Burning Chapter 13: Midwinter Night

“Ugh, my head.”

Letting out a pained groan, I pushed myself up and slowly opened my eyes, preparing myself for the sudden influx of light, only... It didn’t come. Blinking, I rubbed my eyes tiredly, trying to will the pain in my head away.

The last thing I remembered was sitting on Appa’s back, watching the landscape pass by and then... This.

I couldn’t have slept the entire day away... Could I have? No, that couldn’t be right. There were too many things wrong with this picture.

Something was seriously off here.

Snapping my fingers, there was a spark of light that briefly lit up my surroundings, revealing the floor of a pinewood forest, before everything went dark again... Accompanied by a single sob.

That... Wasn’t supposed to happen.

Unlike with having your Chi blocked, I could still feel my connection to fire, only... It felt muted, like something was actively trying to smother it.

Using what I could only assume was a tree, I pulled myself up and slowly began to move forward, being careful to not walk into or trip over anything. Hearing a second sob, I turned towards it, spotting an extremely faint glow in the distance.

Heading towards it was clearly a bad idea, but... It was my best bet at getting answers.

“Oh, yeah. A creepy ethereal light in a spooky abandoned forest... What could possibly go wrong?”

I’d clearly been spending too much time with Sokka.

Moving a little closer, the sound of weeping began to grow more frequent and the light stronger. Looking up at the now barely visible trees, I found them swaying softly to a nonexistent breeze.

Continuing on my path, it didn’t take long before I found myself standing at the edge of a mirror like lake with a large humanoid figure standing in the center, covering its face as it wept over...

Oh...

That... That was Koh, making the other one…

“My son... Look at what’s become of you.”

Taking a cautious step back, a loud snapping sound washed over the entire lake, courtesy of the twig I’d just stepped on.

Exploding from the water, the figure clawed its way towards me in a rage filled fury.

“LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID TO MY SON!”

...Burning...

Sitting up with a loud gasp, I looked around madly, pressing my hand against my chest in an attempt to calm my pounding heart.

“Uh... Everything alright there, Honō?” Sokka asked, looking at me oddly. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

Breathing a little slower, I took a few short moments to calm myself down. Looking up at the cloudy sky, I welcomed the sunlight.

“Something like that… How long was I out?”

It’d still been pretty dark when I fell asleep, but now it looked like it was almost midday.

“Kind of hard to say,” Sokka hummed. “At least a few hours. Wait, what do you mean, something like that?! You’re not actually suggesting that you saw a ghost, are you?”

“Spirit and... Maybe?” I shrugged. “It might have just been a dream.”

I could only hope.

For safety’s sake, I should probably avoid the Spirit World as much as possible... And also the Forgetful Valley. I doubt the Mother of Faces was especially happy with me, considering the part I played in her son’s death.

Feeling a little drowsy I forced myself up and made my way over to Aang who was sitting on Appa’s head, giving the Southern Water Tribe family some space while I did something to keep myself from dozing off again.

“Hey there.”

Jumping slightly, Aang appeared more than a little jittery. “Honō? When did you get up?”

“A few minutes ago,” I hummed, bumping into him as I sat down. “Are you doing alright, Aang?”

“Yeah, it’s just... What you said about the comet I know I’ve already gotten started on Firebending, but we’re still weeks away from the North Pole. How am I supposed to master all four elements before then? This is impossible.”

“You’re right… It is impossible.” I agreed, drawing a tired sigh from the young Airbender. “If you were going to do this all alone, that is… Luckily, you’re not alone, so it’s very possible. We’ll get through this together.”

“You really think so?” He asked softly.

“I do,” I nodded. “You’ve already got Airbending down and you’re a natural when it comes to Firebending, that’s already two elements with a third one once we reach the North Pole. I’m sure Katara wouldn’t mind showing you a few things she learnt from the Waterbending scroll.”

The only element that should give him trouble was Earth and even then, he’d still have most of the year to master it.

Yawning, Aang stretched his arms over his head. “Thanks. I guess there is still time to master the elements... I’m gonna go take a nap, you mind steering Appa for me?”

Not giving me time to reply, he handed the reins over, before hopping over into the saddle where he proceeded to use a sleeping bag as a pillow.

“Sure, I’ll just... Do that,” I muttered, suddenly very aware of just how high we were. Gripping the reins tightly, I looked down at the ten ton flying bison. “You wouldn’t happen to come with instructions... Would you?”

Hearing him let out a groan, I was forced to pull back on the reins to keep him in the air. I’d take that as a no... I guess I was just going to have to learn this the hard way then.

Feeling something land in my head, I looked up, Finding Momo staring down at me with an inquisitive look on his face. Grabbing two tufts of my hair, he proceeded to tug, pulling it to the side.

“Thanks Momo. That helps... In a strange sort of way.”

At the very least, it gave me an idea of what it felt like to have something much smaller trying to steer me.

...Burning...

Watching as the sun slowly began to dip towards the ocean, I held back a yawn. It was a little past noon... Probably around one in the evening, but given that it was still winter, the sun would be setting in a few short hours.

Fortunately, that didn’t really matter as we’d already reached our destination... A trading village somewhere between the Earth Kingdoms and Fire Nations borders, just off the western coast.

“Well,” Hakoda hummed, rubbing the back of his neck as he stepped onto the pier. “It looks like this is my stop. Feels like our time together was cut a little short there... I promise not to get abducted by a crazy spirit next time.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure if that’s something you can plan around,” Sokka noted. “I mean, if there was, then everyone would do it, right?”

“Who knows... But if anyone could figure it out, I’m sure it’d be two Water Tribe geniuses.”

“You’re not wrong,” Sokka said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But where are we going to find them?”

Laughing, Hakoda patted his shoulder, before moving over to Katara. “I know this wasn’t how you wanted this to go, but–“

Crashing into him, she pulled her father into a tight hug... One that was returned a few short moments later.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said about... Not wanting to see you again.” She winced “Everything that happened yesterday was my fault, if I’d just–“

“Katara.” Hakoda interrupted. “You have nothing to apologize for. I know things have been tough ever since I left, but... Nothing you ever say to me will ever change how much I love you... Both of you. Our time spent together was short, but if it meant I could spend even an hour longer with the two of you... I’d do it all again.”

Reaching out, he pulled Sokka into a quick hug, before finally separating from the duo. Smiling down at them, he glanced back at the ocean to see a familiar Water Tribe ship off in the distance.

“It looks like my ride is here,” Hakoda said. “I’m a bit later than I said I’d be, but being stuck in the Spirit World has to be a pretty good excuse.”

“If anyone has any issues, just say you were busy helping the Avatar,” Sokka supplied. “It’s kinda true.”

Chuckling, Hakoda ruffled his hair. “I’ll think about it.” Turning to leave, he paused for a moment. “Be sure to take care of each other... That goes for you two as well,” He added, looking over at Aang and myself.

I shared a quick glance with Aang who just shrugged.

“Don’t think just because you’re the Avatar and a Firebender that you can get out of it,” He said resolutely. “You fought with us against the Fire Nation and even went as far as to travel to the Spirit World to save me... As far as I’m concerned, that makes you honorary Water Tribe members.”

Waving as he made his way further pier the dock, he waited for the Water Tribe ship to nearer, before stepping on as it passed by.

“So, uh... Did your dad just adopt us?” I asked.

“Not really. He just recognized you as a part of our tribe. It pretty much means that you’ll be welcome in our village,” Sokka explained.

“You’re taking this better than I thought you would,” Katara noted, raising a brow.

“Hey, after everything that happened over the past few days, I just figured, why not,” Sokka hummed. “All I want now is to get something good to eat and to fall asleep.”

“About that,” Katara said. “I couldn’t help but notice that this village is holding some kind of festival to celebrate the coming winter solstice and I was thinking that we might be able to attend.”

“Do we have to?” Sokka asked tiredly. “I haven’t slept in days... Days, Katara!”

“I’m sure they’ll serve food.”

Grumbling to himself, he marched down the street, heading in Appa’s direction. “Fine, but I’m going back to bed right after, you got that?”

“Loud and clear,” Katara smiled, following him.

“Ready to go?” I asked, glancing down at Aang.

“In a minute,” He hummed. “I just... There’s something I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve been thinking about that thing you told us... How meeting with Roku during the solstice is my chance to connect with my past lives and I’m totally for that, but... Sneaking into the Fire Nation could be really dangerous.”

He wasn’t wrong. The Fire Nation hadn’t exactly locked onto him just yet, but that didn’t mean they’d sit aside and allow Aang to wander into the Fire Nation... Especially not since he’d be doing it to get in contact with Roku, something that the Fire Sages were at the very least aware of.

That being said, it was far safer this time. Zuko had no idea where we were heading and even if Zhao managed to follow us... It was just Zhao, he might be a good tactician, but as far as Firebending goes, he left a lot to be desired.

“Look, Aang... Whatever you choose to do, I’m behind you, but the way I see it...“

...Burning...

Riding through a small circus on the back of a mongoose lizard, Azula watched in morbid curiosity as a large platypus bear laid an egg, only for it to suddenly be whisked away towards a food stall where it was cracked open and dumped into a large pot.

This was where Ty Lee had run off to?

It was all so very... She couldn’t even think of a word to describe it. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it was hardly befitting of someone of Ty Lee’s stature... Then again, she had always been interested in that small hut of a house Honō had lived in.

“Any idea on what you’re going to say when we find her?” Mai asked dully.

Passing by the same pile of dirt for the third time, Azula looked over at Mai. “I’ll tell her the truth.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

“Then I will simply stress the severity of the situation and if she still doesn’t want to come, well…” Azula trailed off. “I suppose that will be all there is to it.”

“Really?” Mai asked skeptically. “You’re not going to try and convince her to come with?”

The thought had crossed her mind… Although that wasn’t something she planned on saying out loud. It would be oh so easy to convince Ty Lee to join up with them. A little fire here, a few threats there and Ty Lee would practically be begging her to join… Not that it would be necessary.

Azula had learnt a few things during her time with Honō. Fear may work as a great motivator and could even keep others in line, but it paled in comparison to when a person genuinely cared about what they were doing… It was the whole reason she was even here to begin with after all.

No, Ty Lee would come and it would be of her own accord. No convincing required.

“Of course,” Azula answered. “Ty Lee is free to make her own decisions, as are you, Mai. Just say the word and you can go.”

“Back to my parents? No thanks. Being out here beats being paraded around by my father... Although, I could do without the smell,” Mai droned, waving a hand in front of her face. “I think I’ll stay a while longer if that’s alright with you.”

That suited her perfectly.

Passing by the same pile of what she was now certain was dung for the fourth time, Azula’s patience began to wear thin. They’d been here for a while now, attracting attention from both customers and carnival folk alike, but no Ty Lee.

“You there,” she said, pointing toward a sad clown. “I wish to talk to whoever is in charge of this place. Take me to them and do hurry.” Lighting a flame in her hand, she stared down at the now very scared clown. “I’m beginning to grow rather restless.”

Breaking into a sprint, the clown rushed towards one of the larger tents with both Mai and Azula following closely behind.

Despite everything, fear remained a great motivator.

“Glad to see you haven’t lost your way with people.” Mai smirked. Climbing off her mount, she let out a groan as she stepped onto the muddy ground below. “I’m going to have to burn these shoes when we get back.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is,” Azula hummed, scorching the ground with her Firebending before proceeding to step off her mongoose lizard. “It’s just a little mud.”

Making her way into the tent, she was met with a large set of stands lining the walls. There were a few people standing in the center, most working with animals while the sad clown she’d spoken too earlier was standing in the center, talking to a man dressed in a set of extravagant robes.

Spotting her, he bowed deeply. “Princess Azula of the Fire Nation... I am deeply honoured to have the Fire Lord’s daughter in my humble circus.”

“Yes... You are,” Azula said, idly examining her fingernails, waiting for him to raise his head. “I am on a rather tight schedule, so if we could hurry this along.”

Nodding, he backed up just a bit. “Please, if there’s anything I could help you with, let me know.”

“There is one thing... I’m looking for someone, a performer of yours or so I’m told,” Azula noted. “She likes to wear pink, is extremely flexible and... Oh, yes, she’s the daughter of a Nobleman. Now, what else am I forgetting?” She asked, tapping a finger to her chin, causing the ringmaster to flinch.

“Her name,” Mai supplied.

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Mai,” Azula said lightly, before giving the ringmaster a sharp look. “Tell me, where would I find Ty Lee.”

Looking like an elephant rat cornered by a cat, the ringmaster swallowed heavily, wiping his sleeve over his forehead. “Ah, Ty Lee... Yes, I do seem to recall her. She left some time ago... A few weeks as a matter of fact.”

“I see,” Azula responded calmly. “And do you perhaps know where she might have gone?”

“Yes... Yes I do.” The ringmaster nodded. “She left with one of our performers... They’ve been travelling north as a performing duo, scouting locations where we could move our act... I have a list of all the places they’re going to be.”

“And you haven’t thought to fetch it yet?”

“I’ll have someone fetch it right away.”

Bowing once more, he scurried off towards the main entrance to the tent, leaving Azula and Mai behind.

“Well, that went better than I thought,” Mai sighed. “I wonder what it was that made Ty Lee decide to leave... She always seemed happy in her letters.”

It was rather odd. Despite the whole issue with nobility, this was a place Ty Lee would thrive in. She wouldn’t give it up so easily.

Running back with his hand clutched tightly against his chest, the ringmaster took a moment to catch his breath, tightly gripping a scroll.

“Here... I managed to find the original scroll.” Breathing deeply, he cautiously handed the document over to Azula. “The crossed out sections are the places that they’ve already been while the ticks next to it means it’s a place we could visit in the future.”

That was blatantly obvious. A toddler would be able to figure out as much.

Looking over the list of names, she rolled the scroll up, slipping it into her pocket. “It’s a start. Come along Mai, we’re leaving.”

“Anything to get out of this place,” Mai replied, following Azula as she made her way towards the tent's main entrance. “Where to next?”

Glancing back at the Ringmaster who’d wisely chosen to stay silent throughout the whole ordeal, Azula clenched her fist closed, smoke streaming out from between her fingers. First Honō goes missing and now Ty Lee... She needed to burn something, luckily, she had just the thing in mind.

“Omashu.”

...Burning...

The view of the trading village at night was... Well, it was night and day in comparison.

Entire strings of lanterns hung across the streets, people walked around, talking with one another excitedly, the shops which had been so active during the day were closed and in their place were a variety of festive stalls, ranging from decorative masks to food.

Given that I only had a few hours of sleep after everything that’d happened the night before, I probably shouldn’t even be here, but... The idea of waking up by myself in that dark forest again was more than enough to keep me awake.

“Man, this place sure is different during the night,” Aang hummed. “It almost doesn’t feel like the same place. You sure we didn’t accidentally visit some other village... Not that I’m complaining. This place is awesome”

“I don’t know,” Sokka murmured. “It still kind of has that fishy smell to it. Sure the lights are pretty, but it doesn’t really have anything else going for it.”

“Hey kid,” one of the vendors called out. “Wanna try one of our hot cakes... Tell you what, if you buy one, I’ll throw in another one free of charge.” Holding out a hot cake wrapped in paper, he waved Sokka over.

Reaching into his purse, Sokka pulled out a single copper coin. “Well, how could I resist such a–“

“Don’t listen to him and his Fire Nation garbage,” another vendor snapped. “What you need is some tasty Earth Kingdom crab puffs. You need meat, not some trashy hot cake.”

Glancing at the various foods while the two stall owners argued with one another, Sokka’s stomach growled audibly.

“Food is literally arguing over me... This is the greatest place on earth.” Clutching the coin in hand he strutted forward, stopping between the two shops. “As someone that’s not from the Fire Nation or the Earth Kingdom, I think I might be able to solve your problems and decide which food is better once and for all.”

Groaning, Katara slapped a palm to her face. “I’ll make sure that idiot doesn’t get in too much trouble. You two go on ahead. We’ll meet up later.”

“Alright, I was kind of hoping we could go together, but...” Sighing as Katara left, he stared down at the floor.

“C’mon, let’s go get something to eat.”

“I’m not really hungry,” Aang sighed.

Something to drink then. Leading Aang down the street, we stopped at a stall serving hot tea along with a few vegetarian snacks that seemed to perk him up a little.

Hearing a bang, both Aang and I turned towards one of the more dimly lit streets and noticed more than a few people heading down it... Only for a large fireball to fly overhead. Detonating in the sky, it briefly lit up the street while simultaneously releasing a cloud of confetti.

“Whoa, what the heck was that?” Aang asked excitedly

Good question.

“Let’s go find out.”

Making our way down the street, we found a dimly lit corner where a man stood on a makeshift stage, rapidly bending several spheres of fire around him, before merging them all into one large fireball. Sending it up into the sky, it exploded, releasing another cloud of confetti.

“So cool,” Aang breathed. “I gotta learn how he did that.”

Seeing him back to his old self, I smiled. “The movements seem pretty simple, just done really fast, but as for the confetti... That’s just a prop.”

Still, it was strange seeing this performer here. As far as I knew, he was supposed to be in a Fire Nation  village further north... Around Jeong Jeong’s camp.

At least this time around, there wouldn’t be any Fire Nation soldiers to chase us out of town.

Bowing as a few people clapped, the performer swiftly moved on. “Thank you. For my next trick, may I please direct your attention towards my lovely assistant.” Waving his hand, a stream of fire shot out, coating a thin cable that went from one rooftop to the next. “This next one’s called fire rider.”

Idly taking a sip of my tea, I looked up and promptly choked when I saw just who his assistant was.

Riding on top of a wooden wheel while balanced on one hand, Ty Lee almost appeared to ride across the flames. Reaching the halfway point, she traded hands, hopping to the next with a large grin on her face.

“Hey, I think I got it... Wait, I was wrong.”

Say what now?

Looking down as a bright flash of light suddenly lit up around us, I clamped down on the flames in Aang’s hands, extinguishing it before it had the chance to go out of control.

“Aang... What was that?” Letting out a breath, I pulled my hands back, wisps of smoke trailing from after them.

“Uh... I just tried to copy what he did earlier,” Aang answered. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright, just... Let’s save that for later.”

Hearing a loud gasp, most of those who’d been looking oddly at Aang and myself were now actively staring up as Ty Lee appeared to lose her balance.

“We have to help her.”

“Don’t.” Catching his arm, I stopped him before he took off. “She’ll be fine... She always is.”

“Wait, you know her?”

“Of course,” I hummed. “She was one of my closest friends in the Fire Nation.”

Looking as if she’d finally lost her balance, Ty Lee fell forward, kicking the wheel, causing it to roll to the other end of the tight rope as she flipped in the air. Landing in a crouch, she stood back up grinning brightly as the audience began to applaud.

Unfortunately, given how Aang had wanted to be as close to the action as possible, that left us standing directly in front of her.

Locking eyes with her, Ty Lee blinked. “Honō?”

“Hey, Ty Lee… It’s been a while,” I hummed, bracing myself as a pink missile slammed into my chest.

 “I thought you were dead.”

“...Am I not?”

“Jerk.” Ty Lee sniffled.