A/N: So I've had several people ask how Genshi's conjuring ability works. Without giving anything away, I'll tell you that once she conjures a vision from someone, she can inherently sense in which direction to go to find that person. But since they're travelling on foot, she will probably have to repeat the process a few times since her ability is subjective, and if Ozai and Katara changed directions she would not sense that until the next conjuring session. Her abilities are limited and I've intentionally written it that way. There will be more that we learn about her abilities in the near future, but that's all I'll say for now since I think that's all that's relevant at this time :)
In response to the reviewers from Chapter 15:
ArrayPL: That was strange chapter. You killed Nyla so they couldn't find Ozai to soon? But what good is a vision of a forest where currently Katara is walking through? Please update soon.
= = = Thanks for the feedback, and I appreciate what you have to say, but perhaps there might be a more constructive way to voice your criticism or opposing views? I always welcome constructive criticism but sometimes solely negative comments laying into someone's hard work kills their enthusiasm to continue – not referring to myself in particular but writers in general. There just might be a better way to go about leaving feedback, and I don't mean just for me but for all writers out there.
As far as your "Nyla" question, there's a formula that most writers follow, in that you can't make things too easy for your main characters (or your villains for that matters) or else you really don't have any conflict or tension in the story. The stakes have to be high, which means making things difficult for your characters. In this case, I wanted Zuko and the others to have a way to find her without compromising the conflict and tension. There's a glimmer of hope but it's by no means set in stone and allows for the building of suspense.
And as far as the vision of Katara, if you remember in Chapter 15, once Genshi conjures the vision she is able to sense in what direction to go from there in order to track them down. But she has to conjure the vision first before she can sense where to go. It's also important because she can see their auras in the vision which can tell her their state of body and mind, their general wellbeing emotionally and physically. Her power is by no means flawless, since if Ozai/Katara change direction, Genshi risks losing them unless they conjure another vision. But it's their best option at the moment, and I fully intended it to be this way for the sake of suspense. But don't worry; I have a feeling things aren't going to be a walk in the park for Ozai either…
AnnaAza: I suppose if poor Nyla was still alive, this story would be over in about three more chapters. But, wow, what a twist! Looks like Zuko has a glimpse of his lady love, and they are making some progress. I was glad to see what the search party was up to, even though the Ozai and Katara action was seeming to boil over any minute.
= = = Thank you, that's exactly where I was going with it. It'd be way too easy and who wants to read a story like that? :) And don't worry, we'll be checking back in on Ozai and Katara shortly. Thank you, as always, for the feedback! You've been one of the most faithful reviewers from the start and I truly appreciate it :)
Jane Keyboard: OH no! Poor Nyla! How devastating for Jun. I know it's never the same with the second pet, but she should really go find herself another Shirshu to train up. Nyla couldn't have been the only one. Ha ha, digression! I like the idea of a "conjurer". It sounds like the sort of whacky, early time-y business that would be going on in the Avatar realm. Was Zuko able to discover anything helpful (other than Katara's alive) through Genshi's vision?
Yeah, it surely must have been sad for her. She probably could have acquired another shirshu to train, but I just didn't really picture Jun doing that, at least not right away. She seemed pretty close to Nyla so I'm not sure how quickly she would have wanted to replace her.
I'm glad you like the "conjurer" idea. We will soon see if Zuko found anything else helpful through Genshi's vision :) Thank you for the review!
Glittery Princess Kenzie: Great story, am I bad person for wanting to see a little bit of Katara and Ozai action? I mean I love Zutara, but it would add another layer of drama, you know?
Love the screen name btw, lol :) You are absolutely not a bad person for wanting a bit of Katara/Ozai action. And if you are, you're in good company, haha. I love the layer of drama it adds to the mix too. I hope to not disappoint in the coming chapters :) Thanks for the review!
kiwistarr: I came across this story yesterday, and I love it so far! I'm guilty of wanting more Katara/Ozai interaction, but I also want Zuko to find her! Oh, conflicting emotions. The last scene was good, and seemed like something Ozai and Katara would do.
As for this chapter, I like the conjurer idea. It's interesting. I also can't believe Nyla died! Poor Jun.
I can't wait for your next update! This is a great story and I'm really happy to have stumbled upon it. Write the next chapter soon? :)
Thank you, I'm so glad you love it (so far at least)! Hopefully I'll continue delivering to your expectations :) I hope you keep reading, enjoying, and reviewing!
Zuko shivered in the grey of pre-dawn, the chill of the early morning fog seeping through what he thought would have been sufficient layers of clothing for this time of year. He wondered if it was just him, but he was sure he had seen the discomfort on the others' faces too.
The ostrich-horses' feet padded swiftly along the forest trail, hushed by a seemingly endless bed of pine needles, amplifying the silence that surrounded them. The troupe had scarcely spoken a word since they had started out, just before the first hints of daylight had crept into the indigo sky. A sleepless night, nerves awry, the cold, damp air. The situation was hardly conducive for making conversation. But the silence was beginning to unravel him. It was enough knowing that Katara was out there and that there was only so much headway they could make toward her on foot per day. At least there were the ostrich-horses.
Up above, a sparrowkeet warbled its first morning greeting, eager to usher in a new day. For the first time all morning, the silence was momentarily broken. This seemed to give Zuko the push he needed to follow suit and without thinking, he uttered, "So, Genshi. Why is it that you gave up conjuring?"
Why he had chosen those to be his first words, he was not sure. Though it was a question he realized had been nagging him since they had met the mysterious conjurer. They were counting on this ability of hers to rescue Katara and she had appeared so distraught over the prospect of taking it back up; he could not help but wonder what kind of traumatic thing had happened to make her run in the other direction. But the awkwardness of the question began to dawn on him as the silence seemed to magnify around them. It was a tactless, invasive question, he realized, and not really any of his business. Ugh, why am I so clumsy when it comes to communication?
In an attempt to lessen the discomfort, Suki cleared her throat gently. "Umm, Zuko, maybe that's not something that Genshi wants to –"
"It's okay," Genshi interrupted.
Surprised, all eyes turned toward the young woman.
"It's not something I like to remember. Something I've tried not to think about for years. But I suppose you deserve an explanation."
Genshi finally began to unfold her story for them, the pieces of her puzzling character beginning to fit together. Many years ago, a sect of the Earth Kingdom's government known as the Tanwu had been put into place by the Earth King, assigned with the task of overseeing the great nation to maintain peace. Each member was assigned to different districts in the Kingdom. But as the years passed, the Tanwu became arrogant and began to abuse its power, as so often happens.
About ten years ago, there was a very small movement amongst conjurers who saw the government's growing thirst for power. Some even wished to see anarchy rule the kingdom and aimed to use their power to see it through. These people would receive aid in the form of visions from individuals who had knowledge that was useful to their mission and who also opposed the sect's growing power. Their visions would often reveal critical information privy to only government officials and their families. They intended to wipe out the corrupt sect along with much of the government's power.
Somehow, word of this movement's plans were leaked to the sect. Of course the Tanwu fought back with full force, labeling conjuring as a dark art and vowing to annihilate the heathen practice for good. In other words, they saw the power the conjurers were capable of and it terrified them. They labeled all conjurers as wielders of dark magic and imposed laws against its practice, vowing whatever force necessary. What they did not expect was the fierce resistance with which the conjurers pushed back, refusing to be demonized and oppressed due to a select few. But the Tanwu would not listen and soon the resistance turned violent.
Genshi got swept up in the passion of it all and joined the revolt. She was known amongst the conjurers as one of the most proficient, especially for her age. A prodigy, she was called. One night her village and the surrounding towns were raided by the Tanwu and their supporters, invading homes and threatening the lives of any households, families, or individuals harboring conjurers. Some houses were left unharmed if it was certain there were no conjurers present. But if there was any doubt, suspects were taken prisoner for interrogation. But for some homes like Genshi's, they were already aware of a conjurer living there. When they kicked down the door of her house, they demanded to know which of them was the conjurer. Genshi was about to speak up to protect the rest of her family when her little brother stood up and declared that he was the one they wanted. Genshi screamed and cried in protest, but they were already dragging him out the door.
The next day, word was circulating in the village that the conjurers had not been taken prisoner for interrogation. They had been put to death that night in the cover of darkness. Genshi completely broke down at the news. She had been so close to her beloved little brother. After that day, Genshi lost the will to live. She had no desire to eat or drink, or to see anyone. She nearly passed away of a broken heart.
When the public got word of the atrocity carried out by a governmental sect devoted to "keeping the peace", there was a strong outcry and the Earth King quickly disbanded the Tanwu. But it was too late. Eventually it was forgotten. Their cries became silent again and things returned to normal. But not for Genshi. She was convinced that it was her fault her brother had died and that she could never forgive herself.
"So that's why I vowed to completely abandon conjuring forever."
"That also explains why you're one of the last known surviving conjurers. Why you choose to live in secret."
"Yes."
"Genshi…" Zuko faltered. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know –"
"It's all right, my Lord. No harm done." She smiled at him with that quiet, doe-like smile of hers and turned away. "Besides, I get to use my power now for good, to help you. And maybe somehow, this will rectify what happened to my brother. Vindicate his death in some way."
"I'm sure you're right, Genshi. Your brother would be proud of you."
Genshi remained silent, but smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
.:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:.
The trees stood uncannily still in the chill of dawn's first light, sculptures in a living museum where even the leaves dared not to fall. Toph rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and sat up in Appa's saddle with a groan, wrapping the elephantmoose-skin blanket tighter around her shoulders. The quiet surrounding them was heavy, all-encompassing, disturbed only by a seldom, faint trickling of the nearby stream. It descended upon her like a vacuum, a suffocating cloud of nothingness. She suddenly felt more alone in that moment than in all her years spent hiding as the Blind Bandit.
Toph stood up and took in a deep breath, trying to fend off the solitude tightening her chest. She could not let it shake her focus. She jumped down from the saddle, the cool, dank earth and rotting leaves griming her feet as she ambled over to where the young Avatar still sat motionless. It had been three days and the ground around him continued to radiate with that same eerily tranquil vibe. No sign of change; no hint of life save for the faint, languid pulse of his heartbeat.
She had spent most of her waking hours the past three days scouring the areas surrounding their campsite on foot, extending her search radius as much as she could each day. But it had turned up nothing. No clues, no leads. Something had to give.
Toph crouched down in front of Aang and studied his face for several minutes, as though somehow she could draw him back to her world, back to wakefulness. She waved a hand in front of his eyes.
"Hello?!" she called out. His eyelids were heavy as stone; not so much as an eyelash flinched at her intrusion. Her hand began waving more vigorously with every unresponsive moment. "What are you doing in there, Twinkle Toes?! You'll have to resume your little tea party with Avatar Roku, or whatever it is you're doing, some other time. I'm through waiting on you. Do you hear me?"
Of course she knew he didn't. With a frustrated sigh, she pushed off her knees and stood up, her hands on her hips as she turned her head toward a lounging Appa and then back at Aang. They had lost so much time. What if they were already too late? There was only one thing left to do.
"Fine. You've given me no choice. If you're not gonna move your lazy butt then I'll just have to do it for you."
Wrapping her arms around his stomach, she heaved the airbender up and over her shoulder, staggering back under the dead weight, and began lumbering over to where Appa was still lying half asleep. She knew it was risky moving Aang's body while he was in the spirit world. It could be difficult for him to find his way back and they were counting on him. They needed him. It could complicate things, make them worse, but right now it was the best option as far as she could see; the lesser of two shitty dilemmas.
After heaving Aang's comatose body into the saddle, Toph walked around to the bison's head and gently tugged on the reigns.
"Come on, Appa. Let's move."
The bison rose to his feet and stretched with a dissenting groan, following behind as Toph clutched the reigns and began leading the way through the forest once again.
What she would not give for the rest of her friends to be here. She was not sure she could deal with this Aang problem on her own. The way he had been acting since the Katara-Zuko situation – it was unnervingly atypical of him. And now going into the spirit world with no indication of reemerging any time soon… She was beginning to fear that something much more troubling was going on with Aang than she had first thought. Something on a much deeper and more sinister level, beyond just the emotional. Almost like he was transforming into an entirely different person.
She wanted to tell herself that she knew better, that it was crazy, but she was not so sure that it was. Crazier things had happened. And if something of that nature was going on, that would not bode well for them. Or for the rest of the world.
.:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:.
Ozai leaned back against the body of a broad, towering tree, eyes closed, drumming his fingers against the coarse bark. His brows were pinched together, a ragged sigh escaping his lips. Somewhere close behind him he could hear the occasional swishing and splashing of water. The girl had begun pestering him to stop just long enough for her to wash in the river, eventually plaguing him with requests and grumbles to no end that he relented merely to keep him from drowning her himself.
It was a nuisance to stop for something so frivolous. Especially in light of the nagging concern that was creeping upon him, whispering of wrong turns and lost time. With the map swallowed in the shipwreck, he was relying on instinct alone. And he was beginning to fear that it may not be enough. But there was another part of the game that he had to consider now. Conceding to the girl's harmless, albeit annoying requests now and then would appease her and perhaps help her to trust him. It was a small sacrifice to make for the greater good.
"Are you finished over there, water girl?" he called over his shoulder.
There was a short pause before he heard her call back, "Just a few more minutes."
Ozai stifled a growl. It was "a few more minutes" a few minutes ago. Why did this girl always seem bent on trying his patience?
"I'm afraid my leniency has run its course. Get out."
The only reply came in the form of silence mingled with the muted sounds of the forest. The whine of a mosquito-wasp in his ear, the creaking of nearby trees.
"Waterbender," he shouted more forcefully. It was more of a command than a question.
More splashing water. A heat wave began coursing through his body as his agitation mounted. Whatever made her think that such insolence would be tolerated, he would take care of that now. He clenched his jaw and peered around the side of the tree, readying himself to storm out from behind it when he stopped short. The girl was emerging from the river, her chocolate skin glistening in the dappled sunlight, all but bare if not for her meager bindings. Appalled, he felt himself frozen in place as he watched the girl swat the water from her body with a flick of her wrists.
A pit began forming itself in his stomach. No, he would not allow this. He would not be reduced to such a state, gaping at a peasant girl like some star-struck fool. But his body betrayed him, refusing his commands to flee, his eyes remaining transfixed on the partially exposed girl who was now donning her garments she had left folded on a nearby rock.
For the love of Agni, why couldn't he look away?! It was not as though he harbored any kind of attraction for the waterbender. The mere idea of it was laughable, absurd…
His thoughts were cut off as the girl spun around and began making her way back toward his direction. Whatever force had held him there against his will finally released him as the threat of discovery grew near. Without wasting a moment, he quickly pushed himself back around the tree as quietly as possible, leaning back against its trunk once again. He closed his eyes, his brows knit in vexation, and exhaled a ragged sigh of relief. Whatever madness had come over him, whatever sly games the spirits were playing with him, he would be sure to vanquish that here and now. Nothing, not even Agni himself, would stand in the way of his plans.
.:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:.
The distant call of a nighthawk peeked through the fog of a restless sleep. It was getting closer to a full moon. Katara could almost never sleep on the night of a full moon, but even in the days leading up to it she often found herself drifting in and out of a shallow, faltering slumber. It was the one thing about being a waterbender that she ever truly hated.
She rolled onto her back with a sigh, gazing up through the increasingly meager leaves at the pale orb leering at her from its black abyss. It was no use trying to fight wakefulness at this point. It was a losing battle almost every time. With another small sigh she turned her head toward Ozai; a pang of envy swept over her at the deep sleep he appeared to be lost within.
As Katara's eyes wandered over Ozai's slumbering form, she found herself slightly taken aback at how unagitated – almost peaceful – the fearsome man looked beneath the guise of sleep. The rhythmic rising and falling of his chest was strangely hypnotic. Slowly and quietly she sat up, propping herself up on an elbow. Her eyes brushed over his face, studying him for several moments; in the quiet, secrecy of night she placed aside her guilt and fears for a moment and allowed herself the freedom to admit – fully and without reservations – how truly striking the man was. How at odds his looks were with his character.
Her heart fluttered gently. A sudden and inexplicable urge to touch him crashed over her, mesmerizing her, pulling her in deeper the more she tried to resist it, like a moth to a flame. Against her better judgment, she felt her hand reach out slowly, her fingertips nearly grazing his arm. For a moment she hesitated, listening intently for any sign of consciousness. His breathing was slow and steady, inundated by sleep. That was sufficient reassurance for her to push through her dithering conscience. Her fingers splayed out in caution as she placed her hand, tentatively and delicately, upon his strong shoulder, taking in his features. There was that scent again – musky and bright, smoldering firewood. She lightly skimmed her hand down to rest on his bicep, her pulse racing.
In that moment, she knew she had already committed treason in her heart. Or perhaps it was not so much treasonous as it was daring. Or perhaps it was both. Either one could happen without much foresight, in the blink of an eye, unwittingly rehearsed in the silent darkness of one's own heart. In such silence it waits, ambushing the victim just when it's too late to turn back.
Ozai's arm was large and powerfully built, nothing but hardened muscle, the product of years of dedicated training. Her heart fluttered again; she had never been so close to him before – at least not willingly. She felt brave in the dark now. It was oddly exhilarating, touching so tenderly a normally guarded and dangerous man now made vulnerable by sleep, like reaching out to caress a sleeping scorpion tiger, beautiful yet deadly, unaware of her advances.
"What do you think you're doing, girl?"
Katara froze, that deep, sultry voice shattering her reverie. To her utter mortification, she looked up to see that his eyes were opened in slits as he gazed down at her.
Oh, spirits! Oh, gods!
She floundered for words, struggling through the cobwebs of her horror-stricken mind to find some excuse, some convincing defense. But all she could come up with was an unintelligible, barely audible squeak. Without warning, his hand shot up and wrapped around her wrist, inadvertently pulling her a bit closer. He cocked a quizzical eyebrow and turned his head to her, smirking a question to which she feared he already knew the answer.
"I suppose you're going to tell me it's not what it looks like."
"No, it's not! Honestly!" she croaked out a lie.
"Really? And you expect me to believe that?" A silky chuckle rose from deep with his chest. "No, I won't insult your meager intelligence by pretending that I do."
What on earth had come over her to make her do something so incredibly stupid? Gods only knew what he might be thinking now. Oh, what she would give for a nice, welcoming grave to bury herself in.
His hold on her wrist softened just slightly as his features became serious, his eyes cutting into her, a corner of his mouth turned up in a hint of a solemn smirk.
"Tread lightly, girl. You risk opening a door that cannot be so easily closed, the consequences unexpected and volatile. But if there's something you'd like to tell me, by all means go ahead."
Katara fought for breath. Her chest felt tight, her tongue like chalk. She had hoped to be able to pull the wool over his eyes, if just narrowly. She hadn't expected him to cut through her lies like a knife to butter, to call her out so directly. "No, I…"
"No? Then I think you know what I'm getting at. I'm not going to say anything more. Now get some sleep in while you can. At the first light of dusk, we move."
Ozai released her wrist from his hand and turned away from her without another word. Katara rolled slowly onto her back, her breathing choppy and irregular. She squeezed her eyes shut and brought a hand up to her chest as though to clutch her racing heart. The door Ozai had alluded to – she was afraid she had already opened it. Passed the point of no return and thrown away the key. Was there any part of the girl she knew that was salvageable now?
As her mind drifted in and out of sleep once again, one word brushed upon her lips in a trace of a whisper.
Zuko…
A/N: Sorry it's been so long since I updated. Things have been crazy around here, but all in good ways. Please don't forget to review! It gives me the drive to keep on going :) Thanks for reading, and tell me what you think!