Broken
It all happened so fast.
Azula shot the bolt at her, Katara...I was too slow and I couldn't stop it…
It struck her in the chest…She fell…I cried out for her…Azula cackled savagely…she hit me with a few quick jabs which I dodged…I shot at her…She fell…I ran to Katara…She was breathing.
"Katara," I looked at her wounds. They were…severe.
"Z-Zuko? Is that you?"
"Who else would it be? Agni?" The urge to lighten the mood was heavier than I could stand. Despite my stupidity she giggled weakly…
"Zuko…I'm gonna die…"
"No! You won't! I-I'll get you to a healer! I'll send for one now…you'll live. You'll be fine."
"Please…the pain is…too much…let me go…"
"No! You're my friend…one of my best friends. I wont let you die!"
"Please!" She begged. "I can't take it."
"You can't give up Katara!" My own tears were falling now, and out of both eyes. I could feel the harsh sting. "You never give up! Why start now?"
I don't know why but I was suddenly afraid. Afraid of loosing her and afraid of the emptiness that I would feel when she was gone.
Her next actions shocked me.
Katara stared deeply into my eyes with her azure orbs, now a darker shade of blue. She leaned up a little and pressed her lips firmly to mine.
"Zuko…I l-love you…ever since you we were trapped in that cave together, I have loved you."
I cupped her cheeks with my warm hands, trying to transfer some of that warmth to her.
"Katara…I love you too…I-I won't let you leave me! Everyone I love leaves me!"
"Don't…think that Zuko…" She smiled. "Your mother…Lu Ten…your uncle…myself. We'll never leave you…" Uncle is dead?
"Katara…h-how do you know that my uncle is dead?"
"I can see him, and your family. Your mother is beautiful, Zuko. You look just like her…" Her smile never faltered as her eyes closed and she leaned back into the support of my lap. "They need me over there…
"I'll always be with you…"
"Katara!" I cried. But, it was too late. Katara had spoken her last words.
I stared at her face, her beautiful, peaceful face. I tried to imagine that she was just sleeping.
"Yes, Katara is only asleep," Said an unfamiliar voice in my head. "She is just fine. She's not dead. She wouldn't leave me. She loves me. I love her. We are going to be together. And we'll live happily ever after. Together."
I smiled a very uncomfortable smile which stayed, plastered to my face while I carried her to the royal chambers.
I laid her onto the bed making sure not to wake her.
"Sleep well my Katara. I love you. So much."
I kissed her lips softly and turned to go to the sages.
I want to be the Firelord when Katara wakes up.