Post by Teяa253 on Sept 29, 2008 0:04:55 GMT 1
chapter 5 of "When Power is a Weakness".
not exactly sure why I feel that each chapter should have a fire-related word in it, but OH WELL IT'S TRADITION. now leave me alone.
CONTAINING THE BLAZE
Katara’s newfound fear of her power changed her more dramatically then Sokka had expected. She was no longer angry at everything, but rather, she was angry at herself for her power, which was, as Sokka noticed, indeed consuming her. Sokka spent the next couple of weeks building her a small arena in their back yard where she could firebend without causing damage. He made it resistant to fire and lightning and it served its purpose very well.
Sokka would sometimes watch her sister in action. She usually performed barefoot, as she released a lot of powerful flames from her feet as well. Often times, it was trouble though, because sometimes she would lose control at random times. Sokka would have to use icy winds on her to hold her powers in so he could get her to her training ground before she caused damage. He had to make it so she was too cold to move, so he’d often have to carry her there. Once there, he released her and let her energy overtake her.
Although it hurt him to watch, Sokka did admit that his sister’s displays of firebending were absolutely incredible. Dazzling displays of different colored flames were flying everywhere in huge amounts. Lightning bolts shot off the walls and almost came raining down from the heavens again. However, despite how incredible her performance was, and how much energy she looked like she was expending, she didn’t seem like she was ever going to stop.
“Katara,” he called out after a while of her not even stopping to catch her breath—she was red in the face and yet was still going.
She paused, and yet she was still on her tip-toes as if the moment Sokka finished talking to her she would go back for more. She was sweating as well; her face was deep red, her arms from her shoulders to her braces were wet as well as well as from her knees to her bare feet. Her clothes were also damp with sweat.
“Katara,” said Sokka, placing a hand on her to calm her down, “take a rest. You’re exhausted.”
“No,” she said, as if she was trying to cover up something, “no I’m fine. I still have plenty of energy left. See?”
She turned around and launched a fireball that was almost as big around as the arena itself. Sokka didn’t have an answer at first, but then suddenly realized what it was. Her spirit had enough chi energy to continue bending for copious amounts of time, but her body didn’t have the physical energy that her chi energy required.
Sokka slipped his hand off his sister’s shoulder, and she took it as a sign that he was letting her continue, and so she did. The moves she were using were already advanced and masterful—enough to rival an avatar. The problem was, unlike an avatar, she lacked control.
Sokka didn’t really react when Katara let go of him, but he watched her wear herself out. He was glad that she wasn’t trying to injure herself anymore, but was worried that she was pushing herself too hard. He was right. She eventually just fell to the ground, unconscious due to fatigue. Sokka picked her up and carried her inside.
Katara awoke to find herself again in her undergarments; and her brother over her, massaging her with nice, cool water that made her feel so pleasant; so at ease.
“Katara,” he said, upon seeing her awake, “this happens every time. Even firebenders can overwork themselves and get too hot. You need to learn to pace yourself.”
“I was fine,” Katara argued, “I just... I...”
But she had no answer. She stopped and sighed.
“I guess I’m just too powerful,” she said sadly, “I... my body can’t keep up with my chi flow, Sokka. What am I supposed to do?”
“I think what needs to happen is you need to learn more powerful and more complex firebending moves: the ones that use as much of that chi energy as possible. The more concentration and control you want to have, the more chi energy they use. You need some sort of order to your move set. Just randomly throwing things out will wear you out.”
Sokka finished massaging his sister and then stood her up.
“You’re really pretty,” he said, “I know it probably doesn’t sound like much coming from your brother, but, you really are, Katara. I’m sure that Zuko is looking down at you right now and smiling.”
Tears formed in Katara’s eyes.
“Why would he be doing that?” Katara cried, “I’m flawed. I’m... defective. I’m... I’m a misfit. I’m going to die, Sokka, I’m going to DIE.”
“NO,” said Sokka firmly, “no you’re not! You just haven’t learned how to control yourself yet. You’re different, Katara. Most people would give everything to have that power, but they do not know what they say when they say that. They don’t understand what you’re going through. I don’t understand either. I don’t know what I would do with power like that. You’ve had a hard life, Katara, that part I can relate to. To have to deal with the loss of your own father; and then to be separated from your mother because of how much power you held; Katara, that is not something that everyone can deal with.”
“I,” Katara sniffled, “I miss daddy.” She broke down sobbing in his arms.
“Katara,” said Sokka, “I finally understand why you were so bitter before. I understand why it’s so hard for you to be happy. I understand, Katara. I understand that you’ve led and are still leading a very hard life. I’ve been through a lot of it with you, Katara. I’ve always been here for you, and I always will be. I may not understand what it is like to have more power than you are currently capable of handling, but I do understand how painful it must be—to always have that desire just to use as much energy as possible; to disregard everything else. Now though, I understand your pains, Katara. I understand you.”
Katara ended up jumping into Sokka’s arms. Sokka was able to carry her because of her light weight, but there was something else about Katara that he never told anyone. Sokka was not weak, but Katara could beat him in an arm wrestle every time. Katara was not born with abnormal physical strength, but the constant bending and arm and leg movements she made every time she used her bending had built her up. Katara was, in reality, very strong, especially for a girl.
“Sokka,” she suddenly said, “take me outside; hurry!”
Sokka raced out the door and set Katara down. She jerked her arms backwards and released an enormous stream of fire. Sokka took a few steps forward so he could see her face, and he noticed that it was screwed up, looking heavily concentrated. She seemed to be focusing her energy all into one place. She was trying to control it from going everywhere. She was trying to learn control. Sokka watched, but she showed no signs of stopping.
“Katara,” he exclaimed, “Katara, let it go!”
But she didn’t. It looked almost like she was fighting something on the other end of her stream. Sokka knew she wasn’t, but it still had him watching. She suddenly fell backwards, but instead of stopping, she just pointed her feet upward and added them as well. A fee minutes later, she stopped, breathing heavily.
“Are you alright,” Sokka asked, immediately down at his sister’s side,
“I’m fine,” Katara said, “I’m still a little tired, but that felt good. You were right. I just need more concentration.”
“Now do you believe me when I say daddy would have been proud?”
Katara stopped, and for a long time was quiet. She began idly twirling a fireball hoping he’d say something, but he didn’t. She paused and looked at him for a long time, as if she was trying to find evidence that showed he was lying. However, she found nothing. She just saw his smiling face.
Katara stopped; and then suddenly, she smiled. It wasn’t a big smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. Then she suddenly threw herself into his arms. Sokka smiled and embraced her.
“That’s the Katara I longed so much to see,” he said, his hands on her face, “and that’s that Katara that will make daddy proud.”
Katara wiped away a tear or two, and then stood up. She went inside, got dressed for bending again (which was her normal outfit sans her boots) and then came back out.
“You in for a little game,” she said, smirking, a fireball appearing on her hand. She just stood there, awaiting his response.
“Sure,” Sokka replied, “besides, you need to learn how to concentrate your energy. The sooner you do the closer you’ll be to perfect control, Katara, and I know that you’re eagerly waiting for that day.”
“Yes,” she said, smiling again, “yes, yes I am.”
“Then what are we waiting for,” said Sokka, “let’s do this and get that much closer to perfect control.”
The two siblings were soon locked in combat. Sokka was a powerful waterbender, but Katara was a more powerful firebender. Luckily Sokka’s maneuverings were more defensive, and he understood why Katara was trying to hit him. She was trying to concentrate more, and use up as much of her chi flow as she could.
As Sokka darted around avoiding his sister’s attacks, he noticed that her moves seemed to be developing more precision—more form. It did not come all at once of course, but Sokka noticed that she was trying to put more form into her moves as she attacked as opposed to just throwing things left and right.
The two of them continued fighting until Katara wore herself out. Sokka gently picked her up and saw that she was smiling.
“That was fun,” she said weakly, “we should do that more often.”
Sokka smiled, “I’ll try” he said, “but that took a lot out of me. You’re much more powerful than I am, Katara. I can barely make enough water to tickle your neck with.”
“Tickle my... what are you talking about?” Katara exclaimed,
“You’ll see next time you get tired and need to cool off,” Sokka replied, “the sun is down right now though, and it’s not too hot out.”
“Fine,” said Katara, pouting. She was standing hunched again.
Sokka figured he could convince her maybe by now to walk upright. He grabbed Katara by her ankles.
“What are you doing,” she asked, except she sounded curious this time as opposed to angry,
“I’m gonna show you how to stand up straight and proud, Katara—like your father used to.” Sokka replied,
This made Katara remain where she was standing. Sokka moved her legs a little closer together, straightened her knees, and then stood up. He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed them back. The only thing now was that her head was facing at a downward angle. Sokka gently put his hands on her cheeks and lifted her face up. She was considerably shorter (and naturally shorter, since Sokka was an 18-year-old young man, and she was a 15-year-old young woman) than Sokka anyways, but she suddenly seemed taller.
“There’s the fine daughter that Zuko would be proud of,” said Sokka, smiling, “after all, Katara, keep in mind that although it may not mean much coming from me, you truly are really pretty.”
Katara smiled. Sokka smiled back.
“You’re also really cute when you giggle,” said Sokka, chuckling
“Giggle,” Katara exclaimed, “I haven’t laughed in so long...”
“Oh really now,” said Sokka, smirking, “well I hate to break it to you, but I found out one of your weaknesses,”
“I know, I know,” Katara grumbled, “I’m too powerful.”
“No, no,” said Sokka, “not like that. I meant, that I learned that you, my younger sister, are very ticklish, right here, and right here.”
He poked her neck and around her belly button (though she was clothed), and Katara let out a giggle.
Considering that Katara was a dangerously powerful firebender who was a fierce as the flames she would bend, she had a really cute little giggle. Sokka figured that it was time to take advantage of this. He put his hands on her neck and tickled her to the ground, where she was kicking and screaming—laughing. She couldn’t firebend, as her body was too busy thrashing from other things.
Sokka continued until he decided to let Katara catch her breath. He picked her up and carried her inside, setting her gently on her bed, where she fell asleep instantly. He rolled over and fell asleep too, glad that his sister was finally smiling and laughing again.
~Katara~
not exactly sure why I feel that each chapter should have a fire-related word in it, but OH WELL IT'S TRADITION. now leave me alone.
CONTAINING THE BLAZE
Katara’s newfound fear of her power changed her more dramatically then Sokka had expected. She was no longer angry at everything, but rather, she was angry at herself for her power, which was, as Sokka noticed, indeed consuming her. Sokka spent the next couple of weeks building her a small arena in their back yard where she could firebend without causing damage. He made it resistant to fire and lightning and it served its purpose very well.
Sokka would sometimes watch her sister in action. She usually performed barefoot, as she released a lot of powerful flames from her feet as well. Often times, it was trouble though, because sometimes she would lose control at random times. Sokka would have to use icy winds on her to hold her powers in so he could get her to her training ground before she caused damage. He had to make it so she was too cold to move, so he’d often have to carry her there. Once there, he released her and let her energy overtake her.
Although it hurt him to watch, Sokka did admit that his sister’s displays of firebending were absolutely incredible. Dazzling displays of different colored flames were flying everywhere in huge amounts. Lightning bolts shot off the walls and almost came raining down from the heavens again. However, despite how incredible her performance was, and how much energy she looked like she was expending, she didn’t seem like she was ever going to stop.
“Katara,” he called out after a while of her not even stopping to catch her breath—she was red in the face and yet was still going.
She paused, and yet she was still on her tip-toes as if the moment Sokka finished talking to her she would go back for more. She was sweating as well; her face was deep red, her arms from her shoulders to her braces were wet as well as well as from her knees to her bare feet. Her clothes were also damp with sweat.
“Katara,” said Sokka, placing a hand on her to calm her down, “take a rest. You’re exhausted.”
“No,” she said, as if she was trying to cover up something, “no I’m fine. I still have plenty of energy left. See?”
She turned around and launched a fireball that was almost as big around as the arena itself. Sokka didn’t have an answer at first, but then suddenly realized what it was. Her spirit had enough chi energy to continue bending for copious amounts of time, but her body didn’t have the physical energy that her chi energy required.
Sokka slipped his hand off his sister’s shoulder, and she took it as a sign that he was letting her continue, and so she did. The moves she were using were already advanced and masterful—enough to rival an avatar. The problem was, unlike an avatar, she lacked control.
Sokka didn’t really react when Katara let go of him, but he watched her wear herself out. He was glad that she wasn’t trying to injure herself anymore, but was worried that she was pushing herself too hard. He was right. She eventually just fell to the ground, unconscious due to fatigue. Sokka picked her up and carried her inside.
Katara awoke to find herself again in her undergarments; and her brother over her, massaging her with nice, cool water that made her feel so pleasant; so at ease.
“Katara,” he said, upon seeing her awake, “this happens every time. Even firebenders can overwork themselves and get too hot. You need to learn to pace yourself.”
“I was fine,” Katara argued, “I just... I...”
But she had no answer. She stopped and sighed.
“I guess I’m just too powerful,” she said sadly, “I... my body can’t keep up with my chi flow, Sokka. What am I supposed to do?”
“I think what needs to happen is you need to learn more powerful and more complex firebending moves: the ones that use as much of that chi energy as possible. The more concentration and control you want to have, the more chi energy they use. You need some sort of order to your move set. Just randomly throwing things out will wear you out.”
Sokka finished massaging his sister and then stood her up.
“You’re really pretty,” he said, “I know it probably doesn’t sound like much coming from your brother, but, you really are, Katara. I’m sure that Zuko is looking down at you right now and smiling.”
Tears formed in Katara’s eyes.
“Why would he be doing that?” Katara cried, “I’m flawed. I’m... defective. I’m... I’m a misfit. I’m going to die, Sokka, I’m going to DIE.”
“NO,” said Sokka firmly, “no you’re not! You just haven’t learned how to control yourself yet. You’re different, Katara. Most people would give everything to have that power, but they do not know what they say when they say that. They don’t understand what you’re going through. I don’t understand either. I don’t know what I would do with power like that. You’ve had a hard life, Katara, that part I can relate to. To have to deal with the loss of your own father; and then to be separated from your mother because of how much power you held; Katara, that is not something that everyone can deal with.”
“I,” Katara sniffled, “I miss daddy.” She broke down sobbing in his arms.
“Katara,” said Sokka, “I finally understand why you were so bitter before. I understand why it’s so hard for you to be happy. I understand, Katara. I understand that you’ve led and are still leading a very hard life. I’ve been through a lot of it with you, Katara. I’ve always been here for you, and I always will be. I may not understand what it is like to have more power than you are currently capable of handling, but I do understand how painful it must be—to always have that desire just to use as much energy as possible; to disregard everything else. Now though, I understand your pains, Katara. I understand you.”
Katara ended up jumping into Sokka’s arms. Sokka was able to carry her because of her light weight, but there was something else about Katara that he never told anyone. Sokka was not weak, but Katara could beat him in an arm wrestle every time. Katara was not born with abnormal physical strength, but the constant bending and arm and leg movements she made every time she used her bending had built her up. Katara was, in reality, very strong, especially for a girl.
“Sokka,” she suddenly said, “take me outside; hurry!”
Sokka raced out the door and set Katara down. She jerked her arms backwards and released an enormous stream of fire. Sokka took a few steps forward so he could see her face, and he noticed that it was screwed up, looking heavily concentrated. She seemed to be focusing her energy all into one place. She was trying to control it from going everywhere. She was trying to learn control. Sokka watched, but she showed no signs of stopping.
“Katara,” he exclaimed, “Katara, let it go!”
But she didn’t. It looked almost like she was fighting something on the other end of her stream. Sokka knew she wasn’t, but it still had him watching. She suddenly fell backwards, but instead of stopping, she just pointed her feet upward and added them as well. A fee minutes later, she stopped, breathing heavily.
“Are you alright,” Sokka asked, immediately down at his sister’s side,
“I’m fine,” Katara said, “I’m still a little tired, but that felt good. You were right. I just need more concentration.”
“Now do you believe me when I say daddy would have been proud?”
Katara stopped, and for a long time was quiet. She began idly twirling a fireball hoping he’d say something, but he didn’t. She paused and looked at him for a long time, as if she was trying to find evidence that showed he was lying. However, she found nothing. She just saw his smiling face.
Katara stopped; and then suddenly, she smiled. It wasn’t a big smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. Then she suddenly threw herself into his arms. Sokka smiled and embraced her.
“That’s the Katara I longed so much to see,” he said, his hands on her face, “and that’s that Katara that will make daddy proud.”
Katara wiped away a tear or two, and then stood up. She went inside, got dressed for bending again (which was her normal outfit sans her boots) and then came back out.
“You in for a little game,” she said, smirking, a fireball appearing on her hand. She just stood there, awaiting his response.
“Sure,” Sokka replied, “besides, you need to learn how to concentrate your energy. The sooner you do the closer you’ll be to perfect control, Katara, and I know that you’re eagerly waiting for that day.”
“Yes,” she said, smiling again, “yes, yes I am.”
“Then what are we waiting for,” said Sokka, “let’s do this and get that much closer to perfect control.”
The two siblings were soon locked in combat. Sokka was a powerful waterbender, but Katara was a more powerful firebender. Luckily Sokka’s maneuverings were more defensive, and he understood why Katara was trying to hit him. She was trying to concentrate more, and use up as much of her chi flow as she could.
As Sokka darted around avoiding his sister’s attacks, he noticed that her moves seemed to be developing more precision—more form. It did not come all at once of course, but Sokka noticed that she was trying to put more form into her moves as she attacked as opposed to just throwing things left and right.
The two of them continued fighting until Katara wore herself out. Sokka gently picked her up and saw that she was smiling.
“That was fun,” she said weakly, “we should do that more often.”
Sokka smiled, “I’ll try” he said, “but that took a lot out of me. You’re much more powerful than I am, Katara. I can barely make enough water to tickle your neck with.”
“Tickle my... what are you talking about?” Katara exclaimed,
“You’ll see next time you get tired and need to cool off,” Sokka replied, “the sun is down right now though, and it’s not too hot out.”
“Fine,” said Katara, pouting. She was standing hunched again.
Sokka figured he could convince her maybe by now to walk upright. He grabbed Katara by her ankles.
“What are you doing,” she asked, except she sounded curious this time as opposed to angry,
“I’m gonna show you how to stand up straight and proud, Katara—like your father used to.” Sokka replied,
This made Katara remain where she was standing. Sokka moved her legs a little closer together, straightened her knees, and then stood up. He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed them back. The only thing now was that her head was facing at a downward angle. Sokka gently put his hands on her cheeks and lifted her face up. She was considerably shorter (and naturally shorter, since Sokka was an 18-year-old young man, and she was a 15-year-old young woman) than Sokka anyways, but she suddenly seemed taller.
“There’s the fine daughter that Zuko would be proud of,” said Sokka, smiling, “after all, Katara, keep in mind that although it may not mean much coming from me, you truly are really pretty.”
Katara smiled. Sokka smiled back.
“You’re also really cute when you giggle,” said Sokka, chuckling
“Giggle,” Katara exclaimed, “I haven’t laughed in so long...”
“Oh really now,” said Sokka, smirking, “well I hate to break it to you, but I found out one of your weaknesses,”
“I know, I know,” Katara grumbled, “I’m too powerful.”
“No, no,” said Sokka, “not like that. I meant, that I learned that you, my younger sister, are very ticklish, right here, and right here.”
He poked her neck and around her belly button (though she was clothed), and Katara let out a giggle.
Considering that Katara was a dangerously powerful firebender who was a fierce as the flames she would bend, she had a really cute little giggle. Sokka figured that it was time to take advantage of this. He put his hands on her neck and tickled her to the ground, where she was kicking and screaming—laughing. She couldn’t firebend, as her body was too busy thrashing from other things.
Sokka continued until he decided to let Katara catch her breath. He picked her up and carried her inside, setting her gently on her bed, where she fell asleep instantly. He rolled over and fell asleep too, glad that his sister was finally smiling and laughing again.
~Katara~
