The Shadow of Destiny
The darkness of the night swallowed him, only occasionally granting him a flickering lamp to guide his way. Slowly, steadily, he made his way through the capitol streets. He did not want to seem as if he were in a hurry; that would draw attention. Every so often, he would stop to examine some notice board or to choose his path at a crossroads. When he did, he listened to ensure he was not being followed. When he heard no tell-tale footsteps staggering to a halt and saw no brief flashes of movement from his peripheral vision, he would continue.
When he reached a dead end, the man stopped. Then, checking behind him one final time, he did not linger any further. Placing his hand upon a stone in the wall, the man focused for a few seconds, feeling the surface for nicks. He found what he was looking for: an almost invisible imperfection, a tiny hole that one would only see if one knew to look. He rapidly shot three fireblasts into it. The wall in front of him grazed open and the man slipped inside.
The surface he placed his hand on was slick, but he found the grip he needed and continued down the stone steps into the belly of the city. Here, in the catacombs, a never-ending maze of tunnels that stretched for miles, one could easily get lost. No one had succeeded in mapping their vast expanse, though many attempts had been made. There were simply too many crossroads, too many disorienting turns, and no landmarks to be trusted. But he knew where to go; he had gone there many times. His breath clouding around his nostrils, his hand covered in slime, the man lit his way with a small flame and began his journey. He would not get lost in this labyrinth.
As he walked, the air began to warm. The slick walls became dry to his touch. The deeper he went into the volcano, the hotter it became: his only indication that he was going the right way.
After trudging alone through the darkness for what felt like hours, the man arrived at a doorway. Etched into the stone, there was the image of a flame, and nestled inside the flame, a bowl. This bowl had been inlaid with shimmering gold. The man placed his hand at the base of the flame and released another fireblast, this one causing the gold inside the bowl to flash and shimmer as if it truly were aflame. The door unlatched and he stepped inside.
Inside, the room was blazing hot. Along the walls were two golden trenches, filled with oil so the flames inside them would not die. The floor was obsidian stone, and the firelight dancing upon it seemed to flow like water. At the far side of the room, a man sat on a solid gold dais, dressed in a simple ruby red robe.
"My Lord, I bring news", the man dropped to his knees the instant he entered the room, his forehead brushing the ground.
Rising, the figure crossed the ebony floor, seeming to move in a flickering manner, as a flame would do. He reached the man and lifted his hand permissively.
"Speak, my son."
The man sat back upon his heels, keeping his eyes low, "The riot in the streets today has benefited our movement greatly. People are searching for someone to blame. Word of mouth has spread, claiming that a waterbender started the panic. Citizens already had little faith in the traitor's rule; now, they fear the other Nations may overthrow their homeland altogether.
"And what of the fleet heading South?"
"Leaving at first tide with the Water Tribe Ambassador and his sister aboard. It seems they mean to rally support. My Lord, shall I send the order?"
"Patience, my son. Our time will come. You may go."
The messenger bowed his head, rose, and left the room.
*/*/*
Zuko scrubbed at the face in the mirror. While he had enjoyed being Lee in the market, he still felt unsettled without his scar. Though there was a time he would have given anything to have it gone, without it, the face reflected wasn't him. Now, his scar was a part of him, a reminder of the hardships that made him stronger. He was grateful for the gesture that Suki had made, that Katara had suggested, but he had learned a long time ago not to hide behind a mask.
So he had no qualms about it; the makeup had to come off. The only question was how long was it going to take!
Suki had told him to use soapy water and then olive oil, so that's what he did. But she hadn't mentioned how tenacious the substance could be. Frustrated, he threw the cloth down and began pacing.
He missed Mai, missed the feeling of his fingers through her hair, her touch. He wished she was here now.
So much had happened. It was overwhelming. He felt like a total failure. First the rogue ships, then the riot in the streets. Then Ming, who had only been doing her job. He should never have left the palace. Maybe if he had been doing his duty instead of slacking off, she would still be here. And Katara would have never been hurt, either.
He thought back to the man on the dais, the pamphlet on the ground. The words had stung like gravel thrown in his face.
A true Fire Lord would be a guiding hand to his nation!
That had infuriated him. He was being a guiding hand! After one hundred years, he had stopped the war! Our land, our resources, our money? Why not use them to help the other nations, when for so long they had been used as weapons? He was repairing the damage done, trying to correct the wrongs his people had made! He wanted a better future for the world than a legacy of torment. Why couldn't they see that!?
He pinched the bridge of his nose, took a deep breath, and sat back down at the vanity. He picked up the cloth and began scrubbing again, the makeup slowly wiping away little by little.
It was hard work, but eventually, his face smiled back at him from the mirror.
*/*/*
Katara lay soaking in a steaming hot bath, the water around her glowing as she focused intently on her pain. She had several nasty bruises, two bruised ribs, and her lower leg had been fractured, though thankfully it had just been a small crack in the bone. Healing herself was proving to be extremely taxing. Attending to Zuko's rib had also been a strain, but she would never dare admit that to him.
She sighed contentedly and snuggled herself down into the tub. As the bath slowly grew tepid, she finished knitting the bone and repairing as much of the muscle damage as she could. Her leg would be sore for a couple of weeks, but the bruising had been reduced to a green-yellow color. That would have to be enough for now.
Katara pulled the stopper in the bath and carefully got out. Holding both sides of the tub, she tested her weight, and though her leg ached, it was nothing compared to the fire that had shot through it before. She bent the water from her hair and body and slowly limped over to the vanity, where some silk robes had been left folded for her. Once she was dressed, she sat and began brushing her hair in the mirror.
A short while later, a knock sounded on her door. She glanced up, "Yes?"
Aang's voice came hesitantly, "Hey, Sweetie, it's me."
"Oh, hey! Come in!"
Aang appeared in the doorway, holding a platter of food in his arms, "Had a feeling you would be hungry".
Katara immediately set her brush down and got up to help him, holding the door so he could come through, "Aang, this is so sweet! Thank you!" As he carried the food to the bed, Katara shut the door behind them. Now that she thought about it, she was ravenous. Cautiously, she crawled onto the bed, sitting herself up against the headrest so she could support her leg. Aang sat next to her, the tray placed on his lap.
He had brought all her favorites; a hot komodo-chicken curry, warm bread with butter and a small jar of fig jam, fried dumplings, and a small variety of berries and other fruit. There were also two bowls of rice, one with stir-fried vegetables, and a pot of what smelled like chamomile tea with two cups. Aang poured her a cup, "Iroh said chamomile would help you sleep."
She took the tea gratefully, "That's good. I feel like I could sleep for a week!"
While she sipped, Aang spread a slice of bread with butter and jam for her, "How's your leg?"
"I've healed the bone and brought down the bruising. I may need to use crutches for a week or so, just to make sure I don't put any undue pressure on it, especially on the ship. I don't want to risk stumbling around until I get my sea legs." She handed him the tea cup and took the bread, trying not to devour it like a starving polar bear-dog.
Aang seemed surprised, "You're still going?"
"Well yeah. By the time we arrive, I'll be fine. I haven't seen Gran-Gran in a year!"
"Oh." Aang quietly poured the curry over her bowl of rice and handed it to her, picking up his own bowl with vegetables. Katara could feel the tension in the air, but she was starving, and she wasn't about to back down. The two of them ate in silence.
As Katara finished her curry and moved on to the dumplings, Aang picked at his rice. "Katara -"
Katara sighed in frustration and set her plate on her lap, "Aang, I'm going. I love you, and I will miss you, but I'm going. You won't talk me out of it."
He flushed, "I know. I just … you almost died today, and I couldn't keep you safe." He moved the tray onto the side table and turned onto his side to face her, "I love you, Katara, and I can't sit by while you go into a situation where you could be hurt again. So I've decided I'm coming too."
"What about Zuko? You said it yourself he needs a voice of reason. The rally we saw today … Aang, he needs you here to help him."
"Zuko can handle it! Besides, I will be helping! I'll be adding my support to yours in the South!"
"Aang, I think this is a mistake. I'll be fine!"
Aang sat up, bunching his legs under his chin, "Katara, I thought that when the war was over, we could focus on our lives, move on, just be together. And now that we finally have, I don't want you going on a dangerous mission alone." His face was resolute, "I know you have to go. So if you're going, I'm coming too."
Katara searched his eyes for a second. She realized that he wasn't going to move on from this. Setting her plate to the side, she leaned over and hugged him, "Ok. I still don't agree, but if that's what you need … I understand."
He hugged her tightly, "Thank you, Katara."
She pulled away first, handing him her plate, "We have to be up early tomorrow, and I'm tired. I'll see you then."
He nodded and put the plate on the tray, "Do you want me to leave this?"
"Yes please." She pulled the blankets up over herself and settled into bed, "Thanks for bringing it."
He kissed her cheek, "Goodnight, Sweetie."
"Goodnight." She smiled softly.
Aang left the room, quietly closing the door behind him. Katara sighed.
Why does this feel so wrong?
Before she could put any more thought into it, she fell asleep.
*/*/*
Aang was awake before dawn. He had packed all of his things the night before. Not that there was much to pack, he usually traveled pretty lightly. He wouldn't even need thick clothing for the frigid South Pole, as he could keep his body temperature steady with airbending. Still, he had one last errand to run. Waking Momo gently, he stuffed the bleary-eyed lemur into his robe before leaving his quarters.
He managed to flag down an attendant and asked them to have his bags loaded onto the ships with the others' luggage. Then, he headed to the Fire Nation stables.
Appa was happily curled up in his stall. The Fire Nation Cavalry wasn't used to housing such large creatures, and Appa was much too big for even the komodo-rhino stables. To make room for him, the soldiers had come up with a creative solution; Appa could use the indoor training arena as his stable. The arena was mostly used for less experienced recruits to practice riding without distractions, but the soldiers could make do with the outdoor arena for now.
Aang playfully rubbed Appa's side, "Hey buddy!" The massive beast rolled over to expose his belly, inviting Aang to scratch him more. Aang laughed and happily did so. Momo, now fully awake, jumped onto Appa's head, badgering on about something only the two of them could understand. Appa grumbled at the lemur and slowly stood up, turning to face Aang and give him a slobbery lick.
"I've missed you, too, Appa. I'm sorry I haven't come by in a couple of days. Things have been really busy. Are you ready to go on a morning flight? I bet you could use some exercise."
Appa moaned his agreement and Aang jumped onto his back. The two of them lumbered through the arena gates and out into the morning air.
"Yip Yip!"
With a great swoosh of his tail, Appa was off. They climbed for a good while until they were above the clouds, making lazy circles. Momo decided he wanted to glide for a bit, and took off on his own, using the updrafts Appa created to swirl around them playfully. Aang sighed and lay back, giving Appa the reins and enjoying the feeling of wind on his face.
"I have something to tell you."
The bison huffed in acknowledgment.
Aang gently trailed his fingers through the thick fur, "I'm going away for a while."
Appa groaned questioningly.
"No, you can't come with me. I'm sorry. It was a last-minute decision, and they wouldn't be able to feed you on the ships."
The snort of disgust made Aang laugh, "I know, I know. You hate ships."
He lay on his stomach now, wrapping his arms around Appa's great head, "I promise Zuko will take great care of you. And I'm sure he won't forget to take you flying."
Appa let out a mournful moan and gently tossed his head, bouncing Aang lovingly. "I know, buddy. I'm going to miss you too."
The two of them drifted through the quiet morning in silence, drinking in their last few moments together.
*/*/*
The sun was just coming up when Zuko awoke to a knock on his door. He sat up against the pillows, his mind foggy, "Yes?"
Katsu opened the door, "My Lord, Master Katara is here to see you."
Zuko covered a yawn, "Ah, ok. Just give me a minute."
"Yes, My Lord." Katsu closed the bedchamber door.
Zuko stretched, wincing as his side twinged, and then got up. He pulled on a pair of silk pants and then crossed to the vanity, where he splashed his face with clean water and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. His hair was sleep-tousled, but he did what he could to make it presentable. When he was decent, he turned to face the door, "Come in."
Katsu opened the door again and Katara stepped through, leaning on a crutch, "Hey. How'd you sleep?"
Zuko smiled, "Pretty well, all things considered."
She returned his smile, "That's good. I just came to see if you wanted a last healing session before we leave."
Zuko absently put his hand over his ribs. His palace healer had told him that he, surprisingly, hadn't had any broken bones, just bruising. The healer had wrapped it tightly and told him to eat something before bed. "That'd be great. Thanks!"
The two of them had done many healing sessions together over the last few months, due to Zuko's injury from the Agni Kai with Azula. He knew the drill, fetching the jug of water from the vanity and setting it on the bedside table. Katara settled herself on the edge of the bed and Zuko joined her, carefully unwrapping his injury. She moved to help him.
Zuko took in her appearance, "Are you feeling any better?"
Katara absently bent some water from the jug and coated her hand, concentrating as it began to glow, "Yes. I was able to take care of the worst of it last night. Aang brought me dinner."
Zuko's eyebrows rose, "That was considerate."
Katara smiled slightly but didn't answer, choosing instead to focus on her work.
Zuko took the hint, letting himself relax as the pain eased. When she was finished, the bruise had faded from black to yellow, "That's enough for now. I don't think you'll need to wrap it again, but obviously, go easy for a while."
"Thanks."
She nodded and stood, limping to the vanity to replace the jug. She was entirely too quiet, "Katara, is something wrong?"
She stopped, then sighed in defeat before putting down the jug and turning to face him, "Aang decided he's coming with us."
"And … that doesn't make you happy?"
"I don't know." She sat down on the bed again, "I just … I don't think he's doing this for the right reasons. I have a bad feeling."
"Why do you think he's going?"
"I think he's worried about me. I know that what happened yesterday was serious, but I think he's feeling guilty about it. I think he's afraid of losing me. But I'm scared he's going to make mistakes because of that. He told me after the war meeting that he felt he needed to stay, to help you deal with the restoration, and be a neutral voice. But now, suddenly, he's changed his mind because of me."
"You think he's not taking his responsibilities as the Avatar seriously?"
She hesitated, "Yes."
Zuko put his hand on hers, "He has always done the right thing before."
She nodded, "I know. I just don't want to get in the way when the world needs him."
"I don't think you will. He's been the Avatar since he got out of the iceberg. But you also can't blame him for wanting more in life than that."
"True."
"Besides, he's technically my great-grandfather, so it's not like he doesn't have experience with relationships, -ow!"
Katara had elbowed him gently in his side. Her face was stern, but her eyes sparkled mischievously. He grinned, "Sorry."
"Speaking of relationships," Katara's face grew concerned, "do you mind if I ask about Mai?"
Zuko groaned and flopped back on the bed, "Honestly, I was hoping it would just blow over."
"What happened?"
Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose and sat up, "We had a fight. I kind of stormed out on her."
"Why?"
"It was after that dream I had. I didn't think she would understand. She wanted me to open up to her. She said I was shutting her out, but honestly, she's never easy to talk to."
She snorted, "And you are?"
"Ha ha."
"If you didn't feel like you could talk to her, why did you stay with her?"
"I don't know. Mai and I … we've known each other since we were kids. I guess, when I got home, it just felt natural. And there were … other things."
Katara's eyebrows rose. She grinned, "Other things, huh?"
He coughed awkwardly, running his hand through his hair. "Anyway, she saw us together by the pond, and I think she may have gotten the wrong idea about us. Then she stormed out on me."
"Oh." Katara was quiet for a second, "I'm sorry if I overstepped-"
"- No, you didn't. I'm glad you were there."
Their eyes met for an instant, and Zuko was suddenly very aware that he was shirtless. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. Katara's face was turning slightly red too. She quickly glanced away and pulled a lock of hair behind her ear, breaking the tension. Zuko cleared his throat and got up, retrieving a clean tunic from his wardrobe, "We should probably get going. You don't want to miss the tide."
Katara lifted her crutch from beside the bed and stood, "I'll let you get ready." She limped to the door.
"Katara?"
She turned, her face questioning.
"Thanks again for the healing."
She smiled, "No problem."
*/*/*
The morning sun shone down as the waves lapped against the ship's bow. The Royal Plaza was full of guards, and the servants were bustling about loading their luggage. The Kyoshi Warriors had already boarded, with Suki and the rest of the group lagging behind to say goodbyes.
Katara leaned on her crutches, resting for a minute while Sokka and Suki went ahead.
Sokka stopped on the gangplank, "We'll be able to keep in touch, right?"
Toph crossed her arms, "You'd better!"
Zuko reassured him, "We'll have to. Hakoda will likely want to coordinate efforts regarding the fleet, and the reconstruction is still ongoing. You are the Ambassador now."
Sokka took in the plaza one last time, "It feels strange leaving after all we've been through together. The world feels so much bigger now."
Katara nodded in understanding. The last time they had been here, they had been storming the Capitol. It didn't feel like that long ago, but it had only been a few months.
Suki rubbed Sokka's back lovingly, "Don't worry, Sokka. We'll see each other again."
Toph snorted, "Speak for yourselves."
Everyone laughed. Zuko stepped forward and clasped his forearm with Sokka's, pulling him into a hug. When they parted, Suki gently tugged on Sokka's arm as the two of them ascended to the deck.
Aang stepped forward, "Thanks for watching Appa while I'm gone."
Zuko shrugged, "I don't particularly like being a Bison Babysitter, but I'll make sure he's well tended."
Aang smiled and bowed. Zuko returned it.
Toph punched Aang's arm, "Don't forget to work on your earthbending, Twinkletoes. You're out of practice!"
Aang winced and rubbed his arm, "Where am I going to find earth in the SOUTH POLE!?"
Toph smirked, "I don't know! I've never been! Go find out for me. When you get back, I expect a full report!"
Aang's face was half smiling, half terrified, "Ok, ok! I will!"
Katara laughed and gave Toph a hug. She turned to Aang, "You go on ahead. I'll be right there."
Aang hesitated, "you sure?"
Katara huffed in irritation, "Yes, Aang, I'll be ok."
He nodded and climbed the plank.
Katara hugged Zuko, "We'll send a message when we get there."
He returned the hug, "I'll keep you updated on any new information."
She pulled away, "You gonna be ok?"
He chuckled, "You're starting to sound like Aang."
She laughed, "Sorry. Just don't start blaming yourself again."
"I'll be fine, Katara. We'll figure this out together, remember?"
She nodded, "Together."
Adjusting her weight on her crutches, she hobbled up the plank.
Commander Jee was standing on the deck to meet her. When she was aboard, he turned to Zuko, still waiting on the pier, "All aboard who's coming aboard, My Lord! Permission to raise plank and depart?"
"Permission granted, Commander. Safe journey!"
The ship pulled away from the harbor, slowly making its way toward the seawall. The four friends stood waving at the two figures on the bank until the wall blocked their view. Katara sighed and turned to face the prow, taking in the salty sea air.
She was ready to go home.