Blades and Fans

The Uncle

Katara hearing Iroh's desperation leapt into action. Taking Zuko's limp body from his arms, she laid him down and began to examine his chest. She could feel the water that filled his lungs, suffocating him. She reached out and without a word she began to bend the water inside. It swirled as she pulled and guided the water up through his throat. Soon Zuko's dry mouth began to part, a pool of water slithering out past his lips. And just as Katara bent it all out, Zuko violently coughed back to life. His entire body convulsing, shaking violently as he wheezed desperately for air. And just as quick as he sprang to life, he immediately passed out once more.

Iroh looked on with horror as his nephew's body went limp. "Zuko, Zuko! What's wrong with him?" Iroh asked frantically.

Katara leaned down pressing her ear to Zuko's chest listening and watching his chest slowly rise. She then sighed in relief as she turned to Iroh. "He's fine, he just passed out," she explained trying to ease the old general's mind. "I think... I think I can heal him, but we need to move him someplace safer. There is no telling when Azula may return," Katara said as she turned to Aang.

"I'll call Appa," Aang said as he pulled his bison whistle from his tunic. "Sokka when Appa arrives help me carry Zuko on the saddle," he said as he blew into the whistle, the faint squeal echoing through the forest, calling for his friend.

"Sure Aang," Sokka nodded in agreement as he watched over his sister. They all expected to hear Sokka argue or complain, but hearing him quickly agree showed them how serious he was taking this.

Katara then summoned some water into her hand, and began to circle and guide the water over Zuko. The water glowing brightly as she tried to mend his bruised skin and broken bones while she waited for Appa to arrive.

Iroh remained close to Zuko's side, his hand clutched in his own. But even though he was troubled, he was comforted knowing that the Avatar and his friends were willing to help. Even if they were former enemies to his nephew, they pushed that aside to come to his aid and Iroh couldn't thank them enough.

Soon Appa finally did arrive and Aang and Sokka carried Zuko on his back. And Just as quickly as he landed, they all loaded up and took off. Fearing Azula may ambush them at any moment. Iroh would not leave Zuko's side as they took off keeping his hand linked as they flew. Aang doing his best to keep Appa steady as they looked for a place to set down. They end up spotting a small abandoned town and landed by one of the shacks near a well.

They took Zuko inside so Katara could heal him, while Aang and Sokka helped fetch the water from the well. Iroh wanted to continue to stay by Zuko's side, but he resigned himself and remained out, letting the young waterbender work in peace. He decided to brew some tea to ease his anxious nerves, starting a small fire as he fetched his tea set. It didn't take long for the welcoming aroma to fill the air as he brewed.

Once Sokka and Aang brought over the water pails they set them aside next to Katara. "There you go you should be all set," Sokka said with a huff as he put the bucket down.

"Thanks," said with a soft smile but Aang and Sokka could tell something was wrong as she looked uneasy or uncomfortable.

"Is something wrong?" Aang asked concerned.

"No, well sort of," Katara admitted as she looked down at Zuko. She couldn't help but feel uncomfortable looking at him. Whenever she did her eyes landed on his scar the only thing she saw was suffering. The suffering of her people, the suffering of everyone around the world at the hands of the Fire Nation, and the pain that his people had caused her and her family. She almost regretted agreeing to heal him. "Is this the right thing to do?" she asked regrettably.