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Slow Heat	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 77367 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 23
- 24
- 25
Slow Heat
Chapter 24 – Divergence
I'm happy that people liked what I did for Chit Sang and the 'Southern Raiders' episode. I was left with a unpleasant taste in my mouth after that episode. Katara leaving Yon Rha was a copout, and it was never explained what Yon Rha's source of information was. That is why I changed the story of Katara's mother's death the way I did, to leave nothing unanswered (unlike the episode) and with Zhao trying to kill both Zuko and the Moon, it would make sense that he would have no compunctions about killing a defenseless woman. Kinto isn't a creation of mine. In the Avatar trading card game, he is one of four original characters introduced; why these four characters were never in the TV show is beyond me. In the game, he is a Waterbender exiled from the Northern Tribe for his malicious pranks. Since he already had a bad reputation in the game, I decided to use him for my story with a few modifications to his backstory.
I'm so happy that people are enjoying my modifications to the Avatar storyline. I felt that the writers were getting sloppy as the season progressed. Nightmares and Daydreams was the first (strong) indication that there was going to be problems later on. Avatar doesn't belong to me, I claim no ownership and make no profit. As always, please enjoy and review!
o0o0o0o
Three Weeks, 4 Days BSC
(Late August, 1101)
Katara
We spent several days waiting for my father and his men, praying that they had not been captured like General How and his men were. While we waited, we trained. We didn't talk about what we might do if Dad and his men were captured. It wasn't something I wanted to think about. Yes, we had the Avatar, but we didn't want to pin everything on him. Aang was already having a hard time dealing with it. As the day of Black Sun approached, he grew more and more tense. He did not sleep too well, and I felt bad when I woke up in the morning to see that he had already been training for a few hours, shadows under his eyes.
At night, I paid attention to Zuko. We would sneak off to make love or simply spend time with one another, or sometimes spar and fight. I enjoyed sleeping next to him, or feeling his strong arms around me. But during the day, everyone wanted my attention. I tried to find a balance between the time I spent with everyone during the day, especially Aang. Knowing how anxious and nervous he was, and the stress he was going through, gave me a fresh source of patience to draw from when he wanted to be with me. When he wanted to train, I would go with him unless I was already doing something else. When he wanted to take a walk around the island to clear his head and invited me to come along, I did. I could see that he was a scared kid, and I felt nothing but compassion for that part of him.
This morning, he had woken up from a nightmare. Chit Sang offered to cook breakfast, so while he did that, I sat on the shore with Aang, his body enveloped in water up to his neck while I made the water ripple and knead his body, a technique that I had learned up in the North Pole from Yaguda. It helped to soothe him and in no time I felt his body float in the water, his muscles relaxed. I eased off my control of the water, and he lazily rolled over, looking much content as he glanced my way.
“Thank you, Katara.” His appreciation was rivaled only by the obvious affection I saw in his eyes. I felt a small pang of guilt when I remembered that this morning, I had woken up with Zuko in a tangle of limbs. But I quickly brushed that away, having decided a while ago to not feel at all ashamed about my relationship with the future Fire Lord. I enjoyed our relationship and was determined to enjoy it while it lasted.
“Well, you're more than welcome. Infact, since it seemed to help you so much, I'll do it again tonight. You should sleep better.”
“You're awesome.” Aang replied with a bright smile as he waded out of the water. I glanced away casually when he stretched out because it also looked as if he was flexing for me. Nice try, I thought to myself dryly as I thought about how Zuko looked like when he stretched. Mmm. His pale chest, well-toned arms and stomach, the way his shaggy hair framed his handsome face as he tilted it upwards...
“Breakfast smells about done.” I said quickly before I climbed up the slope. Apparently Chit Sang had learned a thing or two about cooking during his years living on the run, because the stew smelled great. And it tasted just as good. When Aang settled down beside me before Zuko had a chance to, I gave my lover an apologetic shrug, but did nothing else. Let Aang sit next to me for once. He was dealing with enough as it was and I wouldn't add to the stress in his life.
That night, I kept my promise to him and gave him a water-massage before he went to sleep. He looked relaxed, and I honestly hoped it'd work. When I was sure he had gone to sleep, I sneaked over to Zuko's tent. I felt arms wrap around me, and I smiled to myself.
“Mmm, the nights don't come quickly enough.” he murmured, and I felt his face in my hair.
“They don't last long enough.” I replied gently, and I heard a pleased chuckle. The night was balmy, and I wanted to go for a swim after what I had done with Aang. It was absolutely no problem at all coaxing Zuko to join me, and then I got the idea to give him a massage too. He grinned when I proposed the idea.
“Just strip down to your underwear.” I ordered casually, secretly delighting in giving him such an order. But he didn't stop there, and I stared appreciatively as everything came off. Well, I couldn't complain, and didn't bother trying to hide my pleased blush as he slid into the water. Expertly, I enveloped his body up to his chin, starting the water in a slow, steady ripple that had him giving out a sigh of pleasure. His head lolled back, his eyes half-lidded as he regarded me quietly. I kept my distance from Aang when I was doing this, but with Zuko, I don't bother. My wet underwear clings to my skin as I stand right in front of him, letting him get a good eyeful as I attend to him. Zuko and me already had some practice 'seeing' with our elements, so I became aware of his desire soon enough.
I concentrated on rippling some water right around a certain area of his body, and his body arched against the water, a hiss of pleasure escaping his lips. I continued my ministrations, and he just enjoyed it more and more. The water around him was warm, thanks to his Firebending.
“Join me. It feels so nice in here.” Zuko whispered, gesturing to himself and the water that was at that moment massaging and rippling around his body. “I'll keep us both warm.” he promised.
“Fire Nation is already warm enough.” I teased back, but I raised more water to start enveloping myself. He shook his head.
“I'm naked, so it's not fair that you still got your underwear on.”
“Oh, fine.” I replied with a mock huff of indignation. But I could not stop myself from smiling as I did as he asked, baring all and seeing his appreciative gaze before I covered my body in the water, his warmth chasing away the coolness in the water when he took my hands into his. I had to remind myself to firmly lock part of my conscious thought in manipulation of the water, lest I lose control over it. I feel the water kneading my back like I was doing for Zuko, and I closed my eyes as I felt him take me into his arms. It's a different but stimulating experience, and I felt myself at ease, kneaded by warmth as I felt him nuzzle me contentedly. I let my hands slid along his body lazily as I gazed up at him. It was rare that Zuko smiled, but when he did... oh, it was beautiful. Here, it all felt right, and like before when I was with this golden-eyed boy, the world melted away...
o0o0o0o
Three Weeks, 2 Days BSC
Zuko
When Sokka saw Water Tribe ships in the distance, we all got excited, naturally. We had been alone on this island for a few days, and the arrival of Hakoda and his men meant that the end was near. I was surprised to feel my own pulse racing when Sokka gave me the telescope to look.
We would go to Sozun and while I couldn't Firebend during the eclipse, I certainly wasn't lacking in swordsmanship or martial arts skills. The Avatar would defeat the Fire Lord. And then... well, I was aware that the aftermath would be messy, but it was better than just letting the war go on.
In classes, I had been taught that Fire Lord Sozin had started his conquest of the world for two things. The first was that the Fire Nation back then was no more than a cluster of islands, and to propel the advancement of our technology, we needed resources. The Earth Kingdom had plenty. The second was to ensure that the Fire Nation would never be subjugated to the much larger Earth Kingdom, a very real possibility at that time. After all, another man with the ambitions of the so-called Chin the Great might rise again in the Earth Kingdom. He would have continued and perhaps succeeded if Avatar Kyoshi hadn't interceded.
Of course, knowing what I know now, I couldn't help but liken Chin the Great to my own great-grandfather. Both men had been leaders of modestly-sized nations, and had wanted more. But when Chin died, so did his empire. My great-grandfather's war still raged on, eighty years after his death.
Silently, I handed the telescope back to Sokka.
“You okay?” he asked. I heard a bit of concern in his voice. Though we got along well now, I had never heard him express concern like this.
“It all just seems to be happening so fast. I'll be fine.” I muttered as I turned away.
“Hey.” I felt a hand clasp my shoulder. “We'll all be fine.” The optimism in his voice was undeniable. I replied with a short nod.
I stood on the shore with everyone else as the boats approached the decks that Toph had created. It didn't take much time to make out the dark-skinned Water Tribe men in their blue clothing, but I was surprised to see some green among the blue. Had some of General How's men escaped capture, or might they be escapees from Omashu?
Katara stood near me, wearing her old blue clothing. I missed how she looked in red, but blue suited her just as well. I wanted to place my arm around her shoulders. She was nervous, but at least she was going to see her father, and it'd be a happy reunion. Too bad I couldn't hope for the same...
I recognized most of the Water Tribe men as they came off the boats. Not surprisingly, Hakoda was thrilled to see his children. Even in happier days, my sire had never looked at me in such a way. Had my sire ever had a moment where he truly cared for us? Yes, he would reward his children when we performed well, but I couldn't remember one time where my sire had shown any true warmth or affection to anyone, though he could be very charming at times.
I couldn't help but feel a stirring of envy when I saw Katara go into the arms of a young Earth Kingdom man. I studied him, seeing that he was one of these good-looking types which the girls apparently liked. It seemed that Katara was no exception, and I resented my scar.
There were introductions all around, and I got mixed reactions from some of the Earth Kingdom men, including the man that Katara hugged. Apparently the Fire Nation had given some of them a truly hard time – hardly a surprise. Chit Sang had to deal with the same suspicion, but my group vouched for both of us, and so did Hakoda.
Anyone could feel the tension and excitement in the air. Black Sun was in but two days, and the fate of the world would be decided.
o0o0o0o
Three Weeks, 2 Days BSC (Night)
Katara
The island was so small that when camps were set up, there weren't any truly private areas on the island except a couple set aside for relieving oneself or washing. It also meant that I would have to be with Toph since we were the only two girls on the island, and it also meant that I couldn't sneak off and cuddle with Zuko when we slept. I was rather reluctant to part from him after our short walk on the beach. Chit Sang was a good chaperone – or better, an watch-out. Dad liked him a lot, and as long as I didn't hold hands or do anything too obvious, no one said anything when Zuko and I chatted or sparred. Dad even watched us this afternoon, and I certainly hoped he didn't notice the way I enjoyed watching Zuko take off his shirt!
At the edge of the small beach, I saw Sokka with Bato. I waved to them, and they waved back at us. Despite the seemingly relaxed way everyone was acting, you could feel the tension in the air. There had been plenty of training throughout the day, as well as discussing the strategy for the invasion. Zuko was invaluable with his knowledge of the City, though I knew he felt conflicted about helping invade Sozun.
“Feels a little weird having Chit Sang follow us. Almost reminds me of Aang.” I teased in an attempt to make Zuko smile.
“Better than Jet following me around.” he muttered. My eyes widened. Jet? I quickly collected myself.
“Oh, did someone have a crush on you?” I whispered playfully, hiding my surprise. He scowled.
“No, he was some creep who found out that Uncle and I were Firebenders after we were on the ferry to Ba Sing Se. So he stalked us and challenged me to a fight in the tea shop that Uncle and I were working in. The Dai Li took him away for disturbing the peace. And Uncle and I were more than relieved to not have him stalk us anymore. What kind of guy goes into a tea shop and threatens someone?”
The same guy who would flood a village and put many innocent lives at risk, I thought to myself.
“Ahh.” I murmured, feigning ignorance of Jet. I didn't really want to talk about him, not after what happened to him. We were silent for a while before it was clear that people were starting to turn in for bed.
“Well. I guess I gotta go. Good night.” I murmured. I wanted to give him a kiss or a hug, but I most certainly wouldn't do it in front of my brother, or anyone else. Our relationship was still a secret, with Chit Sang in on it and happy to help us when we needed it. Zuko gave me a gentle smile, looking almost shy, though there was a slight wistfulness in his eyes.
“Good night, Tara. Sleep well.” he murmured.
“You too. Sweet dreams... Zu.” I replied softly. His smile grew just a little more before he nodded, heading down the beach and leaving me with Chit Sang.
“I know you're gonna miss him, but you'll have plenty of time together later, right?” Chit Sang asked with a friendly tone as he looked down at me. “It'd be nice having a Waterbender as Fire Lady.”
I felt my heart pounding in my chest at these words. It was the last thing I expected to hear from my friend. To avoid looking at him, I looked at the ocean, listening to the waves crash on the sand.
“Is something wrong?” he asked. I shook my head, not wanting to talk about it. In just a few days, the War would be over. Then I might think about what Zuko had asked of me. I was happy that he hadn't pressured me about it. Right now, thinking about spending my life in the Fire Nation made me feel a bit dizzy. I mean, a Water Tribe woman as the wife of the Fire Lord?
“Don't tell me you don't want to stay with Zuko.” Now Chit Sang's tone had taken on a gentle reproach. I let out a soft sigh.
“That's not something I want to talk about.”
“Why not? He's crazy about you.”
“It's complicated.” I muttered.
“What's so complicated about the fact that you two make a great couple?” he asked bluntly. I blushed a little. Was it really that obvious to him?
“Why do you care so much?” I asked, unintentionally sounding hostile as I did so. But Chit Sang didn't leave like I hoped he would.
“You don't want to lose someone you care about. I had no choice, but you do.” he said quietly.
“You know Zuko is going to pardon you. And you can go back to Jiang.”
“That's what I plan to do, believe me. If she'll still have me...”
“I'm sure she will. It wasn't your fault you got arrested. If she truly loves you, she'll understand. Good night.” I started to walk away, but he placed his hand on my shoulder.
“You know you can talk to me. You two are good kids. Zuko will have a lot of work ahead of him when he becomes Fire Lord. Don't you think that he'll feel good having you at his side? He'll take wonderful care of you.”
Doubtless I'd be surrounded by comfort and luxury. I'd wear the best silks, eat the finest cuisines, and have servants at my beck and call. But I didn't care about any of that. It'd be wonderful to wake up next to Zuko every morning. But things would be different. He'd have plenty of duties. And what would I do all day? There would be no sneaking off into the trees or some other secluded spot for necking or lovemaking. I wouldn't be able to seek Zuko's company whenever I pleased, and doubtless his duties would keep him busy and unable to seek out my own affections.
“Is there something between the two of you that I don't know about?” he asked.
“I care about Zuko. I want to be with him.” I admitted softly.
“Then what is the problem?”
“He'll become Fire Lord. Everything will be different.”
“Oh... I see.” Chit Sang stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Yeah, how many girls can say that their man will soon become Fire Lord?” he teased in a obvious attempt to make me smile. It didn't work.
“Okay, okay. Look. He's clearly crazy about you. If you just leave, it'll... devastate him. You don't want to do that, do you?” he asked. I felt tears start to well up and had to stare at the waves again so he couldn't see. Of course I didn't want to leave Zuko or hurt him!
“Of course not.” I murmured.
“You'll find a way to work it out. I know you will.” When I looked up, he was smiling at me. “Good night, and sleep tight.”
“Don't let the bedbugs bite.” I shot back.
“Bedbugs are nothing to Firebenders. We just burn them off.” he laughed a bit. I smiled, feeling a little better.
Toph was already asleep when I got to our tent, or so it seemed. She was curled up on the ground – how could she sleep right on the dirt and be so comfortable – but as soon as I settled down on top of my sleeping bag, she stirred, stretching out a bit before she rolled over onto her back.
“You know something?” she asked.
“What?”
“I might not be Zuko, but I think I'll be good company for you tonight.” In the semidarkness, I could see her grin. My heart skipped a beat. How much had she seen with her earth-sight?
“I know you're not Zuko, and that was a weird thing for you to say.” I replied, trying to make it seem like nothing. And it was also the truth – I would have to be careful of what I said if Toph decided to ask me more questions. For once, I wish she didn't have her truth-sensing ability.
“Come off it, Sugar Queen. I can feel your heartbeat.” she chuckled. I cursed the fact that my sleeping bag was so thin. What do I say now? Rather than implicate myself, I decided to remain silent. Around a girl who knew lies from truth as clear as night and day, sometimes this was all one could do. She was silent, and I thought my little maneuver had worked.
But no. This was Toph.
“I bet you miss snuggling next to his warm body. Firebenders are warm and toasty, aren't they?” she asked. I remained silent, but my cheeks warmed up as I remembered Zuko's heat. How could it be that I already missed his presence so much?
“You can tell me. I won't tell anyone.” she added after several moments of terse silence. I rolled over so my back was to her. I might see her as a friend and little sister, and we did have a few heart-to-hearts in the past amidst the bickering, but I most certainly wasn't sharing my secret!
“There's nothing to talk about.” I replied as calmly as I could.
“Come on, I've been bored the last few days and I need a good story to entertain me.” she said in an almost petulant tone.
“I'll tell you one of the legends of our Tribe.” I offered. In my Tribe, paper and ink were scarce. We used animal skins treated a certain way for the few times we used paper – always for a important record, like the birth and death of someone. This animal skin certainly fared a whole lot better – and was far more durable against ripping or tearing – than paper made from trees in this bitter arctic climate. As such, all of our traditions and stories had a heavy oral tradition, people relying more on them than on written records. Everyone in the Tribe knew them, and if for some reason one didn't remember or understood fully – usually a child – they could ask any elder member for a explanation or a repeat of such information. Many a night – especially in the coldest winter – would we gather around the fire and share stories, either our tribal legends or funny stories that had happened within our families.
“I'm not interested in hearing old stories.” she replied. I frowned.
“Fine, go ahead and insult my tribal traditions.” I muttered. Why did she have to be like this at times?
“It's not about that. I know you're trying to distract me.”
“If you've figured that out, then you should have figured out something else by now.” I replied snottily. If I had to move to a different spot, I would. Perhaps Dad or Sokka would let me bunk with them tonight. Toph was quiet again. But just as I thought that my harsh tone had finally shut her up...
“Are you so embarrassed you don't wanna talk about it? Does your relationship with him make you ashamed?” she whispered.
Without a word, I rose to my feet and started rolling up my sleeping bag. I'd make up some excuse on my way over to my family. Or I would find a different spot to sleep. Aang was sleeping with Appa. I had no doubt that Aang would be all too eager to share his space with me. Hm. Yeah. I'd go to Aang, instead of bothering Sokka or Dad when they were camping with the other Tribesmen. I scanned what I could see of the island, seeing the various tents and sleeping bags and the glow of a couple of dying fires.
I just hoped that Aang wouldn't read too much in me asking to bunk with him. He had a crush on me, and the last thing I needed was for him to think that this meant anything special.
“Where are you going, Sugar Queen?” she asked. I took several quick steps forward as I ignored her before she spoke again. “Hey, wait. I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd be so embarrassed. I thought you enjoyed it with Zuko.”
“Bother me no more, or I'll tell my brother you have a crush on him.” I retorted smoothly. Toph was pretty good at hiding it, but there was a way that she would snark at Sokka that was a bit different than the way she'd snark at anyone else. He would often respond sarcastically, and they'd bicker for a bit. It was fun to watch, and Chit Sang had mentioned to me once that they'd make a cute couple.
When I heard Toph's soft gasp, I smirked to myself, but she quickly recovered herself.
“Fine, fine. But I wasn't trying to bother you, really...”
“Hah!”
“I was asking about Zuko because... well, I wanted to know how I could catch Sokka's attention.” Now it was my turn to gasp.
“Why didn't you just say this to start with?” I asked as I turned back to look at her.
“Yeah, right! What was I gonna say? Hey, Katara? I need some advice so I can get your brother to notice me like Zuko and Aang notice you!”
“Oh dear, is it that obvious?” I asked with trepidation.
“Just to me, because I feel how their heartbeats are around you. And how yours is around Zuko. You two could practically start a fire with all the sparks between you.” she said dryly. I let out a quiet sigh.
“It feels good inside, doesn't it? Being around him...” she murmured. I nodded slowly, thinking about how I felt warm and comfortable in his presence.
“How do you hold his attention? I've tried sparring with Sokka, but...” she shrugged.
“It depends on the mood, I guess. Try to guess what he needs. If he's been sparring, offer him some water. If you think he's hungry, offer him a snack. Or just humor him.”
“So basically I just wait on him?” she asked. I chuckled softly, shaking my head. I most certainly wasn't Zuko's servant, and though the Fire Nation court and especially the Fire Lord and his daughter would find it impossible to believe, Zuko did things for me just as I did for him.
“No... it's not like that. It's just a way of bringing him happiness with a simple gesture.” I would never forget the look on Zuko's face the first time I offered him water after he had been sparring with Sokka – without being cold or distant as I had been in the beginning. He had smiled at me – such a brilliant and handsome smile – before he thanked me and took the water from my hand.
“These little gestures count more than money and gifts.” I said, remembering her background. “You could ply someone with money and fancy things – and while that doesn't hurt, what you need to do is let them know that you have their needs in mind. Sometimes all you have to do is listen.” I would never forget the nights laying with Zuko, snuggled up with him as I listened to him talk. Sometimes I'd ask him questions, other times he would simply vent or talk and I would be quiet.
“Gestures from the heart, hm?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“I never thought of it that way. But yeah, that's a good way of putting it.” I went back to where I had been sleeping and set down my bag.
“Next time you need to know something, get to the point. Don't needle people about stuff.” I scolded her gently.
“Fine. Oh by the way, if you tell anyone, I'll kick your butt.”
“I could say the same thing to you about me and Zuko.” I shot back.
“Fair enough.” Toph replied with a grin.
o0o0o0o
Three Weeks, One Day BSC
Zuko
It was going to happen tomorrow. The solar eclipse would enable Hakoda and his men to have an easier time with the takeover, however limited the time window for the blackout was. I wasn't too worried – unlike some men, I did not rely solely on my Bending for fighting. All these hours of sword and barehanded training would serve me very well. Shoot. Had we all actually made it this far? It almost seemed impossible.
I meandered along the jagged shoreline, so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn't notice two figures ahead of me. One I immediately recognized as Katara. The other one was a Earth Kingdom man from the color of his clothing and his bare feet. I stopped and stared at them quietly. The man was standing rather close to Katara, and he was turned in such a way that I saw his shoulder and back. She was staring at him intently, and I wondered what they were talking about. It seemed as if she knew him from before... and I wondered just where and how.
Stealthily, I moved closer. It wasn’t something I would have attempted if the Earthbender was Toph. The shore was so jagged that there were plenty of places for me to hide, and I paused as I heard snippets of the conversation.
“I thought you were happy to see me.” I heard the man say. I recognized him as the Earthbender that Katara had seemed so delighted to see yesterday – she had hugged him tightly and I had been jealous.
“Oh, I am. It was great to see you and your dad. And I’m happy you’re with us now…”
“Then what’s wrong?” he asked. I peered around the rock to see him draw closer, placing his hand on her shoulder. First the Avatar and now this Earthbender? I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or not that Katara was so desirable.
“Look…” I heard her sigh quietly. “Now’s not the time or place.”
“Even to talk a little?”
“It’s not the talking that I mind. But I know you want more and I’m not interested.” she murmured.
“Is something wrong with me?”
“Of course not, Haru! I…” She faltered a bit. I didn’t blame her. What was she supposed to say, tell Haru that she was already with someone else, and a Firebender and Prince on top of that?
“There’s just so much going on right now and… I don’t think this is the right time for me to consider anything of this sort. I hope you understand.” Brilliant move, Katara, I mentally praised her.
“What? Oh… sure. I can understand that.” Haru turned, and I saw him in profile. He was a good-looking guy that I figured was my age if not a year or two older, or maybe it was just his little mustache and goatee that made him look older. Doubtless he was much admired in his village or wherever he came from. I felt a bit self-conscious and reached up to touch my scar.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Katara replied quickly.
“Will you think about it? I mean, after the War’s over. I’m not proposing marriage or anything, but you’re a nice girl and it’d be a shame if I never got to see you again.” I saw a blush on Katara’s cheeks before she turned away.
“Yes, I’ll think about it.” she murmured.
“Great. I can’t wait for all of this to be over. Are you sure that Zuko can be trusted?”
“Of course he can be!” Katara’s voice was so clear and strong that I felt buoyed by her support of me.
“He’s the Prince. He might be here to lead us into a trap…”
“No.” Katara’s voice was firm as she placed her hands on her hips. “He’s been with us long enough for me to trust him.”
“How do you know?”
“I… Just trust me, okay? He’s already proven himself several times. Besides, you heard him in the meeting today. He told us a few things we need to know if we’re even to make it to the city. I know you had a hard time with the Fire Nation. Believe me, so did I. But Zuko had nothing to do with what happened to us. He’s different from the Fire Lord.” she replied. I nodded slowly to myself. Already, I had made the decision that when I became Fire Lord I’d change a few things around. Not everything, but a few things so that no one in the future could use our plans today for another invasion. Many of the security features would remain, but talking with our army today brought to light a few weak points that were great to exploit now. I just needed to make sure these points couldn’t be exploited again. After all, as the saying goes, Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…
Katara’s stare was calm and steady, and Haru gazed back at her for a moment before looking away. I smirked to myself, having been the recipient of that hard stare quite a few times...
o0o0o0o
Three Weeks BSC
(Day of Black Sun/the Invasion, Beginning of September, 1101)
Katara
I wasn’t able to sleep at all the night before, and it didn’t make it easier that I didn’t have Zuko laying beside me to hold me or rub my back – and I’d have done the same for him. Spirits! I knew this day was going to come, but it didn’t make me any less excited or nervous. The boats were loaded, the underwater machines that Sokka had designed were all sound, everything had been gone over one last time down to the last detail, and we were all settled down with one last quick meal of rice and stew. The tension in the air was so thick that I was certain I could have Bended it if I had tried.
A few Earthbenders – including Haru’s father – had gone up to the cliffs as a precautionary watch even though most figured such a thing wasn’t necessary. But how wrong these naysayers were. They came rushing down to the campfires when people were just finished polishing off their meal and getting ready to climb aboard the ships.
“The Fire Nation’s here!” Tyro shouted. Immediately there was panic. Pots and bowls were left on the ground or over the fire as we all scrambled to out feet. Tyro was right. Huge Fire Nation airships loomed in the distance – far bigger than the Mechanist’s original war balloon. Below them were a few ships. I was no expert on Fire Nation vessels, but I didn’t need a naval officer to tell me that these ships were some of the best that the Fire Nation had to offer.
My first thought after I had processed the sight before me was how the hell did they know we’d be here? I thought of Haru’s reluctance to accept Zuko as part of our army. He couldn’t be right… could he? Had Zuko somehow sent a message to the Palace? It couldn’t be…
“Damnit. Someone must have seen the Water Tribe ships on their way here.”
“How?” I asked, turning around as Zuko came up to my side, looking out at the vessels. They were approaching fast.
“Many of the islands have watch towers. You’ve seen them in the towns. Add our telescopes and then our network system to that and…” He shook his head. I already knew of the network system – the highly efficient communications system that relied largely on ribbon hawks but also people who knew how to channel this or that through the proper links. Zuko had already discussed a few things he’d do as Fire Lord, and he had already offered to me to help the Water Tribes set up systems much like his people used.
We didn’t have much time to think, much less talk. Our ships weren’t as fast as the Fire Nation ships were, but we did have our underwater vessels. I quickly found my father and proposed that idea, and it turned out he had already thought of that. We’d duck into the ships and launch them before going down.
But by the time we had all gotten down to the boats, the airships were practically over our heads. Something was fired and dropped from one of the ships. It missed our boats, but it exploded right after it hit the water, making an almost deafening boom as both water and flame shot into the air. It was pretty clear what would happen to the boats, and I stopped, afraid that I would be hit before I made it below. Apparently many others had the same idea and stopped.
It was this that saved many lives. The next bomb they sent did hit a boat, and it went up in an explosive splintering of wood. The next boat suffered the same fate. The airships became more accurate as they approached even closer.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I saw the Avatar start to climb aboard Appa. It was a given that we had already lost, and needed to retreat. The invasion had been centered around surprise, and now we would be stopped before we could even reach Sozun, even with the underwater boats.
“What the hell are you doing?” I shouted to Aang.
“I have to stop these airships!”
“Are you out of your mind? There’s too many of them and they’ll shoot you right down before you even touch one of them!” I grabbed his arm. Of course, he’d also be dealing with fire from the ships. As much as I absolutely hated to admit it – and I do mean absolutely hated – we had to retreat. The Fire Nation still believed the Avatar was dead, and that was our last surprise. There was no use throwing it away.
“But they’re blowing up the boats! They need to be stopped!”
“With what? This is Fire Nation technology at its best.” I replied tersely, refusing to let him get on Appa. Sokka, Katara, and Toph approached us.
“Change of plans. Dad wants us to get out of here.” She sounded terribly downcast.
“But our plans… the eclipse…” Aang sputtered.
“These plans were null once the Fire Nation learned we were here.”
“What about everyone else?” he asked. She looked down.
“Dad and Tyro decided to let themselves be taken prisoner.”
“No! I can’t let that happen!” Aang stepped forward, and Katara pushed him back gently.
“I don’t like it any more than you do.” she said softly.
“But what about the other younger ones? Teo, Haru, the Duke…”
“They’re coming with us.” Just as she said that, I saw Haru pushing Teo along the grass. He wasted no time in Earthbending a platform to push Teo’s wheelchair up.
“We have to leave now. We can’t let them know you’re alive, or that some people managed to escape. Come on.”
“But your dad and everyone else…”
“They made this decision themselves. I don’t like it anymore than you do but we can’t fit everyone on Appa.”
“Come on.” I let go of Aang’s arm. It was almost funny to think that just a few moments before, I had been trying to stop him from getting on Appa. Chit Sang came bounding towards us.
“Hakoda said that I should go with you.” he said. I had no doubt that he’d be treated harshly if he was recaptured, since he was already a Fire Nation fugitive. “It sucks that we got this far and now…” He threw his hands up in the air.
“Trust me, I know the feeling.” I replied dryly. We wasted no time in getting on Appa. Appa flew low across the island and the ocean so the airships wouldn’t spot us while Katara and the Avatar Waterbended a cloud to hide us. Once the island was out of sight, Aang guided Appa higher.. Katara gazed over the saddle at where the island had been, looking sad. I scooted over and placed my hand on her shoulder.
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