CHAPTER RATING: T (Language, Mildly Suggestive Sexual Situations)
Chapter 4: A New Start
The Mighty, Fire Lord Ozai,
The Earth Kingdom has been conquered. After weeks of besieging the stronghold, the great city of Ba Sing Se has fallen to the hands of the Fire Nation. The Great Wall could not stand the power of our great Nation, and its great Lord. The army stormed the city, and after a one-sided battle, we were victorious. Not even the infamous Dai Li could hold their own against us. After all of my failings, this victory over the city brings me honor.
The Earth Kingdom has fallen.
The Avatar is dead.
-General Iroh, The Dragon of the West
"Done! What do you think?" Iroh smiled, pushing the ink-covered parchment towards his nephew.
"I think it's long-winded, and extravagant. My father doesn't like rambling." Zuko replied after running his eyes down the paper.
"Ha!" Iroh laughed. "You say that as if Ozai reads the reports himself." Iroh reached to his right and sipped at a cup of tea. "What else should I say?"
"Make sure you mention Azula and me. He would find it suspicious if we just disappeared." Zuko advised. Iroh nodded while taking another sip. "Oh, and don't forget to attach this to the Messenger Hawk's leg." Zuko removed a burnt piece of cloth from his pocket. "It's from his robe. Where Azula struck him."
"Good point." Iroh dipped the brush back into the inkwell. "You are a good advisor to this old man." He began to write on a new piece of parchment.
"I'm glad I could be of use, Uncle." Zuko pushed aside the flap and began to leave the tent.
"Where are you going?" Iroh spoke up as he watched his nephew. Zuko brought his head back into the tent.
"I'm going to check on the Avatar."
…
In soft candlelight, Katara opened his robe, revealing the wound that scarred his body. Her tears had dried since that day in the catacombs, but the fight to bring him back was still raging. He hadn't woken up since she saw his clouded eyes that day. She stood above him in her usual dress, a water basin next to her.
Her hands swayed in the air, a mass of water followed her command, it laid against his scar, trying its best to heal it with a glowing light. She scanned his body for any response, a twitch, or a deep gasp for air, but was only met with his soft rhythmic breaths, and a faint, steady heartbeat. He looked peaceful in his quiet slumber, but she couldn't imagine what kind of battles he was fighting to barely stay alive.
Two knocks interrupted the sound of his breathing. Katara turned to see the scarred Fire Nation Prince. He hesitated, bowed, and then entered.
"How long has it been?" Zuko whispered while moving to her side.
"I don't know." She replied, her hand still hovering over his bare chest. The scar ran deep, a crimson canyon, still carved into him. "I haven't been able to bring him back."
"I'm sorry." His head hung low. "I know that you, and the Avatar-"
"Aang!"
"W-What?"
"His name is Aang!" Katara could feel tears building up in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, I just figured that I wasn't close enough to him."
"You're right, you aren't close enough to him." She wiped away the tears with her forearm.
A long moment passed before either of them spoke.
"Why?" Katara broke the silence. "You've been hunting us for so long. Why did you decide to help us?"
"I took a deep look at myself." Zuko began. "And I came to realize that I have to determine, and walk down my own path."
"And what exactly is that path?" Katara asked with a trembling voice.
"I don't know yet." Zuko shrugged."Destiny is a funny thing. That path is still before me. The destination, still unknown. "
"What are you, some kind of poet?" Katara joked.
"My Mother used to read books with me as a child, she would always recite poems that she loved." He answered.
"Do you have one in mind?" Zuko became flustered at her request. "It's fine if you don't..."
"The sun rises high. With love, we will find the light. Burn brightly with pride."
"That was beautiful."
"It was one of her favorites."
"I'm sorry... For how I acted before. I had no right to be so cold."
"No. No...I get it." Zuko whispered. "I messed up. I just hope that I can still redeem myself."
"Everyone deserves a second chance." Katara cupped her hand on his cheek. "You still can." She picked up the wash basin, and stepped out of the room. "I'll be back. I need more water."
Zuko stood by Aang's side, looking at the one person he had chased for so long.
"You know, you were right, if this has been another life, we could have been friends...Maybe we still can." He was speaking to himself, but hoped that the Avatar could hear him, even in this comatose state. "There's something special about her." His hand ran across his left eye. "So for her sake, wake up." He waited until Katara returned before he stepped out.
...
"What are our options?" General How spoke to the other members in the Council of Five, the echo of his voice bounced off the walls in the massive meeting room. Sokka and Toph were invited to the meeting as a show of appreciation by the General.
"Without a doubt, we must dissolve the Dai Li." One of them spoke. "The once honorable organization has been corrupted by the traitorous Long Feng." There were more mumbles of agreement. "The great Avatar Kiyoshi founded the order, but centuries have passed, and the purpose has been lost."
"Agreed." Another spoke. "I believe that we should also direct effort to rebuild, and fortify the Great Wall. In case the Fire Nation strikes again."
Sokka raised his hand, the Council with raised eyebrows glared at him.
"Go on." General How invited.
"How about we set in a temporary government? Run by the five of you."
"Are you suggesting that we overthrow the King?"
"No! No... I'm just suggesting a simpler solution based on the situation. I know it's unthinkable, but it's only temporary.
" I agree." General How clapped. "Until we have rebuilt the city and restored order, the Earth King will once again, serve as a figure-head for the people." His suggestion felt as if he wanted to take control of Ba Sing Se. They stared at him with unease and suspicion.
"My Brothers! Do you doubt my intentions?" He reached into his back pocket, and produced a dagger. "Years ago, We made an oath together." He opened his palm. "We vowed to protect our precious King from any harm. We vowed to protect our beloved city until our dying breaths." He placed the danger in his palm. "On my own blood, I swear that I will never betray my Brothers, my King, or my Kingdom!" He ran the blade against his hand, letting blood spill onto the stone floor. The other Five nodded, and followed suit.
"For the Earth Kingdom!"
"Wow. Quite a motivational speaker, isn't he?" Toph whispered.
"Y...yeah. He sure knows how to get people riled up."
"What's that hitting the floor? Are they crying?"
"No," Sokka cringed. "They all cut their hands open to show How devoted they are. It's a literal blood oath. Nasty stuff."
"And still pretty cool at the same time." Toph smiled.
"...Yeah." Sokka replied.
...
In the darkness, he only saw the faint glow of red. No other color entered his vision. He blinked, and next to him, a shadow, even with the candlelight dancing, this shadow was unmoved. His gaze shifted again towards the ceiling, eyes unfocused, he leaned back again.
Lightning.
He shot up, grasping his chest that radiated pain. His eyes blinking, his heart racing.
Warmth.
Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled him closer. Her voice was faint, but her words became coherent the more she held onto him.
"...Were so worried! Thank goodness that you're alive!" She pulled away, and looked into his eyes. He returned her gaze with a clouded, confused glare. "Aang...?"
He didn't respond. As if he was still trapped within his own mind.
Then he blinked, and Katara saw his expression change, as if he had just experienced a revelation. He took hold of her shoulders, and pulled her towards him.
He embraced her in a warm kiss. Her soft lips calmed him. Her warmth brought him comfort, her presence brought him relief, her touch brought him ecstasy.
His lips pressed against hers. Katara found her eyes widening in surprise. It was aggressive, passionate, but dedicate, and affectionate. She accepted his lips, closing her eyes at the contact, her mind almost becoming blank at his embrace.
Her expression flushed in red, he clung to her again, his life depended on her. She felt his breath on her neck, chills running down her spine as he exhaled.
"I missed you so much, Katara." He looked into her sapphire eyes. "You were the only person in my mind as I sat in the darkness of uncertainty." He took in a deep breath "I never had the bravery to tell you, but now I realize I need to." She listened to every word he spoke. "Katara... I love you."
She was speechless. Every second of silence chipped away at him, uncertainty and regret filling his heart.
She pushed her lips against his again, holding him close.
"I love you, Aang." The words left her lips with a breathless passion.
...
"Aang! You're alive!" Sokka called out to the Avatar.
"We never thought you'd make it, Twinkletoes!" Toph smiled. Sokka shot an unseen frown of distain towards Toph.
"She doesn't mean that." Sokka recovered.
"I have Katara to thank for that." Sokka raised an eyebrow at the comment.
"What do you mean by that...?"
"Nothing...Well, she did heal me with her waterbending. That's all." Aang partly bluffed, and looked towards Toph. His nerves running as she smiled.
"Well...Okay. Anyway, where are you going?" Sokka brought up.
"I'm going to visit someone."
"Great, we'll go with you!" Sokka cheered.
"No, actually, I'd appreciate it I could just do it alone."
"Nonsense! We can-" Toph pulled him back mid-sentence, she shook her head. "A-alright. We understand."
"We'll catch you later, Mr. Avatar." Toph waved.
"Thanks, Toph." He turned and proceeded to the prison.
…
Aang's First Visit
He opened the door to a dark room, covered in steel, and earth; inside the cell, one prisoner. She sat with her back against the wall, staring into the metallic base of the cell.
"I didn't want to do any of this, you know." Her voice was softer than before. "I had no choice." She admitted. "Even you understand, don't you?" she asked him. "You're the Avatar." She stood and walked towards him. "You were born into a burden you had to bear." He listened. "I didn't want this. If I could start over." She turned, and stared out of the small window that graced her cell. "I would choose to be anyone else. Not this."
"And yet, you almost killed me." He revealed the scar on his chest.
"I was only doing what I had to. You've never seen how ruthless the Fire Nation could be first-hand…Never seen the cruelty of the Fire Lord." Azula turned to face him again; she leaned against the steel bars, her arms hanging through to him; her glowing eyes in deep contrast against her blank expression "He burned my brother. He attacked his own son!... Before you leave me to rot. Could I ask you a favor, Avatar?" She whispered. "Defeat the Fire Lord. For all of us."
He turned in silence, and left.
Aang's Second Visit
She turned when he entered, and he saw that the fire in her eyes was gone. Weeks of imprisonment had destroyed the will of the ruthless Fire Nation Princess.
"I…I brought you something to eat." He slid the tray into long rectangular slot.
"Thank you." Her tone was broad, almost broken as she accepted the tray into her hands. She sat down, and stared at its contents. He felt that the food was quite good, to his surprise, but saw that Azula made no attempt to eat.
"Did you mean what you said before?" He asked. "About changing, and starting over."
"I mean everything I say." She poked at the bowl of rice with two chopsticks.
Aang stood, waved his hand, and the cell opened. Azula raised an eyebrow, but stayed motionless. He held his hand out, and pulled her up to her feet.
"Close your eyes."
"What?" her voice trembled.
"Close your eyes." He repeated. She had a chance to end him here, but she didn't strike him. He placed his thumb on her forehead; she leaned back at the contact, his eyes began to glow, the light almost beaming through the cell walls. The glow disappeared as time went on, and Aang looked into her eyes, forgiveness in his own.
"What did you do?" Azula whispered.
"You told me that you wanted a new start. That's what I gave you." Azula held out her hand, and felt nothing.
"I can't…I can't firebend anymore." She stared into the palm of her hand.
"I've granted you another opportunity to choose what you wanted from this life." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Make it the right choice."
"Wait...What do I do now?" He could almost see tears in her eyes.
"I'm leaving for the Western Air Temple in the morning. You can come with us, if you'd like. Your other choice is to sit in this cell...The choice is yours." He turned and began to leave.
He felt a tug on his robe, her soft voice whispering to him.
"Take me with you."
...
"We cannot agree to this!" One of the general's voices booked throughout the meeting hall. "This is the infamous Princess of the Fire Nation! We can't allow her to just run free."
"She won't be running free. I'll keep my eye her. You don't have to worry. I give you my word as Avatar." Aang replied.
"General Iroh! Surely you cannot agree to this?" Another voice came.
"I believe that we should trust the Avatar." He took a sip of tea. "If he believes that Azula has reformed her ways, I trust his judgment."
Aang's wide grin was met with disapproval.
"Fine. It's decided. The daughter of the Fire Lord will now be the responsibility of The Avatar."
Aang reached over to Azula's shackles, and with a wave, they broke into pebbles.
"Let's go." He whispered.
...
"You want to train the Avatar?" Iroh asked his nephew.
"Yes, Uncle." Zuko bowed. Iroh laughed, and patted his nephew on the shoulder.
"If this is what you believe to be your destiny, then I cannot stop you." His smile growing even brighter. "I'm proud of you, Prince Zuko."
"I'll be back one day."
"I look forward to it."
A knock came at the door.
"Hey...Uh... Zuko. We're leaving soon, so... Are you ready?" Sokka's head popped into the room.
"Yeah. I'm coming."
...
Katara pulled him aside while the others gathered materials, and began stacking them on Appa. The odd one out was Azula, she stood alone. Silent.
"Aang, are you sure about this?" She asked him. "How can you trust her? Did you forget how she struck you with lightning? How can you do this?"
"Relax, Katara." Aang assured her. "She was dangerous before, but she can't bend lightning or fire anymore." He smiled. "Do you trust me?"
"Aang... I'm just worried that-"
"Don't worry Katara." His hand rested on her cheek. "It'll be okay. "
"Hey! I see you two over there! HANDS OFF!" Sokka's voice came from the distance.
Katara smiled when she heard his voice. She leaned closer and kissed his forehead. Heat rushed to his face, and a smile stretched over his lips.
"Come here, Aang!" Sokka grabbed the back of his robe, and pulled the Avatar with him. "Let's have a chat!"
Katara waved as Aang was dragged away by her brother.
…
"So... How's it like being blind...?" Azula asked.
"Eh. How's it like not being blind?" Toph replied. "Kind of hard to answer, isn't it?"
"Well, I just kind of wanted to know how you see everything."
"Everything gives off a vibration. Those vibrations tell me where everything is." Toph replied. "Simple." She felt another presence walking towards them. "Speaking of which. Sugar Queen." She pointed at Katara. "Meet Sugar Lips!" Her hands shifted towards Azula. "Later!" Toph ran off, knowing full well what was going down.
"W-What?" Azula asked, seeing Katara's steps outline a death march in the dirt.
"I know Aang took away your bending. But I still don't trust you after what you did to him!"
"I can't do anything to harm him anymore, so just relax. I promise you that I won't do anything-." Azula's throat began to close, she gasped for air as Katara constricted her veins.
"You're damn right, you won't do anything to him. You don't talk to him. You don't go near him. You don't touch him. Because if you do..." She tightened her fist, and Azula gasped for air again. "I WILL end you."
Katara turned and left her coughing in the crowded street. Sitting among the dirt and gravel of Ba Sing Se. Azula felt a familiar, but almost forgotten sensation.
A smile.
PUBLISHED ON: 7/24/2014
A/N:Finally! Finally I was able to produce something original. Oh, and I also wanted "Sugar Lips" to be "Sugar (some other 4 letter word)" but decided against it. I keep telling myself that I need to take a break…But I just don't want to.
Thanks for reading!