Chapter Text
Tarrlok
As I slowly regained consciousness, the dull light filtering through the curtains greeted me with gentle warmth. Scenes flashed before me. Noatak's face contorting with woe. A little boy pressing on my chest. Debris flying on a lone boat, as waves crashed against sharp, unrelenting rocks.
Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I found myself lying on a modest bed reminiscient of cardboard. The bedsheet was embroidered with poor lettering. Ba Sing Se Inn.
A descent from a wealthy politician to an asylum seeker residing in the likes of an inn.
I deserved worse.
The memories of the previous night continued to flood back in disjointed fragments. The chaos and the overwhelming sensation of falling into darkness.
Sitting up, I rubbed my temples. My fingers were coarse. Bandages wound around my torso, neck and arms. I was not grateful to be alive.
All I felt was a profound sense of emptiness gnawing at my soul. With a heavy sigh, I glanced around the room. Noatak wasn't there. He must have left me. Who could blame him?
I took in the second hand furnishings and flickering flame of a lantern casting shadows on the wall. It was nothing like the opulent surroundings I was accustomed to in Republic City.
But as I gazed out the window, watching the bustling city below, I found myself lost in the past - the ambition, the thirst for power, the ruthless pursuit of money and fame. It all seemed so distant now, a fading dream slipping through my fingers.
And yet, the memories of my bloodbending atrocities lingered like a stain on my being, a reminder of the unending darkness that ran through my father's bloodline. How many lives had I destroyed in my conquest of control? How many innocent people had suffered for my actions? How much pain had the Avatar and her friends endured because of me?
And I could no longer use my power to heal, because it was taken from me. Rightfully so, meaning I had nobody to blame but myself. I was nothing.
A bitter taste filled my mouth. "I don't deserve to live," I whispered hoarsely to myself, the words hanging heavy in the air.
A faint sound emerged from outside - the soft patter of footsteps outside the door. Frowning, I turned to the source of the noise. Was it Noatak? Was he finally going to face me, a pathetic man who couldn't even bend anymore?
The door creaked open, revealing a figure that was clearly not my brother. It was a curious young boy with wide amber eyes, and a childish grin. I recognised him vaguely...the boy who had pressed onto my chest. CPR, I think it was called. A procedure to save people. I supposed I should thank him.
"Hey mister, are you okay?" the boy asked innocently, his voice tinged with concern.
I bristled at the question, my defenses rising instinctively. "I'm fine." I snapped, my tone harsher than I intended.
The boy remained undeterred, his gaze unwavering as he approached me with a determined expression. "You don't look fine." he remarked bluntly.
What gave it away? The countless bandages and glossed over eyes, or my dejected demeanour? Perhaps it was both.
"I just did a stupid thing, you know?" Many stupid things.
"Mmmm, like what?" the boy questioned.
Spirits, must he ask so many questions? "I kidnapped the Avatar, for one." I admitted, moodily.
"Wow, that's something." the kid seemed unfazed.
"You don't seem that disgusted with me." I noted, mainly to myself.
"I've seen worse. Much worse." the boy said. "She's still alive, anyway." he shrugged. "So, you're Noatak's brother right?"
I gasped, thoughts racing through my head. I didn't know news could spread so far so quickly. I thought the Avatar would keep that information discreet.
"How did you know that?"
"He told me."
"He what? Where even was he? And who are you?" I felt my heart leap into my throat.
"Chill out, Tarrlok." He knew my name as well! "I'm staying with you guys. After I saved your life, which you still haven't thanked me for, he decided I could tag along. He's in the other room-" he gestured to the mahogany door behind me. "My name is Li, by the way."
He said all of that at a breakneck speed.
I was at a loss for words. Noatak was still alive, and he had taken in a child? And we would all be staying at the same place? I inhaled sharply.
"Why did he take a kid in?" I questioned frantically.
"Ouch, do you know want me here?" the child smiled as he feigned offense. Then, he added darkly, "Because I was left on a beach to die, and this was the better option."
I understood his words all too well. Noatak probably saw himself in Li.
"Oh, I'm sorry." I said. "I didn't realise."
"It's okay." he murmured. "You'll learn to love me. And then-"
Our conversation was interrupted by enthusiastic knocking on our front door.
"Room 3?" a bubbly voice sang. A light brown eye filled the decrepit peep hole. The image was blurred, and specks of dust obscured the glass, but I could make out a child's face through it nonetheless.
She pushed open the door. She had fiery hair and freckled cheeks. "Hey!" she pointed at Li. "Dad said that you're a friend. Do you want to play with me?"
Li threw his hands up in the air in excitement. "Yes! What games do you play? Have you ever played turtle duck and tiger shark? I'm so..."
Their joyous chattering dwindled to silence as they raced out of the room.
I closed the door behind them.
Now, it was just me and Noatak, who was doing something in the next room.
I clutched the doorknob, my hand trembling as I twisted. The door flung open, the rusted hinges groaning.
There he was, legs crossed, hands resting on his knees. His eyes were closed, long dark lashes framing his eyelids. His dark hair was rustled, pulled back in a ponytail. His frame had become more slender, his face more sunken and hollow.
He seemed to be...meditating?
I walked up to him, examining him closer. I could still sense his heartbeat. It was irregular, he seemed uneasy.
"Noatak, what are you doing?" I half-yelled.
No response.
"Noatak!"
Silence.
"Noatak!"
He remained motionless.
I turned on my heel to leave. If he wanted to ignore me, then so be it.
"Yes, Zaheer." his voice finally broke the silence. I spun around, only to be faced with my eyes-closed, stoic brother.
What was happening?