A O 3 | W A T T P A D | Words: 88,441 | Chapter 34
Zuko ventured into the courtyard. It was impossible to not hear his footsteps against the stone ground. Katara gave no indication that she heard him. The brunette did not move, her head remained towards the moon.
He stopped short of her, allowing his eyes to take her in. She was wearing a traditional night robe and slippers, her hair braided up.
He wondered where her guards were until he spotted them out the corner of his eye. Far off in the corner, trying not to meet his gaze.
"I would bow, my Lord but I am physically incapable at the moment," she said dryly. It was her bad attempt at a joke. He was thankful to be on joking terms. He would've taken anything she threw at him except silence.
"I will allow it" he answered, matching her dry humor. Zuko came to stand next to her. When they were this close he could smell her hair oil.
Katara was still, she did not attack or berate him. Nor did she acknowledge his closeness.
They stood together staring at the moon. Zuko suddenly remembered Yue. He wondered if that's who Katara thought of when she stared up at the night sky. He'd long put the moon spirit out of his mind. Not wanting to relive the memory of her and Sokka's demise, a demise he caused.
He wondered if Yue forgave him or if she saw remnants of the old him when she peered down. In a way Yue was the third in their relationship. She had witnessed them in the dead of night, privy to every touch and every scowl. Yue likely knew everything. There was no hiding from her moonlight.
That thought made his skin flush.
Katara was the first to break the silence "I don't want to see you marry someone else"
He pondered those words for a moment "And yet you're unable to commit, which brings us to an impasse"
He couldn't help but feel like Katara finally succumbed to the feelings between them because she got a inkling that someone else was in the picture. And yet that didn't bother him much because he loved her regardless.
Zuko looked over at her, examining her side profile. She did not meet his gaze. Not the slightest bit phased by the heat of his stare.
"I love you Katara but it is my duty to this Nation to get married and produce heirs"
Katara looked over at him with sad eyes. A lump formed in his chest.
"I don't want to watch you love someone else" her voice was small, almost inaudible.
"Katara, will you marry me?"
She did not answer.
"Do you love me?" he did not wait for her to answer, he did not want to know the answer. "Because if you say yes I'll march in there and undo everything. But I can't risk losing everything for you, not now"
Zuko was in no business to force her to make such decisions so soon. She was only beginning to explore her own feelings for him, outside of her typical lust and desire. But he needed to put it all into perspective for her. He needed her to understand what it takes for him to be Fire Lord. The sacrifices he has to make.
Katara searched his gaze and he saw the very moment she was finally registered what he meant.
Her bottom lip began to quiver and a single tear slipped from the corner of her eyes. His arms moved instantly, bringing her closer. She choked on her cry before it rang out and filled the silent courtyard. The brunette rested her head on his chest, in an attempt to smother her sounds. He gently rest his head on her and cradled her while she weeped.
He was hurting her, again and that broke him into a million pieces.
Zuko could feel the edges of his reality beginning to erode as his eyes pooled with tears.
"I have to do what best for my nation, I'm sorry"
Katara was shaking uncontrollably now.
"I love you" he whispered into her hair.
And again, "I love you so much"
"I love you" he said until his voice finally cracked.
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Damned For Loving You {Ember and Ocean Zutara Fanfic}
A O 3 | W A T T P AD | Chapter 33 |
Zuko promised himself he'd tell Katara the truth, maybe over dinner or on a walk.
That was until he saw the damage she wreaked on the garden. It was completely flooded. The pond was emptied. All the renovation improvements were completely washed away in a mere matter of moments.
Shu informed him it occurred during Katara's panic attack, in the blink on an eye it was like a tsunami hit the garden. She wasn't even aware she had done it but there was a haunting look in Shu's gaze. As if that was all the footman could think of.
It was clear to him then that Katara would not handle his news well. This was not the same woman who propositioned him for "just sex" years ago. Her feelings were involved now, she all but admitted that fact in the kitchen.
So he needed another tactic, dinner or a walk would not do.
He needed a more careful and elaborate plan. One that would minimize any possible fatalities. So he planned to whisk her away instead, far away from everyone. Back to Republic City, her happy place. He'd lay everything out and give her a choice.
None of those plans came to fruition. The waterbender stood before him, in a whirlwind of fury.
The rain had stalled, each drip hanging where they had fallen, suspended in air. The droplets were hanging in place, defying gravity. He had seen this scene before except this time he wasn't sure if Katara was doing it on purpose.
What he was sure of was Aleia standing anxiously behind her and all the onlookers.
Katara had pushed everyone away and planted herself in the doorway of the Palace. The waterbender measured him up, as if at any moment she'd attack.
Zuko watched as her hand slowly rise, ready to bend her element.
Not wanting to cause any more of a spectacle. He raced over, and took her hand in his. Katara did not pull away.
She tilted her head up to face him. Zuko could hardly bear to make eye contact. Her eyes were swimming in tears.
"How can you say you love me and marry someone else?" she snizzled. Katara sounded small now, like a child.
Zuko was uneasy, he could hardly find the right words "It's my love for you why I'm marrying her. She is perfectly fine with me continuing to see you"
Zuko watched her face twist as she came to the realization of what he truly meant. His own faced scrunched as he wondered if those were the best words to say.
"So you intend for me to be your mistress" she croaked.
He did not offer her a reaction "Katara you said it yourself, you don't regret what we did"
"To Mai" he thought, not confident enough to say the quiet part out load.
She snatched her hand away, she looked as if she read his mind "And somehow that made you think I want to be your bed wench"
*****
Aleia managed to pull Katara away but the brunette was not done with Zuko. Somehow she managed to gain a second wind.
The friends were almost up the stairs and out of reach when Katara whirled back around.
One of Zuko's favorite things about Katara was her spark, her will. Her point would always be made, except for now, he wished she'd just listen. But listening was not on her agenda.
"Why her? Mai I can understand but who the hell is she" Katara yelled from the top of the staircase. Her brows were knitted in anger. The tears had stopped.
Zuko was painfully aware of all the eyes that were watching the exchange. The guards standing at attention, the maids passing by. The footmen, it seemed like there were a hundred people in their midst.
The palace suddenly seemed too small, like the walls were closing in.
"Everyone leave now... please" Zuko ordered. There was a brief pause before everyone got moving.
He waited for them to scurry off, leaving the foyer completely empty all except Aleia. She stood to the side, holding her breathe as she watched.
He took a deep breathe "Katara if I have a child while I'm unwed the world will deem that child a bastard"
"No" she shouted taking a few steps down the stairs "no, only your ilk would think that" she snapped.
He took a few steps up the stairs "Katara, I don't want my child to be deemed a bastard. With no rights to their rightful throne, or an inheritance"
"So you find a random woman to marry because you're concerned about what some pompous idiots think about your baby" she chided.
Zuko tried to reach for her but she retreated back up the stairs. Katara looked utterly disgusted with him.
"It's not that simply Katara you're a waterbender" he refuted.
"And the sky is blue Zuko" she paused for a moment. He could see the wheels turning. A darkness settled over Katara. "It's because I'm not a firebender... Because I'm not highborn because I lived in a hut"
He shook his head no "I didn't say that.. thats not close to the truth at all"
"But you thought about it and... you're ashamed for people to associate your child with my people." The tears were back again "It's just a baby Zuko, an innocent baby" her voice rasped "and you failed to protect our baby"
She spun around and marched back up the stairs.
He hurried behind her "Katara, do you know what happened to the last bastard in this family? There was a war, they were exiled. Now what do you think will happen if people know our baby isn't just a fire citizen." he pleaded "I'm not going to sit around and wait to see"
Her blue pupils looked like steel when she turned around to face him "If you ever refer to my child as a bastard again I will rip your tongue out"
One good look at her and he could tell she meant every word. "Katara you know that's not what I meant"
"No I don't know anything anymore, except that you lied to me"
*****
"My Lord we have drafted the prison reformation letter" Chamberlain announced.
Zuko sat, hand resting over his scar, barely paying attention "Good please have those on my desk to review"
"I must say my Lord, it is an honorable thing to better the accommodations for the mentally unwell prisoners" Chamberlain acknowledged, ruffling through the documents.
"Yes, what's next?" Zuko prompted, his mind preoccupied with a certain pair of blue eyes.
"The Wolfe's are requesting we make an announcement about the wedding" another advisor offered.
"No need, the wedding is on hold," he lamented.
The room fell into a hush, there was only the sound of fire hissing around the ornate pedestal's. No one moved but their eyes flickered amongst each other.
"On hold sir? the wedding invitations have already gone out" someone asked.
Zuko was not the slightest bit concerned by wedding invitation's. He did not sleep that night. He was haunted by the sound of Katara's cries, her screams in the foyer. The Fire Lord could not fathom moving forward with the wedding, not until he was at least on the same page with Katara.
"It's on hold until further notice, what's next"
He expected a struggle but the waterbender took the news worse than he anticipated. She had completely shut him out and refused to even look in his direction.
It was a miracle if the whole Capitol had not heard about their spat, Katara certainly had his entire household walking on egg shells. No one had seen anyone go toe to toe with the Fire Lord and live. If she did not command the staffs respect before. She certainly did now.
"Master Katara's decision making has been called into question. Some are calling into question her mental health" another advisor mentioned.
Zuko was awakened from his mental drift, his eyes narrowed into slits "Who exactly is making such accusations?"
"We are not privy to say my Lord but there were reports of her panic attack at the palace ...and at the beach party" the advisor continued "and that is not all"
Zuko stared steely, waiting for the man to continue.
"Um .. your Lordship.. there was a request made ...that you petition the Republic City Council for her to step down"
He sat up straight "Step down!"
"She is a pregnant, surely she is in no state to lead a nation or influence global politics" another advisor chimed in.
Zuko fought the urge not to burn the man to crisp in his very seat for the cosign.
One of the pedestals surround the room toppled over under the intensity of the fire, the flames singed the floor.
"This insolence will not be tolerated any further. Either reveal the names or be dismissed from court permanently" he barked.
Zuko took a measured gaze around the room, watching as the men shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
"It is Mr. Wolfe my Lord, and the Wung's amongst many others"
"Summon Wolfe for a meeting at once, you are all dismissed"
*****
The Fire Lord finds her eating in the dining hall. Her personal guards and lady's maid were standing in the corner. Their eyes drifted to him and back to her in worry.
"Can you all give us a moment please" he asked politely.
They began to shuffle out.
"No, everyone stay, I do not wish to be alone with the Fire Lord" she ordered.
They stopped dead in their tracks looking between the two. Not sure who to listen to.
"I'm sure by now everyone here heard our quarrel, no need to play pretend" Katara stated somberly.
Zuko came over to where she was seated and stood before her "Katara please, I just want to talk"
She glared up at him and his breath caught in his chest. She was still so beautiful, even angry.
"I don't want to speak to you, I don't want to see you, I don't want to breathe the same air as you" she looked back at her plate, picking at the vegetables "Get out"
"Please be rational" he dropped his voice an octave not wishing for anyone but her to hear. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner but there is nothing really to tell. She will be my wife in name only. Nothing has to change"
"Be rational" she recoiled "The rational thing was to tell me you were getting married to begin with instead of living a double life"
"Katara, It's not a double life. Alyssa and I have an arrangement"
She slammed her hands on the table, before swiftly standing to her feet "Get out now!"
"Just let me explain please" the firebender pleaded.
Katara walked off, trying to get away from the sound of his voice. She keeled over after taking a few steps, letting out a rasped cry.
Zuko immediately hurried over. Arms instantly enveloping her, in a desperate attempt to help her find balance.
He stood before her, one hand on her stomach, the other on her back. "Whats wrong?"
She leaned her ahead against his chest in defeat "Ugh the baby just kicked me in the rib"
He didn't wait for permission, and gently rubbed his hand over her stomach, listening to her shallow breathing grow more even. Katara rested her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
The staff looked amongst themselves, in confusion but neither Zuko or Katara seemed to care about the spectators.
"How does that feel? Better" he asked, concerned.
"Can you just back up" Katara pushed him away "you make it really hard to hate you when you're this close"
Zuko took a step back and watched as she straightened up "I'm sorry"
"Go be with your wife or something. I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself" she brushed him off, wobbling away.
*****
"I must say Fire Lord Zuko I was mystified when I couldn't get a meeting with Master Katara. But I see now that it was for the best. She's clearly unhinged"
Usually Zuko would take his meetings in a more civilized manner. Maybe over lunch and certainly at a table. But he mulled over everything and was aware that Wolfe knew more than he was letting on. He needed to assume some control over the situation or it would continue to spiral. So he took the meeting in the throne room. Surrounded by fire as his forefathers had.
"And how pray tell did you come to that conclusion" Zuko questioned, staring at the man through the flames.
"I've heard the rumors... did my research. Chronically Depressed about her missing fiancé... Erratic decision making that destabilizes a whole nations... Then she's pregnant no less. She's clearly unfit to rule"
Zuko balled his fist so tight, his knuckles are white "Katara is perfectly fine"
"My Lord can I be quite frank" Wolfe drawled, stepping closer. The fire flared up at his approach.
"I think you have done a fine job at that thus far" the Fire Lord retorted.
"I know you and Master Katara are in some kind of relationship. I had hoped you were using it to your benefit. That you'd put a muzzle on her, constrict her. But I can see that I'm wrong"
Zuko took a deep breathe and the fumes in the room screeched. He was thinking a million things but only one mattered. Protecting Katara.
"I won't bother to entertain your accusations" Zuko relented.
"No need, I had you followed" Wolfe watched as Zuko's face twisted in confusion "oh don't look surprised. I had to know exactly who my daughter was marrying"
The Fire Lord immediately went into defense mode "And I know all about your plan to marry Alyssa off despite her double life"
"Alyssa's greatest flaw is that she wasn't born a boy"
Zuko sensed a doubled meaning behind his words.
"If she were I would've made her Fire Lord, but I have to settle for second best. Fire Lady" Wolfe did not bother to deny his ambitions. Just as he always expected, he was making a play for power.
"Silly her to think that she could play kingmaker" he continued "It wasn't wise for her to entertain your bastard talks. What great shame and damnation that would bring to our nation"
That's all Wolfe cared about, optics. Not the refugees, or peace. The Fire Nations reputation was more important than peoples real lives. His owns daughters future was at stake. But he only cared how the world would view Zuko's familial matters.
"She has told me nothing of your little plan but like I said, she's not smart. Not a schemer. Her or that friend of hers"
Zuko listened to him ramble. Turning over the revelation in his head over and over. Wolfe knew everything and he knew the entire time. He watched Wolfe, trying to calculate how to unweave this web of deceit.
"If the Royal Council finds out about Katara you'll be ruined. And that child will be exiled from Fire Nation"
The Fire Lord glowered down at him. He considered ending it all right now. Cutting down Wolfe would put an end to his troubles "Are you threatening the Fire Lord?"
"I want Katara dismissed from the Council. I want our business back up and running in the colonies. I want it all done before the wedding or you will be ousted."
*****
Alyssa rushed into the library in a fit of worry. "I am so sorry, I did not tell my father anything"
Zuko did not bother to ponder if that was true "Your father was having me followed. He knew everything the entire time"
He watched Alyssa face fall, she looked as if she was reliving a nightmare. Zuko decided then that she wasn't involved.
"I'm sorry, my mother told me he is demanding that the wedding still go through ... I think .. I .. you should call it off" she stammered.
The Fire Lord examined her for a moment. Alyssa was not weak. She was the second most intriguing woman he knew. But right now Alyssa looked defeated. This was not the same woman that solicited him for an arranged marriage. Her thrill was gone.
He gestured for her to sit down, she did so and he poured her a drink. She skipped over the cup and went straight for the bottle.
"Why did you think Katara would be okay with this. She clearly loves you" Alyssa slurred.
He thought on it for a moment. All the reasons he had before seemed silly now.
"That did not look like a woman that is willing to be a mistress. You sold her as some accidental pregnancy. This is far worst than that isn't it?"
"I've made it clear about my feelings for Katara" he countered.
Alyssa took another swig from the bottle "You didn't make it clear enough ...how complicated your relationship was. You weren't just sleeping with her. You love her and I was going to be second to her our entire marriage wasn't I?"
"Alyssa I apologize if I wasn't as forthright as I could've been but you propositioned me. This is what you wanted. You wanted protection for you and your girlfriend."
"But I would've known my places. I would have never put Emma above you, you would've put her above me"
Zuko did not bother to answer, they both knew the answer already. Zuko watched as Alyssa took drink after drink. She emptied the bottle. He noticed then how haggard her appearance was.
"My father has sent Emma away, says she has been a distraction for long enough"
*****
Zuko stood at the top of the bannister looking down at the household staff.
"I think it goes without saying that this is a gossip free household. Anyone found to be leaking any information from the Palace will be fired and unemployable" he stated to the staff.
"As for Master Katara and Lady Alyssa I expect no further discussions about them. When they pass you will bow your heads and show your utmost respect, am I clear?"
Lured to the Flame (Ember and Ocean: Zutara Fanfic)
A O 3 | W A T T P A D | 82,577 words | CHAPTER 31
All rights reserved to the Copyright Holder
Excerpt:
An intense canopy of flames enveloped the courtyard. A burst of iridescent light mimicking purples, blues and greens went up into the atmosphere like pillars before subsiding in smoke.
The waterbender stood at the window watching the Fire Lord with admiration. He was still disciplined, still training to become a master as if he was not already the best.
Katara hadn't seen another firebender wield such raw destructive power so effortlessly. She was sure someone else would've melted under it's force. But Zuko bended his element with ease.
A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she watched him send another flash of color from his fist. Zuko moved fluidly, light on his feet as clouds of smoke danced around him. She stared up at the sky in awe watching the rainbow fire around until it was quenched by the breeze.
Katara stood in a trance, face almost pressed to the window as her eyes skimmed the sweat glistening on his skin. Each droplet mimicking a shade of the rainbow, reflecting the fire and sunlight. He was clad only in arm bands and pants. Every muscle was on display. The brunette was practically salivating watching his tendons contract and constrict with each move.
"Master Katara" She jumped at the call of her name, blushing with embarrassment as she had been caught.
Katara turned to see Iroh coming towards her. Sometimes they'd see each other on the docks but up until now they have never spoken.
"Are you okay? you look flustered"
"Yeah .. of course, just ..tired" she stammered, blinking rapidly. Katara hoped he didn't peek over her shoulder and notice her ogling at his nephew.
"I told my nephew it's not good for you to work so hard," Iroh mused, examining her in.
"Oh .. he isn't.. I'm" her mind was still preoccupied with images of Zuko training, she could not find the right words.
"Why don't you come with me, I can brew you a nice cup of tea. Better than the stuff they have here"
Katara found her feet following Iroh and away from the window. Her mind stayed on Zuko as Iroh rambled on about tea. She couldn't help but wonder when they'd leave for their upcoming gateway.
*****
Iroh's home did not look like the typical Fire Nation house. If you blinked twice you may have thought you were in Ba Sing Sa. Every inch and space reflected elements of the Earth Kingdom.
Katara sat at a table just off the wall, watching as the General pulled pastries out of the oven.
"I didn't know you baked," Katara mused.
"My wife Kira taught me, she's the one who got me addicted to tea" he admitted joyfully.
"I didn't know you had a wife"
"She died shortly after my son. Her father was the Palace chef" he answered, shoving more pastries in the oven.
Katara did not expect Iroh to be so forthcoming. He seemed more of legend, a tall tale. But he had loved and lost just like her. She wondered what else she didn't know.
"You know," he began, "I was my father's favorite son. Until I fell in love with a commoner then his love waned. He hated Kira but she was the love of my life so she was tolerated"
Katara nodded, not wanting to interrupt. Iroh spoke so fondly of his wife. She never imagined the Dragon of the West was a loving husband.
"Ozai happily supported our union" he continued " thinking it would drive a wage between my father and I" Iroh chuckled.
"We were allowed to marry but Kira was treated with much disdain from my family. Azulon wanted to redeem the bloodline so he married Ozai off to Ursa and you know the rest of the story"
Katara nodded yes, remaining silent.
"Ozai thought Azulon would write me off and give him the throne, my wife assumed so too. But I was the first born son and Azulon was a man of honor. He would have given me the throne no matter what" Iroh paused for a moment before continuing "Ozai tried to imitate our father, in his own disturbed way. That's why he burned Zuko"
Katara felt a pit form in her stomach, remembering how Zuko got his scar. She pulled her gaze away and looked down at the table. There were scrolls everywhere, her eyes couldn't help but skim some. The Camellia-Peony War. Rivalry between Chaejin and Zoryu.
"My wife was so obsessed with being a good Fire Lady she lost herself, she could not bear the pressure when Lu Ten died and killed herself"
Katara's head snapped up from the scrolls "I'm sorry I didn't know"
"How could you? It is not a story I enjoy retelling" he placed a manju in front of her. His eyes followed hers to the scrolls "My nephew might seem silly for the way he leads the country but the Fire Nation is monolithic. The clansmen and noblemen once again have influence now that Ozai is gone."
"Maybe this is what's been bothering Zuko" she thought.
Katara never stopped to ponder Fire Nation politics. She had her own city to run and now refugees to help. To her as long as the nations weren't at war all was well.
"I know the women in the palace are unkind," he started, voice drifting off in thought "they've never seen a sane woman in power before, especially one that looks like you. It must be intimidating"
Katara gulped, she was painfully aware that she was the odd one out.
"You must understand Master Katara that the world is not yet healed. There isn't harmony amongst the elements" he said as a matter of factly "everyone is seeking to maintain the balance of peace differently including my nephew"
Katara's mind wandered back to the shaman. How she declared that the spirits had found her worthy for her efforts to maintain peace. It seemed so hard to believe then but now it was beginning to make sense. The world was still fragmented.
In Republic City, Katara and the Council managed to keep the bad out. Everyone there was united, they had come from all over to escape the after effects of war. Zuko thought it was a gilded cage but to Katara it seemed more like a gilded fence.
Her eyes floated back to the scrolls, Iroh seemed to be studying Fire Nation history.
"The Fire Nation may not pit women against men like the Northern Water Tribe but it is plagued by bureaucracy and feudalism. Unfortunately status and social class matters but don't let that discourage you"
Katara wasn't sure why but his words were sounding more and more like a warning.
"Take these" Iroh handed her the scrolls "Your family now, it's important you know your history"
Summary: Things ended pretty awkwardly in the kitchen between them. Zuko mumbled something incoherent and left her standing there alone. The two had not spoken since then. Katara chalked it up to him being confused or nervous. She said things that she hadn't said before. Words that he begged her to say for years. Words that came as a surprise even to her.
wc:2864 | A O 3 | W A T T P A D
After the incident in the garden, there was nothing but time to think. Katara laid in bed alone and ruminated on what Mai said. What Yagoda said, even Dr. Lu. Everyone really. Her dreams, and her nightmares. They all seemed to morph together and all she wanted was his warm touch.
It was all uncharted territory but the more she tried to forget Zuko, the more she longed to be near him. They'd pass one another in the halls and he seemed so out of reach it hurt.
Katara did not have time to stop and stargaze. Every moment of her day was now itemized, mapped out and planned by the Fire Lord himself. She even had personal body guards and a new set of lady's maids. All of whom Aleia claimed she vetted herself at the behest of him.
The waterbender couldn't help but wonder if this was his way of creating space between them. For all his scheduling and planning, they hardly spent time together. They no longer ate together, went on walks, she had now taken to sleeping in Aleia's room for companionship. It felt as though he was shutting her out.
Katara was sure he had her best interest at heart but it made her a spectacle. Everyone looked at her like she was a maimed dog, it was all a open secret. Her panic attack. Mai's visit. Now the Fire Lord distancing himself. It was all starting to feel like a humiliation ritual.
What's worse, everyone speculated why Mai disappeared as quickly as she appeared. Which for some reason made Katara even more anxious. She was constantly looking over her shoulder. The only thing ever there were her two guards- Cal and Tam Tam or as she liked to think of them- her babysitters.
They were everywhere. At all times, pushing her along. Surrounding her, she felt trapped. The only time she ever got a genuine alone time was inside the bed chambers.
It was hard to shake them at first but Katara found a way.
Cal seemed to be enamored by Aleia. The two were always giggly with each other, much to Tam's disgust. Whenever the waterbender needed a break she'd send them off on some errand. Aleia never seemed to mind. The brunette had a sneaking suspicion her friend liked the firebender too.
Today was no different, Katara was due to see Azula and asked Aleia to distract the guards while she snuck off.
Upon finding her way to Azula's facility she was swiftly told that the princess had been transferred out by the Fire Lord.
Katara was confused at first. Then she realized that maybe she had been caught. Maybe Zuko found out about the visits.
"Is he keeping me watched so I won't see Azula"
It was the only thing that made sense, and it infuriated her.
Her mask began to slip, her emotions shifted. Her vulnerability was tittering and she was cracking under the weight of her thoughts.
Katara was exhausted. At her core she was hurt, her ego was bruised. She felt outplayed and maligned. But those weren't the emotions she latched onto in the moment. She honed in on anger and pushed down that feeling of being slighted.
Katara swept down the Palace halls in fury.
By now she wasn't exactly sure why she was angry. She wanted to believe it was because of Azula but deep down it was because he was stonewalling her. She finally gave him what he wanted, some reciprocity and they were worse off. She missed her friend.
She marched into the dining hall, where she knew he'd be having lunch.
He looked surprised to see her when the doors flew open. That irritated her even more.
"Where is Azula?" She sneered.
The guards that lined the halls, eyes flickered to her and back to the Fire Lord. Katara could see the range of emotions flash across his face before he inhaled.
"You mean my sister who you have been sneaking off to visit after I specifically told you not to?" he said pointedly.
She could see his composure wavering, his good eye slightly twitching.
"I'm not going to ask twice, where is she?" Katara demanded.
"I sent her to Ember Island, she'll be treated there from now on. You're welcome" he looked back down at his food.
Katara's eyebrows knitted in confusion "Treated?"
"Yes for her mental issues, no more chi blocking"
Katara nodded slowly, running a hand through her hair as she registered his words.
"Thank you" Katara mumbled before turning on her heels.
Her anger subsided, leaving behind only confusion in its midst. Katara marched away. Trying to push down the anguish that was bubbling in her heart. She felt silly, he made her feel silly.
"Get a grip" she thought, trying to calm herself.
Katara could hear his boots approaching from behind but she did not stop walking. It was no use, Zuko stepped in her way, hovering over her.
"Don't do that again," Zuko said under his breath.
She looked up at him through her eyelashes "Excuse me?"
"This is not Republic City, you can't prance about doing as you please" he said tightly "do not openly disrespect me"
Katara stepped around him, hoping to escape.
It was no use, Zuko pulled her into the throne room.
"I did what you begged me to do, Azula is finally getting the proper care, so what exactly is the issue now" he asked concerned.
Katara did not answer. She did not want to admit that she felt discarded. That she hated sleeping alone. That she missed his presence. That she expected a totally different reaction than the one she got in the kitchen.
Zuko mistook her silence as apathy.
"I don't even know why I bother. Nothing is ever enough for you Katara. I have given you everything, endless approval. I'm putting my reputation on the line to be with you and it's not enough. Nothing will ever be enough for you will it Katara?" he railed.
Katara's nostrils flared in heat, her eyes went wild in bewilderment. "Where is all of this coming from?"
"I walked out on the only woman that truly loved me; betrayed my sister, her nation to save my life for you. And it seems like you hate me for it"
Katara grabbed a hold of her dress and squeezed. Willing herself not to break down in tears.
"So it's Mai, that's why he has been distant" she thought.
"You make everyone suffer because Aang did not love you enough to stay. It is not our fault Katara"
Katara slapped him so hard her hand print remained on his face. The sound echoed throughout the room.
Zuko nodded "Mmm, what else?"
Katara grabbed his neck and for a split second considered suspending the blood in his body. Every vessel would stand still and his heart would stop beating. The thought almost engrossed her.
But she did not feel his veins lurch under her touch. His pupils did not dilate, his eyes did not go wild in anticipation. He never broke their gaze.
"Do it!" he pleaded, his voice cracking.
Katara quickly realized he expected this. "He wanted this"
There was a war behind his eyes. This was not the Zuko she knew. This Zuko was distraught, helpless and confused. Unraveling. This Zuko wanted to die and he wanted her to do it.
She released her hold on him and took a steading step backwards.
They were friends first, she knew when he was bothered.
"Zuko what's going on" She searched his gaze for the answer, there was none "what's wrong?"
He didn't answer, and teared his eyes away and looked in the other direction. Looking at the flames. They were huge and threatening, no doubt controlled by emotions.
"Please, whatever it is you can tell me" Katara reached for his chin and turned his head back to her. He closed his eyes and looked down.
"Open your eyes" she prodded. He blinked slowly before his eyelids opened. She held his gaze for what felt like eternity. He hadn't looked this shaken up since she arrived in the Fire Nation.
"I'm sorry, okay. I'm sorry for Mai and Azula. I'm sorry for everything" she reassured, pulling him into a hug. She held him so close that she could feel his heart beat racing. His hand loosely held onto her waist. As if he really didn't want to touch her but Katara held on anyway. Hoping that for once she could be his warmth.
"I'm so sorry for everything just don't shut me out" her breath was labored and her heart was heavy. It felt as though if she didn't get the words out she'd explode.
They stood there for a while before Zuko pulled away. He straightened up and ran a hand over his face. As if to wipe away his grief.
"Please tell me what's going on so I can fix it," her voice said. "I understand if it's Mai? Is that why you've been ignoring me because I don't blame you for what happened in the garden"
Zuko did not respond, only giving her a blank stare.
"She comes back and all of a sudden you're avoiding me, you won't even look at me. You start treating me like I'm disposable" Katara rambled on, trying to rationalize everything.
"Oh like you've treated me" he rebuffed.
Katara took a cautious step back. It felt as though she had been stabbed in the chest. Her eyes welled up as she bumped into the wall. She felt for the knob before opening it and hastening out of the throne room.
"Katara" she heard him call from behind but she was already gone.
Katara was informed the clinic was down a person, which didn't help because they were already short staffed. As much as she was tired, the waterbender pulled herself together and got to work.
"Okay the nurse told me you have a headache" Katara gave the woman a half smile. She was still shaken up from her earlier run in with Zuko.
"Yes I am plagued by visions dear"
"Okay I can't stop the visions but I can stop the headaches, okay?"
The woman nodded.
Katara bended some water into her hand and pressed it into the woman's temple.
"Your child is going to bring great balance and peace" the woman murmured.
"Hmm that sounds nice"
"And you will fall in love again" it wasn't a question it was more like a statement.
"That sounds nice too" Katara half snickered.
"You must be careful though, to not let happiness slip through your fingers" the woman warned.
Katara jerked away "excuse me?"
"I am a shaman" the woman grabbed her hand, "For your great sacrifice, the spirits have given you this gift, a second chance at happiness but there may not be a third chance"
"That is very nice of them" Katara mumbled, snatching her hand away. Katara looked around to see if she was being pranked. The clinic was as busy as ever. No one seemed to be up to anything unseemly.
"You don't believe me, dear" the woman asked.
"What?"
"You don't believe that you are worthy of love after so much loss"
Katara scoffed, "I don't have time to think about love. Everyone I love is gone"
"Well it is just as I said. The spirits have given you a gift. Why do you think your womb finally quickened"
Katara flinched back, it felt like her world tilted on its axis. Her life just about flashed across her eyes. Everything suddenly came full circle.
"You believe now" the woman smiled knowingly "You have shown true resilience in trying to maintain the balance of peace. You have been found worthy, find solace in that " the woman touched Katara's stomach.
Needless to say Katara could not sleep that night.
Not wanting to wake Aleia with her uneasiness, she found her way to the kitchen in hopes that a cup of tea would calm her nerves.
She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Zuko standing over the stove in the dimly lit kitchen. She considered retreating but decided against it. She needed something to calm her nerves.
Katara advanced to the cabinets, grabbing the tea pot and putting it on the stove. When she turned away to grab the tea leaves and back, there was a fire kindled under the pot. Her eyes shifted between Zuko and the tea pot. She dropped leaves in and bent water into the pot.
She looked over at his pot, he was brewing soup. Katara raised an eyebrow before turning her attention back to her pot. She stirred the water with a swirl of her index finger.
She stood there for a moment, before doing the same for Zuko, bending the water in his pot so everything cooked evenly.
They stood next to each other, staring at their fires. The heat from the flames filling up the room.
"You know you have servants for this your Lordship" Katara commented. She could almost hear the smile spread across the lips.
"I don't think the servants know how to make sea prune soup"
She looked up at him, puzzled "Sea prune soup? This late"
He gave her a weak smile "Well it's for you, I know you have been having trouble sleeping"
She stared up at him, getting lost in the gold specs of his eyes. The butterflies were back, spreading across her chest. She stood mesmerized as he got closer and closer, lowering himself so their lips could touch.
With a swift move his arm swept her off the floor and onto the counter.
When their lips mold together it feels different. Less primal. There was no dance. Only blood rushing to Katara's head making her feel dizzy. She could feel a tingle in her ears and it was hard to breathe evenly. He cupped her face and pressed his lips against hers. She melted into his touch.
She was awashed in confusion and wondered if he felt it too. The difference in pace between them. She suddenly remembered the shaman's words. Her dream. Mai accusations. What Yagoda advised, and Sokka. No one would blame her for this, choosing him, if she did.
Their foreheads were now pressed together, his nose grazing her cheeks "I'm sorry for what I said earlier, I didn't mean any of it"
She gently rubbed his cheek, fingers skimming his scar "I know but the way you looked today.. Zuko what's going on?"
"We should go away, for a little while. Talk everything over"
Katara pushed him off "is this about what I said the other night?"
He shook his head no "No I just think it'll be good if we get away from all this chaos for a few days and talk"
Katara was skeptical "okay sure"
She wanted to tell him about the Shaman. About their baby being a gift. A second chance at reconciliation for all she'd lost.
She wanted to tell him that she was sure Aang was gone now and maybe he'd been gone for a long time. He was the only person that would think to give her a gift. Who else knew about her loss. Her distrust. Her grief. Surely he was the spirit.
She wanted to tell him all of it. Like she used to, when they were still teenagers hulled up in that apartment in Republic City and they'd just hobble together and sit and talk about everything. His mom then her mom. His dad then her dad. Aang. Mai.
She wanted to tell him she was remembering Aang less and less everyday. That she couldn't remember what it felt like to be with him. How she'd use to compare the two.
Aang was gentle and kind. But Zuko would ravish her and then discard her.
That was until he didn't. Until their one night stands began to bleed into days and sometimes weeks. They'd hobbled together and sit and talk about everything. Her mom then his mom. Her dad then his dad.
But never Aang. Never Mai. The times they did talk about them, the sky would split open like an inhaled wound. There would be fire crashing like resounding cymbals against shards of water.
Katara wanted to ask when did it all change. When did things become different between them? She couldn't pinpoint when. Or why. But when he disappeared after their Agni Kai it opened a wound that festered and could not heal until now.
Maybe it all changed when she confessed she couldn't have children or maybe it was when he confessed he was no longer in love with Mai. They looked at each other differently in those moments.
But Katara mentioned none of those things because it was her who set up their arrangement to begin with and was she too prideful to express wanting to walk back on it. Even though Zuko begged her for years to explore their connection.
For now it was enough to just have him in her heart.
So, she just watched as he brought the soup to a boil and plated their food.
Katara watched as Zuko pulled out and spilled his essence all over the floor.
"You know you don't have to do that"
Zuko's eyes narrowed on her in confusion.
Kataras head fell back against the pillow "I can't have children"
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Cowards, The Both of Us (Ember and Ocean: Zutara Fanfic)
A O 3 | W A T T P A D | Words:76,723 | Chapt. 29
Creds:growing roses (Pinterest)
Excerpt:
"Your Lordships, President Katara is here" Shu announced.
Zuko did not get a chance to register what those words meant because the President materialized at that very moment.
He could not find the words to speak. He could hardly even think as his eyes made four with her electric blue ones. It had been sixteen years since they last saw each other. Sixteen years since that day in the Inn.
"Katara, what are you doing here? We thought Sokka was coming" Mai asked, curiously.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you" She smiled back "Suki is in her final trimester and Sokka does not want to leave her side, so I'm here on his behalf"
Zuko was still rendered speechless. In awe of her beauty and openly stared at her, forgetting that his wife was right there. Katara gave him a worried expression.
Her deep blue eyes diverted to his wife "Mai congratulations on your third son"
"And we have another one on the way, I hope it's a girl this time" Mai expressed.
Katara pulled his wife in for a tight hug and Zuko nearly stifled.
"Juniper, she still smells of juniper" he thought.
"I'm so happy for you two" the waterbender exclaimed with her lips, but she shot him a warning glance.
Mai pulled her away "Come let me show you to your rooms and you must meet the boys"
Zuko watched as Mai guided her away.
He finally exhaled.
***********
Zuko entered the ambassador's corridors, located on the other side of the Palace. He found Katara in the library section, on the balcony.
She looked over her shoulder and gave him a welcoming smile.
"Have a drink with me," Katara offered.
The firebender should have said no, but he could not resist those blue pools that reflected the sky.
He watched her slender fingers wrap around the glass bottle and slowly pour him a drink. He wasn't sure if she moved in slow motion or if he was just imagining things.
He walked over to where she was standing and took the drink.
"Tell me how does one procure four children" she asked in jest.
"Well you must know," Zuko chuckled weakly, he wasn't sure how he had three sons. They just appeared one day.
The brunette shook her head no, her cheeks were red from drinking. There was a sustained silence. He saw her face twist as she contemplated an answer.
"No I don't know, I haven't been with anyone since Aang left"
Zuko raised an eyebrow "Still? Katara, you really have to give yourself a chance"
She gave him an exuberant smile "I tried, you know... I have been proposed to ten times" Katara grinned harder "But none of them could measure up to him, he was truly my soulmate"
Eleven. She had eleven proposals. He could not help but notice that she did not count his proposal.
The Fire Lord watched her throw her head back and bask in the sunlight. Her wavy hair seemed to defy gravity, floating in the wind.
The Firebender could not tear his eyes away, she was a vision to behold. He watched her lips part ever so slightly as she exhaled. He could not help but notice how Katara had flowered into something so exquisite. It was almost unfathomable.
Katara caught him staring.
She held the bottle up as if to ask if he wanted more. He nodded. He reached for the bottle and their hands bumped each other. A spark of energy shot through him. It felt like bending lightening.
They looked up at each other with a heated stare.
"I think you should get back to your wife" she murmured but it sounded like a purr to Zuko.
He held her gaze "What if I told you that I have dreamt of you every night for the past sixteen years"
He had not just dreamt of her. He had written to her too but all his letters went unanswered. She never attended the Avatar festivals when he was present and it was hosted in her state every year. Katara had completely stonewalled him for sixteen years.
She did not look phased by confession "I would tell you to get back to your wife Zuko"
"I don't love her you know" he admitted, he would have grimaced at those words if he wasn't drunk.
Her expression was empty.
He continued "Not in the way I know I could have loved you... if you'd let me"
"We've been through this, you have Mai and I have my job. Do not risk your perfectly good family for a woman that does not love you" she said sharply before walking off.
*****
"All Hail Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai" Chamberlain announced to the ball for the umpteenth time. Zuko wished he would quit it but this was his birthday banquet after all.
"Don't do that," Mai said through her teeth.
Her head was completely still, looking forward. She looked regal; the perfect Fire Lady. It was a position she had grown to detest.
"Dont do what?" Zuko breathed through a forced smile.
"Do not look at her like that in my presence" Mai almost spat. She turned her head slight and shot him a warning glance.
"I'm sorry" he lied.
He did not know his wife was watching. But he should have known. Katara has been a sore spot in their marriage ever since he admitted to kissing her.
"When is she leaving?"
"Tomorrow," Zuko mumbled.
He could not help but stare. Katara had aged like wine, she was so stunning it was indescribable. There was an air to her, it pulled you in and grounded you at her feet. She was confident and alluring, the entire room seemed to gravitate to her. He'd never seen so many men vying for someone's attention. One would think it was her birthday celebration.
Zuko got the feeling that she knew exactly who she was, no longer the insecure girl he once knew.
"I suggest you stay away till then," Mai warned, following his gaze again.
Zuko watched as Katara approached their dinner table. Everyone's head turned when she passed by. Her hair was voluminous and now butt length, bouncing as she walked. Her hips swayed effortlessly with each stride. Her satin dress left very little imagine.
He held his breath as her blue eyes met his. He could not look away.
The firebender could see Mai twitching as the waterbender got closer.
"President Katara, allow me to introduce you to Lord Wolfe," Mai said, gesturing to the man to the left of her.
Lord Wolfe was the eldest son to the Wolfe Dynasty. He was a titan of the coal industry and a bachelor. Which meant he had all rights to pursue the waterbender.
"President Katara I must say you look divine" Lord Wolfe professed, reaching for her hand. Katara gladly gave it over, eying the man as he kissed it.
"I get that a lot," Katara flirted.
Mai turned to him, a twinkle in her eye "I think you two would make a formidable pair, don't you think Fire Lord Zuko?"
Zuko did not answer, his face was stone. He took a large swig of his wine, wishing it was cactus juice instead.
"President Katara, it's time for your speech" Chamberlain said, guiding her towards the podium.
"What speech?" Mai called out.
"The one you asked Sokka to make," Katara reminded her.
Zuko watched as Katara climbed the podium and shuffled through some cards.
"My brother has written this very long speech but I have a better idea. Please join me in singing Happy Birthday to our dearest Fire Lord Zuko." She stretched her arm towards him.
He watched her intently as the room broke out in song. His chest rapidly rose and fell as he watched her glimmer under the chandelier light.
*****
He finds Katara in her room, slumped in a chair before the fireplace. Her legs sprawled open and dressed hiked above her knees.
"Tell me you don't think about that morning in the Inn" Zuko stammered.
He heard her take a deep sigh "Zuko you're drunk, go back to your wife"
"Tell me if what I felt was real," he demanded adamantly.
"Zuko it was just one kiss and it shouldn't have happened you were engaged remember" Katara said dismissively.
"But I would have left her for you" he all but whined.
"After all these years you still don't get it," Katara huffed. "I would have never risked my political prowess to be your bed wench. I did not love you Zuko, I only ever loved him. Mai was the right choice, she is the perfect choice"
That's right she was the President of the United Republic of Nations now. Leader of the world's greatest sovereign state. A job she refused to leave when he proposed to her. It was no secret that she clung to her seat in government, refusing to marry in fear of being usurped. Katara enjoyed wielding power like a wipe. She would never give it up to trade places with Mai.
"I did not ask for your love, I just ask that you stop pretending that you don't feel this too"
He took a careful step towards her. Her head whirled around at the sound of her footsteps. She looked up at him through her lashes, disarmed by the short space between them.
"Zuko your children are home, your wife .. is"
He knelt before her, his ember eyes filled with longingly and desire. This is the closest they'd been since that day in the Inn. Pupils both blown from the weight of the moment.
"Just one last kiss and I will put all of this to bed for good" he begged.
She looked down at her glass, finger tapping against it.
He knew there would never be another opportunity like this. Katara had evaded him for years. She wouldn't even take appointments with him and he was Fire Lord. It was now or never. She was leaving tomorrow and he was sure the brunette would never return to the Fire Nation again.
They leaned in for a kiss, lips melting into each other. He closed his eyes instantly.
"There it is" he thought
That feeling. That high he had been chasing for sixteen years. The spark that he had been searching for in Mai. The spark he did not know was missing from his life until that morning in the Inn.
Their kiss deepened, her hands entangled with his hair. His own found the back of her neck pulling her closer. They moved in perfect harmony. Push and pull. High then low. Tui and La.
That was until Katara pulled away but he leaned in again and pulling her in closer. She had no choice but to surrender to the heat of the moment.
He could not bear to let her go not yet.
His hands moved quickly, one unzipping her dress while the other gripped her thigh. He instinctively raised the temperature in his hand. It was just hot enough to arouse her senses.
This kiss wasn't enough, he needed to feel her against him.
"Zuko your wife" Katara gasped against his lips.
"Let me worry about Mai" he answered back, "just let me be a man to you"
Lie, Scheme, Deflect (Ember and Ocean: Zutara Fanfic)
AO3 | WATTPAD| Words:73,343 | Chapter: 28
Excerpt:
"Fire Lord Zuko, I haven't seen much of you lately" Iroh exclaimed when his nephew waltzed into the kitchen.
His uncle knew he hated formal speech."General Iroh I've been busy"
"With Master Katara?" his Uncle asked innocently.
"She is here on diplomatic duties isn't she?" Zuko countered.
"Is that why you have been sneaking in and out of her room during the wee hours of the night?" Iroh asked inquistively.
The color drained from his face "Who told you that?"
Iroh chuckled heartily "You forget I've lived in the Palace longer than you have been alive"
"I didn't know you were one to gossip," Zuko scoffed.
"Nephew this is serious, people are talking and this can ruin both of your reputations. You are set to marry the daughter of your nation's largest coal exporter yet you sleep with the woman responsible for his demise "
Zuko was painfully aware of the predicament, he was. It however sounded catacalismic out loud.
"Uncle, Katara and I are simple co workers" Zuko lied.
Iroh gave him a bewildered look. He decided then to drop the act. Maybe he could kid himself but there was no way he could fool his uncle.
"What do you want me to do Uncle I love her. Alyssa will be my wife in name only. My heart will always belong Katara " he took a deep sigh "Katara, is who I want"
Iroh gave him a sympathetic glance, with a hint of guilt.
"Did you tell Master Katara about your upcoming nuptials, I hear there is a date"
Zuko remained quiet. Iroh's look of sympathy flashed to one of disappointment.
"So you love her but can't tell her the truth. Could it be that if she knew the truth she would not love you back?"
"It's getting late, I should go"
*****
When he arrived back at the Palace, it was dead silent. Too quiet.
Except for the hush whispers he heard in passing. He could only catch a few tidbits. An incident in the garden. There was a doctor and for odd reason Katara's name was being thrown around.
He could not make sense of any of it. But hearing her name was enough to send him into overdrive.
The Fire Lord took off in a sprint upstairs to her room.
He found her asleep and all was well until he saw Doctor Wong exiting Katara's bathroom.
Dr. Wong was the longtime Palace medic, not that his family ever needed her much except Azula for obvious reasons.
Dr. Wong gave him a pair of sad eyes, "We had to put her down"
He'd heard the words but didn't really register what they meant.
He was perplexed "Put her down? what does that mean?"
"We had to block her chi my Lord, she was hysterical. It was the only way to calm her"
It felt as though the wind has been knocked out of his lungs.
Memories of Azula in the forest came racing back.
Zuko's confusion shifted to anger "You blocked the chi of a pregnant woman?"
"It was the only way to neutralize her sir, just a block to bladder meridian my Lord" Dr. Wong tried to rationalized her decision "and we did it with the utmost discretion and care. I would never hurt a pregnant woman"
"Neutralize her" the words echoed in his head over and over again.
He ran a hand over his face in hopes of containing his anger.
Zuko could not fathom that Katara needed to be neutralized. Let alone why her chi had to be blocked. Surely the same technique used on his psychotic sister wasn't used for the mother of his child.
The scene of Azula being violated flashed in his mind again.
It felt like he himself could not breathe, he could not fathom Katara suffering that same fate. Rendered totally helpless as she was struck unconscious.
The Fire Lord mulled over the word neutralize, unable to come to terms with what occurred.
"You are dismissed," Zuko said between his teeth.
The doctor barely scurried off before he started a tirade.
"Someone get me a real doctor," Zuko roared.
*****
"Hi names Swamp doc, I am a volunteer out on the docks"
The Fire Lord gave her a skeptical look, she didn't look like any of the doctors he was use to. But Zuko was assured she was Katara's protege and the best in the clinic.
"Thank you for coming" he straightened up and put on his best Fire Lord Impression "before you meet your patient we require your utmost discretion"
"Course Fire Lord, just show me to em"
Zuko did so and watched the doctor recoiled when she saw Katara.
He tried to explain what occurred but the swamp bender did not wait for him to finish. She immediately went to work. Whispering what sounded like gibberish as she appraised Katara thoroughly.
"Good news, she's in deep sleep, certainly needed it too. Whatever that other doc did seemed to zapped her life force. She'll wake up though just give it time"
Zuko sighed in relief.
"I read doc's notes, seems she had a panic attack" Swamp doc passed him Dr. Wong's notes.
Zuko eyes alternated between the paper and the bed. Katara was asleep peacefully. Just as she was earlier in the morning before he snuck out.
"What could have changed that quick" he thought.
He was yet to hear a full retelling of what exactly caused this fiasco.
Dread suddenly set in."What if she heard the news"
"Fire Lord Zuko, your doc's actions were reckless. She coulda lost the baby. She needs proper care and bed rest. I suggest she returns home to the Southern Water Tribe. I can escort her there with your permission"
Zuko wanted to respond sharply and asked where she got the nerve to tell him that. That was just guilt talking. He knew that Swamp Doc was telling the truth.
What Swamp Doc did not know was Katara's own brother sent her to the Fire Nation for a break. The waterbender worked anyway. Swamp Doc just assumed the waterbender was there for volunteer work as well. Which meant the world truly didn't know about kidnapping.
Mr. Wolfe's question from earlier floated to the forefront of his mind. He was reminded again that Katara had saved him from another war. He needed to work just as hard to save her from herself.
"Thank you but Katara has not been home in over 10 years" is all he could muster up. "She is living here until she gives birth, we appreciate your discretion with this matter"
*****
Zuko was pacing back and forth in his bedroom "Who does that to a pregnant woman?"
"Who would do that to anyone?" Shu murmured.
Zuko stopped in his tracks and looked over at Shu. Shu straightened up immediately. He resumed pacing again. Memories of Azula plaguing him.
"If Sokka finds out about this he'll make me walk the plank"
When Sokka found out about everything surely they'd be on the outs. This caused Zuko to spiral even more.
"I spoke with the governess my Lord and it turns out Mai had a meeting with Katara today" Shu said carefully. Zuko stopped dead in his tracks.
"Mai and Katara ...had a meeting" Zuko enunciated each word in disbelief.
That did not make sense. Mai left the Fire Nation when they broke up and moved to the colonies. It suddenly clicked for him. Mai was a refugee.
"But if Mai spoke to Katara that means she knows.."
"I need you to tell me everything that happened," Zuko demanded.
Shu went on to explain how Mai's old lady's maids had coordinated the meet up. Those same lady's maids had been assigned to Katara and she subsequently dismissed them.
"Katara was right about them and I didn't listen," he thought.
"Everyone involved in this scheme needs to be dismissed quietly. Please remind the governess that discretion is of the utmost importance"
Shu nodded and turned to leave.
Zuko wasn't sure who to blame or what to believe anymore. Part of this was his fault, well all of it was his fault in hindsight. Mai was pretty shaken up when he ended their engagement. He was sure she hated Katara for obvious reasons. But he never imagined she was one to torment a pregnant woman. Mai was not so cruel.
"We had to neutralize her" the words came rushing back to him.
What could Mai have done to drive Katara into a panic attack. Katara who was the strongest persons he knew. And what kind of panic attack justified chi blocking. Dr. Wong treated Azula of all people, surely the two had nothing in common and did not need the same course of treatment.
Azula tried to burn him to a crisp in the forest. She needed neutralization.
Yet chi blocking hadn't neutralized Azula. It only made her more psychotic if that was even seemed possible. Psychotic and unable to bend. His sister was still a tormented individual despite the years of treatment. The healthiest he ever saw her was when she had been treated by Katara.
Which stands to show maybe chi blocking wasn't necessary and that means was Katara right again.
His heart ached at the thought of Katara losing her ability to bend. She was rightfully shaken up about Mai, but it could not have warranted such an act.
"Maybe Shu is right, why do that to anyone" he thought.
His mind drifted back to Azula. Her screams, the way she called out for Katara before her body went limp. The scene played over and over in his mind and at some point Kataras face juxtaposed on his sister's body.
*****
Zuko took a careful step into the room while his guards remained at the door.
"Does Katara know you are here?" Azula asked, she was facing the wall.
He did warrant her with an answer. He stared at the windowless room. Then at the back of his sister's head. Her hair was frayed, thin. She was likely malnourished.
He suddenly wondered how he could vilify his own sister in such a way. All these years it seemed necessary. But what if Azula's issues were hereditary? His child could suffer the same fate. Were they to be locked away too. What kind of precedent was he setting?
Azula had gone from the treatment center to jail and reverse. She had never gotten rehabilitated. She was worse than how she came in and it had been years of this cycle.
"Katara said when she was healing your mind, you got better."
"Did she now?" Azula purred.
He hesitated before continuing "I am going to .. send you to Ember Island to get healed"
He pondered everything and decided she needed a change of treatment and scenery. Azula needed to be treated humanely.
Azula's head snapped towards him "With Katara?"
Zuko shook his head no "I wouldn't let you anywhere near her, ever"
Azula smiled as if she knew something he didn't.
"You are not pardoned. I want you to get proper care. Make no mistake though if you try anything, I will kill you myself"
Her smile grew even wider, more toothy "Would you do that for me Zuzu? Finally put me out of my misery"
*****
Zuko somehow convinced one of the volunteer doctors from the clinic to be Azula's caretaker.
Well he had to lie and say it was at Katara's request, which the doctor happily took at face value. He promised them it was only for a transitionary period until he could find a full time waterbending healer.
Now there was only one thing left to do. A final farewell.
So Zuko pushed Azula's wheelchair down the prison corridor to their fathers cell. Their father sat with his head down facing the cell bars.
Ozai was more than aware of their presence but did not acknowledge them.
Zuko decided to break the silence "I am transferring Azula out of the Capitol, I thought you might want to see her before she is gone"
Ozai didn't answer, he did not look up. Azula stared off blankly.
"I found her a doctor that could heal her mind. I'm not sure if it will fix her but it's a start. Azula is mentally ill..."
"You whimpering idiot, how many times will you come sulking in here seeking daddy's approval" Ozai snarled.
Zuko almost jumped "I thought may want to see your favorite child for the last time"
"Is that so, and what of your child? I hear you're making a mess of things in the Capitol. Will your bastard even have a throne to fight for" Ozai smiled up at him. He looked a lot like Azula in that moment.
"No wonder why mom left you" Zuko snapped, before pushing Azula off.
A O 3 | W A T T P A D | Words:73,343 | Chap. 27| M+
Creds:rumpledtoadskin (Pinterest)
Chapter 27:
The two lay entangled her chest to his back, Katara's head nestled between Zuko's neck and shoulder. He slid his hand down her forearm before intertwining his fingers with hers.
"There are some very excited people that want to meet you," he whispered into her hair.
Katara closed her eyes, she did not respond. Her focus was on his heart beating against her rib cage. The heat from his chest lulled her senses and silenced the need to speak.
"The nobility and clansmen are requesting an audience" he continued.
He moved their entangled hands to her stomach.
"You can tell them the answer is no," Katara breathed.
She felt his lips spread into a smile against her skin "I already did but you can't blame them for wanting to meet you. Your arrival has been the most exciting thing that has happened in the Fire Nation in a while"
"Not Sozins comet?" she teased.
Her eyes remained closed as Zuko used his free hand to tilt her head up towards his. She could feel his piercing gaze but she did not dare open her lids. If she did, then this wouldn't be a fantasy and she'd have a hard time deciphering between what was real vs fake. She would have a hard time forgetting.
Zuko was not phased and kissed her gently under the moonlight that traveled in from the drawn window curtains.
His lips lingered on her cheeks when they finally came up for air. "Your certainly more exciting than Sozins comet"
Katara kept her eyes closed and basked in how pleasant they were together. She had not felt this blissful in months. It turns out she really just needed her friend again.
She could be her real self him. She could pretend with him and him with her. When they were together like this, real life ceased to exist. They were no one and nothing mattered.
" Tell them they can meet me on the docks. Where they should be instead of hosting dinner parties and whatever else it is rich people do"
*****
It started off as a beautiful day. Katara woke up again and slipped into a blue tunic dress a la Aleia. Much to her friends' amusement she looked stylish- a concept she herself did not care for. The waterbender was just happy she was finally out of the Fire Nation garbs. But playing dress up made Aleia happy so she went along with it and allowed herself to be a life size doll.
The friends went on to enjoy breakfast on the patio under the cool morning breeze. There was not a cloud in the sky as the brunette read her correspondences from Republic City.
Katara really wanted to put an end to the fallout from the colonies. She was flirting with the idea of ending any further removal of the Fire citizens. They did not want to leave the area and she was tired of forcing them out. It's not like the Fire Nation Capitol could physically hold anymore refugees or had enough resources to support them.
But a decision like that would have its blow backs and Katara did not want to make the same mistake twice. She needed to think this through, several times over.
Out of the corner of her eye, Katara spotted Aleia eying her neck. The brunette fluffed her hair out to cover her skin in response.
"One day you'll meet someone that makes you do irrational things and I'll be there to say I told you so" Katara teased before sipping some more tea.
Aleia rolled her eyes "I really hope not"
They continued with their breakfast and reviewing mail.
"Hey the Wolfe family are hosting a dinner party and we are invited" Aleia said, placing an invitation before her.
Katara glimpsed at the invitation before placing it in the garbage pile. Since being in the Fire Nation, there has been a barrage of invitations with her name on it. They were all ignored.
"The name sounds familiar but I can't go, I'm too busy. You can go though"
Aleia pouted "Ugh Katara how do you expect to make friends here if you don't go out, you really shouldn't even be working in your state"
"This is my duty. I can't just skip off to dinner parties and pretend as if there isn't a real disaster happening"
"Duty this duty that, live a little" Aleia said mockingly.
"Aleia you can go without me, we can even find you a date. I'm sure Zuko know's some eligible bachelors"
"My mother would lose it if she found out I was dating someone from the Fire Nation... I'm just tired of being in this palace"
Katara found it hard to believe that Mrs. Congee would be upset about Aleia dating a Firebender. The woman seemed pretty accepting or maybe she misread things. As for Aleia's boredom, the very patio they sat on could hold their home from Republic City. It seemed impossible to be bored in a home this big.
"I'll ask Zuko to arrange a tour of the city, I'm not sure there's much to see these days but at least you'll get some time away" Katara noted, before popping a fruit in her mouth.
Katara turned back to her letters. She decided to leave the territories to Sokka who was still in the region. He had done a fine job thus far and there was no need to disrupt his flow, even if that meant more refugees being displaced.
The waterbender also turned her attention to mail from her school. She would not be returning to Republic City for a few more months and needed to appoint someone to take her spot.
There was only one woman that could possibly do the job and that woman was already fairly busy teaching her own students in the Northern Water Tribe. So Katara wrote to her daughter instead and asked if she would be the interim head mistress.
Her and Aleia finished up breakfast and bid each other farewell.
Her friend went off to sightsee around the grounds and Katara went off to face the situation out on the harbor.
*****
The Clinic was just a large tent, with cots and tables. The setup was simple yet the atmosphere was always chaotic. Bodies flowed in and out by what felt like the thousands. Most were refugees but many had traveled from the outer islands in hopes of receiving free care. Katara did not have the heart to turn them away, so the clinic was always over run and understaffed.
"Master Katara" a woman greeted her with a wave.
Katara looked up and gave them a sweet smile. "Hi, no need for the formalities, call me Katara"
The waterbender gave the woman a once over. She'd recognized that ash brown hair anywhere. The full green dress, leaf head piece, and wooden brace plate. Katara had seen women like her before. Then there was the accent, it was nasally yet rhythmic.
The woman looked awfully familiar "Wait, are you a swamp bender?"
"Yes ma'am I'm Swamp Doc" The woman said giddily.
"Wow, thanks for coming from so far to volunteer. As you can see we are swamped but just grab a bed"
The woman didn't move, just grinned at Katara in admiration "I'm sorry it's just your my idol. I never thought I'd meet you. You the reason I became a healer"
Katara pulled her in for a tight hug "Thats the sweetest thing I've heard in a long time"
They pulled apart.
"Come with me and let's work together"
*****
The day quickly turned sour.
Katara and Swamp Doc worked in perfect harmony; symbiotic as their hands moved alongside each other. Water glowing along their palm as they healed over and over again. While they joked about being kin, and told stories about their time in the foggy swamp.
All was well until an emergency case came in. A pregnant refugee had been complaining of abdominal bleeding. Katara and Swamp Doc tried everything but they had no choice but to delivery the baby- a still born. Upon further inspection the mother suffered from some kind of infection. She died shortly after kissing her baby goodbye; they worked tirelessly to revive them both but it was no use.
Katara blamed herself of course. "Maybe if she did not have to live on the streets then she would've survived"
What's worse, the waterbender had to put on a brave face and pass out meals to other refugees as if she hadn't just delivered a stillborn while her own was still kicking.
When she arrived back at the palace, she felt every bit of sorrow. Shu was swift to inform her Aleia was still away.
The footman left her standing in the foyer with nothing but her thoughts and sadness. She stared aimlessly at the chandelier above her head.
"Master Katara" a guard greeted, and handed her a letter "Fire Lord Zuko will meet you in the garden for tea"
*****
Katara ventured to the garden. A new bed of flowers had been planted where gravel once was. The grass looked watered. The pond was cleaned. The garden was under construction just like he promised. She couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful it was becoming. Yet not beautiful enough to cure her sadness.
Katara took a seat on a bench and waited for Zuko to show up.
"That's odd"
The letter was from Suki.
Suki was splitting up the Kyoshi warriors to patrol other areas of the Earth Kingdom now that Lake Laogai did not exist and Ba Sing Sa was finally safe.
Katara closed her eyes and sighed. She was extremely weary of getting involved in foreign policy and just wanted to not be involved in decision making for once.
Katara reached for a quill in her pocket to write to Sokka and ask him for his advice when she heard footsteps approaching.
She looked up to see a tall slender woman. They had a sharp triangular face with bangs just covering their brown eyes.
The waterbender looked as if she saw a ghost "Mai"
"Katara" Mai greeted cooly, not offering a smile.
"What are you doing here?"
Katara had not seen or heard from her since Zuko's coronation.
Then it dawned on her that the woman had once lived in that very Palace. Up until now Katara never questioned Mai's whereabouts or why she wasn't with Zuko anymore. She kind of already knew the answers. There was no reason to state the obvious.
"I could ask you the same thing"
Katara pondered her words carefully not wanting to lie but not wanting to tell the truth either "I'm here on diplomatic relations, I'm Councilwoman of Republic City"
That was almost the truth.
Mai nodded "I think I heard about that" her eyes traveled lower to Katara protruding stomach "I also heard congratulations are in order for you and the Fire Lord"
Katara gulped. Her blood ran cold and it was suddenly hard for her to think straight.
"You know I always wondered what was in Republic City that needed so much of Zuko's attention. He'd be gone days, sometimes weeks then one day he returned home and admitted he was in love with you"
Katara could not gauge whether Mai was upset or not. Her tone was so cool and even, inflection-less. The woman was still hard to read, face expressionless.
"Oh" is all she could manage to say.
Mai sized her up "Oh? Good. I'm glad you're not denying it."
"I didn't mean to" Katara stuttered "I'm sorry"
"Sorry isn't going to get me my life back" Mai drawled "Zuko was mine and you took him from me, he was the only one I ever loved"
The brunette could not respond, her tongue was tied.
"I just want to know why. You had the Avatar, why did you need Zuko too?"
Mai stared at Katara intently. Katara offered her no explanation. She had none and this clearly rattled Zuko's ex, as her eyes narrowed more and more in annoyance.
The truth is, she herself did not know why. Things just happened and they never stopped happening.
Zuko was around and she was desperate. Attention deprived. She did not intentionally erode her morals, her life, to enter into an affair. Heavens know her heart wouldn't have allowed her to betray Aang like that. There was no reasonably explanation for her actions.
"Do you have a kink for powerful men? Zuko, Avatar Aang. I really want to know what made you want to fuck my fiancé"
It felt like she had been slapped.
Katara's face burned from embarrassment.
"I dont.. I'm sorry"
Katara reached for her but Mai pulled away in a swift step.
"Mai please... I didn't ..we are just"
"He kept saying your name in his sleep and whenever we slept together, I can tell he was thinking of someone else. Making love to you through me."
The brunette nearly choked " I'm so sorry none of this was my intention"
Katara wasn't sure what she intended when she started sleeping with Zuko but it certainly wasn't this, any of this.
"Sorry? He was my fiance and you were screwing him. And now you're pregnant and living in my home. You stole my life!" Mai seethed.
"You think I asked for any of this" Katara cried "For you of all people to accuse me of being a homewrecker. When your own father supported my village being burnt to the ground. I watched my mother get killed while you were here playing with dolls. Mai you are no innocent! Your family destroyed whole cities and almost killed Avatar ...."
Her voice drifted off, she couldn't bear to bring him up. Not in a conversation like this.
Mai was not phased, "So why did you do it?"
"Because I knew I could never love him! After everything he's done I knew I'd never have feelings for him" Katara admitted in defeat, her head hung low as she tried to mask her tears.
"And yet here you are, in his palace. You have his heart, you have his Nation, you have everything, and I have nothing"
Katara looked up just slightly through her hair "Mai I'm sorry please know that I never meant to hurt you"
"You don't look sorry from where I am standing"
Mai disappeared as quickly as she appeared.
*****
Katara realized quickly that she had been at the very least set up. How could Mai know she was pregnant if someone hadn't told her? Was Zuko really meeting her in the garden? Or was she lured there to be meet Mai? It was all too much and felt like a culmination of unfortunate events.
The lady's maid's dressing her in Zuko's dead relatives clothes.
The still born baby from earlier.
The smell of death.
The stench on the docks.
All of the terrible experiences in the Fire Nation came to the forefront of her mind.
All the microaggressions.
It was all too much and she began to weep.
"Master Katara" someone called.
"No, get away from me please" she wailed.
"It's me Shu the Fire Lord's footman"
Katara could not register what was going on around her, her vision was hazy and suddenly it began to rain and reality ceased to exist.
"No please get away from me"
She was having a full blown panic attack.
"Someone get a doctor" she heard another voice yell.
Her chest tightened and twisted, it felt as though at any moment she'd choke. There were chills rocking her body like ocean waves and her hands began to tremble.
All of a sudden the energy in her body stopped moving and everything went dark.
Katara turned on her side and bumped into something warm. Just as quickly as she felt him, it was as quickly as his lips slid against her tenderly. Their noses bumped against each other as they moved in sync.
"How was your day?" he whispered against her open mouth.
There hadn't been enough time to talk earlier. There really wasn't room to do much of anything when they were together except the obvious. Zuko had to sneak back out before the palace staff started shuffling around in the hallways.
"Eventful" Katara smiled against his lips.
She was not going to admit to seeing Azula or having Shu facilitate the visit.
Katara looked over his shoulder at the candlestick, it was half melted which means he should have been gone by now "What are you still doing here?"
He bent over and kissed her stomach, causing butter flies to float through her chest "I can't leave without knowing which of the flowers you like"
Katara swept some hair out of his face with her palm.
"The Laos are really beautiful, so are the orchids and peonies. All of them are really beautiful actually" she admitted.
"That decides it then I'll plant them all in the garden"
"You'll be planting them yourself?" This was a rhetorical question, Katara was sure Zuko had someone he was paying to do landscaping.
He smirked "I can"
"Hmm I'd pay good money to see that"
He gave her one final kiss on the hand before pulling away "It's a deal"
Zuko reached for his clothes that lay at the base of the bed. She watched under the candlelight as he got dressed.
Katara wanted to ask him to stay longer but that would defeat the whole point of a fuck and forget.
Suddenly her and Aleia'a conversation made its way to the forefront of her mind.
A o 3 | W a t t p a d l Chaper 25 | Words: 64,574 | M+
Creds: paulinaklime (Pinterest)
Excerpt (Chapter is Rated M):
"You're so beautiful it's maddening" he breathed but it came out unevenly. "sorry I shouldn't have said that"
Zuko panicked a bit not knowing why his voice was shaky, almost quivering. Instead of suave like he intended. He took a step back, trying to exit whatever electric field Katara held him in.
She was so beautiful it hurt and he felt so unworthy of even being so close. But it didn't seem to matter to Katara because her gaze was so inviting. Those blue orbs were so alluring and seemed to draw him in like a tidal waves. She was disarming him without even trying. He was slipping and getting lost in her trance.
Just as quickly as he exited her orbit, he found himself drawn back in "There's no need to apologize I think you're cute when you're nervous"
The firebender shook his head no "No please forgive me I keep saying the wrong things"
He turned to leave but Katara pull him back by his wrist "I thought you said you wanted to kiss me"
Zuko zeroed in on her lips, they were so full and plump. It had been so long since he parted them with his tongue. He wondered if she still tasted the same.
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“Oh my goodness I was so worried about you” Alyssa exclaimed running into the room.
She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in close. Zuko awkwardly hugged her back.
They stood alongside the bookcase of his private study, within his bed chambers. The Fire Lord had just arrived back from having a meeting with his Council.
There was a sustained pause between the two.
“It’s Katara,” Zuko blurted out.
Alyssa pulled back and gave him a blank stare “What?”
“The person I’ve been seeing in Republic City is Katara”
The Fire Lord watched her register what he said, eyebrows knitting in confusion.
Zuko had considered lying. He mulled over excuses that would satisfy her curiosity just enough to keep the ruse going. But nothing stuck. The only thing that made sense was the truth. After all, if they were to be wed it’s best they not keep secrets.
“But she’s pregnant,” Alyssa mouthed unable to truly speak.
“Yes with my heir”
Alyssa blinked in disbelief as if she had not heard correctly. Her mouth slackened as the truth sank in.
She shook her head and looked away “You’re crazy but ...okay”
“Okay? You’re okay with this?” Zuko asked, astounded.
Zuko half expected her to cop out. He all but anticipated it. He was actually hoping she’d back out and leave him to pick up the pieces. Maybe that would've inspired him to be brave and go against society. Or maybe he’d everything up and devote his life to just being a father. Whatever road he chose would have had its consequences.
“I mean I’m the one that suggested this arrangement. I didn’t think you’d take such a formidable mistress… but I guess the more affluent the better. She’d be less likely to expose us, her reputation is on the line too I suppose"
Zuko cocked his head and gave her a once over “You really thought this through”
“I’m committed to making this work” she smiled “and who knows maybe Master Katara will be open to being with us both”
*****
Alyssa and Zuko stood on the steps of the Palace bidding each other farewell. The two had a productive lunch discussing the ins and outs of his and Katara’s relationship, and Alyssa was surprisingly very empathetic. Agreeing that the nobility would never back him if they knew he was planning to name a Water Tribe descendant as his heir. But with her backing, which really translated as her fathers backing, the upper ring of society may be persuaded.
It was a sad reality but reflected the world they lived in. Title and lineage mattered a great deal, a precedent which was set long before any of them were even thought of.
The two stood talking in hushed tones when the scent of jasmine wafted by and Zuko could not control his neck from snapping around in search of the familiar scent.
She usually smelled of juniper but that perfume was not native to the Fire Nation so his nose has become accustomed to a unique smell of jasmine.
Surely enough there she was floating past in a rather form fitting dress.
“Master Katara!” he heard Alyssa call out from beside him.
The firebender’s blood chilled and he found himself unable to move.
Katara whirled around with a surprised look “Hi”
“Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance I’ve heard so much about you” Alyssa extended her hand.
Katara looked taken back but shook her hand anyway. The waterbender casted her gaze on him but he could not find the words to speak. He could only hope Katara didn't find out about their scheming at that very moment, at the Palace entrance. In broad daylight with several witnesses around.
The waterbender broke the awkward silence “I’m heading out to receive the new refugees if either of you’d like to join me”
Zuko nodded, willing himself to walk off before Alyssa got any more funny ideas. He was quite sure they just agreed Katara was off limits until she knew of the truth.
“It was nice to meet you …” he heard the brunette say.
“Lady Wolfe” Alyssa answered, filling in the blank.
*****
“Chamberlain has informed me that you sent for aid”
“Yes but I’m afraid money won’t go far in a situation like this” she sighed “Many of these people have no ties to this country. They will be starting over from scratch which is too costly for the Fire Nation to bank roll”
“You figured that out quickly, unfortunately our accounts miscalculated that and now we are millions in debt”
“Dont worry you can always borrow some money from me” Katara smiled at him.
This is the most pleasant Katara has been in months. It finally felt like they were getting back to their old selves. And He couldn’t help but wonder what it if she left with him after that day in the apartment. If she had just put her pride aside and came home with him to the Fire Nation, could they have avoided all this grief.
That didn’t matter now because she was near and she was so close her perfume made him dizzy.
“Youre wearing your hair different these days” he noted, examining her profile. The waterbender changed so much since the last time he saw her. Her face was so much rounder, and she had all but blossomed into a whole new woman.
“The lady's maids don't know how to style it” she frowned, looking down.
“Here let me”
He moved without waiting for a rebuttal, pulling her hair out of the top knot and watching it cascade down her shoulders. Katara looked up with her electric blue eyes but he could bare to meet her gaze. If he did, he’d just get hypnotized.
His hands worked meticulously pulling at a few strands and braiding the waterbenders' signature hair loops that usually frame her face then pulled the rest back into a half ponytail.
The brunette watched him intently until the carriage came to a rolling stop and stole their attention.
“You’re lordship, we have arrived” a guard announced, opening a carriage door.
Katara gave him the side eye “They call you that here?”
Zuko blushed and looked away.
“No wonder why you are so insufferable” she snickered.
He rolled his eye and muttered "You're one to talk, what's your excuse”
“Excuse me”
“Nothing darling let's go” The firebender climbed out of the carriage and held his hand out for Katara. She took it and slowly exited. Zuko made to walk off when he felt her tugging on his cloak.
“Where are you going in royal your robes?” Katara hissed.
The Fire Lord gave her a confused look “My advisors told me it makes me looks stoic and gives the people hope”
Katara wrinkled her nose “Do you really listen to everything your advisors say?”
Zuko did not answer, he wasn't sure how to.
“Goodness I really have to do everything” she huffed “Come here”
His feet moved without him thinking, and planted his body before her. Her hands went to work immediately, unclipping his coat and handing it off to a guard, undoing his sash. She stripped him down to just his suit.
“There” she smiled, looking up at him “I can assure you the refugees do not want to see you prancing around in regalia. They just want to encounter a decent human being”
Zuko took in her words, but he really could not focus as the sun rays made her irises seem to glow like a moonpath and he was caught in a trance.
*****
Katara had done more on the docks in the short time she had been in Fire Nation than anyone else had. Her call for aid suddenly flooded the harbor with reinforcements. Medics sailed in from all around the world, along with naval support and an overwhelming flood of volunteers. She even started an onsite clinic, which the waterbender visited daily and worked out of. This caused another wave of people to descend on the harbor in hopes of meeting the great healer. It was a catastrophe but also organized chaos.
His friend was right, the people did seem more receptive to him without all the pomp and circumstance. Although the refugees were well aware that they were responsible for the calamity. Most were still receptive as Katara took the time to explain what had led to it. Zuko stood watching as she smiled, hugged and shook hands. The refugees seemed hopeful as she promised that everything would be figured out soon.
The people bowed and stepped aside as Zuko made his way deeper into the crowd. The pair made their way to the wharf where refugees were being unloaded from the ships. Katara stepped forward to help the arrivals down the wooden ramp.
They took her hand meekly before walking on. Men, women and the elderly all stepped off with very little in tow.
A tiny boy about the age of five walked tamely down by himself.
“Where’s your parents?” Katara asked sweetly.
“They are still in Yu Dao miss,” he answered confidently.
She knitted her brows in confusion“Your parents didn’t come with you?”
“No I am the only firebender in my family maam”
Katara looked over at Zuko then back at the child. She patted him on the head and tried to give him a reassuring smile.
But the Fire Lord could see the very moment she crumbled and the breath caught in her throat. The brunette looked physically pained as if her chest had been caved in. He watched as her blue pupils turned iridescent.
“We need a task force that can keep an eye on the orphans” Katara stammered, choking back tears.
Zuko eyed her and the little boy for a second before flagging over some officers “Get this boy to the children’s shelter and keep an eye on him please”
They nodded and escorted the boy away. Katara turned away and rushed off in the opposite direction.
Zuko took off behind her “Katara"
The Councilwoman spent most of her time on the docks. Despite doing so, it never seemed easier for her. But this was by far the worst reaction he’d seen her have yet.
“I heard the stories but I didn’t believe it was this bad” Katara wept, pressing through the crowd “Children without their parents”
Zuko reached for her but there were too many bodies in the way “You couldn’t have known it would come to this”
“I was once that little boy I should have known better, I'm no better than Ozai” Katara bawled.
That statement seemed to put light under his feet because the fire bender was finally able to side step her. He cupped her face in his hands and lowered himself so their eyes could meet. All the while the crowd moved him haste around them.
“Katara you’re nothing like him please don’t ever compare yourself to that monster”
Her pupils flickered from side to side peering up at him. He could see the rapid rise and fall of her chest.
The brunette pulled away suddenly and took off again “I need some air”
He followed on her heels as she stumbled and pushed through the crowd until she was able to grab onto the railing of the harbor. The crispy sea air slammed against their faces and melted into their skin.
Katara looked out into the sea, or what little she could see of it between the navy ships.
“What have I done?” she whispered to herself.
Zuko laid his hands on top of hers, he wasn't sure what to say. He did not want to admit that it was his nation's inaction that pushed her to make such a hard choice. Or that it was his forefathers fault that they even had to think about annexing a small nation.
“I displaced all these people,” she continued.
Zuko used his thumb to swipe at her tears “You couldn’t of known this would happen”
“No I couldn’t have but what else did I expect. I know what it’s like to be orphaned and I did the same thing to all these children just as your father did to me”
He took her hand and pressed his lips to it “You’re nothing like Ozai”
She looked over at him with a worried look “Aren’t I?”
*****
A guard escorted Katara into the dining room before turning and leaving. Usually a few of them would line the walls of the hall, standing watch while the Fire Lord eat. But they were all given specific instructions to stand outside whenever he and Katara were together.
That way Zuko could ogle at the waterbender without fear of gossip or guilt. While Katara could simply be herself and let go of the need to conform to life at court, almost invisible behind the spread of food lining the table.
The Fire Lord watched keenly as she allowed her shoulders to slump and pressed a hand to her back before drifting over. He loved to see her pregnant waddle.
Even in her tired state she was still so enchanting. There was a glow about her, a fullness that wasn't there. He was sure it wasn't her intention, she hated attention but her dress accentuated her new found curves magnificently. He would never tell her though. She hated the new bodily changes even more than she hated Fire Nation garments that suited her so well. All complaints her heard often.
Her eyes scanned the room inquisitively as if it were the first she’d been there. Zuko knew she would never admit it but she was impressed by its grandeur.
Her attention finally settled on him “Is there a reason why you have to sit so far away?”
The firebender was located at the other end of the long table as was customary.
“It’s customary for …”
Katara waved him off before taking a seat “Your customs suck”
“If you want I can come closer”
The firebender swiftly grabbed his plate and sailed over, sitting adjacent to her. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel like I’m tired of being pregnant” she said sarcastically, before a labored breathe.
Zuko nodded unsure of how to comfort her “I can take you to the royal spa once we’re done or I can give you a massage”
The brunette shook her head no “Your messages are what got us here … don’t worry about me I just need some rest”
He wanted to press the matter but did not know what to do exactly. Katara did look exhausted. But it was her own fault, the waterbender refused to rest. While Sokka had hoped his sister would take some time off and rest, she has done the opposite. Somehow micromanaging everything in Republic City still, doubling with spending her time on the docks. No one knew how to get her to settle down.
The firebender heaped her plate with snakefruit and all her other favorite delicacies that he instructed the chef to cook nightly.
“Oh my favorites, how did you know?” she smiled before sinking her teeth into some fruit.
The Fire Lord watched her pick at everything on her plate. He occasionally would hand her something different to try like some cabbage soup or dumplings. She accepted happily and ate away. Of course food escaped her lips and trailed down her cheeks, to which he happily cleaned her up with a napkin.
Zuko couldn't help but beam with admiration, he wished they could be like this always.
He couldn't help but think it should have been her he was marrying, how great of a wife she would be. If only their worlds were much simpler.
Katara gazed over at him with wonder “I’ve been meaning to ask you… where's Azula?”
He did not miss a beat, swiping at her cheek with a napkin. “She is in holding”
He bloated at the meat sauce that found its way to her chin.
Katara was not phased by the firmness in his tone “I’d like to see her if you don't mind”
“I do mind Katara she is dangerous”
The waterbender put everything down and turned to him. They held each other's gaze for a moment.
“Why are you so quick to condemn your sister but not your Uncle, he was willing to lay siege to Ba Sing Sa. He has killed hundreds”
“My uncle has atoned for his sins”
“It only took his son dying to do so” she answered back pointedly.
They sat in silence, neither breaking eye contact.
She put her hand over his and gave it a squeeze“If Iroh can be forgiven so can Azula, you know she's not mentally well”
“Please leave my sister to me, if she hurts you I wouldn't be able to live with myself”
Katara nodded and turned back to dinner but he had a feeling that this would not be the end of this conversation. For now though she pretended as if she'd listen.
“Will you stay with me again tonight?” she breathed,
He whisked a stray hair behind her ear “If you’d like me to”
When I'm With Him I'm Thinking of You (Ember and Ocean: Zutara Fanfic)
A O 3 | W A T T P A D | Chapter 22 | Words:55,948
Katara blinked and swore she saw a lightening strike.
*****
There was a flash of blinding electrifying light and energy that drove Katara out of her deep slumber. She was all too familiar with the quiet hum that signified an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy was near. It caused her skin to blister and her eyes to not really open.
The feeling was relentless and over-powering, pressing against her skin. Which did not make sense because Aang was gone and this was clearly the work of the Avatar state.
Unless, could it be that her savior had returned?
It felt as though it had been weeks since she was brought back from brink of death but it had only been a day. Everyone was back in Republic City and hauled up in the apartment. Katara could faintly make out voices downstairs. There was the Congee's, Sokka, and Suki and Toph. No word on where Zuko had run off to.
And Aang.
"Aang was here"
The two sat in their bed, pressed up against pillows, staring at each other as if they'd seen a ghost. Katara could not remember the last time she got in this bed on her own accord. She refused to even look at it after her and Zuko's last escapade. All in hopes that it would preserve Aang's memory and right her wrongs. But here they were, Aang was back and she was painfully aware of what she had done in during his absence.
"Aang was here"
Aang was back and he was sitting in the same spot his best friend ravished her in. The more she thought about it the worst she felt.
The airbender naturally gravitated back to his side, the place he once slept every night until he disappeared. It was all so surreal for the brunette.
Aang had not changed much. He was still bald and full of tattoos. Slightly pubescent looking as if he wasn't a day older than when he left. She was not sure what she expected when he returned but it certainly wasn't this. She was hoping it would be more grandiose or romantic. Not him resurfacing because he heard she was almost killed.
"I still don't understand why you had to leave for ten years" Katara murmured, her voice was raspy and bleak. She could not remember the last time she heard the sound of her voice.
He looked down at the bed "I was searching for air nomad relics, for any information on how to restore the air nomads"
Katara empathized with his desire to restore the air nomads but she also felt like fool. She had waited for him. Longed for him to return. Mourned him in a sense. And he was off galavanting on a glorified treasure hunt. His rationale was insufficient. It didn't make sense at all. It had been ten years and as far as she could see he was no closer to restoring the air nomads.
The truth of the matter is Aang only showed up because she was in immediate danger and that was unlike him. This wasn't the Aang she knew. The Aang she knew would have never left. He wasn't telling her something. Which made her wonder, was he searching for relics or something else.
Katara examined the airbender for any indication that he was lying. Or maybe she was lying to herself and he was just a hallucination. Maybe he wasn't real. She was finding it hard to rationalize the recent turn of events.
"So you're pregnant" he continued "Congratulations I know you always wanted to be a mom"
Katara scoffed "Yeah I didn't think it was possible after the miscarriages but here I am"
Aang did not look angry nor was his tone judgmental. He looked as he always did, cool and even tempered. Wherever he had been, it did not erode his pure soul.
Katara searched his face for any indication on how he may be feeling but Aang gave her nothing. If anything he looked hopeful and that made her feel wretched. She had always hoped he returned. But he had come back too soon. She needed more time to sort things out, to find an excuse for her actions.
Katara relented "I'm sorry Aang"
He gave her a small smile "I've been gone for ten years Katara I'm sure you needed comfort and affection"
Katara nodded.
"Are you and the father together? "
Katara gulped, his face shunned with such optimism. Katara's eyes began to blur with tears at sight of him. Anxiety took a grip on her soul and backed her into the very corners of her mind.
"Why wasn't he upset?" she thought.
He had returned for her and she was having a baby with someone else. Where was the hate?
Katara shook her head no "Never have been"
The waterbender was not sure why she lied, he would find out the truth soon. Katara sniffled and tried not to burst into tears, even though the walls were closing in.
"If he hadn't left none of this would've happened. They'd be happily married and have ..." she thought.
Katara wasn't sure where that thought was going. She was not sure if she and Aang would ever have children. They tried and failed. No matter how twisted her and Zuko might have been, their baby was a blessing.
"That's okay, I'm here now and if it's possible I'd like to pick up where we left off"
"I'd love that" Katara said with her lips but not her heart. Aang scooted over to give her a hug.
"Oh"
The waterbender willed her body not to jerk away from his touch. Her heart began to palpitate as her eyelids rapidly blinked.
His embrace was not warm.
It did not flood her senses and calm her nerves.
Aang attempted to pull away but Katara gripped him tighter and did not let go. She could not let him see the confusion and uncertainty in her eyes. She could not let him see that her mind had drifted to his best friend.
They slept opposite each other that night, not touching. Katara laid awake and wondered why the bed felt so cold.
*****
Katara made up some excuse that she had to go see Dr. Lu and pick up some herbs. It was a lame excuse but it left everyone confused long enough for her to sneak out. They were all still reeling from the news that she was hiding her pregnancy this entire time. It would take them a moment or two to suggest that maybe she should stay put.
In that allotted time Katara used whatever coins she could feel for in her pocket and pay for a ride to Zuko's house in the woods.
The brunette would usually disguise herself and layer up but the time for pretending was over. The cat was out of the bag and everyone was well aware that she was expecting.
When the cart came to a stop Katara could see the lights were on inside Zuko's house.
This time she did not enter through a side door as she usually would. She went directly through the front door and looked around. Her blue eyes did not have to wonder much because Zuko was lounging shirtless on the couch.
He jumped to his feet when he saw her appear. Her eyes shamelessly grazed over him, like a feral cat. Katara shook her head and reminded herself why she was there. She desperately needed to figure things out.
She took a deep breath before meeting his gold eyes.
"Zuko he's not warm" she stuttered "he doesn't rub my back when I sleep..."
Zuko's eyes flashed with a twinge of regret or maybe it was disappointment. Katara's was not sure which was which but it made her heart clench and body shutter. She watched as he tried to mask his emotions.
"You can't do this to him, it'll crush him" Zuko said hesitantly.
"He'll be crushed when he finds out it's your baby," she choked.
The waterbender closed the gap between them grabbing his forearm, massaging the prominent veins in his arm.
Warm.
There it was, what she had been searching for. The heat radiating from his skin steadied her senses.
Katara's eyes tracked the veins in his arms and imagined when that same hand would wrap around the base of her throat. Squeezing just enough to leave a heat mark of his hand print. Her mind filled up with memories how his lips felt when they'd finally meet hers.
She looked up at him to see if he also recollected the memories that haunted her, filling her nights with thrill and regret.
Katara could not hear his heart pounding in his chest as hers did but she could see the rise and fall of his chest.
He imagined it too but as quickly as he ceded, he blinked those very same feelings away.
"Zuko who's that?" she heard an unfamiliar feminine voice call out from upstairs.
Katara's head snapped in the direction of the voice. She pulled away instantly, a million emotions washing over her like a flood.
"Is someone here?" she asked, looking up at him again.
Zuko shifted uncomfortably. Katara's mouth slackened as she stiffened for a moment.
This was their place. This was their hideout. No one else but them ever visited this house. How could it be that there was another woman here. Suddenly Katara noticed he was shirtless, barefoot... comfortable.
"What did I just walk in on?"
Katara felt a sense of dread and delirium. Maybe she was unconscious for longer than she thought. Maybe while she was gone Zuko found someone else. The thought sickened her but it was the only reasonable explanation as to why he'd bring someone to their special place.
She shook her head as if to say no, trying to fight back tears "I'm sorry this was a mistake"
Katara turned on her heels when she felt a flood come down her leg.
"Oh no"
*****
"Kataras pregnant?" Toph asked loudly "who's the father?"
She was too numb to answer any questions.
Everyone was gathered in Zuko's living room now. It turns out Katara was in active labor. Her body had gone into shock and could not register the contractions overwhelming her. It felt as though she was stuck within herself.
No one was sure what could have triggered her labor, she was not due for another few weeks. Maybe it was Aang's return, her secret being exposed or her kidnapping. The list could go on and on but deep down she knew it had something to do with finding someone else with Zuko.
"Toph now is not a good time for that question" Suki advised.
"Katara thank goodness are you okay?" Sokka said, running into the living room and kneeling before her. Katara could not meet his gaze.
The waterbender couldn't answer either. She could only stare at Aang who walked in behind him, standing awkwardly in the center of the room. His eyes were squarely on her, piercing into her soul.
He did say a word but Katara got the sense that he knew.
"Okay mom and dad are you ready?" Dr. Lu asked, looking between Katara and Zuko.
The room fell into silence. Sokka looked between her and the Fire Lord in disbelief. Suki slapped her hand over mouth and looked away. Toph's mouth fell open and blinked rapidly between the two of the benders, she must have read the room with her feet.
Katara was expressionless as Zuko scooped her up from the couch and carried her into the operating room. It was really just one of the guest rooms downstairs, just off the living room.
The waterbender wished she had time to explain everything but she had a baby to deliver. The Doctor rattled off instructions as Zuko placed her onto the bed. A nurse came over and helped her into the birthing position. Everything moved so quick.
Katara shot Zuko a worried glance as the nurse swept a sheet over her knees and disappeared underneath.
"So on the count of three you're going to push" Dr. Lu smiled, disappearing under the sheet as well.
He counted down to three and Katara pushed. She felt an intense pressure in her abdomen.
"You're doing amazing, " Zuko encouraged, taking her hand. The warmth from his touch soothed her concerns a bit. She squeezed his hand again as she pushed.
"You're crowning one more push," Dr Lu called out.
Katara took a deep breath then pushed again. Her pupils instantly dilated as felt herself stretch open. Her body sank deeper into shock as she felt her baby pass through her canal.
"Okay let's get the shoulders out" Dr. Lu said encouragingly.
"We're almost there, just another push," Zuko murmured, pressing his lips against her sweaty temple.
She pushed again with every inch of strength she could muster up. A loud wail cut through the room and the waterbender felt instant relief. Katara closed her eyes again and listened to her child's first cry.
"Congratulations on your beautiful baby," the nurse said. She could feel Zuko's lips pressed against her temple again before giving her hand another gentle squeeze.
Dr. Lu brought the baby over for Katara to see. She regarded the child for a moment, it was a tiny little thing.
"These are your ocean eyes," Zuko smiled while taking the baby from Dr. Lu. Katara's heart swelled at the sight of the two. Zuko looked at the baby with so much admiration and the baby was nothing short of perfect.
"Okay dad, let's give mom some space while we run some tests on the newborn" Zuko gave her a reassuring look before following the Doctor across the room to a wooden table.
Katara felt out of sorts. Giving birth was such a bizarre experience. The agony was there then it was gone. Now that it was over, almost all her swelling had disappeared. Her belly practically deflated. While everything from the shoulders down was still numb. But it was all worth it. She finally had her baby.
She watched from a far as the doctor prodded and poked the baby how he'd done to her so many times before.
They worked and worked until Katara slipped into sleep.
*****
Her blue eyes were blurry when her lids flew open. When they finally focused she saw Zuko sitting at her feet.
"Where's the baby?" Katara asked softly.
"The baby is with a nurse, Suki and Toph are keeping an eye on them"
Katara nodded but examined him closely. This time was unlike the last she had seen him. He was the embodiment of anguish and brokenness was written all over his face. She did not have to guess what had happened while she was sleeping.
"How long was I out"
"Okay mom I know you're tired but I have to warn you and Dad. You'll likely be fertile for the next few months so unless you two want to see me like this again please be careful" he warned sternly.
Katara could see Zuko's face harden. It was clear that was the least of their worries.
"Sure" Katara mustered, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
*****
Night had descended on the house and it was now completely lit up by candles. She could hear the commotion on the other side of the walls but was too tired to join in. The feeling in her legs was finally returning and she could finally move her hands.
"Congratulations on the baby" she heard Aang call out.
Katara froze in place. She could hardly see Aang leaning against the wall. He hid in the shadows of the rooms.
"Zuko told me what happened and I don't blame you guys, you always had chemistry" his voice ventured off "I ignored it though but it's clear to me you have to make a choice" Aang ordered.
This was the first time, if ever, he made such a demanding request and in such a tone. It quite frankly scared her.
"He's the father of my child. How do you expect me to choose" Katara heard the very moment her voice cracked.
"I said you have to choose Katara not the baby"
There was no comfort or consolation in his voice and suddenly she knew what he meant.
Fear raked over her and it felt worse than the contractions did.
It was an impossible ask.
She wanted to tell Aang that she loved him so much. Deeply. More than she had ever loved anyone ever. That he was the greatest thing that ever happened to her. Without him she wouldn't have become an accomplished waterbender or healer. She and Sokka would have never escaped poverty, they would have frozen to death if they had not met him. They would have never met such amazing friends and traveled the world.
But she couldn't choose between them. She shouldn't have to nor did she want to. She needed them both, why should she choose? Zuko was his friend yes but he was hers too. He had given her life, a baby that Aang couldn't have given her. While he was off on a wayward adventure. Zuko sparked her flame like a match, Zuko stayed when he left.
He was warm.
He kept her warm.
Memories of her and Zuko's adventures came flooding back to the forefront of her mind. Their life on the beach, their Agni Kai. Hanging out around Republic City as friends and not lovers. Sneaking around Republic City as lovers and not friends. The Congee's. Their group trips during the Avatar Aang festival. Fixing the light fixtures at her school.
Conceiving their baby.
*****
"Katara"
"Katara" she heard the voice call again.
"I sense a lot of brain activity, she should be waking up soon"
Her eyes opened to meet the most gentle pair of brown eyes. Katara scanned her quickly. She recognized her as one of the girls from the Agna Qel'a in the Northern Water Tribe.
Katara felt herself being pulled into a hug "Oh good you're up, I'm Yagoda's daughter Nara"
"Where am I?" Katara croaked.
"On your brothers ship, you were..." Nara smile disappeared and her voice trailed off "We were able to heal you, you and the baby will make a full recovery"
Lake Laogai was under a constant state of smog. Immersed under pillars of smoke and ashes as the skies constantly rang out with lightning. The skies flashed black and purple as nitric gas floated up to the heavens. Thunder would then roll, cutting through the atmosphere with a loud gong.
Some would think it a case of bad weather but there were those who knew. Those who saw when the Fire Nation insignia hovered over the area. They knew the region was under constant attack from a certain Fire Lord but now why. They only noticing how he stood on the platform of his blimp and rained down fire and lightning from the sky until there were landslides and the forest was swept up in an inferno. Lake Laogai would collapse in on itself, ceasing to exist under the fallen molten rocks.
Prior to this the western coast of the Earth Kingdom was known for its year round pleasant weather. The area doubled as an agricultural wonder and vacation spot. But the residents were now facing what would be described as a monsoon. The artificial weather change had triggered heaven rains. Their crops had been washed away due to sudden flooding.
Fire Lord Zuko watched the disaster and did not depart, he stood on his blimp as it soared low amongst the clouds. Raining down streams of fire onto the area before switching to lightning. The sky crackled under his influence.
The world was on fire and many wondered why.
They couldn't have known that the firebender could barely hear, barely see. He could only inhale and exhale his element.
*****
It was clear to everyone that he was not okay. Zuko was completely consumed by grief. The emotion seeped through his veins like poison and ruined his rational. It did not help that he was also having withdrawals, as no one allowed me to drink.
At first he was even tempered, but frantic. He had hope that Katara was not really missing. That was until he searched Republic City with Mr Congee. It was clear something was amiss, the waterbender was nowhere to be found. She had not shown up to any Council meetings, or sent out the admission letters to her school. It was like she vanished. And Zuko knew she'd never just up and leave, she loved the city too much. She loved him too much to ever truly depart.
It all came to head when everyone that knew her seemed to receive the same later. Stating the waterbender was journeying back to Ba Sing Sa with the King to reform the treaty. That did not make sense however since the Queen of the Earth Kingdom received a different letter, stating that her husband was being held for ransom.
Sokka had warned everyone not to raise any suspicions especially the Queen who was hysterical. If that was the story being sold, they had to stick to it until they found them both. But it became apparent in the days to follow that the story was just that- a story. Sokka and Zuko had launched their own independent investigation and it was clear there was mutiny at play.
There were reports that the Republic City police found two dead carriage riders by the wayside. Eye witnesses claimed they saw a pregnant woman and a rather eccentric looking man getting mugged before the carriage riders' throats were slashed and they were left on the side of the road.
Witnesses reported it to the police but never got a followup. No one could produce the bodies, it was like they never existed. As if nothing night hadn't happened.
*****
Toph arrived in the city City to get the truth from the police department. She used her seismic senses to identify the defector agents. It turned out a few of the officers were actually ex Di Li agents that infiltrated the police force. Sokka and Suki worked to uncover their true identities but everything came up inconclusive. It didn't help that the traitors wouldn't provide any credible information that could help the crew rescue Katara or Kuei.
Zuko grief now turned into rage and that rage rocked him to the deepest depths of his core.
He rounded the agents up. Promising his friends not torture them immediately, only to go on an a little exhibition.
The men and women were brought out onto the platform of his blimp and watched as he leveled Lake Laogai to the ground. The entire area went up in flames before their eyes. The agents watched in horror as he relentless attacked their old home base until it was no more.
Then he turned to them, eyes as wild as the flames.
He held a sword to their throats and threatened to throw them in the same fire unless they confessed. The men quickly cracked and admit that the Dai Li had funded the civil war in the Colonies. Then another group took over when Long Feng was imprisoned, blackmailing them to still to bankroll the coup. That group created a plan to kill the King and take over Ba Sing Sa. They kidnapped Katara as a bargaining chip.
This sent Zuko off the deep end.
*****
The Queen of Ba Sing Sa presented Suki with the letters she had been receiving from the perpetrators. Toph's boyfriend Kanto, an expert in minerals, was able to identify some leftover particles on the envelope. It had unique signatures that only belonged to the Colonies. Toph was then able track down the Earth King, he was of course in the Colonies as Kanto suggested. Chained and imprisoned in a silo.
The metal bender and Kyoshi warriors were able to free him and give him safe passage back to Ba Sing Sa. This passage of course was delayed because Kuei would not leave without Bosco. Luckily Katara was in charge of pet sitting the bear and the animal was safely being housed in backyard much to the Congee's disapproval.
Toph stayed back in Ba Sing Sa to protect the King and do a full sweep of their armed forces. All Dai Li agents identified would be shipped off to the Arctic.
Zuko could careless though. He thought they should suffer a much worse fate because Katara still had not been found.
He made sure to blow up the Silo and the surrounding area. A testament to a new era. Gross acts of violence would not be tolerated under his reign as Fire Lord. He wanted anyone that dared think up a scheme like this again to think twice and then a third time.
*****
It was just as the traitor Dai Li agents had said, the operation was being funded by the Dai Li to undermine the Colonies being adopted by Republic City.
The question remained, who was the brains of the operation if Long Feng had been imprisoned under sheets of ice. That was the golden question that no one could produce an answer too. The faction functioned almost mafia like. No one knew the boss, everyone just knew of the boss.
All anyone could reveal when Zuko crept up on them in the Blue Spirit mask was some earthbenders were not happy with the status quo and wanted to be ceded from the Earth Kingdom entirely. They were tired of the region changing hands from one irresponsible party to the next. A radical group had risen up and decided maybe it was best to take the entire Earth Kingdom as their own.
No one knew for sure who the leaders of this faction were but they were sure the men would not stick around after hearing how Lake Laogai was now ashes. They had probably gone underground. At least that's what the Blue Spirit was advised when they scoured the region.
Zuko was not phased and used his element a as a bargaining chip.
He flew his blimp over the Colonies constantly, soot and ash on his heels. Only ever docking to refuel. By now the Earth Kingdom knew the Fire Nation had come to attack. Many assumed they wanted revenge for the annexation of the Colonies. What they would learn later was also Suki and Sokka were also on that blimp.
They all materialized together from the cloud of smoke on the Fire Lord's heels with the Kyoshi warriors in tow. Knocking on doors in search of answers. Zuko would use his own methods of intimidation when no one would speak up fast enough.
*****
"Paul was a part of some crusade" an old man admitted, staring at Zuko's hand, it held a ball of lightning dangerously close to the man's face.
That was all they needed to hear. Zuko and Sokka would find Paul, but he was just another foot soldier. Charge with stirring up discord but had no idea of who his leader really was.
But the Fire Lord knew Paul would be useful.
So Paul was dragged out of his house by the firebender and made to watch as his house went up in flames. He wanted whoever that employed Paul to know that he was coming.
This went on and on until they got closer to the culprits. There were of course men that refused to speak. Men who were named specifically for orchestrating parts of the uprising. Those men also refused to give up their leader.
Those men were brutally beaten to a pulp by the Blue Spirit until Sokka would pull Zuko off. Occasionally the mask would slip and it would be revealed that the Blue Spirit was actually Fire Lord Zuko. It was cynical but the men would always end up producing answers so Zuko saw it as a means to an end.
The news spread amongst the factions network.
The pacifist group of teenagers had changed. This was a new era, one without the Avatar. There was the Republic City Council whom they hoped they could bargain with and then there was the Gaang. The heartbeat of said Council and they were willing to do anything to get Katara back.
There would be no bargaining.
If no one cooperated the answer was only fire and brimstone.
A permanent dark cloud would settle over the Colonies.
*****
"Zuko I want to find Katara as much as everyone else but we have to be discreet" Sokka huffed.
They sat in the control room of the Fire Lord's blimp.
"Sokka, Katara could be dead" Zuko shot back "I know it's been a while for you but this is the dark side of war"
He knew they would take issue with how he dished out judgment but he already made peace with his sins. Besides they could have stepped in at any time. But they always waited until the very last second, until he was on the brink of losing his humanity and Sokka would pull him away. Zuko knew deep down they may not agree with his methods but acknowledged it was the only way to find her.
This was unlike anything they had to deal with in the past. This wasn't spirits or ghost. These were real adults that were willing to kill to get what they want. When they were children conflict was like a fantasy battle. Almost a fairytale, a happenstance. But this was not that, this was real. This wasn't a game or fate. This was a well thought up, coordinated attack to shake them down. And Zuko did not feel like negotiating with terrorist.
"We are not at war. The King has been returned to Ba Sing Sa and Katara is missing, that's it! Us going around saying it's a war is all but starting a war! If we continue blowing everything up, we'll be at war" Sokka snapped back.
Tensions were high but Zuko could careless what his friend was saying. There was a war if not outside then in. It was brewing in his mind, and clawing at him everyday.
"I need her back"
His eyes ventured over to the swords that sat on the wall just behind Sokka. Sokka's gaze followed his.
"Just promise me no more violence, this is not who we are" the General said in a softer tone.
Zuko made no such promises, he was willing to blow everything up to find her.
To know she was safe.
*****
His ember eyes could barely make out the figure.
The room was completely dark and there was barely a peak of light slithering into the room. It felt like he stepped into a void. Except there was one thing. Zuko looked up at the person hanging from the ceiling. Suspended in the air, perfectly still as if they were dead.
He took a careful step forward, heart thumping out his chest. His jaw slackened as he recognized the brown hair. It felt like something caught in his throat and every muscle in his body stiffened as he took her in.
There was that feeling again. It felt like he was being burned alive.
"We found her" he heard Sokka yell.
A flurry of footsteps came running in, Zuko stood still as he watched Kyoshi warriors work to pull her down from the ceiling.
"Is she breathing?" Sokka yelled to someone.
The Fire Lord did not feel the flame emit from his hand when it did, he did not feel anything as he watched someone try to resuscitate her. And it was no use her chest would not rise and fall on its own. Her hands laid limp at her sides. Her eyes were open but there was no light there.
"Katara wake up please" Sokka cried.
The firebender physically felt himself black out.
"Zuko get out of here before you do something you'll regret" he heard a familiar voice call out to him. But they sounded so far away yet he could feel the warmth from their touch.
*****
The storm shelter was barely empty before Zuko set it ablaze with just a glance. He rounded up the men they found on the grounds and made them kneel with their back turned to the burning building. There was silence and the crackle of the flames as the fire seared the wood.
"There is no place in the new world for such vile acts"
They protested and begged for mercy. But Zuko was blinded by something worst than rage, apathy.
He grabbed his sword from behind his back and summoned a flurry of lightning. Wielding it and allowing the lightning to dance against the metal. As if the sword was an extension of himself.
He considered cutting the men down but decided against it, choosing to strike the ground instead. The effect was still the same. The blast electrocuted them to the drink of death and no one came to save them. No one intervened. Zuko watched as they succumbed to their wounds and imagined it was a lot like how Katara had also succumbed to her torture.
He turned away from the flames to see faces twisted in shock and horror. All except Sokka, who looked past him, and would not meet his pupils. It was just as he said, they were at war and Zuko got the sense that Sokka now understood what he meant. This is was the wages of war looked like, smelled like.
Suki ushered everyone away from the scene, some had tears in their eyes including herself.
"Zuko it's time to stop, if she wakes up she won't want to know that you burned everything to the ground" A familiar voice said gently prodded. They still sounded so far away, yet so close.
"If"
He could not think straight, her body hanging lifelessly was imprinted in his visual cortex. Blue eyes once so full of depth and color were unresponsive. There was no word on the baby. Katara would've been the one in the group to figure that out.
He saw Suki out of his peripheral, cautiously looking at him telling someone maybe Sokka that their troubles were just beginning.
He could not hear it all, not really. Something about Lake Laogai still burning. The King was told all of this was really caused by the Fire Nation and demanded retribution. But Zuko tuned them out. He could no longer find the inkling to care. He would have paid any price to save Katara, he would do it all again.
Do I Look Like Him? (Ember and Ocean: Zutara Fanfic)
A O 3 | W A T T P A D | Words: 50,170
Creds:regnum_lab (grabbed from Pinterest)
He promised Alyssa that he would be sober tonight but it was becoming a bit too much. He missed her, he wanted to be with her. But she had shut him out completely, driving him into this sham of a marriage.
Dr Lu advised him she was progressing well. The waterbender was very visibly pregnant now, no amount of layering could hide it. Their secret would be out soon, it was only a matter of time.
Zuko took two more cups from the waiter and threw them both back. Alyssa shot him a worried glance. She knew he had become a functioning drunk.
"General Sokka it is an honor to have you here" he heard Mr Wolfe all but announce.
Zuko turned to see his friend walking towards him. He knew whatever Sokka had to say must be important because the General stayed within the limits of his ship and crew. He did not fraternize with fire citizens. Sokka only visited Zuko on the mainland if it was absolutely important. He stuck to his large warship and took any audiences there. He always declined Zuko's offer to stay over at the palace.
Zuko gulped and tried to mentally prepare for what he would hear.
"Can I borrow Lord Zuko?" Sokka asked Alyssa. She nodded and stepped back allowing the General to slide in her spot.
"Zuko, Kataras missing," Sokka murmured under his breath.
It felt as though he could feel the world spinning from under him. The room seemed to be swimming now. The faces blurred and danced unaware that he was barely holding on to his sanity.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Sokka asked worriedly, turning to look him in the eye. Sokka's blue eyes looked a lot like hers. Zuko immediately saw flashes of what had happened in the forest.
Zuko couldn't hear because his ears were ringing to an ungodly pitch. He was only able to read the words escaping Sokka's lips not really hearing them.
"Zuko she was kidnapped"
He heard Alyssa gasp.
The glass slipped from his hand and crashed into the floor, splintering into tiny pieces.
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A O 3 | W A T T P A D | Words: 48,038 | Chapter 19
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The cruiser sailed into the Southern Water Tribe and the group of friends unloaded from the ship. They padded on the ice and made their way to the awaiting crowd.
"Our heroes have returned home," someone called out.
"Where is our father?" Sokka asked. A man gestured for them to follow him. They trudged in the ice until they came upon a large blue tent. The friends went inside.
Katara's heart sank.
Her father laid on the pelt lifelessly. He was frail and had obviously been sick for a long time. Unlike the picture of health when they last saw him. She pushed past everyone and immediately got to work. But it was too late. Hakoda's pulse was too faint. She could not heal him.
"Dad" Katara choked tears.
"Oh beautiful girl, I'm so proud of you and Sokka" he wheezed, unable to open his lids.
"Why didn't you tell us you were sick"
"I didn't want to worry you two"
Katara turned to look back at Sokka but he stood as frozen as the ice they stood on. The siblings stayed with their father that night. Trying to soak up every moment they had left.
The siblings went fishing the next day and when they returned they found their friends at their fathers bedside, weeping.
Katara's scream could be heard throughout the entire Southern Water Tribe.
"Aang what's all this?" Katara asked, staring around from atop the stone staircase.
Katara and Aang stood on the cusp of their apartment backyard. The sun illuminated the orange and brown terracotta tiled roof. The hedges surrounding the white stone wall were decorated with confetti. Lanterns hung from the tall fluffy trees. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
Aang led her down the stairs and took both her hands in his.
"Katara, I know we're young but I don't want to waste anymore time. If you'd let me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you" Aang proclaimed, shifting nervously.
"What are you saying?"
"Will you marry me?" he asked timidly.
"Yes a million times yes" Katara screeched, jumping into his arms.
Their friends ran out from amongst the bushes and hugged the pair.
There was blood everywhere.
A constant stream of crimson swept down Katara's leg.
The waterbender stood still as it pooled around her feet.
She could feel her head spinning as more and more liquid seeped out of her. Her stomach cramping intensely after each surge of blood.
Sharp pains twisted and rocked her core.
She stood in one spot, for what felt like forever until he appeared in the doorframe.
Katara could see the very moment his heart skipped a beat and the color flushed from his face.
"I think I just lost the baby" she said her voice cracking "Aang, I'm sorry I know how much this meant to you"
This was her second miscarriage.
It was the break of day, and the moon was beginning to trade places with the sun. A cold breeze swept into the room and enveloped Katara until her teeth began to chatter and skin prickle with goosebumps. The sudden drop in her body temperature caused Katara to jolt out of her sleep. She tiredly reached over to her lover but he wasn't there, just an empty spot.
Aang was gone.
Sokka had spent time sailing alongside his deceased fathers crew from Arctic to Arctic. He'd stop off in the Northern Water Tribe to garner support for the rebuilding of the Southern Tribe. The men obliged him but had one problem. Their artillery was pathetic. So Sokka went about inventing contraptions with the mechanist and his son Teo. The most ferocious navy the word had seen emerged from the Water Tribes. It was a no-brainer that Sokka would be named General. The nations happily aligned themselves with General Sokka and he happily built up each nation's navy. Quickly becoming Master of Ships.
Suki tried to return to Kyoshi Island but King Kuei all but begged her to stay in Ba Sing Sa. He practically gave her the keys to the Earth Kingdoms military but Suki refuted. Agreeing to only travel throughout the Earth Kingdom as an ambassador of peace. Suki could not run from her destiny however, as the Kyoshi Warriors quickly grew to be the world's largest pseudo militia of which she was the keeper.
Toph no longer wanted to fight, she made peace with her family or something close to it and unsuccessfully retired. Alongside Zuko, the Bei Fongs went on to fund great philanthropic work. Investing heavily in post war reconstruction. Toph led the charge with reconstruction until she best saw it fit to become teacher. Her parents happily supported their daughter starting a metal bending school, finally embracing her talents.
Katara watched this all happen from the banks of Republic City. As the only member of Team Avatar left in the city, she became leader of the City Council. Under her guidance the city experienced great peace and prosperity. World leaders traveled there in pursuit of her wisdom and healing. The Council grew to be something larger than life. A permanent fixture amongst the world powers.
She believed it was what Aang would have imagined for her. The work he would have wanted to find her doing. To serve as a guiding light for all nations, occasionally stepping in to settle disputes in the name of the Avatar. It took a while for the world to realize he had been missing but by then they came to fully rely on the Republic City Council. They fully relied on Katara as the Chief Councilwoman to keep the balance amongst all nations. The world moved on but she stood still hoping one day he would return.
The efforts in the colonies were growing tiresome. The firebenders were reluctant to leave, making it next to impossible to peacefully shuttle them out of the region. Katara factored in their ties to the city but underestimated just how deeply enmeshed they were with the culture and just how much they intertwined with the earthbenders. It was clear that the few bad apples paled in comparison to the good ones.
Many of the households were already mixed and were now being torn apart. Many nonbending families were forced to choose whether they were Fire or Earth citizens. Many interbending families had to send their firebending children or spouses away. The precedent was set: Stay in what was now the Republic City colonies or go back to the fire nation. A place some of them had never even visited. In over a hundred years, many colonies formed their own distinct culture and traditions.
Katara heard this fact over and over again as she listened to the steady stream of people drifting in and out of her City Hall office. Many of them were petitioning for their families in the colonies. The waterbender tried to offload them onto the rest of the Council, tried to convince them to attend the town halls but everyone wanted to see Katara specifically. Thus she was glued to her desk.
Kai could hardly handle the meeting notes. She was doing most of the managing and scheduling while the waterbender found herself drowning under the emotional toll of hearing story after story of disgruntled citizens.
The issues rode Katara's heart day in and day out. So much so she had no choice but to summon King Kuei to work out a citizenship plan.
"Kuei, it's a pleasure to see you," Katara exclaimed, shaking the king's hand.
Of all the foreign dignitaries Katara had to deal with, Keui was by far her favorite and they had developed a very close working relationship over the years.
"I can say the same for you Master Katara" the King bowed, before hooking her forearm with his.
The two began to stroll through the courtyard, with his bear in tow.
"We have picked out the very best cabbages for Bosco to eat" Katara said, glancing over at the large brown bear.
"Oh you always spoil us" Kuei said, giving her arm a gentle squeeze "Now come, tell me how can I be of assistance dear friend"
They walked further along the courtyard together, taking in the beautiful day. The grass was freshly trimmed and the trees newly pruned.
"As you know the Fire Nation colonies have been there for over a hundred years, there are many with no ties to any nation, many intermixers" Katara admitted.
The King nodded in agreement "Hmm and I heard some prideful earthbenders are still requesting that interbenders be banished too"
Katara nodded "Precisely but there is no where for them to go, that is rightfully their home"
"So that settles it" The King brought them to a stop at a wooden bench and helped Katara to sit.
The brunette looked up at him with a perplexed look "What do you mean?"
"That is their home and they must stay"
She knitted her eyebrows in confusion "But the earthbenders"
"Master Katara, they are your people now, they are republic city citizens, whatever you say goes" The king shrugged.
The two would sit on the bench under the glaring sun and brainstorm a plan. They decided everyone that existed in an interbender household for over a generation can remain in the territory along with the earthbenders. Firebenders will continue to be transported out of the area.
Katara knew that the new development would unsettle Zuko. She did not care though, this is what he wanted. He wanted the colonies cleaned up, so she was cleaning house. For all intents and purposes, she had written him off. No matter how much it pained her their friendship seemed irredeemable. His opinions no longer mattered.
Sokka did not share the same sentiments and pleaded for her to reopen discussions with the Fire Nation. Likening the country to Ba Sing Sa's lower rings. The resettlement of the firebenders had plunged the nation into disarray. While Katara was empathetic, she was not moved to reenter negotiations.
They had their chance.
He had his chance.
Sokka was not there in the forest, he was not blamed for what was occurring. The injustices, the infighting. Zuko blatantly blamed her for it all. His behavior was vile and malicious. She could not understand why Sokka would side with him.
He forced her hand and she needed to focus on integrating the colonies with Republic City. There were celebrations to be had and a ball in King Kuei's honor so they may officially present their treaty to the world. The Fire Lord was the least of her worries.
*****
The ball was a massive undertaking and Kai was being driven up a wall with the plans. But this was the fun part. Once they wrapped up the pomp and circumstance, Katara would have her plate full with integration. She had no idea how she would oversee everything when her baby would be due soon but she had to try.
"Kai, what's the status report on the parade?"
Kai sat behind Katara's desk, while Katara sat with her feet up on a cushion bench, back leaning against a bookcase.
"You haven't approved the permits" Kai answered softly, scribbling away.
Katara smiled and slowly slid off the bench. She moved over to the desk, looking for the permits..They were somewhere under her stack of letters from the Fire Nation Council.
Kai gave her a cautious once over, before going back to her writing. Katara was well aware that Kai knew she was pregnant but her assistant asked no questions. She loved and values her discretion.
Katara ruffled through the papers before pulling one from the pile "Please get this treaty copied and enrolled in the archives immediately"
Katara slid the paper in front of her assistant, Kai nodded and went off to the archives.
The waterbender stared up at the picture of Aang. He stared back at her with smiling eyes.
She wished he was there, he would have figured it all out.
"I hope I'm making you proud, wherever you are" she whispered before going through her papers again.
*****
Kuei and Katara sat opposite each other in the King's royal carriage as it barreled away from the ball. The two had a long day from the parade, banquet and now the ball. They were joint at the hip for his entire visit. And somehow Kuei still managed to find things to talk about.
He had the gift of gab and utterly talked her head off, mostly about his bear. She pretended to be engaged, pretended to care about Bosco's favorite toys. This was by far the hardest part of the job, pretending. But it was easy to pretend with Kuei. He just wanted someone to talk to and he was her friend.
So she listened and nodded until the carriage rolled to a sudden stop. She looked out the window and saw they were nowhere near her apartment and Kuei agreed to give her a lift home.
"What's going on?" Katara called out the window.
There was no answer.
The doors to the carriage flew open and King Kuei was pulled out by his shoulders. Katara screamed, lunging after him. Her foot caught on her dress and she fell on her side with a hard thump.
An instant pain shot up her spine, causing her tear ducks to well up. The wind was knocked out of her and she could hardly catch her breathe.
'My baby"
She didn't see who grabbed her next. Only felt their rough hands yanking her out of the carriage and dragging her across the ground. For a brief second Katara thought it was help, but those same rough hands quickly gagged and muzzled her. Katara frantically searched for her water, but the brunette could not sense her element.
Panic immediately set in.
She could hardly make out the surroundings when a bag was thrown over her head, it smelled like a peppered bag over her head and the waterbender immediately began to heave. The gag held back her coughs causing her chest to knit with pain even more.
Katara could not wiggle away or fight, the rope on her limbs held her back. Not that she could put up a fight in her state.
All she could do was stare off into the darkness, teary eyed as her eyes began to prickle from the peppered bag.
With a quick swoop her body briefly defied gravity before she landed hard on her back.
Another pain shot up her spin knocking the oxygen from her lungs, she aspirated until her eyes fluttered shut.
*****
When her eyes finally fluttered open, the pepper bag was gone and so was the gag. It was still pitch black though. Wherever she was, it was unusually dark and cold. Not a slither of light entered the room.
Katara was able to dip her head and see silver chains on her feet. When she took a slow look up she could see the chains hanging from the ceiling that were holding her up.
A sudden fear unlike anything she ever felt gripped her.
"Where am I?' she called out and wrestled against chains. There was no answer.
The silver chain twinkled in the darkness. They were the only light in the room.
Her eyes drifted down again and it was then the brunette realized her gown was gone, only a thin dress slip covered her. Her belly was on full display.
"Please I'm pregnant" Katara cried out, wrestling against the chains.
"We know my sweets, you'll fetch a handsome ransom price" a voice answered back.
"Who are you?" Katara swung her head in the direction of the voice.
She could not see anyone.
"I don't expect you to know us Master Katara, we are mercenaries" their voice was slick, alluring. The dialect was almost familiar.
"Us"
Katara had her first clue, whoever her captors were, belonged to the noble class. It was one she was unfamiliar with though.
"Mercenaries" she stammered, frantically trying to shake against the chains.
"Yes. Keeping a watchful eye on you until we get paid for our services"
"Services?" she repeated.
At that moment Katara realized this was not a botch job but a rather well thought plan. Somebody paid them to kidnap her. "Where is King Kuei?"
The voice went on to explain that King Kuei was being held elsewhere. He was also kidnapped and was being held with hired hitmen; he would be executed soon if his wife did not peacefully turn power in the Earth Kingdom over to their cause. Katara on the other hand was a bargaining chip to make sure the Council stood down until the earthbenders could negotiate a deal. One that would include a secession of the colonies completely.
"Its a pity, you would fetch a million on the black market" the man drawled.
*****
Katara shook against the chain but the harder she fought the wearier she became. It had been what felt like days without food or water, and no sign of sunlight. Her energy was depleting quickly.
It did not help that there was no water in the room. She could not water bend. Katara was defenseless.
"Master Katara excuse our lateness, I meant to get here sooner"
This voice was new, an affluent dialect all the same like the other man. Whoever was running this operation had the means and connection to conduct a large scale coup. This worried her even more.
"Who are you?"
"I am Jin. I represent the interest of the earth benders in the colonies. We tried to bargain with you before but it seems you were not interested. We had to find another means to get your attention"
"I have no idea who you are," Katara tiredly admitted.
Her head hung low as she lost the strength to hold it up.
"That is the problem precisely Master Katara. You are not an earthbender. You know not of our traditions, our culture, yet expect to govern our people"
"Is this about the colonies? I gave the earthbenders everything they wanted, I ordered the firebenders out of the region"
Their words echoed throughout the room, ping ponged against whatever walls existed in the dark enclosure.
"I commend you for that, but why did you leave the mixed dogs? Why annex our country into the Republic? Transferring us from one evil to the next. We do not wish to be ruled by non-earthbenders." Jin's voice was firm, audibly upset.
"I'm sure we can come to an agreement, I just have to talk to the Council" Katara pleaded, wrestling again.
"The time for that has passed, we hold all the cards now. We plan to depose the king and install one of our own. You will support our cause if you wish to be free"
Katara listened carefully as he rambled on and she imagined how Toph would pinpoint someone's location. She closed her eyes and tried to imitate her friend. Listening to the echo of his voice to assume where her kidnapper could be standing.
She'd never tried bloodbending while being bound before but decided if she could redirect lightning it was worth giving it a try.
The bloodbender focused on his voice. He was so worked up his breathing was becoming harsh. She mentally imagined Jin's throat and the veins that led to his heart. She hung on his every word until she was able to steal the mentally grip the veins that led to his lungs.
She could hear the blood vessels of his ventricles echoing in her ears. Katara could hear him choking, coughing up blood. Death was imminent, she could almost taste it. She faintly felt everything he was, it almost like a humming against her skin. A twitch in her own heart.
*****
There was a sharp crack, Katara heard it before feeling her teeth rattle "You waterbending bitch"
That was the voice of a woman, it was the first time she heard it.
Katara opened her mouth to scream for help but nothing came out.
"You try that again and I will slice you open and pull your baby apart" Jin coughed.
It was at that moment that Katara chose to give up. There was no use in fighting, there nothing worth more than the life of her baby.
Although she knew deep down that they'd both die there. She knew the wages of war. She knew too many that had been kidnapped and never returned. Never to be heard from again. It would be a miracle if she made it out alive and Katara's miracle was gone.
Aang was gone.
She hung there for what felt like eternity. Only able to plead for her child's life.
*****
"Please I'm pregnant"
"My baby"
"Please"
It had been days without food or water. She could feel herself starting to get lucid. There was nothing else left that the bloodbender could do. Katara made it up in her mind that she would die there. She wanted to die, but wanted to do one final act. One last experiment.
If she was going to die it would be protecting her baby.
So the healer allowed her body to go limp and focused all her chi inward. Her energy slowly began to beat through her veins and to her baby's.
After a while Katara just hung frozen in a comatose state.
