ZUTARA WEEK 2015, Day 6: INTEGRITY

The Waterbender's Wager

DISCLAIMER: Avatar: the Last Airbender belong to Bryke, but Zutara Week belongs to all Zutarians.

NOTE: This was the toughest prompt to write for. I was a bit frustrated that my previous entry could have qualified for this prompt as well but I wanted a separate story. I struggled a bit all day but towards the end finally came up with something.

I don't have time to finish it all in one chapter so for the first time, this will be a multi-chapter affair. Not that long though, but still not a one-shot. But I'll only be able to upload the next chapter after Zutara Week as my entry for tomorrow will be a different story.

This one is an AU where Zuko isn't chasing the Avatar and Katara is a prodigy visiting the North Pole. More details will be revealed as you read on. I've tweaked with Water Tribe politics a bit and invented a new temple as well as made my own take on The Waterbending Scroll. Hope you find this interesting.

Enjoy!

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"You're taking a great risk," warned Master Pakku. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"Don't worry," Katara reassured her teacher, "my instincts tell me I can trust him."

But the older waterbender still looked skeptical so Katara tried to put him more at ease.

"And if he tries anything," she added with a knowing look, "you know I can handle him."

Pakku was not wholly convinced but he was confident in Katara's ability to take care of herself and he trusted I her judgment. So he and the rest of the Tribal Council reluctantly agreed to Katara's proposition regarding the exiled prince.

A scarred firebender had washed up on the shore of the North Pole some time ago. He introduced himself as Zuko, son of the Fire Lord, who was currently exiled for speaking against the war. He had been branded a traitor and after being exiled, had been hunted down by mercenaries sent by his sister, who wanted to eliminate anyone who could threaten her right ascension to the throne. His ship had been attacked and he had narrowly escaped by jumping overboard. He related all of this in a simple and direct manner, with no apparent embellishment. He spoke sincerely and humbly, a manner the council elders had rarely encountered in firebenders of late.

"Despite everything, I have no quarrel with the Water Tribes," he had declared earnestly, "All I seek, if it is acceptable, is asylum. I know this may be too much to ask but I have no other choice. My father and sister want me dead and if you can spare my life, I shall be indebted to you forever."

Naturally, his request had been heard with deep suspicion and skepticism. He had expected as much and had little hope he would survive the judgment of the Northern Water Tribal Council. Seeing then stern expressions on the council members' faces, Zuko knew his fate was sealed. He has already resigned himself to either death or a lifetime in a freezing cell when an unlikely advocate spoke up for him.

A visiting waterbending prodigy from the South Pole, who had quickly attained the rank of waterbending master, had listened to the prince's account with growing interest and had been moved by his plight. She was a respected member of the community and was known not just for her bending skills but also her keen judgement of character.

Katara had spoken up for Zuko to the council. She wanted to give him the chance to prove himself as an honest and trustworthy person before he could be judged and punished.

"I have been planning a pilgrimage to the Moon Temple to consult one of the ancient waterbending scrolls for more complex techniques," Katara explained, "the journey will be a difficult one and I have considered taking a companion with me on the road."

This suggestion, of course, was met with many protests from the leaders of the tribe. They were appalled by the thought of a firebender having access to one of their sacred sites as well as to a precious artifact. Many argued against it but Katara was adamant.

"If he is truly no longer our enemy," she insisted stubbornly, "then we must give him a chance to prove himself. I'll take responsibility for him."

"And what if he betrays you?" one of the elders asked.

"Then, we will know how much his word of honor is worth," Katara answered, "and I will deal with him accordingly."

There was further debate on the matter while Zuko stared silently and incredulously at his unexpected champion. The waterbender did not exchange any glances with him but he heard her defend him in such a way as no one had ever done before. And when the council leaders finally agreed to their kinswoman's suggestion after much deliberation, Zuko swore to himself that he would do everything in his power not to disappoint his savior.