Ch. 3
Katara's POV
I shall never forget the day Prince Zuko saved my life. It feels like it was only yesterday but these past few years have changed me somehow. I remember the lightning bolt coming toward me in the corner of my eye. It was Azula's bolt aimed at my heart ready to strike me down. But Zuko, aww yes Prince Zuko pushed me out of the way and took the hit himself. I knew from that moment whom I truly loved-but being with Zuko was just not allowed. From that moment on I knew what true love is and I know Aang saved the world. But he didn't save my world; Prince Zuko did by taking that bolt of lightning into his body in my stead. It's as if loving Aang is a lie; I used to be so in love with Aang but as Zuko and I became friends I saw the type of Fire Lord and man he would become one day and I was drawn to him. He and I have been seeing each other for three years behind Aang's back and the truth is I want to let the Avatar go. Most women would call me insane for leaving the most powerful bender in the world for the Ex Fire Lord's son. But Zuko is the man who helped me find the Southern Raiders, and he's the only man I have made love with. And perhaps it sounds crazy to put on this continuous facade for Aang but something about me gives his life purpose. It's a lot of worldly pressure to be with him; I want to live in the Fire Palace and be under Zuko's wing. He is truly romantic and the worst part about this whole situation is that I am pregnant. Not only is it not Aang's; but once my belly starts to show people will talk. I am glad Aang is gone for a year; but I won't be able to hide this precious secret from him for much longer.
My first thoughts are to tell Zuko that I am carrying his child. I know that he will be so delighted to be a father. And I believe he would be a great father to any child. Aang is still a child in so many ways; but Zuko is a man. And I want this baby to have a real man in its life. I know Aang is young and wise. I just don't want someone that spiritually connected to raise my son or daughter. Zuko is the rightful father to my child. But Aang would be heartbroken that I cheated on him. Can one woman love two men at the same time? I really don't believe so. I do however; believe I loved them at different times for whatever reason. But I know Zuko is the one I want to be with. I just can't bring myself to tell him that I am pregnant that I am terrified of Aang's reaction. What if he goes into the Avatar state emotionally? It would be my fault just as much as Zuko's. With Aang being gone for a year he won't know that I cheated on him and perhaps we can have a non-bending family adopt our child.
I force myself out of bed; and make myself find Fire Lord Zuko. Aang has been gone for a month at this point. So I have plenty of time to give birth to this child. "Fire Lord Zuko, we need to talk."
"What is it Katara? Have you decided you want to be with me instead of the Avatar?" "Well…about that. You see I…" "I know Katara you love me and Aang I have heard it so many times it kills me." "No Zuko, I have decided to be with you. I realized that when you protected me from Azula; you did it out of love. And I shall never forget that; and the truth is Zuko I never made love to Aang; I only pretended to so you would back off. But now I am…" "Wait you never made love to Aang?" said Zuko looking surprised. "No, Zuko only to you and I realize now that I should have broken it with Aang from the beginning of our relationship. But now I am pregnant and I don't know what to do."
There was a long pause and Zuko stared at me like his entire world had shattered and started over all at once. "I'm a father? Katara, that's wonderful news." "Thank you Zuko. But Aang what will we do if he finds out." "We will just tell him we want to be together; but since he is gone for a year I am sure we can figure this whole endeavor out in that span of time. I am so excited that you are pregnant. You will make such a wonderful mother and you shall be Queen of the Fire Nation. I don't care what Aang says. I love you Katara, and if that means being enemies with the Avatar. So be it."
