Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Doppelganger ❯ Complications ( Chapter 20 )

100,000 words! Lets jump for joy!!!!!! WOOOOO!!!!! Damn, I cant believe I made it to 100 thousand words. Go me.

 

“City of walls and secrets”… shit… I watch “silence of the lambs' and `Perfect Blue' without flinching… but that episode sent chills down my spine. Shivers. Heh… platypus-bear.

 

Heheh.

 

And seeing zuko that uncomfortable on a date was one of the funniest things ive ever seen. Hahahaha.

 

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

 

Doppelganger

 

Chapter Twenty

 

. . .

 

Torches lit the room dimly, but well enough to see clearly. The room was large and ornate; tarps and rugs hung from the walls and archways extravagantly. In the middle of the dark room sat a young-looking woman in a large chair. The woman stared into the darkness, tapping her slender fingers together in a slow, steady rhythm. Every now and again, her white hair slipped into her vision. When it did, she reached up and brushed it back behind her ear, then continued tapped her fingers. After a while, the woman picked her head up and looked toward the large doorway at the end of the room.

 

Suddenly, the doors cracked open, revealing two guards escorting a man and a woman. The guards walked behind the two guests, keeping their distance, and stopped a good distance away from them when they stopped before the throne. Watching her guests and the guards bow deeply, the woman smirked. Her bright fangs sparkled in the firelight.

 

“Leave us.” She uttered, her voice echoed through the large room. The guards took their leave hastily, not wanting to remain any longer than they had to. The man and the woman stayed still, waiting to be directed. “Well? What do you have to report?”

 

The man raised his head, brushing his mane of black hair away from his face. “As you have guessed, Arcried died at the hands of the exile.”

 

The woman giggled. “It was not a guess, Vincent.”

 

Vincent bowed his head. “My apologies, M'lady.” The silver-haired woman waved her hand, disregarding the apology.

 

“Continue.”

 

“Yes. Arcried is dead, as well as Calia; the daughter of Ozai murdered her.”

 

“Stupid humans.” The woman sneered. “But I suppose the girl was overdue. She was… too attached to the exile.”

 

“I agree, M'lady.” Vincent hesitated before continuing. “But… there is something else. You must have felt it as well.” The woman rapped her fingers on the armrest of the throne, narrowing her eyes at the woman beside Vincent.

 

“Yes… it seemed the exile has created another for our brood.” Victoria stated, watching the kneeling woman clenched her fist tightly, still staring at the ground. “I would have thought he learned his lesson the first time. Tell me, did you get a look at the newborn?”

 

Vincent nodded. “Yes, M'lady Victoria. She appeared to be a daughter of the South Pole, a waterbender.”

”I see.” Victoria replied, still staring at the woman keeling before her. “What do you propose we do?”

 

Vincent blinked. “M-m'lady?” Victoria broke her stare and looked at Vincent.

 

“I said what do you think we should do? The exile has broken a very important taboo… again. What is our course of action, do you think?”

 

“Well…” Vincent glanced to the woman beside him; she didn't move a muscle. “The usual penalty is death, but… it didn't unfold that way before.” Vincent took a deep breath, contemplating his thoughts. “I believe he has been living off of borrowed time. Although I'm not sure it would be wise to exterminate another one of our brood, what with both Calia and Arcried being executed.”

 

Victoria leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. “You believe there might be some use in salvaging the exile?” Vincent thought for a moment, and then nodded.

 

“Yes, I think it will be possible. But that still leaves the newborn. As well as the Avatar, whom the exile travels with.”

 

Victoria mulled the information over, and then waved her hand. “The Avatar would normally be of no consequence. But with the exile with him, he might be more troublesome then we initially believed.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “We will do nothing for the moment. I want you to keep observing the exile while he travels with the Avatar and his new `pet'.” The woman beside Vincent twitched almost invisibly.

 

“Yes, M'lady.” Vincent stood and bowed deeply. The woman next to him also stood and bowed. “Will that be all?”

 

Victoria's lips curled into a grin. “Hmm… would you visit my quarters tonight? I have been so busy these days, that I have not had any fun.” Vincent bowed again.

 

“Of course. Then, until tonight, M'lady.” Vincent turned around and, followed by his female companion, exited the room. Outside of the throne room, Vincent slowed his walk and spoke to the woman behind him. “You have mixed feelings.”

 

“About what?” The woman replied curtly.

 

“I want to clarify them. What are your feelings about the exile's pet?” Vincent pressed.

 

The woman clenched her teeth tightly. “I don't feel anything.”

 

I fucking hate it!

 

Vincent sighed and stopped walking, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder. “What you say is different from what you think. You should know better than that.” The woman stopped walking and placed her hand on Vincent's.

 

“I know.” Her voice softened. “I'm sorry.” She exhales slowly, staring at the ground. “I… I'm hurt, more than anything.”

 

“Hurt? Why?”

 

“Hurt that he replaced me. Hurt that he left me. I'm just hurt all over.” The woman lowered her voice to a whisper. She brushed her long hair back. “Next came anger. I'm angry at Kyle.” Vincent's eye twitched at the name. “I'm angry at the girl. I want to kill the both of them and be done with these emotions. This anger… this sadness.” Vincent pulled the woman to him and placed her head on his chest.

 

“Don't be sad. He left you all those years ago; it's time to forget about the exile.” He pushed her back at arms length. “But it's alright to by angry and hurt. It's human to be angry. If all of our humanity is gone, then what are we?” The woman blinked and looked down. “That's right, we become monsters.”

 

“It's human to be sad, too.” Vincent sighed and released the woman.

 

“I suppose your right. But let me ask you this, Senea.” Senea looked back up at Vincent. “If the girl or the exile were to appear before you; what would you do?”

 

The response was instantaneous. “Kill them both.”

 

Kill them both.

 

Vincent seemed satisfied, and turned around, walking down the hallway. Senea stayed still for a moment, staring at the stone floor. An image of Kyle flashed in her mind. What if I was daydreaming about you? He grinned goofily and laughed.

 

A tear slid down Senea's face, splashing soundlessly on the floor.

 

“Usotsuki.”

 

. . .

 

Usotsuki.

 

Kyle lurched up with a gasp from his bed. He grabbed his sword from his side and sliced out in front of him. Stopping just in time, he noticed the horrified face of Katara inches in front of his face. His sword was pressed against her throat softly, causing the girl to freeze in fear. The two stared at each other, Kyle's fierce eyes bored into Katara's fearful ones. After a few seconds, the older vampire pulled his sword away from the girl and placed in on the bed. Katara let out a shallow breath and sat back, staring at the ceiling.

 

“What… the fuck were you doing?” Kyle grit his teeth angrily. Katara pressed her hand to her forehead and shut her eyes.

 

“Sorry. My head suddenly started hurting, along with my mouth. I thought I would wake you up and see if you knew why.” Kyle looked around and saw that the others were still sound asleep.

 

“Alright hang on a second. I don't think very well when I first wake up.” He slapped his cheek a few times, and clamped his eyes shut and open repeatedly. “Ok… now, what's wrong?”

 

Katara rid herself of the sick feeling of fear still left in her and pressed her hand to her head. “My head is pounding, and my mouth is really sore.” Kyle laughed to himself and edged forward.

 

“Your fangs are coming in; here, let me see.” He grabbed Katara's chin and looked inside her mouth. “Yea… your teeth that are were your fangs will be are being pushed out by the new teeth. It will be painful because the fangs are pointed, but if you like, I can pull your old teeth out manually to save you of the pain for the time being.”

 

Katara blinked and pulled back, feeling her jaw for herself. “Uh… maybe not right now.” Kyle nodded.

 

“That's understandable. Now, you said your head was hurting?” Katara nodded. “Alright, lets see.” He pulled her head forward and rested his forehead against hers. Katara blinked quickly and felt her stomach churn nervously. She could feel his cold skin against hers, and her mind flashed back to when he kissed her for the first time. “Well… you do seem to be heating up. You will be slightly feverish until you completely change. Until then I suggest that you keep supplied on blood; that should keep the fever down.” He pulled away and rolled his neck around, ridding it of morning stiffness. “We'll do that tonight. Until then, we are tracking down this `Blind Bandit'.”

 

Katara shifted her position, letting her legs dangle off the edge of the bed. “Why do you think Aang wants to find her?”

 

Kyle thought for a few seconds. “My immediate guess would be that he wants to determine exactly why he saw a vision of her in the swamp. If it were me, I would want to find out more about her.” Katara observed Kyle closely for a moment, then leaned close.

 

“You want to learn more about her, too?” Kyle stared at Katara, then chuckled softly.

 

“You are quick, aren't you? Yes, I do. Something about the girl interests me; so I wish to find out more about her.” Katara stared out the shut window, which was keeping the rising sunlight out of the room, thinking.

 

“Well, I think it might be smart to try the earthbending schools for information. Or we could also try the bars as well.” Kyle nodded.

 

“Agreed. Lets wake everyone up and get going.”

 

. . .

 

Aang led the way, followed by Sokka, Katara, Kyle, and lastly, Zuko. Quickly finding one of the more populated earthbending schools, the five made their way over and entered the large courtyard.

 

“So, you really think we might find her here?” Sokka spoke up, aiming his question at Kyle. The vampire shrugged widely.

 

“I dunno. But we might be able to find out some information. That was the guess.” Their conversation was inturupted by to young men, about Sokka and Katara's age, who ran over to them.

 

“Holy shit! It's really him! You're the guy who won the tournament yesterday, aren't you?” One of the boys asked, his finger pointed at Kyle. The other boy also pointed his finger.

 

“Yea! It's him! Fuck man, you kicked ass!” Kyle glared at the two, crossing his arms.

 

“If you two don't watch your language in front of the boy and the lady, I'll have to educate you on grammar.” The two boys reeled back, holding their arms up in their defense. Katara elbowed Kyle in the side, smirking at him as if saying, Hypocrite. Kyle crossed his arms across his chest and sighed. “Yea, well, I want to ask the two of you some questions.” The two boys relaxed visibly.

 

“Sure man, ask us anything!” One exclaimed excitedly. The other nodded, agreeing.

 

“I want to know about the Blind Bandit.” The two boys sobered and blinked slowly.

 

“Ah…” One of the boys reached behind his head, scratching his neck. “Well, we don't know much about her. Nobody's ever seen her around the school, or even around town.” The other joined in.

 

“Yea, the Blind Bandit's a mystery. Sorry, man.” Kyle looked around at everyone else, wondering if anybody else had any thoughts.

 

“Well, should we go somewhere else, then?”

 

Aang moved the hat he was wearing and cocked his head.

 

“What about just a girl? Maybe one that has a pet boar… a flying boar?” He asked carefully. The two boys exchanged confused looks.

 

“A pet flying boar? Well… nobody has a pet boar that we know of… but the Bei Fong's family seal has a flying boar on it. Their estate is in the north end of town. B-but they don't have a daughter, just so you know.”

 

“The Bei Fong family?” Kyle asked. The two boys nodded. “Alright, thank you.”

 

“No problem man; anything for a guy who can kick a-“ The boy stopped himself as Kyle glared at him. “Yea… good luck.”

 

After leaving the school, Kyle laughed and shook his head, turning to the others. “Although I can't condone idolizing a man that can beat up a child, I must say they were helpful.” Sokka snorted a laugh and slapped the vampire's back.

 

“You have no right to condone anything about children, fang-boy.” Aang and Katara glanced nervously from Kyle to Sokka, thinking he had gone to far. But Kyle returned the laugh and nodded.

”This is true.” The group, save Zuko who looked around confused, laughed brightly for the first time in a while. “Be that as it may,” Kyle slowed his laughter and looked around the streets. “They said that the Bei Fong residence is in the north side of town. And seeing as it's our only lead…”

 

Aang finished. “We should head over there!”

 

“If you are going off on an unneeded adventure…” Zuko crossed his arms over his chest, clearly aggravated. “Then count me out. I'll be around.” He turned on his heals and strolled down the road. Katara stuck her tongue out at the departing firebender.

 

“Bah; he'll most likely just get us into trouble with these people anyway.”

 

. . .

 

The large front gate of the Bei Fong residence loomed over Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Kyle as they approached. The white stone shone brightly in the sunlight, making the flying boar seal sparkle. As the group approached two guards hailed them.

 

“What business do you have in the residence of the Bei Fong family?”

 

Kyle turned back to Aang, Katara, and Sokka, shrugging. Katara pushed him forward with a solid shove, meaning for him to lead. Well… Kyle thought fleetingly. I guess if this family is as powerful as the townspeople say, the Avatar might get us in. “Good afternoon.” The vampire said slowly. “We wish for an audience with your masters.” The guards narrowed their eyes at the group in front of them, looking them over.

 

“Nobody can enter without a reservation; and so heavily armed.” The first guard nodded his head towards Kyle's sword strapped to his belt. The vampire reached behind him and pulled Aang forward. “But, surely, you can make an exception for the Avatar?” The guards' eyes widened in shock.

 

“Th- the Avatar?” They exchanged looks, and one dashed inside of the door to deliver the news. The remaining guard cleared his throat, looking thoroughly flushed. “You may enter.”

 

As Aang led the others through the gate, the guard spoke up. “Your arms?” Kyle and Sokka froze in unison and sighed.

 

“Yea, yea.” Kyle muttered and un-strapped his sword, handing it off to the guard, who took both his sword and Sokka's blade. After giving up his knife-belt as well, Kyle followed everyone else towards the entrance to the large estate.

 

. . .

 

“We are pleased that the Avatar and his friends have stopped by to visit us.” The man at the head of the table announced. “It must have been a long journey to make it all the way here.”

 

Aang nodded, looking the inhabitants of the room. From him, moving left, was Lao Bei Fong, the patriarch of the Bei Fong family, then his wife. Next was their daughter, who was called Toph. The girl was most definitely the Blind Bandit. But that fact was also most definitely unknown to her parents. Toph sat across from Aang, a grumpy look on her face. Next was a gentlemanly-looking man, who was called Yu. Yu was an earthbending teacher; apparently, the teacher at the school where the two boys had assisted Aang and company. Then sat, Kyle, beside Katara, then Sokka.

 

“It was a long trip; it's nice to sit down and eat a hot meal after so long.” Aang replied politely. The young monk looked across from him at Toph, she looked strait ahead with her pale eyes, chewing her rice quietly.

 

“I don't mean to take the initiative, young Avatar,” Lao spoke up, getting everyone's attention. “But I have heard about the unfortunate events befalling Omashu. So if you need an earthbending teacher…” Aang blinked confusedly.

 

“What unfortunate events? What happened to Omashu?”

 

There was silence at the table for a solid ten seconds. “You haven't received the news?” Aang shook his head slowly. The patriarch sighed quietly and lowered his head. “Omashu has fallen to the fire nation.” Aang, Sokka, and Kyle stood immediately, causing the finely fashioned table to shudder.

 

“What do you mean, fallen?” Kyle demanded.

 

“What happened to King Bumi?” Aang cried. Lao Bei Fong held his hand out, gesturing for them to be seated.

 

“Calm down, everyone. Please… be seated.” After Aang, Kyle, and Sokka sat, he continued. “There have been little casualties, as far as I've heard. King Bumi, surrendered immediately to the fire nation, and is a prisoner as we speak.”

 

“He… surrendered? Without a fight?” Sokka asked, not believing it.

 

“Yes. We do not know why, but the town has already been renamed to `New Ozai'.” He cast a saddened look upon Aang. “I know you were going to learn earthbending from King Bumi after you mastered waterbending, Avatar. But take heart, Master Yu here is the best earthbending teacher in the province. I'm sure he will gladly teach you.” Yu nodded respectively to Aang, you shook his head.

 

“No… it's alright. I already have an earthbending teacher.” Aang pointed to Kyle, who grimaced, clearly not wanting to be singled out in this situation.

 

“Oh, your friend here is an earthbender?” Lao remarked. “Remarkable, for one so young to teach the Avatar.” Katara hid in a laugh by pretending to yawn, covering her mouth. Kyle? Young? Yea, and I can fly.

 

“Are you skilled?” Master Yu asked Kyle. The vampire forced a light smile.

 

“Apparently. I don't really think so, but Aang think I am, so… I'm teaching him.”

 

Yu nodded, stroking his beard. “You was your teacher? If you don't mind my asking.” Kyle narrowed his gaze to Yu sharply.

 

“I do. My apologies, Master Yu.” Silence fell on the table again. Katara glanced from the surly Kyle, who poked at the food he couldn't eat; to the food she couldn't eat but still made her hungry, to the downcast-looking Aang.

 

“W-well… leaving the news of the war aside, who and your friends are more than welcome to stay here until you are ready to continue your journey.” He bowed his head towards the Avatar, who returned the gesture.

 

“Thank you sir. I will try not to be a burden to you or your family.” Lao Bei Fong rang a bell beside him. A servant entered the room and bowed.

 

“You will be shown to your rooms. Please, rest well.” The servant ushered the Avatar and his friends out of the room. After they left Lao placed a hand on his wife's shoulder, gesturing for her to look where he was. When she looked, she saw that the food left out for two of their guests was uneaten. She nervously looked to her husband, and felt a cold shill run down her back. Lao nodded solemnly.

 

It was him.

 

. . .

 

Katara stared at Kyle, who lay on a stone couch, twirling a strait knife around between his fingers lazily. “I thought the guards relieved you of your weapons?” Kyle glanced at the girl and laughed.

 

“Yea, right. I always hide it in my sleeve, as a last resort.” Katara shook her head, sighing, and looked at Aang and Sokka, who had picked out books from the bookshelf in the room. Aang stood up and dashed over to Kyle.

 

“Hey, hey! They mention vampires in this book!” Katara, Sokka, and Kyle blinked in shock. “Yea! Check it out!” He handed the book, Creatures of the world, to Kyle, who cracked it open to the bookmarked page.

 

“What does it say?” Sokka asked closing his book, Earth Nation Festivals, and edged over. Kyle skimmed over the page and snorted a laugh.

 

“Bunch of shit. Quote: Vampires are mindless blood-guzzling wanderers of the night.” He tossed the book behind him irritably. “Honestly… who's blood-guzzling?” Katara walked over to the book and picked it up, reading the passage.

 

“Vampires are mythological or folkloric creatures, typically held to be the re-animated corpses of human beings and said to subsist on human and/or animal blood.” She re-read it and looked over to Kyle, who sat up and looked outside. “It doesn't say anything about blood-guzzling.” She pointed out, looking at Kyle. The vampire laughed and nodded.

”Yea, I know. That's just my favorite description of us used by humans.” He snorted a laugh. “Blood-guzzling. Just picture it. Haha.” He stopped his laugher at once and turned towards the entrance to the room. Soon, Toph came into view and walked into the room. Aang, Sokka, Katara, and Kyle stood and waited for the girl to say something.

 

“What are you doing here?” She asked grumpily. Clearly aiming her question at Kyle.

 

“I'm here with the Avatar.” Kyle retorted. “Why? Still sore at losing yesterday?” Toph's lip twitched and she clenched her hands.

 

“I didn't lose. We tied.” Katara stepped between the two earthbenders.

 

“Wait, how do you know he's the same guy you fought at the tournament?” Toph blinked her eyes slowly, thoughtfully.

 

“I can see through my feet with earthbending.” Katara, Aang, and Sokka looked curiously at he girl.

 

“She means she can feel the vibrations made by people and things. I'm an adept at the technique; but it's extremely difficult to master. Young Bei Fong here has mastered it. Congratulations.” Toph growled and stamped her foot into the stone floor, causing the ground underneath Kyle to collapse and the vampire to fall to the ground with a loud grunt.

 

. . .

 

Kyle glanced outside, looking at the moon. “Alright.” He said, standing up. “Shall we go?” Katara stood up slowly, nodding. Sokka looked up from his book questioningly.

 

“Where are you two going?” Kyle slipped the knife he had been playing with into his sleeve.

 

“Vampire training, lesson two.”

 

“So you two are gonna leave me here? Alone?” Aang had left earlier with Toph at the urging of Kyle. How else was he going to find out about his vision in the swamp?

 

“Sorry, Sokka. It's for the best.” Katara smiled guiltily and turned to leave the room.

 

“Whoa, whoa. We're leaving out here.” Kyle said, halfway out the window. “I don't think the folks here will allow us to leave after hours.” Katara hesitated, but headed out after Kyle, leaving a griping Sokka in the room. Now outside in the dark courtyard, Kyle grabbed her hand, making Katara's stomach churn. “Come on, this way.” Giving her little choice, Kyle led her along the side of the manor.

 

“Where are we going?” Katara whispered. Kyle stopped to look around.

 

“I doubt we can freely roam through the place, so were gonna have to find our way around from the outside.” He turned to look at Katara. “A thing you should know about vampires is that we can move with almost no noise whatsoever. Just concentrate on taking light steps and you'll see a big difference.” Katara followed his lead and stuck close to the vampire.

 

“I ask again; where are we going?” Kyle laughed quietly.

 

“Ah yes. We are trying to find the library.”

 

Katara blinked. “Why?”

 

“There's something I want to confirm. Ah, here we go.” He pointed up to a second floor window. Katara crossed her arms over her chest, wincing minutely at a sharp pain from her scar.

 

“How do you know?” Kyle grinned and shrugged.

 

“A guess? Anyway, let's jump up there.” Katara exhaled quickly.

 

“Jump? Are you kidding? That's at least ten feet. Only Aang could get up there.” Kyle sighed and tapped Katara's forehead.

 

“Hello? Vampires. Just tense your leg muscles, and jump in that direction. I'll go up there first and catch you since its you first try.” With that, he leapt easily through the window and looked back outside. “Alright, give it a try.”

 

Katara nodded and knelt down, coiling her leg muscles. Please let this work. The waterbender jumped up towards the window. As soon as she noticed she had passed the window and flew into the air. Letting out a squeal, Katara waved her arms around in a desperate attempt to steady herself. She reached the top of her jump, and slowly started to fall back down towards the roof of the manor. Oh no! The roof! Suddenly, she was in the arms on Kyle as he snatched her out of the air. The vampire glided towards a tree beside the house with her in his arms, and pushed against it, flying back into the window of the house.

 

Now back safely on the ground, Katara breathed a sigh of relief. Kyle lit a nearby torch with a flick of his wrist and chuckled.

 

“Hey, that wasn't bad for your first try. And look at that, I was right.” Katara looked around. The room was indeed very library-esque. Books were strewn here and there, as well as scrolls and notes. It looked more like an office than a library. But it seemed to be what Kyle was looking for. “Alright, now all there is left to do is find…” Kyle immediately began riffling through papers on the desktop.

 

Katara stood up and walked over to Kyle, looking over his shoulder. “What are you doing? These belong to Toph's family.” Kyle grunted and leafed through a book.

 

“I know; I just need to know.”

 

Katara stepped back and looked around. Know what? Something caught her eye. She walked over to the bookshelf and picked a book out. The book had a page poking out of it. Katara opened the book and pulled out the paper. Setting down the book, the waterbender unfolded the parchment and took a good look at it. It's… a family tree. Right at the bottom was Toph. Followed by Her father and mother. Her mother wasn't from the Bei Fong family, she married into it. Katara traced the Bei Fong line up through the generations and came to a halt when she reached a name she recognized.

 

“Kyle.” She whispered, her voice shaking.

 

“Hmm?” Kyle mumbled, looking at a letter.

 

“Kyle!” Her voice rose slightly.

 

“What?” The vampire turned to her.

 

“Look at this…” She pointed to the family tree. Kyle walked over and eyed where Katara pointed. At once his eyes widened. He re-read the parchment carefully, but he saw the same name. “Is that the same person I think it is?”

 

Kyle took the family tree with shaking hands and sat on the floor.

 

“How… is this possible?”

 

On the family tree, with a direct family line from her to Toph's generation, was the name Ellen Bei Fong.

 

. . .

 

Ooo… the plot thickens.