Let me begin by saying this was meant to be a one-shot...that didn't really work out for me. I don't know why I am incapable of one-shots. I'll work on it. Also I typed this while listening to a dirty song so you can only guess where that went. Hehehe. ^/^
Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar: The Last Airbender or any respective characters and affiliations. All characters not associated with the show are mine.
Warning: This story contains lemon.
"Mom, tell us the story again!" A young woman of around 20 years, with long black hair, and pale white skin smiled to an older woman. Her azure eyes gazed curiously at her.
The older woman laughed, "Why, oh why, do you want to hear that story again?"
"Because its romantic!" Another girl, less pale, with golden eyes and dark brown hair swooned.
A sly smile from the older woman, her azure eyes tinted with amusement, "Is that how you see that story, Kaja?"
A young man walked into the cozy living room, with a gentle fireplace lit in the corner. He was dressed in blue and white furs, his black hair pulled back into a ponytail. His eyes and skin were the same golden color as Kaja's.
"Go on mom. Amuse them. I'm sure she won't stop bugging you till you do."
"Yeah mom amuse us. We really won't stop bugging you."
Another laugh from the older woman as her peppering hair swung into her face. "Alright then, I'll tell you both the story, Kaja and Nyla. Hiryu you listen too. Maybe it'll teach you how to better treat the ladies."
Hiryu turned an embarrassing shade of red before hesitantly sitting across from her. "Mom, your embarrassing me."
"Like you don't do it easily enough by yourself. How did you end up being more like your uncle than your father?"
He shrugged. "Family is complicated?"
The old woman sighed, "Where should I even begin…?"
As expected her youngest, Kaja, happily pitched in. Aged at only 18 years it came at no surprise she would interject first. "How about you start in the market place. That always gets the story going."
"I wonder if this time I should begin even before that…"
And so the story began.
~oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo~
A small girl ran through the slippery ice. Her fur boats acting as traction to keep her from falling. With her dark brown hair pinned up away from her face it was easy to see ahead of her, and avoid running into someone. Suddenly as she turned around a corner a clear voice called out her name. A voice full of the sweetness of honey and enough warmth to thaw a glacier. She would recognize that voice anywhere.
She began to pick up her pace, racing full speed towards the voice when suddenly she noticed the pair of blue eyes gazing at her. They were full of concern. Worry was etched into every facet of her skin.
"Katara! Where have you been?"
Katara held out her loaf of bread, "Kanna gave this to me. She said to make sure you got it."
Her mother embraced her into a tight hug, "Oh, Katara what a sweet girl you are! How the spirits have blessed me with a child as precious as you."
"What about me mom?" A loud voice said from behind Katara causing her to drop the bread. "Ha, klutz."
Katara glared at her brother, "Sokka…"
"Katara's a klutz! Katara's a klutz!" He mocked while slowly walking away.
She took off after her brother over the ice, laughing the entire time. Their mother, Kya, watched them the entire time giggling behind her hand. Katara never felt happier than seeing her mother's smile. The dancing light in her eyes as she watched her chase her brother gave Katara just the strength she needed to catch and tackle him to the ground.
"No fair, you cheated!"
"Nah uh, I won this fair and square!"
"You used water bending didn't you?" He inclined his head towards their mother, "Mom, Katara used water bending again."
Katara got up pouting, "I was not. He's lying."
Kya rushed over to her children concerned, "Katara you know can not use water bending here. Its dangerous. If someone saw-"
"I would be taken away and imprisoned. Yeah mom I know."
"Good. Its just…" she paused her eyes swimming with unshed tears "I don't want to lose you."
"I would never leave you mom. I love you." Katara said stroking her mothers cheek gently with her gloved hands.
A tear streaked down her cheek, "Thank-you, for bringing my so much joy."
"I love you too mom!" Sokka interjected shaking the snow off of him.
Kya went over to stroke his hair, "Oh, my baby. I love you just as much."
Sokka beamed at the new-found attention and began to rattle off one of his lame jokes, "So mom what did the yellow badger say to the sea…"
Katara rolled her eyes. Not this again. She smiled at her mother sharing the sympathy of having to listen to another of Sokka's terrible jokes.
If only she had known it would be one of the last happiest moment she shared with her mom.
~oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo~
The next day began like any other. Katara woke up early to help her mother with the chores. When she crawled out of bed and put on her several layers of furs she walked into the small kitchen expecting her mother to be there preparing lion seal sausages or sea prunes.
She saw neither.
Instead what she saw was emptiness. All she heard was silence. The air was still but heavy, like tension being built up. Something was wrong, Katara could sense it. She quickly ran outside and was able to exhale a sigh of relief. Her mother was there. She was simply helping Sokka carry wood into the house. Although, even the picture of her mother perfectly safe couldn't get the nagging feeling of alarm to leave her system.
"Katara what's wrong?" Asked Kya noticing the frown on her daughter's face.
"Nothing mom. Do you need help?"
Her mother smiled, "Are you sure you can handle it?"
"Mom," she whined, "I'm 8 years old!"
"Oh yes of course, of course. But I think you should go off and play with your brother. Come back later so you can help me cook okay?" Katara happily came over sneering at Sokka when he stuck his tongue out at her. Oh she'd show him.
She began to chase her brother through the village. Well that's what she wanted to do, if there wasn't some stone in her way. She tripped over it and fell onto the ground. Sokka only laughed at her.
She glared at him. "Shut up Sokka."
"Make me." He teased before running back off into the village.
They played for a while in the snow when suddenly black ashes drifted in the air. Katara and Sokka froze. They looked at each other sending silent messages of alarmr.
"I'll go look for mom." Katara said
Sokka nodded and ran off, presumably looking for their father. She turned and ran back to the igloo. The urgent pace of her footsteps and the fast sound of he breaths were the only things she was aware of. When she made it back to the house, the clang of metal on ice left a high, shrill, sound in the air. Katara froze, as she hesitantly walked into the igloo.
"Now tell us the last water bender of the southern water tribe."
"You know you annihilated all the water benders here so many years ago."
"Mom." Katara whispered.
"What do we have here?" The iron clad man turned to her.
"Go out sweetie, go get your father and brother I'll be right there."
She looked nervously around the room. Eyes flitting from her mom the iron clad man. "Mom, I'm scared."
"Don't be scared sweetie. Go get your brother and father."
Katara nodded and ran out of the igloo. She had to find her brother and father quick or else something bad would happen. On the way to find them, she almost crashed into her brother. They were on their way back to home. Back to mom. In silent understanding they all ran back to the house. Hakoda entered the igloo alone, telling his children to stay and wait for him to come back.
Katara called out to him, "What's going on dad?"
When her dad had left the hut with a grim face, she knew there could only be bad news. Sokka began to cry, and crumpled on the ground. At the sight of her brother Katara felt panic grip her heart and she tugged her father's coat who stood frozen to the ground.
"Dad," her voice quivered, "What's happened?"
Hakoda gripped his daughter and hugged her tightly, "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry…"
"NO!" Katara tried to tug away from his arms but couldn't. "Mom…where's mom?"
Instead of answering he held out a blue necklace with a circle of metal in the middle. Her mother's necklace. Katara collapsed onto the ground, convulsing into tears. Her mother was gone. She would never get to see her again. The family huddled together, sharing the tears of the one they had lost.
The missing piece to the puzzle that had once been them.
~oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo~
The first few weeks after her mother's death were the hardest. Everything reminded her of her mother. The snow, they so happily played in or made snowmen with. The ice they had so lovingly carved into sculptures. Even the rocks they skipped over the frozen tundra to see who could throw farther. Katara even found herself missing the special paste made of pepper berries her mother made when she was sick. She could even still smell her as if, she was still there. Still with them. Katara often found herself crawling into her old chair just to inhale the scent. It was as if, with every movement, the phantom of Kya followed them. So hauntingly beautiful yet so out of reach.
The next few months after were, in a way, easier. Her phantoms no longer followed her with a presence that was the same intensity as before. Instead it was barely a ghost. Now there were only small moments here and there that would trigger the tears or supressed sadness. Now things were more bearable. Although maybe it was the loss of her scent that made it easier. Katara was now developing as the new mother figure. Cooking dinner, washing laundry, and making sure the house was clean. Katara even recalled the conversation she had with her father the first day she cooked dinner.
"Katara," he has said, "You don't have to do that."
"Of course I do dad. Your cooking sucks."
A small, tight laugh came from him. It was the first smile she had seen from him in weeks. "Alright little missy."
She beamed, "It will taste a million times better than yours I promise."
"I should hope so." He paused, "Your so much like her."
Tension began to fill the air, as the unbidden thought of her filled their minds. Katara felt her eyes water with tears as she touched her choker. "Thanks dad. Thank-you so much."
Now that she looked back on it, that conversation with her father just might have saved her. With it, she gained the confidence she needed to be strong. Her mother was no longer here. She knew that. Maybe it was time to move on. Not just for her, but for her father and brother too. They needed her just as much as she needed them; maybe even more.
The next few years passed by and soon Katara was 17. Her father was off trading, while she and her brother stayed in the Southern water tribe. In only two days she would turn 18 years of age and her, like all the other girls in the tribe, would make a journey to the fire nation to be courted and married. Katara thought it was like breeding and selling dogs. Maybe thats exactly what it was.
The war that had taken her mother had ended many years ago by the brother of the fire Lord, Iroh. Although usually a man of compassion when he had gone against his brother there was no mercy to be given. Without a second thought he defeated the Ozai with the help of the Avatar and a few of his old friends. Soon he took over the throne after many years of negotiation. He had finally become Fire Lord a few years ago, leaving his niece locked up due to her inhumane tendencies. Although the old Crown Prince should have taken over, the court had decided to would be Iroh. Ever since he had taken over a new era of peace had settled over the four nations. At least that's how the story goes.
Even if the war was over it didn't sate Katara's hatred of fire benders. Her mother was gone because of them. Her brother often tried to tell her that the fire benders were no longer the same, they had changed, blah, blah, blah. Its easy to change the appearance of something but the outside will always be the same.
At this moment Katara was packing. Several glamorous skirts and shirts went into her bag. It would be a long journey to the fire nation, perhaps a week if they were lucky. By that time, she would be 18 years and ready for marriage. Not that she necessarily wanted to be married. All her life she had been the mother figure and now she just wanted freedom. Since her mother died, behind her brother's and father's back, she had met with a water bending master and easily mastered her element. Without them knowing she had easily become a top water bender.
Now as she had finished packing and dragged her things to the ship waiting by the dock she considered making a run for it. She turned and saw her brother leaning on the door frame frowning. Well, it was worth a shot.
He held out a rolled up piece of paper, "Letter from dad."
Katara quickly read the contents. It was basically a letter saying he was sorry for not being able to come and that surely her would be there for her wedding if nothing else. Katara took that as a joke, even if it wasn't very funny.
"So he's not coming?"
Sokka shook his head, "No. Now come on we've got quite a journey ahead of us."
Katara frowned and stashed the letter with the rest of her belongings. "Can't I just stay here and die old and alone.?"
"No. It sucks being alone." His face darkened.
Only a few years ago, Sokka had been married to a beautiful woman named Yue. She had long flowing white hair and the most beautiful pair of blue eyes. Her and Sokka had immediately fell in love and gotten married. Being the daughter of the Northern water tribe chief, it had been hard to convince her father to let her come down to the south. Although somehow, Sokka had done it. Katara toyed with the thought that it involved being drunk into a stupor.
Soon after getting married Yue became pregnant, but died in childbirth along with what would have been Sokka's first born son. Ever since her death, Sokka hadn't quite been the same. It was like mom all over again. Only worse, since he had not only lost his wife but his child. When he was with Yue it was the happiest she had ever seen him and now he was at his all time low. Yue had died only a year ago, close to the end of the war. The wound still seemed to be fresh in his heart.
"Oh come on bro. Help me." She pretended to struggle with the bags.
He smiled while coming over. "Wimp."
Katara frowned. "I am no wimp. I am actually super human strong."
"Sure you are." he said easily dragging the luggage to the empty boat.
"I am." She said stepping onto it herself. The boat was swaying gently. She noticed Sokka turn slightly green, "Do you still get motion sickness."
He turned greener, obviously sick. "Of course not."
"Its okay Sokka its only you and me here. You can proceed in barfing your guts out."
She watched him run to the other side of the boat and begin throwing up. She laughed at his struggle. How would he make it to the fire nation? She began to inspect the boat, looking at the majestic carvings of wolves everywhere, and the swooping blue and white sails that where blowing in the wind. As she admired the boat, Sokka came over looking less green.
"Better?" She teased.
He glared. "An improvement."
"So when do we leave Sokka, sir?"
"When the rest of the crew get here." A bunch of men loaded onto the ship. "And there they are."
It was a group of about 10 men. Most were burly and weathered sea men, garbed in blue and white furs like Sokka and Katara. They all carried weapons, of different size and shape. None of them looked to be particularly mean, they all had kind open faces. Katara immediately felt at ease with them. She could surely survive this week or two with these men.
~oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo~
The journey only took 1 week and 2 days. The extra two days came from a bad storm that pushed them back a whole days journey off course, and the repairs that needed to be made to the ship also took time. Even with all these factors, the crew quickly put the ship back at sea. After spending time with the crew, Katara knew she was right when she said they were amazing. They taught her all sorts of things, even things Sokka probably wished she didn't know. Oh, well she knew them now.
Now finally, after days of sailing she was back on land. They had landed in a port near the fire nation capital and had soon found their way into the bustling town square. Katara took a deep breath. It smelled of ash, fire, and oddly chocolate. She began walking, almost dazedly, to the source of the smell. It was an old tea shop. The Red Dragon, was its name. Immediately after walking in she was attended to by a girl dressed in a knee length red tunic. Chopsticks went through a bun in her hair. Her lips were coated in red paint. She was pretty, Katara guessed.
"Hello, I'm Kori. Follow me please." The serving girl led her to a table that was near the window. Katara was suddenly glad she had changed into cooler clothes. It was immensely hot here.
The serving girl turned to Katara once she was seated, "What would you like?"
"What's the best thing your selling?"
A smile, "Our hot cocoa is extremely popular, although most don't order it during the summer."
"I'll take it. Summer's about to end anyways."
"Okay. Is that all?"
"Yes that's it-"
Katara was cut off by shrill screams coming from outside. She tilted her head to look out the window. A man covered in a robe, and wearing a grotesque blue mask held another man quivering at sword point. The man so terrified dropped the purse he had been holding and turned to run away. She watched as the masked man slowly put up his swords and slid into the crowd. The woman who probably lost her purse went to grab it and looked around. She was probably looking for the masked man who had long since disappeared.
She watched with interest at the scene. Katara wondered about the man and why he was wearing a mask. Could that mean he was crazy? She shook her head. It wasn't her problem so why bother wondering. There was a soft clang of her hot cocoa being set on the table. She thanked the servant girl and took one inquisitive sip. It was delicious. Although somehow, the thought of that man wouldn't leave her mind. Not even when she took another sip.
~oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo~
After drinking her hot cocoa, Katara had gone off to the inn to reunite with her brother. She had no doubts in her mind he was worried to death. Sokka had ordered a room from a moderate inn. She walked in and admired the gentle ambiance from several strategically placed candles. At the opposite end of the small lobby there was a large desk at which sat an old woman behind it. Katara walked to her and asked for her brother.
"Sokka? We haven't had any Sokka's come here today." The woman paused. "But say did you come from the Southern Water tribes?"
"What do you mean you haven't seen a Sokka today?" She asked brushing aside her question.
"No Sokka has come to check in although there is a reservation for a Sokka."
"You mean he made a reservation but he's not here?" Panic began to seep into her voice. Sokka wouldn't just make a reservation and not show up. He's too lazy to do that. Relaxing on the soft bed should have been the first thing he did.
"No, but if you would like to have the key I can give it to-" she was cut off by Katara rushing out the inn doors.
Her feet thundered down the populated street. She pushed past people and offered numerous apologies. She didn't stop running till she was at a small clearing where the sounds of music and loud chatter filled the air. In all honesty, she didn't even know where to begin looking for her brother. She looked around at a loss, hoping for any sign that her brother was around. It was while she was turning she saw something that caught her eye. A small bag lying on the ground. She came closer to it. Not just any bag, her brothers bag.
Picking the blue mass up, she looked around. Her eyes scanning the area around the bag. There, it was her comb. Slowly she began to notice other items that led on a certain trail. She followed where the items lead, slowly treading her way through the city. Then finally the trail stopped.
The trail led up all the way to a large house. A house that she believed held some important person. Giant, gilded dragons were carved ornately into the structure of the house. A large gate that rose several feet over her head blocked her entrance into the house. Two guarded men stood outside in what seemed to be the only opening. Katara bit her lip. Why was her brother here, of all places?
Gathering her wits, she slowly went pass the guards, to inspect other parts of the wall. It seemed to be well built without any defects she could readily see. Using water from a pouch she always carried she tried carving a small hole into the wall. When she finished she took a peak to see if there were any guards. There were none.
Being quick on her feet she was able to get over the wall onto the other side with a only a few scrapes and bruises. She landed softly on the ground her feet making a muffled sound. When she straightened back up she noticed a movement to her left.
She wasn't alone.
Using her reflexes she quickly ducked behind some hedges when a tall masculine figure walked over to a small pond. From where she was, she couldn't see his back although something about him seemed startlingly familiar. He appeared to be staring intensely into the pond as if searching for something. She snatched her eyes away from his figure and to the patio door he had left wide open.
Quietly, she walked through the open door. She let not one breath escape while she walked, and only exhaled when she was knew she was safely inside. Now that she was inside though, she didn't know where to start looking. If Sokka was a guest to this place, he would probably be in one of the bedrooms upstairs. If he was forced here against his will he would be downstairs in the dungeons or something among those lines. Katara chose to go downstairs.
She went down a long hallway onto a set of stone steps. There seemed to be no moisture in the air, and the deeper she went the more nervous she got. Something about this place unnerved her. She shuddered when she went around the corner. There she saw him. Huddled in a corner seeming to be asleep.
"Sokka!" She whispered, careful to be quiet.
He grunted in his sleep and tuned over not hearing her. She looked around, "Sokka you big oaf wake up!"
At the noticeably louder tone of her voice he jolted awake and squinted into the darkness. "Katara?"
She nodded. "Yes, I'm going to get you out of here."
She began looking around for a key, using her hands to navigate the darkness when she slammed into a wall. She quickly pulled back but was held close by a pair of strong arms. No, it wasn't a wall. It was a man. The man from outside! Katara tried to pull away but with each wiggle he only held on tighter.
"Wiggling won't help you." His voice was tight and strained. Although she could hear a tinge of amusement there as well.
She wasn't amused. "Let me go or I'll-"
"You'll what? Fight me? How can you with your arms like this?"
"Let go of my sister you fire nation scum!" screamed Sokka from his cell.
The mysterious man snuck a glance at Sokka. "I believe the only scum here is you."
Sokka backed down while Katara reared up. "My brother is not scum!"
He turned back to her, as the light from a single window cast playful shadows on his face. "Then what else do I call a thief?"
She recoiled. A thief? Her eyes narrowed, "Thief?"
"Yes. Your brother, I presume, tried stealing my gold pouch earlier."
"Your wrong! I was just returning it!"
"Then why was there gold missing?"
Sokka sank to the cell floor. "I didn't do it. I swear."
"Then where's your proof?"
"I-I… I don't have any."
Triumph colored his voice, "Didn't think so."
"Then what do you intend to do with him? Keep him locked in here?" Katara questioned.
"That was the general idea." There was laughter in his voice.
"Come on he just stole a few gold coins, that can easily be paid back right?"
His eyes glazed over. "That's not all that was stolen."
Her face twisted into confusion. "What else?"
She could feel him bore holes into her. She shivered. "He stole important fire nation secrets."
Katara gasped and then narrowed her eyes. "Why were you just walking around with something that important?"
"I was delivering it to my uncle, an important fire nation dignitary."
She bit her lip. It was going to be hard shrugging herself out of this one. "Then take me as prisoner instead."
"You? Why?" He seemed to be taken aback.
"Maybe my brother can find out who the real thief was."
"You really believe your brother wasn't the thief?"
She nodded. "Positive."
"Katara!" Sokka called out from his cell. "You don't have to do this."
She turned to him, grasping his hands through the bars. "But I do. Try and get in touch with dad. He can help for sure. Besides you're the next chief of the tribe. Not me."
"But you're my little sister! What sort of brother would I be to leave you behind with this… monster." He spit out the word monster as if it was the most revolting thing in the world.
A snarl came from the darkness as she gripped his hands tighter. "Trust me, as I will trust you."
She watched him bite his lip before nodding and rising to his feet. "Alright you beast let me out."
The man walked over and she saw he had a cloak on, shielding his face. He took out a bunch of keys on a single ring and let Sokka out his cell. "My pleasure."
Sokka glared at the cloaked figure. "This won't be the last time we meet."
"I should hope not."
Then with a last sad smile to his sister, Sokka was up the stairs and gone. She was now alone with the cloaked man. Katara glanced at him, and walked into the cell. She turned to face where the bars would be and waited for him to lock the door. Her tapping foot was the only sound as he just stared at her.
"Well?" She said.
"Well what?"
"Aren't you going to lock me in here?"
"No."
"Why not?" Okay, she was seriously confused now.
"I don't have to fear you running away, unlike your brother. "
She narrowed her eyes. Katara had no doubt he had someone tailing her brother willing to kill him on order. She had to be careful. Although she doubted she would. "Then where will you put me?"
"Follow me." He turned on his heel with his cloak billowing around him and walked up the stairs.
She walked out of the cell and followed him, admiring the air of confidence he seemed to exude. This time as she walked through the house, she took time to look at the antique furniture, and the wooden floors that didn't creak when she walked on them. Wow, talk about luxury.
He led her through a long hallway on which sat several doors. There was one door at the end of the hallway and that was the one he opened. She gasped at what she saw inside. The walls were a rich cream color. The floor had thick carpets. She had the sudden urge to tug off her shoes and just curl her toes into it. The bed was a gigantic monster situated in the middle of the room. It had four posts of dark wood, and bright red sheets that held an almost ethereal glow. A grin adorned her face as she turned to him.
"This…is my room?"
"Yes."
"Whoa." She walked into the room in a daze. "Sokka should steal from rich dignitaries more often…"
He laughed. "I don't suggest that."
She stopped in her tracks as her face heated up. His laugh was amazing. Deep and rich like his voice. It seemed to flow over her like honey or rich chocolate. She shuddered. Is this what the crew was talking about? Just hearing someone's voice and wanting to take them to the side, push them against the wall and-
"So you like it?"
Suddenly interrupted from her thoughts she stared at him confused. "Huh? What did you say?"
A small chuckle, "I said, So you like it?"
She blushed, embarrassed by her thoughts. What was wrong with her? She hadn't even seen his face yet and she was already thinking about having her way with him!
"Yeah, I like it."
"Good." He backed out the door. "I suggest you sleep."
"Thank-you."
He gently closed the door leaving her standing at the empty space he was just in. She waited a few moments before running and jumping onto the bed. It was as soft as she thought it was, especially with the numerous amount of pillows on it. She counted six pillows in total. She threw most of them to the side and settled on the biggest one. Her eyes began to close as his laughter filled her head. She hoped to make him laugh again.
She snapped her eyes back open. Make him laugh again? What were these thoughts infiltrating her mind? She was his prisoner. Not his best friend, or his friend, or his girlfriend. A prisoner. She slapped her forehead. Tomorrow, she would act her part as prisoner. No secret laughs, or smiles or anything. This couldn't be anything more than it was. A deal between enemies.
She needed a plan. A plan that could get her out of here and protect her brother. She had no doubts that as soon as she broke out of here he would send someone to capture her or even worse, kill her. Also her brother's every movement might be tailed so that he doesn't go against their plan. Katara rubbed her temples. What could she do to get her and her brother out of this mess? As she drifted to sleep a plan continued to evade her.
~oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo~
"Mmmmrphh!" Katara found herself mumbling into a pillow when someone shook her shoulder.
"Wake up sugar queen!" said a agitated voice.
"Just…5 more minutes." she shrugged away the hand.
A snort. "Well tell that to hot head. Now, GET UP!"
When the girl brought her voice close to Katara's ear and yelled into it, that was enough to jolt her awake. "Ouch, I'm awake."
The girl laughed at her attempt to glare. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm not-" she was cut off by the betraying grumble of her tummy.
The laugh grew. "Come on Sugar Queen. This way."
Katara followed the girl out of the room, noting distantly that she was in different clothes. A short top draped over her right shoulder and cut off abruptly above her stomach. A double layered skirt with long pants and red sandals were also included in the ensemble. Two pairs of bracelets had settled themselves on her arms. One was thin and golden, it sat at the top of her arms. The other was longer and located on her wrists. She also noticed her hair was out of its usual bun and let lose down her back. Everything was red, like blood. Her lips curved in disgust.
"What's your name?" she asked the smart mouthed girl. While Katara had been watching her she noticed that the girl was probably blind.
"Toph."
"Did you dress me in these clothes?"
Toph looked at her and laughed. "We're here sugar queen."
Slightly perturbed at her laughter Katara cautiously walked into the room. It was a dinning room. A large glass table sat in the center of a red carpet, surrounded by dark wood chairs. A large crystal chandelier sat above the table lighting up the entire room along with scones placed on the walls. There were only two plate settings, one at the end of the table and the other on the right side of that one. Katara frowned and took a seat in front of the plate next to the head of the table.
She looked around inhaling the heady scent of food. Her stomach growled again and she groaned. Food was what she needed and wanted most right now. A chuckle came from over her shoulder making her whip her head in that direction. Next to the door she had come in through, and one of the two only doors in the room, was that man. Although this time she was able to see his entire face since he wasn't cloaked.
He was wearing a vest, that had no sleeves, pants and boots. It was all red except the books which were a dark black. Katara could tell he was a well toned man if the flexing muscles while he laughed at her gawking eyes were any indication. She almost wondered what it would be like to touch them but refrained herself from reaching out to do just that. He had longish black hair that was slightly messy. He nonchalantly leaned against the door frame smiling at her slow perusal. She barely suppressed a gasp when she looked at his right eye.
There on his right eye was a giant red scar. It was like someone had burned him. No, not like, it seemed to be juts that. His right golden eye was in a permanent squint and she could tell by looking into it that he noticed her shock. His eyes stared into hers as if daring her to say something about it, but she didn't. Katara had a feeling it wasn't any of her business. Although this thought didn't stop her from wondering just what this man had been through. Who was he really?
He smirked. "Had your fill?"
She blushed and frowned. "Is it wrong to wonder what my captor looks like?"
He walked over and sat down in the chair at the head of the table. He shrugged. "Probably not, but it is uncomfortable don't you think?"
Katara glared at him. "Who are you anyways?"
"I don't see why you need to know that." She remained silent. "Zuko."
She blinked. "Zuko? That name sounds so familiar…"
"Many people are named Zuko." He replied nonchalantly.
"Alright Zuko, may I ask how I got into these clothes?"
He raised his eyebrow suggestively. "How do you think?"
"You didn't!"
"You're a heavy sleeper water bender."
Katara whipped her hand around with the intent to use the water in her glass as a weapon towards him. She felt a warm hand grab her own before she could and the water fell into a puddle on the table. She looked defiantly into his eyes and was returned with an angry glare.
"You're going to be more trouble than your worth." Although he tried to make it a playful statement she could notice the barely concealed anger in his voice.
"Then maybe you should let me go!" Using her other hand she attempted to bend the water again. She was shocked to find herself out of her chair and up against the wall.
It all happened so fast. Zuko grabbing her, dragging her out of her chair and onto the wall. Katara could only look at him with wide eyes and her mouth forming in a silent gasp. Her arms were held together over her head by one of his hands. His other had slammed down on the wall next to her face. His mouth had twisted into a snarl. He was rigid as he held her body in place using his own. His breath came out in angry grunts and Katara worked hard to stop her racing heart. The only noise she was aware of were the mingled sounds of their breathing. His close proximity was doing nothing to her other than messing up her already foggy mind.
She could feel the contours of his body press into her own. Him being hard planes where she was soft curves. Katara knew that if he were to let go of her now she would probably melt into a puddle of heat at his feet. She tried to focus on his eyes but found herself focusing on less irrelevant things. Things that included the way his breath fanned her face or the heat settling in her abdomen. The attempt to settle her racing heart was becoming unsuccessful as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear. She resisted mewling in his arms and instead let out a gasp as his hot breath ghosted over her ear. If any of the boys she wrestled with at the tribe saw her like this they would laugh at her. She needed to get a grip.
"Katara," Zuko whispered into her ear.
She clenched her teeth barely suppressing a moan. He began to speak again. "You're testing my patience. Remember your place. You're my prisoner."
At those words she snapped out of her haze and glared at him. He brought his face back up to meet her own. "I know that."
Bright anger shined in both of their eyes as they silently stared at each other until finally Zuko pushed away from her and stormed out of the room. Katara stood against the wall and let her arms down to rub them. Luckily he hadn't been holding her hands to hard, so it didn't hurt too much. She couldn't believe what just happened. In a matter of seconds he had her like that. She became some sort of animal in heat as soon as she felt his body against hers. The heat of his breath against her ear was still there, like a ghost of a memory. As she silently berated herself the hunger she had felt earlier was easily forgotten.
Standing up tall she took a look around the room and drifted through the other door. There she found an empty kitchen, which made her wonder who was cooking breakfast. At the thought of food her stomach growled. Apparently she was more hungry than she thought.
"Well looks like someone's hungry."
Katara jumped at the sound of a voice behind her. She turned and found herself staring at an old woman. She had long white hair pulled up into a bun at the top of her hair. Black eyes sat in the fold of her wrinkles like glittering hard obsidian. Although she was visibly old, she stood straight and tall almost reaching the same height as Katara.
"Yes ma'am. Are you the cook?"
"Ma'am? That sounds too formal, just call me Oma. And yes I am the cook"
"Okay then. Is there any food here Oma? I sort of missed breakfast earlier."
"Yes I know. Of course there's food here." Oma directed Katara to a small seating area at the back of the kitchen. There were three old chairs and a dusty table. "Sit here. Food will be out in a second."
Katara sat and took inventory of the room. There was a giant clay oven with a giant pot sitting in a fire. She noticed several food items scattered across the room. It seemed to her, a regular kitchen. She shifted in her chair to get comfortable when Oma brought over a tray. It was a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup and a plate of chopped pork cutlets. A cup of steaming tea sat on the tray as well.
"Sorry. Its not much is it?" Oma said sitting down.
Katara shook her head. "No its more than enough!"
Katara took a bite of the pork, it was succulent, perfectly seasoned, and juicy. She closed her eyes and let the flavor drift down her throat. Her stomach had finally been appeased.
Oma began to speak again. "So, what's going on between you and Zuko?"
Katara chocked on the sip of, perfectly salted tofu soup. She stared at the bits of seaweed drifting through the mostly clear liquid. "Nothing."
She chuckled. "Didn't look like nothing from my point of view."
Katara blushed. "You saw that?"
"Me along with half the staff. There aren't many things we don't see. Or hear"
Katara sunk down in her seat and took a gulp from the hot tea. Although the action thoroughly burned her mouth the scent of the tea reminded her of her Zuko. Citrus-y, like mangoes, with ascent of something stronger like the gentle smell of Jasmine. She ate a spoonful of rice and was grateful when Oma only sat there and said nothing about her actions. Katara continued to eat in silence sparing only a few embarrassed glances at Oma. Suddenly the kitchen door flew open and there stood Zuko in his normal wardrobe of dark colored cloak.
He said only two words to her before throwing a cloak at her and walking out. "We're leaving."
Katara glared in the direction he had gone while Oma laughed. He expected her to just follow him like some obedient puppy? She smiled, well at least this might give her the chance she needed to escape.
She put of the cloak and said a quick thanks to Oma before shuffling off to find Zuko. Honestly this house was big. It took her at least 5 minutes to find him at the front door. He was standing there impatiently tapping his foot. His arms were folded over his chest, which shoved the cloak open. He was wearing a short sleeved shirt, pants and boots. A vest covered the shirt and he had a golden ring on one of his fingers.
"You're late."
"And you're impatient."
He sighed and let his hands down. "When will you stop talking back to me?"
"When will you stop bossing me around?"
They lapsed into silence before he turned and opened the door. "Lets go."
Katara followed him in silence. She took note of her surroundings. There was a tree there, good for sneak attacks. A bush there was good for a quick hiding space. A small indent in the wall, good for being covert at night. She also wondered why he thought it was good idea for her to be leaving the house. It was easy enough to get lost in the crowd. Zuko nodded to the two guards stationed next to the door. They saluted and opened the gates. Katara figured she could take them if push came to shove.
It opened up to the quiet road that led to his house. From what she remembered it was a 10 minute walk from the town to his house. If she ran it shouldn't take no longer than 8 minutes. There was the clang of armor and the silent trod of less noisy footsteps behind them. So, this was how he planned to keep her from running away? She could tell there were about 6 men behind them: 4 armored, 2 lightly clothed, probably to fit in. If he was as important as he seemed there were about three times as many hiding in places she couldn't hear or see. Just who was this guy? This question seemed be on repeat in her mind.
They walked in silence, the sound of footsteps, and chirping birds the only echoes through the wind. Luckily, it was cloudy today which kept the hot sun from beating down on them directly. For this, she was thankful. Even without the sun she could feel the light sheen of sweat covering her body. Katara estimated they had been walking for seven minutes when Zuko suddenly stopped.
She stared at him wondering what they had stopped for when he shoved a metal container at her. "Drink."
Her eyes widened before she thankfully took the container and drunk a few heady sips. After she was done he took it from her and took a couple of sips himself. They continued to walk again. This time though, Katara made a few attempts at conversation which ended pathetically. They often went like this:
"So…ever been outside the fire nation."
"Of course."
"Where did you go?"
"I don't see how that concerns you."
Katara bit her lip. "Fine."
Every time she tried to talk he completely shut her out by saying that. It was always that same line too. I don't see how that concerns you. She snorted. He was no fun, no fun at all. He was about as much fun as a stick. No wait, less than that because even sticks provide entertainment. He was like a mosquito sucking the fun out of those near him. Soon, she began hearing the bustling sound of the town. Her grin was barely suppressed.
They stepped into the streets full of vendors and citizens. It seemed to be extra busy today and after inquiring with the mosquito beast she found out why. Apparently there was a special festival today. Some fire nation event where they celebrate the meaning of fire and what it means for its people. There were many children running around holding long streamers and throwing them at each other. She guessed the streamers was to do fake fire bending. Women walked around with flaming fans and men had painted flames on their skin. She noticed that many women wore their hair up with decorations related to fire in their hair.
Katara wasn't truly amazed until she saw the giant globe in the center of town. It looked like the sun. Lanterns sat on the inside glittering string drifted in and out of the ball. Something about it seemed luminescent, almost magical. She stared in awe. Never had she thought the fire nation could create something so beautiful. She thought all they knew was how to destroy. In her amazement, she didn't notice that she had drifted away from Zuko until a group of men surrounded, and dragged her into a dark alley. They shoved her onto the ground and sneered at her. It was three of them. All of them with yellowing teeth and hungry eyes.
She quickly got up and shifted into her water bending stance. Although as soon as she was in it, she was shoved against the alley wall. Her hands held together above her head with his right hand. His left hand was against the wall by her head. He used his body to hold her against the wall. Even though it was the same exact position Zuko had her in earlier, Katara only felt disgusted. Repulsion twisted knots into her stomach as his breath drifted over her face. It was horrible. The smell was just garlic, alcohol and some other unknown substance that was equally disgusting.
"Well pretty girl hope you're ready to be made a woman." She could hear the grin in his voice. Her only response was to spit in his face.
"You bitc-" He had raised his hand to smack her but was cut off when someone wrenched him off her.
Katara gripped her arms and went to a fighting stance, ready to face a new adversary. What she didn't expect was to see Zuko on the ground punching the living daylights out of that man. She was shaken out of her reverie when another of the three men ran to her. She easily knocked him out, using a high kick to his face. She looked around for the other man, but couldn't see him when suddenly she heard her name being called out. After turning to the direction of the voice everything happened fast. Zuko was crumpled on the ground and Katara had knocked the man out with a large chunk of wood.
She wasn't even exactly sure what had happened until she crouched by Zuko and felt the wetness seeping through his cloak. "Oh, no no no. Zuko!"
His eyes were scrunched in pain but he still managed to let out one word. "Okay…"
"No. Not okay."
"No." He muttered eyes beginning to drift closed from the effort of staying awake. "You…Okay?"
She could feel tears stinging her eyes. "Yes I'm okay. Just perfect."
He smiled. "Good." Then he passed out.
Katara dug through his cloak and found what she was looking for. She quickly opened up the container of water and bended it out. Using the healing techniques she had learned, she was able to heal most of his wound. After doing as much as she could she let the water drip into the alley. Zuko's men, who she hadn't even noticed coming into the alley, picked him up and shuffled him quickly back to the house.
Katara followed close behind not even thinking about the fact that this was the opportunity she needed to escape. The only thing on her mind was Zuko. The first man besides her brother or father to risk his life for her. The mysterious man people called a beast. She wondered briefly if there was more to the beast than he let on.
Somehow, she knew that she had to know.
You wouldn't be angry if I ended it here would you? Of course not. Haha, just kidding there's more to come. I swear.
Also for those who read my other story "True Emotion" and is expecting the sequel, I'm sure you're wondering why a story completely unrelated to that is up here and let me just say things happened. I promise I started typing it and then this awesome idea popped into my mind. There was no way I could finish the other with this swimming around. But I'll get right to work on it...like next week.
Procrastination at its best ~(^_^)~