I love you guys! Everyone who even just reads this story, know that I love you ^^ Okay chapter 4 is here annnnnnd it has Zutara! Be excited! It was really hard to write because Disney has them fall in love in one scene. Seriously, Disney? So while I didn't make them fall in love love right away they at least have to like each other haha. I did the best I could without channeling the Disney corniness. (Disney, you know I love you). This chapter is also wicked long. I didn't want to break it up annnd I forgot about the scenes with Jafar so I had to through them in or the ending makes no sense. I try to stay away from just copying the movie there were two lines I just had to leave in. I hope you enjoy! Again lots of dialogue because of all the people so I hope it turned out okay!
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar, if I did I would have given the movie cast acting lessons. I don't own Aladdin, in all its corniness it still belongs to Disney.
Chapter 4: The Diamond
"What are we supposed to do now, Father," Azula deadpanned from her place at the table.
Ozai was in the middle of their workshop, all the furniture cleared around him. "Patience, Azula," he responded without opening his eyes.
Azula rolled her eyes and traced designs on the table with a thin flame on her finger. Their workshop was deep in the dungeons of the places, behind secret doors and hidden walls. It was here Oazi would come to research his way into the Air Temple. It was here he could be away from the prying eyes of his brother.
"We need to find this 'diamond in the rough', not sit around doing nothing," she threw her fist down on the table causing a burning hole in it.
"What do you think I am doing," Ozai responded. "Now shut your mouth so I can concentrate."
Azula glared at her father but didn't say another word. Ozai took a deep breath and began to move his hands and legs in a complex pattern. Fire began to form from his fingers. As it would shoot in the air some fire would stick and float as some would fall away. Ozai kept up the rigorous movements, sweat beading at his forehead. The faster he moved the more fire hung suspended. Azula watched on from her seat. She began to see a face forming in the fire. It didn't take long for her to recognize the boy's face as it became clearer in the fire.
"Prince Zuko!" Azula spat as she flew up to her feet, throwing her chair down behind her.
The fire vanished as Ozai stopped his routine. Sweat was pouring down his face and his breathing was greatly labored. "Yes," he panted. "It seems our diamond is none other than," he paused to catch his breath again. "Our own Prince Zuko."
"Fabulous," Azula groaned, throwing herself back in her chair.
Ozai wiped the sweat from his forehead. "He has been living in Ba Sing Se since his banishment under a false guise of a thief named Lee. Have the guards bring him here."
Azula dramatically stood up again and began to walk across the room. "Wonderful, and I thought I would never have to see that brat again."
Ozai was still panting in the middle of the room. "Yes, but he will bring us great treasure, Azula."
"I know, I know," she waved him off before leaving the room.
Ozai sat down in a nearby chair, smiling to himself.
Zuko stared out the window at the setting sun. As in the Fire Nation, the Earth Nation sun sets were full of colors and light. Momo laid out on his back, a sad look on his face. Not only was he starving beyond belief but he could also feel Zuko slipping away. His ears perked up and he attempted to get Zuko's attention my waving his arms around and chirping.
A smile tugged the firebender's lips. "Hungry again, Momo?"
The lemur nodded so enthusiastically he almost fell off the edge.
"Okay, okay. The guards have probably changed shifts and I don't want to be in this place anymore," Zuko sighed. He was grateful for his companion. Without his furry friend, Zuko would feel his solitude much more often and much stronger.
Momo jumped up on Zuko's shoulder and nuzzled his face into Zuko's shaggy hair. The once prince just chuckled as she stood up and walked to his ladder exit. "But don't you dare get us caught. I've had enough running for one day. Toph isn't always around to save us."
Momo's ears went back in hurt, his eyes got wide and innocent as if nothing was never his fault.
Zuko jumped off the ladder halfway down, landing on his feet. "Don't give me that look; it's almost always your fault."
Momo pretended to be angry at him, complete with hissing, but he was just happy his friend snapped out of his depression before it was too late. The buildings cast deep shadows over the pair as they traveled through. Zuko reached up and scratched Momo's head, smiling lightly. The days were easy; the sun was out, there were things to do, he could meet up with Toph, steal food, and help people. That was all fine. It was when the night crept in that Zuko had to be alone in his dusty makeshift house which made all the hurt crawl into his body. A shudder went down his spine despite the warmth of Momo's body on his shoulder. He could not help but feel the pain and loss of being abandoned by those he loved. He was grateful to the lemur for doing his best to keep Zuko distracted. Maybe someday even find something that could make the prince forget what had been done to him by those he trusted.
Momo climbed up on Zuko's head pointing furiously ahead.
"Yes, I see, there are still a few places open," Zuko chuckled as Momo's tail hit him in the face.
Momo poked his face in front of Zuko's giving him the puppy dog eyes.
"Go on," Zuko rolled his eyes and pushed the desperate lemur out of his own face.
Momo hit the alleyway running, leaving Zuko behind, but not too far. He looked over his shoulder to see the dark haired boy following still. Momo slowed down as he approached a fruit cart. His mouth drooled at the sight of apples, his favorite. He dropped his ears and tiptoed on all fours until he was right under the cart. Luckily, the merchant was busy talking to another merchant nearby. Momo reached an arm up from underneath the cart and just barely had an apple but it was still out of reach.
"Are you hungry, little guy?"
The peppy voice almost gave Momo a heart attack.
Crouched down right in front of him was a girl with large blue eyes. Most of her head was covered by her brown hood, but tuffs of her thick brown hair were forming around her face. The girl reached up and grabbed the apple Momo had been reaching for. She handed it to him with a large smile. "There you go!"
Momo took the apple and gave her a questioning look. He didn't question too long. He bite into the apple and scurried off back to Zuko who was leaning up against a wall nearby.
Katara got up from the dusty ground, beaming to herself. It was nice to actually help someone instead of sitting around being waited on all day. She turned to head back down the street.
"And just where do you think you are going, miss?" a chilling voice whispered in her ear.
Katara stifled a squeal as a strong hand pressed down on her shoulder. She had been so happy she didn't even notice someone come up behind her.
"I think you owe me some money, little girl," the merchant snarled.
Katara slowly turned around to face him. Any other day she would have water blasted him for talking to her like that but she knew if she so much as waterbended a drop her cover would be blown. "I'm sorry, sir," she responded lamely. "He was hungry."
The merchant bellowed a deep laugh. "Isn't everyone, sweetheart? Now you better pay up," he drew a long sword from the side of his leg. "Or else."
Katara swallowed hard; she had no money at all. In the Southern Water Tribe if someone was hungry than it was given food, especially the animals. She didn't even think about how it may be different here.
He grabbed onto one of her wrists. "I see you aren't from around here," he looked at her face under the hood. "Here in this part of town, if you steal, we cut off your fingers." He laughed menacingly as his grip tightened.
Katara closed her eyes. She was not getting her fingers cut off. She would have to waterbend and end her adventure here. With a flick of her fingers her water jug that was hidden on her hip popped open.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" a male's voice called out to her. Katara opened her eyes, her water jug closing again. A dark haired boy was rushing towards her and the merchant.
"You know this girl?" the merchant snarled, his grip still tight.
"Of course," Zuko glanced quickly at the girl's face. "She is my neighbor. Her parents have me babysit her." He stepped closer to the merchant, putting a hand to the side of his mouth to act like the girl wouldn't hear. "She is a little slow if you know what I mean. I watch her when her parents have to work late. She likes to feed the animals."
As on cue, Momo strolled up to Katara and rubbed up against her leg.
"Monkey!" Katara squealed playing along with the boy. She reached down and grabbed the lemur rubbing her face in her fur.
"See, she really can't be held for her actions," Zuko pried the girl's wrist from the merchant's hand. "She just sees and animal and just has to feed it." Luckily, the sword wielding merchant seemed a little dumbfounded at Katara's act. "So I am just going to take her home now!" With his hand around the girl's shoulder, and Momo still in Katara's face, Zuko quickly dragged her down a few alleys while the merchant scratched his head still confused in what had just happened.
"Thank you so much," the blue eyed girl said when they were far enough away. She put Momo down with an affectionate pat to the head.
Zuko glanced back at her as they walked. "It was no problem. You helped Momo so how could I not help you." Momo crawled up Zuko's back and onto his shoulder. He reached a hand out to her. "I'm Lee," he lied flawlessly.
She took his hand and shook it. "I'm Tara," she lied back with a smile. The three turned down yet another alleyway. The sun was dipping lower behind the horizon.
"I haven't seen you around here before," Zuko looked back at her again. He mentally ran through people she could be but there was no way he had ever met her. He would have remembered those eyes. In all his time in Ba Sing Se or even back home he had never seen such blue eyes.
The girl shied away slightly. "Well, I, um, just moved here," she stuttered reached for a strand of her hair to play with. It was probably the lamest thing she had ever said in her life.
"Do you have to be home soon?" Zuko asked politely. Momo rolled his eyes in disgust. He could see right through his firebending friend. Yet a part of him was pleased. Toph could never hand out for very long, Zuko needed a human companion.
"Well, no," Katara looked up in surprise.
Zuko smiled at her. "Follow me then, I have something to show you."
Momo gagged to Katara, despite his want for Zuko to be happy it didn't mean Momo though Zuko's flirting was cute, and was rewarded with a swift hit of Zuko's hand to the back of the lemur's head.
Katara laughed aloud, the first time in a long time. She nodded through her giggles. Zuko took off in a brisk run; he tipped his head back to see if she would follow. She had already met his pace. He led her through back alleys, a few main streets but not many, and up and down walls. A few times he reached back to help her over but she had already landed on the ground before he could help, a smug smile on her face. Zuko liked her already. Eventually, they reached the old wooden ladder.
"It's just up here," he told his new friend as he scurried up the ladder. "Just wait till I reach the top, I don't think this thing can hold more than one person."
Momo had already flown up and was perched at the opening. Zuko pushed him aside (Momo responded with a hiss) and leaned out the small entrance. "Okay, you can come up."
Katara looked up at the boy. He had a smile plastered on his face and he looked happy. Something told her this was the first time in a long time for him too. She started to climb the unsteady wood ladder and looked up one more time. It was then she saw something she hadn't seen before. From the angle and Zuko's shaggy hair falling away from his face, she could see the reason he must wear his hair long. He must not have noticed her stare for his smile never faltered. Momo was even pulling at the back of his hair but he just smiled encouragingly at her. Like a little ladder was scary for her. Normally she would have scoffed at any help, but he seemed so genuine how could she not take his hand and let him help her in. The room was a disaster, abandoned and dirty but that was not what he had wanted to show her. Katara walked slowly towards the window, and looked over the view of the city.
"Is that the palace?" Katara asked in awe of the beautiful scene. She had never seen the palace at night. With all the lights in the garden and all over the building it was a breath taking sight.
"Must be wonderful to live there," Zuko mused leaning up against the side of the window, a small smile on his lips. "Being free to do and go as you please."
Katara turned away from the window, putting her chin in the palm of her hand while her arm rested against her lap. "Yeah right. More like being stuck inside people telling you what to do all day long. Never having a choice for yourself."
Zuko watched her carefully. Her hood had fallen back as they had run. Her bushy brown hair pooled around her body. Her blue eyes seemed sad and lost. "Never having a place to call home," he added to her thoughts.
She looked up in surprise at him. "Yes, exactly! Everyone just telling you but no one listening to what you want."
Zuko nodded and walked over to sit on the sill with her. "Feeling so trapped."
"Yes," Katara sighed. Finally, someone who understood her. Everyone at the palaces was just so happy to be there, including Sokka. She felt like such an outcast for these feelings. She stared at Zuko's kind face; he seemed to mirror her feelings. He looked down of the ground away from her stare. She could see his scar through his hair. "Do you mind…?" she asked hesitantly, biting down on her bottom lip slightly.
Zuko shook his head, knowing exactly what she meant. He looked up and faced her again. "I was hit in the face by a firebender," he shrugged.
Katara's hairs stood on end. "Nothing good ever comes from the Fire Nation," she grumbled.
Zuko had to hold back a sarcastic laugh at the irony but didn't say a word. Momo was watching them from his perch, an amused look on his face. Before Katara could say a word she slowly reached up towards his face. Zuko instinctively flinched away from her touch. She gave him a moment but inched closer to him, her fingers now resting on his scared face. Zuko closed his eyes when he could feel her fingers. Where most people look away in disgust or pity, this strange girl with blue eyes touched his flaw without even a hesitation. The skin was dry and rough under Katara's fingers as she traced lightly across it. He leaned slightly into her touch, his body relaxing.
"You know, this doesn't make you a flawed person," she whispered as if reading his mind. "You are one of the nicest people I've met here."
He smiled into her touch. Zuko opened his eyes to see her staring straight at him with those ocean eyes. His heart sped up as he tilted his face down towards hers. She didn't move away like he expected; she moved closer, her hand never leaving his face.
"I'm really glad I found you before he chopped of your fingers," Zuko murmured as their lips got closer.
Katara giggled quietly. "Me too," she whispered as her other hand found its way to his face. He was so close to her, he could feel her warm breath on his lips.
"Well, well, well, look who we found," a male voice snickered.
In shock Katara and Zuko jumped apart from each other. Standing right above the door was the Captain of the city guards, smiling smugly. "We found our thief and a little girlfriend too."
Momo leaped onto Zuko's shoulder, snapping him out of his shock. Zuko grabbed Katara's hand and pulled her to the opposite side of the room. The guards were already on the move, with more coming up through the ladder entrance.
"Do you trust me?" he held onto both her hands hastily.
"Yes!" she blurted out and before she knew it they were falling through the floor.
Zuko had wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her close as they fell. The two landed with a thump in a pile of old rags and fabrics that had been left there. Zuko, used to the fast escape when needed, landed on his feet; he held up Katara so she would do the same. Without even giving it a second thought, he reached over for her hand and began to run to the opening. With her other hand Katara hastily threw her hood up again.
"Did you think you were escaping?" the Captain's voice mocked as he appeared in the doorway.
Zuko and Katara skidded to a halt.
"Nice try but you aren't slipping away from us this time, Lee," he walked right up to the two, snarling in Zuko's face. "Arrest him."
Guards flooded in the area. With a swift movement from one of them, earth shot up between Katara and Zuko causing her to be pushed forcefully away from him.
"No!" she grunted as she hit the wall. "He didn't do anything!"
The guards ignored her and they put bonds on Zuko's hands to keep them behind his back. The guard behind him kicked him in the back of the knees making Zuko fall to the ground. Another guard took Momo and threw him away from them as he was attempting to bite the guards. Momo flew to a nearby ledge hissing at them all the way. "Not so tough are you, thief?" the Captain spat in his face. He reached his arm back and threw a punch right in the former prince's face.
"Let him go!" Katara had managed to get herself up and stepped in between the men.
The Captain bellowed a loud laugh and went to push her out of the way again.
"You dare to ignore the orders of the Princess?" she hissed letting her hood down.
He took a step back in surprise. "Princess Katara," the Captain swallowed hard, suddenly rather nervous.
Zuko's eyes got wide as he looked upon the girl he had spent this time with. A trickle of blood dripped down his face as he stared up at her. He had only seen the princess once when she arrived here, he had no idea.
"Now let him go," Katara firmly commanded. She ripped off a piece of her cloak and leaned down to dab the blood off Zuko's face.
"Princess," the Captain began awkwardly. "I really would love to do that for you but" he paused for a moment as she tenderly tried to clean the wound on Zuko. "My orders come from Ozai. I'm sorry."
The guards who were holding Zuko ripped him from Katara's care and shoved him out the door. The Captain hastily left leaving Katara with only a bloody rag. A guard lingered by the door. "I will escort you back to the palace, Princess."
Katara didn't move for a moment, she just held the rag, her blue eyes emotionless. Without a word she got up and followed the guard.
Awwwws. Zutara owns. ^^ Anyone familiar enough with Aladdin to guess the two lines? XD It was the feeling trapped line which is corny but I kept it because in the movie they really bond of that feeling. And the do you trust me line because it comes back later and its uber cute :] sooooo what did you think? Super corny? I hope not D: but let me know if it was and I will do my best to fix it later. It's just so hard when Disney gives you such a small time frame for love! I could have drawn it out a few days but it would ruin the feel of the story I think and make it drag on. I had to throw in a little angst. Comme onn. He's a teenager, abandoned by his home, and with a huge scar on his face. The boy is going to have some issues. Luckily, trusty Momo is around to help and now Katara. :] So please please please review! You know I adore you all!
-Lyssa ^^