AN: So I just got home from work, yes… I have a summer job and so updating is not gonna be as regular as it was before when I had 12 hours to think of a good plot twist in the chapter. Also I am again apologising about that minor rape scene. Just so we are clear nothing made contact. Maya has not been deflowered. The soldier got a little 'frisky' and 'touchy-feely' but that is all. Don't worry I won't let that dude get away with it. Also remember when I typed Amaya in chapter 2 I think… Totally done on purpose but that will be cleared up eventually … Happy reading! Also the rest of the story will be told from Maya's POV unless I point out otherwise … Happy Reading, again.
Black… Black, It's dark why is it so dark? Everything is swirling… What is going on?
"Prince Zuko, she is waking up!"
"Good, have her bound!"
Whose voices are those? What's going on?
"Zuko, you are going to bind her in this condition?"
"Yeah, Why not?"
"Because Prince Zuko… She was last bound when she was in that situation! She may have a panic attack if when she wakes she is bound and looking into the faces of two men."
"What should I do then, Uncle?"
"Leave, I'll have everything under control."
Who is she? What situation. Come on Maya open your eyes… come on think of scary thoughts. Sister Lio on her period. Oh spirits that's crazy, oh geez oh geez…
"Oh spirits!" I exclaim
I am awake! I am on a bed! I am… looking into the face of a Fire Nation citizen. I am now freaking.
"Oh shiit…ake mushrooms!" I say
"Little Girl, little girl!" says the aging man.
"What is it you flame breathing, dragon! You gonna tell me how you are gonna kill me! Like the rest of my people?" I snarl.
When Sokka told me about the genocide, he gave me his machete and a lot of old fragile junk. Needless to say, it is now old fragile sand. I am still bitter about the whole situation. However depression and sulkiness are really not me. I like to expel my turmoil physically.
"Look little girl…" started the man.
"It's Maya." I bite out moodily.
"Look Maya, I really am sorry about what happened to your people, I really am, and there is nothing to be said, or that can be said that can justify my country's actions to your people."
"So you're not gonna kill me?" I ask surprised.
"No, my brother, Ozai, might though. He is the big man in charge." said the old man stroking his beard.
"Assuming that your brother is the Firelord. I suppose you would have had your fair share of political science classes. That wouldn't be smart, Aang would just die soon after I do, then it will be another wild goose chase. I'm no professor of political science but I am sure that Ozai wouldn't want an Avatar to be born into the Water Tribes, there are no benders left from the South and a Northern Water Tribe Avatar will not be ideal. Especially because of the architectural build of the tribe. Knowing the tribes men they won't just hand over Avatar and Deva babies unless there is no other option." I say.
"Also you never introduced yourself." I say.
"My name is Iroh. Were you trying to protect your friend or do you actually not know that she is a waterbender?"
This could be a trap, he may not know if Katara is a waterbender or not and is trying to get it out of me, or he does know and is trying to make me look stupid. Well two could play at that game. I'll just give him a vague answer.
"Oh, I am pretty sure you know the answer to that one, Iroh" I say, smiling triumphantly.
"For such a young girl you really are clever. I guess being the Deva must really be fun." Iroh said.
I know I probably should not talk to this guy but his gravelly voice is getting to me.
"Not really, I mean it is an honour, but, all of that thrust upon a 12 year old girl, or at least 12 at the time is a bit overwhelming. I never wanted to be the Deva, just like how Aang didn't want to be the Avatar. At least it was what brought us together." I say.
"Oh so you mean as a couple?" said Iroh, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh spirits no, it will be a dry day in the Sea of Lost Spirits before that happens." I say laughing at the idea.
"I meant we train together, or at least trained together at the temple." I say solemnly.
"Iroh." I say after a minute of silence. "Could you tell your younger, much younger friend that he can come in and that it is impolite to eavesdrop." I say before quickly opening the door and letting the young man fall on his face.
"How did you do that!" bellowed the teenager.
"Whoa! Easy there tigerdillo." I said.
"Prince Zuko meet Maya." said Iroh.
"I don't care what her name is, I need her bound and gagged."
Zuko approaches to try to grab me and then I spin away from him. He picks me up and he throws me over his shoulder and I feel a pain on my hip. Then everything comes crashing back. I let out I high pitched scream and magnified the intensity by several hertz.
"Put me down!" I scream.
I am soon on a collision course with the ground. Which I hit with a thud but I barely feel it.
"Iroh?" I ask voice quavering.
"Yes, Maya?" he responds.
"Was I raped on this ship?" I ask voice quavering, dreading the answer.
"Almost." said Iroh sighing.
You know that moment when it all comes tumbling down and you feel like you are going to explode with emotions, that is exactly what happened. I asked for some space, some food, a hammer and useless junk, I had some smashing to do. Sometime later everything I got was destroyed beyond recognition, much less repair.
"Zuko!" I shout.
"What, I got you everything you needed!" he said when he showed up.
"I was just saying you can tie me up now." I say holding out my wrists to him.
"Uncle told me not to, also I am going to show you to your room where a guard will be stationed outside of your door to make sure you do not try to escape."
"Here is the deal, do not try to escape, you will not be bound, is that fair?" a faux friendly look on his face.
"I sense that this is as fair as it will be coming from you." I retort snidely.
He huffs but leads me to my chambers in silence. We soon reach the door.
"This door can be closed from the inside but that must only be done at nights when you are sleeping. During the day it must remain open. Uncle is just across the hall if you need anything ask the guard to get Iroh himself, you do not leave this room, got it?" he barked.
"Sir yes sir!" I say doing a mock soldier salute.
"Good." He said, then promptly walked away.
Now that Prince Flamethrower is gone I finally look at my room. It has an empty chest, a mirror, a comb, a brush, a small cot, candle and candle holder. Oh and a window in the ceiling. The metal walls were cold to the touch which was fine. I was used to the cold winds of the Air Temple anyway. I am honestly still in the denial phase of what happened to me yesterday. However I am going to make a promise to myself, I will not make what happened to me affect how I live my life. Yeah, I think I just left the denial phase. I open the door and ask the guard if I could go and take a shower. He says okay and asks if it is okay if He continues to guard me until I reach the door but I wave him off.
"If you could have some clothes ready for me in my room that would be great though." I say padding to the bathroom.
There are several showers but some of them have gunk and hair in them and it is really disgusting, the again I am in a soldiers bathroom. Finally I find a half decent shower to use. I turn on the hot water and stand under the scalding water, taking refuge in the fact that I could feel something that was not disgust or anger or filthiness. It was hurting me but it was a feeling and that was what mattered most. I soon take off the water and then start to wash myself with the soapy rag brushing everywhere, making everywhere cleaner. I washed and dried off my body and stepped out of the shower then I walk to my room. On the cot there is a faded redshirt that looks several sizes too big for me. And a pair of black leggings. On the bright side the shirt is long enough to cover my bum. I open the door and it looks like the guard is asleep. I walk across the hall to Iroh's room. When I knock on the door I hear Iroh's gravelly voice say "Come In."
I walk inside and allow a small gasp to escape me. His room is practically pouring with the scents of herbs like ginseng, jasmine, ginger etc. It is a wonder how I am not repulsed by the number of aromas. It is as if all the scents complement each other. Zuko and Iroh look up from the map.
"What are you doing here!" yelled Zuko.
"Why, good afternoon Zuko, I am doing better, thank you. How are you?" I say sarcastically.
"Manners, both of you." Prodded Iroh gently. "Welcome to my humble abode Maya, what can I do to help?" he asked.
"Oh nothing." I reply, "I was just hoping for some company. What are you doing?" I ask walking towards the table which held the map.
"None of your business." said the brooding teenager holding the map away from me.
I gently make an air current, swiping the map away from Zuko's hand and into mine. It has two markings on it, one in the Southern Earth Kingdom and one South South East of the Southern Air Temple territory.
"Those are places where the Avatar was sighted. We are trying to figure what these two places have in common but we can't get it." said Iroh.
"How long have you been trying to reason this one?" I ask curious.
"Four hours." said Iroh depressingly.
Of course they can't they are thinking of this all wrong. They are trying to see why an Avatar would go to these places. They should however think of why a 12 year old child would be going to these places. They need to put themselves into the mindset of the real person not a title. I can make them believe that this is the right way to think though. I'm gonna have fun with this.
"Well guess what you just wasted 4 hours of your life, what took you 4 hours took me about 3 minutes."
"The sources that you are getting this info from are Fire Nation, correct?" I ask.
"Yes." said Zuko.
"Then more likely the Avatar would have been trying to make attempts to save the villages that the Fire Nation took over." I say sounding as logically correct as possible.
"Wow, you really are good at thinking logically." said Iroh impressed.
"Why are you helping us?" said Zuko suspiciously.
"Because the sooner you guys find Aang the sooner I may get rescued." I say.
"Well good luck with that, you aren't going anywhere!" said Zuko.
I pretended to look down scared when he got up and flinched when he walked past. When he shut the door I star to giggle and then laugh.
Iroh then turns to look at me, "You just told us complete and utter nonsense didn't you."
"No I did not, I was just wondering if Zuko knew I could've left a long time ago but chose not to." I said.
That wasn't a lie, I knew exactly where my staff is and I have enough energy to fly for 4 hours right now. "We are coming into a port now." said Iroh, "While we are here you must play the part of the prisoner."
"Why?" I ask.
"This is Captain Zhao's dock, Zhao's men help to repair boats and your friend Aang did a number on this ship." said Iroh with a deep belly laugh.
"So what are you gonna tell the men when they come to mend the ship, Iroh?" I ask.
"I'll figure that out when I get to it." said Iroh.
Soon I was put in chains and placed in a room similar to the one I was first placed in. A gag placed over my head, my hair out of its usual bun and flowing down my back towards my bum and messed up and dirty along with my face, scratched up and bleeding. I was the one who did this to myself, my only instructions were "Make it look like you were in a struggle." I think I did well. I even tore the bottom part of my dress/shirt."
It took a while for anything to happen, I was dozing off when I saw soldiers lift me up by the armipts and take me away and off board, thrashing and screaming. I was then taken into a tent with Iroh, Zuko another man and even more soldiers and based on the vibes they were giving off, everyone in this room was a firebender, except me. Oh Shiitake Mushrooms!
The guard that was on my left said, "Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape. They however also said that this juvenile is the Deva."
"Really, hello little Miss Deva, tell me did the spirits Tui and La contact you yet?" he asked with a sinister grin."
"What are you talking about?" I ask, sincerely confused.
"She is still at level one, The Water Tribe spirits have not contacted her as yet. She only knows air. Now, remind me, how exactly was your ship damaged?" said Zhao, walking up to Zuko from behind him.
Zuko hung his head.
"So, a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders? You're more pathetic than I thought." spat Zhao unmercilessly.
"I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again." said Zuko determined.
"No, it will not, because you won't have a second chance." said Zhao as if he sparked an idea.
"Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar and Deva for two years and I..." began Zuko.
Zhao turns on him angrily, flames erupting from his hand as he sweeps it in an arc from left to right.
"And you failed!" boomed Zhao.
'Hate to break it to you Zhao but he didn't fail he got me.' I thought.
"Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now." said Zhao with his sickening grin and beady yellow eyes. "And the Deva, I'll decide later."
With that he got up and walked away.
Zuko launches himself at Zhao in frustration and anger, but he is restrained by the two guards standing behind his chair. Zuko in a further act of frustration kicks over a small table that had been sitting near Iroh. It breaks into pieces. Iroh watches the scene calmly.
"More tea please." said Iroh prompting the two guards to leave to get the tea done.
"Zuko, I know you hate me for some reason but you have to listen to me. I cannot be on a ship with him while he tracks the Avatar, He is so stupid that he may kill me not knowing what that will do to Aang. Also he may try… stuff. You can't let that happen, Please!" I beg falling onto my knees tears threatening to blur my vision.
His eyes soften for a moment but then that tiny moment of weakness and caring was gone without a trace.
"Fine, I'll think of something." he said stiffly.
Zhao then came back. "Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go." He said.
"Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?" asked Zuko.
"You? Stop me? Impossible." said Zhao laughing.
"Don't underestimate me Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!" said Zuko after getting up and sending his seat back a few feet.
"Prince Zuko, that's enough!" said Iroh sternly.
"You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of war ships under my command and you? You're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you." said Zhao unmercilessly.
"You're wrong! Once I deliver the Avatar and Deva to my father he will welcome me home with honor, and restore my rightful place on the throne!" said Zuko angrily, yet hopefully, as if he believes what he is saying.
"If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar, Deva or no Deva. But in his eyes you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation." spat Zhao.
"That's not true." Fires back Zuko but he says it more to himself as if he is trying to convince himself that what Zhao is saying is Cow hippo poop.
"You have the scar to prove it." says Zhao
This is final straw though I am surprised Zuko didn't break yet. Zuko's gold eyes flash dangerously. With a cry of frustration, Zuko jolts up out of his chair and into Zhao's face.
"Maybe you'd like one to match!" he roars
"Is that a challenge?" asks Zhao mockingly
"An Agni Kai, at sunset." said Zuko serious as F.
"Very well, it's a shame your father won't be here to humiliate you… I guess your uncle will have to do." said Zhao before walking away.
"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened last time you duelled a master?" said Iroh worried.
"I will never forget." said Zuko darkly.
The whole set up was quite easy and by sunset the harbour was transformed into an Agni Kai arena.
Zhao is squatting down; He is bare-chested and barefoot and wears a cape over his shoulders. Zuko is squatting the same way and is in the same attire.
"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." said Iroh as a bit of last minute advice.
"I refuse to let him win." said Zuko determined.
"Didn't exactly ask, but good to know you are thinking the right things." I say.
I know it is unhelpful, but I just had to.
"This will be over quickly." said Zhao confidently.
A Fire Nation soldier standing on higher grounds. He sees that the duo has readied themselves for battle, so he rings a large gong. Zuko and Zhao are both standing in the middle of the arena, both taking on a firebending stance. Zuko has his hands stretched out in front of him, glaring at Zhao. Zhao stands the same as Zuko. Zuko starts to lower his arms, leaving a trail of fire behind. He directs a strong fire blast at Zhao. Zhao moves to the left, out of the way of the blast before moving back to the right to avoid another blast. The prince shoots two more strong blasts at Zhao who crosses his arms in front of him and takes the blasts head on. He moves one arm up and the other down, dissipating the flames. He smirks at Zuko who is panting heavily with his arm still stretched out from his last attack. He angrily grinds his teeth and performs a roundhouse kick, spraying flames towards Zhao who creates his own flames to push away Zuko's blazing attack. He performs his trick again. Zuko squints his eyes and directs another powerful flame kick in Zhao's direction. Zhao, who is at this point smirking, holds his own fire ready. He launches forward. He holds a strong stance as he swings his arms over the ground, severing Zuko's next attack. Zhao seems unfazed by Zuko's attacks but Zuko is panting heavily with fatigue. Out of the corner of my eye I see Iroh, who is holding his fist up while rooting for his nephew.
"Basics Zuko he barks, break his root!" says Iroh on the edge of his seat.
Zhao ferociously attacks Zuko with a strong fire blast. Zuko is thrown back a bit by the force of the attack while he diverts the flames to both of his sides. Zhao takes a step forward. He directs another powerful blast at the prince, using his both arms this time. Zuko is thrown back again but still diverts the fire away from him. Zhao takes another step forward and fires again with the same result on Zuko's side. Zhao firmly plants his foot down; he holds his both wrists together and fires another strong blast. Zuko is thrown back upon impact and slides back several meters over the ground. He lifts his head while grunting in pain. His expression turns to one of shock as he looks up and sees that Zhao has jumped up and soaring through the skies toward him. With a loud scream, he lands at Zuko's feet, erects himself and thrusts his fist forward to deliver the final blow.
Zuko's eyes, open wide in fright as the fire approaches him. I can imagine the fire glittering in his gold depths. At the last possible second, Zuko rolls out of the way and swirling his feet around. Zuko, while getting up in this swirl, swipes Zhao's legs from underneath him. Zuko firmly plants his feet on the ground as he smiles confidently. Zuko steps forward, sliding fire at Zhao's feet, who steps back. Zhao is caught off balance and wobbles backward. Zuko keeps repeating his move, directing his attacks at Zhao's feet in an attempt to throw him off balance. Zhao falls back in distress. Zuko directs a powerful kick at his adversary. Zhao barely pushes it out of the way while staggering back ever further. Zuko kicks again and this time he succeeds in knocking the commander over. Zhao falls down and rolls over the ground, where he ends up on his back. Zuko runs up at him and threatens him with an outstretched arm, ready to deliver the final blow. Zhao brings his head up and looks at Zuko.
"Do it!" says Zhao challengingly.
He sure did do it, sort of. He probably just didn't realise that he was supposed to aim for his face and not the ground next to it. Oh well, details and technicalities.
"That's it, your father raised a coward." said Zhao almost mockingly.
"Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back." says Zuko threateningly.
Zuko turns his back to Zhao and starts to walk away. I soon see Zhao erecting himself.
"Iroh." I whisper, he nods.
Fast like the wind itself we move. Iroh holding Zhao's foot. And then as he is to push him down I airbend to make impact with the floor more painful for him. Zuko wants to charge Zhao in anger, but Iroh stops him.
"No Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory. So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you." Zuko looks at Iroh upon hearing those last words.
"Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."
We begin to walk away.
"Good job out there tough guy, real impressive for a 16 year old who needs anger management." I say, "And thanks for not letting that creep take me away." I add as an afterthought.
Zuko just grunts but looks pleased anyhow, judging by the slight smirk that was taking over his face. We reach on the fixed ship and book it out of the harbour as quickly as possible. Then I begin to meditate up in my room.
I focus on Aang's spiritual energy and I feel, rage, immense rage, the rage of hundreds of thousands of people, shouting and yelling. I hear Aang's and it is the loudest of all. I try my best to send soothing energy into his auric space, but I am not very good at this yet, I need help. I need to know what is going on. I somehow open my eyes and see, home, the air temple. I look at my hands and see that I am in fact incorporeal at moment and my skin is blue and transparent. This is my spirit form. I especially like my spirit form because this is the most honest and pure version of me, who I am on the inside. I am dressed as an airbender as usual. However under the right conditions I will look completely different, I suppose.
I see Aang in a huge air bubble, eyes and tattoos glowing like a second sun. Sokka cowering behind rubble and Katara approaching the bubble determined. She begins to speak to Aang and I use the opportunity to slide into the bubble and give Aang a massive hug, Katara nor Sokka nor Aang are seeing me but Aang is more likely feeling my presence as he is beginning to calm down. Katara's words are getting through to him so I decide to leave now. The longer I stay the weaker I get.
I come to in the den on the boat and I am feeling refreshed emotionally and spiritually. I feel kind of accomplished. I adapted to change and helped my best friend, emotionally, get through a tough time. I guess this is what being the Deva is all about, helping people with their problems one person at a time.
AN: Hey guys, thanks again so much for reading, I have no idea why this took so long, *crosses fingers behind back* but, I assure you, it is for a good reason *insert excuse here*. I am so tired. It is currently 10: 36 in the evening, I have been typing for a while, I gotta head to bed soon though, I have work tomorrow and Friday and Saturday. Wait, ya'll don't care about that. Anyway, until next time.