Frozen
A Zuko and Katara Fanfiction
For Zutara Week 2014, Day 4
By Nagone
Summary: I'm not worth this.
Genre: Tragedy
Rated: T+
Warning: Character Death
Words: 365
Prompt: Cobalt Blue
Katara's lips were cobalt blue under the dim light of the Ba Sing Se Crystal Catacombs.
Her spirit seemed to be detaching itself from her as she worked life back into Zuko's using the Spirit Water that had been gifted to her to save his life. So far, it was working: him limbs had warmed, and his heart, although sluggish, was forcing blood through his veins, drawing his spirit back to their realm.
Yet the toll on Katara's body was evident, and as she continued to work, it drained her more and more.
"Stop," Zuko whispered, unable to move. His body felt too heavy, too weak.
"No," she managed, groaning. A tear rolled down her cheek.
After a few more moments, the water melded with Zuko's body, and although he felt as if Death would be more of a comfort, he was alive. Katara smiled, chuckling weakly. "I'm so happy," she whispered. "I'm glad that this was my final act."
Zuko forced himself upright, struggling to lift his torso. He slumped into Katara, wrapping his arms around her. "Don't say that," he hissed, tears rolling down his cheek. "I…I have to repay you."
Katara nodded no, looking over his shoulder at the splendor of the caverns. Crystal in all shades of blue jutted from all around, making the area ethereal and otherworldly. It's a pleasant place to go, Katara thought. Better here than elsewhere.
Katara inhaled one final time, chest filling with life. As it left her lungs, she felt her spirit lift, and her body slumped into Zuko. He screamed, shaking her hard, but she was no longer here. Rather, her spirit had flown from a tangible realm to a place where Lionturtles and myth still existed.
She flew away, quick and sure, so fast that she didn't even see Zuko's tears as her body began to crystallize, chilling until it was stiff and hard as ice. Zuko laid her on the ground gently, afraid that if he dropped her, she'd shatter and truly be gone. "Katara," he whispered, sobbing into her hardened shoulder.
"Why did you go?"
Only a cool wind answered as it meandered through the caverns, signaling the Avatar had come.
