Chapter XIV
He could feel those eyes, those menacing eyes. They were burning a hole in the back of his skull, fire sparking from her unnoticed glare. It was like a green flame, crackling with such intensity that the very air sparked, and it was irritating the heck out of him!
He endured it for as long as he could, taking it in silence, trying to focus on marching on through the woods. Twigs snapped underfoot, needles rustling with his footfalls. The sweet, crisp, aroma of the woods wafted up through his nostrils. The yellow rays of the sun reached down to him, warming him with its glowing tendrils. And then there were those emerald daggers plunging into his back, willing him to drop dead.
Finally he had had enough. He just could not take it anymore, something had to be done. Whirling around, he glared at the culprit, her eyes meeting his. "Would you knock it off!? I'm sick and tired of feeling you stare right down my back!" Toph frowned, crossing her arms. Her emerald eyes sparkled at him, cold and menacing.
"Sorry Snoozles but you're kinda in the lead. I have to look at you. Though I did prefer it when I didn't have to see your ugly mug." Sokka growled.
"Why don't you look at the ground since you're so fond of it?" He asked, red dancing through his vision like waves of blood. Toph snorted.
"How about I pound you into the ground so I could at least tolerate you?" She retorted. Sokka let his hand fall down to his water skin, intent on flicking off the cap and giving this arrogant upstart what for.
A hand shot out and grabbed his, preventing him from completing the movement. He looked up to see Zuko's fierce golden eyes, staring him down.
"Don't even think about it." Growled Zuko, squeezing his hand in a death-grip. Sokka could feel the blood rush out of his wrist and to the rest of his body. His fingertips began to tingle with needles after a few more moments.
"Alright." He muttered, moving his hand away. Zuko let go, the blood rushing back to his fingers.
"Good, now keep moving." Sokka cast one last glare at Toph then turned around, marching off towards the mountains.
They had been walking for almost an hour now, reaching the base of the mountain, and the entire time the others had glared at him angrily. He knew that they all blamed him for losing Katara and more than likely wanted to pound him into a pulp. However, he just couldn't find the emotions to care. His sister was captured, big deal. She would be fine, just like all the other times stuff had happened to her. She had that knack for getting out of hazardous situations without much harm, something that he couldn't claim.
After a few more minutes the forest gave out, leaving just rocky terrain. As they reached the stone the sky turned dark, the bright sun hiding its face behind thick black clouds. There was a rumble and thunder in the distance, the sweet smell of rain carried on the warm breeze. It was going to be a pleasant hike.
Sokka continued on, following the strange tug in his gut. It had started as a queer feeling when they had first stared out, which had made him suggest the mountains in the first place. As they had went on, however, it had grown until it was like a lump inside his intestines, physically pulling him one way or another. At times it even caused him to stumble, pulling on him so hard that he was caught off balance. Every time he did fall he heard a snicker behind him, from whom he did not know, but it was quite tiring.
At last, as they climbed the mountain, Sokka felt the urge inside of him ascend to his head. Crimson tides began to wash over his vision and he began to feel woozy. They battered against his mind like hammers, bashing into his being and forcing themselves upon him like soldiers plundering a town. They poured in their foul contents, filling him with rage, hate, spite, envy. All thoughts turned to others, to his companions, how he so wished he could burn their meager little lives, to cause them pain on an incomprehensible level. He could not stand the thought of their happiness; they did not deserve such a thing, only pain, and torment. Just as he had suffered, burning inside a tunnel filled with horror, they too should be cast in, left to fend for themselves against those haunting images. Hell to them! Hell and fire and brimstone, they all deserved it, every last one of them!
Sokka stopped, blinking. Clarity came like a white flood, washing through his mind and easing his thoughts. It drove away his crimson stains in a torrent, calming him and letting him breathe once more. What had he been thinking? That time in the tunnel had been horrendous, intolerable. He had barely managed to get away from Spooky with his sanity, if that. It had been a miracle that he had managed to carry Toph out of there. Why would he wish that upon his friends? There was no reason for him to be angry with them. In fact, if anything, it was the reverse; they should be angry with him. And now that he thought about it he was pretty sure they were.
He had not been the most amiable person of late. Several occasions came to mind of him, drunk, cursing and screaming at Katara and Aang as they came to him, concerned for his welfare. He had even thrown a few bottles at them, luckily too wasted to hit them, but still, the intent was there. There had also been the onetime thing with Ty-Lee where he not only gave up his purity but hers as well. What right had he to that? Or the innumerable other women that he had been with over the past six months, what right did he have to them? How could he justify doing that to them, as if he owned them?
No right, that's what he had. Absolutely no right. They weren't his wives, he wasn't their husbands. He had no business sleeping around with them, and the worst part about it was that he knew that to begin with! How could he just throw away a lifetime's struggle for a few moments of pleasure? He shook his head, confused. What had happened to him?
His foot snagged on a stone beneath him, sending him falling to the ground. He reached out, his hands grating against the sharp rock, blood seeping out of his palms. He swore, shaking his head as he pushed himself to his knees. Great, just great, this was exactly what he needed, bleeding hands. That would just put him in the perfect mood for self-contemplation.
"Dirty damn mountain." He muttered, wiping the blood off on one of his pant legs. He blinked as he got back up to his feet, the wind rushing past him, a few drops of warm rain falling on his face. The air felt thinner already, his breath a bit ragged. Man, how fast did the air run out up here? They had just started up the mountain.
Turning around, Sokka was shocked to see the others far down below, climbing as fast as they could to catch up with him. Perspiration licked at his brow, dripping down his face and into his eye, where the salt stung him. He ran the back of his hand over his forehead, his chest heaving up and down as he caught his breath. How had he gotten so high up?
He looked around at where he was standing, the rocks jutting out like fangs all about. They were black and bleak, different from the rest, tainted by something. Ahead of him lay an opening to a cave, a strange luminescence glowing from within. It was unnatural, ghostly. It reminded him of the time he had seen Aang in one of his avatar states. It was spirit magic.
Sokka felt the need to go forward, the urge building once more inside of him. His feet slowly began to drag towards the entrance of the tunnel, its mouth opening to swallow him whole. His mind was screaming at him to turn around, to run off, but he just couldn't help himself. He had to go inside, to be reunited with…something.
Each footstep sent a shiver through his body, like thunder rippling through the ground. His body was weak, shaking, every muscle crying out in resistance, but it was no use. With every passing moment his feet brought him closer and before he knew it he was at the mouth, blue and green light creeping out and touching the ground at his feet.
He was just about to go in when a pair of hands grabbed him, yanking him back. "Sokka!" Cried a voice.
He whirled around, popping the cap off of his skin, the water coming out in a fluid movement. Without even think he flicked his wrists forward, the water turning to ice with a breath and stabbing into someone's shoulder. The person fell back with a cry, landing on the ground. It was Aang.
The boy grabbed at his shoulder, tears leaping into his eyes as red stained his shawl. Sokka stood stunned, his hand twitching. Had he just hurt Aang?
Aang cried out, gritting his teeth against the pain. The others soon followed, hauling themselves up the last edge and sprinting over. Zuko went directly over to Aang, shoving a hand over the boy's mouth and hushing him. Toph, on the other hand, went straight for Sokka, dropping her shoulder and crashing full on into him.
She sent him flying into the mountainside, the cold, hard, stone cutting into his shoulder. His head whipped against the rock, blood dripping down into his eye as he fell to his knees. Blackness was beginning to surround him, taking him into the abyss, but a hurricane of red came over him, making his eyes spring open.
He leapt back up to his feet, whirling on Toph as his rage leant him energy. The girl stood there, fists at the ready, daring him to come at her. Sokka accepted her challenge, rushing up to her and leaping off of his feet. She side stepped his attack letting him role on the ground and get back to his feet.
He reached out a hand and whipped the ice shard in Aang's shoulder into water, catching Toph by the feet. He pulled and sent her to the ground, leaping on top of her a moment later.
Toph tried to defend herself, throwing a few punches and blocking as best she could, but without her bending she wasn't a match for him. He rained blows down on her, one after the other, landing solid blows on her face and jaw. Blood began to pour out of her nose after another blow, her feeble punches merely brushing against his face. Grabbing her by the collar, he hauled her up towards him, raising his hand back for a finishing blow.
He paused for a moment, looking at her bruised face. Her right eye already was red and swollen, plump like a cherry. Blood rushed down her face and over her cracked lips, a purple bruise developing on her left cheek. Her eyes did not waver, staring into his with a fierce emerald glow. She spat in his face, blood mixing in with the saliva, landing squarely on his mouth.
Raising his fist back, he was about to land the blow, when suddenly something crashed into the side of him. His arms were yanked back, two legs reaching around and wrapping themselves around his torso. They squeezed tight, his ribs cracking like brittle rocks beneath the pressure. He tried to reach back but his arms were trapped, unable to move. A voice breathed in his ear.
"Calm down!" Sokka refused to listen, thrashing about. Throwing his head back, he connected with whoever's forehead it was behind him, eliciting a pained grunt. The person returned it by releasing his arm and putting him in a rear naked chokehold. Sokka began struggling for breath, clawing at the muscled arm as the bicep squeezed across his throat. His vision began to blacken, spots dancing before his eyes. He finally tapped, loosing and ending his resistance.
The person was hesitant at first, but as they relaxed Sokka remained still. Finally the person let go all together, pushing him to the side.
Sokka rolled on the stone, coughing and catching his breath. His head throbbed like heartbeat, oxygen flowing back into his mind and calming him. He reached out a cut hand, placing it against the stone. A stinging sensation followed as he pushed himself up with a grunt, his arms shaking as he stood.
Breathing deep, he turned around, looking at Zuko's ragged hair, tossed about. The Fire-Lord stood across from him, a lump developing on his forehead, eyes still. Toph stood right next to him, glowering with a beaten face, blood trickling down her chin. Aang sat back by the entrance to the tunnel, a hand pressed against his shoulder, red liquid dripping out between his fingers. Sokka realized that he had done all of that. He opened his mouth, closing it a moment later as copper dripped into his mouth. He ran a hand over his head, wiping off the blood. It sat on his fingertips, crimson before his eyes. A tiny wisp of black floated away with the breeze.
"You done?" Sokka looked up, meeting Zuko's glare. Hostility glowed like a fire in his golden eyes, obviously displeased with what had just happened. Sokka nodded his head, removing the water skin.
"Here, take this." He said, tossing it over to Zuko. The man grabbed it out of the air, popping the cap back on and slinging it over his shoulder. Sokka started walking over to them, avoiding Toph's emerald eyes. He looked over at Aang, the boy giving him a pained grimace.
"I'm…I'm sorry." He mumbled, coming up to the others. Toph started to walk over at him, but Zuko stepped in between them, pushing her back. Sokka bowed his head, realizing that he had let his anger get the best of him once again. Was it ever going to change?
Zuko turned and walked over to Aang, unslinging the backpack on his back. Sokka walked over to Aang, looking up at the airbender.
"Aang, I'm…" Aang just shook his head, grimacing as Zuko began to wrap the wound, tying the airbenders arm to his chest so he couldn't aggravate his shoulder.
"What was going through your head?" Said Zuko, giving one last tug on the bandage. Sokka shook his head, running a hand over his soaked hair. He flicked his wrist, flinging the sweat away from his head.
"I don't know. I was just walking up the mountain and the next thing I knew I was standing up here, outside that tunnel." He said, pointing to the ominous looking cave. Zuko looked over, taking in a deep breath.
"You were moving pretty fast back there. You're telling me you don't remember flying up that mountainside?" Sokka shook his head. He had no recollection of any climb.
"Like I told you, all I remember is walking at the bottom then standing outside this tunnel."
"You were about to go inside." Said Aang, grunting. Zuko placed a hand on the airbender's good shoulder, giving him a little pat. Sokka turned and looked into the tunnel, the urge to go inside one again falling upon him. It reached into his heart and pulled at some hidden chord, the sorrow of his past actions draining out of him like water on rock. He was going back to jerk mode.
"I was." He said, his feet tingling. Zuko looked inside the tunnel, looking back at Aang.
"We need to get Aang back to camp." Sokka nodded his head, not really paying attention.
"Whatever Zuko." He said, his feet once more making their way to the tunnel. Zuko came over and grabbed him by the arm, turning him back around.
"Sokka, focus! We need to get Aang back down the mountain and to camp, he's hurt."
"No thanks to you." Said Toph, her speech a bit slurred. She spat a glob of saliva and blood on the ground.
"Besides." Said Zuko, continuing on. "You're hurt as well." Sokka raised an eyebrow.
"I'm fine." He said. Zuko rolled his eyes.
"Look at your side!" Sokka raised his arms, alarm spreading through him as he noticed the red trying to force its way out through the white. There was no pain, however, it was eerily numb.
He shook his head, the draw of the tunnel becoming stronger and stronger. "We need to go inside." He said.
"No! We need to get back to camp, now!" Sokka looked at Zuko, then at Aang, noticing the pain on the boy's face. Relinquishing, he nodded his head, letting out a weary sigh. Zuko grunted.
"Good, now let's get out of here." The firebender picked Aang up gently, carrying the boy over to the edge.
"You're going to have to hold on to me." Said Zuko. Aang said something back to him but Sokka didn't notice. A strange noise had begun to echo in his head, a melodic tune enchanting him and turning his head. It came from the tunnel, a sweet harmonious noise, like water rushing over crystal. Without even thinking he turned and sprinted, rushing into the tunnel before the others could stop him. He heard Zuko call out and a set of feet give chase after him, but he wasn't stopping.
Streaking through the entrance, he descended into a sea of blue and green, the dim lights almost black against the brightness of the sun. Crystals shone on either side of him, vibrating and echoing the song. It rang in his ears, drowning out his thoughts, making him rush further and further into the tunnel. Without thinking he made turns and corners, unaware that someone was keeping pace with him, rushing up behind him as best they could. Finally, right as he was about to round another corner, they caught him, a hand reaching out and grabbing his collar.
He whirled around, trying to swing at whoever held him, but he missed, his fist flying into the wall instead. The pain flashed white through his head, clearing him of the haunting tune. He stopped, swearing and holding his fist close to him. Slowly he lifted it up, looking at it in the dim light; a couple of his knuckles looked as if they were positioned like they shouldn't be. He swore again, tucking his fist into his stomach and bending over. The person who had caught him merely grunted.
"Serves you right you meathead." Sokka looked up to see Toph's diminutive form in the crystals pale light. She stood panting, arms crossed, glaring at him with the best austerity she could muster.
"What the hell do you want?" He breathed, realizing that he was panting as well. The air was warm to breathe, dry and hot. It almost felt as if a fire was burning further beneath them, or before them. It was difficult to tell now that they were below ground.
"Look Meathead, I know we both hate each other and all, but at the moment we need to work together. As much as I would love to see Sugar-Queen get put in her place I'm afraid we're going to have to get her back. I prefer a live and condescending Sugar-Queen to a beaten and dead one." Sokka bit his tongue and held back a response, realizing that Toph was right. They were going to have to work together to get his sister back, as much as it pained him to do so.
"Alright, but if we do this then we do it my way." He said. Toph snorted.
"And what way is that? Run head long into a wall and hope something good happens?" Sokka raised a hand, ready to strike her. Toph merely turned her head, preparing herself for the blow. His hand hesitated, poised to strike, but there was something about her submission that made him pause. He was about to hit this girl across the face because she had made a rude comment at her, and she just stood there, turning her face and readying herself for the strike. Her black hair covered her crystal eyes, blood stained across her face. What was he doing?
Sokka lowered his hand, taking in a deep breath, trying to settle himself. "Alright, alright, sorry." He said, holding his hands up. Toph merely grunted.
"What's the plan?" She asked. Sokka scratched the back of his neck, looking down the tunnel. At least she wasn't trying to force him to go back to Zuko, not that he remembered how he had gotten down here in the first place.
Well." He said, looking further down the tunnel. "I guess we just keep going down this way." He looked back over at Toph, watching as she rolled her eyes.
"That's your plan? I'm in awe." She said, holding her hands up mockingly. Sokka could not stay his hand this time around, letting it crack across her face with a loud slap. She fell to the ground in a heap, her body quivering slightly as she slowly picked herself up. Sokka stared at her, ambivalence coursing through his body. He just didn't know what to feel at the moment.
Toph stood beside him, still. She did not retaliate, merely lowering her head and waiting for him to lead on. Sokka looked at her once more, turning and marching further down into the tunnel. Time to see where his instincts were taking him this time around.
Katara leaned back up against the stone wall, bored to death. If she had to guess how long they had been sitting there she would have to say at least a couple of days, though she knew for certain that it was nothing more than a couple of hours or so. There was just something about the unending silence that made time drag more than it needed to. That, and the fact that Azula just sat there smirking at her didn't help. She just sat there with a stupid grin on her face, unmoving, like stone. A few time Katara had actually thought she had died, but as soon as she moved Azula would move her eyes, staring at her with that sinister look.
A few times she had tried falling asleep, but somehow she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was staring daggers into her. Whenever she opened her eyes sure enough there sat Azula, still staring at her. She could swear that she literally feel Azula's look like a physical presence, tiny needles getting beneath her skin and stabbing at her nerves. It was infuriating!
Finally, after another failed attempt to sleep, she decided she had had enough. They were going to talk, even if it killed them!
Opening her eyes she looked at Azula, the same stupid smile on her face. She sat frowning. "Would you just knock it off?!" She called, crossing her arms. Azula stretched out, grimacing against the pain.
"I have no idea what it is that you're complaining about snow peasant. I'm the one who was tortured you know." Katara tried to not pull out her hair.
"You know I have a name?" She said. Azula shrugged her shoulders.
"Now why would that concern me? I don't have time to interact with the commoners." Katara suppressed a scream.
"You've got time now so focus up!" She yelled. Azula did not seem too impressed by her outburst. Katara watched as Azula forced a fake yawn, pretending to not care.
"Please." She said, gritting her teeth. Azula looked over at the wall, then back at Katara, clicking her broken nails against the stone.
"Well…" Katara took in a deep breath, her cheeks turning red as she watched Azula 'mull' things over in her head. Patience, patience was a virtue.
"If you do want to work with me you'll have to play things by my rules." Said Azula. Katara raised an eyebrow.
"And what's that? Stab those closest to you in the back for your own gain?" Azula frowned, her golden eyes sparking like fire. For a moment it seemed as if she was wondering off, a bewildered expression crossing her face, but she snapped back, shaking her head.
"No, snow peasant, it just means you that you do as I say." Said Azula, letting the comment by. "For instance, when Joshua comes back here in thirty seconds you tell him you need more time to think. When he grabs me don't call out. Go with him without resisting." Katara blinked.
"What?" Boots started to echo down the tunnel to their cell, making Azula grin. Katara turned and watched the door, her heart pounding inside her chest as the boots came closer and closer. What if Joshua had changed his mind? What if he was going to torture her now? She didn't know if she could do torture again. One time had been enough for her, but twice?
The boots stopped outside the door, the key scraping against the lock. Her heart leapt into her throat, a slight tremble developing in her hands. She looked over to Azula, the girl merely offering her a nod.
Katara tried to take assurance in that nod. She needed to do as Azula said. Oddly enough she did not feel warm and fuzzy inside at the thought.
The door swung open, the fire dying out with the draft. Joshua stood in the entrance, his two goons right behind him, holding more torches. The man stepped in, a broad smile on his face.
"Well, well, well. It's nice to see you awake." He said, looking down at Azula. The firebender returned the comment with a smirk.
Joshua grunted. "You know, I don't think I like that look." He said. A moment later he kicked Azula in the ribcage with the side of his foot. She collapsed into a pile on the ground, coughing and holding her side. Joshua smiled, turning to Katara.
"How are you doing my dear? I hope that she hasn't been to sour of company." Katara tried to force a smile, but it died on her lips. Joshua tisked.
"That bad hmm? Well, have you at least thought about my offer?" Katara looked at Azula, watching as the girl ever so slightly shook her head. Katara swallowed, taking in a deep breath.
"Yes, I've thought about it, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to take a little more time. It's just so uncertain." Joshua dipped his head.
"As you wish my dear. Perhaps there's something I can do to speed up the process." He said, snapping his fingers. Black hair came into the cell, handing his torch over to his brother, grabbing Azula roughly by the arm and jerking her up. She got to her feet, stumbling, her face grimaced in pain. Joshua extended his hand to Katara.
"This way my dear." Katara looked at his bony hand, pale white. It seemed to glow like a ghost's, his veins a dim black beneath the slim veneer of ivory flesh.
There was a possibility here that she was about to be tortured, and knowing that this guy had spent a couple years underneath Azula's hand did not assure her of a lack of skill. No doubt he knew every trick Azula did, and more. If there really was a tormented spirit inside of him there was no telling how many different ages it had lived through, enduring and observing pain. It was a most unsettling prospect.
Eventually though, with a summoning of courage, she took his hand. His fingers tightened around hers, hoisting her off of the ground with his wiry strength. He held her close to him for a moment, his body pressed against hers. He smiled, rows of yellow teeth immediately turning white, a black flash running through his tongue.
Katara jumped back, shocked. What in the world had just happened?
Joshua just chuckled at her, amused. "Don't worry my dear, just a bit of harmless play. Nothing to be worried about." Katara nodded her head, trying to reassure herself that he was not going to possess her with an evil spirit. Somehow the thought wasn't very convincing.
"Shall we continue?" He asked, waving off down the hall. Azula stood right outside, her hands cuffed behind her back, a firm hand placed on her neck. She was gritting her teeth against the pain she was in, her body ready to collapse from exhaustion.
Katara walked past Joshua, making her way out into the hall, standing beside the smaller airbender. Joshua came out, dusting his hands and slamming the cell shut, not bothering to lock it. He tucked the key back into his chest pocket, whistling as he began striding down the stone tunnel.
The others followed, Katara walking alongside San-Lee, while black hair pushed Azula along, making the firebender stumble and fall, the stones cutting into her exposed flesh. Katara tried to not turn back and help her, determined to keep from looking.
She knew that if she turned back she would just want to help Azula out, and she couldn't do that at the moment, she just had to keep an open mind for what was going on and find the best opportunity to get them out of there. She couldn't play things Azula's way because Azula was merely looking a way out for her. She was going to have to figure a way out for both of them. Perhaps she could appeal to Joshua's better nature?
Katara looked up to see Joshua pushing open another door, leading them into a side room. Torches sat along the walls, casting a sinister orange glow on the floor outside the room. She took a moment, her feet stalling as the stench hit her nose, the smell of seared flesh and rotting meat wafting up to her. It made her want to barf, the horrendous odor spreading out into the whole tunnel.
San-Lee came up to her, setting one of his torches to the side and gently grabbing her by the arm. "Come on." Said the boy. "Joshua wants you inside." Katara let herself be led forward by San-Lee, taking in one last deep breath before stepping across the thresh hold.
She gasped as she stepped inside, terror seizing hold of her heart. Iron instruments of torture lined every inch of the walls, some already caked in blood. Several different tables and racks with pulleys and ropes lined the room, along with two devices covered in spikes. She jumped as her hand brushed across a table, a whip soaked in blood rubbing up against her hand. Okay, perhaps Joshua didn't have a better nature.
The man stood stroking one of the benches, this one with five different clamps, two set down towards where the legs seemed to sit, spread apart, two others up for the arms holding them straight out, and one more for what looked like the neck. It did not seem like a fun device. Ropes and levers sat about on it, allowing the torturer to adjust the settings so as to stretch out the person more or less.
Joshua turned back to the others, looking over at black hair. "San-Jin, would you please show our guess to the ropes?" The one called San-Jin dragged Azula over to an open area, taking two ropes from the ceiling and tying them around her wrists. He then un-cuffed her, tightening the ropes and raising her hands high above her head. He also tied her feet with two different ropes, tightening them and spreading her legs somewhat, keeping her from fidgeting too much. Katara swallowed.
"So, I know that you're having trouble at the moment making a decision. But I thought perhaps if I showed you what it is that I do, then maybe you would consider helping me in this little bargain of ours." Joshua picked up a thin black whip, the lash as fine as the stem on a leaf. He turned and sliced it through the air, flicking his wrist and cracking it down. It tore through Azula's back, making a fine cut and tearing her flesh from her back. A suppressed scream escaped between her lips, making Joshua smile.
Katara stood back in horror as Joshua continued to deliver nine more such blows, each one drawing a louder and louder reaction from Azula. On number seven she finally screamed out loud, and on the tenth she let out a sob, her body flexing and loosing with each strike. At the end she merely hung limp in the ropes, her breathing difficult.
Joshua set the whip down, turning back to Katara. "You see, I'm merely repaying her for all her marvelous deeds. Reap what you sow, no?" Katara clasped her hands together by her waist, trying to keep the shake from being noticed. All she wanted at the moment was to be far away from here. Far away from this torture chamber, far away from this mountain, and far away from this psychopath. He was freaking her out! And the worst part was, she kinda liked watching Azula be tortured.
Being honest with herself, deep down, she knew she was enjoying this. The memory came to her of being back in the Earth-Kingdom prison when Azula had spent those days tormenting her, hanging her above a heated lead pipe, leaving her to swelter above its flames. A part of her remembered that, and was currently relishing watching Azula get hers. But that wasn't how she was supposed to be. She needed to be loving, merciful, forgiving. Repaying hatred with hatred would only breed more hatred. If she wanted things to get better then she was going to have to learn to care for Azula, and she might as well start here.
But how could she do that and play Joshua at the same time? He wouldn't fall for anything if he believed she felt pity for Azula. At the moment it seemed as if the best thing for Azula was to turn on her.
She took in a deep breath. Well then, game on.
"Is that really all you do to her?" She said, surprised with how arrogant and cocky her voice sounded. She caught everyone off guard, Azula shifting in the ropes to turn her head around. Joshua raised an eyebrow.
"Pardon?" He asked. Katara threw her head back and laughed caustically, secretly hoping that it was believable.
"You're kidding, right? After all that big talk of tormenting her for all the evils she had done and the best you can do is a whip?" Joshua blinked, looking down at the whip. He fingered it.
"Well, no, it's not everything." He said. Katara snorted, keeping the act up. She walked over and picked up the whip, turning it over in her hands, inwardly disgusted at the cruel device.
"Yes, it's not everything, but it seems to me like it's the only thing you use." She said, tossing it down with a bored look. She waltzed over to Azula, peeling her tattered shirt back to look at the wounds. They ran deep, blood slowly seeping out of them. They were going to scar.
"Don't you know how to torture a bender?" She called, turning back around to Joshua. The man frowned.
"Don't you see these thing in here?" He said, gesturing to the room full of torture utensils. Katara shrugged.
"I see them, but do you know how to use them?" She could hear Azula's breathing quicken as she spoke.
"What are you doing peasant?" Hissed Azula, beneath her breath. Katara grabbed a handful of salt from a bag on a table, turning and pressing her hand into Azula's back. Azula's muscles tightened as she rubbed the salt into her wounds, forcing a muffled scream to come out from behind her teeth.
Katara drew her hand away, flicking her fingers towards the ground and shaking off some of the blood. She quickly tucked her hands into her pockets, hiding their trembling. She was so dead.
"Well, I see you're quite the enthusiast." Katara turned to see Joshua, a slight smile on his face. Katara frowned.
"I never liked the way she addressed me." She said, walking back towards Joshua. "So, are you going to show me you know how to use these or are you just going to talk all day?" Joshua smiled, a wicked and nasty grin.
"Why of course, right this way." He said, waving on towards the wall. Katara walked up, cringing at the assortment of spikes and screws that sat spread out before her.
"What would you like me to demonstrate?" He asked. Katara swallowed, realizing that her demonstration had come a bit too far. She had wanted to convince him that she did not care for Azula, but helping him torture her, could she do that?
She breathed in deep. It did not matter whether or not she could do it, she was doing it. The best she could do was select the least painful looking contraption for Joshua to use and hope that Azula did not murder her when they were thrown back in their cell.
Clasping her hands behind her back, Katara began to stroll up and down the wall, immediately dismissing anything that seemed too large or sharp as they looked exceptionally painful. She also eliminated anything that was rusted or crusted with blood, as they could cause serious infection. Perusing through all of the items, she finally came to one she thought would not be too painful. It was a simple little thing of metal, with a half crescent and some weird emblem on the end. There were no points or razors on it, so unless he planned on shoving it down Azula's throat she was fairly certain it would not hurt…too much.
Katara picked the device up off of the wall, turning it over in her hands and tossing it over to Joshua without looking. It went wide and would have missed altogether had one of the airbenders not blown it back over to him. Moment of coolness ended.
Joshua looked at the device for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. "Ohh, my dear, you do know your instruments." Katara felt her throat choke at his words, fear seizing hold of her body. He could actually use that to hurt Azula?
Joshua held the item by the end, flicking his wrist and unfolding the other half. It formed a complete circle at the end, a ring of metal surrounding an emblem. The Fire-Nation emblem to be specific. Joshua snapped his fingers, a black flame springing to life.
"Shall we?" He asked, motioning over to Azula. Katara hesitated a moment, then walked alongside him, coming over to Azula. Joshua held his flame right below the emblem, the heat beginning to radiate in waves. The metal soon began to turn color, changing from red to white hot, making Katara sweat. She began to tremble as she realized what it was that she had chosen. A brand.
Joshua held the brand up close to Azula's face, the girls' golden eyes growing wide. She shot a look over to Katara, a pleading look, begging her to stop this maniac. Katara swallowed.
"Where are you going to put it?" She asked, her voice a bit shaky. Joshua stopped, turning back to her.
"What?" Katara frowned.
"You have to put it somewhere, so where is it going?" Joshua pulled back, placing the brand back beneath his flame. A thoughtful look came across his face as he pondered upon this inquiry. Katara could only hope that he decided to not do it.
"Well." Said Joshua, looking Azula up and down. "I think the best place would be right here." He said, lifting the brand up and moving it towards Azula's cheek. The firebender turned her face, her eyes shut tight, waiting for the fiery pain.
Katara, on instinct, grabbed the brand and lowered it before she could stop herself. She pressed it into Azula's bare shoulder, the skin bubbling and melting as the brand seared into flesh. A scream escaped Azula's lips as she fought against the pain, her body shaking. Joshua pulled the brand back a moment later.
"What was that?!" He demanded. Katara grabbed the brand tossing it away with a condescending glower. The smell of burnt flesh came up to her nostrils, making her gag. She wanted to spew at the reek, but she knew that she needed to stay strong and keep up the charade if she ever wanted to get them out of there.
"It's called poetic justice. She branded your shoulder you brand hers." Joshua looked down at the brand on his flesh, then over at Azula's, the skin still steaming, blood slowly dripping.
"Well, I guess that is kind of funny." He said, a smile spreading across his face. "You know what my dear, I think I really like you." Katara gave a bored yawn, hoping that her body was not trembling too much.
"Your admiration is misplaced. All I want is to get out of here, if it means tormenting her then so be it, but I still want out." Joshua laughed, offering a bow.
"As soon as our discussion is finished my dear, you shall be on your way." The man started walking over to the door, turning back and holding out his hand.
"Right this way." Katara stole one last glance at Azula's limp form, her chest struggling as it rose and fell with every breath. That girl was going to kill her later on.
Turning back to Joshua she walked over to him, placing her hand in his icy grasp. He smiled, leading her out and away from the chamber. He gave a nod to San-Jin as he went by, the door thudding shut behind them as they left.
Walking through the tunnels, they came to another room, this one furbished as a living quarters. Joshua walked over and sat down in a simple chair, motioning to the bed next to him.
"Please, have a seat." Katara walked over to the bed, the covers tangled and matted. Sweat stains plagued the sheets, some of them still wet. She took a step back, putting her hands behind her back.
"I think I'm good." She said. Joshua laughed, standing up as well. A strange look crossed his face, his pale form becoming more sinister.
"Very well, we can conduct business on our feet." He said, walking over and grabbing a sliver flask from a wooden table. He poured out two glasses of black liquid, the substance shimmering like oil, shifting in the torchlight. He brought the crystal glasses over to her, offering her one. She did not take it.
"I think I'm good." She said. Joshua raised an eyebrow.
"You sure? It's honestly quite good." Katara sniffed, the potent smell of alcohol making her dizzy. She shook her head.
"No, thank you." Joshua shrugged his shoulders.
"Have it your way." He then threw his head back, downing first his glass then the second glass, slamming them back down on the table. Katara watched as his hands began to shake, sweat accumulating on his neck. He turned to her, his eyes red, a tear trailing down his cheek. He smiled.
"Good stuff, hits you right here." He said, tapping his chest. Katara kept her mouth shut, watching as the man walked back over to her, leaning in close. His breath smelled of the alcohol, his body wobbling slightly. Had he already gotten drunk after only two glasses? What was he drinking?
"Well, now, deary. I think it's about time we discussed our little…arrangement." He said. Katara stepped back, uncomfortable with his gaze. His eyes darted up and down her body like a hawk's, a predator looking over its prey. She could feel it rest on her chest, then on her legs, scanning her up and down with a lustful glare. This was not going to end well.
She cleared her throat, hoping that he would not come closer. "What did you have in mind?" Joshua took a step towards her, leaning so that his face was close to hers. He closed his eyes and breathed deep, a sickly look across his face.
"Well, I want to be left alone with Azula, and your friends want me to leave them alone." He said, reaching a hand up and brushing her hair. Katara could feel her skin crawl at his touch. She smacked his hand away, stepping around him, her back to the bed.
"Well, I don't really know what guarantee that I can give you that Zuko would actually give up his chase." She said, slowly moving back as he walked towards her. He licked his lips.
"Well, perhaps, you could be my guarantee." He said, his knuckles cracking. Katara bumped up against the bed, her heart pounding inside of her chest. Lord save her.
"I don't quite know." She started, Joshua stopped her.
"It'd be simple. By staying here with me the others wouldn't dare come after me because of what I might…do." He said, brushing a white knuckle against her cheek. Katara began to shake, her body trembling at his presence.
"And with you by my side you can make sure that I don't do anything against them. You can also see to Azula's welfare and make sure that she's still alive. That way Zuko won't feel too pressured to come after us." Katara tried to escape, but he was leaning towards her, pinching her legs against the frame of the bed.
"Aang wouldn't be happy about that." She said, praying with all her might that the lunatic would pull back.
"Dead men have no worries." Said Joshua simply, pushing Katara down on the bed. She fell with a cry, struggling as Joshua came down on top of her, grabbing at her wrists. She screamed and kicked and flung herself about, bringing her head crashing into his temple. It only made him laugh.
"Man, you are a feisty one my dear." Katara continued to resist him, trying to think of something to save her from her fate. Joshua had just turned her around to her back when a knock came at the door, distracting him. Katara took the opportunity to launch a mule kick right into the man's nether regions.
Joshua fell crumpled on the ground with a suppressed cry, holding his delicates. Katara stood and turned, making her way for the door. She grabbed it, yanking it open and rushing straight into the arms of one of the airbenders. Frantically she fought against the boy's grasp, but it was no use, he held on to her.
"Whoa, easy there, it's okay, it's okay." Katara stopped struggling looking up to see the young airbenders face. A smile spread across his lips; the young San-Lee.
"Don't worry miss, nothing's going to happen." San-Lee proceeded to reach out and close the door behind her, leaving the frothing Joshua to begin raging in his room.
The boy then took her gently by the arm, leading her off back down the hall towards her cell. She followed along docile, stunned by the recent turn of events. Her body trembled as tears leapt to her eyes, the horrors that she had just escaped rushing through her mind. The young airbender simply patted her on the back, comforting her.
"I hope you don't mind him too much miss, he really can't control it at times." Said the boy. Katara turned to him, wiping her teary eyes with the back of her hands.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Well." Started San-Lee. "You see, there's this demon thingy inside of him, and from time to time it gains control of him and makes him do things he doesn't normally do. Did he drink from his silver flask?" Katara nodded her head.
"Did you drink from it?" Asked San-Lee, urgency seeping into his voice. Katara shook her head, adamant. San-Lee sighed, nodding his head.
"Good, you don't what that stuff in your system. I don't know what it is, but it will put you on such a trip. Whenever he starts drinking from that it means that the demon's back in control. Don't ask me why but that's what we've found out, Sangee and I." Katara continued to walk with the boy, comforted by his light tone and chipper talk.
"Why do you and your brother serve him?" She asked. San-Lee stopped, looking around in the hall. He leaned over to her, beckoning her closer. She leaned down, pressing her face close to his.
"Well." Started the boy, an excited glee to is words, as if whispered in secret to a close friend. "To tell you the truth I don't like serving him, but Sangee fancies him a bit, so I do as he likes. Besides, Joshua promised to bring justice to the Fire-Nation, and to be honest I don't like them too much." Katara nodded her head. It was understandable, she herself was just now beginning to tolerate them.
"But what is his plan?" She whispered. San-Lee opened his mouth, then shut it again, a smile spreading across his lips. He wagged his finger at her as if she was a naughty pet.
"I see what you're doing, clever. Sangee did tell me that you could never trust women, now I see what he was saying." Katara grunted.
"I had to try." San-Lee laughed.
"That you did." He said, leading her on. Katara walked alongside him, her heart steadying as they made their way further and further from Joshua. She turned once more to the boy.
"Why did you come for me?" She asked. San-Lee stopped, a confused look on his face.
"What?" He asked.
"Why did you come for me?" Repeated Katara. San-Lee raised an eyebrow, obviously confused.
"I didn't come back for you." He said.
"Then why did you go back?" San-Lee sat for a moment, his face reflecting thought. Suddenly his countenance lit up, his mouth flying open.
"Ohh geesh! I nearly forgot!" The boy turned, sprinting back down the hall, leaving her standing there.
"Don't go anywhere!" He called, his voice echoing down the tunnel. Katara smirked, looking around at the empty tunnel around her. Sure, she wouldn't go anywhere, and Sokka didn't sleep with women.