Steam: An Avatar Story

Chapter 11

Ren was now the size of the ancient sky bisons, about a foot taller than she was a few weeks ago. She was finally ready for riding. Katara and the others were at the northern tip of the Earth Kingdom, ready to cross the sea in a few days. They had camped out for a couple days, working on Ren's flying and allowing Beck to make her a saddle. He was almost finished, and Ren was getting good.

"Alright Ren, one more time!" Katara cheered, laughing with her brother. The blue dragon jumped up, beating her powerful wings to gain altitude. She shot into the air, looping around and cork screwing.

"Ren that was awesome!" Sokka cheered. Even Zuko cracked a smile as the blue dragon executed a complicated series of moves. Ren landed happily, her chest high.

"I'm so proud of you girl, Zuko is too," Katara smiled. She rested her forehead against Ren's, smiling and closing her eyes. Zuko came over, resting a hand on her forehead.

"I think she's ready." Zuko smiled at Katara. Katara smiled back, but felt guilty, because she was thinking about Beck. The last few weeks had been good. He joked with her and teased her playfully, flirting with her. A couple of times she flirted back, but always when Zuko was out of earshot.

"Katara, can I just say that's it's amazing that you have a dragon." Suki said, smiling. "I thought I'd never get to see one."

"I know," Katara smiled. "Let's go back to camp, Beck might be done now. The other three nodded, following Katara.

There was small squeaking coming from the woods, causing Zuko and Katara to turn their heads. "You guys go on," Katara said to her brother and Suki. They nodded and continued on. Katara and Zuko turned and stepped off the path, following their ears.

Thankfully they had sent Ren back too, si she wasn't making noise and breaking stuff. "It's over there," Zuko pointed slightly to the right. Katara nodded and followed him.

There was a small path between the trees, the squealing coming from right above them. Zuko and Katara looked up. "That's a fire ferret," Zuko whispered. "He's hurt," Zuko pointed at the gash in its leg.

"Do you think you can grab him? I can try and heal it." Katara replied, opening the cap to her water skin. Zuko nodded and started climbing the tree.

"Here bud, it's alright," Zuko murmured. Katara smiled softly at Zuko, he had always been good with animals. The ferret chirruped at him sadly. "It's okay bud, come on. We're gonna help you," the ferret sniffed the air and then cautiously started walking towards Zuko. The firebender reached out and grabbed the small ferret, holding him against his chest as he descended.

Katara walked over to them, slowly pulling water onto her hand. She placed it over the ferret's gash and the water glowed blue. "Hold him down, this is gonna feel weird." Zuko nodded and gripped the ferret harder as he started to twitch and make sad little noises.

"Okay you're all done," Katara whispered, scratching the small ferret under his chin. Zuko smiled and placed him on the ground, scratching him as well.

"Take care of yourself bud." Zuko said with a smile. The two benders rose to leave, turning around and walking back to the forest path.

There was the tip-tapping of paws following them, and Katara glanced behind her, smiling when she saw it. The ferret was following them. "Zuko, I think you have a new best friend," Katara laughed. Zuko turned around and squatted down. The ferret walked over to him.

"You wanna come with us?" Zuko asked. The ferret chittered softly, pushing his head against Zuko's outstretched hand. "Alright fine, come here." He allowed the ferret to climb up his arm and ride on his shoulder. "You need a name,"