(1) Augmentum | Zuko

Chapter Ninety-Two

Rana stretches in her sleeping bag, Pikachu and Lycanroc curled around her. The rest of the pokemon, including Piplup and Cubone, are sleeping around the hut, Cubone laid over Sokka's chest. Rana turns a little, curling into her blankets, closing her eyes as she prepares to sleep.

.....

Zuko's eyes instantly find Rana when he opens them. She is different. She's bouncy. Definitely in a better mood despite how cold it still is. Zuko cocks his head watching her as she plant-bends, blooming flowers all around her. The grass just rising with her powers. He lets out a breath and turns. He's never seen plant-bending from her before. This is amazing. Something so unique and beautiful. He remembers the little girl with Shakra, he assumes this is the same power, but on a much large scale. Rana's soft laugh causes him to turn back to her. Her eyes watching him. She moves to him, a skip and a bounce in her step. Kisses him softly, quickly and then is moving on. He blinks. Wasn't really expecting that. But it happened and she bounced away again. Like it was that easy. He turns to watch her as she flops back into the grass, the ice blasting away from her like powdered snow. She lets out a happy noise and Zuko smiles to himself. When was the last time any of them were happy?

"I got my bending back" She looks at him and stretches out in the grass. He lays next to her and watches her face as she smiles to herself, eyes closed.

"So I see" He teases as he touches her hand between them. She opens her eyes as she threads her fingers with his and he smiles. The two of them just lay there, staring at the clouds in the sky above them. A sliver of peace despite them both knowing a fight is coming.

.....

Rana is crouched with Pikachu and Wartortle as she sorts out food for them. She's glad she's got her plant-bending back otherwise they would be stuck eating blubber or whatever it is that the water tribes pass off as food. She lets out a soft breath and smiles. Sometimes she forgets how connected she feels with Zuko. Even when they say nothing, it's like she is exactly where she is meant to be. She assumes it's the spirit-bond. The way they are linked together. But still. Even before that. Close by, she can hear Katara training with Pakku, Aang, and the rest of the water-benders. Sokka, no doubt, will be off trying to woo Yue. Rana is enjoying the peace and quiet whilst she can. Water tribe soldiers pass her and she looks up to watch them. They are at least taking that seriously and getting themselves ready for a fight with the Fire Nation. Noivern nudges at her shoulder and she holds up her hand, producing a piece of fruit for him.

.....

Zhao stands with Iroh on the deck of the flagship for the Fire Nation fleet he's amassed, cutting through the waves. Iroh at his flank.

"This will truly be one for the history books, General Iroh" Zhao offers. "Just think, centuries from now, people will study the great Admiral Zhao who destroyed the last of the Water Tribe civilization. You're lucky you're here to see it"

"Be careful what you wish for, Admiral" Iroh counters. "History is not always kind to its subjects"

"I suppose you speak from experience? But rest assured, this will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba-Sing-Se"

"I hope not, for your sake" Iroh adds.

"Tell the Captains to prepare for first strike" Iroh turns and walks away.

........

Iroh meets with Zuko, still in his guard disguise, in a dark hallway in the lower levels of the ship.

"We'll be landing soon" Iroh whispers to Zuko. "Do you have a plan?" Zuko removes his mask and looks at his uncle.

"I'm working on it, Uncle" He assures him, the two of them sharing a look before Zuko replaces his mask before he walks away.

.......

A gong sounds through the Northern tribe village, Rana lets out a breath as she listens. She knows what it means. The Fire Nation are within sight. Zhao is in sight. She takes a deep breath and nods. It's starting and they have to be ready. The Fire Nation is not about to go easy on them.

"Pika?" Pikachu asks at her side, she hums and nods before she looks down at it.

"Gather the others," She tells Pikachu who nods before it runs off.

.........

Chief Arnook is giving a speech to a group of Water Tribe warriors. His voice echoes through the great hall as he speaks. Behind him sit Princess Yue and Master Pakku. On the floor, their backs to a nearby wall, sit Aang, Rana, Katara and Sokka. Rana's pokemon gathered around the four of them.

"The day we have feared for so long has arrived," Arnook tells them all. "The Fire Nation is on our doorstep. It is with great sadness I call my family here before me, knowing well that some of these faces are about to vanish from our tribe. But they will never vanish from our hearts. Now, as we approach the battle for our existence" He raises his arms up to the heavens in supplication. "I call upon the great spirits! Spirit of the Ocean! Spirit of the Moon! Be with us!" He lowers his arms and continuing his address. "I'm going to need volunteers for a dangerous mission" Sokka suddenly stands up.

"Count me in"

"Sokka!" Katara scolds a little. Many other men stand up in the crowd with him.

"Be warned" Arnook adds. "Many of you will not return. Come forward to receive my mark if you accept the task" The men form a line in front of the Chief to receive his mark. It is three red lines on the forehead, made from some paint or ink that the Chief holds in a bowl in front of him. Sokka is the second in line. As Sokka leaves, he turns and makes eye contact with Yue before he turns again and walks away. Yue begins to cry silently. Rana takes a deep breath and then stands, slipping out of the room with her pokemon.