Fire Lord Zuko sat in his study, his mind pensive as he reflected on the past events of the last few years. The Avatar had defeated Ozai with the aid of Katara. Zuko had played a minor role in the death of Ozai because that was not his destiny by any means. He had known that. But that day had changed things forever. He had whitnessed the most treacherous thing known to a bender. Blood bending.
He watched Katara blood bend his father until she drained the life out of him. It was horrifying, and amazing at the same time. The sheer power, and brutality of the act was astonishing, but he knew Katara had done it for him. She had only meant good. The fact that he meant so much to her, made it that much more terrifying.
Later that day in a fit of insanity Azula had went on a rampage. Well, more so than usual and Uncle had laid the duty of stopping her upon his shoulders. Zuko had faced her in an Agni Kai. The idea, to this day was pure insane, but he knew something was off about Azula and he acutally had a fighting chance.
He had matched her blow for blow. Fire bolt for fire bolt. He had been able redirect lightening, and even conjure furious bolts of his own. Though her lightening was far stronger via the comet's power. It seems for every normal bolt she would have produced, ten bolts shot from her finger tips. The odd thing was her fire power had not been strengthened. He had her backed into a corner. Zuko had mannaged to get the upper hand on Azula.
The comet aiding him all the way, making his bending powers at their peak. Not to mention the motives that fueled his bending were pure, and not evil. They were the true form of Firebending. Both of them physically drained, but the surge of energy from the comet drove them to fight. To fight harder, more furious than ever. Fight until the could no longer move. Fight 'til the death. It was electrifying.
And then Zuko saw Azula's evil plan and it was game over. The playing field was no longer level or even tilted in Zuko's favor. It belonged solely to Azula now. Katara was in the background running behind columns bracing herself, in case aid for Azula arrived. That way Katara could blood bend the offenders, ands ave Zuko. Everyone knew Azula didn't play by the rules, and then it happened. Azula aimed lightening bolts hundreds in numbers, millions in voltage straight at Katara who had her back turned. Zuko felt the urge to protect her, save her. Though he wouldn't voice it, ever, he had fallen for her. So he had. Katara oblivious to the ongoings was not aware of Azula's intent. He jumped in front of the lightening taking it square in the heart. The rest was fuzzy.
Zuko's lips curled into almost a sardonic smile as he recalled that day. His hair was still the same length as it had been then. Time really hadn't physically chaned the young Fire Lord. It maybe had allowed him to bolster up some, add much more muscle and a tan.
That was all. He still refused to wear his hair in a top knot and a lot of other traditional customs. Mentally, he had grown and changed. His views more mature more different. Time and lonliness had bittered him some... He knew Katara had always loved his hair that length.
It was ironic, how still he was truing to please her. As if she would walk into his life again. Did she even think about him? It had been five years nearly to the day since he had last seen her. The day of Sozin's Comet. He was know a man, nearly twenty-three years old and unmarried without an heir. It was almost a sin, and dsipleased his people greatly, but he was waiting. Waiting for her to waltz into his life. But, five years and not one note, not a word, nothing, made him ponder.
Flashback:
Late the Night of Sozin's Comet: Zuko's Chambers
Zuko lay sprawled on his bed his heart throbbing, aching. He could feel the electricity running through him. He could feel, something else as well. His eyes opened adjusting to the dimly lit room. He reddened at his bare chest when he saw Katara standing over him. Her hands literally inside of him, no doubt healing him. She was gorgeous her dark, honey brown skin working on his burnt flesh.
Her hands felt so cold, so gentle. Yet capable of such horror. "Is my sister alive?" Zuko questioned remembering Katara was present when General Iroh had told him to kill Azula. "Yes, she is being treated by healers. Seems like poison. Now remain still," she demanded her glacial azure eyes met his amber ones in a serious gaze as she went about her work.
He relaxed some, and then after what seemed like hours Katara ad collapsed beside him on the large bed. He could remember her scent it wasn't some cheezy floral scent like Fire Nation girls wore. No, instead she smelt of heaven. Her body was shivering and he drew close raising his body tempertaure with what little strength he had. "Why did you save me?" Katara asked sittingup her eyes locking his in a deadly gaze. Her lips were inches from his face. They beckoned to him. He sat up his lips hesitantly reached for hers. He kissed her in a flurry of passion the intensity heating up as he pushed her down his hands roaming her body.
When they broke apart he spoke: "Because I care about you." The rest just happened her hands all over his body. The next thing he knew he was fumbling untying the cloth belt to her robe as she slid out of it. Exposing her naked body in the full moon. When he was down to nothingness he remembered plunging inside of her. Her tight, wetness, unlike anything he had ever exprienced as they screamed silently for each other. Her mouth tasted like the sweetest candy as she wiggled underneath him, as he pushed into her core. He emptied himself inside of her as they climaxed.
Her insides clenching and unclenching around his throbbing aching erection. The awkward clumsiness of youthfull love seem to be ignored, it felt so right to them. It was their first time. Hers, but not his. But it was the first time he had truly made love, and not fucked someone. He loved her. He whispered it in her ear. Their bodies seem to fit together perfectly. Like they were a puzzle. Like a glove. Like they were meant for each other.
As her nails dug into his back, her lips bit into his shoulder as she urged him to come back inside her again. Urging him on for more and more. She needed him as he her. Like they were each other's drug of choice that night. Almost as if she was his morphine and he her heroin as they plunged into each other. She had promised him the world. Her hand in marriage. Her love. And she had meant it. Completely and utterly. But he awoke that morning and she was gone.Without a word. When she had promised Zuko she would remain with him. Marry him. Because she loved him to. No one had heard from her since.
Zuko missed her terribly. Now he was on a ship, they had found her and she had agreed to meet with Fire Lord Zuko. He wished he could be home in the Fire Nation with her. Instead he was alone on this stupid iron ship with nothing but memories. Memories and the word of someone who had broken his heart. Azula had married Haru of the earthkingdom, which still shocked Zuko. They had three kids.
Two fire benders and an earthbender, the trouble was the children seem to have Azula's sense of humor and mannerisms rather than Haru's more laid back ones. He sighed those blue eyes had haunted his dreams so many times, and he may finally see them again tomorrow, but did he really want to hear what they had to say? He had banked his whole life on the fact she would return, but would she? What if she didn't? Could he go on? He loved, Katara the Waterbending master, even if she was a blood bender.
After that night with her, Aang blamed it on Zuko for her leaving. Aang claimed Zuko was too rude to her. Maybe it was true... But, Aang had forgiven Zuko. But not Sokka. Sokka had lost his sister. She had ranaway and never sent word to him again. Suki was on Sokka's side naturally. And Zuko could not really blame her. He had always been an ass to Suki and Sokka. Never, been kind to Katara per say. They had every right to hold him accountable.
Toph never had liked Zuko, but eventually forgave him the year before. It was probably the Avatar's idea for Toph to make nice with Zuko. At this idea he smiled. Two years ago, Aang had married Toph. Zuko had not seen it coming, but welcomed the odd couple. They were his friends, all he had. Mai had reutrned to Zuko, but he would not marry her much to her disappointment. And she continued her path of being unfaithful, so he left her two years ago. He had been hopelessly down since then. Mai had mocked him and told him to get real Katara wasn't coming back. And she was probably right.
Lord Zuko got up anxiously pacing the bedroom of his ship. He hated waiting, and worse being left alone to dwell on the past. It was just depressing. His mind shifted to Katara. What was she doing with her life? She was probably married to some handsome guy. They were probably happy, starting the large family she had always wanted. This is what his gut told him, but he wanted to believe something else. He wanted to believe that she was alone and miserable. He wanted to believe he could be her Prince Charming, again.
He tried to focus his mind on something positive, anything. His eldest nephew, Azula had three boys, and the firebender Lu Ten, named in honor of their cousin, had turned five. He was showing signs of beign a prodigy just like the real Lu Ten was and just like Azula is. His other nephew and the earthbender was named Cadence. He was four, and an earhtbending prodigy much like Haru. The last of his nephews was named Raiko(A Knight from Japanese Myhtology) and was just a mere six months. But already, the child showed signs of bending like he had from in the womb He could produce fire at the age of six months. It was unheard of, for any child to do so. But so be it if anyone was going to have a supernatural child it was going to be Azula.
His hands began to shake, his nerves were frazzled as he launched himself on his bed. His dreams were haunted by Katara. Not that it was a bad thing. He woke up the next morning wanting nothing more than to step off the ship and run to find Katara. Bt, he awoke well before sunrise, and the entire crew was asleep. He had no clue if they had reached their destination or not. Frustrated, he filled the bath tub with fresh bathing water they had kept on hand. Zuko heated the water with his bending and allowed his body to soak. Once he was bathed and dressed, his scars carefully sanittized he sat down to a breakfast of tea and oatmeal. He moved his food around the plate not bothering toeat. He was far too nervous. But, he drank several cups of tea in an effort to calm his nerves.
Finally, day broke and upon conformation they had arrived Zuko, stepped on land. He all but ran off the docks into the heart of town. He had been told he would find Katara in solid blue house. He smiled to himself upon finding, her house. It bore a large water symbol and was a turqouise blue. The house was smaller, than Zuko had expected and more rundown. Then again he was expecting some mansion. Feeling his nerves again he inhaled deeply before knocking on the door. When he did knock, she answered.
Katara swung open the door, frustrated having been woken up. But when she saw who her vistor was her mood change. All traces of sleep seem to have left her body as she drank in his appearance. Those amber eyes starring back at her warmly. She never thought she would ever see that, specific pair again. Sure, he had written her seeking out premission to visit. But, she doubted he would ever show. Yet, here was on her doorstep, and all she could do was stare.
Zuko took in Katara's appearance. Time certainly had been kind to her, and hadn't changed her much. Her hair was worn down in layers that came to well past her mid back. She had grown a few inches and her eyes were now level with his lips. Her, body had become more muscular, and lean.
Yet, her curvy figure was still intact maybe had grown. Her kind eyes glared him wordlessly in shock as he returned the gaze. His mouth seemed paralyzed unable to speak. She was still the same Katara, he could pick out of crow of millions. The same woman who could take his breath away. Yet, something was different about the way she carried herself.
Nervously, Lord Zuko extended a hand to Katara. She accepted it pulling him into embrace instead of shaking his hand. Zuko, was never one for physical contact, but he welcomed this gesture from her. As her body came close to his he drew in her aroma, it was the same heavenly scent he had remembered from that night. When their bodies touched he swore he could feel the static, electricity flowing between them as he shivered euphorically. He watched as she grinned, her body shivering much like his in delight.
"Care to come in, Lord Zuko?" she asked opening the door frame a little wider as she wrapped her arms around herself trying to capture te moment. "I'd be delighted, Master Katara," he replied the last part was almost breathlessly seductive as he flashed her a grin his mind on that night they had shared five years ago. She blushed slightly, her mind obviously on the same thing.
Zuko followed Katara into the house. It was well kept, so tidy and roomy, nothing like the outside of it. As Zuko studied the furnishings he noticed Katara had lots of toys in her sitting room as he made himself comfortable on the couch. Pehaps, the visit was just a waste of time afterall. Clearly, by the looks of things she had moved on and had children.
"What brings you here, Zuko?" Katara asked her eyes seemed kind, but curious. He could see years of pain, and concern. Worry and discontent in those very same eyes as she poured him his favorite tea and awaited his answer. Zuko drank from the tea cup and grinned. It was his favorite tea, she had remembered after all this time. "You remembered," he whispered gesutring to the tea cup. Katara noded her eyes softening some, "How could I forget?" she posed the age old question.
He smiled at her, his eyes telling her what words could not. How he had missed her. "Why did you runaway that night?" he demanded his amber eyes clouding over with sadness and repressed anger. His nerves and emotions had bested him. Shamed him as he hung his head low avoiding her gaze. He could sense she was mad, equally as unpleased, and yet didn't know what to see or how to say. Her eyes seemed sad, as his words had cut her skin. "I am sorry, Zuko. I never meant to leave things the way they were, but I had things I needed to figure out," she replied her eyes downcoast as she met his. "Like what?" he spat his temper flaring and voice rising.
"It was an awkward situation. I loved you. But, I had already promised Aang so much. I needed time," Katara yelled back in frustration, a nervous hand ran through her sleep disheveled hair. "Then why didn't you leave word, or come back," Zuko implored stopping before he could really lay into her. Something moved out of the corner of his eye. And then he saw it.
It was more of a who... a child no more than three or four in age. She was the spitting image of Katara. The little girl brushed past Zuko unphased and went to her mother, looking the stranger in the eyes. Zuko smiled at the child sweetly. This girl looked exactly like Katara except her skin was a shade lighter and her eyes though they were the same glacial azure color had a hint of golden amber to them.
"I did leave word with Sokka, and tried to come back, but I had heard you had moved on and were with Mai," Katara replied her voice almost icy as she bounced the child on her knee. "Kaiya, please go back to bed sweetheart, Mommy is having a conversation," Katara whisered comforting her young daughter. Her hand ran through her daughter's long hair which Zuko now realized was too dark to be the shade of Katara's. It was a mixture of her dark brown and black. And that is when Zuko realized who Kaiya's father was.
Once they were alone again Katara implored Zuko to keep his voice down. He nodded, kindly. "Sokka never told me anything. And if I had known you wanted to come back I'd have taken you. I never loved Mai. She was just a figure, someone I took to parties and gatherings. I never cared for her or loved her. My heart was always yours," Zuko whispered his hand reaching out for Katara's. She smiled almost bitterly, with sadness like no other. "Why did you come here?" she whispered, her voice was soft and ladden with so much emotion as she choked back tears.
"Because, I love you. And I want to bring you back to the Fire Nation with me," he replied his fingers began delicately wiping away her tears as she stared at him. "Why didn't you tell me, you were pregnant, with my child?" Zuko asked of her, more like demanded. His eyes were hurt and angry, but he also understood to a certain degree her pain and suffering. "What would you honestly have said if I showed up at your doorstep after months without a word, homeless, hungry, and pregnant?" Katara inquired, her words were harsh and stung him, the reality of it, but he knew she had not intended to hurt him. "I don't know what I would have done," he replied honestly.
"Exactly. So I stayed away and traveled the world. Here is just temporary," Katara continued gesturing around to the life she had. "But why didn't you write me? Don't you think I would have wanted to know I had a daughter out there, somewhere," Zuko shot back. "Maybe, but I didn't want ruin your relationsip with Mai. I was told to stay away. I had everything I needed for myself, and for Kaiya," she continued. "Does she even know I am her father?" he asked his eyes softening pleading. "No, no one does," she whispered softly.
Zuko was angry, he wanted to yell at Katara scream at her. But, he put himself in her shoes, and realized he probably would have done the same thing if he had been her position. "Do you still love me?" he questioned his golden eyes narrowing as he stared at her. Everything changes, it's fucked up ain't it? "Everyday, I never stopped," she whispered.
Time changes everything, but somethings change for the positive. Katara stood up and found Zuko's arms around her waisr his hands clasped around her front, as she relaxed against his chest. Her touch was just as electrifying as ever, he needed her. He loved her, he truly did. They had a lot of things they needed to figure out, but it didn't change how he felt. He still loved her as much as if not more than he did the night of Sozin's Comet.
Katara felt as though she could stay nestled against Zuko's body forever. She never wanted to leave him again. To be honest when she had left five years ago, and then learned he was with Mai she had braced herself for the reality of never seeing him again. Yet, here he was, there he stood his arms around her in her living room as he confessed he still loved her. Still, he had never given up on her. He wanted her still, wanted her to return to the Fire Nation with him. He loved her even though she had hid the fact he was the fater of her child.
Or, hell the fact she even had a child. She had left for several reasons. She did have a lot to sort out and she did. But there was the fact that he was Fire Nation and she Water Tribe. They were complete opposites, how could she marry someone she was taught to hate? But, now that changed because her daughter was Fire Nation as well as Water Tribe and Kaiya meant the world to her. But the situation that truly scared Katara away was the fact that Zuko's people would not accept her. They had threatened her life the moment they had learned of Ozai's death. But, then time changes everything, doesn't it?
Katara sighed as she pulled away from Zuko. She knew the moment had to end. But she wanted to give him a gift, he deserved. "Are you ready to meet your daughter?" she asked him her glacial azure eyes warning him to be kind, to be gentle. Zuko grinned removing the shaggy hair from his face before he spoke: "I'd love to." She grinned as she lead him into Kaiya's room. Zuko smiled when he found his daughter sitting on her bed waiting for them, she had clearly been listening to them conversing in hushed tones.
"Kaiya, I'd like you to meet your father. Fire Lord Zuko," Katara stated smiling as she watched Zuko scoop her up into his arms and draw her close to his body. It warmed her heart to watch father and daughter embrace, reunited. "You mean he's Fire Nation?" Kaiya asked her eyes widening in awe as she spoke. Katara nodded as she sat down in a seat off in the corner. "Can you bend fire?" Kaiya asked Zuko who merely smiled at his daughter. He nodded. "Yes, yes I can. I am the ruler of the Fire Nation," he explained his dauhter clinging on to his every word.
"Can you bend?" Zuko asked curious as to what powers if any his daughter possesed. "Yes, but mom won't let me bend," she complained to Zuko who chuckled. "Your mother knows best. She is the best Water Bender I have ever met so I would listen to what she says," Zuko replied smiling looking past his daughter, and directly at Katara. "She can't help me. I don't bend water. I bend fire. I only heal like her," Kaiya explained and he nodded. It was curious how his daughter could look like a Water Bender and act like one, but be a Fire Bender. yet, she could heal as if she were Water Tribe. It was very curious.
"Are you going to live with us?" Kaiya asked her father. Zuko grinned at Katara and said nothing. "I don't know," he replied. "I think you should. Mom has been waiting for you. You guys could sleep together like normal parents," Kaiya suggested so innocently not knowing the strength and actual meaning behind her words. Zuko grinned slyly at Katara not saying a word. His eyes were seductive, his grin was so smug, yet sexy. "I think you have asked, Zuko, I mean your father enough for now," Katara said sternly before her daughter could add anything else. Kaiya could be stubborn and so sly like her father at times, the resemblance was uncanny.
"Don't even say it, Zuko," Katara giggled once they left Kaiya's room and were alone again. She was refering to the comment about the sleeping together, and he knew it as he flashed her sly grin. "Or what?" he questioned suggestively. Katara shrugged not dignifying him with a response because her daughter was just in the other room. Zuko repeated himself, this time he whispered in her ear, his voice was a low purr. His breath tickled her tender flesh and sent a shiver down her spine as she struggled to regain her composure and not melt right there on the spot. "Try me and you'll find out on full moon's night," she whispered in his ear, the refrence to the night of Sozin's Comet was not lost on him and he grinned devilishly.
Zuko sat down on the couch pulling Katara down next to him, her body laying on his. The warmth, and electrcity coursing trough them both. "Why did you name her Kaiya, it is beautiful name?" he commented his hand stroking hers lovingly. "It was my mother's name. I felt it was the best way to honor her memory. By naming my daughter, who I created with the person I loved with all my heart after her, the one who meant the world to me," she said a small tear forming in her eye. "What kind of fire can she bend?" Zuko asked trying to take Katara's mind off of the past.
"Anything she desires. I have seen red, white, lava, and blue fire. The only one who I will let teacher is General Iroh," Katara replied softly. Zuko smiled knowing uncle would be honored to come out of retirment to teach his granddaughter how to be a master firebender. "You have a lot of trust and respect for my uncle," he remarked kindly. She nodded explaining how Iroh had spotted her after she first had Kaiya and aided her helping her get on her feet. "Uncle, always was found of you. And, he is a man of his word," Zuko smiled not in the least bit mad Iroh had not told him of Kaiya and Katara. He understood why his uncle had not told him.
"Does this mean you are coming ack to the Fire Nation with me?" Zuko inquiried his eyes scanning hers, his so filled with hope, a longing hope that it nearly killed Katara. Honestly, she wasn't sure if that is what she wanted, but the hope in his eyes it would kill him to say no. "Would I be accepted there? Had anything changed?" she remarked adding the last part bluntly. "The people are more accepting now. And, things have changed. And I would accept you as would my uncle and the rest of my family. That is all that matters. As long as your family accepts me," he added knowing the resent Sokka and Hokoda felt toward him.
"I think they'll adjust. They are stubborn, but when they realize you never hurt me. They'll forgive you," she added smiling as she embraced him warmly her lips pecking his cheek quickly and he grinned. "So that's a yes," he remarked smugly his grin widening. "As long as you take me to the South Pole first. I need to set things right. Restore my honor," she explained. Zuko nodded, he knew a thing or two about restoring honor.
"We have to stop in Ba Sing Se along the way. Uncle will want to join us. He has always wanted to see the South Pole on his terms,' Zuko said the last with a bitter sadness as he thought about the war campagins Iroh had launched and the pain he had caused Katara's people. She smiled at the thought of seeing the General again, he was always so kind. And now, she could tell him the truth he had a granddaughter via Zuko. And she was a firebending fire prodigy, and needed Grandpa Iroh to teach her. Her spirit lifted and smile widen as she thought of how overjoyed the General would be to hear this news.
"Shall I leave you and Kaiya to pack, while I go send messanger hawk to Uncle and Azula?" Zuko offered as he stood up. Katara nodded showing him to the door. "Do hurry back,"she whispered huskily in his ear. Clearly, she had other things planned for the day.
Author's Note: Read and Review Please. What do you think? Should i continue?