get Aang's energy back.
The man snarled in anger as he was pinned, the spears dug deep into the sand around his arms and legs. He could not move enough to make the motions for Airbending. Even if he tried Katara had a hunch he would be very skilled as she had sparred enough with Aang to give her the advantage right now.
However he didn't use Airbending he just laughed then suddenly fire burst from his hands. He melted the ice and then stood up.
Katara's eyes went wide as she was at a loss, he had just uses Firebending.
"Not bad little girl, I must say I shouldn't have underestimated you mastery of water but I have my own with fire and also with Air courtesy of your boyfriend.
"How…can you use both?" she asked still shocked.
"Oh there is more I can use once I become more accustomed to it. Let's just say the avatar is going to be replaced" he said then took a fighting stance and pushed both his fists towards her sending a massive blast of continuous fire.
Katara's sharp reflexes save her as she summoned more water and creating a water shield around herself and large enough to shield Aang. Appa meanwhile had stood up at the explosive fire attack and growled at the attacker, he moved his feet so he was standing over Aang who had rolled off him and onto the sand.
Katara was glad Appa took care of that as she focused on the shadow spirit. She called more water to her while holding her shield and doused his fire blast from above then began to punch at her water shield rapidly to fire water that she froze instantly into more ice shards at him to try and put some distance between them. At first her attack proved effective a she struck him several times but then he put his hands together and formed a swirling air sphere which expanded blowing out the camp fire and knocking her ice shards away.
Suddenly she was in the dark, her eyes not adjusted yet to the dim star light but she heard him moving closer.
"Now I can add some master level waterbending to my collection" she heard him say.
Katara cast a glance behind her barely seeing Appa, she was tempted to grab Aang hop on Appa and head for the village, but she knew he could knock them out of them air. Instead she twisted her body and turned her water shield into a giant water whip and swung at the nearest sound of footsteps. Her attack struck home and she heard him fall but as he did he launched a fire blast at her and she didn't have enough time to summon water for defence.
If she moved away Aang and Appa would be burned.
Suddenly as she could feel the heat of the fire about to touch her it was dispersed.
Zuko stood in front of her his arms spread out having stopped the fire blast.
"You're not hurting anyone this time!" he shouted defiantly as he opened his palms and fire sprouted from them shedding light on the battlefield.
Katara meanwhile summoned some more water from the sea and wore it one her arms like armour, then stepped up next to Zuko.
"Thanks Zuko" she muttered.
"Sorry we're late" he replied keeping his focus on the enemy if he was surprised by the appearance he didn't show it.
"Be careful he can use Air and Fire" she warned.
That did seem to surprise Zuko.
The spirit meanwhile stood quietly then made a mock salute "ah prince Zuko, or should I say Fire Lord Zuko. We meet again" he said.
"You seem to be pretty familiar with us, who are you. I can tell you're not a normal spirit. They don't bend. What are you?" Zuko demanded he also gave Katara a subtle sign that they would attack together soon.
"Now why should I spoil the surprise" the mystery man said as he threw his fists out and let fly a massive stream of fire.
Zuko and Katara were ready for it this time. Zuko swept his arms upward from the ground and created a small wall of fire, meaning to block the attack with minimal explosive force being so close to Aang.
Katara then responded with circling around him towards the water and summoned a huge wave and sent it hurling towards their attacker, whom was too slow and pushed back and upwards towards a tree. Katara quickly froze the water pinning him off the ground.
"What a shame that water bender from last time wasn't overly skilled, I'd much rather take your energy" the man laugh as he let out a breath but it was a Firebending trick heating up the air he breathed out enough to melt the ice. He landed on his feet seemingly calm and composed.
Katara and Zuko each readied their next attack.
Suddenly there was a whirling sound from the air followed but the sound of metal striking metal. Sokka's boomerang stuck in the and after it had bounced off the man's helmet knocking it off.
"Hah never underestimate Mr. Boomerang" Sokka shouted triumphantly.
Zuko and Katara who were standing in front of the man were both shocked at what they saw
"Zhao!?" Zuko said in shock
Now that the helmet had been removed it was clear who their attacker was. Admiral Zhao the man who had led the siege of the north, the man who had killed the mortal form of the moon spirit. The man Zuko had seen pulled into the icy waters by the enraged ocean spirit after it had helped Aang defeat the fire nation naval forces. He look almost the same except his skin was very pale and his eyes were black with red dots for the pupils. It was clear he was no longer human or a spirit.
Sokka whom had been in mid-charge suddenly stopped dead cold eyes wide with shock, as was Katara.
"How are you still alive?" Zuko asked finally getting his wits back.
The former admiral just looked down at his helmet and appeared very displeased "I was hoping not to be seen so soon. Seems you've earned a small reprieve. Still I cannot leave you without some parting gift" he said as he lashed out with his fists sending a fire whip his target was between Katara and Zuko aiming to strike Aang and Appa.
However he underestimated his opponents. Zuko's reflexes were exceptional as he grabbed the very whip and extinguished it as Katara fired another barrage of icicle darts at Zhao. They found their target and many of them pierced his armour joints. However he was not affected as though he were a normal human. He didn't bleed however he did snarl in pain so he was not beyond their ability to repel.
"I'll be sure to send you better playmates next time" he said as he moved back into the shadows and vanished.
Zuko immediately chased after followed by Sokka however after a few moments they returned.
"He's gone" Zuko said
"Was that- Is he- Why are we seeing dead people!" Sokka shouted as his shock was mixing with his unique vocal skills.
"He is dead…or I thought he was" Zuko replied keeping calm and cool under this very disturbing situation.
Katara meanwhile was seeing to Aang, now that whoever that was had retreated Appa settled down and let Katara move Aang back onto his flank.
"Zuko you once told us how you fought Zhao at the North Pole right?" Katara asked.
Zuko nodded "Yeah, it was after Aang had gone into the avatar state and was repelling the naval forces. I had him beat and then the ocean spirit grabbed him and dragged him under the water. I thought he drowned"
"His eyes though those weren't human eyes" Sokka said as he tried to get the fire going again.
"No he's changed, I don't know how or what he's become but somehow he can steal energy to use as his own and said he was going to replace the avatar" Katara said.
Zuko look troubled by this "I'm wondering if it's just him the attacks that have been going on are very close together, and he did mention playmates. Zhao wasn't one to bluff often he's always sure to have a good position to make threats"
"Yea and not to mention how did he catch us so quick from the South Pole. I didn't see any airships or war balloons nearby" Sokka added.
They all were quiet for a while. Now it was clear who the enemy was this time but it's what his actions so far had them all in a troubled mood.
Katara was the one to end this "If Aang were awake right now he would tell us that as long as we stick together there's nothing we can't overcome" she said believe in the words of optimism she had come to rely on.
Zuko and Sokka shared a glance then nodded.
"So what do we do now leave for the mainland or get some rest first?" Sokka asked.
Zuko took a moment to think he look over at Appa, while the bison was a powerful beast even he had limits and despite his enthusiastic flying so far it would be risky to push him over the open water to reach the main land.
"No we need to rest. We'll take turns at watch tonight and head out first thing. Once we reach the village of Chin we'll send a message to my Uncle and continue on. If we can we should try and find Toph. Zhao knows more than one dirty tactic he'll try and go after those closest to us. Right now we focus on getting Aang back and then worry about whatever Zhao has become" he said.
That was good enough for the siblings as they went about getting some dinner going "Why did you turn come back so quickly?" Katara asked.
"I forgot my money" Sokka said embarrassed.
Katara laughed a bit at that "well Sokka seems your clumsy luck paid off. By the way Zuko didn't you notice anything odd about Zhao's bending his fire was ok but I saw how easy it was to pin him with my waterbending and his Airbending attacks weren't that good" she said
"Well he may be able to steal energy but Zhao isn't the avatar so his skill with the other elements must be poor. That would explain why he'd want yours and more than one Earthbender. He needs to the energy to be able to fight effectively" Zuko guessed.
The remainder of the night proved uneventful. They shared a quiet dinner, some small talk to lighten the mood. Then Zuko took the first watch.
That night there was no odd dreams.
Somewhere in the Earth Kingdom
An elderly woman with white hair sat warming herself by a campfire. She looked to be waiting for someone. Soon enough a tall man with a regal look about him walked into the light of her fire from the path into the forest. He wore an Earth Kingdom official robes that were somewhat worn but he carried himself as though of nobility.
The woman looked up and said nothing as he sat down and quietly began to eat the meal he had brought along with him, a few rolls of bread and some fish that he set to cook over the fire.
"He's late" the woman said
"Does it matter? Our mutual targets are in our path. He said he would see to it they'd come right to us" the man replied in a soft cultured tone.
The woman nodded. She looked to the pot set over the fire then raised her hand and the tea that inside was lifted out and settled into two cups. She offered him one "Will your associates be joining us?"
"No they are not due to arrive until tomorrow" he said finishing his meal.
There was no more talk between them as they each waited patiently.
To be continued….
A/N: And there is Chapter 4. I figured a short but sweet bending battle as I wanted to reveal my nemesis for Team Avatar. Not to mention other old favourites who deserve another round of beatings. Anyway I hope you all enjoy so far and I thank all readers for their views, comments, PM's etc….all the advice has been highly appreciated. Enjoy and Stay tuned!.