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Cartoons » Avatar: Last Airbender » Drabbletar: The Fast Entrybender
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Author of 13 Stories |
Written on gracemis' request for "inspiration" - I'm not really inspirational, just weird and unemployed.
SPOILER WARNING for Avatar Day and The Blind Bandit.
Genesis
The last time they had met was months ago at the North Pole, just after that dreadful, miraculous night Yue had sacrificed her life to save/become the Moon Spirit.
So when Sokka, reaching for an awesome hat that would go perfectly with his recently acquired tote bag, encountered the large, hammy hand of a certain retired Fire Nation general reaching for the very same hat, he screamed.
“YOU!”
The old Fire Nation man blinked, nonplussed. Slowly, a small smile spread across his face.
“The Northern Water Tribe…” he said slowly. And then, a little more sadly, “I remember you.”
Sokka’s brain pulled his attention in four different directions. If this guy was here – what was his name? – then Zuko wasn’t far behind! Where were Aang and Katara? The Fire Nation probably had them all surrounded by now! Could he take this ancient Firebender on? Probably not, he thought to himself, remembering the speed and fierceness with which he had dispatched four of Admiral Zhao’s guards back at the spirit oasis. Could he run? Not without attracting attention, and not without the Avatar and his sister. Dammit, why couldn’t they all just stick together and not have something bad happen every time they entered a town?
The old man seemed to understand the looks of panic and alarm flickering across the young warrior’s face. “Zuko’s not with me,” he said reassuringly. “And, I might add, he’s no longer after the Avatar, and neither am I.”
Sokka stared. He couldn’t trust this man – he was from the Fire Nation!
“You don’t have to believe me,” General Iroh – that was his name! – said calmly. “I was just in town to do some shopping.”
The Water boy gaped, trying to find some kind of hot retort or snappy remark, but he was sideswiped by that earnest smile as the old general slowly picked up the hat Sokka had his eye on and put it on.
He tipped his chin up appreciatively, grinning. “So what do you think? Is it me?”
“…And so he left.” Iroh sipped his ginseng and let out a heavy sigh. “I haven’t seen or heard from him since. I just hope his sister hasn’t caught up with him.”
“Zuko has a sister?” Sokka tried to picture a female version of the scarred Fire prince, but ended up painting lipstick and mascara on the Firebender instead. He giggled to himself.
“She was sent to take us back to the Fire Nation. We’re wanted men,” Iroh lowered his voice. “So far I’ve managed to elude the bounty hunters, but I’m afraid at my age, it will only be a matter of time before I’m caught.”
The Water Tribe warrior instantly felt sorry for Iroh. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, despite the way he had somehow managed to convince Sokka into buying the hat for him. (“Incidentally, you have better taste than my nephew ever did.” He’d said happily, donning the new wide-brimmed bonnet.)
“Maybe… maybe you could come with us and teach Aang Firebending,” Sokka’s mouth had taken on a life of its own. Maybe it was the tea, but he felt like he had to help the exiled old Fire Nation man. “He’s already close to mastering Earthbending, with Toph traveling with us. He’ll need a Firebending master soon, and you seem pretty qualified.”
Iroh smiled and stared down into his cup. “You’re very kind to offer. But an old man like me would only be a burden on you young kids.”
Sokka made to protest, but Iroh put a hand up. “I’m not as spry as I used to be, despite what you’ve seen. Being constantly on the run from your enemies wears an old veteran like me out.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. “I’m tired, Sokka. Very tired. I think sometimes the only reason I cling to life is for my nephew…” he gazed at the boy, smiling sadly. “You know, I bet you two would make great friends.”
Sokka was grateful for the change in subject. Mortality wasn’t high on his list of topics of conversation. He responded in typical Sokka-esque fashion: “Pfft! Yeah, and the next thing you’re going to tell me is that he should date my sister!”
There was a moment, like a lantern wick being lit over Iroh’s head. His eyes brightened.
Iroh tugged on his beard. “You know, I never really thought about that…”
Sokka paled. “Then don’t think about it.”
“…He definitely could use some female company…” Iroh said to the ceiling.
“Drop it.”
“…And your sister is certainly a capable bender…” He stroked his chin in thought.
“I said drop it.”
“…Not to mention beautiful…” The old Firebender drummed his fingers against his cheek.
“Are you even listening to me?”
“…And she’s got spirit! Did she ever tell you about that time Zuko caught… er, saved her from pirates? Those two would be like two fighting peas in a pod.”
“Could you please stop this train of thought? I’m going to throw up.”
“…And aren’t you both the children of the Southern Water Tribe leader? I seem to recall you being the eldest male in the village we stopped at. That would make your sister—what’s her name?”
“Katara.”
“—That would make Katara practically a princess.” Iroh’s eyes widened with glee. “Oh yes! That would be a perfect arrangement!”
“Arrangement?”
“Of marriage, of course. To end the war and all that. Why, if Zuko joined forces with you, taught the Avatar Firebending, and defeated his father so he could regain his throne, he could marry your sister and cement the relationship between the two nations with the worst relations! Fire and Water – together at last!” Iroh was wringing his hands together gleefully, conspiratorially, eyes round and shining.
Sokka gnashed his teeth. “Are you insane? What on earth makes you think my sister would go for Zuko?”
Iroh downed the last of his tea and stood, his eyes glittering with renewed hope and fascinating possibilities. Sokka stood up as Iroh headed for the exit.
“Where are you going?” He shouted after him.
“I have to find my nephew! This could change everything!” Iroh bounded out the door with surprisingly light footsteps. “Thank you Sokka! I will repay you one day for your brilliant idea!”
“What? Wait! I didn’t say anything! Iroh, come back here! Don’t you dare go pimping my sister to Zuko!”
But the old man had lithely disappeared into the crowd…
…Stiffing Sokka with the teahouse bill.
