Forgiveness:
Chapter 1- Sunset
Zuko was roaming the streets of a Fire Nation colony. He had a dark red cloak on, the hood hiding his face, helping him blend with the towns people. It had been months since he had seen any sign of the Avatar, and he and Uncle had decided to settle in this small town for awhile, tired of traveling.
He was beginning to wonder if he should just give up his never ending hunt, and just forget about ever regaining his honor and returning home. What am I thinking! I refuse to let a child get in the way of my birthright, my throne, and my honor! Zuko thought in frustration, but deep down he knew it wasn't Aang standing in his way, but Ozia. Hunting the Avatar was a distraction provided by his father, the father that didn't love him, the father that marred his face permanently for a single mistake.
Zuko no longer knew if he even wanted to return home. Sure, it would be nice to live amongst his people with out having to hide his face, to live in the comforts of the palace, but at what cost? He had gained so much knowledge on his travels, things he never would have learned within the walls of the palace.
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Zuko made his way down an alley, not really paying attention to where he was going. The sun was beginning to set behind the rust colored rooftops of the small village. He was supposed to be getting something for him and his uncle to eat from the market, but like usual he got lost in his own despairing thoughts.
Zuko looked up and found that he had made his way to an alley that led to a small square. The square was occupied by ten to fifteen men, surrounding a young girl who was dancing for coins. Something about the girl seemed familiar, the shape of her body, her dark skin and chocolate hair. No, it cant be her. She doesn't travel alone, let alone dance for coins. Zuko thought.
But as the girl turned around he was taken aback by the face he saw. Her sapphire eyes confirmed it was her, the Water Tribe girl. "Katara?" he whispered into the empty alley. Why is she degrading herself this way? Dancing for these filthy men's copper pieces? He thought with disgust.
Yes, Katara was his enemy, an obstacle in the way of his prize, but Zuko wasn't stupid, he knew something beautiful when he saw it. Zuko edged closer to the small crowd and the Water Tribe girl. What is she doing out here by herself anyway?
Surely her brother, or even the Avatar would not allow her to behave like this. The men where speaking nasty words to the dancing girl. She looked absolutely miserable. The healthy color her beautiful skin once held was gone and she had lost a noticeable amount of weight.
Zuko felt sorry for her. He had at least managed to stay fit, even if he had to resort to stealing his meals. He listened to the men taunt her. "Nothing better than a poor girl dancing for coins!" One of the men said, alcohol slurring his words. "Yeah, 'cause she'll do anything for a few copper pieces." Another said. He reached out and grabbed Katara's wrists and pulled her to him. She squirmed, trying to get away from the filthy man.
Zuko's sight became tented red with rage. Zuko never liked it when a man laid his unwanted hands on a woman, it reminded him to much of his father and mother. Why doesn't she just water whip him into the next street? He screamed in his mind, anger darkening every thought. He knew the power Katara had all to well. But as he thought about it he almost smacked his palm into his forehead. Arg! Because it would blow her cover! Of course she couldn't water bend, it would only get her arrested.
"Watch gentlemen," The man said, tugging at Katara's dress, his voice full of lust. "As I teach this street child the proper way to earn coins." The men laughed as Katara began kicking violently trying to escape. She begged for them to let her go in vain. Her screaming made Zuko's insides twist. This is sick! He thought, anger fueling every muscle in his body.
He drew his broadswords, and made his way to Katara. He reached the small group, completely consumed by his rage. "Let her go!" He bellowed at the large man who held Katara captive. He looked at Zuko and laughed, then tossed Katara to the filthy ground. She sat there panting staring up at Zuko with terrified eyes. "And who are you to think you can march up here and interrupt our fun?" Zuko threw back his hood and he heard Katara faintly gasp.
Well, it looks like Uncle and I may be packing tonight. If I make it out of here alive that is. '"Prince Zuko!" Zuko said with all the power he could muster. The man laughed, a disgusting, dark laugh. "You are no more a Prince, then I am boy. That scar proves it." Zuko ground his teeth together and growled. The mention of his scar only fueled his rage.
"Just leave the girl alone and we can all walk away with our lives." The man spat at Zuko's feet. "You know what? How about we take the girl, do what we want with her, and leave you here, barely clinging to life." The man's smile was mocking. The red haze in Zuko's eyes finally took over and he tightened his grip on his swords. "Sorry, but that's not an option."
Zuko swung at the man but he easily dodged. The other men, the cowards that they were, scattered like roaches as soon as the fight sprung out. Katara was gathering all the coins she had earned and stuffed them into the coin bag tied to her waist. She was going to run and leave the wretched place behind but she saw the mighty Prince slipping under the brutish man's strength.
Zuko knew this man was to much for him. He would fire bend, but he didn't want to take the chance of accidentally burning Katara. The man had knocked Zuko's swords from his hands and was about to give the final blow. Zuko took what he thought would be his last glimpse of the Water Tribe girl. She had a medium sized rock in her hands and it was aimed right for the man's head. She threw it and it connected with his head with an audible crack. Impressive Zuko thought. As beautiful as Katara was, she was as equally deadly.
She ran to Zuko and helped him to his feet. He quickly grabbed his swords and sheathed them. He gestured to the ally. "Come with me, I'll take you somewhere safe." She backed away, fear and hesitation were very present in her eyes, but Zuko didn't have time for her to be wary, although he understood her apprehension, they needed to get out of here, fast. "Katara, If I wanted you hurt, I wouldn't have saved you. Now please, we need to get some where safe before he wakes up! I don't want to stick around to see if that the concussion you most likely gave him wiped his memory."
Katara glanced around, weighing her options, and her eyes fell on the now stirring man. This was all she needed to make her decision. She followed after Zuko through alleys and they ended up in a busy square. They passed by a market, the aroma from the meals wafted in the air, filling their senses. Katara clutched her stomach.
Zuko ran his eyes over Katara, finally able to actually look at her. Now that she stood still, he noticed her ribs and hip bones pushing at her soft skin. Her eyes were full of longing for the already made meals that sat on the counters of the street vender's booth. She licked her lips and Zuko could have sworn he heard her stomach growl.
"Would you like something to eat? I'm supposed to buy Uncle and I something to eat, I have enough if you would like a meal." Not that I'm taking no for an answer. He thought slyly, knowing Katara's prideful streak. She only nodded but her eyes shone with gratitude. Zuko smiled, thankful he didn't have to fight the stubborn water bender on this.
He ordered three of the biggest meals he could afford and paid the kind woman behind the counter. "I put a little extra in one for the girl. She looks like she's in need of a good meal." The woman whispered to Zuko. "Thank you Vidia, you are always kind to me. I only wish I could do more." Vidia smiled. "Well, I do need some help around here. Once you get that girl good and rested, tell her I'm hiring." Zuko chuckled. "I will."
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They left, Zuko quietly guided Katara through the crowded streets to the inn where he and his uncle where currently staying. Katara was silent the entire time. She watched Zuko as he wound his way through the streets. She could smell the food he was carrying, and the aroma almost made her cry. She hadn't eaten in two days, she couldn't afford the food.
Naturally she was suspicious of Zuko's kindness, but his words and actions showed no sign of this being a trap. He had saved her from those men, and bought her a good meal. Not once had he tried to capture her. She smiled as they made their way to where Zuko and Uncle Iroh were staying.