Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Doppelganger ❯ Every Scar Tells a Story ( Chapter 14 )

Well I had a good vacation. In case anybody cares, I spent a week and a half up at my grandparents house in the mountains. It was fun :). So I apologize for the lateness of this chapter. Speaking of lateness, I start to work odd hours on the fifth of July till the next week. Yep, that's right! “Camelot” is going up at the Poway Center for Performing Arts in San Diego, California! Be sure to come if you are in the area! Its gonna be rocking. (So to speak). But sorry, no Saber. (for those fate/stay night fans out there) So I don't know exactly when my next update will be. Sorry guys and gals.

 

I've been thinking long and hard about something. Doppelganger has turned into not a bad story if you ask me. I didn't have high expectations for it, and it has been 80% impromptu. I started it thinking, there should be a vampire or something here. But I ended up really liking this story, ego aside.

 

Now… Avatar: The Last Airbender is not even halfway over, and I can easily finish this fic in at least five or so chapters. But I want to see what stuff will be added in the remaining chapters of book two, as well as book three and four. So, the question is this: Should I end the story sooner rather than later? What I would want to do is continue it with information and story elements from book three and four, but that will take at least another year or so for those to air. (The later half of book two is gonna air in fall…ish)

 

But I could end Doppelganger now (with the current story elements, nothing added except my own innovations) in anywhere from 5 to 10 chapters (unless I stretch it out, which I could). So I leave that decision up to you, my readers. Please give me feedback with your ideas.

 

Thanks!

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor do I make money from this fic.

 

Doppelganger

 

Chapter Fourteen

 

. . .

 

Katara stirred and opened one of her eyes slowly. What little light there was rising over the nearby mountain shone brightly around their campsite. Glad I faced away from sunrise. The waterbender thought, smiling smugly in her brilliance. Shutting her eyes, intent on sleeping for a few more minutes, she sighed softly and shifted under her sleeping bag. Almost back to sleep, the soft sound of metal pieced through the morning air. What… is that? Katara opened her eye again and surveyed her field of vision. Kyle was kneeling next to the water beside their camp, his knife to his neck.

 

Feeling a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, Katara stumbled out of her bag and tripped over her feet, collapsing on the ground. “Kyle, don't do it!” She called out, holding her arm out to him. The vampire slid the knife across the back of his neck and the majority of his dirt-colored hair fluttered down to the ground. Katara blinked in shock. Cutting his hair? Kyle ran his hand through what was left of his hair and shook his head roughly. After the last of his hair fell to the ground, he stood up and walked over to Katara.

 

“I don't know what you are doing on the ground, but I suppose different people have different hobbies.” He laughed and held out his hand for her to take. Katara blinked and took his hand. After she brushed off her clothes, Kyle smiled and ran his hand through his hair again. “So… do you like it?” He asked Katara, eyeing her carefully.

 

Katara took a moment to consider what he was asking. “Your hair?” She asked, causing Kyle to nod. “Well I… I mean…” She stuttered and fingered her long hair between her fingers. “I guess I like it.” She blinked hard at the ground. Wait… this isn't like me. Katara smirked and put her hands on her hips. “Makes you look more like a guy, I mean.” She smiled inwardly at Kyle's somewhat hurt face. “It'll pass.” She turned on her heel and went to work rolling up her sleeping bag. Kyle chuckled and reached around the back of his head, pulling a small length of hair out from behind his head. Looking over the hair, Kyle sat on the ground and started to braid it. Katara cocked her head in confusion and walked over to the vampire.

 

“You didn't cut it all off?” She asked, watching him braid the small tail.

 

“Nope.”

 

“Why?”

 

Kyle finished and tied a knot in the end of the tail, letting it fall to the back of his neck. “I want to remember my past, not forget it.” He answered and stood up. “That alright for an answer?” Katara smiled and nodded.

 

“Yep.”

 

Their conversation was interrupted by Cal; who sat up and stretched her arms above her head in a loud yawn. The little vampire stood up and rubbed her eyes sleepily.

 

“Mornin', Onii-chan, Katara.” She mumbled and started to walk out of the camp slowly. “'Scuse me… gotta pee.” She yawned again and disappeared into the foliage. Katara sighed and crossed her arms.

 

“Is she really a girl, acting like that?” Kyle chuckled and flicked his newly braided lock of hair.

 

“Yup. I can safely assure you that Cal is indeed a girl.” Katara put an embellished hand to her mouth and retched. Kyle took the hint and held his hands up defensively. “Alright alright. Never mind.” He chuckled again and looked at the cloudless sky. Katara craned her head to see Aang rise from his slumber and look around.

 

“Good morning, Katara.” He cocked his head and wiped his eyes. “Who's he?” Kyle snorted a laughed and strode over to the rising airbender.

 

“What, don't recognize your teacher?” Aang blinked at Kyle for a few seconds then his eyes widened.

 

“Whoa! You cut your hair!” He exclaimed and grinned. “Looks good. I barely recognized you.”

 

“Thanks.” Kyle stood up and cracked his back. “What did I teach you last, by the way?” Aang tapped his chin and smiled excitedly.

 

“That rock spike thing!” He gestured with his hands, trying to form a spike with his fingers. Kyle clicked his tongue and flicked the braid on his neck.

 

“Alright. Then how do you feel about putting you skills to the test, since we didn't get a chance to last time?” Aang put on a determined face and nodded. “Good. We'll get started after breakfast.”

 

A few seconds later, Cal emerged from the bushes and stopped in her tracks when her gaze fell on Kyle. Now wide-awake, she stared at Kyle with shock on her face.

 

“O-onii-chan?” Kyle cocked his head to the side, pretending to have a confused look on his face. “N-nani ga atta no?” Kyle shrugged and smiled, running his hand through his newly curtailed hair.

 

“I just figured it was time for a change, that's all.” Cal took a shaky step forward and pointed a hand at Kyle's head.

 

“But… you know that it won't grow back… right?” Kyle sighed and nodded. Cal visibly relaxed and took a deep breath. “Well… with that said… Onii-chan is so handsome!” She shrieked and tackled Kyle to the ground. Aang and Katara sighed and laughed at the usual site. From beside Aang, Sokka shot up at the yell and looked around. Seeing Cal shout out things in another language, Sokka groaned and fell back to sleep.

 

. . .

 

The sun shone brightly down on Kyle as he walked through the small town. His eyes darted from side to side, trying to pick out anything odd or out of the ordinary. After his first scan, he scoffed and sat down on a bench. He watched the people walk past him and could hear the voices of his friends in the back of his mind.

 

. . .

 

“I'm going to leave you four for a few days.” Kyle said. Everybody stopped their activities and stared in shock at him. Cal edged forward and stuttered with her speech.

 

“W-what do you mean, Onii-chan?”

 

“I mean…” Kyle sighed and scratched his neck. “I've had this odd feeling for a few days. I think I should go check out this… thing…” He tried to explain. “It might be nothing… but I want to be sure.” Soon Kyle convinced them to let him go. After gathering a few things, the vampire knelt down to face Cal and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hey…” He smiled, wiping a tear that rolled down her cheek. “I'll be back.”

 

Cal sniffed and nodded. “I know… But I can't help it.”

 

Kyle chuckled. “Cal, I'm counting on you to protect everyone. Can you do that?” Cal nodded, and Kyle kissed her forehead softly. “That's my girl.” He moved onto Sokka. The young man looked at the vampire crossly.

 

“You aren't gonna kiss my forehead, are you?”

 

“I'd sooner kiss a black snakebat.” The two laughed and clasped the hands together.

 

“Take care of yourself.” Sokka whispered seriously.

 

“You too. Take care.” They let go and Kyle stepped to Aang. “And you…” Aang held up a hand.

 

“I know, I know. Work on my forms, right?” Kyle smirked.

”You got it. Remember, airbending and earthbending are two very different things. Just keep practicing, and you'll get it.” Aang nodded; Kyle smiled and walked over to Katara, who looked apprehensive.

 

. . .

 

Kyle sighed and reached for a flask under his coat. Carefully uncorking it, he took a sip. The revitalizing taste of cool blood trickled down his throat. Immediately, the feeling of unease was purged from his mind and the vampire sat back with new patience. Whatever he was supposed to find; it would be here.

 

. . .

 

Katara shuffled her foot into the dirt and stared at the dust that rose. She distantly felt Kyle stand in front of her. The waterbender picked her head up and watched his piercing eyes.

 

“I'm off, then.” Kyle muttered softly. He glanced to the side and saw Sokka pull Aang away, saying something about the two of them foraging for food. Sokka waved back at Kyle and Katara. “I guess… it would be best for you to practice on some of the more advanced forms and techniques, yes?” Kyle reached in his coat and fished out a tied scroll. “Here,” He handed the paper to Katara. “These are some of the moves I demonstrated, and some that I haven't. That should keep you occupied for, what, a day or two?” Katara giggled at his poke on her skill. ”Well… good luck.” Kyle turned to go.

 

Katara grabbed the vampire's hand, stopping him. “Hang on a second, I have something for you.” She reached in her shirt and pulled out her flask, handing it to Kyle. “For you.”

 

Kyle arched an eyebrow and looked at Katara questioningly. The waterbender smiled guiltily and held out her arm. It was bandage under the sleeve. Kyle opened his mouth to argue but the look Katara gave him silenced the three hundred and seventy seven year old vampire.

 

“Just in case you get hungry. Take it, alright?” Kyle looked like he wanted to refuse, but accepted the flask.

 

“In that case, rest a bit before you try some of those moves, got it?” Katara nodded. “Good.” He tucked the flask in his coat. “Thanks.” The two of them stood facing each other for a few moments in silence. Kyle chuckled and scratched the back of his head. “Wow… awkward.” His laughter was stopped by Katara, who grabbed the back of his head and pulled him into rough kiss.

 

Cal flexed her fist from a few meters away, but kept her feet planted. If that's what Onii-chan wants… then who was she to get in the way. Cal stared at the ground and examined her small hands sadly. She could never be more than ten years old. She could never grow to the woman she wanted to be, and have Kyle all to herself. Damn that Victoria! She looked back at the two benders. Cal could never be like Katara. Never grow… never have breasts… never experience menopause… nothing. Cal lowered her hand and felt her stomach.

 

Never have a baby…

 

Cal felt tears stung her eyes. She felt a sharp pain as her nails raked the flesh over her stomach. She loved Kyle… She loved like a brother… a lover… everything and anything. But he wasn't hers to have. Cal turned and walked away.

 

“I will protect the one Kyle loves. I will protect her.”

 

. . .

 

Kyle had heard Cal say that as she left. He regretted her fate, truly. He could never make Victoria suffer enough for what she had done to he and Cal. But nothing could be done now. Cal will be a little girl forever. Kyle also felt a twinge of regret at his actions with the mentally immature vampire. Was getting too intimate with the girl a bad thing? He remembered how she was before and shuddered.

 

Her blank, soulless eyes…

 

No… it was definitely a good thing. He did not understand it, but spending time and learning under Kyle had somehow healed Cal; if not just a little. For example, a while ago, she would not have hesitated to murder Katara in cold blood. The fact that she was willing not only to stay her hand, but also protect her was something to be proud of. He had done all he could for Cal. Now all he could do was trust her.

 

Something caught Kyle's eye, jarring him from his thoughts. Across the dirt road was a scuffle; three or four people in uniform surrounded a young-looking man. Kyle recognized the victim at once. That scar… Prince Zuko.

 

The vampire had found his target.

 

From the looks of it, Zuko had somehow offended the large men. One of them raised a fist and started to swing it down towards Zuko. His large fist stopped in mid-swing, held by Kyle. The men turned to look at the intervener.

 

“Who the fuck'r you?” The man whose arm was restricted by Kyle demanded. Kyle smirked and clenched his fist, making the large man drop to one knee.

 

“No one of consequence.” Kyle retorted and kicked him away. The man crashed into the bench across the street in a dusty lump. Still grinning softly, the vampire turned to the other assaulters. They jumped under his stone-like gaze. “Well?” Kyle asked crossly. “Get the fuck away from him.” They jumped and ran over to their comrade. After helping him up, they ran towards the entrance to the town.

 

Laughing softly, Kyle walked up to Zuko and leaned on a wall.

 

“You alright, there, buddy?” He asked. Zuko wound a rope tied to the horse-ostrich and glanced over at Kyle.

 

“I didn't need any help.” Kyle chuckled and shook his head.

 

“No, of course not.” He held out a hand. “I'm Kyle. You are?” Zuko stared at his hand, and mounted the horse-ostrich. Kyle dropped his hand and sighed. “Well fine. Do you at least mind if I tag along with you?”

 

Zuko started off down the dirt road. “The roads are free.” Kyle laughed and tightened his belt. The personality of a stone.

 

Soon the view of the town had disappeared. Kyle and Zuko made their way down the path towards no particular destination. Kyle whistled softly as he walked. The shrill noise caught Zuko's attention, who cast a glance over to his traveling companion. Kyle saw his glance and smiled.

 

“What, can't whistle?” Zuko grunted and pointed his eyes forward. “Oh it's easy. You just purse you lips together… and blow.” Zuko didn't answer, and Kyle hung his head in silence. After a few seconds, Zuko slowly tried to put his lips together, and blow out of him mouth. The sound that came out sounded not unlike a motor from a tank expelling steam. Kyle snorted a laugh at the prince's attempt. Zuko glared at the man. “Sorry, sorry. But I guess it isn't all that. It'll take some practice, but you'll get it.” Silence fell around them yet again.

 

Kyle chewed his lip restlessly. What exactly am I supposed to do, anyway? Kill him? Bring him to Aang? What? Not that he thought about it, what told him to find Zuko? It was just a feeling, but he was sure that something had to be done the included the banished prince.

 

“So…” Kyle started; Zuko glanced at him. “How didja get that nasty scar?” Zuko looked forward again. “It looks deep. How is the muscle tissue? Are you blind in that eye?” When no answer was given, Kyle tried a new approach. “I'll tell you about one of mine if you tell me about that one.” He held out a hand, the one that Azula burnt, and showed him the darkened flesh that was still healing. Zuko turned his head to get a better look. “Yea… nasty, huh? Wanna know how I got it?” Zuko didn't nod, but Kyle could tell he was mildly interested. “Well, I'll tell you; but it's a secret, alright?” Again, there was no gesture. “I got this pretty burn from the princess of the Fire Nation herself.” That got Zuko's attention; he stopped his mount and his unmarred eye widened. Kyle smirked.

 

Got ya.

 

“Yea. I got it from Princess Azula herself.”

 

“How did it happen?” He demanded in a harsh voice. Kyle snickered and flexed the fingers.

 

“Oh it's a good story. The short version is… I met this girl one night, which later turned out to be Azula, in the fire nation capital. I didn't know who she was at the time, so I decided to pursue her. Who knows, I thought I might get lucky.” Kyle cracked a small grin at Zuko's reaction. It was a mix of horror and pity. “Yea… bad idea. I said one wrong word too many and she burnt my arm.” Zuko jumped off his mount suddenly.

 

“You were lucky you didn't lose that arm!” Kyle chuckled.

 

“Yea… from what a hear, she's not the most polite person in the fire nation. Serves me right from dealing with a psychopath.” Zuko lowered his eyes to the ground.

 

“You said… you were in the Fire Nation?”

 

“Hmm? Oh, yea.” Kyle examined his hand and nodded. “I was in the army. But I deserted.” He counted in his fingers. “That would be about… oh… a year ago?”

 

“You are a firebender?” Zuko asked, suddenly on his guard.

 

Kyle nodded and held up his hands. “Yea. And you can relax. I wont turn you in or anything Prince Zuko. I hold no allegiance to the Fire Nation now.” Zuko stared at Kyle for a long time, and then relaxed.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Kyle chuckled and shrugged. “Not a problem.” The two of them continued to walk down the path slowly.

 

“Did you really try to get into my sister's pants?”

 

Kyle snorted a laugh. “Hell no. I'm not that stupid.”

 

. . .

 

“I heard a frightening rumor.” Kyle muttered into his cup while staring into the fire. Zuko looked up and blinked in confusion. “A rumor that made my leave the fire nation.”

 

“What kind of rumor?” Zuko asked softly.

 

Kyle lifted his eyes to Zuko's. “A rumor that the royal family was cursed by a demon.” The prince's eyes widened.

 

“A demon?” He repeated, shocked. Kyle nodded slowly.

 

“Yea. A demon that takes the form of a beautiful woman. I heard that she has been with the royal family since before the current ruling house. She never ages… and is always by the fire lord's side.” Kyle took a sip of water. “Is that at all true?” Zuko stared into the fire for a long time. Now that he thought about it… there was a strikingly pretty woman that from time to time was seen walking behind his father. Something about the woman frightened Zuko; so he never bothered to talk to her. Could she be a demon?

 

Zuko looked up. “I don't know about the demon part… but my father did have a woman with him most of the time that wasn't his wife… and my mother.” The young man drank his water, whetting his parched throat. “Is that why you deserted? Because of a so-called demon?”

 

Kyle held up a hand. “Partially. I heard that this demon was corrupting the fire lord and purposely sending our troops to die.” Zuko picked up the wordage used.

 

“Our troops; were you a commander?”

 

Kyle chuckled and shrugged. “Ah, sorry, sorry. I meant sending us to die. I heard that she was slowly taking control of the military, and sending us to die. So I considered my survival a priority and fled. I hope you wont hold that against me.”

 

Zuko shook his head. “Don't worry. I don't care about the military anymore. My own people deserted me. My own family… tried to imprison me. Finding-“

 

“-The Avatar is all that matters now… right?” Zuko gaped at Kyle. “Yea… I know about your mission.” The prince's reaction was that of shock. “But let me ask you this… What would you do if you found him?” Zuko stood up to answer, but stopped when he opened his mouth. Would he be able to turn him over to his father now? When he thought about it rationally, somebody else, if not Azula, would intercept him now that he wasn't traveling with an escort and claim the Avatar.

 

“I…” Zuko mumbled. “I would…” He faltered and sat back down. “I don't know…”

 

Kyle held his chin in his hands. “Do you now realize how futile it is to follow your father's command?” Zuko nodded sullenly. “What do you think you should do now?”

 

“I will inherit the throne. No matter what stands in my way.” Zuko determinedly whispered. Kyle smirked and stood up.

 

“Good choice. When your ready to meet the Avatar, come find me.” The vampire turned around and walked back towards the town they had come from. Zuko stared dumbstruck at the retreating man. Does that mean he knows where the Avatar is? Suddenly, a flash of the longhaired man that stood up to him before he was caught in the blaze of his ship appeared in his mind.

 

That was him!

 

Zuko shot to his feet and clenched his fist. He knows where the Avatar is! And he would take him to the Avatar. Zuko stepped forward then stopped. “When you are ready to meet the Avatar, come find me.” What was ready? How would he be ready? Zuko sat back down.

 

“When I am ready…” He mumbled to himself. Zuko knew that his father would never forgive him now, if he sent Azula out to arrest him. As long as he would not be forgiven, he could not get his honor back. “Do you now realize how futile it is to follow your father's command?” Zuko glared into the yellow flames licking the air.

 

“I will inherit the throne, no matter what stands in my way.”

 

. . .

 

Kyle sat calmly on the bench that was recently destroyed by a fight between the local earth kingdom soldiers and a traveler. He uncorked his flask and sipped the contents, sighing contently. Looking around slowly, the vampire started to get discontent. Sitting in the same place for over six hours, even the most patient of people would lose interest. “If he doesn't come in the next hour…” Kyle grumbled menacingly.

 

As if on cue, Kyle felt somebody sit next to him. Glancing to the side he could see the scarred flesh on Zuko's face. The young prince cleared his throat.

 

“Who exactly are you?”

 

Kyle chose his words carefully. “I am the second son of Victoria, the second in command of the Fire Nation military, and confidant of the Fire Lord.” Zuko blinked rapidly in confusion, then it dawned on him.

 

“Victoria… the `Demon'?” Kyle nodded. “So it's true. She is corrupting my father and the fire nation.”

”I don't think its all her fault. The scar on your face is proof enough.” Zuko didn't say anything. “Have you decided?”

 

Zuko nodded. ”I will help you and the Avatar.” He stood up and glared down at Kyle. “But… Whatever happens, I will inherit my rightful place on the throne.” Kyle smiled and stood up.

 

“A condition or two more… but it's a deal.” The two shook hands. “Follow me and I'll fill you in on what you didn't know about your family.”

 

. . .

 

Kyle and Zuko walked through the trees quietly. They were close to their destination, and Zuko felt like a tightly wound twine. He would finally be face to face with the Avatar. But his goal is not to capture him; it would be to form a truce. Zuko would betray his family and forcibly take the throne from his father. Was that the best thing to do? Was it the right thing to do? Zuko shook his head of doubts. If it was or wasn't, he would find that out.

 

Suddenly, Kyle stopped in his tracks. Zuko stopped right behind Kyle and looked ahead. He could see nothing out of the ordinary but Kyle's expression was that of concentration.

 

“What is it?” Zuko whispered.

 

Kyle sniffed the air quietly and growled. “The smell of blood. Hurry.” He dashed ahead with Zuko trailing behind him. The smell of blood? The prince thought hurriedly. Kyle and Zuko broke through the trees and came across the remnants of a battle. The dirt was scarred and burnt, soil was upturned, and plants were strewn and dying everywhere. Zuko surveyed the scene and swallowed.

 

“What happened here?” Kyle drew his sword and edged forward slowly.

 

“This was were I left everybody. They were ambushed, it looks like.” He glanced over at the fire nation prince. “Most likely… by your loving sister.” His head snapped to the side. “The scent is stronger over here.” Zuko followed the vampire past more trees and into a small clearing. Even Zuko could smell the reeking scent of blood now; it was nearly overwhelming. He held his arm up to his nose and collided with Kyle, who stopped in front of him.

 

“What is it?” Zuko asked but was answered when he looked over his shoulder. Strung up by ropes on two trees by the arms, was a little girl. Stripped of clothes, and blood dripping slowly from her head and body from numerous cuts and lacerations, the girl was hung up above the ground like a sacrifice. Zuko felt his stomach heave and his legs wobbled. Azula… did this?

 

Kyle dropped his sword to the ground and ran toward the girl. “Cal!”

 

. . .

 

Poor Cal. She really doesn't deserve all this… she's just too cute to torture all the time.

 

Sniff

 

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