[I did ANOTHER thing. I made Midori another aesthetic because I wanted to. :)]

[Word count: 4,000]

| chapter - four |

\ feed the beast, part - two /

"Is this the boat he took you ice-dodging in?" Sokka asked as he looked up at the boat I had also stumbled upon. And at the same time, I also noticed the sound of air running along the sand. Looking over at Aang I saw him whistling as if he had something to hide, my eyes squinted at the thought. But I didn't bother to question it, as it wasn't exactly my place to do so.

"Yeh, it's got the scar to prove it." Bato held his hips and nodded. "How about you Sokka? You must have some good stories from your first time ice-dodging?"

I allowed my head a little tilt, I wondered what 'ice-dodging' was. Not being from any sort of Water Tribe, it got me curious of what life was like other than herbs, poisons, medicine and homemade Miyuki food.

Heck, I don't even know what life is like under any of the Earth Kingdom's. Which was kind of weird, come to think of it... I then began to wonder if I ever step foot in any of the nations growing up. I remembered one memory, but it wasn't of the Earth Kingdom. The memory was different, it was faded but it was there. But I remember it.

I want to forget it.

"He never got to go." Katara answered, sadly. "Dad left before he was old enough."

"Oh, I forgot, you were too young." Bato understood.

But then Aang perked up with, "What's ice-dodging?"

I gave out a low chuckle, "Took the question right from my mind. Who knew the Avatar could control all four elements AND read minds." I gave a crooked smile and a small thumbs up.

But it felt like I was surrounded by crickets - despite it being the middle of the day, as no-one laughed. I mean, I tried being funny. But of course, I'm not the humorous one of my bloodline. But I tried at least.

Although, that's when Sokka began to give out a wonky laugh and wiped the small tear from his eyes. "You may be a mysterious girl, Midori. But I will give it to you, that was a good one."

That made me smile a little. The boy went from pointing his boomerang at me, claiming that I might be one of 'them' - which I assumed he meant the Fire Nation, not too long ago. Quickly to laughing at a dumb joke that wasn't really funny to begin with, as if he fully accepted me already. Or, halfway, at least.

And honestly, I appreciated it. Made me feel like I somewhat had a friend, or friends, depending on how the others think of me so far.

"Yeah..." Bato nodded awkwardly. As he held his hips and got onto the point of ice-dodging. "Anyway. It's the rite of passage for young water tribe members. When you turn fourteen your Dad takes you..."

But then he notices the sudden sad look that Sokka gave, as the boy seemed down. Bato instantly put a hand on his shoulder to ease the painful thoughts. "You know what? You're about to find out." And this made the boy smile.

This made everyone smile, in fact. Even me, because I thought it was sweet.

***

Before I knew it, I was holding onto the rim of the Water Tribe boat being nervous and looking down at the waves. Once again, it wasn't like I couldn't swim or anything, I just wasn't too keen on being in the ocean.

And plus, I had been on a ship for so long already. I didn't expect to be in yet another one so fast. "Not again..." I accidentally spoke this out loud under my breath.

"What was that, Midori?" Katara asked, curiously.

I looked at her with raised brows and quickly shook my head, "Nothing, just uh... memories, is all..." I tried to shrug it off and she nodded.

"Ice-dodging is a ceremonial test of wisdom, bravery and trust." Bato began to explain. "In our village it was done by weaving a boat through a field of icebergs."

Sokka looked back at the man, "How are we supposed to ice-dodge without ice?"

"You will be dodging-" Bato points outward. "-those."

Looking to where he pointed, we all saw a whole colony of pointed rocks protruding from the water and outward to the sky. I couldn't particularly say that I was scared as everyone else seemed a little nervous.

Because those were rocks. I can deal with rocks. Considering.

Bato continued, "Sokka, you steer and call the shots. Lead wisely." The boy did exactly that. "Katara, you secure the mainsail. The winds can be brutal, so be brave." And then to Aang, "Aang, you control the jib, without your steady hand we all go down. Your position is about trust."

Aang blinked, "I know that." He pointed at himself, as if he wasn't dumb. "Why wouldn't I know that? I'M the Avatar!" He crossed his arms as if he was deeply offended. "I know about trust!"

All I could do was raise a brow, I was confused on why he was so snappy out of nowhere. When I met him for the first time, he was just a sweet kid. Hm.

Bato then looked down at me, "And Midori... Well, you just hold on tight. Unless you can Waterbend too?"

I shook my head, "No, I'm sorry. I'm an Earthbender in her not-so-natural habitat. Like a fish out of water."

"Hm..." He hummed in thought. "I know. If we get into some deep trouble when making some unnecessary contact, you can use your Earthbending to save us from getting hurt."

I smiled with a nod, feeling a sort of happiness. I didn't want to be a burden and do nothing. So, the fact that I had a purpose in this boat other than sitting around all day, made me glow on the inside.

Bato walks over to the bow and sits down, "For this to be done right I cannot help. You pass or fail on your own."

"Aang, ease up on the jib." Sokka commands. "Katara, steady! Midori, keep up your guard just in case those rocks decide to join the party!"

I do just that. I make sure to never let my guard down, and have my hands at the ready for any sort of contact with the rocks.

Sokka continues as we approach two rocks, "Aang, less sail!" He starts to sweat. "Katara, give him room!"

Aang is pulling the rope as the boat begins to sail at a quicker pace. Causing me to try to stand my ground, to not slip.

More rocks approach, "Aang! Helm to lee! Helm to lee!" Sokka says quickly.

"What does that even mean?!" Aang was thoroughly confused.

And as was I. But to be fair, I knew little to none about boats so I definitely would be no help at all.

Either way Aang pulls on the rope hard with a grunt, as Katara holds onto the other side of the sail, tightly.

The boat makes a sudden turn to the left, as I grab the rim of the boat and hold on for dear life. I saw a rock being uncovered by the ocean as we headed straight for it. Thrusting my hand towards the ridged rock, it cracked in half and sunk to the bottom. Allowing us a more clear path.

I let out a sigh of relief. I was still glad that I had quick reflexes, I'm sure it came in handy.

"Great job!" Sokka gave us his immense support.

But of course, it wasn't going to be that easy. As we all saw a full row of jagged rocks that blocked our path completely, Bato stands up from his position and holds onto the rim of the boat.

"There's no way through!" Katara gasps.

"We can make it!" Sokka clenched his fist with a grin. "Midori can help indefinitely here, if anything!"

I shook my head rapidly, "Yeah, but that's a lot of rocks in one row!" I countered. "I'm not a master of any sort, I'm still practicing!"

Bato seemed to agree, "She's right. Sokka, you've already proven yourself, maybe we should-"

Sokka seemed to just ignore the man, "Aang, I'm gonna need air in that sail!" The boy nods. "Katara, I want you to bend as much water as you can between us and those rocks!" And then he looks to me. "And Midori, I know you aren't a master but I'm counting on you to cut a few of the rocks if need be, I know you can do it!"

I understood, and got in position. It wasn't like I had a choice now, we were in it for the long run.

"Now!" Sokka demanded.

Aang waved his arms, sending air into the sails. And Katara did an up and down motion with her arms together, which caused the water to rise and the boat to flow up with it. And I got ready to break some rocks, if I really need to.

As we approached our impending doom, I thrusted my arms to cut the tips of every rock just to make it easier to pass over. As Sokka mumbled and held his hands close to his face and hoped for the best.

We made it over as Katara let the water flow back down and it was smooth sailing from there. I was proud of myself, I've never cut multiple rocks at once, especially so many.

Though, they were only the tips. That still counted as improvement. And it got me excited to get even better in the future. I could only imagine how much I would improve down the line, if I kept this up.

We had gotten back to shore. The whole time Kaz had been holding on for dear life on my shoulder, there were even slight stretch marks in the fabric of my clothing now. But I didn't mind, it was a rough ride. He was just glad we were on land now and away from the madness.

Bato held a bowl with ink, "The spirits of water bear witness to these marks. For Sokka, the mark of the wise, the same mark your father earned." He marked Sokka's head with a dot and half a circle above it.

"For Katara, the mark of the brave. Your courage inspires us." He gives her a crescent shape mark.

"Now, Midori, I know you aren't part of the Water Tribe. But you did help quite a bit out there, and we would've shattered along those rocks if it wasn't for you." Bato explained.

And so he made a mark on my head as well, drawing a small shape of what looked to be a mini-tornado. "For Midori, the mark of the helping. If it wasn't for you we would've sunk."

This caused a smile to form on my face, though it was kind of strange, considering I'm not part of their Tribe. But, it was fulfilling nonetheless.

"And for Aang, the mark of the trusted. You are now an honorary member of the Water Tribe." He marks the boys head with half a circle.

Aang slumped, "I can't..."

Katara smiled and tilted her head, "Of course you can!"

Aang looked guilty as he rubbed the mark off of his forehead, "No, you can't trust me." As he took a few steps back and brought his arms out to protect them from himself.

I was confused as they were.

"Aang, what are you talking about?" Katara asked.

"A messenger gave this to me for Bato." He brought out a crumpled piece of paper that hid inside his Airbending clothing. Katara grabbed it and opened it up. "You have to understand, I was afraid you-"

As Katara looked shocked, Sokka grabbed it and felt anger boiling in his veins. "This is the map to our father!" He yelled out loud. "You had it the whole time?! How could you?"

Aang shrivels up in sadness, and I felt for him, but I also felt it wasn't fair to Katara and Sokka that he kept that from them...

Sokka continues, "Well, you can go to the North Pole on your own! I'm going to find Dad."

He begins to walk away only for Bato to speak up, "Now Sokka, I think you should-"

"Katara, are you with me?" Sokka wondered, looking back over his shoulder.

After giving Aang a long stare, she closes her eyes in thought. "I'm with you, Sokka." As she walks to her brother.

"How about you, Midori?" Sokka questioned me next, even though we hadn't known each other long.

I looked between them both, and as hard as it was to decide... I had to stay. Sokka, Katara and Bato were on foot. Meanwhile, Aang had Appa. I could ask the Avatar to bring me back home, flying would make the travel home much faster.

And so, I made my decision. "I'm sorry... I hope you find your father as soon as possible."

And off they went, leaving Aang and I on the shore-side alone.

***

I found it weird sitting on the saddle of Appa for the first time, but it was also really nice. I remember the first time I set my eyes on the flying bison, Katara and Sokka were both sick and Momo had brought them a bunch of junk instead of water.

But Appa was no metal ship, he was a fuzzy monster who was full of love and friendship. I definitely preferred him over Zuko's ship.

Aang sat on Appa's head, with the reins that tied around the fuzzy beast's horns, over his lap as the boy held his legs sadly. Katara, Sokka and Bato packed up their stuff and began to walk towards the gates into the forest.

Katara slowly made her way over to us, "Good luck."

"Okay." Aang nodded, as Momo looked at the both of them. "You too."

Katara gave me a calming look and even a shadow smile, "I wish you a safe trip home, Midori."

"Thank you." I gave her a comforting nod.

And so, they left.

A woman approached. "Guess I should be moving on." Aang grabbed onto the reins.

The woman nodded, "That would be best."

Aang gave a little sigh as he pulled on the reins. Appa grumbled as he walked out of the place between the stone arch, I grabbed onto the side of the saddle for support.

Stopping in between the stone arch and the forest pathway, Aang, Momo and I looked towards the small Water Tribe group as they walked along the trail, going to find their father. Wherever he may be.

I only wish I knew the same, when it came to my mother. But I suppose I'd have to save that thought for now.

"I'm an idiot, Momo..." Aang stated it as a fact, as he pulled Appa the other way. I wanted to protest to his statement, but I kept quiet. As again, I didn't know if it was my place to do so.

I wanted to say: 'You're not an idiot. You're the Avatar.'

***

"Looks like we're going alone, guys." Aang spoke to Appa and Momo. "And Midori, I take it you want to go home?"

I nodded, "If it's not too much."

Aang gave a small smile, "I don't mind a little detour, I remember where you're from. It's not too far, so, I should be able to make it to the North Pole in time afterwards."

"Thanks." I rested my head against the saddle, my forearms underneath my chin.

But that's when the same woman from before approached us, "Avatar! You must leave!"

"Okay I get it! Everybody wants me gone!" Aang sighed as he tightened the reins on Appa's horns.

But the woman continued, "A group of people came to the abbey looking for you."

Alarmed, Aang looked down at her. "Who?"

"A fierce looking woman with a horrible monster." She explained. "And a young man with a scar."

"Zuko?" I tilted my head and raised a brow. "Zuko!" Aang's features darkened. But then we both looked at each other, as we had simultaneously said his name at the exact same time.

 Aang looked back down at the woman as she said, "The beast was using the sent of a necklace to follow you."

"A necklace?" His eyes suddenly go wide. "Katara!"

***

Aang told me to wait with Appa as he flew out into the sky on what I can assume was a glider, as I sat in the saddle on top of Appa, still. Waiting for what's about to happen.

Kaz began to get impatient and squawked. I quickly grabbed onto his beak to shut it and put my fingers over my lips, "Shh!"

I heard voices, growls, yelps and the ground slightly quaking. I heard many, many things that I could not describe in full detail as I couldn't see what was going on, on the other side of this stone wall.

But before I knew it, Appa sprung into action as Kaz and I held on tightly to balance with his fast pace. As this lovely beast charged into the abbey and lunged into the shirshu, causing it to fling to the side and into one of the many built walls. Appa growls loudly at it, protecting Aang at all costs.

"Stay here." I told Kaz as I left him in the saddle, and I jumped down into the action. Ready to throw rocks and rip up the ground when need be.

Aang and Zuko fight back and forth for whole minute, but none of their blows seem to strike one another. Until suddenly, they fire a large blow at the same time, which caused them to make an explosion. As they both yelped and flung onto the roof's on both sides of the court.

The woman with the shirshu got up and no-time and charged Appa. I made a quick decision, bringing the ground upwards underneath the not-so-lovely beast's feet, causing it to lose balance for a second. As Appa jumped into the sky over it, and the shirshu slid to a halt, turning as it did so.

But even then, the shirshu still got Appa with it's tongue, on one of his hind legs. Appa growled in pain and landed on the ground on the other side, trying to stay up, but he slumped to the ground either way.

But my smile grew as Appa opened his eyes and got up, ready to continue the fight. The woman whipped her ferocious beast as it charged. Appa did the same, and soon, they butt heads together. Causing the woman to fling over Appa's head.

But she seemed to whip Appa anyway, causing him to roar. She groaned when hitting the ground, and Appa almost stomped on her when she rolled away.

I assumed Appa had it under control, as I quickly ran towards Katara and Sokka to make sure that they were okay as they sat up against one part of the stone walls. I could tell the shirshu got them, as they seemed paralyzed completely.

"I'm starting to get some feeling back!" Sokka whispered with a smile. But the moment a bunch of roof tiles fall on both of them, his smile fades. "Ow!"

"Hello, Midori. Glad to see you." Katara hummed gently. "Although, I'm sorry you aren't able to make it home right now... considering..."

I waved it off, "Don't be sorry. Though, I do want to go home. I am happy to help the most that I can."

As my eyes scanned the area, to use my bending whenever I needed to to make sure nothing happens to them. I spotted Iroh over at a bunch of bottles, he opened one up, smelled it and hoped nobody was looking as he stuffed it into his sleeve and smiled.

I did my best to not laugh and only allowed myself to let out a chuckle, I wasn't surprised in the slightest.

After a bit, I flinched as a sudden burst of water came from a well. Aang landed perfectly as Zuko thumped to the ground, but got up soon after. I was going to send a landslide of rocks to separate the two, but then I saw Appa threatening Zuko. And knew they had it under control.

The same woman we saw last time came out from the broken wall, and put a type of scent under Sokka and Katara's noses, as they smelled it and seemed to come back into reality.

Sokka rubbed at his bones, "That thing sees with its nose. Let's give it something to look at."

"The perfume?" The woman suggested.

Sokka nodded with a side grin, as we had loads of perfume lined up and ready. I helped Sokka push over one of the vases, as the group of other women did the few others. The perfume all splashing out and going under the feet of Katara, as she used her Waterbending to lift up the liquid and drop it over the shirshu completely.

It worked. The shirshu growled and looked everywhere for Aang, even though the boy was right in front of it.

The shirshu lost its mind as it whipped Zuko with its tongue, he fell paralyzed. And it did its rider next as Iroh seemed to yell out, "June! No!". And I felt a sort of clarity, now that I knew her name, thanks to him yelling it out like that.

And the shirshu ran out into the forest. Would it be seen again? I had not a clue, but I was glad it was over.

I had quickly fled the place with Sokka, Katara and Aang while I had the chance. As we took Appa to the sky, through the sunset.

Kaz hopped into my lap, clearly pleased to see me once again. As I ran my fingers through his crimson feathers with a small smile, "I missed you too, buddy."

"So, where do we go?" Aang asked, on the head of Appa.

Katara smiled, "We're getting you to the North Pole."

"Yeh, we've lost too much time as it is." Sokka agreed.

Aang confusedly peeped over the saddle, "Don't you want to see your father?"

Sokka shrugged, "Of course we do, Aang. But, you're our family too, and right now, you need us more." I was touched, honestly.

"And we need you." Katara agreed.

Aang smiled, but then realized. "Wait, Midori, what about you? I was supposed to bring you back home..."

I look among them, in thought. I could tell him to bring me home, but Sokka was right. I was sure Avatar duties were very important, and when Sokka said that they've lost too much time already. That made me think Aang was more important.

And so with a smile, "To the North Pole we go."

"Are you sure, Midori?" Katara asked. "The North Pole is quite a ways from where you live, and who knows when you'll ever return."

I nodded, "I'm sure. And besides, life back home is really boring and I do nothing but keep up with plants, poisons and herbs. And, of course, helping Oka - my great grandmother - locate ingredients for Miyuki's dinner." We all gave out a giggle. "It'll be like an adventure of a lifetime. How could I pass that up?"

"It's settled then." Sokka added with his own smile.

Aang hugged the saddle, "I wish I could give you a little piece of home, Katara. Something to remind you-"

Katara looked down a little, "I'll be okay..."

Aang brought his head up, "Still, just a little trinket. Maybe something like-" He brings out a blue necklace that had the Water Tribe symbol engraved into it. "-this!"

Katara perked up in an instant, "Aang!" She took it and put it around her neck. "How'd you get that?"

Aang smiled, "Zuko asked to be sure I got it to you." He put almost sarcastically.

"Oh, that's so sweet of Zuko." Katara mocked with just the same amount of sarcasm. "Would you give him a kiss for me when you see him?"

"Sure!" Aang nodded. And in mere seconds Katara planted a smooch upon the boys cheek, as he blushed and fiddled with his thumbs.

I gave out another smile as I found it to be sweet. But Kaz thought differently, as he squawked awkwardly and draped his wing over his face.

We all broke out into a fit of laughter as Appa flew further into the sunset.

------
Here's chapter four! :)

What was your favorite part of this chapter?

Stay inside and stay safe!

Xoxo <3

And instead of using my trademark thing here, I'ma put an aesethetic I made for Zuko here, instead. Because why not. Lmao. I made one for him, because I wanted to. :P