| By Steph32597s | Genre | Rating | Reviews | Updates |
| More from Steph32597s | Crossovers | PG | Positive! | No update page |
Chapter 6, Kohanna: A Rekindled Friendship
Dukran was one of those people who made you feel like family. Even after all the three years that she and I had not spoken, she was able to overlook my crimes and still be my best friend. Talking to her was very natural. It was as if we had never been separated. We picked up right where we had left off in our friendship, for which I was very thankful.
"Kaage's funeral was beautiful, Dukran. I wish you could've been there," I said.
"Me, too, Nami," she said, looking down at her hands that were in shackles. "I'm sorry that you went through all this trouble just to see me."
I sighed. I had blatantly disobeyed my father when he said over the telephone that I was not allowed to see Dukran. I told him that it was necessary; that someone must be near her in the case that she went into labor. But he didn't listen. I couldn't leave her alone, so I visited her anyway.
"Dukran, you aren't trouble. I can handle Yuseo and my father. I'm a better Waterbender than them. They just have the advantage of healing that I do not possess," I reassured.
"Still," Dukran said, "I can be by myself. I do it all the time at home."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Nami, I practically run a whole country all by myself. Myung Dae is gone for months on end and half the time, my children are, too. I'm alone."
"Isn't Myung Dae the Firelord right now?" I questioned.
"Yes. But he doesn't have to be in the homeland for that. And he's trying to usurp me so Hana can have my Firelord position."
"Men," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Nami, how did I end up in a loveless marriage?" Dukran asked.
I didn't know how to answer her question. I had never had these problems. Kaage was a good husband to me. He was always respectful and he never hurt me. Of course, we had our fair share of fights. But we worked together to fix things. Communication was important in our relationship. But it wasn't like that in every relationship.
I watched my adoptive parents' marriage fall apart. Life with them was rough during my teenage years. Then I watched it happen again with my brother when I was twenty one. While people's lives were falling apart around me, I almost felt bad for having a good marriage. The only person that kept me from dwelling on their pain was my son Tamae, who was a newborn at the time.
Dukran and Myung Dae were the last people I'd expect to have an unhappy marriage. Myung Dae was always polite to Dukran when I was around. They both radiated happiness when they were together. They were always kissing when they thought Kaage and I weren't looking.
I knew that Myung Dae was not the picture of morality, of course. He was Kaage's best friend. I knew they pulled a lot of stupid stunts when they were young. Kaage and Myung Dae were definitely popular with the ladies, too. I knew Myung Dae was also from a very powerful family in the Fire Nation that tended to married up in society.
But I didn't think Myung Dae really wanted the power. He loved Dukran. So what changed? "Dukran, you've never truly been alone. You've had Hitomi, right? And SoonMin? And Ani? And..." I paused in hesitation, "Anana?"
Saying Anana's name made me cringe. I hadn't been able to say my sister-in-law's name for a very long time.
"Of course. But I really wanted Myung Dae with me. I wanted my children with me," Dukran said. "I wanted to be loved."
That comment brought me back to reality. It broke my heart. "Oh Dukran," I said. I put my arms around her. "I'm so sorry that this is happening to you. I wish I could help in some way."
"You are helping, Nami. I'm so glad you're back. Now tell me, how did you end up in this mess?" Dukran asked, changing the subject. I sighed. "You don't have to tell me. I've been worried about you for the past three years. When you disappeared, I was very concerned. It's not like you to run off."
I sighed and told her the story.
Behind the Scenes!
- This is the second chapter where Kohanna has had the point of view.
- Dukran's life hasn't been all moon peaches and custard tarts.
- Dukran became the Fire Lord at age seventeen.
- This is the only chapter where Taylor isn't mentioned.
See more
For the collective works of the author, go here.