Steam: An Avatar Story

Chapter 7

That night, Katara rolled out of bed quietly. She reached for Ren, who purred and climbed up onto her shoulder. The blue dragon slung itself around Katara's neck, it's long tail twitching back and forth across her chest.

They're very cat-like, Katara mused to herself. There used to be a cat running around the palace that had belonged to Zuko and Azula.

Katara slipped quietly out of her room and crossed the hall to Zuko's. She opened the door slowly, trying to keep it from squeaking. Azula was at the end of the hall, and she was a light sleeper.

She managed to slip inside, and Zuko was waiting for her in a simple red tunic and light pants. Ren growled happily and jumped over to him, nuzzling her face into his.

"Alright let's go," Zuko said, allowing the dragon to curl up on his head. Katara laughed silently at the sight, causing Zuko's face to redden in embarrassment. Katara swore she saw steam coming from his ears. He's always been good with animals, the turtle ducks in the royal gardens love him.

"Don't ever speak of this," he warned ,voice tight with embarrassment, leading the way out into the corridor.

"Don't worry Zu-Zu, I would never," Katara teased, chuckling to herself. They swiftly and silently made their way out into the courtyard, where Toph was waiting for them. The moon was full, and katara inhaled deeply, closing her eyes. She felt the strength of the moon pouring into her, like it has so many times before.

"I really hope you don't think we are going to Earthbend out here. There's no way we can stay quiet enough," Toph crossed her arms. "And why did you bring a baby dragon with you? Although I have to admit that's awesome," Toph smirked.

"No I don't. And Ren is here because she needs to see the outside world, not just my room. I'm also not comfortable taking Ren outside the palace walls yet. Is there any way you can just teach me how to sense the earth like you do? At least tonight?"

"I suppose. But if you want to learn any actual Earthbending, I suggest you practice harder with Master Yu, or we run away." Toph's misty green eyes trained on Katara. There was no hint of a joke, she was totally serious.

"We can't run away Toph, where would we even go?" Zuko asked, narrowing his eyes. Toph shrugged.

"I heard you and felt your heartbeat when you stepped out here Sugar Queen. The moon strengthens you."

"Yeah, but it's always been like that," Katara said softly, furrowing her brows.

"It has?" Zuko asked. Katara looked over into his molten eyes. She could detect a hint or wonder and confusion. "Firebenders get their power from the sun."

"Isn't it kind of weird then that a natural born Firebender draws power from the moon?" Toph asked.

"It's probably just because I'm the Avatar," but Katara wasn't so sure.

"Yeah I'm sure that's it," Zuko said, but he didn't sound convinced. Ren decided to jump down and start exploring.

"Whatever, lets just start," Katara said, turning back to Toph.

"If you want to 'see' like I do, you need to use your Earthbending." Toph started. "Being connected with the Earth around you allows you to close your eyes and feel the vibrations all around you."

"Okay how do I do that?" Katara asked.

"Get in your stance," she said, mirroring Katara as she sank into her horse stance. "Now close your eyes and just feel the ground. Concentrate your chi on what's in your immediate vicinity, what's touching the ground around you creating vibrations."