Chapter III – Reflections and Shadows

The gate opened and let Katara and her grandmother into the courtyard of their house. Katara kept her pace slow, her head down, only focusing on the words she was supposed to say. The point was she didn't have any.

"They're back!" she heard Sokka shout. He was coming in her direction, and she wondered how she could look up to him, when he gave her a full smile. "Katara! Wow, you kind of look... beautiful! You don't even look like you at all. By the way—how did it go?"

"Sokka, listen..."

"I must admit I am a little curious about this fortuneteller thing. How does she-"

"Sokka! Stop it!" she exclaimed when the knot in her troath finally let her, and jerked back. "I don't feel like talking about it. Get it?"

She shut her mouth, heavily breathing, and stared at her brother, her flaming expression twisted in humiliation, pain, and despair. Her father had appeared by the doorway and they gazes had met. She lowered her head, hiding her frown.

Sokka stared at her blankly, gone numb for bewilderment. Katara took advantage of his distraction to sneak out of his grasp. She headed out, to the backyard, and kept her eyes shut, so she was sure she could avoid her father's.

"Katara! Wait!" she heard her brother call her on the other side of the wall.

But in the end he knew Katara wanted to be alone, and she knew he would never follow her there. Out of instinct, she suddenly took those prickling hairpins out of the back of her neck, leaving a cascade of brown curls fall behind her back, while she passed the stone wall behind the main house.

Only when she was far enough into the large garden, all alone, did she feel like she could finally breathe. The air was tense with a mixed scent of pine and earth, and that was probably one of the things Katara liked about living in the Earth Kingdom—there was so much more life and color than huge, empty plains of ice and snow, at least. She probably would have ended up breaking out of the Pole, if she'd been there all along for sixteen years, she thought. But still, ice and snow were part of her being. They were carved on her soul, and maybe that was more than she could bear, being the last waterbender alive from the Southern Tribe.

Katara blinked at the one memory that would haunt her every day—the black snowflakes, the ice crackling under their feet, tents burning up in flames and people running for their lives; she could remember hearing women and children cry everywhere around her, the race to her tent, the tall man standing inside.

Since then, everything had always been on her.

Her father was an understanding man, and Katara knew he loved his children more than anything in this world. For them, he had reinvented himself completely, buying a fishing vessel and some land, and becoming a moderately successful salesman and enterpreneur. But he was born and raised a warrior; he had a strong sense of duty, which he had tried to instill in Sokka and herself as they grew up. Both of them had always striven to never fail that.

Katara's one big fault was that she took it as one of her duties to fill the space that had been left.

Every day since they landed in their new home, as Hakoda used to call it when they were little, Katara had been the glue, the hope, the strength and the spirit of the family. She had held them together where they would have fallen apart, despite the stinging pain in her chest she had to fight constantly, in those first few years. She never gave up, she never complained. Until now. Until the time that was meant for her, Katara, only.

But maybe that was the point. This time, it was all about her. The worst thing was her entire being felt that what she had done was right. Arranged marriages were still part of the Water Tribe customs, of course. It appeared to be part of the Earth Kingdom's as well, and she was supposed to deal with it. She never wanted to deny her culture, as much as she despised this one aspect. But she felt that somehow, at some point, her own choice was more important than anything else. Before hearing Aunt Wu's prediction, she had never realized how much she was not willing to sacrifice.

Was it so wrong if settling for that was not what she wanted? What if she felt she was more than Water Tribe heritage, or a refugee in the Earth Kingdom? What if she was meant to be more than what was expected from her?

While tangled in her thoughts, Katara approached the small fountain in the middle of the garden, and looked down to find her reflection in the water. She saw excessive pink blush against a pale face that she didn't recognize, faded red lips, and huge, shadowed blue eyes. Suddenly, everything about her reflection that merely two hours earlier she had found pleasing seemed now disturbing and jarring.

She flicked her hand angrily and a sudden wave abruptly destroyed that image. Suddenly she realized that a war was going on inside her head. Who was Katara? What did she want? What was her real destiny—was she even meant to have one? She had no idea what would come now. She hadn't thought about it. But whatever it would imply, she was still positive that, all in all, she had done the right thing. After all, the only thing she knew about Katara was that she was never a person to give up without a fight, not even now, that her happiness was questioned.

And so, she was ready to face the consequences.

Slowly, she rubbed her sleve against her face, and only opened her eyes when the stinging on her skin was finally gone. She saw her familiar dark skin again, clean blue eyes, thick lashes again. The other half of her face was still covered with make-up. It gave her a strange, alienating feeling, to look at the two halves staring back at her, with the blue charm as the only thing that seemed to hold them both together.

She brought her hand to her necklace. Everyone she knew always said that the resemblance between her and her mother was astonishing, and that used to make Katara proud, as there didn't seem to be anything more to aspire to. Now, for the first time, she was not confident about it. She was not sure whether she wanted to look like someone, either.

Once she had her face completely washed with fresh water, Katara gave a last look at herself, then took a deep breath—and with a sudden movement she untied her necklace, held it tight in her hands, and slowly let it slide down in her pocket.

Katara had been sitting down for a few minutes—or it might have been hours, she could hardly tell—on a stone bench, in the shadow of the cherry trees, hearing only the pounding water from the fountain behind her. At some point, she shuddered at the sound of steps and rustling clothes coming by her side.

Dad. It was her dad.

"Ah, what a nice sight here, this time of the day" he sighed, looking around, to the garden and the trees. His voice sounded firm, as always, low, but gentle.

Katara looked at him from the corner of her eye. She had not realized how hard and unreal it would have felt to confront him, after what she had said in front of Aunt Wu—but not him.

"I bet you love to come here to just... feel the water stream" he continued. "It's not the shore, but it reminds you of one. Doesn't it?"

Katara snorted and looked away, her face contracted in a painful expression. She felt helpless, but she didn't want to be helped. Not from him. And she hated herself for that. "Sort of" she replied coldly. "Look, I just came here for... quiet. I don't need anyone to lecture me right now." That came out harsher than she'd want. She bit her lip.

"I'm not here to lecture you" he said, and Katara felt something clench inside her when she heard the patient note in his voice. "I just figured you were missing something."

Katara flinched and her hand flew instinctively to her neck. "My necklace" she murmured, and turned quickly, just to find it again in her father's hands. Her face lit up in relief when she saw it was safe beside her again, but a shadow fell over her face as she remembered why she had taken it off, and she twisted her head on the other side.

"You know, I once knew someone who was kind of like the ocean. Never still, never constrained. She could never resign to follow the path others expected her to. And so she ran away." Katara turned partially, not hiding her curiosity. "She could never accept the rules she was being forced to follow. She refused to marry a man she didn't choose, and she was ready to leave her family and loved ones behind, and sail the sea one night without saying goodbye."

"And then? What became of her?" Katara couldn't help asking.

Hakoda smiled. "Then, she ended up on the other side of the world, ready to start and build her own path alone."

Katara turned completely this time, her eyes widened. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I know she ended up happy. And she chose for herself", he said, his eyes fixed on her. They were filled with kindness, and regret.

"Who was that?" she asked. Her tone had softened and she almost smiled.

"Oh. Some stubborn, cynical old woman with two likewise headstrong grandchildren you must know very well."

"Gran-Gran", Katara exclaimed, widening her eyes. "How is that I never knew...?"

"She never told you. She was born in the Northen Water Tribe. She moved to the South Pole, where she met your grandfather."

Katara looked down quietly, and a little smile made its way to her face. Then she sighed. "Dad... I would never run away from you. No matter what-"

"Listen, Katara," he got serious, clenching his knees in his hands, "I've made some mistakes. I never wanted you to be unhappy. I just wish the best for you and your brother. I spent all these years trying to build strong walls around you both and I thought that was all you needed. But I guess I was wrong."

Katara did not want to blink, so he would not see tears roll down her face. So she lowered her head as much as she could.

"I guess you're like your grandmother. And like the ocean. You can't be held within." Katara's lips curved, and although she could not see it, she knewhe was smiling too. "I want you to know that whatever you do, I'm sure it's the right choice. And it will show, sooner or later."

She finally turned her smiling face to him, and Hakoda wiped away a tear from her face with his thumb. "Now, let me help you put this on again" he said, unfolding the necklace, "and be careful not to lose it again. Your daughter is going to need it."

Katara smiled and gathered her hair up, so he could tie the blue ribbon behind her neck.

"You know what, you should do that more often. You look beautiful with your hair back." Hakoda said, then.

Katara laughed lightly, letting him put an arm around her shoulders. "I know. You always say that."

Maybe he was about to say something—but Katara never got to hear that. The sound of thunder had just blown up the whole garden. Nothing had happened there, but something was waiting outside. Katara looked up at Hakoda, but he stood up bluntly. "Stay in" he warned, as he vanished behind the wall.

Needless to say it, Katara followed him and reached the front side of the house, where Gran-Gran stood, behind the entrance to the courtyard. She saw Sokka walk by, throwing a single glare at her, his face extremely tense.

"What's going on?" she asked in a whisper.

Her Gran-Gran said nothing, she just made a sign; and Katara knew she'd just have to climb up to the roof of the front wall.

The sound she had distractedly perceived as a thunder was actually the kind of sound one should never really misunderstand. Clanging metal, heavy steps stomping on the ground, paws galloping on the grass, trumpets calling with a cold, empty tune. Upon seeing them, Katara felt stupid for not remembering—that was the sound of soldiers.

She swallowed. That could not mean anything good.

There were about five or six men, each riding an armed ostrich-horse, all dressed up in the Earth Kingdom military uniforms. They carried the green vessels of their Nation. They all looked the same—except for one, one who was probably the head of the group, since he proceeded two steps ahead from the others. He looked older, long white strands falling behind his neck, but still in good shape. He wore military clothes as well, but his armor and suit had a whole different design; and they were blue. As he got closer, Katara couldn't be mistaken—that man was from the Water Tribe.

As the small squad approached the place, people in the neighboorhood had come out their houses. Only men had stepped out of their yards, while children were being called back to their mothers' arms, behind the gates. Suddenly, silence cut the air like a knife.

The Water Tribe man spoke first. His voice was cold, harsh, spiteful. "Listen carefully, everyone. We're here to announce you the Earth Kingdom has officially entered a war."

Katara felt her heart pound. War. She, like everyone else there, knew the real meaning of that word. After the deepest silence, commotion exploded among those people. Mothers were stepping backwards, holding their kids tighter by instinct. Old and young men looked at each other, murmuring conceitedly. But it didn't last long—an annoyed gesture from the soldiers brought the order back.

"A huge danger is threatening not only this nation, but our world as a whole." If the previous statement had caused panic, this one froze everyone where they stood. The man, on his account, kept talking plainly, not a trace of emotion in his voice. "An unknown civilization who calls itself Shuang Xue is coming down from the Northern Mountains; and they're headed for Ba Sing Se. They have already brought the northern fortresses down and won't stop easily. The King obtained help from other nations, but he required new recruits to be gathered immediately." Then—Katara thought—that was why a Water Tribe man led a squad of earthbending soldiers.

The man waited and let the little crowd mutter again, before resuming his speech. "By order of King Bumi, at leastone man per family is peremptorily called to serve in the army to protect your nation. Volunteers are warmly accepted."

Katara didn't realize what those words meant before a few seconds passed. At least one man per family. She felt her heart sink down through her chest. It couldn't be happening for real. Not again.

She hadn't noticed that one of the soldiers had stepped forward and started reading a scroll.

He was calling names.

"Ling Ten-Zhu, of the Earth Kingdom" he said loud and clear as possible.

A dark skinned man in green robes stepped forward to take his conscription scroll, and bowed respectfully. He had to be around his fourties.

"Jong Kai, of the Earth Kingdom" the soldier spoke again.

An old man raised his hand; but a slim boy held his arm before of him, and it was he who reached out to take his family's scroll.

"My father is too old to fight. I'll come in his place" he said fiercely—maybe a little too confident for his young age—and bowed down deeply.

Similar scenes repeated for another two or three calls. The atmosphere was still and tense in the small clearing. The men who got their calls got back into their houses without saying a word to anyone.

In the end, there were only two people left standing there.

"Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe" the soldier claimed.

Katara felt the blood in her veins freeze. She immediately slid down from the roof, but found a little crowd blocking her way.

Hakoda's upright stance didn't falter for a moment. He was heading towards the soldier, looking straight ahead, and he was the picture of strength and pride, his pace as confident as it could be, his breath regular, his jaw perfectly squared.

"I'm taking his place."

Sokka.

He had spoken without any trace of reverence or hesitation. He walked fast and almost passed his father, before a tight clasp grabbed him by the elbow.

"Sokka, stop."

"I'm not letting you go!" Sokka shouted, and tugged his arm out of the grasp.

"Sokka, I need you to understand. Your place is here. You're needed here."

"No, you're needed here!" he replied angrily, and though they were both muttering between their teeth, Katara could hear the tremor in his voice. "I'm ready to go and I must..."

"Sokka, I am the older one", Hakoda said in a plain tone. "You're young and you must stay here. To protect your sister."

"Stop it!" Katara screamed. The sprint she had made to break through the crowd got her nearly stumbling between Hakoda and Sokka, and now she was trying to push them apart.

"Katara! I told you to stay-"

"Stop it, both of you! How can you discuss about this? Sir," she looked up at the Water Tribe man, "my father has fought honorably and distinguished himself in helping defeating the Fire Nation and ending the One Hundred Years War. He was left injured, he can barely walk, and," she didn't stop though the man opened his mouth to speak "and my brother won't let him go alone! If they both-"

"Silence!", the man managed to shout this time, a scornful, outraged look aimed at her. "How dare you, you insolent little girl? You clearly have no idea what you're talking about."

"There are hundreds of men ready to fight in your army!", Katara continued angrily, despite the fact that the insult had hurt her more than she would have wanted. "Both Dad and Sokka are not..."

"Your impertinence is disgraceful!" the man hissed, and this time Katara closed her mouth. "Something much greater than yourselfis at stake, foolish girl. Hakoda, you should teach your daughter some respect!"

Katara's face turned red. I'll give you respect, she thought. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, despite Sokka had grabbed her arm, vainly trying to hold her down; what eventually stopped her, however, was seeing her dad tilt his head and bend under the weight of something she had caused.

"I apologise in the name of my daughter for her behavior, Master Pakku," he said. "I accept the call my host nation and our tribe honored me with. I will serve them both for my family and my people." Though his voice was calm and respectful, Katara had seen his blue eyes stare piercingly into the Master's gaze.

"All the recruits in this region will head North to reach the Fire Nation colony of Kai Hua, by the delta of the Su Yan river", one soldier instructed him, loud enough to be heard from everyone.

The man that was called Pakku didn't move, nor did his contemptous expression falter as Hakoda took his scroll without a word and turned his back on the soldiers, making his way back to the house. The people who were left standing outside stared at him silently, a glimpse of admiration in their eyes. Katara turned to Sokka and they exchanged a petrified look.

"I promise I won't let you go alone", Sokka said in a hurry, turning to their father as he passed them by, and then to Master Pakku. "I will join my father as a soldier. To defend my tribe and family."

"Sokka, you don't know what you're talking about-"

"And you're telling me, Katara?" he said coldly, jerking away from her.

This time Katara was left speechless. She stood petrified as she watched Sokka turn his back on her and follow their father back inside. And as the crowd started scattering behind her, and the soldiers left in a cloud of dust, she felt alone like never before.

A/N: Hey! So how did you like this chapter? Things are starting to heat up a little. I'm sorry for the longer wait. I just wanted to focus on art for the previous chapter, which you can find on my tumblr if you're interested! :) Going to be working for this one too. Hope I can update earlier than like 10 days, we shall see for that. Thanks to everyone for trusting this story and for your precious reviews! See you soon :)