Of White Water (rewritten)

by FriendlyLocalEmo

Summary:

Hakoda, chief of the Southern Water Tribe, has three children. He adores each of them, even though they confuse him at times. Katara, his youngest, was born early on a cool morning - he remembers that the waters seemed oddly vibrant that day. She grew in to a strong-willed young woman with a talent for waterbending, despite never having a teacher.

Sokka, the second-born, was born at noon in a cold day that seemed far too normal. Clouds dotted the sky like they'd been meticulously placed and the waves crashed into the ice precisely every five seconds. Sokka grew to be a clever boy. Though he couldn't bend, he had a mind that challenged those of the boys twice his age.

Finally Hakoda's oldest - the one that confused him the most. He was born at midnight under a full moon so large, it looked like it would have touched the ground. Kya almost died that day, but she prayed to Tui and La. The waves grew fierce and silver light streamed into the hut. Then, a snow-pale boy with moonbeam hair and eyes like bloody gems was born. He didn't cry, not once, and grew just as quietly. He was light on his feet, waterbending came as natural as breathing, and he was fiercely protective of his siblings. They named him Tobirama.

Chapter 1: Departure to Sea

Hakoda, chief of the Southern Water Tribe, has three children. He adores each of them, even though they confuse him at times.

Katara, his youngest, was born early on a cool morning - he remembers that the waters seemed oddly vibrant that day. The moment she took her first breath and leased that ear-piercing wail, the ice began to split underfoot. Only when she finally calmed did it stop. She grew in to a strong-willed young woman with a talent for waterbending, despite never having a teacher.

Hakoda also had the feeling that by the time she reached adulthood, anyone who so much as looks at her the wrong way will pay sorely.

Sokka, his second-born, was born at noon on a cold day that seemed far too normal. Clouds dotted the sky like they'd been meticulously placed just so, and the waves crashed into the ice precisely every five seconds. Sokka grew to be a clever boy, with a talent for building traps. Though he couldn't bend, he had a mind that challenged those of the boys twice his age. As well as Hakoda's own, at times.

Hakoda's oldest, Tobirama, was the one that confused him the most. He was born at midnight under a full moon so large, it looked like it would have touched the ground. Kya almost died that day, but she prayed to Tui and La. The waves grew fierce and silver light streamed into the hut. Then, a boy with skin like snow, hair like moonlight, and eyes like blood was born. He didn't cry, not once, and grew just as quietly. He was light on his feet with wit quicker than a whip and a mind so complex that even the most promising scholars Hakoda met abroad would have been dumbfounded. To him, waterbending came as natural as breathing - though at times it seemed like the water existed for him, and him alone.

Tobirama was fiercely protective of his siblings as well. It was precisely once that one of the older kids in the tribe picked on either Sokka or Katara. But he was also generally unexpressive - absolutely not to be mistaken with unfeeling.

Hakoda adores his children, and was proud of how they grew. But it struck him like a spear to the guy the night Kya died - this was war. He couldn't stay happy with his children in the Southern Water Tribe forever. 

He had to gather everyone capable of fighting and their singular healer and board their handful of old wooden warships, so he could set off to war.

Hakoda stood in front of his second-born, who's face was painted like a warrior's and a spear in his gloved hands. His eyes were as fierce as a boy's that age could be.

"But I can fight! You'll need me to come with you!"

Hakoda sighed. It tore him apart to leave his children like this - like icicles skewering him through the chest, one by one - but he couldn't bring the them, they were too young.

Not like that could deter his eldest. Hakoda knew that one was a losing battle the moment the 16 year-old opened his mouth.

"Sokka-"

A young man, taller than anyone else in the Southern Water Tribe, seemed to materialize behind the boy and cut Hakoda off.

"Father knows. We all know, Sokka. You're talented and smart. However, a caribou-fox will not let it's young hunt for two years after they mature."

Hakoda wonders if it's a good or bad thing he's taking Tobirama.

Sokka looked up at his older brother, "But Tobi....."

A smile, one reserved for family, graced the red-eyed youth's face, "I'm only going because the weather is treacherous this year. They will need help if a ship gets caught in the ice. But please consider, Sokka - the food stores will only last so long. Sure, Katara could hunt if you came with us, but there's much else to do, and she's only one girl. You cannot expect the elderly or the children to do it, either. But you, with all of your clever little traps, could easily provide what food is needed. Do not mistake me, I am not telling you that you must take care of the village yourself - Katara can help, she's strong, and the elders have much experience to guide you. You can stay afloat until we return, I trust you. We all do."

Sokka teared up, and Hakoda pulled both his sons to his chest - though Tobirama had to bend down some. He was so proud of them, but he will always regret making them grow up too soon. 

He pressed a kiss to Sokka's temple before pulling away, "Stay safe."

Tobirama ruffled Sokka's hair and turned to press something into Katara's hand, whispering something in her ear, to which she nodded.

Hakoda then pulled her into a hug as well, "Don't kill your brother while I'm gone, alright?"

She laughed wetly, nodding.

He turned and boarded the wooden warship known as the Sedna. On her deck he stood, waving at the village as they pulled away. He waved until his arm was sore, his shoulder stung, and the small village he called home faded from view, and then he still waved some more. 

The rest of the crew had left below deck or to complete various jobs, but Hakoda stayed where he stood. He knew he shouldn't, but a final, jagged icicle drive through Hakoda's heart.

Then Tobirama was there, a hand on his shoulder, "Don't let your heart ill, Father. I won't tell you to not worry, as it's in a father's right to do so, but they're strong and clever. They'll be alright. Besides, Sedna needs her chief."

Hakoda smiled as his son.

It was a good idea to bring him.

 

---

 

Two days after the Sedna and her fleet left the Southern Water Tribe, they were intercepted by a small group of Fire Nation scouting ships.

They were taken by surprise, ambushed suddenly with bolts of amber-colored flame. Tobirama - already exhausted from keeping their fleet afloat through uncertain, icy water - immediately focused on putting out the fire the raged on their ships. 

The firebenders grew more persistent in their assault, and the moment that the flames on the Water Tribe ships were out, Tobirama then made sure that no more of the firey attacks landed and that the glacier positioned precariously above them didn't bury them all alive.

The warriors fought off the soldiers that boarded their ships, but having not fought in all entirety for years, unknowingly allowed a few to slip passed their defenses. 

Later, this would be their greatest shame.

A single soldier approached the lone waterbender from behind. Terribly preoccupied, Tobirama didn't notice the armor-clad woman behind him until a searing pain tore up his side.

He scuffled with the solder - one that Tobirama had begrudging respect for, as she was talented - and could only manage to extinguish a few odd blasts of flame aimed at his fleet.

Tobirama couldn't tell how long he fought the woman for, only that it was too long. He was covered in burns, his clothes were all but dinged off, and his vision began to swirl - like looking through whale-newt oil in a puddle. 

The solder shot three thin whip-like bolts of orange flame, each quicker than an arrow. He grit his teeth as they hit him, square in the face, only just managing to swing forth a blade of water to sever the woman's head from her shoulders before he drifted into darkness, like a man drowning at sea.

 

---

 

With time, the Water Tribe fleet managed to the fire nation ships. Immediately after it was safe, Hakoda ran to find his son.

When he did, the air left his lungs. He couldn't breathe, and the world sounded as though it were underwater.

Without another thought, Hakoda shot forward, tripping over the bloodied, headless corpse of a soldier to make sure his first-born still drew breath.

Feeling a breath of air brush passed pale lips, Hakoda finally drew a breath of his own, shooting for a bucket of water and a clean rag. The healer, Pana, was there in a moment, wiping the soldier's blood from Tobirama and cutting away what remained of the charred clothes. 

Hakoda swallowed bile as he saw what had happened to his son - the boy too mature for his age that had prevented every single one of their own ships from sinking or even getting damaged too badly.

There were three long burns on his face - one on each cheek and one that scored from his lower lip to his neck. Even more whip-slash burns littered the rest of Tobirama's body. Each of them looked like they'd scar.

There weren't enough supplies on the ship to treat him, they had to find a more well-prepared healer nearby.

Two days north, through clearer water, was Kyoshi Island. Two days south, through water that they barely could navigate with a waterbender helping them, was their home.

Though it pained him, Hakoda knew what he had to do.

He turned towards Bato, "Set a course for Kyoshi."

Notes:

A fun little thing you may find some joy in knowing - since the Water Tribes are based off of inuit culture, Hakoda's ship, the Sedna, is named after the inuit goddess of the sea and marine life.

Chapter 2: The story of a father, a son, and a couple spirits

Many of the water tribe men had died during their encounter with the Fire Nation scouts. Enough so that they had to split up the supplies from the most damaged ship - the Tempest - amongst the remaining six because there weren't enough men left to sail her.

Instead, they piled the Fire Nation corpses on her and set her alight. Even in war, the dead must be respected. Returning Agni's subjects to him was the only way to do it.

The Water Tribesmen, however, were granted water burials - allowing La to take their spirits.

Hakoda felt terrible, though. He sent the men that died for him off without a thought of them in his mind. He knew it'd be fair to treat Tobirama as if he were just another soldier, but he couldn't bring himself to.

His men were to kind to him. They told him that they understood and set the ships as fast as they could go towards Kyoshi. 

Hakoda prayed to La to make their journey a swift one, and she seemed to listen.

 

---

 

In the spirit world, La observed with her lover, a sea of tears in her fathomless eyes.

The silvery, glowing form of Tui took La's hands in her own, "You've done all you could, love. The rest is up to him now."

The ocean threw herself into the moon's gentle embrace, "Tui, oh Tui. He's still so young. He doesn't even know why he's here yet. He can't even remember."

Tui combed a hand through the white capped waves that fell from her lover's head, "If he survives, he will remember. Vayu owes me a favor, he can have the wind aid them."

La smiled at her wife, "Thank you."

 

---

 

As the Sedna pulled into the Kyoshi port, she carried a somber air with her. A group of impressive-looking women Hakoda identified as the Kyoshi Warriors surrounded who appeared to be the village elder as they greeted the warriors.

Hakoda found comfort in Bato's presence to his left, and used that to anchor himself as he all but begged for their help.

Oyaji, the elder, sent one of the young warriors to fetch a healer to have a look a Tobirama. Hakoda almost cried in relief, Bato had to grab his arm to keep him upright.

Hakoda wasted no time guiding Kyoshi Island's best healer to the infirmary below deck, trying to fight back the maelstrom that was his thoughts. The healer gasped, horrified upon seeing the young man.

Not that the burns were particularly terrible - anyone that's been around war would've seen worse. But the sheer number of blistering lines scored across the boy's pale skin was what warranted attention. 

Hakoda had been wrong before. It was a mistake to bring Tobirama.

But he believed that his son would live. Tobirama's will was that of permafrost.

The healer robed in green looked at the chief from where he knelt by the injured youth, "My dear sir, I know how you must feel - this is a horrible thing for any parent to endure. But to treat him, I will need time and space. I would like to request that you allow him to be moved to my cabin."

Hakoda inhaled. To have his son taken from the Sedna, where he knew he'd be safe......

Bato's hand on his shoulder pulled him to reason, "Alright. I'll carry him."

The healer smiled with a particular tightness around his weathered eyes, "I have faith your son will live, my dear sir. He seems to have much life in him that is not eager to let go. You brought him to us quite quickly as well - the spirits must be in your favor."

The spirits, Hakoda thought, were funny things. They must be fond of Tobirama, for this is the second time that they've saved his life. But he didn't say any of this, for he had a feeling that the healer already knew, given the way he looked at the boy's moonbeam hair.

Instead, Hakoda simply gathered his son in his arms and followed the old healer up a well-traveled path.

It was a cruel irony, the way the people around them parted like they were water the unconscious youth had bent out of the way.

Hakoda placed his son in a soft bed draped in white linen, and watched from the wooden doorway as the healer fussed over Tobirama - Bato's presence the only thing anchoring him.

"He'll be alright, Koda. He's a strong young man - arguably the best we've got."

Hakoda sighed, "I know, Bato, I know."

They drifted into silence, only broken by the old healer's occasional muttering. 

It was morbidity peaceful, in a way.

Or it was, until Katjuk, Hakoda's third, came running up the path - a piece of papar in hand.

"Chief! It's from General Fong! We're expected in Senlin in five days!"

Hakoda felt the floor drop out from under him and Bato's hand tighten on his arm. Hell, even the healer looked up. In the best weather, it took four days to get to Senlin from Kyoshi.

The old healer finished applying ointment to Tobirama's burns and walked to where the three Water Tribe men stood, "My dear sir, as I'm sure you know, this young man should not be in a ship whilst he heals. And if you are to .ale and ally of General Fong, you cannot be late. I should recommend that you leave your son with me for the time - I will care for him and ensure he heals as best he can. You, in turn, should leave a letter or something of the sort."

Hakoda didn't like it. He really didn't like it. 

The wind picked up - it seemed oddly warm for this time of year. And gentle, too. It seemed to carry a whispered, melodic voice that said that 'they' would care for 'him.'

Hakoda had never been one to doubt the spirits, and he wouldn't start now.

With heavy heart, he wrote.

 

---

 

Tui observed the fae-like form that was her brother-in-law with a small smile, "Thank you, Vayu."

Vayu inclined his head in return, "It's truly not a problem. I would have helped either way - if not for my sake, then Agni's."

Tui laughed, "Right, the one Agni brought, he comes from the same place as Tobirama, no?"

Vayu nodded, one pair of arms crossed over his chest while the other moved to rest on his hips, "Yes, I believe they do. According to their spirits, however - they're called gods there - the two never got along."

The moon laughed with the wind, "Oh dear. La's going to have far too much fun with this."

 

---

 

Tobirama had always had strange dreams. Ever since he was young, he'd dreamt of a village he couldn't remember the name of at the bottom of a cliff, surrounded by trees so large they seemed unreal. He'd dreamt of people he couldn't quite place and a feeling he couldn't quite name.

He never told anyone of these dreams, it just wasn't in his nature. But he did wonder where they came from. For most of his life, his world was all ice and snow and water and fur. For all his life, he'd felt like something was missing.

Now, as Tobirama dreamt, he could put a name to that village - Konoha, home, the place he'd helped build - he could finally place those faces - his brothers, his clan, his students, and that kami-damned Uchiha bastard - and he understood what that feeling was. Chakra. Or the hollowness it left behind now that it was gone.

As he dreamt, he remembered dying. And then bring brought back to fight again. And then......

He remembered a voice - soft and gentle. It told him to help - that he was needed here, and not just because he could fight. It told him that someone else would be here, too. But the voice never got to finish.

It was odd, Tobirama thought as he continued to dream, how similar his new life is to his old one, yet how immeasurably different.

Distantly, he wondered if this 'chi' he now had could be used the same way as the 'chakra' he used to.

When Tobirama woke, he had things he needed to test.

Notes:

More useless lore! Vayu, the name of the wind spirit, is the Hindu wind god and the divine messenger. I figured it fit because the Air Nomads were based off of the Tibetan monks. Or something like that.

Chapter 3: To Awaken From a Dream

Seishū was old, but he knew his craft well. He was the best healer on all of Kyoshi - though that wasn't much - but beyond that, one of the best in the world.

Well, except for the waterbenders of the Northern Water Tribe, but no one could compete with them.

But there was a reason Seishū was as good a healer as he was - a reason that he never told anyone.

He called upon Ōkuninushi, a minor spirit that took a liking to him as a child.

At the summon, a small white rabbit appeared on the foot of the boy's bed. It took one look at the wounded youth and immediately jumped to his chest, healing chi flowing from the small spirit to the white-haired youth.

The process only took a minute.

When the rabbit was done, it looked at the old healer, "Seishū, where did you find this one?"

The healer in question hummed, "He was brought in on a Water Tribe warship that had gotten in a bit of a tussle with a few Fire Nation ships, do I'm told. The chief practically begged Oyaji to find someone - me, naturally - to heal his son."

The small spirit shuddered, for it knew the consequences, "It's a good thing that you treated him so quickly."

This caught Seishū's attention. Ōkuninushi was near-dauntless, "The spirit that blessed him, it's powerful?"

Ōkuninushi looked at the healer as if he were a fool, "Spirits - there's two. Those two just so happen to be Tui and La. Agni and Vayu - while not as fond of him as the other two - want him to live."

Seishū was suddenly quite glad he agreed to help this boy however he could.

 

---

 

La, now back to her usual self since the human she adopted was safe, crossed her arms over her chest, "Damn right."

Tui laughed, currently braiding her brother's hair. Said brother was having tea with his husband, "You two genuinely scare me."

Tui finished the braid and pat the sun on the head, "Good. At least now you can be scared while looking like you have your existence together."

Agni whipped his head around quick enough to make the people in the human world wonder if they were going crazy, of if the sun just flickered, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Vayu put a hand on the sun's shoulder, "Don't take it to heart, Agni dear. You always look radiant."

Agni narrowed his eyes, "Was that a pun?"

Vayu took a sip of tea and brushed a hand over his lover's bare - muscular, one might mention - chest, "Perhaps. But it's true, too."

La delivered herself into her wife's lap, grinning, "We should invite you guys over more often. This is entertaining."

 

---

 

Seishū nearly had a heart attack as the boy he and Ōkuninushi were in the process of healing sat up, effectively launching the spirit across the room. For three days - and two before that, on a boat - the boy didn't stir. Now this.

It's a wonder Seishū wasn't dead, with all this stress in his old body.

The healer noted that he looked quite dazed, which he supposed made sense. He would be too, in the given situation.

Actually, that's a lie. He'd be dead in the given situation.

"Are you alright, dear boy?"

The youth blinked, "I had a weird dream. Although, sir, I believe that your rabbit is dead."

Seishū followed the boy's gaze to where Ōkuninushi lay, "He's fine."

The boy's eyes - blood red, the healer noticed with no small amount of surprise - darted around the room, "How long have I been unconscious?"

"Five days." The healer replied, moving to prepare a lot of tea and some rice.

Pale brows furrowed, "You must be quite talented. My condition seems almost to it's ideal state."

Seishū pointedly remained silent, and the boy continued, "My guess is that General Fong encouraged my father to hurry, so he departed from here - Kyoshi? - and left me behind to recover?"

The healer nodded. The boy was clever. And the most levelheaded person he's ever met, "Indeed. He left you a letter, as well. Though before you read it, dear boy, you should drink some tea and have some rice. Ah, I've failed to introduce myself, I am Seishū, a healer."

The red-eyed boy nodded, "Thank you, Mr Seishū. My name is Sen- Tobirama. I am Tobirama, eldest son of the Southern Water Tribe's chieftain."

A sweet boy, but odd. 'Sen-?' Perhaps a part of the strange dream he mentioned? No matter. Tobirama needed to eat and get some fluid in.

 

---

 

Tobirama rather liked the old healer. He was gentle in voice and hand a comforting air about him.

And he made rice that was somehow far superior to any he's had before.

Tobirama ended up being left alone - the rabbit was gone now, too - so he could read Hakoda's letter. No, his father's letter. Just because he remembered a few more things now doesn't change the fact that Hakoda raised him.

And did a far better job that Butsuma, one might add.

Taking a deep breath, Tobirama unfolded the paper.

 

My son-

I do not know of enough words to tell you how sorry I am. For having to leave you on Kyoshi. For allowing you to get hurt. For making you grow up too fast.

Everything.

But you should know that I'm proud to call you my son, and I will respect whatever decision you make. You could track down the fleet - I know you could, if you wanted to - you could go home - just make sure you have a sturdy ship - or you could travel the world.

Part of me tells me that you'll choose the latter. I've always known that the Southern Water Tribe was too small for you - you've always craved more. Who knows, you might find some friends or even a lover on the way.

But whatever you do, stay safe. And maybe come visit your old man at some point? Or, at the very least, make sure that Katara hasn't disemboweled Sokka at some point in the next few years - if I'm not back yet.

Or, if you feel so inclined, send a letter. 

May the waters be clear for you

-your Dad

 

Yeah, this was his father. The man that knows him so well. The man that raised him as far away from the war as possible - despite it being so hard in this world.

Despite not needing to go to such lengths for someone that's fought in more than enough wars.

Not that Hakoda knew that, though.

He's a good Dad.

Notes:

Yet some more meaningless lore! Kyoshi Island seems similar to feudal Japan, so I named Seishū after an Edo Period doctor, and Ōkuninushi after a Shinto medicine god.

Chapter 4: Embers to Embers

Firelord Ozai had three children.

The first child was a horrid thing called Madara. Not that he named it, he couldn't be bothered. Where his pathetic wife got the hideous name, only the spirits knew.

Probably some piece of revolting theater.

The thing was born with black eyes - the color of dead coals. Worse yet, was that there was not a spark of fire in him whatsoever. Unacceptable for something of the Firelord's blood.

So, as any good Firelord would, he brought a brilliant golden flame to his hand and went to kill the wretched creature.

Ursa screamed, hysterical, but he ignored the horrid, grating sound.

But then it's eyes turned red, little black patterns spinning in them like lazily swirling ink in a pool of blood. The eyes of Agni. He let it live.

Ozai wasn't a fool. He may be the most powerful man alive, but a mortal was nothing when faced with a greater spirit such as Agni.

Madara would glare every time he saw him. And, if Ozai got too close, those disgusting black eyes would turn red. Naturally, Ozai ignored the child.

That is, until the boy began to produce flame so hot and in such a high quantity, it made even the best master's look like bumbling toddlers. 

When he tried to approach the child, he ended up with a knife to his throat.

The second child was born three years later and hardly any better. It had golden eyes, at least. But still no spark.

When he held a flame to this one, the eyes stayed the same. But he got a knife in his shoulder. So he ignored this child as well.

His useless wife named it Zuko, or something of the sort.

This one, even as it grew, showed no particular promise. But Madara doted on it still.

Weakness.

The youngest was born two years later. She's a girl named Azula.

Her eyes held a spark like lightning, so Ozai named her himself.

This child grew well - she grew cunning and clever. Her promise was overshadowed only by Madara's.

Then, when Madara was thirteen, he burned to death in his own flame.

Three years later, when Zuko was the same age, he spoke out like a fool - and then refused to fight like a coward.

 

 

Firelord Ozai has one child.

 

---

 

Zuko isn't stupid.

He loves his big brother, because he's awesome and super nice. But not everyone thinks so. It took a while, but he figured out why; Madara hates Father.

Zuko asked Madara about it one day.

"Mada? Why do you hate father?"

Madara thought for a moment before sitting down next to the turtleduck pond, gesturing for Zuko to do the same, "The easiest way to say is is because he keeps fighting in the war, and it consumes him."

Zuko didn't know what that meant, "But, isn't the war good? We're just trying to share the might of the Fire Nation with the world!"

Madara was quiet for a moment, "Let me put it like this - you like the turtleducks, Azula likes the viper-kittens, Ty-lee likes the monkey-sparrows, and I like the snake-bats. Then I decided one day that snake-bats were better than the other three, so I killed all of the monkey-sparrows and then spent years fighting the turtleducks and viper-kittens so I could make them work for the snake-bats."

Zuko was quiet for a moment.

That conversation never left him. It was why he defended the 41st division.

Because if Madara were there, he would've stopped it.

 

---

 

Princess Azula of the Fire Nation has two older brothers. 

Zuko was always soft and sweet weak. He liked to drink tea and play pai-sho. He liked swordfighting and theatre. Once he gave her a knife after she got yet another doll as a gift.

He's too sentimental.

She carries that knife with her everywhere.

Azula always knew he was too good-hearted and naive to survive in the palace. That's why she wasn't surprised when he was burned and banished. 

But Madara? His death surprised her.

Madara was strong and smart. He would teach Zuko and her better ways to bend. He taught Zuko how to use his fire with his dao, and he taught her how to make hers hot enough to melt metal.

He seemed wiser than Uncle and even Father feared him.

(He never said anything about it, but Azula knew. She always did.)

So when he burned to death in the palace courtyard, Azula never believed he truly died. He simply wanted a way out, one that no one would question.

That had to be it.

It had to be.

 

---

 

Madara was born midday in the middle of summer, when the sun seemed particularly bright. This version of Madara was young and innocent - he couldn't remember anything from his old life.

Yeah no. That's a load of bull-falcon shit.

At the ripe age of five fucking minutes old, the prick that was Madara's new father tried to kill him. This, naturally, resulted in Madara's sharingan activating. And bringing every kami-damned memory with it.

Joy.

But it wasn't all bad. He got two new siblings out of it but they weren't Izuna. 

Zuko has this dry sense of humor and is fluent in a second language - sarcasm.

Azula is violent and slightly murderous with a talent for plotting.

They're terrible. Horrible, really.

He loves them.

Both of them became well-acquainted with the turtleduck pond.

On an entirely unrelated note, fire nation royals have magical shampoo - it gets duckweed out in record time.

After he had the brilliant idea of faking his own death, he hadn't been able to see the brats. But rumor states that they're doing well.

Or, at least it did, until he heard about Zuko's banishment.

Unfortunately, murder of one's family is absolute taboo for an Uchiha, no matter how terrible they are.

On the note of 'terrible,' after Madara died, a light voice told him he was needed here to help the world.

Not to the terrible part yet, just wait.

The disembodied voice informed him that he'd have help.

Senju fucking Tobirama.

At least the frosty bastard's smart. Now it's time to pray to every kami, spirit, or otherwise that they can get through this without killing each other.

Chapter 5: Eye of Agni

For years, Madara - deceased son of the fire lord, former Clan Head of the Uchiha - combed through both the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom to find any news of the person the spirits sent to help him in this world. Unfortunately, there's no one better than the Senju Demon when it comes to toppling political groups.

That didn't mean Madara had to be happy about it. Needless to say, his search was....... lackluster.

Yes, he knew that - logically speaking - the icy prick would be in the Water Tribes. However, traveling to opposite ends if the globe is both time-consuming and freakishly expensive. Besides, merchants were happy to talk when given a little.... encouragement.

It wasn't until Madara reached the independent state of Bijalee just north of the Earth Kingdom that he heard anything. Madara spoke with an old merchant that had just came from the Northern Water Tribe - an old man with a face that reminded Madara of tree bark.

The merchant, whose name was Rahul, had told Madara about the Northern Tribe's princess - someone he'd only seen from a distance, but it's hard to miss bright white hair when it's so uncommon.

That little bit confused Madara. He was reincarnated biologically the same as his old life - he even had his sharingan - so was the Senju different? Perhaps the frosty asshat was more comfortable as a girl?

It didn't really matter either way. A bastard's a bastard, but Madara - though he was loath to admit it- needed said bastard's help. So came operation 'steal a boat to get to the Northern Water Tribe because Madara's too broke to buy one.'

Actually, a small resupply boat from that sicko Zhao's fleet just pulled into port. And, Madara being Madara, he'd never miss a chance to fuck with Zhao.

 

---

 

Madara stalked watched the soldiers in charge of restocking the ship. Three transporting goods, one standing guard.

That's easy enough.

Madara followed one of the guards, posing as a sightseeing tourist, waiting until he was alone before knocking him out with a well-aimed rock.

Madara stripped the soldier of his armor and layered it on top of his own clothes before considering the unconscious man before him.

If he woke up and caused a scene, it'd cause trouble for not only him, but the Bijalee as well. And if he woke too soon.......

Madara crouched next to the soldier and snapped his neck with one quick move. He then emptied the supply crate - putting the supplies in the storage shed of a nearby orphanage - before shoving the body inside and moving to wheel it to the little ship.

Offering a nod to the guard, Madara wheeled his cart full of dead body below deck, noting the other soldier with a supply cart turning onto the dock. He'd have to hurry.

While below deck, Madara considered the knife at his hip and the exposed strip of neck on the soldier in front of him.

No.

That'd get blood all over the supplies - supplies he'd need to get to the North Pole.

Well, he didn't need all of them, but still.

He knocked this one out with a ration bar that seemed more akin to a brick, before snapping his neck too. He then propped this body up against the box containing the other body.

Now to wait for the last supply gofer.

...

And wait.

...

Alright, what the hell?

Madara threw off the stupid helmet, pulled his hair out of the kami-damned armor - he had too much to tie it in a bun and have it fit under the helmet - and marched above deck. Where he then saw someone in a dark brown travelers cloak with a golden, bejeweled dagger buried into a soldier's neck - as well as a crumpled heap of dead body on the dock.

Madara's brow twitched and it took all of his self-control to not send a hulking mass of fire towards whoever interrupted his incredibly thought-out plan.

At least it was starting to get dark.

"What, pray tell," He ground out, "Are you doing here?"

A smooth, demanding voice spoke from under the hood, "I'm taking over this pathetic excuse for a boat, what does it look like?"

Madara felt smoke starting to rise from his hair, "I think the fuck not. I was here first - I get the dorky boat."

Madara watched as the figure pulled the dagger from the soldier's neck and crossed their arms, unphased by the blood pooling at their feet, "Well I killed these two, so I should get it."

Madara huffed a few sparks, "I killed the two below deck."

He could feel the figure's glare, "Well, what's so important that you need it for?"

Madara's eyes narrowed, "It's rude to ask something like that without giving your reasons first."

The figure snorted, "I just st need to get out of this damn place."

Madara quirked a brow, an annoyed twitch pulling his lips down, "Then why not just ask to come with me?"

They waved a gloved hand in an exasperated gesture, "You look like you come from the Fire Nation mainland. I might not know why you're killing your own, but I know better than to travel with one of you."

The dead Fire Prince glared, "Don't lump me in with the shit lord and his stupid ass cult."

A considering pause from the figure, "Well, anyone that talks about Ozai like that can't be that bad."

Madara shrugged and moved to the helm, being sure to keep the figure in his line of sight. Worst comes to worst, he has his sharingan, "Oh no, I'm pretty bad. Just not genocidal."

 

---

 

Agni cried into Vayu's shoulder, "They're so dumb. That's literally my priestess and my chosen. Honey, how come I get all the dumb ones?"

Vayu sighed, sipped some tea, polished his flute, and pat his husband on the back. Having four arms is quite useful, "It's alright, love. Why not send a messenger? You still have one left this year, don't you?"

Agni lifted his head, brilliant red eyes sparkling, "You're a genius."

 

---

 

Aruna skeptically eyed the broad-shouldered man as he made his way to the helm of the stupid metal thing that couldn't be called a ship. He moved like a wary feline - fluid and practiced, not letting her from his sight.

She didn't trust him, not the slightest bit. He's pale and fine-faced, like a pure-blooded Fire Nation citizen, and he even spoke with an accent similar to a noble's.

Aruna wouldn't take any chances. She hurled the dagger at the man, just so that it would lodge itself in his throat.

But it didn't work - black eyes that seemed to swallow what little light remained turned blood red and the man grabbed the dagger long before it could so much as touch him.

Oh.

Oh shit.

A moment later, a messenger of Agni appeared - an eye of flame, floating between her and the man. The low, booming voice of the sun echoed throughout port, audible only to those Agni desired to hear.

Aruna took a knee, but the man stayed standing.

"High priestess Aruna, lightning sage of divinity. Former head of the Uchiha-"

Uchiha? Was that an underground group?

"-Madara, deceased son of the betrayer of the sun's will."

"Don't fucking call me that bastard's son. If you know of the Uchiha, you know my father is Tajima."

Did..... Did this man - Madara? - disrespect Agni? That- he shouldn't be alive! And 'Betrayer of the Sun's Will?' who'd betray Agni?

The messenger went quiet for a moment.

"My apologies, son of Tajima."

Oh hell no.

Hell fucking no.

Who was this man, Madara son of Tajima, to make Agni apologize?

Aruna must have spoken aloud, for the man called Madara pinned her with a blood and ink stare, "This little flame carries Agni's voice?"

Aruna, stunned, nodded.

Madara then turned to face the messenger, "So you're the reason I'm here?"

The burning eye was silent, as was Aruna - what did that mean? The reason he's here?

"I don't owe you anything. I'll find the Senju prick and fuck up the shit lord for you, but not as any sort of favor. I still serve Amaterasu, even if her divine majesty isn't here."

The eye of Agni sighed, "I expected as much, but I'm grateful for even that. But that's not why I'm here. You and my priestess Aruna must not fight so."

The messenger turned towards her, "Is that understood?"

Aruna bowed her head, "It is as you desire, radiant lord Agni. My will is your own."

The messenger hummed, "Thank Raava."

A moment later, it vanished - leaving the port to be consumed by darkness.

Madara son of Tajima crossed his arms, "Well that was fucking weird."

Notes:

Three guesses as to what this is!

....... Did you guess useless lore? You're right. It's useless lore.

The independent state of Bijalee (not a cannon place - I made it up for the sake of my pretend plot) is loosely based off of India, and is the result of the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation mixing many generations back.

Useless lore bit #2: Aruna is a Hindi name that has multiple meanings - though the one I chose it for is "dawn," to represent her title as the High Priestess of Agni.

Chapter 6: Outside

Tobirama sat in Seishū's hut, supremely bored. For some odd reason, the healer insisted on monitoring him until he was completely healed.

So, he began to fill his days with meditation and chi exercises. As it turns out, chi is somewhat similar to chakra in it's basic applications - it flowed through the body in a complex system with certain points where it formed, pooled, or split.

Theoretically speaking, chi blocking is quite possible - but that's an experiment for later. 

As for forming chi - it's able to move around freely within the body. He suspects he could utilize most of the basic skills from his time as a shinobi - water walking, wall walking, strength enhancement, etc.. Fuinjutsu may be possible as well, though one's own blood would be needed for both production and application of the seals. 

Which brought Tobirama to his next point. A person's chi cannot leave their own biological material. However, everything in this world has chi. Said chi is capable of interacting with other chi - sort of like a kinetic energy transfer. Which is how bending works - a person forms chi within their body in a certain way to interact with the chi outside the body, thus gaining a reaction from it's specific element.

Maybe naturally occurring chi could be harnessed in come way.....? Whatever, that's a later problem.

But that's where the over the top bending forms come in - while this world might have more advanced technology, they're sorely lacking in the scientific areas. As such, they do not know how chi actually works, and rely on movements that mirror their element, instead of the other way around.

This then brought Tobirama to his next question: could a person besides the Avatar bend more than one element? How about non-benders?

The short answer? No. 

A person's chi is like their DNA, it's not just a recommendation like chakra natures were.

But, once more entirely theoretical, non-benders should be able to harness the basic applications.

These facts alone led to near-endless possibilities.

Tobirama was giddy at the thought.

 

---

 

The high spirits, who were interrupted in the middle of game night when a certain human's thoughts interrupted them, observed the albino boy, horrified.

Dangun slowly looked around at the other seven seated around him, "Do you...... know this mortal?"

Vayu - who was always infuriated by the spirit of the earth for reasons that escaped him - sent a needlessly violent wind his way, effectively removing his cards from his hands, "Yes. Though I will admit he hasn't done....... this before."

Tui, with her head on La's lap, sighed melodramatically, "Our little boy's growing up."

Two entities called Kali and Sang-je - the spirits of time and death, and space; respectively - tilted their head in eerie unison.

"The blue-soul boy is clever." Said Kali, the golden rings around their head humming in a way that seemed to resonate within the skulls of all who heard it.

"He was summoned for a reason." Sang-je added, blue robes floating around them like gravity was little more than a vague recommendation. 

"A good mind and better heart." Kali continued.

"But lacks much. That is why red-passion boy is here." Sang-je added on.

"They complete each other." They finished in unison.

Nügua nodded, her serpentine lower body swishing about to collect the cards her husband had lost, "I see."

Dangun pressed a kiss to the serpent-woman's cheek as he got his cards back.

Tui and La exchanged a look, "So you're saying that they're-"

Every other spirit present groaned.

 

---

 

Finally, finally, Seishū decided that Tobirama was able to leave the hut - without supervision! - after being stuck inside for a month.

It's not like he could've snuck out, either. He knew better than to piss off a healer. All of a sudden your bandages are uncomfortably tight and your medicine is just a tad too bitter.

And he's also pretty sure that the rabbit is secretly a spirit in disguise. Tobirama was experimenting with chi sensing, and the thing felt weird.

Speaking of experiments, he'll need to figure out how waterbenders do that whole healing thing. Bring albino, his eyes were already bad enough - growing up at the South Pole didn't help, either.

Yeah, it might end up being a problem if he doesn't do something about it.

That aside, Tobirama was - at the moment - quite pleased with how chi-enhanced movements worked out. He was actively jumping through the trees almost exactly like he could in his old life, testing out his newfound sending ability as well. He found a lone chi signature in the woods - it felt like a young girl, non-bender, practicing kata. The signature reminded him of his cousin, Toka - fierce and determined, and not to be tried under any circumstance. 

Naturally, he headed towards it.

Tobirama crouched in a tree, watching a girl - perhaps twelve or thirteen - run through a kata with a pair of fans. He observed for some time, assessing the way she moved and figuring out what the kata would look like when performed by someone more experienced.

"Try to raise your center of gravity."

She whipped around at the sound of his voice, tripping over a tree root in the process.

Tobirama sighed and jumped from the tree - stumbling a bit, both from lying in bed for so horribly long and not quite being able to move the way he used to in his new body.

He offered a hand to help the girl up, but she rejected it, scrambling to her feet and taking a fighting stance, "Who are you? What are you on Kyoshi for?"

He hummed, eyes narrowed as he took a mental note, "I am Tobirama. I'm here for...... treatment. I've been here for around a month, truthfully. This is just the first time Seishū let me out."

The girls brows furrowed as she thought. A heartbeat later, she seemed to have come to a conclusion, "You're the one that the Water Tribe brought."

Tobirama arched a brow, "That is how I got here, yes. Although I remember none of it. That is, unfortunately, how unconsciousness works."

The child's suspicion didn't seem to lessen, "You don't look Water Tribe."

He sighed, "I was born what one would call albino. Meaning that my body is incapable of producing any melanin, or pigment. It doesn't happen often, but it's a completely natural phenomena."

The girl didn't say anything, so Tobirama continued, "Now, what is your name?"

Her eyes narrowed, "Suki."

Tobirama hummed in acknowledgment, "I see, Suki. Then, back to the reason on my intervention - that kata you were practicing. You should try to raise your center of gravity some."

 

---

 

Agni placed a card in the middle of the table, "Dear Raava, he likes children."

Vayu, seated to Agni's left, placed another card, "Were you expecting something else? Uno."

Dangun made an affronted sound before placing a card of his own.

Agni spoke again, "Not really, no. But I do mourn my sanity. My guess is that by the end of this year, I'll have drunk the spirit world's supply of wine."

Vayu sighed, pressing a kiss to his husband's temple to hide his smile, "This is the spirit world, my dear. We never run out of anything. Well, maybe patience, but that's a whole different matter."

Nügua raised a brow at the way her husband looked between her and the display. Taking pity on him, she offered a kiss - he was overjoyed, she could hear it - and placed down a reverse card.

Dangun shouted triumphantly, setting down a draw four, "Green!"

Vayu glared, not taking his eyes from the earth spirit as he drew the required cards with deliberate movements. 

Agni chuckled, glancing to his right as he played a reverse, "Sorry Kali, Sang-je."

The two entities simply laughed, amused, as Vayu placed a draw four of his own, much to Dangun's dismay. 

Kali tilted their head, "This is quite amusing, Sang-je. You made the correct decision when you brought this game here from the other plane."

Sang-je nodded, "That I did. There is another game from that plane, too. It is called Monopoly. Though the mortals there told me it ruins friendships."

The other four ignored the entities' conversation.

Instead, Agni hummed, "Where'd Tui and La go?"

Nügua raised a brow, "They snuck out ages ago."

Notes:

I'm sure you get it by now -

Utterly useless lore! Or, I suppose it's technically considered the reasoning behind the lore? Whatever, I'm too tired for a crisis right now. We're calling it lore.

Kali gets their name from the Hindu goddess of time, death, rebirth, and doomsday. While Sang-je got their name from the Korean heavenly emperor, responsible for overseeing both gods and humans, as well as choosing humans to ascend to godhood.

Chapter 7: Ice Fortress of the North

Madara was currently trapped in awkward silence with the person apparently known as Priestess Aruna as the stupid little boat made it's way north.

....

Could it even make it all the way?

Madara, apparently, didn't think far enough ahead.

And, it was a Fire Nation ship to boot - Madara could foresee that causing a lot of problems.

Actually, new plan. They were traveling merchants from the Earth Kingdom that purchased this dumb little vessel from the military after a battle on the western coast.

It's foolproof.

With a sound somewhere between a sigh and a groan, Madara stood and wandered below deck. He then stripped of the uncomfortable - and frankly hideous - armor, adjusting the dark red sash that kept his grey robes tied shut.

Oh, fuck.

Red.

........

He could probably pass for a half-breed that ran away from the colonies.

Now what to do with the armor. And the two bodies currently residing here.

They'll begin to smell soon if nothing gets done rthem

He should burn them, as it would fit Fire Nation customs - Uchiha, too - but that'd smell and the ship's way to small.

Besides, it'd pretty much act a a beacon.

Overboard they go, then.

Back up on deck, Aruna had taken off her cloak, revealing her to be wearing Bijalee's traditional style of dress in shades of dark purple and gold - something Madara had to admit complemented her warm, dark skin.

He still thought she was a bitch, though.

Seriously, that murder attempt was uncalled for.

Though he had begrudging respect for how well the dagger was thrown.

Madara sighed, lowering himself to sit while the dumb little thing that could hardly be called a boat made it's way north. He sat in silence a moment longer before attempting to make conversation.

"So..... you're a priestess of Agni?"

Aruna regarded him a moment before nodding.

Madara awkwardly cleared his throat, "Are you a firebender then?"

She paused, "Technically. I can't bend fire, though."

Madara's brow furrowed, "How the fuck is that supposed to work?"

No, it was a serious question. If she can't bend fire, how's she a firebender?

Wait, what was it the annoying floating eye had said?

Interrupting Madara's train of thought was a blueish-white glow. Madara looked, and saw lightning sparking around Aruna's fingers.

"Ah. Agni's annoying ass eyeball did say something about the 'lightning sage of divinity,' no? That's actually pretty neat, I've only seen one other person bend lightning - though he's probably taught 'Zula by now."

Aruna tilted her head, leaning back in her hands, "Who? This person that can bend lightning, who is he?"

An ugly expression crossed Madara's face, "The prick that sired this body."

Aruna's expression grew curious, "The man that Agni said betrayed the sun's will? Speaking of - didn't he say 'deceased?'"

Madara nodded, "Yep. According to all official records, I died from accidentally burning myself alive."

She hummed a laugh, "They actually bothered to record not only your death but how it happened as well? You really must be a noble, then."

Madara blinked, snorting a few sparks, "Well, yeah. I mean, I definitely wasn't about to become Crown Prince or anything - the asshat hated me way to much for that - but I still had a pretty high standing."

Some silence, then-

"Wait a damn minute - did you just imply what I think you did!?"

Madara seemed clueless for a moment, thinking through what he said word for word. A moment later, he smirked and offered a mocking bow of his head, "Prince Madara, tragically deceased son of his most brilliant majesty Fire Lord Ozai and Fire Lady Ursa, at your service."

A few more moments of silence before Aruna spoke again, "What the fuck."

 

---

 

Agni swirled a glass of wine as he leaned back on one hand, looking the two mortals from the spirit world, "Idiots, the lot of them."

Vayu was polishing his flute, one hand in his husband's hair, "Perhaps. But they're loyal and passionate, much like you in that regard."

The sun smiled at the wind, "You're too kind, dearest."

The four-armed spirit laughed, "Thank you, though I'm afraid Dangun would disagree with that particular statement."

Agni quirked a brow, downing the last bit of his wine before setting the glass aside, "Well, he's as dumb as a rock, so he doesn't get a vote."

 

---

 

Once they had gotten - presumably - close to the North Pole, a wooden boat of waterbenders had approached them. With just a bit of Madara's superb acting and irresistible charm - okay, maybe a bit of flaunting Aruna's status, too - he had managed to convince them that they were a priestess newly taken to travel and her guard, now there to sell their wares and promote the spirits' message.

Aruna ended up selling one of her absurd golden rings in order to rent a stall out for the time being.

Good riddance. The thing was hideous. It took every bit of restraint in his body to not give in to the urge to take it and make it into something presentable.

Presentable? Who's he kidding? The Uchiha were known for metal working, it would've been fucking fabulous.

Revolting jewelry aside, the surplus of fire nation goods and the spare jewelry that Aruna, for some reason, thought fit to bring made for excellent miscellaneous goods.

Now to get word of a merchant carrying rich, exotic goods to the princess.

Well, planting information is one of the first things a shinobi learns.

 

---

 

Yue, being the only child of Chief Arnook, and a girl at that, was a sheltered child. She wasn't allowed out much, but there were things she wished to know. She, in the nature of humans, adapted. She kept an ear out for rumors, and learned to discern the credible ones from the tales.

Recently, a new rumor appeared in the palace - one of a merchant. Well, truly a wandering priestess and her guard, here to sell wares.

This was a good opportunity for her. Yue longed to know of what existed outside of her icy prison. No one would think twice when the demure daughter of the chief, her most blessed highness Princess Yue, expressed her desire for new jewelry.

But still, she cannot know too much. People would begin to be wary of her then, which would make her personal endeavors all the more difficult.

Yue looked at her handmaiden through the mirror, "Apaay, I hear news of a merchant that carries fine jewels." 

Apaay blinked and paused as she was about to tuck another pin into Yue's hair, her eyes large on her freckled face, "That is quite close, my Lady. It's actually a priestess from the independent state of Bijalee that has newly taken to travel. A man she hired as her guard, someone from an Earth Kingdom rebellion unit, came with her. They now sell exotic jewelry and some Fire Nation goods."

Yue smiled. This was why she had chosen Apaay as her handmaiden - she talked much and easily. 

"Well then," Yue met the young girl's eyes through the Mirror, "I would much like to speak with them. Could you arrange their summons?"

Apaay nodded happily, the naive girl. Once finishing with her hair, the girl ran off to arrange a meeting.

How lovely, things seem to be working out quite well.

Chapter 8: Her Most Blessed Highness

Princess Yue sat in her lounge, atop piles of pelts and furs, ready to receive her guests. Of course, one does not simply keep royalty waiting, so it was only a few minutes before the door swung open and the guard ushered two people inside before allowing her privacy.

The man Yue guessed to be the priestess' guard immediately dropped into a bow without so much as looking at her. 

(The priestess herself, a striking woman clad in a purple parka, sighed and offered a bow of her own.)

The black-haired guard wasted no time before speaking with an accent Yue couldn't quite place, "This Uchiha Madara greets her most blessed highness," it was here he finally looked up, "Princess- what the fuck?!'

Yue nearly choked, while the priestess kicked her guard.

The man shook himself, "Ah, forgive me, your highness. I meant no disrespect."

It was only thanks to her keen hearing that Yue heard what the man muttered next - "Of course. I travel to the kami-damned North Pole and the frosty bastard isn't even here. I swear when I find him-"

How incredibly interesting. Who did this man expect her to be?

The priestess sighed, "My deepest apologies, Princess. I am the High Priestess, Aruna. I beg you forgive my guard, as be does not often think before allowing his mouth to spew whatever. But regardless, I was told that you held an interest in foreign jewelry?"

Yue smiled. She liked this one. She liked this one quite a bit.

"Jewels, among other things. I wish to hear tales of the world. I'm certain that some Water Tribe finery is worth your...... cooperation?"

Priestess Aruna opened her mouth, but the guard that called himself Uchiha interrupted, "Your highness is very kind, but we will demand no such compensation. Instead, there is something I'd like to ask you."

Oh? How odd. How terribly odd. This man, supposedly a mere guard, shows almost no respect for the priestess. Aruna, in turn, seems utterly unphased. Quite unusual....

Ah, she understood now.

Yue smiled, perhaps just a bit too sharp, "Very well. I might have an answer for you."

The man that called himself Uchiha stood straight and met her gaze. As if he were her equal. 

The priestess called Aruna opened her mouth, as if to scold him, but she was silenced before she could speak with simply the wave of a hand.

The man's odd black eyes narrowed, "I would like to know if you are aware of another person with white hair - a young man with red eyes."

Priestess Aruna seemed surprised by Uchiha's question. So his agenda was unknown to her as well, how curious.

Yue felt the urge to humor this strange man. Another with white hair? Fascinating.

"Why is it you are searching for one of Tui's blessed?"

Priestess Aruna looked between the two, an odd expression on her fierce face.

The strange man contemplated her question for but a moment - not as though he didn't think of it much, but rather he thought quickly.

"He's an old colleague of mine. I happen to need his assistance."

Priestess Aruna cast a strange look to her companion.

Yue pondered for a moment. There was something that this man was not telling her, but he was not deceitful.

She wanted to see where this went, "I have no knowledge of such an individual." The man that called himself Uchiha grit his teeth and furrowed his brows, "However, I know of a way to find this information. Though I will not provide it to you out of the goodness of my heart, there is no such thing in the world of business."

He smiled, "I'd expect nothing less, your highness. Please, take a look at our wares. It will take some time to write our tales of the world, but you can take whatever items from our stores that form a value equal to that of the information you will provide."

Yue was starting to like this man just a bit, "Of course. Tales for a question, treasures for information."

How lovely. This had gone better than Yue thought it would.

Yes, how extraordinarily lovely. 

 

---

 

Aruna was at a loss - something that doesn't happen often. But no way in the name of Agni will she let it stay that way.

Fortunately, curiosity is a feeling known to all things, and to seek answers for it is the human nature - it's how humanity learned to bend, how the nations were formed, and how they continue to develop. 

And Aruna is so, undeniably human - quite painfully so.

 

---

 

The entities known as Kali and Sang-je observed the girl that had to grow up too soon.

"But that is the way of the living." A spirit with coal-colored skin said.

"Cruelty brings life to the world, and kindness takes it." A spirit with eyes like the abyss added.

"But even when knowing this, they still strive for more. Such greedy creatures." A spirit shackled by gold continued. 

"It is what makes them fascinating. Still, you can't help but pity them." A sporit robed in the sky concluded.

 

---

 

In the back of their store, Aruna confronted Madara.

"That's the reason you're here?" She demanded inquired with a furrowed brow, "You're looking for someone?"

Madara scowled at her, "I fail to see how this is relevant."

Aruna ground her teeth, "We're working together. If we want to get out of here with our heads after that stunt you pulled, we can't afford secrets."

Madara's eye twitched. Unfortunately for him, she had a point, "Fine. I'll tell you what you need to know. Nothing more."

Chapter 9: Kyoshi's Most Promising Warrior

Suki, the most talented trainee on Kyoshi, watched the sharp-faced man as eagerly as any student would their master. If you asked her, she'd tell you that this Water Tribe man was odd. By far the most skilled fighter she'd ever seen, but odd nonetheless. 

He was young, perhaps three years older than Suki herself, but there was something about him that made it seem like he knows more than he should. Like he's seen more than anyone should have to. He's coldly analytical like the most war-worn soldiers she'd ever met, yet if you looked passed all that, he seemed no older than sixteen. 

Suki is a clever girl with an innate talent for combat. She's able to look at someone - anyone - and figure out how much of a threat they'll be. At least, that's how it works for everyone except one person. 

Three guesses.

Suki couldn't find anything off-putting about the way he moved. Sure, he was fluid and certain in his movements, but Ms Kinu moved much the same way, a habit developed from years of serving boiling tea.

When she first saw him, she thought it odd he was in a tree, sure, and was surprised by the grace with which he landed. But not for a moment did she think of him as a fighter - especially one as capable as he was now revealed to be.

She certainly didn't expect him to be so respectful, either.

He pointed out how she could improve her execution of the Kyoshi style, but never attempted to perform it himself, and even mentioned asking Captain Hua for permission. 

Instead, he used a kata of his own to demonstrate. The style, if you paid attention, was compatible enough with her own, but it was still decidedly different.

But she digressed. What had caught Suki's attention wasn't the style, but the way he performed it. Comparing the way he moved while fighting to any one thing would be a gross understatement. One form flowed into the next like a carefully curving stream, but it was vicious and relentless like a raging wildfire. When he stood, it was deeply rooted and unmovable, but in a heartbeat he could be as fleeting as the wind. It was sort of hypnotic, in a way.

Suki very much wanted to learn it, but she didn't quite trust this Tobirama quite yet.

Suki is good at reading people, and he seemed cold yet reliable, but she was proven wrong by this man before.

Besides, what he was doing raised no small amount of suspicion. He had approached Suki, completely undetected, then offered a way to improve her technique and asked for nothing in return. 

Suspicious as he may be, Suki could still learn something valuable from him. But she'll cut him off the moment she detects an ulterior motive.

Tobirama adjusted her form - lowering her hands just a bit and slightly raising her center of gravity. He stepped back, eyes narrowing even further than what seemed to be his perpetual glare.

"The next time you run through, try it like this. If it helps, think of a willow tree, while firmly rooted it remains flexible."

Suki nodded. She may not trust him as a person, but at the very least, she trusts what he's capable of.

 

---

 

Tobirama squinted, trying to make out the figure in front of him. Pain throbbed behind his eyes - the result of strain - but is wasn't something he hadn't dealt with before, he could handle it.

But maybe he should ask Seishū for some painkillers when he got back.

His eyes were in a terrible state, and he needed to get them healed before he suffered any permanent damage. Or - the preferred method - just figure out the secret behind healing with waterbending.

He'd been theorizing as he watched Suki run through her kata, and he just couldn't figure it out-

Oh. He's an idiot. 

The human body is primarily constructed of water. It would take some experimenting, but Tobirama was confident that he could work something out.

With that sack of rats handled, Tobirama returned all of his attention to the girl in front of him.

Tobirama found himself quite liking her. Suki's a talented combatant and vicious to boot, though not in a malicious way. She reminded him of his old cousin, Toka, and even of Katara, too.

Gods, he missed them. Toka, he could never see her again, and he made his peace with that. But Katara.....

He didn't think he could face her again with the world in such a state.

The only reason he exists here is to end the war. Supposedly with the help of someone else, but Tobirama didn't even know their name.

But the point still stands, if he couldn't do the one thing he existed for, how could he face his little sister again? When he thought of her and Sokka, Tobirama couldn't help but remember his brothers - the ones he used to have. He loved them all the same, Hashirama, Kawarama, Itama, Sokka, Katara. They're all his siblings, no matter which life they'refrom. His love isn't divided between them, rather, it multiplied.

That was the thing people never seemed to understand about Tobirama. While he seems like someone who doesn't care at all, the truth is that he perhaps cares too much.

But the fact remained, if he wanted to end this war, he'd have to start somewhere.

He looked at Suki, "Well done. If you can perform the kata like that one more time, we can move on. Begin."

Suki wiped sweat from her brow, lowered herself into a ready stance, and lashed out with her fan.

Something that could have been a smile crossed the scarred man's face.

 

---

 

From the spirit world, a tall woman with a painted face looked on. This girl learned quickly. With time, she'd do quite nicely. 

Avatar Kyoshi flickered out of existence, evergy drained, returning to her stasis in the mind of a young monk.

Chapter 10: It's a Date, Then?

Yue sat around a low table with her guests, drinking an exotic tea blend from an equally exotic cup - the thing was made of porcelain and had no handle, much unlike the bone utensils used in the Northern Water Tribe. The princess breathed deep - the slightly nutty aroma of the tea filling her nostrils. "There's a Water Tribe story, one about a polarbear-wolf. They look so similar to polarbear-dogs, and a mother with one surviving cub used that to her advantage. She sat among the tamed polarbear-dogs, playing along so that the foolish humans would feed her as well so she might nurse her cub - and that's truly all she did. Not once did she let her true, violent nature slip in front of the humans - even when forced to swallow her pride and submit to a spicies she saw lower than herself."

Madara scowled, grumbling something about 'those damn Nara,' while the priestess - and such a pretty thing she was - eyed him with an odd sort of expression. Eventually, Aruna sighed and met Yue's gaze.

"Please, princess, speak plainly."

Yue set down her cup, the fragile porcelain clinking perhsps a bit too harshly. "Very well then. I want you to answer me truthfully - who are you really, Uchiha Madara?"

Madara sighed, running a hand through the untamed black mass attached to his head. "My name is Madara. Uchiha is..... for sentimental value. I'm the firstborn son of the creature sitting on the dragon throne, legally deceased."

Yue narrowed her eyes. "I see. Swear to me in the name of the spirit your people favour so that you will understand no circumstance bring harm to my tribe."

The child born of fire smirked in a way that made his face entirely too punchable. "I, Madara, swear before Agni that I mean no harm."

Yue glared, her lips twisting into an unattractive frown. "That's not what I said."

Madara crossed his arms over his chest. "Forgive me - or don't - but I will not leave myself defenseless."

This time, it was Aruna who scowled. "Prick."

Princess Yue hummed. "Fine. But you know, such a secret makes for tantalizing gossip. Perhaps an eel-hare's weight in gold will allow me to remember how important it is to keep this secret?"

A bright tongue of flame bloomed from Madara's mouth as he stormed out. Yue rested her chin in her palm, smiling. "Lady Priestess, the moon is full tonight. If you'll accompany me this evening, I'd like to show you something that may interest one as spiritually inclined as yourself."

A pretty flush decorated Aruna's smooth, earthen skin and stars twinkled in her eyes. "That sounds lovely, Princess."

 

---

 

With a gray cloak draped over her form, Yue snuck through the city to rendezvous with a certain priestess. A smile in place of a verbal greeting, Yue led Aruna to a round wooden door. Aruna followed the princess through, and immediately stopped short - breath caught in her throat. It was so unbelievably warm, not only that, but also one of the most beautiful things the priestess had ever seen.

"This," Yue said, removing her cloak, "is the spirit oasis."

Aruna removed her parka, glancing around. "It's..... lovely."

Yue approached the two fish swimming in the oasis, kneeling in the soft grass. "I thought you might like to be here for this."

 

---

 

Tui set down the rule book that she had absolutely no trouble understanding. Nope, no trouble at all. "Oooh! See you guys later, we're being summoned."

La set down her cards and offered a lazy two-fingered salute before vanishing, her wife in tow.

Agni scowled at his cards as if they had personally offended him. "This game sucks."

Vayu leaned over, two of his hands braiding feathers into his husband's brilliant red hair while the remaining two were holding a tea cup and sending gusts of wind just strong enough to mess up Dangun's hair, respectively. "Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza? What kind of game is that?"

The entity known as Kali observed the entity known as Sang-je. "It is indeed peculiar. How did you come across such a..... bizzare game?"

Sang-je stroked his beard. "While in the other plane, I encountered a small, chaotic child. I asked it what it's favorite game was, and here we are."

Nügua smoothed out her husband's hair. "Huh, weird."

 

---

 

Tui and La surged forth from the vessels they left on the mortal plane. The moon cooed, moving to pinch Yue's cheeks. "Oh Raava, you're so cute! La, La honey, look at her!"

La hummed, nodding along. "Indeed, she's certainly one of the more adorable one's we've blessed in the past few centuries. But it's only been a month since we've seen her, dear."

Yue, words slightly warped due to her stretched cheeks, spoke to Aruna. "Lady Priestess, these are...... this is Tui and La."

Aruna, for her part, had a great talent for compartmentalization. Being used to only speaking with the well-mannered messangers of Agni, she was doing an excellent job at not freaking out. "I- uhm- A pleasure to meet you?"

Tui nodded, stepping away from her blessed. "Anyway, did you need help with something? Feel free to keep us all night - I'd rather skip out on whatever new game Sang-je bought over."

Aruna blinked. "Oh, that's right! Is that what you're here to ask them?"

Yue nodded and La looked over both girls. "Oh, there's something you want to know?"

Yue hummed. "One of your blessed, I'd like to know where he is. I've been told he's a young man with red eyes."

Tui clapped her hands together. "Oh! You're talking about Tobi! He's on Kyoshi Island right now. But if you're asking, Madara must be here?"

Yue tilted her head. "What? How....?"

Aruna looked vaugely stunned, and at a general loss for words.

La tapped her chin in thought. "He's one of Agni's blessed."

A snicker from Tui. "And Tobi's fated one."

La sighed. "But they still hate each other, dear."

Yue hummed in thought while Aruna blinked owlishly. 

"Huh."

Notes:

Yeah, sooo...... the AO3 author curse lives on baby!!!! Also, writers block hit me like a speeding bus trying to stop on black ice with it's break lines cut. And I sort of forgot I started writing this fic.

Chapter 11: The Captain's Approval

Notes:

Plot holes? What are you talking about? My plot has pockets that you can stuff full of lovely little headcannons.

Tobirama tugged at the sleeve of his needlessly extravagant nagagi, not dissimilar to one he would've worn to a festival in his home world. Ironically, that's exactly what he was doing right now. 

Seishū stood at his side, little white rabbit on his shoulder. The healer looked Tobirama over. "Say, it wasn't exactly important at the time, but how are your eyes? They'd be weaker than usual with your albinism, and bring raised in the south pole....."

Tobirama shook his head. "I can't see much anymore, to be completely honest. Vauge shapes and colors at best, I have to rely on sensing natural chi now. I'm attempting to figure out healing with waterbending, but progress is slow."

The healer stroked his beard, nodding solemnly. But, before he could continue, Suki jogged up to meet them. "Hey, what's going on? The old man looks rough."

Tobirama huffed, tousling Suki's hair. "Nothing, I just told him that I turned his favourite tea into a salve."

Suki snorted, swatting Tobirama's hand away. "Sure. Anyway, come on! There's a really good food stall at the end of the street that you've gotta try!"

With a fondly exasperated sigh, Tobirama allows Suki to drag him away into the crowd - the worry in the old healer's chi so thick that Tobirama could taste it.

Putting that thought to the back of his mind, Tobirama indulged the young Kyoshi warrior. That is, until they were cornered by a woman with chi that felt similar to Tobirama's aunt - the one from his mother's side, he never got along well with Butsuma's siblings. 

"Suki." the woman scolded. Tobirama could make out a few gray stripes in her black hair. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

Suki chuckled, using Tobirama as a shield. The little traitor. "Uhm, showing Tobi around?"

The woman sighed, and, if chi sensing was accurate - of course it was - pinched the bridge of her nose. "You were told to let him rest - he's here to recover. Honestly Suki, you're going to have to learn to follow orders if you're going to lead the Kyoshi Warriors."

Tobirama chuckled to himself, pulling Suki out from behind him and ruffling her hair. "It's not fault of hers, I'm the one that approached her. Besides, I'm almost completely healed - Mr Seishū is just too paranoid."

He could feel the woman narrow her eyes as Suki attempted to fix her hair. "You were almost dead when your father brought you here. Seishū's good, but not that good."

Oh.

Shit.

Uhm- "It's because I'm a bender. A bender's chi circulates within their body in such a way that accelerates healing exponentially."

Suki huffed. "Yeah, he's fine! If he really was still hurt, he wouldn't be able to beat my ass as quick as he does."

That did nothing to calm the woman's ire. Instead, she pinned Tobirama with a glare fierce enough to melt ice. "And why, pray tell, are you 'beating her ass?'"

Tobirama blanched. He'd rather fight a battalion of eleite soldiers than incour the wrath of any sort of maternal figure.

Suki, bless her soul, was quick to speak up. "No! Not like that! He's been training me, and he hasn't even attempted to use the Kyoshi style himself! Very respectful, yes. He's observed all proper etiquette, no need to tan his hide!"

The woman was quiet for a moment before a heavy sigh fell from her mouth. "Very well. So this is the real reason you've had a lot more progress lately?"

Suki chuckled sheepishly. 

Another long-suffering sigh. "I don't appreciate the deception, young lady. You just earned yourself one 'get your sorry ass back to your room' ticket."

With a squeak, Suki hurried off with a reminder yo meditate called after her. Tobirama turned towards the woman. "I must apologise, but I never got your name."

The woman hummed, crossing her arms. I'm Captain Hua Wei of Kyoshi."

Tobirama nodded. "A pleasure to meet you, Captain Hua, call me Tobirama. If I may, might I have your permission to learn the Kyoshi style?"

Tobirama could feel Hua's grin. It terrified him. "Sure, under one condition."

 

---

 

Vayu took a sip of his favourite tea blend - a sencha - and leaned on his husband's side. "He pulls it off rather nicely, no?"

The sun ran a hand through the wind's misty hair. "He does. Though green and gold aren't his colors."

Vayu blinked. "Oh, that's what he's in?"

Agni laughed. "For the most part, yes."

Dangun kicked open the door, smirking. "Sang-je just showed us this thing from the other plane - it's called a movie! There's this really cool song in it called "colours of the wind!" Whaddya think Vayu, interested? Huh?"

Dangun was promptly removed from the house with a particularly violent gust of wind.

The three-eyed sun spirit sulked, looking at where the door once was. "Dearest, we just got that replaced. You could've let me deal with it, you know."

A scoff. "And let you make the house smell even more like ash? I'll pass."

 

---

 

Tobirama tested the fabric of the uniform he wore, pleased by both it's texture and design.

Somewhere to the side, a woman in much the same uniform held a hand to her chin in thought. "It doesn't fit quite right - you're far too tall. Kyoshi herself is the only one I can think of that's taller."

Tobirama blinked in Captain Hua's direction. "It's a lovely uniform regardless. The fabric surprisingly doesn't get in the way and it feels quite nice."

A brown-haired adolescent strode into the room, a basket in hand. "I brought the stuff for sensitive skin."

The albino observed the basket of cosmetics. "What are they made out of?"

Suki pointed to a white jar, "This is just rice powder and some fancy-smelling oil," a red jar, "Some beni pigment," then, a black jar, "And something about cedar charcoal paste."

Tobirama nodded. "That shouldn't cause and adverse reactions. You may continue."

Captain Hua chuckled. "She could certainly use the practice."

Suki glared. 

Tobirama did his best to ignore it.

Notes:

Because I'm afraid I didn't make it clear enough - Vayu is completely colourblind. Or, in other words, he's got achromatopsia. On a similar topic, Nügua - being a snake spirit - has thermal vision.

On a completely unrelated note, I have just learned that "The Soulmate Goose of Enforcement" is an actual tag. I now feel legally obligated to do something with this information.

Chapter 12: Family

Notes:

Sometimes, I try to write this in a style that resembles an actual story. Then, I get about 100 words in and it's all just crack again. I swear, I have everything mentally planned out to make it all serious and lore-rich, but the moment I start typing my fingers are possessed by a tiny avatar of chaos that disallows my hands to pen anything remotely coherent.

On a little Earth Kingdom island known as Kyoshi, a youth sculpted of ice sat in the shade, eyes shut. A young, talented warrior moved through her kata - metal fans snapping in stagnant air.

"Again." Demanded a low, rough voice. "Just like that, and you can take a break."

The girl nodded, firm cords of muscle drawing tight to maintain her stance. The snap of a fan, the hiss of air over metal, the glit of the sun reflected off gold, and Suki tucked her fans back in her belt, bowing.

The corners of Tobirama's mouth twitched up and sanguine eyes blinked open. He stood with the grace of a serpent, striding to where the young girl stood. He placed a hand on her head, ruffling sweaty hair. "Good job, you're improving well."

Suki beamed, freckles stretching over cheeks still round with youth. "Thanks to you. Are we going to stop by Captain Hua's for lunch today?"

Tobirama nodded. "We are - though I suspect my days would be limited if we stood her up. And yours will be if you walk into her house smelling like that. Go take a bath."

Suki stuck out her tongue but hurried off anyway. Tobirama eyed the small white rabbit that had been following him since the festival but elected to ignore it in favour of heading into town.

 

---

 

Tui pinched the bridge of her nose. "By Raava's ear, Ōkuninushi frets far to much. We're not going to smite him if Tobi get a bruise."

A four-armed spirit draped themselves across his husband's shoulders. "Hm, does he know that?"

Tui blinked and La affectionately slapped her. "It's like a frog-squirrel looking after sabertooth moose-lion cub, beloved. He's terrified of making a wrong move."

Agni turned his head to kiss his lover. "Not the best comparison. Frog-squirrels fear nothing, harmless as they are. Tree frog-gliders are a lot more skittish."

Vayu shut his eyes, humming. "There're adorable, too."

La tilted her head. "Touché. But salamander-newts are cuter."

With a sound like ripping fabric, Sang-je appeared. "I spoke to a lovely human from the other plane, in a place they called the Midwestern United States, and they taught me a card game called euchre."

Tui blinked owlishly, tilting her head. "Uh, sure, I'll play."

Agni looked around his husband. "Did you grab any olives. The - what's it again? - kalamata? From...... uh-"

Vayu pinched Agni's nose, chuckling. "Greece, dearest."

Sang-je nodded, taking a jar from the pocket dimension that resided in his sleeve and handing it over.

Agni wasted no time opening the jar, humming happily. "Oh, by the way," the sun mumbled around a full mouth, "Where's Kali? They're normally with you."

Sang-je laughed. "They're fighting the soul-keeper, couldn't catch why."

"Huh."

 

---

 

Dressed in a comfortable indigo yukata - a gift from Seishū - Tobirama greeted Captain Hua with a small bow. The woman, in turn, smacked his shoulder. "Oh enough of that, you act too much like the mainlanders. I would know."

Standing straight, Tobirama smiled and obeyed her gesture to come inside. Sliding off his sandals and tucking them off to the side, Tobirama then followed the woman farther into her house. "Of course, Captain. I'll be sure to disrespect you as much as possible in the future, then."

Captain Hua scoffed and headed into the kitchen. "Oh shut it, brat. Take a seat, food's almost done. Where's the gremlin in the shape of a little girl?"

Tobirama hummed, moving to kneel on the zabuton. "Getting cleaned up. Probably despairing over her dirty laundry by now."

As if summoned, the shoji door slamed open and Suki - dressed in a green yukata that was clearly not hers - kicked off her shoes before stumbling in with all the grace of a rhino-turtle. "I'm not late! It isn't one yet!"

Captain Hua stalked out of the kitchen, brandishing a wooden spoon. "You're going to put your shoes away properly, young lady, or you'll be running laps until you vomit. And you best not slam my door again if you know what's good for you."

Suki quite promptly returned to the genkan with a quiet "yes ma'am."

Tobirama's hummed, sending a sidelong glance to the woman who had now returned to the kitchen. "I never quite noticed how close you two are. Are you perhaps relatives?"

Captain Hua barked a laugh. "Heavens no. I left all my family back in a mainland town called Gaoling. They were vassal lords under the Bei Fong family. Suki here lost her parents to illness some time ago, and sort of latched onto me."

Tobirama nodded, the dynamic reminding him of a bond he shared with children long gone. "I see. If you ask me, that girl is more your family now than whoever you left on the mainland. Such relationships should be treasured."

 

---

 

Hua spooned some lotus root soup - her grandmother's recipe - into three wooden bowls. She'll admit that she was initially wary of the pale Water Tribe boy - a face that didn't seem to show much, eyes that carried the story of a life long past. Now, she'll say with great pride, that she feels like she's got a sense for the boy now.

He's extremely expressive, if you know how to look. He's got a bleeding heart so tragically accepting of the truths of war. He's got a desire - vast as the ocean - to learn, teach, and protect. 

And he does, indeed, seem to carry the story of another lifetime. 

Hua has an uncanny ability to just know things. It's a fact of nature - the same as the unagi will swim and a phoenix will fly. Of course, every sea creature will drift to the sandy depths and every bird might injure it's wing. Hua knows things, she doesn't know everything. 

But by the spirits, if she wants to know something, she'll damn well figure it out.

It is for this reason that she calls out to Suki on the genkan. "Oh, while you're out there, fetch me a fresh bucket of water, will you? Make sure it's from the deep well."

There's some muffled grumbling, but the shoji opened and shut obediently. 

Hua turns towards Tobirama. "What about your family, boy? We've spoke of both of mine."

Tobirama's brow furrowed. "I've spoken of them plenty before."

Hua set the spoon down with a click. "I don't mean that one."

Now, there's panic written in the hard lines of a too-young face. He's not as good at hiding it as he thinks - perhaps, there's not enouth people that pay attention. "I don't know what you're talking about. The Southern Water Tribe is far too small, and the villages are too far apart."

Hua smiled. "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, Tobirama, you're an awful liar. I can keep a secret, you can tell me.

And he does, like the weight of the world is being lifted from him.

Such a comparison is achingly accurate, Hua thought distantly long after the boy long had fallen quiet and Suki returned with the water.

Hua brings the soup to the chabudai. If she sits a little too close to Tobirama while she eats, no one says a thing.

Chapter 13: Messenger Bird

It was late - or rather, incredibly early - as Tobirama meditated at the ocean's edge. What better time to experiment with the extent of water bending then under the light of the full moon? He allowed himself to be swept away by the ebb and flow of it's silvery chi, the ocean's dark energy curling up in response. 

Tobirama was no longer in his body, it felt like. When he breathed, the world breathed. A guiding hand, the gentle crest of a wave of chi, and Tobirama could feel the ocean, the little drops of water in the air, even the water the pulsed through his own veins as well as those of the flora and fauna around him. Perhaps now, he could......

He slid a thin knife from where it lay hidden in his sleeve, drawing it over his arm with a steady hand. Tobirama set the blade aside and placed a hand over the cut. A gentle breath and a careful nudge at the water in his body, and the cut had healed. Significantly less steady, he placed the same hand over his eyes.

A soothing sort of coolness washed through him, like the gentle spatter of rain in the late spring. His hand lowered and he opened his eyes, smiling as he gazed upon the moon with clear vision.

"The both of you helped me." He stated, extending a leg for the foamy waves to lap at. "Thank you."

A single wave, rising particularly far, engulfed the area where Tobirama sat. When it drew back into the depths, he was perfectly dry. 

With a laugh on his lips, the kind that hadn't graced his being in decades, the albino fell back onto the sand. Heart lighter than it had been in years, he fell asleep.

 

---

 

Tui withdrew her light from the mortal world, resting upon her wife's shoulder. "Such a sweet thing he is. I think I'll be quite distressed when his soul returns to where it belongs."

La kissed her beloved on the temple, plush dark lips contrasting in the most lovely way with the moon's own silvery skin. "As will I. Everyone up here's rather fond of him. What a clever one."

"He is." Tui laughed, batting away the striped sea krait that tried to coil around her throat. "That tickles! La, don't do that without a warning!"

The ocean laughed in turn, brushing a webbed hand over Tui's cheek while the scaly coils atop her head shifted. "Right, sorry dear. May I?"

The moon tilted her head to kiss La's palm. "Go ahead."

 

---

 

Tobirama would awake to something poking his cheek. Feeling out with his chi, he smiled at the familiar signature. When he squinted his eyes open, he had to do a double-take. "Huh." He stated, rather bluntly one might add. "I expected you to look at little meaner."

Suki scrunched up her nose, poking him again for good measure. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Tobirama yawned and sat up. "Absolutely nothing. The better question is why you're accosting me at this unholy hour of the morning?"

Suki blinked slowly. "..... it's almost nine. At night. You've been gone the whole day."

The albino cast a thankful look towards the tree that shielded him from Agni's light. "Oh. I guess I needed the sleep."

Suki eyed him in a way a little to pointed to be strictly polite. "Yeah, probably." She settled on with a shrug. "But it also means that not only did you miss dinner at the Captain's, but you haven't eaten at all today."

Tobirama had to think for an extended period, mind still slow from sleep. When the realization did dawn on him, however, he's sure his face contorted into something extreme because Suki doubled over laughing.

"What kind of flowers do you want at your funeral?" The young warrior asked once she was able to speak again. 

Tobirama shook his head. "I don't think I'll be getting a funeral."

Suki snickered, pulling him to his feet. "Come on. If we get over there quick enough, she might settle for stuffing you with the steamed buns we both know she kept warm."

He sighed, resigning himself to his fate.

 

---

 

A few days later, Tobirama would awake to a familiar rabbit perched on his chest.

"Ōkuninushi." He stated, bland. "Why are you here, exactly?"

The rabbit blinked moments before a disturbingly deep voice spoke in his head. "You're clever. Trivialities aside, you seem to have healed your eyes."

Tobirama stared for a moment longer, processing what he had just heard. "Yes, I did."

Ōkuninushi nodded, seemingly to himself. "Very well. I will I form Seishū of this development. You will likely be permitted to leave the island within the week."

With those final words, the rabbit jumped out of the window. Tobirama sighed, standing to get ready for the day. 

As Ōkuninushi had said, Seishū had found him not long later, saying that after a few final tests, he'd be released from medical care and free to do as he pleased. The only part worrying him now would be how Suki and Captain Hua would act.

He shuddered.

 

---

 

"Now you're certain you have enough money? We'd be plenty happy to send you off with more...." said the woman fretting over him.

Tobirama smiled. "I'm sure, Captain. I'll be fine."

She huffed and passed him a pleasant-smelling bento wrapped in a blue furoshiki. "Some hot food for the road - Suki made you some onigiri as well."

Just as Tobirama took it, the aforementioned girl barreled into him, face in his chest. "You jerk. Make sure you visit, alright?"

Tobirama hummed, his free hand ruffling her hair. Suki couldn't even find it in her to protest. He kissed her forehead, hugged Captain Hua, and stepped aboard the merchant vessel that would take him east across the Unagi Sea to the port City of Anyang. 

The ride over was, thankfully, rather calm. Clouds dotted the sky, preventing the light from being too harsh, though they cleared away not long after nightfall. Seated on the deck of the wooden ship, Tobirama bit into one of the steamed buns - lotus leaf, it tasted like - and hummed to himself. Perhaps he should invest in a messenger bird. 

The ship made port early that morning. Perhaps it was some form of cruel irony, but Tobirama was met with a furious flurry of black feathers the moment he stepped off the ship. After some struggle, the mass of feathers was revealed to be a raven - not a monitor raven-lizzard or even a crab-raven, just a raven.

The offending bird seemed to take great joy in pulling at his hair and ears, leaving his pack completely alone. Small mercies, he supposed. It was only after Tobirama had made it out of the city that the bird - wich Tobirama had quickly decided he wanted to strangle - perched itself on a branch to stare in a way that could only be judgemental, feathers fluffing up in a way that seemed vaugely familiar.

It titled it's head to the side and-

"Well it took you long enough, for Amaterasu's sake. Your pale ass is a bitch to find, you know that?"

Now, ravens possess an incredible mimickery skill, beyond that of even parrots. So this whole ordeal would have been only mildly strange, if it weren't for the voice the bird used.

"..... Izuna?"

The bird squawked, sarcasm oozing from it's beak. "Oh how honored I am, to have you remember me."

Tobirama blinked then coughed into his hand with no small amount of awkwardness. "Uh, sorry for killing you?"

Izuna(?) flared his wings. "That's where your mind goes? It was a war, moron. No, what I'm angry about is that damn jutsu you used! It's been years and I still can't figure it out!"

That was...... relieving? "I can...... explain it to you? Okay, I'm sorry but are you who's 'supposed to help me?' And why are you a bird?"

Izuna puffed up. Vaugely, Tobirama wondered how soft his feathers were. "I wish I knew. My running theory is that my soul just found an unoccupied body when I was pulled here, very rudely I might add. And what's this about helping you? I'm pretty sure that ain't me."

Tobirama hummed. "You talk more than I remember. Regardless, do you know why you're here?"

Izuna fluttered down to his shoulder. "Ever since you killed me, my soul has been bound to yours. Real bullshit, but at least I've gotten used to you. Do you have real food on you? I'm going to die if I eat another worm."

Tobirama regarded Izuna for a moment before nodding and digging around in his sachel for his bento. "I've got a couple onigiri."

Izuna happily took a rice ball - shaped into a little rabbit - and held it in place with a foot while he picked at it. "Damn, this is good."

Tobirama nodded. "Suki likes making them. Just don't get rice in my hair."

There was somewhat of an affirmative sound as he continued walking. Once Izuna finished the onigiri, Tobirama spoke again. 

"Who do you think might have been sent here." He asked while ducking around a low hanging branch.

Izuna clicked his beak. "Not a clue, but it'll be fine as long as it's not your log-headed brother. No offense."

Tobirama hummed, shrugging as much as he could with Izuna on his shoulder. "None taken." There was a pregnant pause. "What if it's your brother."

The bird cackled. "Oh, that would be brilliant."

A sigh. "Shut up."

"Shutting up now."

Notes:

Izuna's back!!! I debated making him a goose, but a raven was the only real choice. They're so sassy and gossip-loving. There was no other option.

Yes, La indeed has sea snakes for hair. The idea latched on while I was writing and took control like Remy from Ratatouille.

Also, shameless plug - I wrote a little Madatobi one-shot with an eldritch horror Hashirama. So, do with that what you will.

Chapter 14: Heart-to-heart

Notes:

This series is slowly just turning into "Tobirama learns how emotions work." Don't worry, we'll get some time back with Madara soon.

Izuna whistled a festive tune fill the unbearable silence. Well, silence is the wrong word. There were plenty of sounds - other birds (shit talkers, all of them), the wind, rustling leaves. But Izuna was a chatty person, now a chatty bird, and not having conversation going made him want to crawl out of his skin.

Eventually, after snacking on a few berries he grabbed from a bush (bird metabolisms are fast, excuse him), Izuna finally worked up the courage to start a conversation. 

"So, uh, Tobirama." He started. Great job, Izuna. Wonderful, really. "I wanted to thank you, for looking after Kagami. I mean, you even treated him well after my brother's mind had eroded. So, yeah. Thank you."

Tobirama's eyes flickered to where Izuna perched on his shoulder. When his lips ticked up, the man in a bird's body about passed out. "He's a lovely boy. But you shouldn't thank me, my reasons are hardly selfless."

Izuna shook his head. "No, I know what you're reasons were. My soul couldn't leave your side, I learned a lot about you. Why you looked after Kagami hardly matters, but I will say this: if your intentions were harmful in any way, I wouldn't be this nice."

Tobirama huffed a sound that might have been a laugh and Izuna had to stop himself from cooing. His rival was adorable.

"You talk a lot."

Izuna smacked him in the face with a wing. "I take it back. I'm going to be mean, 100% of the time now. I'm going to put a rat in your sleeping bag."

The albino pulled a vaugely disgusted face. "Tui and La, you're such a child."

Who and what now? Izuna would have been egregiously offended if he felt as though he'd missed something, a rather important something. 

Somehow, Tobirama seemed to pick up on his confusion. "The moon and ocean spirits of this world. I haven't had the pleasure of speaking with them, but they're quite the lovely individuals."

Izuna blinked, feathers fluffing up a bit. "Huh, the more you know."

 

---

 

La groaned as she sat up, shaking her head to stimulate the serpents that acted as her hair. "Who in Raava's name is evoking me at this hour? I'm supposed to be off the clock, damn it."

Casting her gaze upon the mortal world, with no small amount of irritation, the ocean paused once seeing who had called her name with enough weight for it disturb her.

"Tui." She called. "Tui, honey, sweetie, dearest, light of my life."

The moon materialized beside her wife. "What is it, love? I thought you had the day off?"

The ocean made a noise that sounded something like "uwagh" while making a wide gesture. "We've been evoked - sort of. Just, look."

Tui hummed and did as she was instructed. A moment later, her face twisted into something odd. "That's not supposed to happen. Ah, where's Kali? They'll know, right?"

 

---

 

"So," Izuna croaked through his beak - sixteen years wasn't nearly enough to get used to it. "Why are we walking, exactly? I mean, I'm happy our whole reunion could happen away from prying eyes, but I don't know why you're not just staying the night at least."

Tobirama hummed, batting through a spider-pecker's web that obstructed the path. "It smells weird. The pungent incense from all the brothels gives me a headache, especially when mixed with the fishing boats."

Izuna laughed, earning him a flick in the beak. 

There was a silence afterwards, allowing Izuna's mind to run wild - something that should absolutely not be allowed. After a moment, he poked Tobirama's cheek and spoke.

"Hey, so I know we just got off the heavy topics, but....." He took a breath. "I already explained my reasons, but you seem oddly alright with me? I was under the impression you were.... less than fond of the Uchiha. Bar Kagami, of course."

Tobirama seemed to take a moment in order to organize his thoughts. Finally, he sighed and offered a response. "As people, I don't think I truly hated very many of you. Rather, I hated what you could become."

And that, it put Izuna on edge. "How do you mean?"

The albino licked his lips. "The sharingan is deeply tied to emotion and memory, I know that much. It makes it all too easy to hold grudges. When pushed to the limit, it makes your people volatile and unpredictable, slowly destroying them and everyone they're close to. I hated that unpredictability, how it would only spread if nothing was forgiven - something difficult to do when someone feels so much."

Izuna felt his wings stiffen. "I see-"

"But most of all," he interrupted, "I think that much of it came from how I was raised and a misdirected sort of jealousy, now that I've been able to think about it."

Izuna couldn't quite name what he felt at that, his beak clicking. "How you were raised, I understand. But what would you have to be jealous of?"

As Izuna tilted his head to look at his traveling companion, Tobirama's eyes flicked down and he huffed in a sad sort of way. "You all were so close with each other and openly passionate. The Senju saw family as a hierarchy, and large displays of emotion were improper and clouded judgement. Anija was an exception of course, but what was expected of him then fell onto me. My envy for your clan's way of life was guided into hatred with time."

That made sense to Izuna, uncomfortably so. The thought of living such a way was unimaginable to him - as it would be to any of his family. But the fact that Tobirama had explained where his hatred came from to Izuna of all people said much of his mental strength. Something he admired, but would die again before admiting it.

He nipped at Tobirama's cheek in a way he hoped came off as encouraging. "I don't think I've ever heard you talk so much."

Izuna got his beak flicked again. "This world is much gentler. I've relaxed."

The raven made a scratchy huffing sort of noise. "You're a lot like Aniki, before he eroded, you know that?"

Tobirama gave him an odd look. "Is that supposed to be an insult or a compliment?"

Izuna scoffed, smacking his companion with a wing. "It's a compliment you bastard. I'll have you know that my brother was quite wonderful."

Tobirama shoved Izuna off, leaving him to flap around disgruntledly. "So much unlike you, then?"

The woods filled with a symphony of enraged caws as Tobirama smirked to himself.

Notes:

Does anyone know how to import images? I'm on a plone.
I made a couple sketches of the spirits so people would hopefully know what's going on with them. They're sorta weird. And hard to describe. I'm just about at the point where I'm going to start a new Tumblr account for all this stuff.

Chapter 15: The Cultists Appear When There's No Priestess

Notes:

Coherent timelines? Psh, never.

Madara was inspecting a few of Aruna's jewels, trying decide which ones would look best in a hairpin. While he was inspecting a brilliantly cut chrome diopside that would make for a lovely Earth Kingdom style, the princess returned with Aruna at her side.

He set aside the gemstones as Yue reached for a map, her companion taking a seat. "I have been able to locate the one you seek. 'Tobi' - as he was called by Tui and La - is currently on Kyoshi Island."

A flick of her wrist and some ink lifted from it's pot, circling a small island to the south before drawing a dotted path north-northeast. "However, he seems to be preparing to leave. The spirits haven't listened to his plans, so I'd recommend speaking to the Island's inhabitants."

Madara groaned and allowed his forehead against rather abrupt reunion with the table. "Oh fuck me. The bastard's more slippery than an otter-weasel."

Somewhere to his left, Aruna scoffed. "Yeah, I'll pass."

Madara twisted his head to the side and glared. "I mean this in the most respectful way possible, but you're a bitch."

Yue hid what Madara was sure was an amused grin behind one long sleeve. "My my, such vulgar language."

Madara - quite impressively, mind you - refrained from displaying his middle finger. Aruna, meanwhile, laughed. "Princess, what I heard you yell at your comb yesterday could make a pirate cover their children's ears."

The princess sent a look to the priestess, who immediately shut up.

Madara groaned, gathering himself enough to look at the map. "I guess I'll head out tomorrow, then. Sparky, you're out of Bijalee like you wanted - what are you gonna do?"

Aruna glanced between Madara and the princess, said princess being the one to speak up with an all too sweet smile. "If Lady Priestess would do the Northern Water Tribe the honor, we'd be more than happy to accommodate her presence here to advance our religious development."

The princess turned a odd shade, agreeing with a smile as Madara looked between the two of them and shrugged. "Great, one less mouth to feed."

 

---

 

La despaired, "Oh no."

Tui, rather in character for her, wailed and threw her hands in the air. "He's oblivious! This won't be a alow burn, it'll be glacial!"

The ocean sighed, resting her head on her lover's shoulder. "With any luck that bird will sort things out for us."

Tui kissed a straying serpent and pouted, cheeks puffing. "Or, he'll find the whole thing rather funny."

There was a long pause.

"A turd in his teeth. At least Agni's little priestess and that blessed of yours are getting themselves sorted out."

 

---

 

Madara took the stupid little boat and started on his way south. The quiet was..... unnerving, after being around Aruna for so long. Not only that, but Madara had forgotten that the stupid metal vessel moved at the speed of a turtle-sloth.

He needed a new boat.

Luckily for him, the weather stayed fair and he spotted a lovely river boat just begging to be taken. Madara's own stupid vessel puttered to a stop near the river resort on the Su Oku river - better option than fire nation waters. Sneaking abord the finely crafted river boat was laughably easy. Under closer inspection, this group of suspiciously wealthy people turned out to be a cult.

Honestly, Madara wasn't surprised. 

What did get him to jump, however, was discovering what they worshipped. A black and white spitting cobra-drongo was coiled on a gilded statue of a severed head. Spotted scales blended seamlessly into shining black feathers - concentrated in three spots around it's body: around it's head in a crown, at the tip of it's tail in an extravagant plume, and in a proportionally large pair of powerfully built wings.

Madara removed himself from that room and went to take care of the cultists. Only a few remained on the boat, so he knocked them out, tied them up, and threw them overboard. 

He's starting to recognize a pattern with his boat hijacking.

Never one to waste time, Madara started down the river as fast as the boat could take him - which was surprisingly fast, given the technology used to power it, and it could be left mostly alone to drift with the current without fear of collision. He didn't know the science behind it, nor did he want to. But leagues better than the stupid tin can he took to the north. Good riddance.

Madara sat under an auning on the boat's second floor, watching the shallow curves of the river pass by. The air carried the distinct scent of sulfer while steam drifted through the trees - a result of the hot springs - the combined effects luring him into a calm, nostalgic state and eventually sleep. 

When Madara awoke, it was to a sun starting to sag in the sky and a sense of relief - the boat hadn't crashed while he fell asleep like a fool. Though once that processed through, Madara then was able to take note of the animal coiled on his chest.

The spitting cobra-drongo he'd seen earlier - somehow looking unimpressed despite it's lack of facial muscles - stared down at him, sunlight glinting off of scales and feathers alike. The feathered serpent opened it's mouth - something that had Madara shutting his eyes and bracing to be stripped of his most prized possession - but when nothing came of it, he risked a glance. It was realigning it's jaw - something snakes frequently did while getting ready to eat. It also resembled a mildly horrifying yawn. 

"..... you're hungry?" He asked, feeling quite foolish for speaking to a creature without ears. 

For it's lack of hearing, the cobra-drongo seemed to nod.

Madara groaned. "Of all the days to steal this boat, I pick the creature's feeding day."

Grumbling, he sat up - the serpent fluttering to settle around his shoulders. He stomped to the storage room he'd found the previous day where, hopefully, a rat of some sort would be caught in a trap.

There was, in fact, a trapped rat-finch. He pried open the small spring loaded cage and watched as the cobra-drongo struck at it. Removing himself from the room, so he wouldn't have to listen to the prey animal's pitiful squels any longer.

The rest is a problem for future Madara. Present Madara needs to worry about getting to Kyoshi Island. 

Notes:

I didn't create a Tumblr specifically for this fanfic because my family knows my other one and would kill me if they knew I wrote fanfiction. I don't know what you're talking about.

Anyway, I'm not an artist and I don't claim to be one, but I did my best with some of the characters. If you're thinking that this is why I haven't been updating, you'd be 60% right.

 

La
Tui
Vayu
Agni
Young Suki
Tobirama
Madara, don't ask about his scar lol

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Of White Water