Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Doppelganger ❯ Old Bitter Proverbs ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: Nick owns avatar… whining now… along with rugrats… two awesome shows… waaaaa.

 

Doppelganger

 

Chapter seven

 

. . .

 

Katara sat walked back to camp, scowling. Kyle was sitting against a tree casually. She glared at him for a moment and walked over to her brother's body. She leaned over and yelled loudly.

”Wake up, Sokka!” Sokka's eyes snapped open and he tried to jump up but toppled over and landed on his face painfully. Aang sat up and looked around sleepily, mumbling something incoherent. Katara sighed and smiled. That made her feel a little better. Sokka turned over and sat up, looking at Katara with a sour look on his face, then faced the rising sun.

 

“Yea, yea, I guess it's time to get up now, huh…” He growled and threw off his blanket. He stood up, stretched, and scratched his back. “But did you have to wail like a banshee, Katara?” Katara leered at her brother, baring her teeth.

 

“Nani?” She bit off. Kyle laughed from his tree. Sokka shook his head and stumbled over to the water intent in splashing his face to wake up. Aang jumped up, now wide awake, and ran over to Kyle.

 

“Hey, Kyle! Morning!” He said cheerfully. Kyle nodded and called over to Sokka.

 

“Hey, at least you didn't have my wake up call!” He glanced at Katara. She blushed and glared at the vampire as if to say, like you'll ever get to see that again! Sokka stood up and shook his head, spreading water every which way.

 

“Why, what happened?” Kyle glanced at Katara again. She turned away from the three and sat back down roughly on her sleeping bag. He chuckled and scratched the back of his head.

 

“Well, nothing really, now that I think about it. I could get used to her yelling at me, too, though.” Katara's head turned slightly, but she didn't turn around. Sokka laughed.

 

“Yea, well, she does yell a lot.”

 

Aang jumped up and caught a tree branch. “I'll be right back, I'm going to go see what's around.” Kyle stopped him.

 

“Wait, why don't you tell me what has happened to you since you returned.” Aang punched his fist, as if remembering something, and fell back down next to Kyle. Sokka grabbed his knife and tightened his belt, saying that he was going to get breakfast. With that he left past the trees.

 

. . .

 

Sokka walked out of the camp and shoved his finger in his ear, wriggling it around.

 

“Ouch… she seriously didn't have to scream in my ear to wake me…” He growled and gripped his knife. Sokka rounded a large rock and stared wide-eyed at what looked like a river. Shards of ice littered the ground and rocks. “Wha- what happened here?” He was shocked. It wasn't cold enough for ice to form. Only waterbenders could do this. Sokka made it a point to talk to her sister about this. He shook his head and walked away from the disaster area, looking for food.

 

. . .

 

“So… this guy… Zuko… has been chasing after you ever since you thawed from the iceberg?” Aang nodded. Kyle leaned back thoughtfully. Katara interjected.

 

“He's the prince of the fire nation, too. So he wants to bring the Avatar in so they can win the war.” Kyle nodded, and then slammed his fist into his other hand.

 

“I remember hearing about the prince of the fire nation being banished a few years ago. I suppose that… bringing in the Avatar would redeem him.” Aang and Katara nodded. Kyle thought for a second and smiled. “Well! I guess we can't let him get you, then, huh?” He tapped his chin for a second and grinned, showing his fangs. “I got an idea!” Aang and Katara looked shocked at his outburst. “We can go to my house! Nobody knows about it, so we'll be safe there!” Aang cocked his head.

 

“But… what about learning the elements?” Kyle waved his hand.

”I've decided to teach you all the elements.” Aang's face lit up with delight.

”Oh…. Yes!” He jumped up with a burst of air and danced around. “I have an awesome teacher! Yes, yes, yes!” Kyle smiled at Aang and looked at Katara. She stared at him with an unreadable expression. Kyle couldn't tell if she was happy… apprehensive… or mad. Maybe a little of each? She frowned at the vampire.

 

“So… nobody knows about it?” Kyle shook his head.

 

“Nope, I built my own house a handful of miles east from the Southern Air Temple about… one hundred and fifty years ago?” He counted on his hand absentmindedly. “Yea… that sounds about right. It's pretty old, but built quite well. I use it whenever I'm in the neighborhood.” Katara clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and leaned back. Kyle frowned. “Do you not think it's a good idea?” Katara opened her mouth to argue. She didn't like the idea of staying in the same house as Kyle… but she did want to learn waterbending. Katara sighed and shook her head.

 

“No, I think it's a good idea. If nobody knows where you live, then Aang can learn all four elements in peace before the summer.” Kyle narrowed his eyes.

 

“Impossible.” He simply stated. Katara stared the Kyle, surprised. Aang stopped jumping around and stared at the vampire as well. Kyle continued. “Aang cannot learn all the elements by the summer. That is… impossible.” He finished slowly.

 

“But I have to!” Aang reasoned. Kyle glared.

 

“You are twelve. If you want to rush, then you are not ready.” Katara joined in.

 

“But Aang has to learn the elements before Sozen's Comet returns!” Kyle's eyes widened and he placed his hands under his chin.

 

“It's coming back?” He asked quietly. Katara and Aang nodded. Kyle sighed deeply. “It took me twenty years each, at least, to master the elements.” He stared into Aang's eyes. “But… it looks like we have no choice but to try, huh?” Aang nodded sullenly and stood up. Aang walked over to his sleeping bag and threw it on Appa, who had just woken up. Just then Sokka trampled through the bushes, carrying a small mammal in his hand. Kyle looked amused at the tiny animal. Sokka looked sour and dropped it on a rock next to their campsite.

 

“Did somebody have a waterfight?” Sokka asked as he turned over the rodent. Katara and Kyle looked at each other and Katara shrugged.

 

“Since Kyle tested Aang, he thought that I should be tested as well.” Aang rushed over.

 

“Aw! You mean I missed some waterbending?” He looked downtrodden. “Man!” Kyle chuckled.

 

“Yea… you were sleeping and missed a good show.” He glanced at Katara out of the corner of his eye. She glared at him and commenced to roll her sleeping bag. “Is that seriously your catch?” He eyed Sokka's catch. He looked over sourly at the amused vampire. “Don't worry, I know a town close to here, we can get some food there.” The others perked up at the sound of food. “Yea, so get ready to go and we'll shove off.” Sokka stood strait.

 

“We aren't going strait towards the North Pole?” Kyle shook his head.

 

“Nope, were going to go to my house. We'll be safe there to train.” Sokka nodded slowly and shrugged. “So while we're in town, we're going to have to stock up on food for a while. I never have food stuffs at my house… seeing as I don't really need to eat food.” Kyle reasoned. Sokka cocked his head.

 

“But, we don't have any money.” Kyle smiled and waved him off.

 

“Don't worry about that, I haven't been alive for three hundred year with nothing to show for it.” He looked towards the sky, and held his hand up. “Hmm…” He mumbled something incoherent and folded his hand down to the sun. Then traced his finger across to his left. “We just need to go about four hours that way.” He pointed to the east. And I'll get us some money.”

 

. . .

 

The travelers touched down in a clearing a few hours later and Kyle jumped off the giant bison, followed by his charges. Kyle led them into the trees and past a small stream.

 

“So… where are we going?” Katara asked. Kyle held up a hand, silencing her.

 

“Getting some money.” The vampire stated and stopped at a large boulder in front of a cliff. He looked around and rapped the stone with his knuckles. He smiled and stepped back. “And here we are.” Aang stared at the huge rock.

 

“We're at a rock.” He cleared his throat. Kyle sighed and turned to look at the Avatar.

 

“No, really? Yes, we're at a rock. We have to get behind the rock, though.” Aang ahh'ed and stepped back. Kyle shook her head in exasperation and spaced his legs apart, rooting himself to the ground. “Now stand back.” Katara and Sokka followed Aang's example and stepped back to the trees. Kyle took a deep breath and pulled his arms up chest level. The boulder stirred and lifted up a few inches. The stone was easily thirty feet high and Kyle was moving it easily! Aang and Katara nearly fell backwards. Kyle exhaled and threw the boulder to the side, emitting a thunderous crash and revealing a small cave, large enough for a couple of people to pass through shoulder-to-shoulder. “Now, we're off.” He motioned for the others to follow him.

 

They entered the cave and after a few minutes of walking in the dark, they arrived in a large open cavern. “Alright, now watch this.” They heard Kyle whisper and at once, a flame ignited in the vampire's hand, illuminating the chamber. Aang, Katara, and Sokka all gasped in unison. Sizable mounds of coins littered the rock and were scattered around everywhere. There were mostly gold coins, but also silver and bronze coins could be seen.

”H-how the… how did you get all this?” Katara stammered. Kyle chuckled and folded his arms over his chest.

 

“I told you before… I'm nearly four hundred years old. I haven't lived for that long not to be poor.”

 

. . .

 

“There's the town.” Kyle pointed over the side of Appa. Katara and Sokka clambered over to his side to catch a glimpse. There was indeed a town, and not a bad sized town at that for being so far north.

 

Aang whirled around and smiled. ”Ok, I'll bring Appa down so he won't be seen.” He commanded the giant bison to descend.

 

Sokka straitened himself while sitting. “So… what are we doing here?” Kyle looked at him.

 

“We're getting supplies so we can stay at my house for a length of time. We can train there in peace because nobody knows about it.”

 

“What if somebody follows us?” Sokka narrowed his eyes. Kyle taped his chin.

 

“Then they will earn themselves a painful and bloody death.” He said simply. Katara shivered involuntarily. Aang didn't turn around.

 

Soon, they touched ground and disembarked Appa. The travelers took little supplies for the short hike and set off.

 

“We will not need to stay there for the night, I should think.” Kyle mentioned, blazing the trail.

 

“How long will it take to get to your house from here, Kyle?” Aang asked the vampire.

 

“A couple of days of flying I would estimate.” Aang nodded and fell silent, walking in tow of Sokka.

 

After a couple of hours they reached the town gates. Two guards at the gate stepped forward. One spoke in a loud, commanding voice.

 

“What is your reason for coming to Layu?” Kyle waved his hand behind him, telling the others to stop walking. Kyle stepped up to the guards with a light smile.

 

“Good afternoon, fine gentlemen. My two brothers and sister just wish to purchase some supplies. Then probably relax at the tavern for a while. Will you permit us?” He asked with his hands out, politely. The guards eyed Kyle's sword for a moment, but nodded and stepped aside.

 

“Don't cause trouble.`' They both demanded and let them through. Kyle turned to his `siblings' and nodded to them. With that, they entered the town Layu.

 

. . .

 

Layu was a bustling town. People sold everything on the street corners from pieces of candy to weapons. Civilians walked the sidewalks, smiling joyfully and laughing. It almost made Kyle smile to see such happiness still around. But he had given up on a large amount of happiness long ago. Kyle led his charges into the town and handed a bag of money to Sokka, Katara, and, with a second of hesitation, Aang.

 

“Get what you will need for an extended time away from civilization. Food, clothing, tools, anything you might need.” He noticed their looks. “I will get some things for training. I'm not so good with buying food, though, so I will not buy food; you must do that.” Aang, Sokka, and Katara nodded. Kyle raised his eyebrow at Aang. “You gonna be ok with that much money?” He nodded his head toward the bag of gold coins. Aang smiled and nodded fiercely. “Alright then.” He looked up and down the main street. Then he pointed to a building. “Let's meet there later then. Say, in about… two hours?” It would be dark in two hours. All four agreed and split off in separate directions.

 

. . .

 

Kyle sat in the tavern, tapping on the table. Where are they? He thought and ran his nails down the wood. I told them two hours. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye. The bartender walked next to him and tapped his notepad.

 

“So, you wan' order somethin' or no?” Kyle waved him off.

 

“I'm waiting for more people to arrive.” The bartender sighed and walked away. Kyle continued tapping the table. His eyes wandered to a bag at his feet. Inside the bag were a number of tools and small weapons, as well as epoxy and resin. After nearly fifty years of not being there his home would most likely need attention. Kyle was about to get up to look for everyone, when Aang stepped in the room. Kyle sighed a relief and waved him over. Aang placed a small burlap sack near Kyle's and sat across from him.

 

“Took you long enough.” Kyle grumbled. Aang grinned and scratched behind his head.

 

“Yea, sorry, there was lots of stuff to see here. So I kind of got… carried away. Sorry.” Kyle shook his head and exhaled.

 

“Now I'm just getting worried about the others.” As if on cue, Sokka walked in followed by Katara, both carrying bags over their shoulders. Kyle raised his hand, getting their attention, then waved the bartender over. Katara and Sokka sat down and let out a long sigh. The bartender came over, looking a little impatient.

 

“So wha's yur pleasure?” The grizzled old man tapped his notepad.

 

“I'll have milk!” Aang smiled happily. Lactose was a rare delicacy that Aang love to have.

 

“Water please.” Katara smiled lightly. Sokka raised a finger.

 

“Another water.” Kyle shook his head, sighing.

 

“I'll have some mulled ale.” The bartender eyed the vampire for a second, then copied the orders down, and walked back to the taps. Kyle sat back and smiled. “Well… did you all have fun?” The others stared him, openmouthed. “What?” He snapped his fingers in front of them. They all shook their heads. “Did you all get what you wanted?” Nods answered him. “Food-wise as well?” Nods again. “Good.” The bartender returned and set glasses on the table. Kyle grabbed his mug and held it out; the others followed suit. “So, what should we drink to?” Kyle asked.

 

“To… the end of the war?” Aang questioned. Sokka shook his head.

 

“Nah, too cliché. How about to the fall of the fire nation?” Kyle cocked his head.

 

“Isn't that the same thing?” Sokka shook his head.

 

“Nope!” There was silence. Then Katara spoke up.

 

“How about… Senea?” Three sets of eyes fell on her. “Uh… I just… think that she would deserve it?” She stammered out. Her eyes involuntarily flew to Kyle's. He had an unreadable expression; not frowning, not smiling. Aang nodded.

 

“I agree. I think it's a good idea.” Sokka agreed to the proposal. All eyes where on the vampire. He stared off into space, then refocused his eyes, and smiled.

 

“Sure, why not?” They clinked their glasses and drank. Sokka put his glass down and cleared his throat.

 

“Hey, I though vampires drank blood?” Kyle lowered his mug and exhaled.

 

“Yes, we do. And keep you voice down.” Sokka mumbled an apology. “We cannot consume solid food. Only liquids. But we can pretty much only taste blood. Alcohol barely touches our taste buds.” He pointed out. Sokka nodded in acceptance.

 

“Speaking of blood,” Katara leaned in, not wanting to spread the conversation throughout the bar. “How long do you usually go without it? I mean, are you overdue or something?” Kyle drank another swig of his drink.

 

“I usually go without it for a couple of days. But yes, as a matter of fact, I am overdue.” His company inched away as one. Kyle chuckled and held up his hand. “Don't worry, I wont bother any of you. That's the main reason we came here.”

 

“What do you mean?” Aang asked. Kyle's eyes wandered around the tavern. “Kyle?” He held up his hand again. Then smirked and pointed his finger. The others followed the finger to a young woman at the counter, sipping a drink. She looked around twenty with short, black hair, and wandering eyes.

 

“I'll be back in a few minutes.” Kyle remarked and stood up. Aang, Sokka, and Katara watched him approach the woman and sit next to her. They engaged in conversation quickly.

 

“He can't be serious…” Sokka remarked. Sure enough after a couple of minutes Kyle led the woman out of the bar. “He is serious.”

 

Katara stared into her glass of water. She wasn't really mad at him for peeping anymore. But she couldn't help but feel disgusted with the vampire. Just picking up a random girl to fill his needs…She felt like retching. Aang went back to sipping his milk.

 

“I won't even bother.” The young airbender mumbled.

 

. . .

 

Aang, Katara, and Sokka hadn't moved when Kyle returned to the tavern. He walked back to the table and sat down, a drowsy smile on his face.

 

“Well, are we having fun yet?” There was an almost unrecognizable slur in his speech. His light eyes were flashing between the three of them. There was no response. Kyle opened his mouth to speak again but stopped. His eyes focused at once and were staring at the door. Sokka, Aang, and Katara turned to look but were stopped.

 

“Stop! Don't turn around. This person that was chasing after you, Prince Zuko; does he have a scar on his face?” The three of them nodded in unison. “Fuck. He just walked in the room.” Aang couldn't help but turn around. Indeed, there was the banished fire nation prince, looking around the room. “Quick, duck underneath the table!” They did as instructed and dove underneath the tablecloth, hiding them. After a minute or two Katara heard voices from above the table.

 

“You there!” She heard Zuko's demanding voice. “Have you seen this boy?” She heard rustling, he must be showing Kyle a picture. She peaked through a tear in the fabric. She could see Zuko and an old man beside him.

 

“Now, Zuko,” The old man warned in a careful tone. “You mustn't demand everything from anybody.” Zuko waved him off.

 

“Well?” He pushed the paper on the wooden table. “Have you?” A few seconds went by, apparently Kyle was looking over the picture. Katara heard his voice.

 

“Wow… an airbender, huh? Don't see many of those around these days. And a master, too…” He whistled. “And so young. Must be very talented, huh?” Zuko clenched his teeth.

 

“Have you seen him, or not?” He demanded fiercely.

 

“Looks like that? Acts like he looks, kind of eccentric? Has a giant flying bison?” Zuko's eyes widened in expectation. “Nope. Never have.” Katara smiled, holding in a laugh. Zuko yelled and slammed his fist on the table, shaking it.

 

“Don't toy with me, Bastard!” The old man placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder. The tavern had gone completely silent. The table jarred again. Kyle had stuck a knife in the wood.

 

“No. You don't toy with me.” He glared at Zuko. The prince glared back with equal ferocity. A minute passed with nothing uttered. Zuko held his hand at his side and turned his back on the vampire.

 

“I am not finished yet. Lets go, Uncle.” He and the old man started to walk away.

 

“Wait.” Kyle called out. They turned back to him. Katara felt cold. Was he going to tell them? She couldn't see what was happening anymore. “The Phoenix of the East pays his respect to the Dragon of the West. That is all.” Katara heard one start to walk away, and then the other. After a few minutes activity started up again. They got back from underneath the table.

 

“Whew, that was too close.” Sokka sighed in relief. Katara nodded. Aang looked carefully at Kyle, who was still watching the door.

 

“Hey, Kyle, what was all that about?” The vampire looked at Aang. “The dragon and the phoenix?” Kyle turned back towards the door.

 

“Just… a proverb.” He downed the rest of his drink.

 

. . .

 

“Are you sure you want to pursue him? It's not a good idea to challenge somebody you don't know anything about.” The old man warned Zuko. They were outside the tavern, walking across the street to wait. Zuko growled in annoyance.

 

“He knows something, and I'm going to find out what.” His uncle sighed and crossed his arms. Sometimes his nephew was too exuberant for his own good.

 

“Why don't you go back to the ship. I will find out what he knows.” Zuko turned around, facing his uncle, a surprised look on his scarred face.

 

“You? But, Uncle…” The old man held up a hand.

 

“Just go, I will take care of things here.” Zuko hesitated but nodded.

 

“Very well, uncle. I'll be waiting at the ship.” With that, he turned to walk back to the docks. The old man sighed and leaned against the wall, watching the door to the tavern. It was bound to happen sometime.

 

. . .

 

Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Kyle exited the tavern with their bags over their shoulders. It was late, so crowds had cleared up and there was few stragglers left.

 

“Are we heading back to Appa now?” Aang asked. Kyle nodded.

 

“Yea, we should reach him in a couple of hours.” If it was any later, they would have had to stay at the inn; which they didn't really want to do after causing that much trouble earlier. Kyle suddenly stopped in his tracks. The others stopped and turned to face him. “Go ahead of me, there's something I forgot. I'll catch up in a few minutes, alright?” Aang and Sokka nodded and turned to walk towards the entrance. Katara hung back for a few steps then fell in tow behind her brother and Aang. Kyle waited until they had left his view before turning to face the old man behind him.

 

“General Iroh…” Kyle greeted, dropping his bag and spreading his arms. “It has been quite a while, hasn't it?” Iroh nodded.

 

“It's Retired General.” Kyle ahh'ed humorously.

 

“Age will do that to you, wont it?” Iroh raised his eyebrow at the vampire.

 

“Not to one as immortal as a Phoenix apparently.” Kyle shrugged.

 

“Can't help that, can I? Well, what can I do for you? I do apologize for infuriating the young one, but he insulted me. I couldn't have sat back and done nothing.” Iroh shook his head.

 

“He is just like that. I need to know if you know where the Avatar is.” Kyle narrowed his eyes.

 

“And I would tell you why?”

 

“There is no reason for you to tell me. But my nephew believes you know something. And that is enough for me.” The old General held an arm out, curved slightly. Kyle sighed in exasperation.

 

“Nationalistic aren't we? Very well then, I don't have much time. This will end the same way as Ba Sing Se.” Kyle stepped forward and was about to charge, when a thunderous explosion sounded behind Iroh. The old man whirled around and gasped.

 

“Zuko!” He yelled and ran off towards the explosion. Kyle stood strait and picked up his bag.

 

“Until next time, Dragon of the West.” He ran off to catch up with the others.

 

. . .

 

Iroh is so cool. Hehe

 

R & R