Kinesis - Chapter One
Title: Kinesis
Author: ergo_awesome
Characters: Sokka, Katara, Zuko (eventual Gaang plus villains)
Rating: K+ (T overall)
Word Count: 2,872
Warnings: General spoilers for the series
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or about... 75% of the plot. I do however own the world. Please do not sue or steal. (Poor college student is poor)
Summary: The Elemental Courts have been a powerful ruling force in the Supernatural community for centuries, but in modern times this power is waning. The Fire Court is determined to preserve the old ways, while a small group of children is threatening to destroy centuries of tradition. When lines are drawn a sides are chosen, who will prevail? (The characters of A:tLA in a modern fantasy setting.)
A/N: HUGE thanks to my fabulous betas aerodactylus and cxrdevil!
“I can’t believe you got detention!” Katara gritted her teeth as she walked down the street, glaring at her older brother. “Did you really think you could hack into the school’s grading system?”
Sokka rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t hacking, Katara. I was testing the firewall for weaknesses. I was helping the school!” He kicked an empty can across the sidewalk, watching it splash in a nearby puddle. “They should be thanking me, not making me spend an hour after school with Principal Arnook.”
Shaking her head, Katara sped up. “Either way, you got in trouble and I had to stay and wait because you are too lazy to walk home alone.”
Sokka sighed, running after his sister. “Hey, it’s a long walk home.” He gestured to the empty street. “What do you want me to do, talk to myself?”
Katara stopped, turning to face her brother. “It would be better than making me wait an extra hour.”
“Come on, Katara.” Sokka gave his sister a pleading smile. “There’s a crazy cat lady halfway between school and home, and I think she has a crush on me.” He sighed dramatically. “Every time I walk by alone, she tries to talk to me.” He glanced around. “And she smells. Really. Bad.” He pointed a finger at his sister. “Besides, I’d do the same thing for you!”
“Oh really?” Katara’s eyes narrowed. “Like how you were supposed to get my homework for me when I was home with the flu?” She clenched her fists. “But you forgot, and I had to do three days of math homework during lunchtime?”
Sokka frowned. “Katara…”
Katara shook her head. “No! You’ve been so inconsiderate of me ever since I started high school!” She poked a finger at her brother’s chest. “You act like I’m there to be your personal…”
“Katara!” Sokka’s eyes grew wide as he pointed to something behind his sister.
Ignoring her brother’s panic, Katara put her hands on her hips. “That’s right Sokka! You should be sorry, because I’m not…”
“KATARA! Look!” Grabbing his sister’s shoulder, Sokka gave her a light shove, forcing her to turn around and look behind her. The puddles leftover from earlier rain were swirling like whirlpools on the ground as water shot up from them in miniature geysers. They danced elegantly before ending in harsh streams that whipped violently through the air. The edges lapped at Katara’s shoulders, spraying her in the face.
“Oh no,” Katara gasped in surprise, stumbling backwards into Sokka. He caught her elbow as she tripped, the force knocking both siblings to the ground. The water spiraled into a torrent, whirling towards them. Holding her hands up defensively, Katara raised them above her head as though pushing the liquid away. Just as it brushed her skin, the torrent began to flow backwards, recoiling on itself before condensing and splashing harmlessly to the ground. Breathing a sight of relief, she watched the now-still puddle.
“What. The hell. Was that?” Sokka hurried to his feet, looking cautiously from left to right. “Is there any more?” Crouching into an imitation of a fighting stance, he raised his fists. “Katara, if you see another one, let me know.” Glancing at his sister, he frowned. “Katara?”
The girl was sitting on the ground, staring at her hands. “It… it never did that before,” she whispered.
“What you do you mean ‘never did that before’?” Sokka eyed his sister. Gesturing to the puddle, he asked, “Do you know something about that? Have you seen something like that before?”
Slowly crawling to her feet, Katara nodded. “Sometimes when I wash my hands or do the dishes, the water…” She swallowed, biting her bottom lip. “The water moves. It moves with my hands.” She looked at the puddle. “But never like this.”
Sokka shook his head. “That’s impossible Katara. There has to be another explanation. People don’t just move water.”
Katara shrugged, watching her brother. “I don’t know. It just… happens.” Gaze sincere, she added, “When I move water it feels natural, like breathing.”
“It’s not natural, or even possible, for people to ‘move’ water.” Frowning, Sokka stroked his chin. “Maybe it’s magnetism, or…”
“No.” Katara’s voice was soft, but firm. “I know what I felt. I moved that water. It was me.”
Sokka’s expression softened, though doubt played on his lips as he placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “If you really think you moved it, I believe you Katara.”
Giving her brother a grateful smile, Katara whispered, “Thanks.”
“You said this happened before?” Taking a deep breath, Sokka began to pace. “And you didn’t think maybe you should tell me?”
“It’s been happening for a few weeks, but never like this.” Frowning, Katara rolled her eyes. “And I guess I thought you wouldn’t believe me.”
“Katara, you’re a freak. But you’re also my sister.” Sokka grinned weakly before glancing around. “Did you tell anyone else?”
Katara shook her head. “No.”
“Good.” Sokka nodded. “I may think you’re weird, but everyone else will think you’re crazy.” He twirled a finger beside his head.
“I just… I don’t know what to do,” Katara admitted.
Sokka wrapped his sister in a hug. “Hey, we’ll figure it out. We always do.” Stepping away, he smiled. “Remember when we were little and we broke Gran-Gran’s vase while she was out? And then we glued it back together before she got home?”
Katara snickered. “We did an awful job. You could still see all the cracks, and it fell apart the next day.”
“But that’s not the point.” Sokka held up a finger. “The point is that Gran-Gran was so impressed with how hard we tried that she forgot to get mad.”
Katara sighed, eyes dropping. “I was thinking of telling Gran-Gran.” She started walking. “I think I’m going to.”
“No. Nooo.” Sokka waved his hands. “That would be a bad idea. Remember the part with people thinking you’re crazy?”
Without looking back, Katara replied, “Gran-Gran will understand. And maybe…” She paused thoughtfully. “Maybe she’ll know something.”
Sokka rushed to catch up with his sister. “Gran-Gran may be old and know a lot of stuff, but I don’t think that includes freaky powers and magic water.”
Katara was resolute. “I don’t care. She’ll know what to do. She always knows what to do.” She started to run towards home.
Jogging behind his sister, Sokka called back, “This is a bad idea, Katara. What if she doesn’t believe you?” Shaking his head he muttered, “I don’t believe it, and I saw it myself.”
“Gran-Gran, we’re home.” Katara slipped into house, placing her backpack by the door before hurrying into the kitchen to give her grandmother a hug.
Kana looked at her granddaughter with a soft smile. “I haven’t gotten a greeting like this in a long time. Katara is everything alright?”
Shaking her head, Katara stepped away from her grandmother. “No, it’s not. Gran-Gran, I have something to tell you…”
She was interrupted when Sokka ran through the door, messenger bag still around his shoulders as he called out, “Gran-Gran, don’t believe anything Katara says.” The bag’s strap tangled around his arms as he rushed to remove it on his way into the kitchen. “She was hit in the head with a dodgeball today and…”
Katara scowled at her brother. “I was not!” Turning back to the older woman she continued, “It’s just that, lately, when I’m around water… Gran-Gran, I can make it move.”
“Gran-Gran, it was a bad hit. I don’t know why they make kids play dangerous games like that.” Sokka shook his head in mock disapproval as he leaned against the kitchen table.
“Sokka, stop it!” Katara gave her grandmother a pleading look. “Gran-Gran, please believe me. I know it sounds insane, but it’s real, I swear.” She swallowed hard, looking her grandmother in the eyes. “Today, I accidently turned a puddle into a geyser. It was whipping all over the place. Sokka saw it.” She nodded to her brother.
Forcing an awkward laugh, Sokka waved his hands dismissively. “Dodgeball. Brutal sport.” He frowned. “Besides, we all know it’s impossible for someone to wave their hands and magically make water move.”
“I never said anything about waving my hands.” Katara sighed, turning back to her grandmother. “Gran-Gran, if you don’t believe me, let me show you.” She walked over to the kitchen sink, turning on the faucet. As the water flowed, she placed her hands on either side of the stream, moving them slowly from side to side. The water began to undulate, flowing in a rippling wave. As Katara increased the speed of her hands, the water became a rapid shimmer. She grinned broadly. “See, I’m not crazy!”
Sokka paled slightly. “You know, magnetization can cause a stream of water to bend and…”
Katara shut off the faucet. “Sokka, I know you’re trying to protect me but… this is real. I don’t know how, but it is.” She gave her grandmother a hopeful look. “You don’t think I’m crazy, right Gran-Gran?”
Kanna sighed. “We need to talk.” She began to walk into the living room, beckoning for her grandchildren to follow. “I’ve been afraid of this for a long time.” She sat down on the couch, patting the seat beside her. “And yet, I’ve been hoping this would happen.”
Katara sat nervously beside her grandmother. “Gran-Gran, what’s wrong?”
Trying to look casual, Sokka leaned a hip against the couch arm. “Yeah. What type of freak is Katara?”
Without blinking, Kanna gave Sokka a harsh swat to the back of the head, then turned to Katara and gave her a warm smile. “For many generations, members of our family were born with a special gift.” She leaned in closer, giving her granddaughter a hug. “The gift to create and control water.”
Katara smiled. “Really? Can you do it too?”
Kanna shook her head. “No. My grandfather was the last one born with the gift, and he died a long time ago.” She sighed. “We always hoped someone else would inherit it, and now Katara has.”
“Wait. Does dad know about all of this?” Sokka scowled, rubbing his head.
Frowning, Kanna explained, “No. When he wasn’t born with the gift, I decided not to trouble him with knowledge of the Supernatural world. It would only make him afraid.”
“So, there’s more out there than just me? Other people who can control water? Or control… other things?” Katara looked hopeful.
“Oh yes. There are many others, some with powers you can’t even imagine.” Kanna smiled wistfully. “People who can read minds, and change into animals. All sorts of mythical creatures.” She rubbed Katara’s back. “You are a Water Elemental. You can create, control, and possibly even turn into water.”
Sokka furrowed his brow thoughtfully. “If there’s a ‘Water Elemental,’ shouldn’t there be a ‘Fire Elemental,’ or a ‘Wood Elemental’?”
Kanna nodded slowly. “There are Elementals for the four major elements; Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire.” She pursed her lips. “Once my grandfather told me there are others for minor elements like Ice and Electricity.”
“And all of these things, these Elementals and whatever else is out there, all of them are just running around and we’ve never heard of them?” Sokka shook his head disbelievingly. “Uh-uh. I’m not buying it.”
“There are strict rules in place. Laws set by the Elemental Courts that govern all Elementals in a city.” Kanna’s expression grew dark. “They dictate what can be said in public, and who can know they exist.” She closed her eyes. “And there are harsh punishments for those who break the laws.”
Katara’s eyes widened. “Like what?”
“When the Water Court found out my grandfather told his family about his gift, they temporarily took his powers away.” Kanna hung her head. “He swore that any Elementals born into the family would be raised outside of the Courts.”
“So. Not going near these Courts. Got it.” Sokka stood up straight. “And no telling anyone Katara is a freak.”
“But there might other Water Elementals in the Water Court who can teach me!” Katara looked thoughtful. “Maybe I can learn to help people, or fight crime, or…”
Kanna shook at finger at her granddaughter. “The Courts are dangerous places, full of powerful Elementals only looking out for themselves. Too dangerous for a child like you.”
“Yeah Katara, listen to what Gran-Gran says. Don’t go near the dangerous freaks.” Sokka frowned at his sister.
“But…”
Seeing the hopeful look in her granddaughter’s eyes, Kanna sighed. “Maybe, when you are older, I can help you find a teacher.” She smiled and pressed a kiss to the girl’s forehead. “But for now, don’t worry about Supernatural creatures and Elemental Courts. Just worry about being a child and having fun.”
With a reluctant sigh, Katara hugged her grandmother. “Okay, Gran-Gran. I’ll try.”
Voice stern, Kanna added, “And don’t show anyone what you can do. Regular people can be just as dangerous as the Supernatural.”
“I won’t Gran-Gran.” Giving her grandmother a kiss on the cheek, Katara stood up. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, thanks for telling Katara she has magical powers.” Sokka rolled his eyes and headed for the stairs, waving his fingers through the air. “I have some real math homework to do, and I don’t have any magical powers to help me out.”
“I have homework too.” Katara sighed sadly. “I guess I should start on it before dinner.”
“Go, go!” Kanna shooed her grandchildren off. “Dinner will be ready in about an hour.” She stood and headed towards the kitchen, pausing to give Katara a pointed look. “And remember what I said. Don’t go looking for trouble.” With that, she strode through the kitchen doorway.
“I won’t, Gran-Gran.” Katara smiled weakly as she went to retrieve her backpack.
Sokka narrowed his eyes. His sister had agreed too easily. She may have fooled Gran-Gran, but he knew she was planning something.
Zuko slammed the door shut behind him as he entered his uncle’s apartment, roughly throwing his backpack onto a nearby chair. His fingers curled into fists and steam formed around his hands, followed by small flames.
“Good day at school, nephew?” Iroh smiled weakly at the teen as he carried a steaming pot of tea from the kitchen.
Zuko growled before relaxing his hands, flames dissipating. “It was fine,” he muttered.
“Nephew, if something happened, you can tell me.” Iroh raised the teapot. “Perhaps over a cup of jasmine tea?”
“I don’t need tea, Uncle.” Zuko pushed his bag off the chair before sitting down. “I need Azula to go back to her private tutors.” He paused, jaw tensing. “Why does Father even send her to a public high school?”
“Maybe he wants your sister to work on her people skills.” Iroh smiled weakly. “Or be able to spend more time with her friends.”
“You mean Mai and Ty Lee?” Zuko’s eyes narrowed. “The two she ambushed me with at my locker?” He shook his head, remembering.
“Oh, hello Zu-Zu,” Azula purred, shoulder resting against the locker next to Zuko’s. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” She smirked, and Ty Lee laughed. “How is your new life with Uncle going? Is apartment living better than the penthouse?”
Mai’s bored expression became sympathetic, but it disappeared when Azula continued talking.
“You know, everyone has been so worried about you. All the acting out, the accident.” Azula shook her head with mock sadness. “Just be careful Zu-Zu. I wouldn’t want you to accidently burn yourself again.” Sighing, she looked at her watch. “Well, I better get to class. Some of us still care about pleasing Father.”
As the trio strode away, Azula gave Zuko a parting smirk over her shoulder.
Zuko frowned at his uncle. “That’s what they’ve been telling people. That I’m the problem child who was sent to live with you after I started acting out and playing with fire.” Idly, he touched the scar on his face.
Iroh placed a comforting hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “You know your father has to keep up appearances in the Mundane world.” Glancing around, he lowered his voice. “He is the head of the city’s Fire Court. It’s a prestigious and precarious position…”
“And I’m just the disgraced son who interrupted him at the wrong time.” Zuko angrily kicked his backpack. “Who was banished from the Court.”
With a heavily sigh, Iroh shook his head. “It’s not just that. The Mundane world isn’t ready to know the supernatural world exists. Not yet. Maybe not ever!”
Zuko hung his head. “I know Uncle.” He clenched his teeth. “But sometimes I wish Azula’s friends knew the truth. I bet they wouldn’t follow her around if they knew what she really is.”
“Zuko, don’t get any ideas.” Iroh’s tone was sharp.
“Uncle, I know there’s balance for a reason. I know the supernatural world needs to stay a secret.” Zuko stood up, grabbing his backpack. “I’m not as stupid as people think.”
Iroh’s expression softened. “Nephew, I simply meant that you cannot wrap fire with paper.”
Snorting in annoyance, Zuko hurried to his room. “I don’t have time for your riddles, Uncle. I have homework.” Slamming his backpack onto his desk, he kicked the door shut.
Author: ergo_awesome
Characters: Sokka, Katara, Zuko (eventual Gaang plus villains)
Rating: K+ (T overall)
Word Count: 2,872
Warnings: General spoilers for the series
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or about... 75% of the plot. I do however own the world. Please do not sue or steal. (Poor college student is poor)
Summary: The Elemental Courts have been a powerful ruling force in the Supernatural community for centuries, but in modern times this power is waning. The Fire Court is determined to preserve the old ways, while a small group of children is threatening to destroy centuries of tradition. When lines are drawn a sides are chosen, who will prevail? (The characters of A:tLA in a modern fantasy setting.)
A/N: HUGE thanks to my fabulous betas aerodactylus and cxrdevil!
“I can’t believe you got detention!” Katara gritted her teeth as she walked down the street, glaring at her older brother. “Did you really think you could hack into the school’s grading system?”
Sokka rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t hacking, Katara. I was testing the firewall for weaknesses. I was helping the school!” He kicked an empty can across the sidewalk, watching it splash in a nearby puddle. “They should be thanking me, not making me spend an hour after school with Principal Arnook.”
Shaking her head, Katara sped up. “Either way, you got in trouble and I had to stay and wait because you are too lazy to walk home alone.”
Sokka sighed, running after his sister. “Hey, it’s a long walk home.” He gestured to the empty street. “What do you want me to do, talk to myself?”
Katara stopped, turning to face her brother. “It would be better than making me wait an extra hour.”
“Come on, Katara.” Sokka gave his sister a pleading smile. “There’s a crazy cat lady halfway between school and home, and I think she has a crush on me.” He sighed dramatically. “Every time I walk by alone, she tries to talk to me.” He glanced around. “And she smells. Really. Bad.” He pointed a finger at his sister. “Besides, I’d do the same thing for you!”
“Oh really?” Katara’s eyes narrowed. “Like how you were supposed to get my homework for me when I was home with the flu?” She clenched her fists. “But you forgot, and I had to do three days of math homework during lunchtime?”
Sokka frowned. “Katara…”
Katara shook her head. “No! You’ve been so inconsiderate of me ever since I started high school!” She poked a finger at her brother’s chest. “You act like I’m there to be your personal…”
“Katara!” Sokka’s eyes grew wide as he pointed to something behind his sister.
Ignoring her brother’s panic, Katara put her hands on her hips. “That’s right Sokka! You should be sorry, because I’m not…”
“KATARA! Look!” Grabbing his sister’s shoulder, Sokka gave her a light shove, forcing her to turn around and look behind her. The puddles leftover from earlier rain were swirling like whirlpools on the ground as water shot up from them in miniature geysers. They danced elegantly before ending in harsh streams that whipped violently through the air. The edges lapped at Katara’s shoulders, spraying her in the face.
“Oh no,” Katara gasped in surprise, stumbling backwards into Sokka. He caught her elbow as she tripped, the force knocking both siblings to the ground. The water spiraled into a torrent, whirling towards them. Holding her hands up defensively, Katara raised them above her head as though pushing the liquid away. Just as it brushed her skin, the torrent began to flow backwards, recoiling on itself before condensing and splashing harmlessly to the ground. Breathing a sight of relief, she watched the now-still puddle.
“What. The hell. Was that?” Sokka hurried to his feet, looking cautiously from left to right. “Is there any more?” Crouching into an imitation of a fighting stance, he raised his fists. “Katara, if you see another one, let me know.” Glancing at his sister, he frowned. “Katara?”
The girl was sitting on the ground, staring at her hands. “It… it never did that before,” she whispered.
“What you do you mean ‘never did that before’?” Sokka eyed his sister. Gesturing to the puddle, he asked, “Do you know something about that? Have you seen something like that before?”
Slowly crawling to her feet, Katara nodded. “Sometimes when I wash my hands or do the dishes, the water…” She swallowed, biting her bottom lip. “The water moves. It moves with my hands.” She looked at the puddle. “But never like this.”
Sokka shook his head. “That’s impossible Katara. There has to be another explanation. People don’t just move water.”
Katara shrugged, watching her brother. “I don’t know. It just… happens.” Gaze sincere, she added, “When I move water it feels natural, like breathing.”
“It’s not natural, or even possible, for people to ‘move’ water.” Frowning, Sokka stroked his chin. “Maybe it’s magnetism, or…”
“No.” Katara’s voice was soft, but firm. “I know what I felt. I moved that water. It was me.”
Sokka’s expression softened, though doubt played on his lips as he placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “If you really think you moved it, I believe you Katara.”
Giving her brother a grateful smile, Katara whispered, “Thanks.”
“You said this happened before?” Taking a deep breath, Sokka began to pace. “And you didn’t think maybe you should tell me?”
“It’s been happening for a few weeks, but never like this.” Frowning, Katara rolled her eyes. “And I guess I thought you wouldn’t believe me.”
“Katara, you’re a freak. But you’re also my sister.” Sokka grinned weakly before glancing around. “Did you tell anyone else?”
Katara shook her head. “No.”
“Good.” Sokka nodded. “I may think you’re weird, but everyone else will think you’re crazy.” He twirled a finger beside his head.
“I just… I don’t know what to do,” Katara admitted.
Sokka wrapped his sister in a hug. “Hey, we’ll figure it out. We always do.” Stepping away, he smiled. “Remember when we were little and we broke Gran-Gran’s vase while she was out? And then we glued it back together before she got home?”
Katara snickered. “We did an awful job. You could still see all the cracks, and it fell apart the next day.”
“But that’s not the point.” Sokka held up a finger. “The point is that Gran-Gran was so impressed with how hard we tried that she forgot to get mad.”
Katara sighed, eyes dropping. “I was thinking of telling Gran-Gran.” She started walking. “I think I’m going to.”
“No. Nooo.” Sokka waved his hands. “That would be a bad idea. Remember the part with people thinking you’re crazy?”
Without looking back, Katara replied, “Gran-Gran will understand. And maybe…” She paused thoughtfully. “Maybe she’ll know something.”
Sokka rushed to catch up with his sister. “Gran-Gran may be old and know a lot of stuff, but I don’t think that includes freaky powers and magic water.”
Katara was resolute. “I don’t care. She’ll know what to do. She always knows what to do.” She started to run towards home.
Jogging behind his sister, Sokka called back, “This is a bad idea, Katara. What if she doesn’t believe you?” Shaking his head he muttered, “I don’t believe it, and I saw it myself.”
“Gran-Gran, we’re home.” Katara slipped into house, placing her backpack by the door before hurrying into the kitchen to give her grandmother a hug.
Kana looked at her granddaughter with a soft smile. “I haven’t gotten a greeting like this in a long time. Katara is everything alright?”
Shaking her head, Katara stepped away from her grandmother. “No, it’s not. Gran-Gran, I have something to tell you…”
She was interrupted when Sokka ran through the door, messenger bag still around his shoulders as he called out, “Gran-Gran, don’t believe anything Katara says.” The bag’s strap tangled around his arms as he rushed to remove it on his way into the kitchen. “She was hit in the head with a dodgeball today and…”
Katara scowled at her brother. “I was not!” Turning back to the older woman she continued, “It’s just that, lately, when I’m around water… Gran-Gran, I can make it move.”
“Gran-Gran, it was a bad hit. I don’t know why they make kids play dangerous games like that.” Sokka shook his head in mock disapproval as he leaned against the kitchen table.
“Sokka, stop it!” Katara gave her grandmother a pleading look. “Gran-Gran, please believe me. I know it sounds insane, but it’s real, I swear.” She swallowed hard, looking her grandmother in the eyes. “Today, I accidently turned a puddle into a geyser. It was whipping all over the place. Sokka saw it.” She nodded to her brother.
Forcing an awkward laugh, Sokka waved his hands dismissively. “Dodgeball. Brutal sport.” He frowned. “Besides, we all know it’s impossible for someone to wave their hands and magically make water move.”
“I never said anything about waving my hands.” Katara sighed, turning back to her grandmother. “Gran-Gran, if you don’t believe me, let me show you.” She walked over to the kitchen sink, turning on the faucet. As the water flowed, she placed her hands on either side of the stream, moving them slowly from side to side. The water began to undulate, flowing in a rippling wave. As Katara increased the speed of her hands, the water became a rapid shimmer. She grinned broadly. “See, I’m not crazy!”
Sokka paled slightly. “You know, magnetization can cause a stream of water to bend and…”
Katara shut off the faucet. “Sokka, I know you’re trying to protect me but… this is real. I don’t know how, but it is.” She gave her grandmother a hopeful look. “You don’t think I’m crazy, right Gran-Gran?”
Kanna sighed. “We need to talk.” She began to walk into the living room, beckoning for her grandchildren to follow. “I’ve been afraid of this for a long time.” She sat down on the couch, patting the seat beside her. “And yet, I’ve been hoping this would happen.”
Katara sat nervously beside her grandmother. “Gran-Gran, what’s wrong?”
Trying to look casual, Sokka leaned a hip against the couch arm. “Yeah. What type of freak is Katara?”
Without blinking, Kanna gave Sokka a harsh swat to the back of the head, then turned to Katara and gave her a warm smile. “For many generations, members of our family were born with a special gift.” She leaned in closer, giving her granddaughter a hug. “The gift to create and control water.”
Katara smiled. “Really? Can you do it too?”
Kanna shook her head. “No. My grandfather was the last one born with the gift, and he died a long time ago.” She sighed. “We always hoped someone else would inherit it, and now Katara has.”
“Wait. Does dad know about all of this?” Sokka scowled, rubbing his head.
Frowning, Kanna explained, “No. When he wasn’t born with the gift, I decided not to trouble him with knowledge of the Supernatural world. It would only make him afraid.”
“So, there’s more out there than just me? Other people who can control water? Or control… other things?” Katara looked hopeful.
“Oh yes. There are many others, some with powers you can’t even imagine.” Kanna smiled wistfully. “People who can read minds, and change into animals. All sorts of mythical creatures.” She rubbed Katara’s back. “You are a Water Elemental. You can create, control, and possibly even turn into water.”
Sokka furrowed his brow thoughtfully. “If there’s a ‘Water Elemental,’ shouldn’t there be a ‘Fire Elemental,’ or a ‘Wood Elemental’?”
Kanna nodded slowly. “There are Elementals for the four major elements; Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire.” She pursed her lips. “Once my grandfather told me there are others for minor elements like Ice and Electricity.”
“And all of these things, these Elementals and whatever else is out there, all of them are just running around and we’ve never heard of them?” Sokka shook his head disbelievingly. “Uh-uh. I’m not buying it.”
“There are strict rules in place. Laws set by the Elemental Courts that govern all Elementals in a city.” Kanna’s expression grew dark. “They dictate what can be said in public, and who can know they exist.” She closed her eyes. “And there are harsh punishments for those who break the laws.”
Katara’s eyes widened. “Like what?”
“When the Water Court found out my grandfather told his family about his gift, they temporarily took his powers away.” Kanna hung her head. “He swore that any Elementals born into the family would be raised outside of the Courts.”
“So. Not going near these Courts. Got it.” Sokka stood up straight. “And no telling anyone Katara is a freak.”
“But there might other Water Elementals in the Water Court who can teach me!” Katara looked thoughtful. “Maybe I can learn to help people, or fight crime, or…”
Kanna shook at finger at her granddaughter. “The Courts are dangerous places, full of powerful Elementals only looking out for themselves. Too dangerous for a child like you.”
“Yeah Katara, listen to what Gran-Gran says. Don’t go near the dangerous freaks.” Sokka frowned at his sister.
“But…”
Seeing the hopeful look in her granddaughter’s eyes, Kanna sighed. “Maybe, when you are older, I can help you find a teacher.” She smiled and pressed a kiss to the girl’s forehead. “But for now, don’t worry about Supernatural creatures and Elemental Courts. Just worry about being a child and having fun.”
With a reluctant sigh, Katara hugged her grandmother. “Okay, Gran-Gran. I’ll try.”
Voice stern, Kanna added, “And don’t show anyone what you can do. Regular people can be just as dangerous as the Supernatural.”
“I won’t Gran-Gran.” Giving her grandmother a kiss on the cheek, Katara stood up. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, thanks for telling Katara she has magical powers.” Sokka rolled his eyes and headed for the stairs, waving his fingers through the air. “I have some real math homework to do, and I don’t have any magical powers to help me out.”
“I have homework too.” Katara sighed sadly. “I guess I should start on it before dinner.”
“Go, go!” Kanna shooed her grandchildren off. “Dinner will be ready in about an hour.” She stood and headed towards the kitchen, pausing to give Katara a pointed look. “And remember what I said. Don’t go looking for trouble.” With that, she strode through the kitchen doorway.
“I won’t, Gran-Gran.” Katara smiled weakly as she went to retrieve her backpack.
Sokka narrowed his eyes. His sister had agreed too easily. She may have fooled Gran-Gran, but he knew she was planning something.
Zuko slammed the door shut behind him as he entered his uncle’s apartment, roughly throwing his backpack onto a nearby chair. His fingers curled into fists and steam formed around his hands, followed by small flames.
“Good day at school, nephew?” Iroh smiled weakly at the teen as he carried a steaming pot of tea from the kitchen.
Zuko growled before relaxing his hands, flames dissipating. “It was fine,” he muttered.
“Nephew, if something happened, you can tell me.” Iroh raised the teapot. “Perhaps over a cup of jasmine tea?”
“I don’t need tea, Uncle.” Zuko pushed his bag off the chair before sitting down. “I need Azula to go back to her private tutors.” He paused, jaw tensing. “Why does Father even send her to a public high school?”
“Maybe he wants your sister to work on her people skills.” Iroh smiled weakly. “Or be able to spend more time with her friends.”
“You mean Mai and Ty Lee?” Zuko’s eyes narrowed. “The two she ambushed me with at my locker?” He shook his head, remembering.
“Oh, hello Zu-Zu,” Azula purred, shoulder resting against the locker next to Zuko’s. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” She smirked, and Ty Lee laughed. “How is your new life with Uncle going? Is apartment living better than the penthouse?”
Mai’s bored expression became sympathetic, but it disappeared when Azula continued talking.
“You know, everyone has been so worried about you. All the acting out, the accident.” Azula shook her head with mock sadness. “Just be careful Zu-Zu. I wouldn’t want you to accidently burn yourself again.” Sighing, she looked at her watch. “Well, I better get to class. Some of us still care about pleasing Father.”
As the trio strode away, Azula gave Zuko a parting smirk over her shoulder.
Zuko frowned at his uncle. “That’s what they’ve been telling people. That I’m the problem child who was sent to live with you after I started acting out and playing with fire.” Idly, he touched the scar on his face.
Iroh placed a comforting hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “You know your father has to keep up appearances in the Mundane world.” Glancing around, he lowered his voice. “He is the head of the city’s Fire Court. It’s a prestigious and precarious position…”
“And I’m just the disgraced son who interrupted him at the wrong time.” Zuko angrily kicked his backpack. “Who was banished from the Court.”
With a heavily sigh, Iroh shook his head. “It’s not just that. The Mundane world isn’t ready to know the supernatural world exists. Not yet. Maybe not ever!”
Zuko hung his head. “I know Uncle.” He clenched his teeth. “But sometimes I wish Azula’s friends knew the truth. I bet they wouldn’t follow her around if they knew what she really is.”
“Zuko, don’t get any ideas.” Iroh’s tone was sharp.
“Uncle, I know there’s balance for a reason. I know the supernatural world needs to stay a secret.” Zuko stood up, grabbing his backpack. “I’m not as stupid as people think.”
Iroh’s expression softened. “Nephew, I simply meant that you cannot wrap fire with paper.”
Snorting in annoyance, Zuko hurried to his room. “I don’t have time for your riddles, Uncle. I have homework.” Slamming his backpack onto his desk, he kicked the door shut.