A/N: Howdy, so I realized today that this story will be quite long. And I know I hate having to wait for authors to update so I'm vowing to not let three days past without an update.
Disclaimer: I own all of my ideas and none of Avatar.
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Paper Flags
It was not yet lunch as the guest gathered in the courtyard, waiting for Zuko to return. A thin sheet was tented over the area to provide some shade. Katara lay down by the pond letting her fingers dip in and stir the water; Aang sat next to her. It seemed as if they were in deep conversation. Across the yard, Suki was admiring the fire-lilies that were starting to bloom; Sokka stood behind his kneeling lover and messaged her shoulders. Toph, far away from the others, dug her feet a few inches into the ground; she wanted to be as familiar with this place as possible. The Avatar had not stayed with his friend in the last year. He wanted to go out and find a new spiritual connection to himself, study the land differently than he had when he was running for his life. Sokka and Katara tried to convince him he should stay with them, but truly they knew he was still a kid who had to find himself his own way. In the last month, Aang had joined them again, and there he was now trying to straighten out his latest emotions.
"I missed you more then you could imagine, Katara. Even though it's been a year, I still care about you. It's just…now I understand the way I care about you." Aang was trying to build up his courage. He had discovered something about himself but didn't know how to explain it.
"Aang, you know I have always been here for you. You can trust me; just say what you're thinking." The water princess said without turning her head.
"Katara, you are my best friend; you saved me from more things than I can count. You're like my sister and my mother. So I guess what I found out was that um, um well, I kinda, I like guys." He almost whispered it. All that time he had spent trying to get her attention was pointless now.
"What do mean Aang?" She turned quickly and looked him in the eyes.
"I mean I really, really like guys." His face winched up. His breath became heavy; Aang bit his lip to restrain his fear of what she would do. Then he heard laughter.
"Well geez, Aang, I like guys, too!" Katara continued to roll and laugh next to the water. "I'm sorry Aang, I know I'm being insensitive, but I just thought you were going to tell me something life altering. I mean I'm sure it's life altering to you." She kept rambling trying to explain her outburst. Sitting up, she faced him and held his hands close to her. "Aang, I love you. You are one of my best friends, and if this is who you truly believe you are then I'll support you no matter what. You're my hero." She smiled brightly at the young boy and embraced him in a deep hug. At that moment, Zuko found his way to the peaceful enclosure. Looking around to make sure everyone was there, he gazed upon the heart-crushing sight. His Jewel was wrapped in Aang's arms; their faces were brushing close together, eyes closed and smiling. She could never be his. Even in his dreams this sight would burn into his soul. Zuko cast his eyes skyward and began to grind tiny balls of fire between his teeth.
'Focus, Zuko. Let it go. Let her go. Calm yourself. We will make someone pay for your lose. I promise.' Short fragments of thoughts came to him.Rage and desire racked his body, 'Should have killed him' Zuko could barely stand; his sight was getting fuzzy, and his feet felt as if water had replaced his bone. He collapsed right in the middle of the courtyard, drawing the attention of everyone there. Many servants came running with towels and water pails. Aang and Katara, seeing the fallen Fire Lord, ran to his side along with Sokka and Suki. Toph calmly walked over, so much commotion for a simple heat stroke was ridiculous.
"What happen to him?" Sokka questioned.
"What's wrong?"Suki joined her voice.
"My Lord!'' A frightened servant gasped. A small crowd of twelve people had gathered around them.
Katara gathered the water in her hands from the closest pail. The illumination gave everyone the signal to stand back and give her room.
"Sugar Queen, do you even know what you're healing?" The earthbender stopped her before she could lower her hands.
"I don't have time for this Toph." Wrinkling her brow, Katara ripped her hands away from her friend.
"He had a heat stroke; if you're going to do any good then you should focus on his fore head."
"How do you know that?" Aang pulled Toph aside.
"My feet. Remember, I had them in the ground. I could feel when Hot Head came walking in. His body temperature rose a good twenty degrees in a few seconds; any longer and I'm sure the ground would have been scorched where he stood."
"What could have made it shoot up like that?" The Kioshi warrior looked down puzzled.
"All I know is that he was facing the two of you." Toph turned to Aang and whispered, "You should be more observant when you share your secrets, Twinkle Toes."
Zuko opened his eyes slowly, fluttering them until his vision cleared. And there, bent over him, were those eyes bright, sparkling and beautiful. A river burst inside of him; he was drowning in her presence. They had met like this before; her hands over him, healing him and protecting him. It was the first time he had realized he loved her and every day after was the same. Those eyes. Her eyes.
"Thank you, Katara." He smiled back at her warmly.
"We've got to stop meeting this way Zuko." She joked with him.
The crowd dispersed after Zuko had stood back up and was talking audibly. He proceeded to tell them about the schedule for the next week. This evening, as the sun set, the last step in a year-long mourning for those that had died began; this would finish the funeral rites every citizen of the Fire Nation had to observe. There would be a long march to the most sacred place in the land. When they all were finally gathered, the final goodbye to the souls would be made by a dozen of the most holy and respected priests. Zuko explained to them that clothing for the ceremony was very important. Since they had chosen their rooms prior to their meeting, outfits would be awaiting them when they returned. There were hall attendants that would see to specific needs or that would retrieve him if asked. He also let them know the palace was a home to them while they were here. Other events would commence the following days. Tomorrow morning a show would be presented to them as royal guests and to usher in another prosperous year; it would officially open the festival and mark the anniversary date. After, they were to be taken on a tour with the council to explore the Fire Nation, and finally a casual banquet would be held each night. In the middle of the week, there would be a parade and grand ball. For last two days, there would be a street feast at the beach, which would last most of the day, followed by a fireworks show as a finale. Zuko explained that everything had been planned to the last detail, hoping this would deter his friends' usual spontaneous actions.
"Gosh, all this planning is making me hungry," Sokka whined.
"Or the fact that it's lunch time might have something to do with that." Suki reminded him. Zuko handed them each a slip of paper with times on it. A few slots remained empty with the caption Tea written underneath.
"What's with the tea parties?" Aang asked as he studied his sheet.
"Those aren't tea parties; I spend most of my free moments having a cup of jasmine tea. That is there to let you know when you have a free moment, and what I'll be doing." The Fire Lord explained.
"Ahhh, look at you trying to be considerate." Suki joked with the boy. His face tented red as he ran his fingers through his hair once more hiding embarrassment.
"If none of you are hungry, that's fine, but food is waiting for us in the drawing room." Zuko changed topic.
"Food!" Sokka grabbed Suki and Katara and ran into the palace. Toph, laughing, quickly followed after; they were all starving.
Aang was left with Zuko blankly staring at the empty space.
"Those guys are hilarious; Zuko, did you, by chance, remember I don't eat meat?" Aang joyfully asked him.
Zuko faced the avatar with a frown on his face. "Listen, Aang, I know you two are together, but you mind not being so friendly in the open like that; it is not appropriate."
"Who was I being friendly with…Katara? We aren't like that any more, you know together or anything. Just friends." Aang's hands came up in front of his face waving wildly against the accusation. Zuko looked down into his grey, child-like eyes; the boy was less than a foot shorter then him now.
"Are you sure?" Hope and desperation flooded his voice. The angry slits of his eyes widened and showed hope. Grabbing Aang's shoulders, he moved in close to him trying to make sure he had the truth. Aang, in response, felt slightly airy as the older man held him so close and strong; Zuko's grip was firm and comforting as well as frightening and intense.
"Um, yea. I'm sure." The avatar barely whispered. Zuko closed the distance and hugged Aang tightly; perhaps Zuko did not have to let his Jewel go. If there was any chance, he would take it, and this information gave him that hope. Aang's knees collapsed in on him; a strange warmth had filled through his body, being held like that. He began to in circle his arms around Zuko and basked in the excitement that coursed through him. But just as quickly as the moment came, it vanished; Zuko had pulled away and was rambling on about hunger and strength and preparations.
"Come on Aang," was all the boy heard as Zuko walked toward the palace. Zuko and Aang had not known that, for once, they shared the same thought. They each begged to their own Gods, stating all they needed was one chance.
…
After lunch was over, everyone had been instructed to meet in the drawing room again, and they would be off to the burial grounds soon. They all came in on-time; Toph's, Suki's and Katara's outfits were only slightly different. They all had on tunic-like dresses that covered their arms and feet completely. The older girls had thin-clothed white shoes. Katara wore thin, white pants under her gown where as Suki took it upon herself to wear her traditional make-up. Silver bands held each one of their white head wraps in place; the silk cloth draped long enough to hide their hair from sight. Nothing but their eyes and finger tips could be seen. Zuko, Sokka, and Aang also shared similar appearances; white pants, long sleeved tunic shirts that fell to their knees, and white cloth shoes. Over their eyes were white kohl markings. Zuko told them that a high priest and priestess would have to come in and cleanse them before they could leave; he instructed the girls how to kneel first, and on the three chants they would have to do. Then, he gave similar directions to his male companions. At the end of the cleansing, three dots of gold paint would be placed right above the eyebrows in the middle of the forehead. This long process took the group from after lunch until evening to finish. At about 5:20, they left to begin the march.
It was a beautiful scene to behold: miles and miles of people came dressed in fine white silks and purification symbols on their fore head. Zuko had explained that a ceremony like this was far too expensive for the citizens to have on their own. So the royal family had bought the necessary supplies for everyone who wanted to attend; they even sent out priests and priestesses to homes to perform the purifications. Now, these peasants and nobleman gathered identical to one another to honor something far greater than themselves. The peregrination began; family members carried vases filled with their loved one's ashes. The twelve priests stood in front all holding a part of a folded banner. This banner had all the names of the dead written on them. The royals and noblemen walked behind these holy persons. After them were the millions of citizens, and around the whole perimeter were 108 guards holding unlit torches. They traveled with the last of the sunshine down on them, kissing each one of them and sending blessing in its light. Katara, Aang, Sokka, Toph, and Suki all saw the country side of the Fire Nation for the first time. It was magical: rivers and streams, lush forests and plains covered in blooming flowers; they had known some places were peaceful, but this land was incredible. It was truly holy. The procession stopped and surrounded the large river bank; the priests began their chants and prayers. The entire crowd joined in the uproar. The resonating sounds were so melodious that Aang was sure it caused the spirit world to link with them.
Each family's head of household brought the vase to the edge of the bank and deposited the ashes into the water. It was a crushing sight. For many, the only male left was a tiny child no older then five; others had uncles that would deposit the ashes on behave of the family or an older cousin. Once all of the vases were emptied, the priests opened the flag as the unlit torches were placed in a circle around it. The flag was easily bigger then Appa in circumference.
"I don't understand Katara, how did this happen…" Aang's heart throbbed sorrowfully
"Aang, just because we never killed anyone doesn't mean it never happened. Both sides of the war were affected, though we forgot that at times." Her eyes fluttered towards Zuko; his masked could not hide his feelings from her. She could see his pain.
Zuko walked up to the flag, and in an elaborated dance that Aang instantly recognized, he created a fire dragon that swept pass the crowd and lit each torch. In the final act, a priest took control of the flaming dragon and crashed it onto the flag, releasing the souls into freedom. Drums beat loudly; songs were sung above all other noise. The sunset had finished its descent; the night was at its darkest then slowly stars shone, twinkling, and the full moon gave new light. It was done. Every family went home silently; with such a beautiful ceremony, they had a reason to celebrate. New life would rise with the sun.
Katara quickly caught Zuko by the arm, pulling him into a deep hug. "Zuko that was wonderful, you really made everything so perfect." Tears brimmed on her eyes; a smile could be seen gracing her tender lips. She let go and went back to her friends to walk to the palace. Zuko sighed into himself and turned to walk with the council men. As he started off, another hand reached to grab him. Golden eyes burning like molten lava stared at him.
"Don't get carried away Zuko." Her poised stature and venom-edged words made it clear who was speaking to him. "You are mine." Mai disappeared.
A striking pain enveloped his mind; he needed to get to bed.
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A/N: Thank you for reading R&R