Spoilers: the Finale.
Summary: Takes place after the finale. Starts with Kataang and Maiko, ends with Zutara. Mai mysteriously disappears. Zuko asks Katara to help him find both Mai and his mother because their fates may have been tied. The journey brings them together.
A/N: It might be an overused plotline. But there's always a wicked, wicked twist ;)
Disclaimer: I WISH D; Avatar: TLA belongs to Nick and Viacom and Bryke. 'nuff said.
Edit: I editted it. I changed a few things in preparation for the next chapter ;) If you can find some changes, maybe I can post the next one sooner :D Hahah. Maybe..
Edit #2 (11-19-08): I was SO bothered by this chapter for a long time. So I changed, editted, added alot. You guys should read it again :D I think it's much better. And tell me if you guys like it better.
Katara stood on the cold, bare tundra as strands of loose hair whipped across her face. Though the bitter temperatures numbed her ears, she couldn't help but grin.
It was only months ago that they had ended the war. Months ago that Aang had bent former Fire Lord Ozai's firebending out of existence; that Azula was instituted into an asylum; that Zuko was crowned the new Fire Lord.
And now she stood back in her homeland. Back where it all began, the South Pole. She, Aang, and her father returned to help build up their village. Gram-Pakku was alongside Gran-gran—who was commandeering the new construction for a new bridge over the barren spot where, almost a year ago, Zuko first threateningly trespassed the ice and entered the village.
But that was so long ago, and now she and Zuko shared only a platonic relationship. Had they spent more time with each other, maybe something would have blossomed. But she had yet to establish her relationship with Aang. She had accepted his love for her.
Of course she loved him back.
They have stood beside each other since the beginning.
Only, she stood over him. Like a saber-toothed moose lion to her young cub. Even as their relationship blossomed, she tried very hard to get rid of that feeling: a mother's worry. It didn't matter that it was the end of the hundred year war. Making peace was just the beginning. And that included loose ends. Loose ends that could hurt Aang.
And so she kept protecting him.
Toph's words would always come back to haunt her—on the night they saw that play on Ember Island.
It's all painfully true.
Katara couldn't deny it. It was painful.
"Katara?"
Her gaze fell from the fire and turned her head ever so slightly to the gray-eyed boy behind her.
"I…" he hesitated, "We need to talk."
She motioned a hand to him, "Sit down, Aang."
"Actually, I was wondering if we could take a walk."
A quick second passed as she glanced at him. Another when she peered at the warm, crackling fire. Then she took her parka off the hook it resided and stepped outside.
They walked in awkward silence to the construction site of the bridge. It was nearly sundown. And from a distance, Aang and Katara can make out the figures of the waterbenders cleaning up and leaving the site. As they reached the half-finished ice bridge, Aang stopped in his tracks. His eyes were downcast. Then he took a deep breath and gathered his gray-eyed stare at the setting sun.
"Do you love me?" his head swerved to meet her blue eyes.
She jerked her head up at the question, "You know I do."
But at the instance she said that, she folded her hands in front of her as she stood, and she hung her head slightly; blue eyes glued to the snow beneath her shoes.
In all honestly, she knew that statement was true. But it held a different meaning. And this same meaning held less the more she said it.
Through the months that they've been together after the war, all those "I love you's" somehow had a deeper meaning to them than the way it's supposed to mean on a surface level. Having it said while already in a relationship—saying it to your companion is self-explanatory.
Aang, being the shy little kid he is, would say it sheepishly—but nonetheless mean every word of it. Sometimes it came out a little too soft, or sometimes too blunt. Katara did not know what this was supposed to mean. She mostly assumed it was the awkwardness in the beginnings of a relationship.
Yet, after one month together, and even more months after that—he kept the uneasiness in his tone. And she started losing it—not her mind, but the meaning. It's like they couldn't enforce any more than the friendship they had started before.
Yes, she loved him. She meant it. Then why was it that it felt like she was forcing the meaning every time she did say it?
Why didn't it feel right?
Aang ambled behind her and slid his arms around her waist. He barely reached her height at this time of year, and he can barely rest his chin on her shoulder. But as his hands worked his way to hold her wrists, she snaked free of his embrace to come about him eye-to-eye.
"Aang, I-", and before she can finish her say, he gripped her shoulders and pulled her into a kiss. Her stubbornness stopped him from getting any farther than her lips and so she pulled away.
Now it was her turn to rest her hands on his shoulders.
"You need to quit doing that, Aang", she said, "A kiss does not settle problems!"
She chose her words carefully, "not under these circumstances."
The kisses, too, got too awkward. How strange would a girl feel if she had to lean a little bit lower just to kiss her mate?
Not to say it wasn't awkward before—the kisses she gave to him were friend-like, on the cheek. They way she received his kisses were friend-like, too—even though he meant to do it with a deeper love.
Not only that—it was the fact that throughout their adventures together, they've only treated each other like friends. Well, she noted that he showed the bashfulness around her. But he was a little kid, what more can she do than let it pass? She let it grow instead. But only because they grew to be closer as best friends.
Aang broke her train of thought with another whine. "What circumstances?" Aang retorted, "Katara, I thought you-"
"I thought so too, Aang."
His melancholy gaze wandered from her eyes to the white snow beneath them.
"I don't get it," he said, "After the war, you kissed me, and I was so happy and I sensed that…" Aang's words faded off his tongue as he summoned up the courage to look up at her. His plummeting heart demanded an explanation.
Katara sighed.
"Do you remember the play about us that we saw on Ember Island?"
He recalled, and Aang's stomach flipped.
She continued, "And when you asked me about us…"
Aang waited for her to finish with spiritless eyes. It hurt her to see him that way, yet Katara went on, "I really was confused. You have no idea-"
"Then why, Katara? Why did you kiss me again?" he interrupted.
"Aang, I was so happy."
That was the truth. Just not all of it.
She wanted to try something. And she thought it worked, at first—simple as that.
"I was happy too."
"That's not it. Let me finish," she stopped him from drawing any more conclusions, "I was so happy. Yes, we ended the war and yes, we finally achieved world peace. Ozai was defeated, Zuko was crowned," her eyes softened and she broke out a small grin at the thought of Zuko being Fire Lord. Oh, how he had changed.
Aang almost saw that as a sign. But before he could reply, she spoke again.
"But most importantly, I was so happy that you were safe." Katara thought about the conversation she had with Zuko on Appa. They were both worried that Aang wouldn't make it. Though they knew he would come through, it was heart breaking to think about it—to think about... if it happened the other way.
He conjured up a smile, but inside, his heart sank. His gray eyes met hers, and she saw the smile fade.
"You only see me as a little brother."
"You're my best friend, Aang."
"I understand."
Aang was her best friend. And that was the awkwardness in the relationship they tried to establish.
She felt awkward that he was exactly her size when they hugged. She wanted someone to envelope her in a warm embrace, and place his chin comfortably over her head. She wanted a man to bend down and arch his neck to place his wanting lips on her soft ones; or for her to tiptoe up to his height to reach his passionate kiss. Even if she waited for Aang to reach this stage, she couldn't let go of the awkwardness.
Yes, she wanted a best friend, too. Aang was that friend. They grew up as bestfriends. They were only best friends. Just like Sokka and Toph.
But Katara can never be serious with Aang. The only mature conversations she could ever have with him was never any more than "growing up" problems. When it came even to political issues—his Avatar wisdom came in handy many times, but a lot of the times, too, he came to his own kiddish senses.
She gave him advice, like a mother. Or even like an older sister.
She can only stand from the sidelines and watch over him while he had his fun. He was the little boy she saved from the iceberg. And always will be.
They enveloped each other in one last embrace. And then Katara felt Aang pull away. She watched him trudge the snow. It was now night time, and Yue shone brilliantly in the dim heavens. Aang's figure disappeared into the shadows. And suddenly, Katara was left beside the unfinished bridge. Alone, she sighed, and let her gaze travel beyond the horizon of the crisp sea.
For some reason, she wished this bridge would finish sooner.
Katara woke the next morning and felt surprisingly lighter.
They night before had been an ending to a young, bold, and bald chapter in her life. And now, a new chapter—of blinding light, so she cannot see the end of it—had opened in front of her. So, symbolically, she started reading it.
She sat upright in her bed and took a good look around her room, wrinkling the fur-trimmed bed sheets that lay over her. She kept waterbending scrolls framed in her quarters (including the one she stole), a bookshelf in between these frames. She acknowledged the vanity dresser and her closet in one corner, decorated with the water tribe emblem carved into dark whalebone. Her desk was crowded with papers and trinkets from their travels. Zuko had given her family priceless jewels, a few ships that hung at the harbor, and antique porcelain pottery. He had also given her a small black satin box with golden hinges on one side and the Fire symbol on top. Katara hadn't opened it yet, but she assumed there waited just another one of the Fire Nation's priceless, common, jewelry.
She finally took notice of the note that lay on the little table drawer to the right of her bed. Eyes widened, she took it promptly.
Dearest Katara,
I'm glad we had that talk last night. Just know that… I still love you—as a best friend. I'll always love you. I'm still unsure of any deeper meaning. But, you make me realize a lot of things. I guess, I still have some things I need to sort out by myself. Thanks.
Your best friend,
Aang
Katara's slender hand reached over her heart. She was heart-lightedly happy that Aang understood her. And she understood that Aang probably went to an isolated, tranquil location to meditate his thoughts. She was glad they came to a settlement. She was glad he was safe.
Katara dressed in her long blue dress and promptly studied her features in the mirror of her vanity dresser as she tied her long, curled locks of hair into a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Then she took her hair loopies and settled them in place. Her cerulean eyes approved of her primped appearance and then searched for her blue, white fur-lined parka—to which she spied on the hook once more and put it over her delicate body.
She walked the path to which she knew led to the city hall; where her father worked, and where she—the new ambassador of the Southern Water Tribe—employed.
The South Pole was starting to look much like its sister tribe, the North Pole. Even though the constructions are rebuilding it bigger, Katara's homeland was still much smaller.
Tied to her duties, she was up rather early. So few lingered outside to experience the crisp, fresh sea air. Elderly women took notice of her and waved morning greetings. Katara was the proper-mannered lady to be cordial. Peasant, my sass, as she thought of Zuko and his remarks of her as a Filthy Peasant.
Her deep appreciation let her take in the beauty of the South Pole as she reached the steps of the hall and entered the hall.
Katara snaked through the corridors. Since the hall was small, she knew her way around like the back of her hand. It was new, but simple. And she admired it that way.
She slid the white furnished door to what she knew to be Chief Hakoda's office. It was locked.
Katara pressed her ear to the barrier between her and Hakoda and heard murmurings of:
"-at night."
"And no one found her the next morning?" It was her dad speaking.
"The snatcher left no traces." Katara knew that voice. It was low and raspy and belonged to an old, old friend. General Iroh spoke again, "We believe that Lady-"
"Dad?" Katara spoke from behind the locked door. She heard footsteps coming from behind the door. Without a second thought, she removed her ear from the door and bent down into a respectful bow.
Her father opened the door, "Katara," he bowed back. And she straightened herself to meet the eyes of General Iroh. They were soft and calm, but a hint of sorrow lurked beneath them. She bowed to the elder, and then recollected herself to meet him with an embrace.
"General Iroh, what brings you to the South Pole?"
"It is a sight for sore eyes to see you again, Lady Katara," said Iroh, "Fire Lord Zuko sent me here."
Katara gathered a concerned look at her father. He nodded, and his eyes confirmed. Zuko never sent Iroh here unless it was for serious business. This was no trade agreement.
Katara said, "I apologize for overhearing, but I heard that someone was kidnapped?"
"Snatched," he said, "Lady Mai was snatched at night."
Her father joined in, "No one heard or saw anything at all. They found her gone the next morning."
"When did this happen?" she asked.
Iroh answered, "About five days ago. Zuko—Fire Lord Zuko sent me here immediately for help," he eyed Katara, "he wanted no delay in catching the criminal."
The conversation had lasted until the afternoon—where they settled for lunch. At this time of day, everyone was up-and-at-'em. They went out to eat. General Iroh, of course, settled for a teashop. It was the only one in town. And it was called Hikoma's Whale-Tailed Tea.
"Where is the Avatar, by the way?" Uncle asked out of nowhere.
Katara's eyes broadened ever so slightly, recalling the night before. She paused for a while to think of an answer, "He—He's going somewhere in the Earth Kingdom for a meditation break."
Her father looked at her. She received an impression of, "How-come-I-don't-know-of-this?"
Iroh looked at her with an old, gray eyebrow raised. Katara put on her most sincerest smile, hoping he knew that she was telling the truth. And she was...partly.
It seemed the old general reached a conclusion when he lessened the stress in his expression, "That's good," he smiled as sincerely as he could.
Over two cups of jasmine tea and a few sweet kona cakes, Katara had agreed to leave her home to help in the Fire Nation (though she wasn't exactly sure what for). It took Iroh a lot of convincing—and many, many promises.
Progress was happening so fast. Some bad, some good.
It was just a night and two days ago that she had to close the chapter of Aang. It was just two days ago that Iroh informed her of Mai's mysterious disappearance. And it was months ago that Zuko—Fire Lord Zuko—had promised to rebuild a world of love and peace. She thought she had just left the Fire Nation, and now she found herself coming back.
The Fire Nation ship that brought her there pulled into a private harbor close to the Palace. She half expected Zuko to be there, but she was still half surprised to find him not greeting her.
She came down the gang plank and into the Fire Nation as Ambassador Katara. Therefore, she wore her blue tunic to represent her country. Her soft, curly-brown locks were properly styled down. She walked lady-like with her hands in her sleeves as the guards, along with Iroh, escorted her to the private entrance of the palace.
Katara wasn't at all surprised to see the vast halls of the Fire Palace. But she couldn't help but marvel at the immense colors of red and gold that decorated the room. There were priceless vases sitting upon high pedestals. Red, gold-trimmed curtains draped the dripping sunlight intruding the halls. Paintings of the royal family hung high on the walls. And the doors, those many doors. She wondered what bewilderment hid behind those mysterious entrances.
Katara took the offered arm of General Iroh. And he led her to the great, black wooden doors to her right. There was a blue snaking dragon styled on its smooth surface. Katara got little chance to admire it.
Beyond the opened door lay a corridor that stretched two Appas long. Along with it were small twists and turns that Katara had no time to ponder about. She followed Iroh past some entrances. One Appa later, they stood in front of a two-door entrance. General Iroh knocked. Two seconds of no answer, and he peeked in.
"Um… where are we going?" Katara asked.
"Oh! I am sorry for the inconvenience, Lady Katara," Iroh said, "I thought we might find my nephew in here. This room is his private study."
"Is he not in there?" she pointed.
"I'm afraid not," he stroked his beard lightly with his finger and thumb, "but I know of another place."
They made their way down the hallway, once again. It was the same corridor, but it opened up into a stretched patio that revealed a beautiful garden. In its center lay a pond filled with turtleducks, surrounded by cherry blossom trees and fire lily gardens. By what Katara assumed, the royal chambers neighbored around the garden—its windows facing and beholding the scenery from inside.
Iroh still led Katara down the patio, acknowledging her high regard for the landscape.
He looked around—less of appreciation, more of curiosity.
But the end of the passage came, then a slight left. Katara's assumption had been correct. The surrounding compartments of the garden were the royal chambers.
Iroh halted to the second door on the left. The doors all looked the same: dark red mahogany silhouetted with black and gold.
This time, Iroh did not knock. Fire Lord Zuko opened the door. He must have spied them as they passed the garden earlier.
"Fire Lord Zuko," General Iroh bowed, and then Zuko did.
"I thought I would find you in the garden," said Iroh.
"I was."
Iroh left them in their privacy. After they made obeisance to each other, Zuko said, "Lady Katara, How are you?" he quirked up the corners of his lips.
Katara's azure eyes brightened and smiled. She stepped up to gather him in an embrace, "It's great to see you, too, Zuko," he heartwarmingly returned the affection. Zuko was no longer the anger-fueled boy she battled through his chase all over the world. No longer the face of the enemy. And although that had only been nearly a year ago, Zuko had matured most of all. Katara was really happy to see him.
"This is Mai's room," he said. Katara nodded as she noted the queen-sized bed, the shelves and drawers to the left, and the washroom. There was a painting of Zuko and Mai framed on the wall. She really liked him.
"Are you okay?" she put a hand on his shoulder.
"Never better," he remarked, but his fists clenched only slightly.
Zuko's expression changed from stressed to calm after one exhale. But she still spied a glimmer of gloom in those golden eyes. She caught a quick glance at him. And for a moment, only a moment, it was awkward.
"Um... Let's go to the garden," he suggested, "I need some air."
Katara felt that she needed to be beside him as they walked. She could tell he needed comforting—and something else, she couldn't pinpoint what—but Zuko walked diligently with his chin up and eyes forward. The silence was killing her. What she didn't know was: it was killing Zuko inside, too.
"Zuko," she said and he glanced at her, "Why do you need me here?"
They stopped in the middle of the patio, face-to-face.
"I need your help," he said, resting his hands on her slender shoulders.
"In finding Mai?"
He paused. "You trust me, right?"
Katara considered that question. She recalled the journey they went on together—to scoop out Yon Rha, her mother's killer. He willingly supported her. And she knew how much faith he put in her. Especially in the catacombs under Ba Sing Se—
"I trust you, Zuko." she said. His eyes softened, and the pressure on his shoulders lessened.
"And I trust you, completely, Katara." At this time, she was glad her hair was down. It covered the red-blemished ears that were burning behind it. She knew her family and friends trusted her endlessly, but hearing it from an old enemy warmed her heart.
She snapped out of it. This was serious business.
And what came next...
She nodded confidently to these adrenaline-pumping words:
"I need you to help me find my mother."
R&R, please :3
If you have instructive critism, please say so. I still have some editting to do. I've found a few errors already xP I'm gonna go fix those.