"Anyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or nationality will be able to tell you their exact location at the time of the almost devastating event that took place only three weeks ago. A single occasion, not even a day long, could have led to the destruction of the entire Earth Kingdom and totalitarian rule by the Fire Nation, and that was Sozin's Comet. A single piece of ice could have ended life as we know it and a horrible fate awaited us, if not for the great Avatar Aang. He defeated Former Fire Lord Ozai, sealing away the tyrant's bending for eternity, and liberated the Earth Kingdom from Fire Nation control. One must also not forget of Zuko, a former traitor who has been redeemed in the eyes of the people. He and Katara, a traveling companion of the Avatar, defeated and imprisoned Azula, the Former Fire Nation princess. Many of the Avatar's allies fought bravely against the Fire Nation, including Earth Bender Toph, General Iroh, Former Admiral Jeong Jeong, Master Piandao, Omashu's King Bumi, Master Pakku, Southern Water Tribe Warrior Samara, and Suki the Kyoshi Warrior. I speak for all of the world when sincerely thanking these brave and admiral people. Now, the world is at peace, with Prince Zuko taking the throne and Avatar Aang here to protect us all until his death. Perhaps the world will go through an enlightened age, one of scientific and cultural development, for the next few decades. Well, until Sozin's Comet returns, causing the world to be in great peril once again. But, worry not, as we will always have a great and almighty Avatar return the world to its natural state."
The group sat in a stunned silence as Sokka finished reading the news article. They were sitting in Iroh's new tea shop. No one seemed to know quite what to say to what they had just heard. Finally the silence was broken.
"Well Twinkle Toes, looks like the world just became even more dependent on you." Toph commented.
Aang didn't seem to hear her and Katara shot him a worried glance. He sat off to the side of the group while the rest of them formed a circle on the floor, drinking their tea.
"Don't let that paper go to your head Sokka." Suki teased. Sokka was re-reading the page for about the 5th time, looking as proud as ever.
"Me let something go to my head?" Sokka asked in disbelief. At that the whole group laughed. Aside from Zuko who seemed more reserved than he had been in months and Aang who was really out of it.
"I wonder who they asked to get that information." Zuko muttered.
"It doesn't say." Sokka said, looking up "Why?"
"It just seemed inaccurate."
"Inaccurate!" Sokka exclaimed. "They got it perfect and they even gave me a nickname."
"Seriously Snoozles, calm down. No one is saying anything bad about your precious article." Toph said sarcastically.
"I'm pretty sure that was an error and not a nickname…" Suki muttered under her breath.
Sokka obviously didn't hear her as he babbled on about his manly nickname and how elegant the journalist wrote, the rest of the "Gaang", whom were ignoring him, discussed the latter points of the article.
"Will the world really have to face this all again, in just one hundred years?" Suki asked in a concerned manner.
"I don't think so; there will probably be small scale attacks from radicals, but it will take awhile for any group to recover from this." Katara explained, placing a comforting hand on Suki's shoulder.
Sokka, whom by some miracle was finished talking about himself, wrapped his newly muscular arms around Zuko's neck in a brotherly fashion, "Besides, we won't have to worry about that stuff with this guy in power!" He gently tugged and rustled Zuko's outgrown, matted hair. Zuko looked down, his hands folded uncomfortably in his lap, unusually quiet for the situation. The others of the group, however, were oblivious to Zuko's distressed body language, and happily chatted away.
"Looks like you're going to need to get a haircut soon; it's starting to look as bad as Toph's in the morning!" Katara giggled.
"Zuko, don't listen to her!" Sokka spoke quickly and pushed his hand in Katara's face, as if it could protect Zuko's gorgeous manlocks. "Don't fall victim to her bossiness! Katara, remember that you are speaking to the future Fire Lord! He doesn't have to listen to you, or any woman for that matter."
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN?" All of the members of the female species in the room yelled in unity. Sokka scuttled behind Zuko in fear, and murmured in his ear, "Smile and deny it. Smile and deny it. Smile and deny it."
"E-eh… nothing! A wrong choice of words, that's all."
"It better be 'a wrong choice of words'," Toph rose a hostile fist in his direction, "or else I'll-"
"Why don't I give you a haircut tomorrow?" Suki interrupted, trying to pacify the atmosphere, "Or, should we wait till it's closer to the coronation?"
"That reminds me, when is the crowning? When will we get our invitations?" Aang asked. The promise of a jubilant celebration lifted his spirits to his usual optimistic self.
"There better be really good food! Really good meat…" Drool dripped from Sokka's mouth as he looked off in the distance dreamily.
"Well-" Zuko started to say, but was interrupted by the cheerful chatter around him.
"Think of the hope this will bring to Fire Nation, no, the World! Finally, after one hundred years, we can achieve peace!"
"Sokka, they're not going to serve only meat. I don't want to eat out of the trash… again."
"Have they even finished repairing the palace? How are we going to celebrate if it's in ruin?"
"I don't really care about the decorations; how about a battle royale!"
"Everyone, I have something to say!-" Zuko said, pushing Sokka off his back. However, his efforts were in vain, as everyone became progressively louder.
"Ouch, what the hell was that for? The future Fire Lord shouldn't be so violent! Oww…."
"Suki, we should go shopping; I think it would be more appropriate if we wore Fire Nation clothing."
"Yeah, that sounds great. Toph, you should join us."
"… I'll pass."
"Hahaha, Sokka's right. Zuko, you're going to have to learn how to control your temper if you want to be a good leader."
"I DON'T WANT TO BE FIRE LORD" Zuko shouted and stood up, coincidently crushing Sokka's hand with his fine leather boots. The only sound in the tea room was Sokka's small whimpers as all eyes were on the raging teen.
"Oh."
Iroh was watching his nephew sadly. He had come so far and the old man didn't want to see him go down the wrong path again. "Zuko, you knew that if you ever came home that you would take the thrown."
"Uncle, I don't want it." he said, clenched fists shaking in rage. He spoke through his teeth to keep from yelling.
"Zuko.."
"NO! I won't let my future be decided for me any longer!" With that he stormed out of the room. Leaving the stunned group in silence, Iroh staring into his cup of tea.
"Can he do that?" Aang asked Iroh quietly. Iroh looked up at him hesitating. "I don't know. As far as I know there hasn't been a case like that."
Katara looked at the arch, hoping Zuko was alright. She could no longer see him, but she heard flames crackling in the distance. When she looked back at her friends, she found Aang staring at her. She blushed, quickly turning to Toph, who was arguing with Sokka, pretending to be interested in what they were saying.
"Toph, why can't you go knock some sense into him with your magical earth bending." Sokka whined.
Katara sighed at her brother."It's not magic Sokka! It's an ancient art…"
"I know I know. I was just kidding Tara." Sokka interrupted before she could launch into her full scale lecture. "But Toph should still beat him up." he complained again.
"Oh, yes, because the last time I tried to talk to him that went so well" She said sarcastically. "If I remember right I ended up with my feet burned!"
"I'll go." Sokka and Toph stopped bickering long enough to stare at Katara. She stood up and left the room before anyone could object.
"Thanks Toph, this wouldn't have happened if you would have just gone!" Sokka said in his calm, sarcastic manner. "Ooph. What was that for!"
"That's for being an idiot snoozles." Toph said after she had punched Sokka in the arm for blaming this on her. Toph knew he was just being overprotective big brother but she wasn't going to cut him any slack. She never did.
Katara walked a ways down the path that extended into the garden which surrounded the tea shop. The hedges outlined the pathways were tall and there was no way to see over them. To find anyone here would be a challenge, unless they're an angry firebender. She relied on her hearing to find Zuko by following the sounds and smell of the fire. Finally, she found Zuko in the farthest back corner of the garden. She stopped just out of sight, watching and listening. Zuko throwing punches and kicks of fire down towards the freshly clipped lawn, looking very frustrated. His bending was not graceful or powerful like it could be. Right now it was..well scary.
Finally, Zuko stopped and sat down on the grass, which was looking burnt. Katara walked over to him slowly, making her steps heavier so that he wouldn't be surprised. His head shot up to see who it was, and when he saw her he sighed and looked away.
"What do you want?" he asked her dejectedly, yet still harsh.
"I just want to understand what's going on with you." She told him softly. "No one can help you if you won't tell them what's wrong."
He sighed looking up at her, before shaking his head and looking away. "It's not that simple."
"It's like- I just feel- you know, umm… like…. Eh." Zuko muttered, scratching the back of his head- although that proved to be a task as there was quite a way through his scruffy hair to the base of his skull- "You think you want something so badly," he continued awkwardly, "but, when you have been given it, you realize that you don't really want it. Like, the true reason you yearned for it in the first place is because it was impossible to have. "
"I understand." Katara's eyes had caring warmth to them, her lips in a soft semi-smile. She placed a comforting hand on Zuko's shoulders, crouching down to his level, and looking directly into his eyes she continued, "It was the same way with restoring your honor, wasn't it? However, when you were able to return home to your family and throne, you realized the ends don't justify the means. You wanted to regain your honor your way, and you've done it. I think the real problem here is that you are scared; you'll be responsible-"
Zuko smacked her hand away and rose. He hovered threatening above her, his lips mashed together in a grimace. "You don't know how I'm feeling! Don't try to pull this, 'my mother died and my people have been persecuted by the fire nation, so I understand everyone's problems act.' Oh, but silly me." he gave a snide chuckle and backed away from her, "I forgot that you are Katara, and you know everything. You're the solution to every problem. Perhaps you should become fire lord. Hell, we should make you the Avatar. Then the world would be so. much. happier."
Katara, whom stayed quiet during his tirade, rose, her arms crossed and face flushed. "This isn't all about you, you know. There are people who count on you! Your nation needs you! If you have any honor, you will help your people rebuild!"
Her words obviously affected Zuko; he turned his back and glanced at the ground aimlessly. "I'm tired of having people depend on me. Having to prove my worth. To gain my honor. I just want to live a normal life, away from the pretentious politicians and suitresses."
"We don't always get what we want Zuko."
"Do you think I don't know that!" Zuko yelled angrily. "My life has been nothing but a reminder of that fact!" He actually shook from anger, which Katara noticed and took a step back. She couldn't think of anything else to do. For once Katara was actually speechless. She backed a little farther away before turning and retreating the way she had come. Katara finally stopped at the fountain in front of the tea shop and sat down, playing with the water.
"Hey." Katara looked up, letting the water fall. Aang had come out of the tea shop and was now standing in front of her.
"Hey", she replied, sighing. She wasn't in the mood to speak to anyone, especially Aang.
"What's wrong?" He asked, frowning. Katara stood and gave a fake smiled. "Nothing's wrong. I should go back inside though, Sokka's probably worrying." She turned to leave, but Aang reached out and grabbed her arm, keeping her from escaping.
"Wait." Aang said. Slowly, she turned to face him, wondering what in the world he was going to say now. However, he was silent. He just stared at her with a look that made her feel uncomfortable. Then, before she realized what was happening, Aang leaned forward and kissed her.
Their lips broke apart with a slight pop. Katara could still feel his chapped lips that felt oddly sticky against her own. She could taste the bitter tea that he had just drunk. All the sensations from the kiss sank down to her stomach, to mix with the feeling of panic and dread. Aang gazed dreamily at her, "Katara, I was wondering-"
"One minute, Aang. I need to make sure Zuko is okay." She lowered her gaze and started walking briskly passed him.
"Okay, I'll ask you later, then..."
"Uh huh." Katara mumbled, not bothering to look back. She knew the scene already, Aang's large puppy eyes full of abandonment and hurt, begging for comfort. She would fall victim to it, then have to endure an awkward situation that would ruin their friendship.
Soon she was out of sight behind the hedges in the garden that were designed as a small maze. She had no intentions of going to find Zuko after their conversation earlier. So instead she sat down by one of the hedges her back against it, sitting with her arms around her knees and her head resting on top of them.
She wasn't going to cry. Instead she kicked herself for ever letting Aang think they could be more than friends. How had she gotten herself in this situation? And why? Why... did she care so much about Zuko? Lost in thought she didn't hear the footsteps approaching her.
"Katara?"
She sighed. "Go away Sokka." she stated simply.
"Are you okay?"
"I said go away."
"Okay but I just wanted to check on you. You never came back in and Aang just took off on his glider…." Sokka stopped suddenly, taking in Katara and the situation. "Okay what happened?" he said, crossing his arms stubbornly. Katara groaned, thinking about how she was never going to get rid of him now!
"Nothing happened Sokka, now please just ..leave….me….ALONE." she said, putting emphasis on the last words.
"Okay, okay." Sokka said throwing his hands up. "All I'm saying is that you should come back inside soon." With that he turned and walked away.
After a while more of contemplation Katara saw that the sun was setting. She wasn't sure how long she had been here, but she should probably go back like Sokka had asked. She stood and quietly walked back to the tea shop. The lights were on and everyone was crowding around Sokka, insulting what seemed to be a painting he was working on. With an exception for Zuko who stood in a corner of the room, arms crossed and the hostile look back on his face. Katara scanned the room and realized Aang was still missing. She sighed sadly, sitting down on the floor watching the others. Iroh seemed to be in the same mood she was and was sitting not too far away. Momo was perched on Toph's shoulder watching all the people curiously.
"I put my heart and soul in this portrait memorializing our victory and friendship and this is the thanks I get?" Sokka pouted and crossed his arms.
"This is what your heart and soul looks like?" Toph rebuked, earning hearty laughter among the group, with an exception of Katara and Zuko. The friendly and calm atmosphere from before Zuko's outburst resumed as the friends chattered with one another. No one spoke of Fire Nation politics or Aang's disappearance, but instead spoke of things that some would consider frivolous and others tranquil. However, not all shared the mood. Zuko stood motionless against the wall, his eyes closed. Iroh was half-heartedly speaking to Toph, but the smile was a façade to conceal the disappointment and frustration. Katara's anger, however, was building up during the minutes of conversation. Eventually she reached her limit and huffed out a sigh. All conversations halted, and even Zuko, in his semi-conscious state turned toward her.
"Is something wrong?" Suki asked out of consideration.
"This is ridiculous! Everyone is talking about weather and hot springs when we have a serious problem!"
"Alright, Negative Nancy, why don't you go over there with Debby Downer and let us have some peace." Toph said, pointing back at Zuko.
"Negative?" Katara got up, scowling at Toph. "I'm being realistic! We can't ignore this! We have to talk about this!"
"Katara, what can we do right this moment?" Sokka rose his hands in a helpless manner as he continued, "Zuko doesn't want to be Fire Lord. Stupid. Yes. But, can we do anything about that. No. He's a pretty stubborn guy. And, it's not like we can just go fetch an ordinary guy off the street to be Fire Lord."
"Sokka, you're a genius!" Iroh shouted, earning him many skeptical looks.
"Tell me something I don't know."
Lusa- French the Llama, I can't believe this is finished! Over the past month this has been my child. A child which I neglected for three weeks when I was watching marathons of Ugly Betty, America's Got Talent, and Weeds. I'm sooo gonna be a good parent. But, siriously guys, thanks for reading and please leave a review, even if you hate it.
Tori- wow i can't believe this is finally up! Please leave a review and I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do! :)