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Title: Something I Thought Could Be (Part One)
Author: nanthimus
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Pairing: Zuko/Aang
Rating: This part, PG
Notes: YES YOU SAW THAT. Part one. Because this fic was too large for LJ's size limit. Huzzah! Hopefully, though, it'll only need two.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not making money, please don't sue.
It was hot. Aang blinked rapidly, sweat stinging his eyes. The sun cheerfully beat down on him, Katara, Sokka, and Toph, unaware that it’s heat was an unwelcome passenger on the trip. Appa drifted aimlessly in the oppressive air, tail hanging limply save for a few halfhearted beats to keep them in the air. Every once in a while he gave a pitiful groan, which Momo answered with a quiet chirrup.
I could bend us some wind, but it’s just too hot Aang thought, staring ahead blearily. He couldn’t even remember where they were headed, if they had a destination in mind, or even if it was very important.
“The heat fried my brain,” he said to no one in particular, but Sokka responded, splayed on in the middle of the saddle.
“Yeah. I think I’ve sweat out half my body fat,” he complained. “If it doesn’t cool down soon there’s not going to be much of me left.”
“Stop complaining,” Katara said , lifting her braid up over her head to keep it off her neck. “We’re melting too.”
“Yeah, but you’re a girl,” Sokka said, rolling over, back to the sun. “You have way more body fat than me.”
“What?!” Katara said, eyes narrowing.
Here we go. “Hey, look!” Aang interrupted, not wanting to hear the argument. He pointed at the forest below, where a long streak of dark blue flowed. “A river! We should stop and cool off.”
“Good idea,” Toph said, wiping sweat from her brow.
Katara glared at Sokka for a moment longer before nodding. “Yeah, we probably need it,” she said with a faint but sincere smile.
“Alright!” Sokka and Aang said together and Aang guided Appa downwards toward the forest below. Appa dodged the trees easily and landed in the water with a great, thunderous splash.
“Appa, ssshhh!” Sokka said, holding one finger to his lips, looking around. “The Fire Nation‘s still after us, remember?”
Aang quickly stripped down. “Come on, Sokka,” he said, jumping and hovering over the water for a moment before landing, water spraying. “Appa’s just happy.”
“He’s right, though,” Toph said, sightless eyes turned towards the forest. “The Fire Nation could be anywhere.”
That’s kind of creepy, Aang thought. The Fire Nation is after me. If anything happened to them it’ll be my fault. He swam over to Appa. “Shh, boy. We probably should be more quiet,” he said, rubbing the bison’s forehead.
Katara smiled, standing in hip-deep water. “Hey Sokka,” she said, bending water up.
“Yeah?” Sokka said, eyes closed as he floated in the water.
“Do you remember what you said about me having more body fat than you?” she asked, water hovering at her fingertips.
“Yeah, yeah,” he said, “it’s a fact. Girls have more body fat than boys. You can’t get mad at basic biology.”
“Oh, yeah?” Katara said, eyebrows raised. “Well, take this!” She cut her arms downward and the wave followed the motion, splashing on top of Sokka and pushing him beneath the water. Aang doubled over with laughter as Sokka shot up and out of the water, taking huge gulps of air.
“Katara, that wasn’t funny!” he yelled, voice cracking as he pushed his air out of his face.
“Yeah it was,” Toph said, smirking. “And weren’t you the first one saying we should be quiet?”
“Admit it Sokka, she got you,” Aang gasped, trying to catch his breath..
Sokka looked like he was going to argue the fact, but sighed and shook his head. “Yeah, whatever,” he said, dropping back into the water, floating on his back. “Now, how about you kids leave me along, huh? I’m trying to enjoy this!”
Katara snorted. “C’mon, Toph,” she said, “let’s go see if we can find some food.”
“Sure,” Toph said, getting out of the ankle deep water she’d been in.
“Wait,” Aang said, “should we split up? I mean, the Fire Nation could be anywhere,” he said, repeating Toph’s warning. “Maybe we should stick together.”
Katara smiled. “We’ll be fine,” she said, assuring him. “Toph and I are both pretty strong benders, right? We’ll be fine, at least to get back here and escape if something happens. Okay?”
No, not okay, Aang thought, but he smiled. “Just be careful,” he said.
“Of course,” Katara said and she and Toph disappeared into the trees.
“You’re still worried, huh?” Sokka said and Aang looked at him. Sokka had a grin on his face and it held none of the sarcasm or mockery it usually did. It was the smile of someone who understood and Aang remembered all the times Sokka said he had to protect the younger three.
“The Fire Nation isn’t after you guys, just me,” he said. “If anything happens to any of you, it’ll be because of me.”
Sokka raised his eyebrows. “Oh? I would’ve though that it was because the Fire Nation is bent on controlling the world.”
Aang splashed at him. “You know what I mean!”
Sokka nodded. “Yeah, I do. But Aang, we’re all here because we want to be. We made the choice to stay and help you. So,” here Sokka waved his hand in the air nonchalantly, “if anything happens to any of us, it’ll be ours - and the Fire Nation’s - fault.”
Aang thought about that for a moment before grinning at the older boy. “Thanks, Sokka.”
“Hey, no problem,” Sokka said. His stomach grumbled. “I hope the girls get back soon. I’m starving!”
***
“Uncle, we don’t have time for this!” Zuko said, golden eyes narrowed as he scouted the area. He could see nothing alarming in the dense, shadowy forest they were in: no sign of the once loved red garb of the Fire Nation. Still, he couldn’t shake the sense that something wasn’t right.
His uncle, however, had a much different point of view. “We shouldn’t over exhaust ourselves,” Iroh said. “The Fire Nation is after us, true, but if we kill ourselves avoiding them, what is the point?”
Damn the man. Zuko sighed. “Fine,” he said, temper nearing the breaking point. “But only for a moment.” Though Uncle’s idea of a moment is much different from mine, he thought.
“Of course, of course,” Iroh said, all smiles. “Let’s go this way. I can hear the rush of water. It would be nice to wipe the sweat off.” He lead the way and Zuko followed, brow furrowed. “Did I ever tell you about the time when your father-”
“Please, Uncle,” Zuko cut him off, “please don’t speak of my father.” Zuko didn’t know what feel was worse when he thought of his father: the overwhelming grief that nearly brought him to his knees, or the tiny bit of betrayed anger that shamed him.
Iroh winced. “I apologize,” he said. Zuko didn’t reply and Iroh touched his shoulder. “Prince Zuko, your father had a great military mind. But he failed at being a family man.”
“Enough. Why do you speak of this now?” Zuko demanded, and Iroh smiled.
“Stop blaming yourself for how things turned out. He was a fool to make you leave,” Iroh said. “He could not have asked for a more loyal son. It is a pity he did not realize this himself.”
Zuko looked down, having nothing to say to that.
“So,” Iroh said, clapping his hands. “Let us get to that water. I would enjoy a bath.”
***
“Hey, Sokka,” Aang said, “Katara and Toph have been gone for a while.” He was sitting in the water in Appa’s shadow. Momo was napping on his shoulders, the flying lemur making small noises as it breathed.
Sokka yawned. “Don’t worry,” he said. “They’ve only been gone for a few minutes.”
Sudden rustling caught their attention and Aang grinned, relieved. “Hey, you-” he was cut off when Sokka grabbed him by the shoulder. “What?” Aang asked.
“That’s not the direction they left in,” Sokka said in a low voice. Aang blinked up at him and looked again, eyes widening.
“Who’s there?!” he yelled as Sokka scrambled over to Appa and got his boomerang, his clothes, and Aang’s clothes.
“Put these back on; it’s hard to look powerful when you’re in your underwear,” he whispered. They both shimmied into their clothes as two people stepped out of the trees.
“The Avatar,” Zuko said, eyes widening, hands reflexively curling into fists.
“Zuko?” Aang gulped, immediately falling into a defensive stance.
Sokka’s grip tightened in his weapon. “What do you want?!” he yelled, brandishing his boomerang.
Iroh winced at the thunderclouds darkening Zuko’s face. He stepped forward, hands up in a peaceful gesture. “We’re here simple to cool down,” he said. “We’re certainly not going to try to capture you.”
What?! “Uncle, that’s the Avatar,” Zuko exclaimed unnecessarily. “He’s wanted by the Fire Nation!”
“Well, so are you,” Aang said. “Twice over, even!”
Sokka and Iroh stepped back and shrugged at each other at that odd announcement while Zuko and Aang started at each other.
“If I’d been able to capture you, I could have regained my honor and my place in my family,” Zuko said.
“But…why would want to regain your honor and family from a man who was so quick to throw you away?” This honest, earnest question left Zuko reeling; he had nothing to say to it. He knew he was in the wrong here, and he wasn’t even sure he wanted to take the Avatar back to the Fire Nation anymore. He knew he couldn’t say that.
“You don’t understand,” he said, eyes narrowing.
“You’re right, I don’t,” Aang said easily. There was another moment of silence.
“So…what are we doing?” Sokka asked, hand still gripping his boomerang but he was out of his customary battle stance.
“What’s going on?” The four of them turned and saw Katara and Toph, who both had armfuls of orange, red, and purple fruits.
“Ah, I’m not really sure!” Aang said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
“Nothing, nothing,” Iroh said quickly, not wanting to have to fight the waterbender and earthbender. "Just an unexpected meeting."
Katara cut her eyes over to Sokka, who shrugged. "I have no idea what's going on," he said. "They haven't tried anything yet, but that doesn't mean they won't."
Iroh stepped forward. "My nephew told me that you offered to heal me after Azula attacked. Is that true?"
Katara blinked. "Uhm, yes," she said.
Iroh bowed to her. "I deeply thank you," he said, and smiled. “Let me assure you, had I been awake, I would have taken you up on your offer." He glanced at Zuko. "Prince Zuko does not have the hands or demeanor of a healer, I'm afraid."
"Uncle!" Zuko hissed, and Katara giggled despite herself, clutching the basket of fruit to her chest.
"Hey, can we decide what we're doing and do it already?" Toph said, pale eyes narrowing. "These baskets are heavy. Are we fighting or not?"
Aang thought for a moment. "Uhm, could you guys wait for just a second?" he asked Zuko and Iroh, before grabbing Sokka's arm and pulling him over to Katara and Toph. "So, what're we going to do?" he asked.
Toph shrugged. "I don't really care either way," she said, eyes on the ground. "Though it seems stupid to get in a fight when they're not really after you anymore."
Katara huffed. "She's right," she said. "We don't have any reason to fight them." She glanced back at Zuko and Iroh. “Besides, Iroh seems friendly enough.”
"Friendly? No reason?!" Sokka repeated. "Katara, they're Fire Nation!"
"Not really," Aang said. "Weren't they banished? So now they're criminals, just like us." He thought for a moment. "Wow, I never thought I would say something like that."
Sokka shook his head. "Yeah, but even still, if the Fire Nation is after them too then we should stay away. We're already being chased, we don't need to give the Fire Nation any extra incentive."
"We're not asking them to join us," Katara pointed out. "We're just talking about whether or not we let them stay without fighting. Okay?" She raised her eyebrows and turned back to Zuko and Iroh.
"We're not going to fight you, if you want to stay here," she said, smiling. "There's plenty of room for us all."
Waterbending peasant, Zuko thought, automatically seeking out the Avatar. He was sitting beside the Water Tribe boy, whispering something frantically to him before the two burst into obnoxious laughter. Zuko frowned, thoughts going back to after he'd rescued the Avatar from Zhao. 'Do you think we could have been friends? the boy had asked. Zuko shook his head. Whatever. Still, the thought gnawed at him as he watched the four of them sitting together, passing around fruit. What would that easy comfort be like? He mentally reprimanded himself and turned away from them decisively, noticing Iroh watching him.
“What?” he asked defensively and Iroh shook his head, raising an eyebrow.
“You’re too suspicious, Prince Zuko,” he said, settling comfortably beside the river, dipping a hand in the water experimentally. “I was merely looking at you.” He looked over at the waterbending girl. “May I have some of those?” he asked.
Katara looked at the fruit, then over at the old man. “Uhm…” she glanced at Sokka, who shook his head furiously; Toph, who shrugged; and Aang, who nodded. “Sure,” she said, grabbing several of the fruit. She stood and Aang stood up with her.
“I’ll go with you,” he said, grinning.
They walked over to Iroh and Zuko and Katara held out the fruit. “Here you go,” she said brightly enough, and Iroh nodded to her.
“Thank you very much,” he said graciously, and examined the fruits. “I’ve never seen these kinds before.”
Katara shrugged self-consciously. “Well, I don’t really know what kind they are,” she said. “But we’ve had them before and they’re really good.”
He smiled. “I’ll trust your judgment,” he said.
Uncle could hold a conversation with anyone, Zuko thought, gaze shifting back to the Avatar, who was looking back at him. “What?” Zuko said, feeling his cheeks redden and hating it.
Aang blinked. “What? I didn’t say anything,” he said. “So…where’re you guys headed?”
“None of your business,” Zuko said. Don’t act like we’re friends, Avatar. He mentally winced at that thought and again his thoughts returned to Aang’s question. ‘Would we have been friends?’
“Okay,” Aang said, shrugging. “I was just asking.” Well, it’s nice to see some people don’t change, he thought ruefully.
“Hey, Aang,” Sokka called out, eyes narrowed as they settled on Zuko. “Come over here, I want to tell you something!”
Aang waved his hand. “Okay!” He looked back at Zuko. “Well, good luck getting to wherever you guys are going!” he said and shot off, the speed of the Air Nomads present in him. He make it to Sokka with a little gust of wind. “Hey, what is it?” he asked.
“Nothing,” Sokka said, shrugging. “I just didn’t like you over there.”
Aang blinked. “But…now Katara’s over there by herself,” he pointed out. “Shouldn’t you be worried about her too?”
“She’s talking to the old guy and he seems okay,” Sokka said. “But I don’t trust Zuko at all.” He shook his head and lowered his voice to a near whisper. “They shouldn’t even be here, we shouldn’t be all together. It’s like painting a huge sign on our backs saying ‘come get us!’”
“But we haven’t seen the Fire Nation for a while now,” Aang said. “Maybe they’re nowhere around here?”
Sokka sighed. “Yeah, yeah.” He paused. “But even so, wouldn’t that be hilarious. Can’t you just see Zuko with words painted all over him?” He guffawed. “That would be awesome!”
Aang laughed, shaking his head. ‘Sokka, you’re weird!” he said, a grin on his face.
Zuko watched the two of them, a unsettling feeling at the pit of the stomach. He knew the feeling well; jealousy. He got to his feet. “I’m leaving,” he said, and Iroh looked up at him in surprise.
“But we’ve barely rested,” he said, eyebrows raised. “Surely you’re not going to push an old man harder than he’s comfortable with?”
“You’re fine,” Zuko snapped. “Stop acting like you’re weaker than what you are.” He glanced over at the Avatar and the Water Tribe boy, eyes narrowed. “I’ve had enough with this company.”
“Please brother, stay,” a new voice called out and Zuko whirled around, hands clenched into fists.
“Azula!” he said and vaguely noted the gasps and commotions behind him. A rustle of wind signaled the arrival of the Avatar at his back and Zuko resisted the urge to look back at him.
“We’re surrounded,” Aang said under his breath to Zuko, glancing back at Sokka, who was look off to the side. Probably some Fire Nation soldiers, Aang thought, glance darting over to Katara and Toph, who had immediately fallen into defensive stances. He turned his attention back to at Azula, who had a malicious grin on her face.
“Well, well,” she said. “This is most fortunate for me. The two traitors and the Avatar, right here for the taking.” She laughed, the sound cold and
Zuko hissed. “So, you come here bringing these soldiers instead of fighting us yourself. Coward!” he yelled, ignoring Iroh’s hand on his shoulder.
“Right. I’m a coward,” she said, arching one dark eyebrow. “Not you, the banished prince, the criminal, the traitor, the boy who won’t come to his country and take his well-deserved punishment.” She shook her head. “You’re pathetic.”
Zuko took a step forward but two hands, one large and familiar while the other small and foreign, stopped him.
“Zuko, we must worry about those surrounding us,” Iroh said urgently.
“Come on, we’ve got to get out of here,” Aang said. A sudden upheaval of earth between them and Azula bought them some time. Aang grabbed Zuko’s arm. “Let’s go!”
“Aang!” Sokka yelled, but was cut off when a soldier rapped him in the back of the head. He slumped to the ground.
“Sokka!” Aang yelled, immediately leaving Zuko and Iroh. Jumping high in the air, he brought his staff down in a sharp vertical cut, sending wind rushing outward towards the three red clad soldiers surrounding Sokka. They fell back with a cry and Toph liquefied the earth beneath them, sending them sinking waist deep into the dark, sticky mud.
Katara knelt beside Sokka and hefted his arm over her shoulders. “Sokka, are you alright?!” she asked, blue eyes on the Fire Nation soldiers to their immediate left. “Can you hear me?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said, rubbing his head and stumbling to his feet gracelessly. “We’ve got to get out of here.” He looked up as Aang landed beside him. “Aang, we’ve got to go!”
“Yeah, but…” Aang glanced over at Iroh and Zuko, who were back to back against the soldiers. “We can’t just leave them!”
Sokka opened his mouth to argue that point but a blast of fire sent him reeling backwards. “Gah!” he cried, stumbling into Toph. She righted him easily enough and held her hand out, palm up. Pausing for a moment, she jerked her arm up abruptly and a block of rock shot out of the earth, shielding them for the time being.
“Aang, they’re not our problem,” she said, pale eyes narrowing.
Yeah, but… “I’m not leaving them,” he said. “You guys go, I’ll catch up with you later!” Not waiting for them to reply, he jumped away, staff in hand.
***
“You’re so pathetic, Zuzu,” Azula said, blue flames raising in the air. “Father will be so pleased when I bring you back for punishment.” Her eyes narrowed. “It’s time you stop embarrassing our family.” She shifted her weight and Zuko tensed for the attack. She swung out her arm in a wide arc, sending flames lashing out venomously against Zuko and Iroh.
A shock of wind intercepted the flames path and Aang settled down beside Iroh, gray eyes on Azula.
“Avatar,” Iroh said, glancing at him for a moment before his gaze shifted back to Azula. “You should leave, quickly!”
“I can’t just leave you,” Aang said.
Azula laughed. “Oh, this is priceless,” she said. “Have you decided to band together?” She smirked. “That really does make it that much easier for me.”
Zuko glanced over at Aang. Stupid, idiotic child, he thought venomously. “Avatar, get out of here!” he hissed. “You‘re just going to get us all killed!”
Aang grinned. “Call me Aang,” he said, twirling his staff effortlessly as he looked around at the ten or so soldiers surrounding them. “And I think you do need my help, so stop arguing.”
Azula sneered. “Enough talk,” she said, stepping forward. She gave a cursory glance at the surrounding soldiers. “I want them all alive,” she ordered before darting forward, blue fiery daggers in her hands as she headed towards Zuko. She lashed out at him, dagger coming close to his throat and he dodged and leaped backwards, punching a narrow stream of fire at her. She sidestepped it and pulled one hand back, preparing to send out another but a powerful gust of wind knocked her off balance. Zuko pushed his advantage and jumped forward, shooting fire out of each fist before twisting around and sending a spiral of fire towards Azula. She dodged all of this, much to Zuko’s enraged dismay, and stood, sneering at Zuko.
Aang turned back to the Fire Nation soldiers, biting his tongue. Wow. Azula might be really powerful, but these guys are easy! he thought, sidestepping their attacks easily. Jumping backwards, he swung his staff horizontally, then vertically, sending two powerful gushes of wind towards them. They fell backwards to the forest floor. Aang jumped high in the air, arching his back and kicking wind downward, crushing the soldiers the ground. He glanced over at Iroh, who was holding his own against three soldiers. Well, he seems to be doing well enough on his own, Aang thought before looking back at Zuko, who was standing still, in a face off with Azula. Uhm, I wonder if I should interrupt them?
Azula smirked and brought her hand back, swinging it forward wildly. A wide arc of fire shot through the air and Zuko ducked low, feeling the heat of the flames warm his back. He stood up and immediately fell back, face stinging from a sharp, heated slap. He could hear Azula laughing. Hands balling up into fists, he lashed out, sending flames out wildly with a loud yell. Azula dodged them nimbly and, while she was distracted, Zuko reached back and punched her. There was no fire, no bending to this punch, just frustrated rage and brute strength. It sent Azula tumbling backwards, hands coming up to stifle the blood gushing from her nose.
Finally. I finally got her, Zuko thought, though he knew that she would spring back in no time. “Uncle, let’s go!” he yelled, and together they started running. Zuko heard the crackling of flames before he felt them and he turned, pushing Iroh away roughly. Iroh fell to the left and against a very surprised Toph.
“You guys!” Aang said, and it was one of the few times Zuko had ever heard him angry. “Get out of here! Get Appa and go!” He twirled his glider up and over his head, sending a small eddy against some of the soldiers.
Katara paused. “But Aang…” she said, and he turned abruptly on her.
“Go!”
Katara jumped and backed away. She glanced at Sokka uncertainly and he nodded. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, turning and running. Katara paused and looked at Iroh, who was kneeling down beside her, holding his stomach.
“Iroh, come on!” she yelled, waterbending a whip and snapping it at a Fire Nation soldier who was advancing on the fallen man. “Toph, help me!” she said, and together they helped the man up.
“Uncle,” Zuko muttered and turned back to Azula. She narrowed her eyes and punched a raging fire and Iroh. Aang stabbed his glider to the ground and used it to jump high, lashing one leg out. The gush of wind intercepted the fire, sending it flying harmlessly away.
“Leave them alone!” Aang yelled, twirling his glider over his head. Azula snarled and cut her hand in an abrupt, horizontal motion. Aang weaved to and fro away from the flames and jumped when a hand came down on his arm. He drew his arm forward and shoved his elbow back, jumped forward and out of the soldier’s grasp. Lifting his glider high in the air, he rotated it around like a top, using it to float into the air.
“Zuko!” he yelled, gray eyes looking for the banished prince. “Grab hold of me!”
What?! Zuko looked up at the Avatar high above him. He made to leap into the air but a blast of fire stopped him. He glanced behind him at the soldiers and, in front of him at Azula.
“Sorry, brother,” she drawled, “but this reunion isn’t over yet.” She glanced up at Aang as well, smirk slipping from her lips slightly. “You’re not going anywhere, Avatar,” she said. “Soldiers, get him!”
Five soldiers jumped into line and simultaneously kicked powerful flames towards Aang. “Whoa!” he said, attempting to outmaneuver them but there was too many and he ended up falling to the ground gracelessly.
“Oww,” he said, rubbing his right leg before shooting up and brandishing his glider. Zuko came up behind him and they stood back to back, surveying the many soldiers surrounding them.
“Idiot,” Zuko said, glancing over his shoulder at Aang. “You should have left when you had the chance.”
“I couldn’t just leave you,” Aang said, shrugging. “Nice to know you would have if the situation was reversed.”
Would I have? But Zuko didn’t have time to ponder that question, as Azula jumped up from behind the line of soldiers and butterfly kicked him in the stomach. He fell back, hand whipping around to punch in her hard against her shoulder blade as he went down.
Aang twisted around, swinging his glider in a wide arch in an attempt to hit her but Azula ducked and uppercut him, hard knuckles digging into the tender underside of his chin. The force of the blow sent Aang flying up and backwards, back hitting the ground painfully. As Aang laid there for a moment, dazed, Zuko jumped back up and shot out a surge of fire, sending Azula jumping back.
“Get up, Aang,” Zuko growled and Aang did, stumbling up to his feet and rubbing his jaw.
“That really hurt,” he complained, twirling his glider around his shin and pointing it at Azula. Before he could retaliate against her the soldiers surrounding them responded, and Aang and Zuko suddenly had well over a dozen sharp, painful looking spears pointing at them.
“Thanks for standing there,” Azula said, eyes narrowing. “I really appreciate it.” She nodded and turned away. “Chain them up and take them to the brig.”
She can’t seriously be thinking we’re just going to stand here, Zuko thought, glancing at Aang, who was hanging limply in the grasp of one, much larger, soldier.
“What-” a sharp blow to the head stopped him and darkness covered his world.
Author: nanthimus
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Pairing: Zuko/Aang
Rating: This part, PG
Notes: YES YOU SAW THAT. Part one. Because this fic was too large for LJ's size limit. Huzzah! Hopefully, though, it'll only need two.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not making money, please don't sue.
It was hot. Aang blinked rapidly, sweat stinging his eyes. The sun cheerfully beat down on him, Katara, Sokka, and Toph, unaware that it’s heat was an unwelcome passenger on the trip. Appa drifted aimlessly in the oppressive air, tail hanging limply save for a few halfhearted beats to keep them in the air. Every once in a while he gave a pitiful groan, which Momo answered with a quiet chirrup.
I could bend us some wind, but it’s just too hot Aang thought, staring ahead blearily. He couldn’t even remember where they were headed, if they had a destination in mind, or even if it was very important.
“The heat fried my brain,” he said to no one in particular, but Sokka responded, splayed on in the middle of the saddle.
“Yeah. I think I’ve sweat out half my body fat,” he complained. “If it doesn’t cool down soon there’s not going to be much of me left.”
“Stop complaining,” Katara said , lifting her braid up over her head to keep it off her neck. “We’re melting too.”
“Yeah, but you’re a girl,” Sokka said, rolling over, back to the sun. “You have way more body fat than me.”
“What?!” Katara said, eyes narrowing.
Here we go. “Hey, look!” Aang interrupted, not wanting to hear the argument. He pointed at the forest below, where a long streak of dark blue flowed. “A river! We should stop and cool off.”
“Good idea,” Toph said, wiping sweat from her brow.
Katara glared at Sokka for a moment longer before nodding. “Yeah, we probably need it,” she said with a faint but sincere smile.
“Alright!” Sokka and Aang said together and Aang guided Appa downwards toward the forest below. Appa dodged the trees easily and landed in the water with a great, thunderous splash.
“Appa, ssshhh!” Sokka said, holding one finger to his lips, looking around. “The Fire Nation‘s still after us, remember?”
Aang quickly stripped down. “Come on, Sokka,” he said, jumping and hovering over the water for a moment before landing, water spraying. “Appa’s just happy.”
“He’s right, though,” Toph said, sightless eyes turned towards the forest. “The Fire Nation could be anywhere.”
That’s kind of creepy, Aang thought. The Fire Nation is after me. If anything happened to them it’ll be my fault. He swam over to Appa. “Shh, boy. We probably should be more quiet,” he said, rubbing the bison’s forehead.
Katara smiled, standing in hip-deep water. “Hey Sokka,” she said, bending water up.
“Yeah?” Sokka said, eyes closed as he floated in the water.
“Do you remember what you said about me having more body fat than you?” she asked, water hovering at her fingertips.
“Yeah, yeah,” he said, “it’s a fact. Girls have more body fat than boys. You can’t get mad at basic biology.”
“Oh, yeah?” Katara said, eyebrows raised. “Well, take this!” She cut her arms downward and the wave followed the motion, splashing on top of Sokka and pushing him beneath the water. Aang doubled over with laughter as Sokka shot up and out of the water, taking huge gulps of air.
“Katara, that wasn’t funny!” he yelled, voice cracking as he pushed his air out of his face.
“Yeah it was,” Toph said, smirking. “And weren’t you the first one saying we should be quiet?”
“Admit it Sokka, she got you,” Aang gasped, trying to catch his breath..
Sokka looked like he was going to argue the fact, but sighed and shook his head. “Yeah, whatever,” he said, dropping back into the water, floating on his back. “Now, how about you kids leave me along, huh? I’m trying to enjoy this!”
Katara snorted. “C’mon, Toph,” she said, “let’s go see if we can find some food.”
“Sure,” Toph said, getting out of the ankle deep water she’d been in.
“Wait,” Aang said, “should we split up? I mean, the Fire Nation could be anywhere,” he said, repeating Toph’s warning. “Maybe we should stick together.”
Katara smiled. “We’ll be fine,” she said, assuring him. “Toph and I are both pretty strong benders, right? We’ll be fine, at least to get back here and escape if something happens. Okay?”
No, not okay, Aang thought, but he smiled. “Just be careful,” he said.
“Of course,” Katara said and she and Toph disappeared into the trees.
“You’re still worried, huh?” Sokka said and Aang looked at him. Sokka had a grin on his face and it held none of the sarcasm or mockery it usually did. It was the smile of someone who understood and Aang remembered all the times Sokka said he had to protect the younger three.
“The Fire Nation isn’t after you guys, just me,” he said. “If anything happens to any of you, it’ll be because of me.”
Sokka raised his eyebrows. “Oh? I would’ve though that it was because the Fire Nation is bent on controlling the world.”
Aang splashed at him. “You know what I mean!”
Sokka nodded. “Yeah, I do. But Aang, we’re all here because we want to be. We made the choice to stay and help you. So,” here Sokka waved his hand in the air nonchalantly, “if anything happens to any of us, it’ll be ours - and the Fire Nation’s - fault.”
Aang thought about that for a moment before grinning at the older boy. “Thanks, Sokka.”
“Hey, no problem,” Sokka said. His stomach grumbled. “I hope the girls get back soon. I’m starving!”
***
“Uncle, we don’t have time for this!” Zuko said, golden eyes narrowed as he scouted the area. He could see nothing alarming in the dense, shadowy forest they were in: no sign of the once loved red garb of the Fire Nation. Still, he couldn’t shake the sense that something wasn’t right.
His uncle, however, had a much different point of view. “We shouldn’t over exhaust ourselves,” Iroh said. “The Fire Nation is after us, true, but if we kill ourselves avoiding them, what is the point?”
Damn the man. Zuko sighed. “Fine,” he said, temper nearing the breaking point. “But only for a moment.” Though Uncle’s idea of a moment is much different from mine, he thought.
“Of course, of course,” Iroh said, all smiles. “Let’s go this way. I can hear the rush of water. It would be nice to wipe the sweat off.” He lead the way and Zuko followed, brow furrowed. “Did I ever tell you about the time when your father-”
“Please, Uncle,” Zuko cut him off, “please don’t speak of my father.” Zuko didn’t know what feel was worse when he thought of his father: the overwhelming grief that nearly brought him to his knees, or the tiny bit of betrayed anger that shamed him.
Iroh winced. “I apologize,” he said. Zuko didn’t reply and Iroh touched his shoulder. “Prince Zuko, your father had a great military mind. But he failed at being a family man.”
“Enough. Why do you speak of this now?” Zuko demanded, and Iroh smiled.
“Stop blaming yourself for how things turned out. He was a fool to make you leave,” Iroh said. “He could not have asked for a more loyal son. It is a pity he did not realize this himself.”
Zuko looked down, having nothing to say to that.
“So,” Iroh said, clapping his hands. “Let us get to that water. I would enjoy a bath.”
***
“Hey, Sokka,” Aang said, “Katara and Toph have been gone for a while.” He was sitting in the water in Appa’s shadow. Momo was napping on his shoulders, the flying lemur making small noises as it breathed.
Sokka yawned. “Don’t worry,” he said. “They’ve only been gone for a few minutes.”
Sudden rustling caught their attention and Aang grinned, relieved. “Hey, you-” he was cut off when Sokka grabbed him by the shoulder. “What?” Aang asked.
“That’s not the direction they left in,” Sokka said in a low voice. Aang blinked up at him and looked again, eyes widening.
“Who’s there?!” he yelled as Sokka scrambled over to Appa and got his boomerang, his clothes, and Aang’s clothes.
“Put these back on; it’s hard to look powerful when you’re in your underwear,” he whispered. They both shimmied into their clothes as two people stepped out of the trees.
“The Avatar,” Zuko said, eyes widening, hands reflexively curling into fists.
“Zuko?” Aang gulped, immediately falling into a defensive stance.
Sokka’s grip tightened in his weapon. “What do you want?!” he yelled, brandishing his boomerang.
Iroh winced at the thunderclouds darkening Zuko’s face. He stepped forward, hands up in a peaceful gesture. “We’re here simple to cool down,” he said. “We’re certainly not going to try to capture you.”
What?! “Uncle, that’s the Avatar,” Zuko exclaimed unnecessarily. “He’s wanted by the Fire Nation!”
“Well, so are you,” Aang said. “Twice over, even!”
Sokka and Iroh stepped back and shrugged at each other at that odd announcement while Zuko and Aang started at each other.
“If I’d been able to capture you, I could have regained my honor and my place in my family,” Zuko said.
“But…why would want to regain your honor and family from a man who was so quick to throw you away?” This honest, earnest question left Zuko reeling; he had nothing to say to it. He knew he was in the wrong here, and he wasn’t even sure he wanted to take the Avatar back to the Fire Nation anymore. He knew he couldn’t say that.
“You don’t understand,” he said, eyes narrowing.
“You’re right, I don’t,” Aang said easily. There was another moment of silence.
“So…what are we doing?” Sokka asked, hand still gripping his boomerang but he was out of his customary battle stance.
“What’s going on?” The four of them turned and saw Katara and Toph, who both had armfuls of orange, red, and purple fruits.
“Ah, I’m not really sure!” Aang said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
“Nothing, nothing,” Iroh said quickly, not wanting to have to fight the waterbender and earthbender. "Just an unexpected meeting."
Katara cut her eyes over to Sokka, who shrugged. "I have no idea what's going on," he said. "They haven't tried anything yet, but that doesn't mean they won't."
Iroh stepped forward. "My nephew told me that you offered to heal me after Azula attacked. Is that true?"
Katara blinked. "Uhm, yes," she said.
Iroh bowed to her. "I deeply thank you," he said, and smiled. “Let me assure you, had I been awake, I would have taken you up on your offer." He glanced at Zuko. "Prince Zuko does not have the hands or demeanor of a healer, I'm afraid."
"Uncle!" Zuko hissed, and Katara giggled despite herself, clutching the basket of fruit to her chest.
"Hey, can we decide what we're doing and do it already?" Toph said, pale eyes narrowing. "These baskets are heavy. Are we fighting or not?"
Aang thought for a moment. "Uhm, could you guys wait for just a second?" he asked Zuko and Iroh, before grabbing Sokka's arm and pulling him over to Katara and Toph. "So, what're we going to do?" he asked.
Toph shrugged. "I don't really care either way," she said, eyes on the ground. "Though it seems stupid to get in a fight when they're not really after you anymore."
Katara huffed. "She's right," she said. "We don't have any reason to fight them." She glanced back at Zuko and Iroh. “Besides, Iroh seems friendly enough.”
"Friendly? No reason?!" Sokka repeated. "Katara, they're Fire Nation!"
"Not really," Aang said. "Weren't they banished? So now they're criminals, just like us." He thought for a moment. "Wow, I never thought I would say something like that."
Sokka shook his head. "Yeah, but even still, if the Fire Nation is after them too then we should stay away. We're already being chased, we don't need to give the Fire Nation any extra incentive."
"We're not asking them to join us," Katara pointed out. "We're just talking about whether or not we let them stay without fighting. Okay?" She raised her eyebrows and turned back to Zuko and Iroh.
"We're not going to fight you, if you want to stay here," she said, smiling. "There's plenty of room for us all."
Waterbending peasant, Zuko thought, automatically seeking out the Avatar. He was sitting beside the Water Tribe boy, whispering something frantically to him before the two burst into obnoxious laughter. Zuko frowned, thoughts going back to after he'd rescued the Avatar from Zhao. 'Do you think we could have been friends? the boy had asked. Zuko shook his head. Whatever. Still, the thought gnawed at him as he watched the four of them sitting together, passing around fruit. What would that easy comfort be like? He mentally reprimanded himself and turned away from them decisively, noticing Iroh watching him.
“What?” he asked defensively and Iroh shook his head, raising an eyebrow.
“You’re too suspicious, Prince Zuko,” he said, settling comfortably beside the river, dipping a hand in the water experimentally. “I was merely looking at you.” He looked over at the waterbending girl. “May I have some of those?” he asked.
Katara looked at the fruit, then over at the old man. “Uhm…” she glanced at Sokka, who shook his head furiously; Toph, who shrugged; and Aang, who nodded. “Sure,” she said, grabbing several of the fruit. She stood and Aang stood up with her.
“I’ll go with you,” he said, grinning.
They walked over to Iroh and Zuko and Katara held out the fruit. “Here you go,” she said brightly enough, and Iroh nodded to her.
“Thank you very much,” he said graciously, and examined the fruits. “I’ve never seen these kinds before.”
Katara shrugged self-consciously. “Well, I don’t really know what kind they are,” she said. “But we’ve had them before and they’re really good.”
He smiled. “I’ll trust your judgment,” he said.
Uncle could hold a conversation with anyone, Zuko thought, gaze shifting back to the Avatar, who was looking back at him. “What?” Zuko said, feeling his cheeks redden and hating it.
Aang blinked. “What? I didn’t say anything,” he said. “So…where’re you guys headed?”
“None of your business,” Zuko said. Don’t act like we’re friends, Avatar. He mentally winced at that thought and again his thoughts returned to Aang’s question. ‘Would we have been friends?’
“Okay,” Aang said, shrugging. “I was just asking.” Well, it’s nice to see some people don’t change, he thought ruefully.
“Hey, Aang,” Sokka called out, eyes narrowed as they settled on Zuko. “Come over here, I want to tell you something!”
Aang waved his hand. “Okay!” He looked back at Zuko. “Well, good luck getting to wherever you guys are going!” he said and shot off, the speed of the Air Nomads present in him. He make it to Sokka with a little gust of wind. “Hey, what is it?” he asked.
“Nothing,” Sokka said, shrugging. “I just didn’t like you over there.”
Aang blinked. “But…now Katara’s over there by herself,” he pointed out. “Shouldn’t you be worried about her too?”
“She’s talking to the old guy and he seems okay,” Sokka said. “But I don’t trust Zuko at all.” He shook his head and lowered his voice to a near whisper. “They shouldn’t even be here, we shouldn’t be all together. It’s like painting a huge sign on our backs saying ‘come get us!’”
“But we haven’t seen the Fire Nation for a while now,” Aang said. “Maybe they’re nowhere around here?”
Sokka sighed. “Yeah, yeah.” He paused. “But even so, wouldn’t that be hilarious. Can’t you just see Zuko with words painted all over him?” He guffawed. “That would be awesome!”
Aang laughed, shaking his head. ‘Sokka, you’re weird!” he said, a grin on his face.
Zuko watched the two of them, a unsettling feeling at the pit of the stomach. He knew the feeling well; jealousy. He got to his feet. “I’m leaving,” he said, and Iroh looked up at him in surprise.
“But we’ve barely rested,” he said, eyebrows raised. “Surely you’re not going to push an old man harder than he’s comfortable with?”
“You’re fine,” Zuko snapped. “Stop acting like you’re weaker than what you are.” He glanced over at the Avatar and the Water Tribe boy, eyes narrowed. “I’ve had enough with this company.”
“Please brother, stay,” a new voice called out and Zuko whirled around, hands clenched into fists.
“Azula!” he said and vaguely noted the gasps and commotions behind him. A rustle of wind signaled the arrival of the Avatar at his back and Zuko resisted the urge to look back at him.
“We’re surrounded,” Aang said under his breath to Zuko, glancing back at Sokka, who was look off to the side. Probably some Fire Nation soldiers, Aang thought, glance darting over to Katara and Toph, who had immediately fallen into defensive stances. He turned his attention back to at Azula, who had a malicious grin on her face.
“Well, well,” she said. “This is most fortunate for me. The two traitors and the Avatar, right here for the taking.” She laughed, the sound cold and
Zuko hissed. “So, you come here bringing these soldiers instead of fighting us yourself. Coward!” he yelled, ignoring Iroh’s hand on his shoulder.
“Right. I’m a coward,” she said, arching one dark eyebrow. “Not you, the banished prince, the criminal, the traitor, the boy who won’t come to his country and take his well-deserved punishment.” She shook her head. “You’re pathetic.”
Zuko took a step forward but two hands, one large and familiar while the other small and foreign, stopped him.
“Zuko, we must worry about those surrounding us,” Iroh said urgently.
“Come on, we’ve got to get out of here,” Aang said. A sudden upheaval of earth between them and Azula bought them some time. Aang grabbed Zuko’s arm. “Let’s go!”
“Aang!” Sokka yelled, but was cut off when a soldier rapped him in the back of the head. He slumped to the ground.
“Sokka!” Aang yelled, immediately leaving Zuko and Iroh. Jumping high in the air, he brought his staff down in a sharp vertical cut, sending wind rushing outward towards the three red clad soldiers surrounding Sokka. They fell back with a cry and Toph liquefied the earth beneath them, sending them sinking waist deep into the dark, sticky mud.
Katara knelt beside Sokka and hefted his arm over her shoulders. “Sokka, are you alright?!” she asked, blue eyes on the Fire Nation soldiers to their immediate left. “Can you hear me?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said, rubbing his head and stumbling to his feet gracelessly. “We’ve got to get out of here.” He looked up as Aang landed beside him. “Aang, we’ve got to go!”
“Yeah, but…” Aang glanced over at Iroh and Zuko, who were back to back against the soldiers. “We can’t just leave them!”
Sokka opened his mouth to argue that point but a blast of fire sent him reeling backwards. “Gah!” he cried, stumbling into Toph. She righted him easily enough and held her hand out, palm up. Pausing for a moment, she jerked her arm up abruptly and a block of rock shot out of the earth, shielding them for the time being.
“Aang, they’re not our problem,” she said, pale eyes narrowing.
Yeah, but… “I’m not leaving them,” he said. “You guys go, I’ll catch up with you later!” Not waiting for them to reply, he jumped away, staff in hand.
***
“You’re so pathetic, Zuzu,” Azula said, blue flames raising in the air. “Father will be so pleased when I bring you back for punishment.” Her eyes narrowed. “It’s time you stop embarrassing our family.” She shifted her weight and Zuko tensed for the attack. She swung out her arm in a wide arc, sending flames lashing out venomously against Zuko and Iroh.
A shock of wind intercepted the flames path and Aang settled down beside Iroh, gray eyes on Azula.
“Avatar,” Iroh said, glancing at him for a moment before his gaze shifted back to Azula. “You should leave, quickly!”
“I can’t just leave you,” Aang said.
Azula laughed. “Oh, this is priceless,” she said. “Have you decided to band together?” She smirked. “That really does make it that much easier for me.”
Zuko glanced over at Aang. Stupid, idiotic child, he thought venomously. “Avatar, get out of here!” he hissed. “You‘re just going to get us all killed!”
Aang grinned. “Call me Aang,” he said, twirling his staff effortlessly as he looked around at the ten or so soldiers surrounding them. “And I think you do need my help, so stop arguing.”
Azula sneered. “Enough talk,” she said, stepping forward. She gave a cursory glance at the surrounding soldiers. “I want them all alive,” she ordered before darting forward, blue fiery daggers in her hands as she headed towards Zuko. She lashed out at him, dagger coming close to his throat and he dodged and leaped backwards, punching a narrow stream of fire at her. She sidestepped it and pulled one hand back, preparing to send out another but a powerful gust of wind knocked her off balance. Zuko pushed his advantage and jumped forward, shooting fire out of each fist before twisting around and sending a spiral of fire towards Azula. She dodged all of this, much to Zuko’s enraged dismay, and stood, sneering at Zuko.
Aang turned back to the Fire Nation soldiers, biting his tongue. Wow. Azula might be really powerful, but these guys are easy! he thought, sidestepping their attacks easily. Jumping backwards, he swung his staff horizontally, then vertically, sending two powerful gushes of wind towards them. They fell backwards to the forest floor. Aang jumped high in the air, arching his back and kicking wind downward, crushing the soldiers the ground. He glanced over at Iroh, who was holding his own against three soldiers. Well, he seems to be doing well enough on his own, Aang thought before looking back at Zuko, who was standing still, in a face off with Azula. Uhm, I wonder if I should interrupt them?
Azula smirked and brought her hand back, swinging it forward wildly. A wide arc of fire shot through the air and Zuko ducked low, feeling the heat of the flames warm his back. He stood up and immediately fell back, face stinging from a sharp, heated slap. He could hear Azula laughing. Hands balling up into fists, he lashed out, sending flames out wildly with a loud yell. Azula dodged them nimbly and, while she was distracted, Zuko reached back and punched her. There was no fire, no bending to this punch, just frustrated rage and brute strength. It sent Azula tumbling backwards, hands coming up to stifle the blood gushing from her nose.
Finally. I finally got her, Zuko thought, though he knew that she would spring back in no time. “Uncle, let’s go!” he yelled, and together they started running. Zuko heard the crackling of flames before he felt them and he turned, pushing Iroh away roughly. Iroh fell to the left and against a very surprised Toph.
“You guys!” Aang said, and it was one of the few times Zuko had ever heard him angry. “Get out of here! Get Appa and go!” He twirled his glider up and over his head, sending a small eddy against some of the soldiers.
Katara paused. “But Aang…” she said, and he turned abruptly on her.
“Go!”
Katara jumped and backed away. She glanced at Sokka uncertainly and he nodded. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, turning and running. Katara paused and looked at Iroh, who was kneeling down beside her, holding his stomach.
“Iroh, come on!” she yelled, waterbending a whip and snapping it at a Fire Nation soldier who was advancing on the fallen man. “Toph, help me!” she said, and together they helped the man up.
“Uncle,” Zuko muttered and turned back to Azula. She narrowed her eyes and punched a raging fire and Iroh. Aang stabbed his glider to the ground and used it to jump high, lashing one leg out. The gush of wind intercepted the fire, sending it flying harmlessly away.
“Leave them alone!” Aang yelled, twirling his glider over his head. Azula snarled and cut her hand in an abrupt, horizontal motion. Aang weaved to and fro away from the flames and jumped when a hand came down on his arm. He drew his arm forward and shoved his elbow back, jumped forward and out of the soldier’s grasp. Lifting his glider high in the air, he rotated it around like a top, using it to float into the air.
“Zuko!” he yelled, gray eyes looking for the banished prince. “Grab hold of me!”
What?! Zuko looked up at the Avatar high above him. He made to leap into the air but a blast of fire stopped him. He glanced behind him at the soldiers and, in front of him at Azula.
“Sorry, brother,” she drawled, “but this reunion isn’t over yet.” She glanced up at Aang as well, smirk slipping from her lips slightly. “You’re not going anywhere, Avatar,” she said. “Soldiers, get him!”
Five soldiers jumped into line and simultaneously kicked powerful flames towards Aang. “Whoa!” he said, attempting to outmaneuver them but there was too many and he ended up falling to the ground gracelessly.
“Oww,” he said, rubbing his right leg before shooting up and brandishing his glider. Zuko came up behind him and they stood back to back, surveying the many soldiers surrounding them.
“Idiot,” Zuko said, glancing over his shoulder at Aang. “You should have left when you had the chance.”
“I couldn’t just leave you,” Aang said, shrugging. “Nice to know you would have if the situation was reversed.”
Would I have? But Zuko didn’t have time to ponder that question, as Azula jumped up from behind the line of soldiers and butterfly kicked him in the stomach. He fell back, hand whipping around to punch in her hard against her shoulder blade as he went down.
Aang twisted around, swinging his glider in a wide arch in an attempt to hit her but Azula ducked and uppercut him, hard knuckles digging into the tender underside of his chin. The force of the blow sent Aang flying up and backwards, back hitting the ground painfully. As Aang laid there for a moment, dazed, Zuko jumped back up and shot out a surge of fire, sending Azula jumping back.
“Get up, Aang,” Zuko growled and Aang did, stumbling up to his feet and rubbing his jaw.
“That really hurt,” he complained, twirling his glider around his shin and pointing it at Azula. Before he could retaliate against her the soldiers surrounding them responded, and Aang and Zuko suddenly had well over a dozen sharp, painful looking spears pointing at them.
“Thanks for standing there,” Azula said, eyes narrowing. “I really appreciate it.” She nodded and turned away. “Chain them up and take them to the brig.”
She can’t seriously be thinking we’re just going to stand here, Zuko thought, glancing at Aang, who was hanging limply in the grasp of one, much larger, soldier.
“What-” a sharp blow to the head stopped him and darkness covered his world.