Pain

All Zuko could feel was searing pain. He gasped and the slight motion caused him to go into a spasm. It was a thousand times more painful then when he had received his scar but it didn't matter. All that mattered right now was that Katara was safe. He rolled onto his stomach and reached for her as if expecting her to be there.

Katara was fighting his insane sister and he could no longer help her. Zuko could see her running; could see Azula attempting to hit her with lightning. Please Spirits help Katara now. He prayed. Azula was incredibly dangerous and unpredictable-did Katara even stand a chance?

oOoOoO

Katara ducked behind a column for shelter as she tried to formulate a plan. It was difficult to think knowing that Zuko was slowly running out of time. What if she couldn't get to him in time? What if he died? The pain would be unbearable and Katara wasn't sure she could face that. So she wouldn't. She was getting herself and Zuko out of this alive.

Azula was unpredictable right now and would likely not fight fairly. And Katara wasn't sure she could face the firebending prodigy alone, especially since Azula was so volatile. That meant Katara would have to use her wits and fast. Looking wildly around, she noticed a stream of water underground. It was probably used to provide water to the people living in the palace. A pair of chains was also nearby and suddenly Katara knew what to do.

oOoOoO

Azula stalked across the courtyard of the palace. Where had that peasant gone? She noticed her brother writhing in agony and smiled to herself. She would finish him off after she killed the waterbender. She turned the corner and found the peasant just standing there. Stupid girl.

Azula raised her hand, prepared to strike the girl down. But suddenly the peasant's arms moved at the same time and Azula found herself encased in water. Frozen there, all she could do was watch as the girl chained her to the duct below her. And then suddenly the water was gone and she could scream again.

"Noooo!"

Once Azula was contained, Katara ran to Zuko's side. She quickly got out her water and began to heal her. Zuko's eyes opened slowly and he looked to weak that Katara felt tears forming in her eyes. He had to be ok. Immense relief came over her as the water took and Zuko's new scar faded. It was faint now and Katara choked back a sob. Thank goodness.

"Katara, thank you." Zuko said in a raspy voice.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you." And she helped him to stand up. Her hand didn't leave his as they watched his sister scream and wail. Azula's blue flames lit up the palace and Zuko stared at her with an unreadable face. He turned to Katara and pulled her into a hug.

"If she had hurt you… I don't know what I would have done." Zuko said and he gripped Katara tightly as if reassuring himself of her presence. Katara returned the hug and then pulled away.

"Zuko you mean so much to me. The pain would have been unbearable if you had died." And then the waterbender did something unexpected. She kissed Zuko quickly softly and pulled away before he could respond. Zuko met her eyes with a smile and for a moment the two allowed themselves to forget about the war before turning back to watch Azula.

"I'll have to send her to an institution." Zuko spoke calmly and he looked away from the pitiful sight of his little sister.

"I will be at your side to help me." Katara returned firmly and the two benders found comfort at these words.