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: The battles are by no means over. So much still has to be done now and I'm writing as fast as I can, using up all my spare time.
And now there's more impetus for me to finish this by July 1st (they changed the release date of the movie, right?) I will be participating in this year's Zutara Week (July 26-August 1) so if I want to get my entries up tonight, I need to start working on them as soon as I finish this story. So if you're interested in Zutara, you can expect seven new one-shots from me on that week. (It's too bad that one of the prompts was for Alternate Universe and I couldn't enter this story for that. So I'll be thinking of another one by that time.)
Don't worry though. This story will definitely end on time, I shall make certain of it. I'm losing sleep but it's worth it.
Less action in this one but a lot goes on. I apologize for the cheesiness and fluff. Necessary evils, I'm afraid.
Hope you enjoy.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The healer moved among the wounded lying on the ground, using her powers to rebuild instead of destroy. All the euphoria of battle was gone now, replaced by exhaustion.
The surviving soldiers walked about as if in a trance, searching for friends, mourning at the sight of fallen comrades, and trying to make sense of what had just transpired. There was great relief among the leaders of the alliance, but no real sense of victory for the cost of this had been great indeed.
Katara felt responsible for making sure all those who needed her care would receive it. After all, she was both warrior and healer, the former only because of necessity. She knew about both inflicting and soothing pain.
When she had argued with Master Pakku about allowing women to learn combative waterbending, she had done so to try and drive home a point about equality and fairness.
But now she was realizing that the role of the healer was so much more important in times of suffering and hardship. Not only did she bring physical comfort to those who had been hurt, she was bringing moral support and hope to otherwise forlorn souls.
Such service, however, came at a price, and Katara had not yet realized that all her hard work was taking its toll on her. In her fervor to help others, she had forgotten that she too had been an active participant in the battle. There was no moonlight yet to give her more strength, and the air was still thick with the stench of blood and rotting corpses. But she was determined to help.
And as she walked around the field, the waterbender kept her eyes open for a certain firebender whom she was eager to speak to. She was fairly certain that Zuko was alive somewhere (or at least she hoped so) and everywhere she went, she searched for him. Somehow she could feel that he was searching for her too.
After healing many soldiers of Rohan, Katara spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Recognizing Eowyn, the waterbender ran towards the shieldmaiden of Rohan.
Eowyn was weeping as she leaned over the body of her beloved uncle. Katara froze in her tracks when she saw who lay dead in Eowyn's arms. The waterbender felt a pang in her heart and soon tears began to flow down her cheeks as well. But Katara was still in denial.
She knelt down beside her friend, with her hands covered in glowing water.
"I can help," she offered, although her heart already knew the truth.
Eowyn looked at her with a grateful, tear-streaked face and shook her head sadly. Katara nodded gravely and went to Eowyn's side, comforting the grieving niece as best as she could.
She had not known the old king for long but she had seen how noble and brave he had been. He was a great leader, always putting his people first, and leading his men into battle courageously. He had been very hospitable and had treated her like a guest in his halls.
And though his fate was expected, Katara could not help being sad. There was no joy in such a victory, she knew that now. But she was glad that at least all those who perished did so with the honor and glory they had always aspired to have.
The city had been protected, Gondor had been saved. Katara was thankful that all those who had died did not do so in vain.
"Ever was he a good father to me and my brother," Eowyn whispered as she held the old king in her frail arms, "with his last breath, he whispered my name."
Again the shieldmaiden began to sob, but she was soon recovering from her sorrow.
"He looks so peaceful," the lady of Rohan muttered, "he has finally found the tranquility he had long been deprived of."
"He must have been happy," Katara told Eowyn, "that the last thing he saw was the face of someone he loved."
Eowyn nodded and said nothing. Katara supported her and the exhausted shieldmaiden took a deep breath. It was then that Eowyn realized how much she had been hurt. The lady warrior winced and realizing where the pain was strongest, she looked at her left arm.
"You're hurt!" Katara cried in concern and immediately began to tend to Eowyn's injury. The waterbender laid a glowing hand over the other's left arm.
"I slew the king of the Nazgûl," the lady explained feebly, "but he managed to strike me before that. I fear the shadow has touched me."
"Don't worry," Katara reassured her although the waterbender had never encountered such a deep, dark wound, "I'll take care of this."
"Do not exert yourself, Katara," Eowyn said gently, "this is no ordinary injury, and you might be affected by it too."
"I'm all right," Katara said, though this was not exactly true, as she continued healing her friend.
Eowyn had grown too weak to protest and was slowly losing consciousness. Katara saw that she could not stop the lady from fainting but the waterbender believed she could still somehow ease the latter's pain.
But Eowyn's really was no ordinary wound, and insidiously the poison of the Nazgûl was spreading to the healer as well. The glowing water she had laid on Eowyn's left arm was turning black, and in a few moments, she had no choice but to let go.
Katara felt not only her entire body growing heavy but her heart becoming clouded with sorrow and despair. There was little she could do to fight against the pain, she was too tired. Her head was spinning and she had begun to shiver from a strange chill that was settling over her body.
"What is this?" was all she could mutter as she began to sway from side to side, "why do I feel so heavy, so sad?"
Her vision was blurring, and she clutched at her head. Darkness seemed to be spreading around her, and she could not feel the warmth of the sun. Her eyes grew heavy even as she struggled to remain awake. She could hardly support herself.
"What's happening to me?" she whispered as she lay down slowly beside Eowyn.
And for some reason she could not fully fathom, she found herself whispering someone's name.
"Zuko."
Then, as if he had been summoned, the firebender was by her side, taking the exhausted waterbender in his arms.
Zuko had been wandering around the field for hours, after having gotten rid of his flying mount.
He had initially considered keeping it alive and somehow using it again, since it was such a convenient creature to have. But the beast had grown vicious and ruthless after the battle and extremely difficult to control. It had become clear to Zuko that only the Nazgûl could fully be masters of such beasts and since the flying creature showed no loyalty whatsoever to Zuko, the firebender had to put it down.
Then, seeing that the battle had been won by the arrival of an army of spirit soldiers, Zuko went in search of the waterbender. He was eager to see her again and to speak with her although he was not yet sure of what he would say. All he knew was that he wanted to see her.
And he had never expected to see her thus, frail and shivering, barely able to stand and with a dark look about her face.
"Katara!" Zuko cried as he ran to her.
"You're here," the waterbender said as she smiled feebly at him, relieved and glad that he had found her.
"What happened to you?" he asked in great concern. Zuko was so surprised to see her injured when he had only suffered some bruises and scratches, and when the last time he had seen her in the battlefield, she seemed stronger than ever.
"I'm not really sure," she replied honestly as she held on to him as much as she could, "but I'm glad to see you."
"I'm glad to see you too," Zuko replied, trying to comfort her but feeling useless at her side. He was not glad to see her like this.
"Stay with me," she whispered as her eyes closed and her breathing became labored.
"Of course, of course," Zuko assured her and he was thinking frantically about what more he could do.
Noticing the figure of Eowyn lying nearby, Zuko called out for help and his cries eventually reached Eomer. The warrior of Rohan rushed to them and knelt down beside his sister and gently cradled her in his arms, crying out in anguish and sorrow. Hearing this, Aragorn and Gandalf approached them.
Aragorn knelt beside Eowyn while Gandalf approached the barely conscious waterbender. Katara could still somehow see the white wizard as he gazed at her in concern.
"I tried to heal her," the waterbender whispered faintly, "but something went wrong, there's darkness everywhere."
Gandalf sighed in understanding and shook his head. He knew that even a waterbending master of her talents was no match for the evil of the Nazgûl.
"Gandalf," Zuko asked worriedly, "do you know what happened?"
"She has been touched by the Shadow," the wizard replied gravely, "and this is not a wound that shall be healed so easily. But do not fret, there are healers here who shall know what to do."
"What can I do to help?" Zuko asked the wizard.
"For now, heed her request," Gandalf answered gently, "and stay by her side for as long as you can."
All the wounded were taken to the Houses of Healing where they were duly tended to. These houses were beautiful structures which provided comfort and peace for all those who sought healing in both body and spirit. The healers were extremely busy as they struggled to accommodate all the wounded from both Minas Tirith and Rohan, as well as other allies who were gravely hurt.
Faramir, now the steward of Gondor after his father's tragic death, was recovering in those houses while Pippin was busy taking care of his friend Merry. Eowyn and Katara had been brought in and were being looked after by a very special healer. The king himself had taken it upon himself to attend to the wounds of such dear friends.
Eomer and Zuko watched in awe as Aragorn applied herbs and salves on Eowyn's left arm and both of Katara's hands. The women had been touched by the Nazgûl and their spirits were low, but at the expert hands of the ranger raised by elves, they were gradually gaining strength.
Zuko marveled at the skill with which Aragorn performed his tasks. It was amazing to the firebender that such a noble and valiant warrior was also a gentle and talented healer. This was a side of Aragorn which both Eomer and Zuko had never expected but for which they were most grateful.
Once the two women were breathing more easily and their conditions more stable, Aragorn took his leave of Eomer and Zuko, reassuring them that their loved ones would be all right.
"The medicinal properties of athelas are not to be underestimated," the king told them, "and they are out of any physical danger."
Eomer and Zuko sighed with relief.
"But there are some lingering effects of the Shadow on their souls," the Ranger conceded sadly, "and these will only be obliterated if Mordor falls."
Suddenly, the rationale behind defeating Sauron became more personal for the two brave warriors. They were determined more than ever to destroy all the darkness that came from the east.
Having worried so much over Eowyn and Katara, the two men had not noticed their own injuries and soon after the anxiety wore off, they began to feel aches all over their body. Reluctantly, they allowed themselves to be taken care of.
Zuko, in particular, had a number of small scratches, bruises, and cuts around him, but nothing too serious. He also began to notice that his spirits were lower than usual and he seemed to be weighed down by the same Shadow that had overpowered Katara.
When the firebender brought this up with Gandalf, the wizard nodded in understanding and explained.
"You have forgotten that you too had come into contact with the Nazgûl," the white wizard reminded him, "once when we went out to meet Faramir and all throughout the siege of Minas Tirith you have been exposed to their malice. You had even allowed yourself prolonged contact with one of their flying beasts, no ordinary creatures, as you may have noticed."
"Why then am I not as severely affected as Katara?" Zuko asked in puzzlement.
"Many reasons," Gandalf said, "first, I had used some of my power to shield you from their influence. That was how you were able to tame and ride one of their winged mounts. Also, Katara's exposure was more direct because she was contaminated by the poison in Eowyn's wound. And this wound was inflicted by no less than the leader of the Nazgûl, the Witch-king of Angmar. He has been defeated now, but you can see at what price this victory comes."
Zuko nodded knowingly, turning to look at the resting figure of the waterbender. She was sleeping soundly now, and there was no longer a pained expression on her face.
"And something tells me that you remain strong for another reason," Gandalf added, "and that is to be strong for both yourself and for her."
The firebender's golden eyes widened at this, realizing what the wizard meant, and at last seeing clearly how dear Katara was to him.
"And I have no intention of letting her down," the prince replied with conviction.
Later on, while everyone was still recovering from his or her ailments, the white wizard spoke to both Eomer and Zuko. Knowing the responsibilities they would have to face after the war, he sought to advise them on the proper course of action, and he used Aragorn as an example.
"The hands of the king are the hands of a healer," Gandalf explained to the two young men, "this is a valuable lesson that you both should learn as you shall become the leaders of your nations."
Zuko and Eomer listened attentively to the wizard's counsel. Eomer now had a great responsibility on his shoulders after his uncle's passing. He was the heir to the land of Rohan, and now the caretaker of his people. Theoden had left a noble legacy that needed to be continued.
For his part, Zuko was not sure that he would ever inherit the throne of the Fire Lord, but he still wanted to learn as much as he could about being a good leader. And from what he had seen, Gandalf was a credible adviser on matters such as this.
"People look to their king not only for great victories in battle and shows of progress and prosperity," Gandalf continued, "but also for guidance and strength, comfort and hope when times are most dire. You must gain the love and trust of your people, and never their fear. You must be a beacon of light to them when the hour is darkest. It is not an easy task, but it is necessary in order to become good leaders and true kings."
"I thank you for your wise counsel, Mithrandir," Eomer said, "and I shall make sure to remember all your words."
"I thank you as well," Zuko added, "but I would like to know why you are telling me this? Eomer is the heir to his country's throne, but I am, as you know, a banished prince and the son of a usurper. Do you think I shall ever be worthy of ruling the Fire Nation once the Avatar has defeated my father?"
Gandalf smiled knowingly, having expected such questions from the firebender. The wizard decided that now was the proper time to tell Zuko of his heritage and of the possible destiny that awaited him, should he choose to take that path. There might not be another opportunity to speak of such things before the next great battle.
"I mentioned once that there were certain things about your heritage that I knew about," the wizard began, "I believe now is the time to acquaint you with these things. And once you know them, you may better understand why you have always felt so confused and conflicted in your life."
Zuko listened carefully, eager to finally have the answers he had so restlessly sought. And even Eomer stayed to hear the wizard, since the future king of Rohan was interested in learning about his friend's destiny.
"You must be aware, of course, that your great grandfather started the war," Gandalf began.
"Fire Lord Sozin," Zuko whispered the name with both reverence and anger.
"Do not be too hard on him, Zuko," Gandalf warned him, "for he is not the only reason that the war continued, he is not the only one to blame for all the pain it had caused. So many others were involved."
"But he was so consumed by his greed and ambition," Zuko answered, that he did not think of all the lives he would destroy."
"He fell prey to a common weakness," Gandalf explained, "one that often afflicts men who hold power. So many have succumbed to such temptation, Isildur having been one of them. And when you are at the top, there will always be that temptation."
"Which I shall endeavor to resist as best as I can," Eomer spoke, voicing Zuko's convictions as well.
"Well said," Gandalf continued, "but the truth about your ancestry that you should know is the identity of your other great grandfather."
Zuko frowned at this and realized that no one had really told him who his mother's ancestors were. He wondered now who it could have been.
"Very few people in the Fire Nation are aware of this," Gandalf said, "and in fact, not all members of the Royal family are privy to this knowledge, that your great grandfather on your mother's side is Avatar Roku."
For a few moments, Zuko was unable to speak, his eyes had grown wide and his expression was that of utter shock. Beside the firebender, Eomer looked a little confused since he did not fully grasp the gravity of such a revelation. But Gandalf knew, and he could see in the young firebender's face how much it was affecting him.
"It is true, and now you begin to understand," Gandalf continued, "why you have been so confused all your life, how you've been struggling to reconcile these two opposing forces of fate within you. You are a descendant of both the Avatar and the Fire Lord, and whatever happens when the comet arrives, you will have a role to play in ensuring the future of your world."
Zuko listened to all this in silence, still processing all the new information, and the floodgates of memories and feelings had been opened and he felt himself overwhelmed with a tempest of thoughts and emotions.
"You should also know," the wizard proceeded, since he had the firebender's full attention, "that things have not always been as tumultuous as they are now. I believe the Avatar had offered his friendship to you once, and you should know that a hundred years ago, I witnessed the great friendship, a bond that was almost brotherhood, that existed between your forefathers."
The wizard then proceeded to recount the history of Sozin and Roku, before each knew each other as the Fire Lord and the Avatar. Gandalf was sorry that he had not been around long enough to convince Sozin not to continue the war, the wizard had had other business in Middle-Earth to attend to. But Zuko was already getting a sense of where his destiny lay.
And while the prince was pondering on all this, the wizard tried to give some more explanations to Eomer about the nuances of the situation. The horsemaster was beginning to understand some of the intricacies involved in Zuko's fate and he was eager to show as much support as he could to his new friend.
"All this time," the firebender muttered, "my banishment, chasing the Avatar, participating in the war, I've been so lost."
"But you have managed to find your way on your own," Gandalf reminded him, "and that is an admirable feat."
"I've been so torn between what I thought was my duty to my father and what I believed was right," Zuko continued, "all my life there has been a battle raging within me."
"And now that you know the truth about your past," Gandalf said, "you know what you must do."
Unable to give a coherent response, Zuko merely nodded gravely. All his doubts had long been erased. He had already decided on which side to take long before he had known about his heritage. What Gandalf had told him now only served to strengthen the resolve he had formed even before he had arrived on Middle-Earth.
"This is your test," the wizard told the prince, "every path you have trodden, through wilderness, through war, has led to this road."
Many debates were held in the next few days, discussions on what to do next. Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, and Eomer deliberated on how they would deal with Sauron's eventual retaliation. Among other issues tackled was that of the location of the Ring and the fate of its bearer.
"Frodo has passed beyond my sight," Gandalf said gravely, "and the darkness is deepening."
"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it," Aragorn remarked.
"It's only a matter of time," Gandalf told him sadly, "he has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping."
"Let him stay there, let him rot!" Gimli exclaimed, "why should we care?"
"Because ten thousand orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom," Gandalf explained, immediately silencing the dwarf, "I have sent him to his death."
"No," Aragorn protested, "there is still hope for Frodo, he needs time and safe passage across the plains. And we can give him that."
It was then that Elendil's heir suggested a diversion, a challenge to Sauron to enable Frodo to fulfill his task.
"Let us keep his eye fixed upon us," Aragorn explained, "keep him blind to all else that moves."
Thus was it decided that they would assemble the remaining men from both Gondor and Rohan to mount a final, almost suicidal attack on Mordor. It was extremely risky but it was also the only way to give Frodo his chance.
Zuko would join in the planning every now and then but since he did not fully understand all the implications of what was happening, he trusted Gandalf and others to be able to find a solution. He would make sure to support them in whatever strategy they chose to employ.
So much was weighing on the firebender's mind and he spent as much time as he could by Katara's side. Katara had not awakened for several days, as a result of the medicine but she looked very peaceful and content.
The firebender spoke to her often, on the off chance that she could actually hear him. It was somehow easier for him to be open to her while she was asleep because he was less nervous in her presence. He was also not distracted by the intensity of her gaze or any reactions from her.
He told her what Gandalf had revealed about his heritage, and about how he was determined to make things right, to help the Avatar restore balance to the world. He apologized repeatedly for all his lapses in judgment in the past.
"Thank you so much for everything, Katara," he told her earnestly, "for trusting me in spite of what I am and of what I've done. I know that I sound silly repeating myself like this but you can't know how much your friendship has meant to me these past days, this whole adventure here in Middle-earth."
"I know that Aang will probably be as understanding as you have been," he would say, "I'm going to take him up on his offer of friendship. And I'll try to prove to him and to your brother and your earthbender friend that I am to be trusted, that I will do whatever it takes to help him defeat my father."
"I shall make up for the part I played in the war," he kept saying, "I shall try to cleanse my family's name, to redeem our honor, the honor that is so important to me, the honor that truly matters."
"I've changed, Katara," he said repeatedly, "and much of what I have become now I owe to you, and your faith in me. I cannot thank you enough. You've made me want to become a better person."
There were a great many things which he had told her during her confinement. He poured out all his thoughts and fears in a way that he had never done before with anyone. And though he knew he was only daring enough to say all of that because there was a chance that she couldn't hear him, a part of him still hoped that she could, and that she would remember his words when she eventually awakened.
Gathering more courage, he would take her hands and hold them tightly in his as he spoke. But for all the daring her unconsciousness inspired in him, he could still not bring himself to utter the exact words that expressed how deeply he felt for her. He was still afraid of her reaction, more afraid of this than any horror Mordor might unleash.
On one of Zuko's visits to the Houses of Healing, he bumped into a recuperating Faramir who looked very glad to see him. Zuko had heard from Gandalf about how Denethor had gone mad and tried to burn his son alive. There was no need to revisit such painful events.
The firebender was happy to see that his friend was recovering although still not fit for battle.
"I'm sorry for being so useless at such a crucial time," Faramir said sadly.
"Don't be ridiculous," Zuko told him, "you've done more than enough already. You need to stay here and guard the city. You're the steward now, if I'm not mistaken."
"Indeed I am," Faramir replied cheerfully, "but not for long. For the king has returned to Minas Tirith and I would be glad to restore the city into his care."
"Aragorn is a noble man and will no doubt be a great king," Zuko remarked, "and he is a good judge of character, too. He will surely see your strengths and give you a position worthy of your merits."
"I thank you for having so much faith in me," the steward replied, "your kind words have done a great deal to ease my pains."
They talked as much as they could of many things, and Zuko had even "introduced" Faramir to Katara. Although the firebender did not go into detail on his relationship with the waterbender, Faramir already understood the depth of their connection. He had the clarity of sight of his answers and he could discover much from even the little information Zuko had given him.
The two men also bumped into Pippin during their talks together and the reunion with the hobbit was a cheerful one. The shortest guard of the Citadel expressed his delight at seeing them again and also introduced Faramir to one of his kinsmen, Meriadoc Brandybuck.
Faramir was once more taken aback by the strange but homey manner of the hobbits and he was glad to be able to make another friend. Zuko had, of course, already met Merry before and the hobbit was happy to see him. And as expected in the company of Merry and Pippin, there was endless chatter and liveliness, even in the midst of preparations for a grand battle.
"You are noble folk, indeed," Faramir marveled at the citizens of the Shire, "for two among you take the perilous journey to Mordor to save us all, one is a guard of Minas Tirith, and another an esquire of Rohan."
"Well, we probably are the greatest in our generation," Pippin boasted.
"In your case, Pippin," Merry teased, "you were merely thrown in the right circumstances."
"So were you!" the other hobbit replied with a grin.
They all had a laugh at this and many other antics of the hobbits and the Houses of Healing rang with the sounds of merriment. Many who heard such pleasant echoes were put at ease, as if a sliver of light had shone into their shadowy souls.
Soon, the preparations were complete and the army had been assembled to make their final campaign against the Dark Lord.
Zuko went to the Houses of Healing for the last time to bid Katara farewell. The firebender had already asked Faramir to look after her and the steward had heartily agreed.
"You have my word that she will want for nothing here," Faramir had said and Zuko was certain that this was true.
The firebender entered Katara's chamber once more and there she lay, sleeping as serenely as ever, seemingly oblivious to all the shadows around her. Zuko was glad that she was still asleep. Otherwise, he knew that she would insist on coming with him, on joining the battle when she was in no condition to do so.
"You're so stubborn sometimes," he told her with a smile, "but who am I to say that, right?"
"Tomorrow we march to the Black Gate of Mordor," he told her, "me, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Eomer, and all the men of Gondor and Rohan combined. Aragorn plans to engage the enemy with this diversionary tactic so that he can buy time for Frodo to destroy the Ring. It's all very risky, really. But I trust in Aragorn."
He then knelt down beside her and put something by her side. It was a dagger from the Earth Kingdom. He had sheathed it carefully so that it would not cause any accidents when she finally stirred.
"I didn't get a chance to give you anything the last time," he explained, "and don't worry, your mother's necklace is still in one piece."
He raised his hand to show proof of his words even if she couldn't see it.
"I managed to take this with me when we came here," he continued, "Uncle Iroh gave it to me years ago. And now, I want you to have it, to remind you of my promise."
He took her hand and gently, carefully raised it to his lips, closing his eyes as he did so. Even with his newfound confidence, there was so much he could not put into words so he truly hoped that all that he had been doing was somehow reaching her.
"I'm going to fight," he said with determination, "not just to help our friends, not just to save this world, but to try and purge the darkness that has tainted your pure spirit."
It was awkward to be giving such a speech to a sleeping person and Zuko blushed slightly at his outburst. It was a tremendously difficult moment, for he was torn between fulfilling his duty to fight and staying by her side until she woke.
Even though he had been preparing for the battle days before, he now found it unbearably painful to part from her, to leave on such uncertain terms. But however she may feel for him, he wanted to be clear to her about his own emotions. More than ever, this was the time for the truth.
Zuko squeezed on of Katara's hands and leaning over, gently placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Wait for me, Katara," he whispered, "I shall return."
