Mercy (Zuko)

Chapter Fifteen: The Departure

A red dawn illuminates the ruined streets of the Northern Water Tribe. Weary warriors are slowly rebuilding crumbed houses and washed-out streets. Aang had dealt a lot of damage, but thankfully the Tribespeople escaped the Ocean Spirit's wrath.

The Fire Nation, however, wasn't so lucky.

I watch as the men pull another body out of the river. I recognize Zhao right away. They drag him down the street, his legs limply dragging behind him in the snow. I catch sight of his face as they pass. His eyes are open, pupils expanded with the signature of death.

I look away.

That doesn't bring me as much resolution as I once thought it might. In fact, I feel sick.

"Kohina."

I turn. Talo is behind me.

"Talo," I breathe, throwing my arms around him. "I'm so glad you're alright." I pull away. "How's Mama?"

"She's fine," he says. "A little shaken up, but safe."

I nod.

"You need to rest," he tells me, pulling away. "You're tired, I can see it on your face."

"We're all tired," I argue softly, glancing around at everyone.

The whole Tribe had been working hard to rebuild ever since the Moon Spirit returned and the Ocean Spirit's wrath had calmed. In the North Pole, we don't have the luxury of taking our time or pausing to rest: The Tribe needs sturdy homes and warm beds to be able to survive in the frigid climate.

And then I keep thinking about Iroh and Prince Zuko, and how far they've gotten. Would they wait for me in Baruu Forest? I look back up at Talo. And how am I supposed to say goodbye to you again?

"Then in that case, you can come with me to the wall," he suggests. "I think they have it covered here."

That's probably a good idea, I think as they pull yet another soldier out of the channel.

It's been a few weeks since the Fire Nation invaded the Northern Water Tribe. The Tribe, left in ruins, worked hard to rebuild; and it's paid off. The wall was fortified again, and the streets almost looked like it never saw battle. But too many houses were left empty in the wake of the aftermath. Too many faces missing amongst the crowd.

The day after the battle, I told Talo I would be leaving with the Avatar.

At first, he didn't take it well.

"You're leaving? After we just got you back? Kohina, how can you be so selfish!"

Then, he wouldn't speak to me.

"Talo, please, listen to me — I have to do this. Talo!"

But finally, it seems like he's come around.

"You have everything?" he asks me, my rucksack sitting open in his lap. "This is all you're taking?"

"That's all I can afford," I tell him. It does seem pitiful, though. A hunting knife, a change of warm weather clothes, a sleeping mat, a blanket, and comb. Can't go without a comb again.

Talo doesn't look very assured. "I'm worried about you," he admits softly.

A smile escapes me. "I know," I murmur, walking over to him and sitting down beside him on the floor of our hut. "But..."

"I know," he interrupts. "You're meant to be 'out there', or whatever." I can tell he's refraining from rolling his eyes. "Really though," he says more seriously, "I get it. I know I can't stop you." He pauses. "Just like how I couldn't stop you before. I'm just gonna miss you..."