Destiny Diverted
Disclaimer: Avatar:the Last Airbender duly belongs to Bryke. The Lord of the Rings belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. The movies result from the vision of Peter Jackson. No profit is made from this story other than the sheer gratification of reviews. And there is no way in Hell that I can write even a fraction as well as J.R.R. Tolkien, so no very high expectations of writing quality, please.
NOTE: A little more action this time, and more of me interfering with the plot as I see fit. Don't worry, nothing major.
And not really action referring to epic fight scenes or battles, but really more development between the characters, and again some more transition to the major events of the story. I'm writing as fast as I can and I'm really trying to stick to my deadline. So you can expect relatively fast updates from me if school doesn't get to me these first few weeks.
By the way, I'm using the Extended Edition of the movies as a reference for the stories so I hope you don't mind.
Hope you enjoy and do leave a review if you can spare the time.
CHAPTER FOUR
So much lay ahead of them still, but the journey was not completely full of trials and tribulations.
As it turned out, things were not as desperate as they seemed. There was still some time for them all to journey back to Edoras, to King Theoden's hall, to celebrate the victory at Helm's Deep.
All those who had perished at the battle were duly buried and accorded every honor that was their due. The injured soldiers were able to return home to recuperate and the rest of the people of Rohan joyfully resumed their lives.
The great battles against the Dark Lord Sauron were not yet to begin, and there remained so much preparation to be done that Gandalf did not burden all his companions with doing so. Even the old wizard managed to find some time to rest and recover some of his strength. He needed enough time to ponder on everything carefully and to be able to strategize what was best to be done from that moment on.
In the meantime, friendships were forged between the two benders and the people of Middle-Earth. The people of Rohan, the soldiers in particular, never forgot how Zuko and Katara had helped fight against the Uruk-hai hordes and so lavished them with gifts and endless expressions of gratitude.
The two benders assured their new friends that such profuse thanks was not necessary, that they had simply been doing what they felt was right. But they were still treated quite handsomely when they entered King Theoden's court.
The king himself constantly referred to their bravery and strength, as he resumed his rule over Rohan once more. All of Theoden's subjects were happy and relieved to see that their king was no longer under the repulsive influence of Saruman, and that he would lead them to prosperity and safety once more. But though he was stronger than he had been, Theoden could not be sure of the future. Knowing now that there were to be other great battles to be fought and soon, he was carefully making plans of his own, as to who would take his place should he finally achieve the glorious death of his forefathers.
There was no doubt in his mind that Eomer would succeed him, as his son Theodred had already passed on. The old king was satisfied with the recent turn of events, and he hoped that in the limited time that he had left, he would still be able to serve his people well.
Zuko and Katara had also grown quite fond of the six members of the Fellowship of the Ring. They had already established strong ties with Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, having fought side by side. The three warriors had a great respect for them, even if the two benders were still quite young. Aragorn in particular was eager to hear their stories and to learn more about the world where people had the power to control the elements.
Naturally, Zuko and Katara were already quite close to Gandalf, who was always very kind and accommodating in spite of his busy schedule. Little by little, he would explain the situation to them as simply as he could and they came to understand more about the turmoil that Middle-Earth was facing and how much depended on the success of two brave Hobbits. They asked if there was any possibility of their meeting and helping Frodo but Gandalf said that the Ringbearer was beyond their reach. But the old wizard believed in Frodo and wished him well.
Zuko could not quite understand why they would entrust the Ring, the most dangerous weapon he had ever heard of, to a hobbit like Merry and Pippin. But he did not question Gandalf's wisdom and he also remembered something Iroh had told him about destiny being a funny thing.
And after all the strange twists and turns he had experienced, Zuko felt that he was in no position to question the forces of fate. Besides, from what he heard from Gandalf and the others about Frodo, Zuko had the feeing that this particular hobbit was considerably more dependable than either Merry or Pippin.
Merry and Pippin had grown quite close to the benders as well, and they were always regaling Zuko and Katara with stories of their adventures with Gandalf (some of the exaggerations the wizard had to correct) and tales of their lives in the Shire. Katara was greatly amused by these small but hardy folk and she laughed more at their antics than Zuko did, since he was the more serious one.
On one occasion, Zuko and Katara listened to the story of Aragorn, not completely from the Ranger himself but also from Gandalf, who was knowledgeable on all the details. Zuko felt a certain kinship with the heir of Elendil, an exile like himself, and the young firebender was inspired by the strength that Aragorn possessed in spite of all the pain and suffering he had been through. The banished prince of the Fire Nation was more than willing to support the Aragorn should he (Zuko) remain in Middle-Earth long enough to see the return of the king.
Katara likewise admired the brave member of the Dunedain and hoped that he would be able to fulfill his destiny. She was also intrigued by what Legolas had told them about the Elf to whom Aragorn had given his heart. When Gandalf further explained how much Arwen would sacrifice to be with Aragorn, Katara was moved and though she had not even met the daughter of Elrond, the waterbender hoped that everything would work out for them in the end.
This part of Aragorn's story was told to the two benders in some privacy as Aragorn himself did not often wish to talk about that grave state of affairs. It was understood that the matter would remain somewhat of a secret and that all discretion was to be exercised when referring to it. So much was still uncertain between Elrond's daughter and the heir of Gondor. The love between a man (even one with the longevity of the Dunedain) and an Elf was always a complicated matter, to say the least.
Katara regretted these conditions since she felt that the Lady Eowyn would have been interested to know more of Aragorn's history. However, the waterbender was in no position to divulge any details and so remained silent. Katara only hoped that Eowyn would be able to find happiness with someone else.
The waterbender also noticed how interested Zuko had been in Aragorn's story and how much the firebender seemed to relate. She became even more curious about the firebender of whom she knew so little. Since their arrival in Middle-Earth, she had seen a much different Zuko than the one she had previously encountered when he was still chasing the Avatar. He had proven to be a reliable ally and even a good friend to her although she was still uncertain about where they stood.
After the battle of Helm's Deep, they did not often speak to each other as much, although they were always civil. He was not snobby or contemptuous but seemed more shy than anything else. And she was unsure of what to say to him so she did not converse much. She had begun to wonder who the real Zuko was and if he would reveal himself in that alien world and under such unique circumstances.
Fortunately, she did not have to wonder for too long. For when all the stories of the members of the Fellowship had been shared with the two guests, it was their turn to talk about themselves. Of course, Aragorn and Gandalf did not press the benders to talk for they were much too refined for that.
Merry and Pippin were another matter, and the hobbits practically badgered the other two for information about their lives and their homes. Even King Theoden and his nephew and niece were curious about their guests and whenever the royal family could be spared from their duties, they would eagerly listen to the accounts of the two benders.
Naturally, Katara had been the more willing narrator, and she happily obliged by talking about her life at the South Pole before meeting the Avatar, and all the subsequent adventures. She even mentioned how Zuko used to be their enemy and how he relentlessly pursued Aang for some time but she left it to him to further discuss. To her surprise, he made no objection to her talking about the past and merely nodded. She felt almost embarrassed to be referring to a situation that was so drastically different. After a while she spoke less of her association with Zuko, since it was so different already and focused on some general themes, to be on the safe side.
She explained as briefly and as simply as she could the state of war the Four Nations was currently in. Katara also had to describe the four countries that comprised her world, although she left the Fire Nation for Zuko to elaborate on. He seemed content to let her speak first and he never interrupted so she took it that he approved of all she was saying. After talking about the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, and the Air Nomads, Katara shifted to more personal stories, like her family situation and her mother's death at a Fire Nation raid years ago.
It was a painful experience to talk about and the waterbender did not really go into all the details of that event. But she was comfortable enough among her new friends and felt that they could be trusted with all she had to share. And it helped her as well, to talk about that painful time, because she was somehow being relieved of a very heavy burden. She never realized before that talking about the pain among people who were kind and sympathetic was a great comfort.
When she was speaking of this particular event, with everyone around looking sympathetic and concerned, Katara noticed that Zuko also seemed considerably affected by it. He was looking at her apologetically, almost as if he felt that it was his fault that such a tragedy had had to befall her. She bore him no ill will, of course, and was surprised by his seeming guilt at the situation.
But what made Katara wonder was another strange expression on Zuko's face, one that she had not expected at all. He looked like he truly understood the pain she had gone through, and that he could actually relate to losing his mother. But for all that his face revealed, the firebender remained silent, which only caused Katara to be even more interested in the story that he might have to tell.
So interested in fact that she hastily wrapped up her own account, seeing as she had covered more than the essentials anyway. The waterbender had been speaking for quite some time and had only just realized what an unusual story it all seemed for her audience. After all, she was a foreigner to them and aside from the common experience of war, all other facets of her life seemed unique and intriguing to the people of Middle-Earth, just as their world was such as source of fascination for her.
Again while no pressure was being imposed upon him, Zuko felt that it would only be fair for him to start talking about his own life. He was not used to such open sharing and was slightly nervous before he began. The formerly sullen prince did not often talk about his past as much of it did not give him much pleasure anyway.
But all the people around were supportive and kind and he felt at ease with them. Besides, however friendly and welcoming they were to him, they were still foreigners, people from another world, and they would not have the same standards by which he could be thoroughly condemned. He realized then that he was most apprehensive of Katara's reactions to all he would reveal, and he hoped that she would somehow hate him less and understand how much he had to endure. For some reason he could not fathom, Zuko really wanted her to think better of him.
He was unable to see that her opinion of him had gradually improved ever since they arrived in Middle-Earth and when they were fighting side by side at Helm's Deep. A talented firebender though Zuko may have been, he wasn't too keen when it came to more emotional concerns.
"Since Katara didn't talk much about this so-called Fire Nation of yours," Pippin asked cheerfully, "we would really like to know your take on it, since you are, after all a native."
"Haven't you been listening, Pip?" Merry scolded his countryman, "he's the prince of the Fire Nation! He would know more about it than anyone!"
"That's not exactly true," Zuko told them in a serious but slightly amused tone, "even if I am a member of the Royal Family, there is still so much I don't understand about my country, so many secrets that my family has kept from me."
He paused, pondering on the matter further while the two hobbits were reprimanded by Gandalf for their cheek. They said something to defend themselves but the wizard would hear none of it. Katara smiled at them but looked at Zuko in concern.
"In fact," the firebender added all of a sudden, "Master Gandalf might even know more than I do."
All eyes were turned to the wizard now, although the people there were not surprised to hear of the extension of his wisdom. There was no limit to what Gandalf knew about one world or another.
"That may be true," Gandalf conceded, "although my knowledge of your family's history may not be as recent as your own. I know of your great grandfather and a little of your grandfather but not that of younger generations. It has been quite a while since I last visited your world."
Zuko took this as a sign to begin his story so he did, giving a brief description of the Fire Nation. He talked about the land, the people, and certain customs and traditions. Inevitably, he talked about the beginning of the war, and the dominion of Fire Lord Sozin and his subsequent heirs.
Aragorn and Theoden were not that surprised by the dark history of Zuko's line. More than anyone, these two knew the great peril that lay in the life of kings and all the intrigues and conflicts that occurred in a royal family. After all, Zuko's history could not be as convoluted as Aragorn's but the heir of Elendil was not one to judge.
The firebender also discussed the rivalry and animosity that existed between him and his younger sister. The others were surprised to hear of such heated competition between the siblings. Katara, already acquainted with Azula, could easily see the latter as a ruthless and cruel leader.
"What a strange family to have so many troubles," Pippin could not help but comment, "I mean the Tooks and the Bagginses and the other families in the Shire have their fair share of quarrels, some that even last for generations, but nothing of this sort."
"Well, he isn't from the Shire, is he?" Merry remarked sarcastically.
"Such I have seen of the race of men," Legolas commented, "they are easily angered, and harbor great ill will even against their own kin, when they are blinded by power and ambition."
"Sadly I have to admit that that is true of our kind," Aragorn conceded, "but know that such flaws are not only limited to kings."
All this was taken into account and the firebender continued his story, relieved that his audience remained interested.
After the general description of his country and family, Zuko skipped a part in his childhood, not knowing how he would be able to discuss such a painful episode in his past. He decided to jump straight to that fateful Agni Kai where his father banished him. He finally addressed the question of his scar, one that all of them had been eager to hear about. He then explained the conditions of his banishment and spoke of the years he had wandered in vain, seeking only to restore his honor.
This time, the shock that registered on all their faces was great indeed and they all felt outraged at such cruel treatment of a son by his own father. Even the hobbits refrained from saying anything, for fear of being dreadfully inappropriate. Aragorn and Gandalf stared at the young prince gravely and admired his strength. Already the respect they all had for him had grown after this account, and Zuko felt suddenly embarrassed by all the attention.
But there was no one more shocked about this revelation than Katara. After hearing how Ozai had scarred his son, she better understood why Zuko had acted the way he did back then. So many things were growing clear to her now, and though she could not forget his actions, all he had done was now in a proper perspective. She felt mingled pity and admiration for him, and also a slight guilt at all the negative thoughts she had once harbored against him.
Zuko continued the story as best as he could until he finally reached the point where he and his Uncle Iroh were living peacefully in disguise in Ba Sing Se.
"Forgive me, then, for having disrupted your serenity," Gandalf offered, even if it was a bit too late for that.
"It's all right," Zuko had answered with a small smile, "I do not regret my choosing to come here, and I have already learned so much in such a short time. It is my honor to be able to help you fight against this great evil that threatens your world."
After this, everyone considered Zuko's story complete and no one asked of him to tell any more. Suffice to say that all the people of Middle-earth who had known of his struggles thought even more highly of their new ally and were very welcoming to him.
Zuko had never been so warmly accepted and admired, and he found it especially astonishing that such treatment, such kinship and support which he had always longed to have from his own family (Iroh excluded) was now being given to him by people so wholly unconnected to him.
Even Katara now was being such a kind and supportive friend to him, in spite of all he had tried to do to her and her friends in the past. Zuko was not accustomed to such forgiveness and felt somehow that he did not deserve it.
He was so moved by their kindness, in fact, that he decided to tell them all of the most painful even of his childhood – his mother's disappearance. Gandalf and the others had been surprised at the firebender's sudden openness on the subject but they knew well enough that Zuko did not speak of such a matter lightly. So they all paid careful attention, Katara especially.
None of them could have anticipated what they would hear. And just when they had believed that there was nothing more in Zuko's life that would shock them, the firebender told them of how Azulon had demanded his death so that Ozai would feel the same pain as Iroh. He spoke of his mother's strange disappearance after his grandfather's death and of how his life had been mysteriously spared. No one said a word after Zuko concluded the tale.
Again, while Gandalf was well acquainted with dark and bloody royal history and while Theoden and Aragorn had seen their fair share of conflict and struggle, they had not encountered anything like this. This made them all the more sympathize with and admire the young man who stood before them, a victim of his family's greed and ambition. They were surprised and relieved, however, to see that Zuko had somehow remained untainted by his family's less than noble inclinations.
Katara likewise admired how much Zuko seemed to be free of the corruption of his vicious ancestors. So much of her initial impressions of him were now completely overturned and she could not believe how much he had had to suffer.
But Zuko assured them that he was no longer weighed down by the sorrows of the past, and he was now ready to face whatever the future held for him. Gandalf and the others expressed their approval at such a perspective and gave him many words of encouragement.
Soon enough the melancholy mood was lifted (by the two hobbits, of course) and before all the heavy preparations for the war, a feast was held at Edoras to celebrate victory at Helm's Deep and to honor all the dead who had stood bravely to defend it. Mugs were raised and cheers were given as the feast began.
There was much food and great merriment among the people, in spite of the circumstances, and even Gandalf had the chance to get some well-deserved rest. Theoden had a chance to observe how happy and safe his kingdom was for the time being, and he hoped that it would remain so for so much longer. To the amusement of many, a drinking game had been set up between Gimli and Legolas. After several gallons of alcohol had been consumed, the Elf easily bested his companion. Gimli had toppled over in a tipsy mess while Legolas felt but a tingle in his fingers.
Zuko and Katara, of course, had been invited to the festivities, and they had shyly and awkwardly accepted. Somehow, they managed to enjoy themselves in the feast, eating and laughing along with the rest. It was a celebration like no other they had attended in their world.
Katara noticed that Zuko was, for the first time in years, allowing himself to relax, and she was glad to see this. It was a welcome change and it made her more determined to show her genuine friendship towards him. But the halls of Edoras were so crowded with people celebrating that the waterbender was not able to have even a moment alone with the young prince. For everywhere they went, they were greeted by well-wishers and asked to tell stories of their land or to give small demonstrations of their bending. And of course, they always obliged, happy to be of service to their new friends.
They were all especially amused by the lively antics of Merry and Pippin who danced and drank with gusto and sang loudly about the merits of drink from the Green Dragon and of all the wonderful characteristics of their home town.
The hobbits brought lighthearted-ness and high spirits to the whole party and their gaiety was a great respite after all that they had suffered. The feast was also done to banish the gloom and sadness that came from the heavy exchange of stories that had occurred between the travelers and allies of Rohan.
As he observed the two benders carefully, Gandalf could already sense a growing bond between them, one that was strengthened by all the honest accounts they had been giving of themselves. He was happy for them and somehow better understood why they had been chosen for him to bring along.
But the wizard saw something else as well, and realized that Zuko and Katara had separate significant roles to be played in the coming days. Their destinies would lead them down different paths for a time, before these crossed again when all was to be decided.
Though he would not always be around, Gandalf resolved that he would do his utmost to guide the two benders in all the endeavors they would have to accomplish in the near future.
Now that he had seen their strength and courage, the wizard was confident that those two would fare well in the coming days. Katara was brave and had a strong heart. The path laid out for her was one that she could handle on her own. Zuko was not less capable but was still slightly unsure of himself and would need further guidance which Gandalf was more than willing to give.
They would need all their fortitude indeed to be able to endure what was coming, and most of all, to bear the separation that was imminent. How they emerged from this next trial would determine how they would be able to fulfill their destinies once it was time for them to go back to their own world, where the Avatar and all his friends would be waiting.
After hearing Zuko's life story and knowing a crucial fact about the latter's heritage, Gandalf sensed that like Aragorn, the young prince would also have to traverse a long and difficult road before he returned as the king he was born to be.
