A Promise To Break
-Zuko's Point of View-
"What is that place?" I asked Uncle. We're here on the borders of Earth Kingdom Territory and in the middle of the sea, I saw a factory-like place.
"I'm not sure..." Uncle answered. "It's one of the fire nation's prison rigs. That's where they are holding captive the arrested earth benders in the nearby villages." one of the ship crew said.
"Why are we heading towards it?" I angrily asked. "We're falling short of coal to fire the ship's engine. That rig is known for mass-producing coal mines. We'll be buying some for them, or if we are lucky enough he might even give it to us for free," the ship crew answered.
I looked at him with eyebrows crossed and then he continued, "Don't worry your Highness, we won't take too long." he answered, and then he went inside the ship's cabin.
This better be quick. I can't risk any more delays. I still haven't found the Avatar for days, and I have no idea where he is.
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We arrived at the prison rig and there we saw that the whole place was in shambles.
"W-What happened in here?!" my helmsman asked while looking horrified at the place. Just then one of the fire nation soldiers came out of it. We went towards him and questioned him.
"What happened here? Where's your warden?" I asked. "Prince Zuko!" the soldier exclaimed as he bowed down, "There was a prison break! The earth benders were able to get a hold of the factory's coal and they used it to break free," he explained.
I went inside and searched the place. All the marks showed that there has been a tough fight. But something happened in here that's out of the ordinary. There's no way a bunch of normal earth benders were able to come up with a way to get the factory's coal. The silo is far from the prison hold there's no way they dug it out.
I continued looking around and noticed the air shaft in the middle of the prison hold. Judging from the coal's footprints, that must be where it came from. Also, considering that the air shaft is open.
I walked around to find more clues about what has happened until I stumbled upon a familiar object. I picked up the thing I had found and then suddenly the corners of my lips curled.
I knew it, there was no way these puny earth benders were able to come up with a formidable escape plan. They had help, and this is all the proof I need.
I suddenly heard footsteps behind me and I saw uncle had followed me inside. "Uncle, the Avatar was here." I declared as I held in front of his face the necklace of the waterbender girl he was traveling with.
I turned away from him as I faced the beautiful sunset. "You said they were heading north right?" I asked, "Then we'll keep heading north. We're getting closer." I continued.
Finally... a lead...
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-Maya's Point of View-
It's now sunset, and because of the delay we had in the prison break, we had to keep on flying until we've reached a far enough distance—or until Appa gets tired. Whichever comes first.
"Maya, is your arm alright?" I heard Katara ask. "Oh... It still stings but I think I'll be fine, Sokka did a good job in treating it." I answered and then I gave Sokka a smile. "Don't need to be praised, I know I'm good at what I do." Sokka arrogantly said.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself 'cool guy'," I replied, and then I gave him a whack on the shoulder. Suddenly, Aang sat beside me and he said, "Sorry about your arm, if only I was quick enough to help then you wouldn't have been hurt."
I gave him a smile and answered, "No worries! I'm not in need of saving anyways! Besides, it's my fault that I keep on underestimating my opponent."
"Yeah Maya, you seriously need to work on reading your opponent's strength and keeping your guard up. You can't always fight everyone with hand-to-hand combat especially if they are benders or armed people." Sokka interrupted.
"Alright, I know... I know... I'll be cautious next time—maybe." I teased. Sokka suddenly held on to my injured arm and asked, "What did you say?" with a grimacing face. "Ah-ouch! That hurts Sokka! Alright, I'll be careful next time I promise!" I yelled.
Aang was laughing beside the two of us and when Sokka lets go of me, I suddenly noticed Katara who was quiet at the rear end of the saddle.
"Katara, what's up?" I asked her. Slowly she looked at the three of us who were staring at her. "Oh- nothing! It's nothing," she answered with a fake smile on her face. I looked at her with distrust. As I was staring at her, I suddenly notice that something seems off about her. Like something's missing... Ah!
"Katara, why aren't you wearing your mother's necklace?" I asked. Katara's expression suddenly became sadder than before and then she hugged her knees. "I lost it during the prison break," she answered.
"WHAT?!" Aang shouted. "You should've said that earlier so that we could've gone back and searched!" I said. "We need to look for it," Aang firmly suggested. I looked at him and then I nodded.
"No, it's already too late, we're too far from the location." Sokka contradicted. "But Sokka! That's-" I argued but Katara cut me off, "It's okay Maya... I mean, it's my fault for not paying close attention to it. I didn't even know it was gone until I was talking with Haru." she said.
"Katara..." I sadly said while looking at her. "It's fine. The important thing now is to get Aang to the north pole. We need to keep focusing on that. It's just a necklace anyway." she continued and then gave me another fake smile.
It wasn't just any necklace... It's what's left of Aunt Kaya's. Katara must be in so much pain right now.
"C'mon, guys. The sun's almost down. We better get some sleep. Especially you Maya, you need all the more sleep for you to heal fast." Katara continued talking. "Alright..." I answered. Katara then laid down on the saddle with her back facing us.
I looked at Sokka and then he shook his head slowly as if he were telling me to let Katara be for the meantime. I sighed in defeat and I just laid down as well beside Katara. I suddenly heard her crying. It was faint sobs but she was really in pain. I wrapped my arm around her then I stayed that way until both of us fell asleep.
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"Sue... it's me... Wake up... Sue!"
Huh? Who's that? Who's calling me? Sue? That's not my name...
I slowly opened my eyes and I saw that I was in a weird place. An all-white void. "Wh-Where am I?!" I shouted.
"Sue... It's me... Don't you remember?" A voice said. "WHO ARE YOU?! SHOW YOURSELF!!" I shouted once more.
Suddenly a spirit appeared out of nowhere. "You have to remember me! Your true purpose!" the spirit shouted in an angry manner.
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I quickly sat up while frantically trying to catch my breath. I looked around and I noticed that I was still on top of the saddle. It's already dawn. Katara on my right was still asleep and so is Sokka who was on my left.
I let out one last sigh before finally being at ease. It was a nightmare again... and with that same spirit... Who is that spirit and why does it keep calling me Sue? And what is that true purpose? What do I have to remember? Is there something else I still don't know?
"You had a nightmare too?" I suddenly heard a voice say. Out of reflex, I quickly looked at where it came from with a horrified face. "Oh, yeah..." I answered. Whew! Good thing it was only Aang! He's sitting on top of Appa's head. I thought I was dreaming again! Darn that spirit!
Wait a minute, 'you had a nightmare too?' does that mean Aang had a nightmare as well? "It's still too early and you're already awake. Did you have a nightmare as well Aang?" I asked while I slowly went to where he was and sat down beside him.
"Yeah..." he shortly replied. "Want to talk about it?" I asked again. "It's just about a terrible memory from the past..." he answered. He then looked at me. "How about you? What are your dreams about?" he asked.
"Uh... I don't know. Back then, I kept having nightmares about my mom but recently it changed into something weird." I hesitantly answered. "Weird?" he asked again. "Yeah... I suddenly started dreaming about this certain spirit, and it was talking to me. It was saying something but I don't really understand what it wants," I continued.
"Maybe the spirit is trying to tell you something or warn you about something..." Aang said. I shrugged at him and wrapped my arms around my legs. "I don't know... I've never really encountered a spirit before..." I answered.
"Same here... I guess..." Aang said and then he went silent. "You sure you don't want to talk about your nightmare?" I asked once more. "I don't want to talk about it," he answered, so I let him be. The atmosphere became silent again.
"We should probably land... I think Appa is tired." I said, in hopes to change the depressing atmosphere. "Nah, Appa can still fly for a few more hours! Right boy?" Aang said as he patted Appa's head. The bison then replied with a loud growl.
"You guys are noisy! Shut up! I'm trying to sleep!" Sokka suddenly shouted as he turned his back on us. Aang and I looked at each other and then we giggled.
Katara then woke up while asking, "Is it morning already?" as she rubbed her eyes. I looked at the horizon and right in front of us is a dazzling beautiful sunrise. "Yes... It's morning already..." I answered.
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-Zuko's Point of View-
"If we continue heading northward we'll soon encounter dry land. What do you suggest we do Prince Zuko?" the helmsman asked.
"We'll keep on traveling by ship, but we'll make stops on the nearby villages we encounter, in case the Avatar has stumbled upon them," I answered. "Make sure to locate every nearby village, we can't afford to miss one." I continued and then I left the bridge.
I went to the ship's balcony and looked out at the horizon. I let out a deep sigh as I wonder how long will it take for me to get back home. I'm so close father! I'm so close to catching the Avatar—on getting my honor back!
"You alright my nephew?" I heard my uncle ask from behind me. "I'm fine..." I sternly answered without looking at him. "Oh, but you're not. Tell me what it is that is bothering you." Uncle disagreed. I didn't answer him and I just kept staring at the island that was getting closer and closer.
"You know Prince Zuko, sharing your burden with others does help lessen its weight. The more you keep it to yourself, the heavier it becomes." Uncle continued saying.
"I've been thinking about home lately. How great it would be to be welcomed back home with great pride and joy. Every time I think about it, I feel happy..." I said and then I paused. "I want to capture the Avatar, I want to get my honor back. I'll do whatever it takes..." I continued
Uncle placed a hand on my shoulder as he said, "I understand your reason and I feel your longing for coming back home. But Prince Zuko, sometimes, what we want is actually not what we need. You have to keep that in mind," and then he left the place and went inside.
I looked at my uncle and back again to the island ahead of us.
No uncle, this is what I want and what I need. I was born for this, and I am ready for it. This is my destiny.
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-Maya's Point of View-
"Ah... That sure hits the spot!" Aang shouted as soon as he finished his share of the lunch Katara cooked. "You never fail to amaze me with your cooking Katara." Sokka praised. "Well, years of being the only cook in the house trained me Sokka. All thanks to you." Katara teased. Aang and I laughed at what she said and Sokka just sat there looking annoyed at us.
Sokka then stood up and said, "We probably should start flying again. If we're going to camp out tonight then we should at least cover another mile before we stop."
Aang jumped up as well. "I'll prepare Appa!" he said and then he flew towards the napping Bison. Katara started cleaning up. "I'll help you with that," I said. I piled up the bowls we used but Katara stopped me and snatched them away from my hands. "I'll go do the washing, why don't you put out the campfire instead?" she said.
"Alright..." I agreed and then I grabbed a pail and filled it with water from the river next to us. I poured the water on the campfire, putting it out. "That should do it," I said.
When everyone was done doing their part, we all climbed aboard Appa and flew into the air once again. I was sitting on the rear end of the saddle while resting my wounded arm. I suddenly felt something bump onto my side and when I looked at it, it was my mom's chest.
Oh yeah, it has been a while since I've read my mom's letters. In the first letter, she said that nobody from the fire nation knows about my existence, well—except her and two of her friends. So far I've confirmed from King Bumi that General Iroh is probably one of the two friends.
Whoever that General Iroh is, I want to meet him. I have a lot of questions. He probably knows Mom better than I do. But the thing is, I don't know what he looks like and I don't know where he is. If he's a General, chances are he's in the fire nation territory. Going there is definitely going to be a death sentence for Aang.
I guess I'll have to stick with the letters for now.
I grabbed the small chest and placed it on top of my lap. "Have you read the letters?" I heard Katara suddenly ask. I looked at her and then I answered, "I have read one, but I haven't read the rest."
"Right... I keep forgetting that you're a fire nation as well. Huh, ironic that we've been fighting the fire nation but there's one traveling with us." Sokka suddenly said. I looked at him with a stern face.
"Don't listen to him, Maya... What did the letter say?" Katara asked. "Well, Mom just explained the reason she left," I answered. "And then?" Aang suddenly asked, joining in on the conversation.
"Wait- who's leading Appa?" I asked. "Oh he's fine, Appa knows where we're heading. Besides, we'll just keep heading north anyway. Now tell us about the letter!" Aang answered filled with glee. "O-kay...." I slowly answered and then I cleared my throat.
"Uh... My mom didn't say anything about her childhood in the first letter but she did say the true reason why she left the fire nation." I started explaining. "She didn't want me to grow up in there." I continued.
"Why?" Aang asked. "C'mon Aang, if Maya grew up there she would've been one of the people attacking you or hunting you down like that crazy prince." Sokka interrupted.
"Precisely, Mother knew of the evilness of the fire nation and she thought straight ahead about it. She told me that my father will corrupt my brain and heart if I was born there, that's why she took me with her and left." I agreed with Sokka.
"So Aunt Anika was a great person from the very start!" Katara exclaimed. I gently smiled at her and then I replied, "Yes... I don't think Mom ever shared the same ideals of the evil fire nation. She thinks differently."
"Did she tell who your father is?" Sokka asked. "No... I still don't know who he is. And actually, we share the same boat." I answered. "What do you mean?" Katara asked as well. "It means my father doesn't know I exist—the whole fire nation doesn't know I exist." I sternly answered.
"No way...." Aang and Sokka slowly said. "Well, all except for the two fire nation friends that helped Mom run away." I continued. "So you mean, your mom really kept you away from the fire nation?" Katara asked.
"Apparently so..." I answered. "Then now we have all the reason we need to stay away from that evil place," Sokka said seriously. "But Sokka, Maya has to go there at some point, there are two Fire Nation people that helped her mother, they probably know something about her that Maya doesn't!" Aang contradicted. Woah, did this guy just read my mind? That's exactly what I thought of just a while ago.
"No Aang, Sokka's right. Right now our priority is to get you to the north pole. We can do that when the time is right, besides, I still have these letters. I haven't read the rest of them so I probably might know something from the rest." I said to Aang.
"Alright... If you say so..." Aang agreed. "Are you going to read the letters right now?" Katara asked. I looked at the chest and then I looked at Katara. "No... I think for now I'm just gonna rest. In fact, why don't we all just rest and enjoy this peaceful flight before— you know, trouble comes again." I answered.
"You have a point." Katara agreed and then she laid down on her stomach while looking at the view. Sokka leaned his back on the saddle and then he crossed his arms and closed his eyes. Aang went back on top of Appa's head and laid down as well with his hands behind his head. I stayed there in my place looking at the chest that was on my lap.
Yeah... There's no need to rush finishing all these letters, we've experienced a lot of mishaps and we deserve a little rest. These letters are gonna have to wait. Besides, it's not like I'll discover something in there that will change my life forever. I mean, no matter what I figure out from my mom's past, I am still me right? Nothing will ever change the bonds I've made with Katara, Sokka, and especially Aang.
I carefully placed the small chest to where it used to be and then I rested on the saddle as well.
"Oh, and Maya..." Katara suddenly said. "No more secrets okay? Whatever you'll read from those letters. You have to tell it to us." she continued. "Of course! I'll never keep a secret from all of you ever again! Promise." I answered.