This story starts a month after the war ended.
Breathless
Written: August 2.2010
Posted: August 2. 2010
Please don't steal. I DO NOT own ATLA but I DO own this plot.
Chapter 1: Loneliness
Zuko looked down at his beloved nation from his room balcony. The warm nighttime breeze played with his hair in the most graceful way. He looked up to the moon, then back to the nation. Yue's light was reflecting off of the red and gold buildings. He hung his head low, deep in thought.
"I'm lonely," he finally said aloud after minutes of silence.
"Isn't that what Lady Mai is for?" asked a feminine voice from behind the Fire Lord. He turned to see his most trusted servant, Mi Jah, standing in his doorway.
"Mai isn't the Fire Lady, and I see her everyday. I need different company," Zuko responded, unfazed by Mi Jah's sudden appearance. He and Mi Jah always had these late night talks. He thought about what Mi Jah said. Wasn't Mai supposed to keep him company? Keep him from feeling like this? He pushed the thoughts out his mind, but they came rushing back. He was happy with Mai…right? He was sure he was happy…they…they loved each other…or what he thinks is love…No! No! It was love! He can't say he doesn't love Mai. Mai was going to be Fire Lady one day, and they'd live happily ever after with a family and mushy fairytale stuff like that. With Zuko and Mi Jah deep in thought, they stood in silence for a few moments, before a grin spread across Mi Jah's round face. "I know just what you need, young Lord." Zuko heard the more optimistic tone in her voice and turned around. "What is it you're planning?" he asked as one of his eyebrows went up in curiosity. Her grin became even bigger. "Goodnight, Lord Zuko," she said as she gracefully left the room.
"UGHHH!" he groaned in frustration as he fell back onto his bed. Mi Jah was up to something and he wasn't sure what it was, but if had something to do with making him feel less lonely, he prayed to Yue that it'd work. He was tired of being alone. He hadn't laughed in weeks. Zuko was spiraling downwards, and Mi Jah wasn't going to let him go down like that. He rolled over onto his pillow. "It'll work," he promised himself in a mumble. "It has to."
-OOO-
The Sun attacked the morning, leaving everything with a natural golden glow. Beautiful mornings were common in Ba Sing Se. "Thanks for moving in with me, Sweetness. I don't think I could handle moving back into the Earth Kingdom alone. I don't want to go back home, it'd cause too much tension and I've just grown so attached to you guys, especially you. You're like…a big sister." Katara smiled at Toph's affection, and hugged her. The little blind girl returned the embrace.
"Well, Toph, it really is nice home you picked out. How about after we settle, we get lost in Ba Sing Se?"
"Sure, why not? Sounds fun," replied Toph, actually sounding like she was looking forward to it. Katara noticed the change in her tone and thought "I think living with Toph isn't going to be so bad after all." Katara started to go to her room to set up her things, but Toph grabbed her arm before she could move.
"There's someone at the door," Toph said, just above a whisper. Katara opened the door, just as the man was about to knock.
"May I help you?"
"You are Miss Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, and Miss Toph Bei Fong of the Earth Kingdom, correct?"
"Yes."
"You have a scroll from a…Mi Jah of the Fire Nation." Katara took the scroll and the messenger nodded. "Good day to you, ladies." Katara closed the door and looked at the scroll.
"Do you know a Mi Jah from the Fire Nation?" asked Toph. "No, but obviously she knows us. We should read it. Toph nodded, and Katara read aloud:
Dear Friends of Fire Lord Zuko,
Your friend is becoming very lonely here at this big, empty palace. He misses your company dearly. Please visit him in at least 20 days. You're far, so I understand the time it may take to travel here. If you are unable to make it, I'll understand, but the poor Lord needs at least one friend there with him.
Please respond soon,
Mi Jah
P.S. if you were wondering who I am, I am Zuko's most trusted server.
-OOO-
Sokka read the letter to Suki and Aang. "Well are we going?" Suki asked, knowing he'd say yes. "I don't know, Suki. We're in the South, and I bet the journey is really far, but-" "But…" Suki smirked, leaning in closer to make him yes. "…But I guess I don't care. Pack your bags, guys; we're heading to the Fire Nation!" Suki jumped up in excitement. To be out of Kyoshi and back in the realms of red was a good and bad thing. She missed Kyoshi, but she would get over it. "But Sokka, I only brought enough clothes for a week because I was visiting. We'll need to stop by the temple so I can properly pack," said Aang, smiling that he would get to see all his friends again. "Alright, no problem," replied Sokka, as he walked into the room to help Suki pack.
-OOO-
"Are you done yet?" Toph called out across the hall. Katara stepped out of her room and closed the door. "Just about. Let's stop for tea and bread at Iroh's shop, and see if he's going, too." "Ok, although I'm quite sure he is."
-OOO-
Zuko walked around the palace, moping, and weary from little sleep. He ran into Mi Jah in the halls. "Good morning, your highness," she greeted him with a respectful bow. "You'll be happy to know that my plan has taken full effect, and you're moping will cease soon enough. Don't say I never did anything for you," she chuckled a bit while coming up from her bow. "What are you talking about? What plan? And how is it going to make me feel better?" Zuko asked. "Time will tell and you'll see." She replied simply as she started to walk down the hall again. He turned around and called to her "EVERYONE SAYS THAT! BUT IT ALWAYS TURNS OUT TO BE YEARS LATER! I HAVE TO WAIT YEARS TO FEEL BETTER?" Mi Jah looked at the angry and weary Fire Lord over her shoulder and smirked. "Nope. Just 20 days."
There's Chapter 1! I hope you like it! Please Review. It won't hurt to take a few seconds to tell me what you think. More Zutara coming up on its way! Stay tuned for a preview of Chapter 2!
Chapter 2: Reunion
Katara looked up at the moon as they began to approach the Nation. She could hear Toph confront her from behind. "So Katara…are you nervous about seeing Zuko again?" Katara replied with a casual "No" but Toph could tell her heart skipped a beat when she said his name.
-OOO-
"Alright, Aang. Suki and I are going to see if Iroh is in his shop, and get more food. Meet here in exactly 30 minutes. We have to get back to flying if we want to make it to the Fire Nation by at least day 22," Sokka stated as he and went to walk towards the shop. Aang started off in the opposite direction. He heard a familiar voice from behind a building. The voice was…crying…he looked behind the building. He found himself in so much shock when he realized who it was, he was almost breathless.
"On Ji?"