Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender.
Reconvene
Pressing my palms against my ears, I paced up and down the length of the railing. This was bad. "How do I fix this?" I grumbled; changing directions. A city this big… They could be anywhere!
"Sokka", Kaya tried; her eyes following me.
Could Appa track them? Maybe he had a nose like a polar bear dog. I could… I could wave some of Aang's smelly clothes under his nose and he'd fly us straight to him. That could work… in theory.
"Sokka", Kaya tried again as I passed her.
"That could never work". Appa wasn't a polar bear dog. Stupid! And he'd be too noticeable. What if… What if we used him as a distraction?
The next time I changed directions, Kaya was gone. "Kaya!" I squawked as my hands fell from my sides. Worst leader ever. I couldn't even keep two kids and one girl from getting lost. We never should've left the South Pole.
Staying in place, I jerked my left and right; scanning my surroundings. Blue and yellow. Blue and yellow. Look for blue and yellow. Wait… no, just blue. Kaya's hair was covered. But all I saw was green. Women in green dresses. Men in green tunics. Some wore green hats. I kept looking. Eyes darting around in a seemingly random fashion. They only stilled after encountering the first hint of blue. "Kaya!"
Across the way, she stood with her hands behind her back. A tall man with shoulders bigger than Dad's and dressed in a guard's uniform faced her; peering down. "Kaya!" I yelled as I started to run.
"Help", she said to the man. "Friends…"
Crashing into Kaya, I cut her off as my arms wrapped around her. "Kaya, don't do that!" If she got lost or separated, what would she do? It's not like she could travel back to the South Pole by herself. People couldn't understand her and… and-
"Are you the friend she lost?" The guard asked.
My brain started to slow. Kaya shook her head as she tried to pry my arms off her. "Sokka not lost. Aang and Katara… lost". She gave up trying to get me to let go and chose to focus on the guard entirely. "Help please".
Flummoxed, mouth gaping, my arms flopped to my sides as if boneless. The guard nodded. He could understand her. "When did you last see them?" The guard asked; casting a suspicious look my way.
"Here", Kaya answered as she pointed to our spot by the railing. She could… understand him too. I was starting to feel a little foolish. "Um", Kaya turned towards me. "Sokka, when?"
When? When did we see Aang and Katara last? "Oh, late morning", I told the guard.
Kaya nodded as she went on to explain, "Aang and Katara go ride…" Her vocabulary failed her. So instead, Kaya turned and pointed to one of the many mail chutes.
Tracking her finger, the guard's eyes lit up with comprehension as soon as he saw what Kaya was pointing at. "Oh, those delinquents". His tone darkened.
"Delinquents?" I asked and was ignored.
"Come with me", said the guard. "I know where they are". He turned and Kaya followed. I was still trying to pick up my jaw from the ground. A few steps away, Kaya looked back. "Sokka?" She called.
It was enough. Running, I caught up. "That was amazing", I told her as we continued after the guard. Why hadn't I thought of that? Kaya blinked in confusion.
We were in a palace. The guard took us to King Bumi! Oh, La. What did Aang and Katara do? What if they got thrown into a dungeon?
The stone under our feet was smooth and polished to the point that it shined like metal. Pillars lined the walls with guards stationed at each one. And on each wall hung an Earth Kingdom tapestry. The man leading us walked with his shoulders back and eyes straight ahead. He paid no mind to his colleagues standing at their posts. I, however; couldn't ignore their presence or guarded stares. One, two… Three, four, five. There were five on each side. All to protect one hall? Just how big was Omashu?
While not confident like the man leading us, Kaya did not seem to notice the armed guards lining the hall. Instead, her eyes were skyward; her head tilted back. She studied the tall, arched, stone ceilings with wonder. Often causing her arm to bump into mine as she forgot how close together we walked. No structure back home was this tall or vast. To have one would be a waste of resources and space. Especially for when the men returned and our people went back to following the herds.
At the end of the hall, a single chair sat on a raised dais. More of a throne. And I can only think of one type of person who sits on a throne. This one contained a wilting old man with more hair on his chin than on his scalp. He sat in green robes with a matching funny hat; his back hunched and the fingers on his calloused hands curled in. With boggish eyes, the man watched our approach; making me wonder if the old dude was all there.
Our guard stopped a few feet away before bowing. Kaya and I came to a halt behind him. "King Bumi, these two claim to be traveling with the two delinquents who were brought to you earlier", our guard explained. Only straightening out of his brow after doing so.
A small shift in his seat was the only spark of interest the old man showed. "Is that so?" He asked in a weathered voice. King Bumi's eyes darted over us, seemingly unconcerned.
Leaving Kaya behind the guard, I took a step forward. "Please your…. Kingliness?" How does one address a king? I offered a small bow and deferred my eyes; hoping it was the correct choice. "They're my sister and her friend. And I apologize for anything they did wrong". My palms were sweating and I had to fight the urge to dry them on my pants. With no indication I was heard or that it was correct, slowly, I stood straight. "Are they okay?"
King Bumi stared at me without blinking. It made my fingers twitch. "Your sister and friend", King Bumi began after a long uncomfortable moment, "Were charged with vandalism, the destruction of cabbages, and traveling under false pretenses. You and your companion are also guilty of that last one".
Leaning ever so slightly, Kaya peered around the guard in front of her and locked eyes with the old king. Her brown eyes blinked up at him. Seemingly unaware we were being accused of something. "False pretenses?" I tried to play dumb; laughing to hide my nerves. "What? No. We'd never do that".
King Bumi leaned forward on his throne and laced his fingers together where they rested in front of him. "You are not traveling with the Avatar?" One overgrown eyebrow rose to be higher than the other.
Inside, I was panicking. Did those two dummies blow our biggest secret? Please tell me Aang didn't do something stupid like airbend in a place as populated as Omashu. "You…" Another laugh I hoped didn't give myself away as I rubbed the back of my head and attempted to know nothing. "You think my sister is the avatar? We're just two kids from the South Pole traveling with friends".
The king grunted, unimpressed as his gaze swung over to Kaya. "You, girl. Are you traveling with the avatar?"
Wide-eyed, I turned my head to look at the yellow-haired girl. At first, Kaya looked over her shoulders as if to check to see if there were anyone else King Bumi could be referring to. When she saw no one, Kaya faced the front at pointed a finger at herself. A clear nonverbal question. King Bumi nodded once; barely blinking and his focus never leaving Kaya.
"Aang…" Kaya started slowly. Though she trailed off when I started making shushing noises; glancing at me with confusion. A hard look from the guard who led us here caused me to stop; a shiver shooting up my spine.
"Go on", King Bumi prompted.
"Aang say 'vatar a lot". Her pronunciation was wrong but understandable enough. I slapped a hand over my eyes to hide my face. They're doomed. We're doomed! "What is 'vatar?" Kaya asked; making the guards eye her curiously.
Let out a snort of humor, King Bumi unlaced his hands and slumped back into his throne. "She let the avatar out of the bag". He paused, waiting. For something… Was that supposed to be a joke? An awkward silence filled the hall. The guards seemed used to it. And all King Bumi did was pout with disappointment. If I wasn't worried about the others, I could've related. No one like my jokes either.
King Bumi continued before the silence could linger too long. "For their crimes, I sentenced your sister and the Avatar to…"
My hands shook. Please don't say death. Please don't say death.
"A feast and imprisonment for the length of one night and a day".
…. What?... What!
"The avatar and your sister are currently in the refurbished chamber that was once bad". Kaya silently mouthed the words King Bumi just said. Mulling over them in her mind as she tried to work out their meaning. "You can pick them up tomorrow at noon". To indicate he was done speaking, King Bumi waved a hand. The rings on his fingers glistened.
Wait… No! The guard we walked here with turned around. "Let's go", he said; arms held up to usher us out of the hall.
Kaya's forehead wrinkled as she thought; taking small steps towards the exit so she wouldn't get pushed. "Aang and Katara?" she asked.
"Tomorrow", the guard answered. Sounding neither friendly nor hostile.
"Wait!" I yelled over my shoulder as I was forced to move back down the hall. "You're not going to hurt them, are you?"
King Bumi raised one hand in the air as if waving goodbye. "You'll find out tomorrow", he jovially called back. This guy is nuts!
Kaya and I went back to Appa, leaving Omashu with starlight lighting the way. "He said he'll give them back, right?" I muttered to myself; feeling worse and worse the further we got from Omashu's gates. "I mean, he said he would". Kaya walked ahead; concern etched into her face as she glanced back at me every few steps. She understood we were going to come back for the others tomorrow. Though, I'm not sure if she understood why. "It's just one night. They'll be fine that long".
Saying these things out loud wasn't helping me feel better. When Appa came into sight, Kaya jogged the last couple of steps. Her scarred hands reached out to scratch his furry head. The giant bison was gentle as he rumbled a greeting. Though when he didn't see Aang, Appa rumbled a second time. This one came out sounding like a question. As if a bison could ask questions. "Aang, Katara, and Momo will be back tomorrow", I told the bison as I got closer. Was Momo with them? I thought so but wasn't so sure now.
Appa lowered his head until it rested on the ground. I couldn't decide if the action was because he missed Aang or because he liked Kaya's attention. So Appa could spend the day resting, Aang had removed Appa's saddle before we left for Omashu. Our stuff was sheltered under it in case it rained or if anyone found it. Reaching under it, I dug out two bedrolls and other camping supplies.
What did King Bumi want with them… with Aang that would only take a night and a day? Was that enough time to pass Aang off to the fire nation? Finding the flint and some kindling we kept on hand, I started to build a fire, shaking my head. No, that didn't make sense. Omashu was refreshingly fire nation free. The innkeeper sure made it seem like they had no dealings with fire nation soldiers. The kindling caught some of the sparks flying off the flint. I hunched over to gentle breath over them until they burned stronger. The Earth Kingdome wouldn't want to hurt Aang, right? He was the Avatar. If legend was to be believed, Aang was our last hope.
Sitting back, I watched the flames flickering around the wood. If King Bumi lied to us and we didn't get Katara and Aang back tomorrow, what do I do?
"Sokka?" Kaya's voice broke me out of my musings.
Looking up, she stood on the other side of the fire. Her arms wrapped around her bedroll with Appa laying behind her. Kaya's features were shadowed thanks to the limited light the fire provided. It was eerie not being able to see her eyes clearly.
"Sokka… scared?" She asked, slowly finding her words.
I blinked. Impressed she remembered our conversation from earlier. Not that Kaya had a poor memory. But picking up a new word after only using it once was something to be proud of. However, I didn't expect her to use the word against me.
The fire crackled as I stared at her. Was I scared? No. I couldn't be scared. There wasn't time. I had problems to solve and a sister to rescue. Scared wasn't allowed and… And… Kaya looking at me; patiently waiting for a response had me slowing. A few hours ago, I told her she could tell me things. Thoughts. Feelings. Would she believe I meant it, if I didn't talk about those things too?
"Yeah". Admitting it was hard. It felt like there was a rock sitting on my tongue. "I'm scared".
Kaya nodded. As if she suspected as much. She hugged her bedroll tighter against her chest. "Kaya… I can help?"
Was that a question or an offer? My eyes narrowed. I think it was a question. "Can I help?" I corrected; enunciating slowly.
Kaya parroted the question back to me; staring across the fire. I felt my muscles loosen. "You already have". Because of Kaya, we knew where Aang and Katara were. At first, when they didn't meet us, all I did was panic… because I was scared…
At noon, we returned to Omashu. Just as we were told. It was a challenge not to go earlier. But other than loiter in front of King Bumi's palace, what else was there for us to do? Kaya spent the morning brushing Appa. Much to the bison's contentment. I couldn't stop pacing. Trying to kill time as quickly as possible.
Once the sun was centered in the sky, I started for the gates. "Come on, Kaya". With a final pat for Appa, the yellow-haired girl followed wordlessly. Running a few steps off and on to keep up. I should slow down. But knew I couldn't. Please, Katara. Be okay. What would Dad and Gran-gran say if I let her get kidnapped by an Earth Kingdom king?
Different from yesterday, we were let in with no questions about our purposes or identities. Like we were expected. Passing through the earthbending-powered gate, I gulped and clenched my hands into fists; mentally preparing to march back to King Bumi's place and demand the release of Aang and my sister.
Except… there was no need. My hands uncurled. Standing at the same meeting place we agreed on yesterday was Katara. Her back was towards us as she watched the crowds of people below with Momo clinging to her shoulders. A couple of bags packed with food sat by her feet.
"Katara!" Kaya called; leaving my side to hurry to my sister.
At the sound of her name, Katara turned; greeting Kaya with a wide smile as soon as she recognized the yellow-haired girl despite Kaya's blue scarf. Katara looked fine. I thought as Kaya reached Katara and wrapped her arms around Katara's shoulders. Causing Momo to let out a series of squeaks as he scurried back and forth between the two girls' shoulders. Katara's hair looked the same. There were no bruises or injuries as far as I could tell. Exhaling as the girls finished their hug, I joined them. Momo choosing Kaya's person over Katara's. Did this mean I never had to tell Dad about this? That sounded nice.
"King Bumi said we'd meet you here", Katara said. She sounded to be in high spirits for someone who was just imprisoned. Guess that means 'the room that was once bad' really was refurbished. "Sorry, Aang and I didn't show up yesterday. I hope you didn't worry".
I wanted to say I wasn't worried. I knew she and Aang would be fine. None of this was a big deal. Kaya beat me to it. "Sokka scared", she announced as Momo decided to nestle himself between Kaya's head and her scarf. Kaya reached up to scratch Momo behind one of his ears. Causing the lemur to purr a nuzzle against her cheek.
"No, I wasn't", I argued. Though Katara didn't look convinced; eyeing me with… with… She actually looked apologetic. Why? Just because I felt something? If that was all it took to get her to say sorry for stuff, maybe I should say I'm scared more often. "What's all this?" I asked; gesturing to the stuff by her feet. Better change the subject away from my feelings. "Where's Aang?"
"Supplies. King Bumi bought it for us", Katara answered, appearing very proud about what she and Aang managed to contribute by, you know, getting locked away for a night. "He gave us this too". Taking out a small purse, she tossed it at me.
It was easy to catch but the weight of it had me taken back. So did the jingling sound it gave off when it landed in my hand. Wary, I peeked inside. Money. Way more than what Kaya and I made from working yesterday. Why would King Bumi give them money or buy them food? "Weren't you in trouble for vandalism and…" What was the other reason? "Something about cabbages? Why would he give you stuff?"
Katara's smile broadened. As if the answer was absolutely splendid. "Turns out King Bumi is an old friend of Aang. That's where Aang is right now. They wanted to ride the mail chutes together before we left".
An old friend? My shoulders drooped. "You mean this King Bumi is over a hundred years old?" Katara nodded. "And he remembered Aang?" She nodded again. "So why did you get charged for riding the mail chute and… and something about cabbages?" I asked; waving the hand that wasn't holding the bag of money.
"He said it was a test for Aang". Katara shrugged. "But I think he just wanted an excuse for the two of them to play".
My jaw dropped. All those…. Feelings just so Aang could have a playdate with an old friend? That's it! I'm never going to worry about him ever again.