Steam: An Avatar Story

Chapter 16

"Katara," Katara was being shaken gently. "Katara, wake up. We're almost there." She blinked her eyes open and yawned, sitting up and stretching.

"What?" She muttered, looking around. There was a small wet spot on Zuko's shirt. She hoped that wasn't from her.

"The Northern Tribe, we're almost there." Zuko said, pointing forward. Katara looked up and around Ren's neck. A massive wall of ice with the Nothern Tribe insignia was looming in front of them. She thought she could make out water benders at the top, evenly spaced, but she wasn't sure. Katara rose to her feet, stretching once more, and walked to the front of the saddle.

How does your wing feel? She asked Ren.

It's okay for now. It hurts still, but I think the splinting helped a lot. Ren replied. Katara could hear the exhaustion in her voice.

Good. When we get there we'll have healers look at it, and then you can sleep for a week.

That would be excellent. I also need food. Katara sent a feeling of acknowledgement to Ren, and then prepared herself for arrival.

Katara watched as the wall was brought down and boats came zipping out. Katara had her friends stand up and gather around her, and Ren slowed her advance. After a little while, the boats had gotten close enough so the warriors can talk.

"Hello, what brings you to the Northern Wated Tribe?" A man called.

"Noa, it's Beck. I'm with the Avatar and her friends. Hahn was supposed to mention something to the chief."

"Hahn is currently trying to reassemble his dignity in his tent." Noa replied. Katara smirked, proud.

"I like him," Katara muttered softly. Beck smirked, Zuko snorted a quiet laugh.

"Serves him right," Beck replied. "Now, take us to Chief Arnook please,"

"Of course." The boats turned to leave, escorting  Katara and the others to the gates.

Katara's mouth dropped open. The city was beautiful. Canals ran throughout it, with beautiful bridges and tidy housing. Tribesmen and women were bustling around, rowing boats or walking on the sidewalks. There was so much activity, it reminded Katara of a nicer, cleaner, richer Caldera City Proper.

"Reminds me of home, but nicer. And the people are happier." Zuko said. Katara nodded, not yet able to speak words.

"This is incredible," Sokka said, voice full of wonder. His mouth hadn't closed since they entered the city, like Katara's.

"You're from the Southern Tribe though, right? It must be similar." Katara replied, confused.

"We're both from the Southern Tribe," Sokka corrected gently. "And no, there aren't any waterbenders in the south. After they took you, we had no one. We had to make do with what we could."

"Meaning?" Katara asked, curious to learn more about her home tribe.

"Katara, our village is nothing more than a few igloos with a wall around them." Sokka replied softly.

"Oh," Katara responded.

"There must be other cities," Zuko replied, stunned.

"No. There's a few other villages in the area, but we're the biggest. Our father is the Chief of the Southern Tribe, but he and all the men went off to fight in this war your ancestors started." Sokka said, a hint of disgust in his voice.

"Exactly Sokka," Katara jumped in, eyes narrowed. "His ancestors. Not him. Knock that tone off when you talk to him or I'll freeze your dick to the ground."