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Bitter Alliance	By : Looneyluna Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Katara/Zuko Views: 31138 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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.

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Act III

Chapter Six

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The two brothers were right. No one sails across the ocean anymore. Neglected ships and boats are moored to the docks like relics of a long forgotten era. Some are sunken, while others are barely seaworthy. The village is oddly quiet, with exception of a seaside tavern where lively music is playing.

The door is open, and I walk up the steps. The light from the frivolity touches my skin as I walk though the door. But I get no farther, the press of cold steel against my neck frightening me.

“Identify yourself,” a brusque voice commands.

The sounds of drink and music have been replaced by a deadly silence. I am afraid, too weak and tired to defend myself. The tavern is filled with serving girls and soldiers.

“Katara,” I reply, my voice hoarse. “Katara of the Southern Water Tribe.”

“How do we know your not a spy for the Sect?” the voice questions, the blade digging into my neck.

“Step aside, Xin Fu,” a heavily accented voice chastises from across the room as a small dark-skinned man limps toward me.

Xin Fu’s blade retreats and I am shoved forward. Weak and dehydrated from my travels, I fall to my knees.

“She is not our enemy,” the dark-skinned man says as he touches my hair. “She is an old soul, one that is forever connected to the Avatar.”

A fearful alarm rushes through me.

“Fear not, Katara of the Southern Water Tribe.” His tone is gentle as he coaxes me to look at him. His eyes are warm and dark; as if they hold a grave secret. His white hair speaks of age and knowledge. I feel like I should know him, but I can summon no reason. Even though the ocean is outside, the air inside the tavern is hot and dry. I haven’t the strength to defend myself. After what seems like an eternity, the man pulls away and offers his arm in assistance.

“Bring water and food,” he instructs the serving girls as he helps me to a nearby chair. “My apologies for the rude welcome, Katara. The Sect of Kroni seeks to supplant the peaceful ways of our meager lives. While war wages across the sea, we must guard against those who wish to bring the conflict to us.”

Water is placed before me. I choke as I gulp it. I am afraid this is a dream. I am afraid this is a ruse. Over the years I have learned to trust no one but myself.

“Slow down, child.” The old man regards me with a look of benevolence. “There is plenty to eat and drink.”

As if proving his point, a platter of bread, cheese, fruits, and meat are placed before me. My first inclination is to feed Iroh and Kaya, but they are not here to witness the bounty before me. I swallow my tears over the injustice. If only I could have brought them with me. But they had to stay in the desert. It is safe there.

I start with the meat, taking a huge bite out of the shank. The spices are delicious. It is different from what I am used to. I feel the stares of the people in the room. Some are curious while others are distrustful.

The man continues studying me. It is as though he is studying something much deeper than my mannerisms and desperation. He is old, older than I have ever seen. His brown skin is lined with age – an age that is timeless.

“You were right to come out of the desert,” he states softly, paying no mind to those around him. “Your children are well protected and shall remain that way until destiny wills it otherwise.”

Choking down a large bite of bread, my heart pounds, and I try to remain calm.

“I am a Seer, much like Mahari, but not so much like Mahari,” he continues, oblivious of my desire to kill him. “Whereas she actively shapes the future. I study it. She was wrong to allow harm to come to you. For that, I ask a most humble forgiveness for the actions of my daughter.”

“Mahari is your daughter,” I sputter in disbelief.

“Yes.” He nods. “Even now she tries to guide the events as they unravel. I fear that her meddling will undo the delicate threads as they unwind around us.”

“Then why don’t you stop her,” I suggest, hoping for an ally in my struggles.

Reaching across the table and patting my hand, he chuckles. “Tell me something, young one. Do your children always do as they are told?”

There is something about the man that puts me at ease and I smile. I cannot help but laugh, remembering the many times that Iroh and Kaya cause mischief. “You have a point.”

The warriors around us call to the servants to provide them with more drink. The call is like a ripple through the room as the musicians start to play and people start to mill about.

I continue eating, filling my stomach for the long journey ahead. It has been some time since I last ate this well.

“My name is Pathik.” He leans back in his chair and watches me. “You must not be too harsh on my daughter. Her intentions are noble. She lost everything when the comet returned – her husband…her children…”

His voice grows thick with emotion as he mentions the loss of his grandchildren. I cannot help but reach out to this man. I cover his hand with mine. It is a small comfort but it is all I can offer. “I’m sorry.”

Pathik shakes his head as if ridding himself of the memories. “Thank you, young Waterbender.”

I smile, unable to remember the last time I actually felt young. There are times I feel like I am trying to command the ice flows of my youth. No matter how hard I tried, I could never direct the currents.

Taking advantage of the silence between us, I finish my drink.

“Yes, yes,” he says, patting my hand. “Finish up. I’ll have Lin pack more food for you. You have a long journey ahead of you. I’ll have one of the men prepare a ship for you, but I’m afraid you’ll have to make the trip alone. I cannot spare any of them from their patrols. The sect members are relentless. They try to wage war on this soil, but we are steadfast and vigilant.

“We know what secret lies in the desert. We will protect Kaya and Iroh with our dying breaths.” Taking what looks like a bolt of material from his satchel, Pathik hands it to me. “Fly this flag as you near the shores on your return journey. It will allow us to recognize friend from foe.”

Staring at the strange material, I find myself lost in its beauty. I have never seen such material before. It shimmers as the surrounding candlelight hits it. It is like silver water.

“The war is lost along the island chain of a once great nation. Gather as many as you can and retreat to our shores.” Pathik gathers my hands in his, his pleading gaze imploring me to carry on. “Tell my daughter that this is what happens when one tries to shape fate. She cannot will her desire upon the future.

“Bring the Fire Lord back.” The seer pauses, as if choosing his words carefully. “Though your daughter is the Avatar, she does not have the strength to rid us of the comet.”

Conflict wages within me. This man speaks of things that have yet to pass. He talks about my daughter’s fate as if it is written on some long-forgotten scroll. How can I trust him? His daughter used me. She wants to use Kaya too.

“I sense your distrust and anxiety, Katara of the Southern Water Tribe.” Pathik holds onto my hands even as I try to pull them away. “Our destinies are intertwined. I know you seek only to protect your children. I beg of you to swim freely in the tides of fate. You must allow your children to fulfill their destinies.”

“They are my children,” I hiss, jerking out of his grasp. “What do you expect me to do?”

“I expect you to guide them, of course,” he replies solemnly. “When Kaya unleashes her true potential, you must step aside. You must allow her to do what is necessary.”

I cannot stop the tears as they roll down my cheeks, for I know that he is right. There is laughter in the background, music that enhances the spirit of merriment. Life is almost normal here. No one is aware that my heart is breaking.

--

TBC

Author’s Notes – I’m lazy. I was working on Price of Peace. I promise to never write fan fiction again unless it is finished and I can post it on a regular basis. I cannot apologize enough for the delay on this chapter. The nasty upper respiratory bug swept through my home with a vengeance. Of course, I caught it! Life wouldn’t be complete without a bought of the creepin’ crude!

As always, I must thank all who have reviewed. I must also thank Moncapitan for pointing out the plot holes. Thanks!
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Bitter Alliance