Chapter 47: Broken Heart
Pov Katara:
The shock of seeing a murder was much greater than I thought, I didn't think that the death of a Fire Nation soldier would affect me in this adventure.
I'm not naive, I knew that going with Aang to save the world would be dangerous and that there could be consequences because it was a war. However, I didn't expect someone to be beheaded so casually, let alone by the Waterbending.
It was the first time I thought that the Waterbending could be more dangerous than it was, so perhaps I was truly naïve about it.
When the tension subsided, Haru's mother asked us a few questions and realized that we were travellers, so she decided to let us sleep in the barn for one night, more than enough for us to regain our strength and return to our journey.
- My mother let you sleep here tonight. - said Haru, still trying to forget what happened a few hours ago.
- Thanks, I won't let Appa eat your hay. - said Aang, watching as his flying bison devoured the hay at the first opportunity.
- It's okay, I imagine your friend must be very hungry.
Sokka and Suki began to prepare to rest, knowing that, with the Fire Nation nearby, they would have to be prepared for a possible battle.
As I watched them prepare to rest, I saw Haru walk away, seeming to reflect on everything that had happened. I, on the other hand, needed answers about this woman, and Haru could be the one.
- Haru, can I come with you? - I asked.
It took Haru a few seconds to realize Katara's intention and he nodded.
The two benders walked in silence for a few meters, not knowing how to start the conversation.
- Sorry about today, if I'd kept quiet, we wouldn't have... seen that. - I couldn't hide my discomfort.
- I'm sorry for almost crushing you, I think we're even now.
- So the reason I shouldn't bendearth is because all the earthbenders in the village have been taken to prison. - said Haru in a spiteful voice. - My father was captured years ago and I'm the only one left... Earthbending is a way of connecting with him, so I don't feel far from him.
Haru's confession made Katara feel compassion for him, as the situation they had both been through was very similar.
The death of Katara's mother, whom she saw being burned, remains in her nightmares. Only by practicing waterbending can she feel close to her mother, trying to prove that her death was not in vain.
- My mother was killed by the Fire Nation when I was young, and she pretended to be a waterbender to spare my life. - A tear fell from my eye and my hand moved unconsciously to a necklace around my neck. - When I sleep, my nightmares remind me of that day, and my greatest desire is to prove to myself that her death was not in vain. This necklace is my mother's last gift to me before she was killed.
- The Fire Nation must pay for what it has done, we can't live like this.
- Haru, tell me, who is this woman?
- I don't know her name, I just know that she's a member of General Kai's special forces, I've heard that she's a member of the second generation of special forces. - Haru's distrust was evident in the lack of exact information. - I heard that she was trained on a special island where those who are trained become powerful benders in the service of the Fire Nation.
Hearing Kai's name sent a shiver down my spine, as it was clear that he was a person not to be underestimated.
- So you mean that the benders of other elements are allying themselves with the Fire Nation? Why would they do that? Why would they betray their own cultures and nations? - I asked, hoping that Haru knew the answer.
- To be honest, I've been asking myself the same question for years. - Haru clenched his fists and looked angry with himself. - Years ago, that woman witnessed my bending of the earth, but decided not to arrest me, precisely because of my mother, and made it clear that if it were anyone else in her place, I'd already be in jail or dead.
I feel my heart getting heavier, the psychological pressure Haru must be under every day must be gigantic, because his life was practically in the hands of one person.
- Your necklace is beautiful. - said Haru, watching Katara intently. - I'm sorry, I didn't realize.
By being able to express herself freely with someone, Haru was able to dilute the hatred that lived in her heart. For the first time, he began to see Katara as she really was, perhaps because they were so alike, which made it easier for them to empathize.
- So... are you going to tell me why you and your group are traveling through the realm of Earth? - Haru asked, curious and interested.
I smiled, unable to contain my laughter and confidence in a better future. I was sure that Haru was someone I could trust, since we were practically suffering from the same burden.
- My friend Aang is the Avatar! - I said good-naturedly, waiting for Haru's reaction.
- What? Serious?
- Exactly... we're on a journey to defeat the Fire Nation.
Haru's eyes seemed to sparkle, a lost hope seemed to reappear in his soul, making him smile unconsciously with joy.
- Tell me the details.
I spent a few minutes telling him about my adventure with Aang, how we got to Kyoshi Island and how Suki joined the group.
- It's an impressive story. - Haru complimented her, looking proud of Katara. - It must have taken a lot of courage to do what you did.
My cheeks warmed for a moment, I'm glad someone called me courageous, even if I don't have a big role in this adventure yet, but I was confident that when I got to the North Pole Tribe, I could learn from the best waterbenders in the world.
Our pleasant conversation was interrupted when we heard what sounded like a call for help, an old man whose legs were buried in a mine. Haru and I quickly went to help the old man, never imagining the consequences of what was to come.
***
- Cof! Cof! Cof! - Haru's mother coughed, holding a hand to her chest.
- Calm down, mom... breathe slowly. - said Haru, trying to help his mother rest.
- My illness is getting worse... Cof! Cof!
- I'll get you some water, I'll be back in 5 minutes. - Haru took an empty bucket and left the house in the direction of the nearest water source.
Haru looked up at the stars, contemplated the beauty of the night and let out a heavy sigh as he remembered his father.
The earthbender looked back at the barn, remembering that his new friends would soon be leaving at dawn.
- Haru. - Said a female voice, startling Bender out of his reverie.
Haru turned to find himself surrounded by a dozen Fire Nation soldiers, wondering how he hadn't realized he was trapped.
- What's going on? - Haru looked at the woman leading the group of soldiers.
- A witness had specifically reported an earthbender on this small farm. - The woman said impassively with her hands behind her back.
Haru immediately remembered the old man he had saved that afternoon and realized that the man had practically sold him out to the Fire Nation.
- If you cooperate, we can do this without conflict. - The woman said, silently ordering one of the soldiers to handcuff Haru.
Haru was extremely indecisive, as much as he wanted to fight the Fire Nation, his only remaining family member, his mother, would be in the crossfire and the woman in front of him would show no mercy if he dared to disobey her orders.
With a heavy sigh, Haru agreed to be arrested, even though he didn't agree with it, maybe he would have the chance to see his father again, but his mind was too heavy and a feeling of guilt was destroying his heart.
The soldiers escorted Haru in silence, their masks not revealing their expressions, only the leader of the group seemed satisfied that the situation had unfolded peacefully.
- Haru! Let go of my son! - shouted a woman who seemed drenched in sweat from the fever.
- I apologize for the inconvenience, but a witness has confirmed that your son has been illegally bending earth. - The woman maintained her stoic expression, not wanting to aggravate the delicate situation.
- Please, he's my only son! - Haru's mother stood face to face with the captain, imploring him.
- There's nothing I can do, he's been reported to other soldiers outside my unit.
Haru tried to be strong and not shed tears in front of his beloved mother, he had to be strong like his father and keep a firm stance. But the psychological pain of losing her only son and the memory of losing her husband broke Haru's mother's heart.
She fell into the Fire Nation waterbender's arms with obvious difficulty breathing, her body shaking in every muscle.
- Mother! - Haru screamed, trying to reach his mother while being held back by the other soldiers.
- Cardiac arrest! - said the woman, placing Haru's mother on the ground and starting a heart massage on the unconscious woman.
Two other soldiers rushed to help the unconscious woman, trying their best to save her life.
- We need to stimulate the heart... We need a lightning user! Have any of you had lessons with Professor Zoho?
- I've only had 6 months of training... - said one of the Fire Benders.
- Lightning Mastery classes are only offered if you have completed a year's training with Zoho or Vice General Huzo. - Said another soldier.
- Captain, didn't you practice your healing skills with Lady Ayumi?
- Healing skills don't work on a heart attack! - replied the squad leader.
- Let me go! I have to help her! - Haru screamed and tried to break free.
The earthbender began to manipulate his native element, causing the ground around him to become unstable, making it difficult to save his own mother.
- One of you put him to sleep! - ordered the squad leader, frustrated by the Earthbender's recklessness.
With no chance to regain control of his situation, Haru is quickly hit hard on the head and falls sharply to the ground. In his few moments of consciousness, Haru only sees his mother lying unconscious until her eyelids close tightly.
Next chapter: Void
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