Disclaimer: I do not own ATAB.
Wow! I know that I only got a few reviews, but honestly I wasn't expecting anything for just one chapter. I really appreciate it, clearly you guys are thirsty for some more quality Zutata fics. I will do what I can to provide, just keep the reviews coming and we'll all be happy! Enjoy my next chapter!
The slow rocking of a ship was soothing to a waterbender. Katara slept deeply, gently caressed by the rolling ocean that carried her to a faraway land. Her dreams had always been comforting on the sea.
She dreamed of an airbender, a boy turned man who showed her how to fly. His eyes, large and gray and sweet, held hers with a simple and devoted sort of love. She couldn't look away from them, she let the love in them soothe her, basked in the sheer adoration. As she watched them though, they slowly began to turn to gold. With a surprised start she woke, the wide eyes of Ka right in front of her face catching her immediate attention and eliciting a small shriek from the girl.
Katara then laughed and smiled at the young cat. Ka had thrown a fit when introduced to her stable beneath deck, and Katara had pitied the creature enough to ask the crew to let her stay in her room. They acquiesced, if only because forcing a one ton animal to their will was nearly impossible. So now, every night, the snow leopard caribou slept on the floor by her bed, her snoring presence surprisingly comforting to Katara. Although she supposed that she had spent so much time sleeping on Appa that she liked the sound of a large animal nearby.
Those golden eyes now pleaded wordlessly with her.
"Alright, alright, I'll find something to eat," sighed the young woman, rolling out of bed with a groan. "Fish or fish?" The cat licked her chops in anticipation. Katara stretched, enjoying the cracking in her joints. The variety of food on the ship wasn't the best, but at least she could help it out with her fishing.
It had been nearly four weeks since she had boarded the ship. Katara had been awed and humbled by the choice; her father had selected their most beautiful ship, an intricately painted warship made from the best pine that they had. It smelled lovely, and skated over the ocean like a sea tern. "Ice Queen," she was called, and Katara was reluctant to admit the correlation to its task. 'Toph would have laughed,' she thought sadly. It had been over a year since she'd seen her earthbending friend. She'd received a few letters from Toph, but as she grew more and more involved with the reconstruction of her village, and Toph with establishing a metalbending school, it had eventually died. As she fresh breeze brushed her dark face, she closed her eyes to enjoy it, but her pleasure was tinged with sadness. How long it had been since they'd traveled the world together as best friends.
"Princess Katara?" asked an attendant, bowing respectfully. She cringed at the title, but her father had ordered them to abide by the international royal code. "Do you need something?" He was only a teenager, really. They couldn't spare too many men and women in their village. So, acknowledging his desire to obey their chief, she drew herself up like royalty.
"Food, if you have some," she said with stiff politeness. "Meat for Ka, and whatever is convenient for me. Fruits or bread or something." Ouch. Definitely not the most regal way to phrase something, but the boy bowed regardless. His mouth quirked at the corners in a smile as he recognized her discomfort.
"Yes ma'am, meat for the cat and food for you," he replied, backing away and heading below deck to the small kitchens. She had five attendants on the ship, more than she'd ever had, but surely it was meager compared to a noblewoman of the north. 'Well, I'm not a real noblewoman,' she thought with a tinge of arrogance. 'I'm just there to talk to an old friend, not fight over a guy.' She groaned, forcing the pride out of herself. The women competing for Zuko's hand were probably very nice ladies; she was just feeling self conscious and nervous about representing her entire nation over a whole summer, on top of seeing a friend that she hadn't seen in a long time. If she could still call him that; she had never particularly liked him, and it had been so long that he could be a very different person at this point.
Aching to distract herself from nervous thoughts, Katara wandered to the edge of the ship, idly bending a stream of water to her hands. It flowed like a living thing, the coolness sliding through her fingers as swiftly as the ocean breeze moved around her. Her eyes closed as she chose to follow the wandering flow of chi through her body, the spiritual strength that so connected her to her element. As a waterbending master, she felt the stream of water around her, and the ocean beneath her, as extensions of her own spirit.
'How long before we reach shore?' she wondered vaguely. She really hated to leave the sea, but at the same time, she needed to see beyond the confines of her small (though constantly expanding) village. The opportunity to see Aang, and also Zuko, piqued her interest as nothing else had for ages. She sighed with a deep yearning for more than her South Pole life had offered her, as she had years ago. Maybe she could do great things for her nation as an ambassador. She'd have to discuss the possibility of an international career with her father, after he arrived at the Fire Nation Capital.
Letting her thoughts and anxieties slide from her mind, Katara stretched her arms out, spindling the stream of water into a thin whip as she smoothly transitioned from one stance to the next, water moving around her like a living thing. She transitioned from ice stance to ocean stance, and then river stance, before she finally opened her eyes and saw the strip of land in the distance.
"Akoati!" she yelled, running to the side of the ship. "The coast!" Filled with nervous joy, she began to move the water beneath the ship, to carry them more swiftly to shore. A summer with her family on a luxurious vacation, the chance to save her tribe, the possibility of seeing Aang, all of it added up to an anxious sort of thrill. She couldn't resist the rare feeling of delight.
The Fire Nation Capital wasn't too far from shore. They would be there within the day, and with that realization her anxiety seemed to increase tenfold. She hadn't seen Zuko in so long. From Aang's letters, it seemed that his dedication to the restoration of the world was total. But she had hardly known Zuko the teenage boy; she had no idea how to approach Zuko the Fire Lord. 'Well...he invited me!' she thought with a deep breath. 'He sent me an invitation. Or, at least his advisors did.' Maybe they had simply sent the same message to every nation. She pushed down the thought. 'We traveled the world together, I spent a year sleeping in the same camp as him. I'm sure it won't be awkward.' Regardless, he had invited her.
Katara didn't know quite how to feel about that, but she was too far in to get cold feet. From this point on, she would need to act the part of a Southern Water Tribe princess. Retreating to her room, she started to change into the Water Tribe royal colors.
The dress was beautiful blue, deep ocean colored as the base and with icy details along her sleeves and the collar. It was an old dress of her mother's, and she wore it with deep pride. The matching boots and gloves were lovely white, and she carefully fastened her mother's choker necklace along with a sapphire and silver headdress that framed her face beautifully. One female servant carefully applied white and silver paints to her face, similar to the warrior colors, but applied in such a way as to bring out all of the beauty of her eyes. The paint and the white fur on her collar made her look like a real princess. Katara was reminded of Yue as she stared at her strange reflection.
And her attendants did not fail her big cat either. They decked Ka out in magnificent traditional trappings, the dark blue contrasted strikingly against her light fur. She sat tamely as they tightened straps and fixed blankets, covering her from head to tail in Water Tribe regalia. Skilled servants, they distracted the leopard caribou with offerings of fish and seal jerky as they fussed over buckles.
When done, Katara cautiously mounted her cat. Ka's ears pricked as she accepted her rider, her paws soft and slow as she moved forward. Katara felt wonder at the gentleness and intelligence of the warrior mount, especially when Ka assessed the slowness of her dismounted attendants and adjusted her own speed to accommodate them. They walked alongside their chief's daughter, dressed in fine gray tunics. The weather here was much hotter than the South Pole; Katara was starting to sweat, despite the lighter summer material of the dress. She couldn't wait to arrive and change into her cooler nightclothes.
Katara's excitement faded with the gradual progression of their modest caravan. The only other creature in their group was a yak, which the servants used to tow the gifts that she'd received from the Northern Water Tribe specifically for this journey. They walked all day, the hot sun bearing down upon them. It had been so long since Katara had left the South Pole that she could hardly believe she'd endured this heat before. The sweat was really starting to build up under her new dress.
Ka was suffering too, under the Fire Nation sun. Her tongue rolled loosely as she panted, though she didn't slow her ambling gait.
It felt like a full day before the horizon of the city appeared, though she knew it was only a few hours from the coast. Most major cities were located near coastlines, allowing for the easy movement of imports and exports. The Fire Nation Capital was no different, but despite her long journey across the sea, it still felt like an eternity before they arrived. Katara was tired of traveling; she was eager for a bed to sleep in, and a room to live out of until she could go home. The Fire Nation was a lovely vacation area, but she knew that she'd miss the beautiful solitude of the South Pole.
It seemed that she wasn't the only one to reach the Capital; as they approached the city gates, she saw a young woman from her sister tribe, her large and impressive caravan all mounted on beautifully decked out buffalo yaks. They towed multiple carriages, and the lady herself was in an ice blue sleigh. Katara didn't recognize the girl, but she was very lovely, with soft green eyes and light brown hair. She must be from a noble family of the Northern Water Tribe, noble enough to be invited to the Capital, but not so noble as to be a part of their royal family. Regardless, she nodded in respect when she met eyes with Katara, who returned the somber greeting.
Behind her northern cousin was an Earth Kingdom noblewoman, her own caravan pulled by ostrich-horses decorated with gold harnesses. This lady exchanged glances with Katara, but she seemed colder than her predecessor. She was also very beautiful, with dark eyes and hair against porcelain skin.
The guard wordlessly opened the gates to the caravans, bowing respectfully as the ladies and their escorts rode by. Katara bowed her head in return, having learned from her father to always show respect to laborers. They looked surprised and pleased to receive acknowledgement of their service, and they exchanged smiles as she passed them.
People lined the main road, common Fire Nation citizens with a wide variety of reactions. Some cheered and threw fire orchids and lilies, welcoming the princesses and noblewomen of distant lands. Others jeered, which didn't surprise Katara. She had seen firsthand the propaganda that had fueled the hundred year war, and had anticipated that many of the citizens would be less than pleased at their Fire Lord's unification efforts and willingness to open borders to other nations. Regardless, she greeted each with respect, knowing that it was her duty as the representative of her nation to impart kindness and respect onto people of any status.
Some looked confused at her response, quieting shamefully at the temperate response from the waterbender. Others waved back abashedly, joining in the crowd that enthusiastically greeted her. It seemed that at least half of the gathered crowd deeply supported their new Fire Lord's reunification of the nations.
The palace slowly rose into view, the towers casting long shadows over the city. She'd never seen a building so magnificent, a testament to the ancient tradition of this proud nation. She felt her nerves returning, anxiety forming over the task ahead. Had he changed? Had she changed?
A royal guard greeted her caravan, bowing and opening the gates surrounding the palace as they approached. First rode her cousin from the north, her eyes downcast in lovely modesty as she rode by in her sleigh. Next rode the Earth Kingdom woman, her head held high and proud past the guards. Finally, Katara approached the gate, choosing instead to smile and wave at the guardsmen, who maintained their military composure but seemed to relax in her presence.
Finally, within the courtyard, she dismounted Ka, handing her reluctantly to the stablehand waiting to receive the mounts. She had enjoyed the company of her cat. Perhaps she could convince the household servants to let her sleep in her room.
Her nerves peaked as they crossed the courtyard on foot, thoughts racing across her mind as she wondered what kind of man Zuko had become in two years.
She didn't know if she should feel relieved or disappointed that he wasn't present for their arrival. His attendants greeted them instead, presenting each group with keys to a suite and gift baskets of Fire Nation fruit and breads.
"Welcome, Princess Katara," gushed the oldest servant, her white hair pulled back in a perfectly smooth topknot, as was traditional in their nation. "Your suite will be on the ground floor, in the royal accomodations. Your servants will be allotted their own quarters adjoined to yours. The kitchens are in the west wing if you're hungry, and fire nation guards will be available in all halls to accommodate your basic necessities. Tomorrow evening will be the welcoming feast for attending ladies. Fine dining and entertainment will be our priority for the night. Please make yourself comfortable, and if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to let us know!"
Katara bowed her head in return, earning a smile from the older woman. She followed the servant leading them to her rooms, surprised that she was being held in a royal suite. It didn't disappoint; with towering ceilings and a luxurious living area, it was built for a queen. And it was tastefully decorated with symbols of the Water Tribe, which was more comforting than she'd expected it to be.
Her servants immediately began unpacking. Feeling a bit in the way as they rushed around her, Katara decided to swing by the kitchen and see if she could order some food for herself and her attendants. She slipped quietly from the room.
She'd never had much chance to explore the famously large Fire Nation Palace, which was decorated beautifully with elaborate paintings and very old family crests. She couldn't help the spark of envy and resentment. The Southern Water Tribe had been deprived of the chance to build a history or a palace, which she was sure that they would have if the waterbenders hadn't been kidnapped and executed long ago. Feeling the ugly anger rising inside of her, she had to stop and take a breath, reminding herself that those were the sins of the last generation. She had no reason to believe that Zuko was anything but dedicated to restoring her nation to its former glory.
Wandering in the direction of the west wing, she wondered how far the kitchens were. She could have asked a nearby guard, but honestly the short walk felt good. She'd been stuck on a ship for so long that she appreciated a little exercise.
Meandering up some stairs, she continued along the halls.
"The demands from King Kuei are too high," said a gruff voice. "We're just as invested in the reparations as you are, but we have to consider the welfare of our own people. If we continue down this financial road, we'll be setting a fire beneath ourselves."
"I understand your reservations, general," said a more familiar voice. Katara realized with a shock that it was Fire Lord Zuko..his voice had deepened considerably in their years apart. "I have my own as well. But we have to think of the greater good. With the prosperity of the Earth Kingdom, we will grow as a nation as well. It's an investment in our own future to assist in the recovery of their kingdom." Katara found herself nodding in agreement, surprised at the maturity that her old friend had discovered as the leader of a kingdom.
"Understood, Fire Lord," murmured the general, submitting to his superior's command. "We will do our best to meet their expectations. But we must not forget that our own people suffer from the fallout of the war as well."
"I acknowledge your concerns. I have not forgotten about my people; the wellbeing of Fire Nation citizens is forefront in my decisions for how we will progress with reparations. We have to tighten our finances, though, and anticipate a future of free trade established to benefit all nations. We can endure some lean years for the sake of sister nations. It's the least that we owe them."
Several voices murmured in agreement. Katara was impressed with the level-headedness and sensibility that Zuko showed in his meeting.
Too late, however, she realized that the meeting had formally ended. Before she could find a place to hide, the gold twin doors flung open, and she found herself face to face with the Fire Lord.
Zuko had grown, she had to admit. He was taller, his shoulders broader, his face slimmer with the onset of adulthood. His golden eyes were wide with surprise at the abrupt appearance of his old friend.
"Katara," he exclaimed, his voice deepened with age. She stood in open mouthed surprise before she remembered her manners. She bowed respectfully in acknowledgement of a higher ranking person. He returned her bow after a moment's hesitation. "I...I didn't expect you to come." She didn't understand what he meant until she noticed the slight blush overcoming his features. 'Oh yeah, he thinks I'm here to marry him!" She blushed deeply from the realization.
"Oh, I...I'm sorry, I'm here for purely sentimental reasons," she stammered self consciously. His eyebrows rose marginally. She felt bad, but technically it wasn't a lie. "It's been sort of a long time, you know? And really, I needed a break from my current duties." He nodded in relief, his awkwardness fading into something a little more comfortable. He understood the need for a break. "Has Aang been around? It's been a while since I've seen him."
"Yeah, he was here a few weeks ago for the restoration meetings. He left for business in Omashu, and I haven't seen him since. He swings by every month or so, so I'd expect to see him soon." He smiled, and she was surprised by how well he'd grown into his features. 'He really isn't the boy that I remember anymore.' "But you're welcome to stay for the summer. The whole palace is open for guests, we have more than enough to accommodate."
"Accommodate your wedding guests?" she asked slyly, punching his shoulder. He had the decency to blush and avert his gaze.
"This was all my council's idea," he mumbled, not meeting her eyes. But he suddenly straightened his shoulders and assumed a surprisingly regal posture. "It's my responsibility to continue my lineage. Azula and my father still have supporters within the Fire Nation, so I need to establish my family as soon as possible." His words reminded her of Aang, to be honest. The humble dignity with which he accepted his duty was new. He had clearly grown into his role as the Fire Lord.
"I figured," admitted Katara. "It couldn't be so easy, to just walk in and assume the throne. I understand." In a brave gesture, she reached forward and took his hand, squeezing it comfortingly. "I've been beating myself into the ground with those same duties." His golden eyes met hers, and he smiled in grim acknowledgement of her struggle.
"Well, that's something that we have in common." He bowed low, respectful of her station. "Lady Katara. I'll see you at the feast tomorrow. Please excuse me, I have many tasks to attend to today." Flattered at the display, she curtsied in return. He was taking her station as a princess of the water tribe very seriously, more seriously than she'd expected. 'Leadership has changed him a lot, and for the better.' For the first time, she was enjoying the conversation with him.
He turned and left her, and she couldn't help but notice how his uniform fell gracefully over his taller figure. 'He's really a man now. I wonder if I've changed this much...I wonder if we've all changed this much.' Filled with curious wonder, she continued her path to the kitchen. But it wasn't long before her second surprise of the day threw her off balance.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the sugar queen sulking around these parts."
Katara whirled around with a gasp. A short distance away stood a young Earth Kingdom woman, decked in green and gold, her hair smoothly done in her usual updo. Her green-grey eyes were narrowed mischievously, her smile clever and contagious, her hands planted stolidly on her slim hips. Katara raced towards her old friend, arms outstretched in demand of a hug.
"Toph!" she cried, wrapping her arms around the smaller girl. "It's been so long! How are you?! What are you doing here?" As she voiced the question, an awful realization filled her. Toph laughed in equal self consciousness.
"Well, I guess I'm here for the same thing you are. You know. Political advantages, the advancement of the family name. My parents sent me; they're really gunning for the prestigious position of Fire Lord's in-laws." She blushed prettily, her hand raising to rub the back of her neck. Katara noticed that the girl was uncharacteristically clean. Her jaw dropped.
"Aren't you too young?" she asked in surprise. "You're what, fifteen or sixteen now? Zuko is almost twenty!" Saying it out loud made it pretty weird, but she pushed past the thought. She herself had just turned eighteen. Toph shrugged in resignation.
"Not my idea. I mean, sparky is pretty cute, I think. From what I can tell with my feet anyways. I don't mind the competition. Gives me something to do; it's been awfully boring in the Earth Kingdom. I'm glad you're here though. It's been sort of lonely exploring the palace by myself, and I'm not as good at making friends as you are." Katara couldn't help but agree. She had felt very out of place here, but the presence of her friend definitely made the trip worthwhile. She smiled and pulled the younger girl close again. She could tell that Toph was reaching the limit of her tolerance for physical affection, but she enjoyed the hug anyways.
"I'm glad you're here too," she sighed. Toph pulled back gently, her smile turning wry.
"I appreciate the competition," she laughed. "Let's go to war, sugar queen." Katara laughed, but she realized quickly that her friend was dead serious. She sobered, not understanding what the big deal was with this marriage thing.
"Toph...I'm glad to see you, but I don't think that I'm going to be your competition." She conceded humbly to the young noblewoman. Toph laughed dryly.
"We'll see," she replied in playful seriousness. "I have a feeling that you're going to be my only competition." She gave Katara a quick squeeze before waving goodbye and trotting back towards her own suite. Katara stood still, staring after her friend in abject shock.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Sorry if it's moving too fast, I REALLY didn't want to narrate the whole damn travel time. But I also think that you all would skip over it anyways lol, it's never very interesting. Things should be picking up now! Please R/R and let me know if there's anything in particular that you'd like to see. If it fits smoothly into the plotline, I'll do what I can. Thanks for reading!