The Dragon and the Siren

Chapter IV

o0o0o0o

Instead of responding to him when her name escaped his lips, Katara lay down on the blankets, pointedly presenting her back to him before she curled up into a fetal position. She loosely folded her wings to her shoulders and closed her eyes. She had tried fighting, fleeing, and simply talking. None of them had served to give her her freedom. Hopefully, if she ignored him, he would be bored with her and kick her out, or lose interest and turn his attentions elsewhere.

The Fire Lord was silent for several moments as he noted what she was doing.

"You don't have to stop singing. I would like to hear more." the Fire Lord stated earnestly as he approached the bed. He was met with silence.

Zuko started to understand what she was doing, but he would not be deterred. He crawled onto the bed, sitting but an arm's reach away from her as he looked down at her form.

"I thought your voice was beautiful. I had no idea that you could sing. Please, finish the song that you were singing." he asked softly, hoping to coax her out of her silence with a compliment. She continued staring at the cavern wall, making no indication that she had heard him. His eyes moved along the line and gossamer-covered curve of her back and hip, down to her legs, and her small brown feet. Her arms were wrapped around herself in a clearly defensive move.

"Don't be afraid of me, Katara. Look at me. Why won't you?" he pleaded. Could what he had done to her be so terrible? As she remained silent, he reached out, gently running his fingers along her shoulder. At this contact, she gasped and flinched away from him.

"Am I really so repulsive?" he asked quietly. Katara was intending to ignore him, but there was something about the tone of his voice. He sounded so… plaintive and hurt, that she could not help but look over her shoulder at him. Yes, his scar was hard to miss, but he was a handsome man, with or without it.

Zuko actually looked wounded at her rejection and she held back a sigh. She had never thought that someone who was so fierce and strong could look so vulnerable. His face was mostly expressionless, but his eyes told her of his pain. She quickly looked away, trying to shut him out. She couldn't let his... stupid feelings get to her. She was the victim here, not him!

Without saying a word, Katara climbed off the pile, though she noticed the door was closed, not that it surprised her. She knew that she would not be able to open it on her own. She looked around the cavern room, scanning for another way out even though she knew there were none.

"I know you're… upset about being here, but have I ever threatened you? Do you have any reason to be afraid of me?" he called after her as she wandered along the other side of the room. Surprisingly, he did not go after her. She did not respond to him, though she processed his question inside of her head.

Their encounters had been few. She would never forget the time she almost flew into him, when she was younger. She was still embarrassed about that. Did he remember that as vividly as she did? One of the things she had learned was that the first impressions one made was usually the one most remembered, and she remembered him as strong and intimidating. He had not been mean to her and he had accepted her apology, but his aura had almost overwhelmed her. It was hard for a young girl to be in such close proximity to such a god like Zuko and not feel that.

It had been like that every time she saw him at the Gatherings. Iroh was jovial and always ready to socialize, but Zuko was the exact opposite. He always looked as if he would rather be anywhere else but at the gathering of deities. But the Fire Lord had always seemed interested in her presence, even if he did not show it outwardly. She remembered often feeling as if she was being watched, and a few times, their gazes would actually meet.

Their interactions had been very limited, with no more than a few words exchanged between them since their first encounter. Certainly, neither of them would have enough information about the other. How could Zuko decide to take her as his mate when he knew next to nothing about her? Was she the first girl to be brought here or did he have a harem of imprisoned brides?

This thought did not sit well with her and she sighed softly as her eyes moved along the treasures.

"Is something wrong? Do you have something to say or ask me?" Zuko asked. Again, silence was her response, so he decided to stop asking questions, and observe her to figure out his strategy of winning her over.

Zuko truly needed her. Others might say he did not know her well, but he did. At least in one way. He did not know her favorite color, or her favorite food or such small details, he would learn them soon enough. He did know that she was a fierce and independent Maiden. Intelligent as well. He knew she would often sneak away from her harem and explore and play on her own. Without her knowledge, he would sometimes use his telescope to watch her. Her spirit called out to him. He knew all that he needed to know when he had made his decision to act on his pent-up desires, but he now saw that he needed to know more to actually woo her over to him. It was one thing to have her in his custody, but he wanted her to be happy with him as well.

He propped his head up on one elbow, watching her wander along his treasures. She moved along on light feet, not touching anything though he could see that she was curious about the various objects he had scattered about. He knew that the Water Tribe culture and craft was very different and he smiled to himself as she noticed a deep scarlet and gold robe. She seemed about to touch it, but she moved on. He had robes for her, of luxurious silk and velvet, but he decided to hold off his gifts for now.

Katara paused as she stared at a curious instrument that was lying across a chest that had been draped in a red velvet cloth. It was made out of dark wood, with a body shaped like a pear cut in half. It had a long neck with several tabs on it, and she noticed strings along the neck, leading all the way down the body to terminate near the bottom. Along the edges in an understated but elegant design was wrought gold. It was simple compared to some of the other treasures she had just seen, but it was a beautiful instrument. Her tribe did not have instruments such as this, but she did recognize that it was to used for music.

She did not touch it, but she stared at it for several moments, tilting her head curiously. Seeing that her curiosity was piqued now, the Fire Lord silently rose from the bed, making his way towards the young Goddess. When she noticed him approach, she backed away.

"Don't do that, Katara. I'm not going to harm you." Zuko said quietly as he picked up the instrument. She was silent as he sat down on the chest, placing the instrument in the proper position in his hand and arm, the bottom resting on his lap.

This instrument, called a pipa, had been a gift from his mother. She was the one who had taught him how to play. It had been a secret, since his father had looked down at bohemian types, especially wandering artists. To the former Fire Lord, art was only to be used functionally. It was not to be used for pleasure, and had he known that Zuko was being taught to play a musical instrument, he would have literally smashed it to pieces or set it ablaze. Ozai would also have had the mortal craftsman who created this brought before him, so he could punish the poor man. In the former Fire Lord's eyes, men were supposed to pursue what he deemed to be manly pursuits, and music didn't count as one in his eyes.

It had been a while since he played. The pipa reminded him of his mother, and he ran his fingers along the strings, tightening them and flicking his finger along the row of strings to make sure it was correctly tuned. Ozai certainly would be spinning in his proverbial grave if he knew that his son was playing such an instrument for his own pleasure, as well as the pleasure of a Water Goddess.

She remained silent, but he noticed that she was watching him curiously. He stared at her silently. He had never played the pipa for anyone else but his mother and uncle. Iroh had tried to teach the younger god to play the Tsungi horn, with no success. The horn did not suit him, for he preferred the more challenging pipa, enjoying the dexterity of fingers that it required. On the back of the pipa near the neck was a small compartment that contained an ivory pick that fit over his finger, and he drew it out.

The young Fire Lord flicked the pick along the strings, trying out a simple melody at first. To his satisfaction, she was still watching. Feeling more confident, he quickly moved on to a more complex melody. She started moving away to his dismay, and he took this to mean that she was not interested, or she was choosing to reject him again. But a moment later she sat down on the cushion closest to her, her attention still on him. He smiled just a little and continued playing, closing his eyes and strumming the strings. He remembered his mother well, reminiscing about the times she would sit with him, showing him how to hold the pipa, the way to press on the strings and pluck his fingers and pick across the row of strings. A pick produced a sharper sound, and this in combination with three fingers on one hand could create a rich variety of melodies.

The young Fire God remembered the excitement he had felt at being able to play a simple song, and the look of pleasure on his mother's face when he would play for her.

Katara listened to him in rapt silence, watching as his fingers flew along the strings at a graceful speed she hadn't imagined possible. They flicked along as he moved into a melody of his own making, using the pipa as his mouthpiece. His digits danced along the taut cords in an almost hypnotic manner, starting out slow at first, but the notes increased in speed and crescendo, taking graceful leaps and dips. He chose the notes that best reflected his feelings. Manipulating the strings, he chose the slow and deep ones for the years he had longed for her, and the higher ones for the joy he had felt whenever he lay his eyes upon her.

Katara was stunned. She knew that there were instruments that her own Nation did not possess, but she had never imagined that one could be played so beautifully, or that a fearsome god such as Zuko could handle one so well. Not only that, but she could also feel the emotion that the Fire Lord put into his effort, and feel his sad longing through his music. Unbidden, she felt her eyes start to water and she blinked quickly, lest he see how affected she was.

The Fire Lord stopped playing, letting his music wind down to a smooth ending, before he opened his eyes again to look down at her. Her blue eyes met his golden ones, and he offered her a small smile, as if asking her if she liked his song. He had poured his heart out for her, and he hoped she appreciated his effort. To his relief, he saw no disgust or repulsion in her face. Was that his imagination, or did he see curiosity and appreciation in her gaze?

Carefully setting the pipa back down on the chest, he rose to his feet and moved towards her. She started to get up, but he shook his head, sitting down on the large cushion with her.

"Did you like it?" he asked hesitantly, hoping she would not continue to ignore him. She slowly turned her head up, looking into his eyes before she nodded slowly.

"Where did you learn how to play?" she asked, and he exulted in the fact that she was interested in learning something about him.

"My mother… she loved to play, and she taught me how to." Zuko replied with a wistful smile. As their gazes held, he reached out to touch her arm. She flinched a bit at the unexpected touch, but to his relief, she did not move away.

"Come here." Zuko coaxed, wanting her to close the distance between their bodies.

"I cannot stay with you." Katara stated, shaking her head. He caressed her arm in what he hoped she would find a soothing gesture.

"I would never hurt you. You don't need to be scared of your new home. You will have all of your needs met."

"I miss my family." Katara whispered, looking down at her hands. He squeezed her arm gently.

"They would take you from me."

"You took me from them!" she countered.

"Did you expect to live with your father for the rest of eternity? Forever a little girl?" he asked. To his satisfaction, she actually seemed surprised by the question, as if it had never occurred to her.

"Well… no. But… I certainly didn't expect… this."

"I wanted you."

"You kidnapped me!"

"Your father won't let men court you. He would let no man hope for your hand. Especially those not of your clan."

"You made a foolish choice. You don't know me. Have you ever kidnapped anyone else? Am I the first bride?"

"Yes, you are the first bride. And you're the first woman I have ever desired. Katara… I've wanted you for so long. I've always wanted you… but I held back every time I saw you. You seemed afraid of me and I thought you found me… repulsive."

Katara looked up at him, studying his features. Despite the obvious blemish on his face, she couldn't think he was hideous.

"You're not ugly. And I was not afraid of you. It's just… you seemed to prefer being alone. Your uncle and the other Fire Gods were friendlier. But you… you seemed to not enjoy the Gatherings. You would usually sat by yourself. I thought you liked being alone…"

Zuko let his breath out in a slow exhale. She did have a point.

"It's… just how I am. I was always a little shy. After this happened to me..." He gestured to his scar, "I found it easier being by myself. I was fine with being alone… at least until you came along. You're different than all the other women I've seen."

Katara did not know why, but she found herself rather flattered at this. His arms slid around her waist and he brought her close, his embrace firm yet gentle.

"Is it so hard to give me a chance? I could not court you; your father would not let me. So... let me court you now. At least let me try… I will treat you like the goddess you are." Zuko said, his tone almost pleading. She remained silent for several moments.

"Please…" he whispered, stroking her hair in an reverent manner. She knew she should pull away, but the petting did feel nice. And she did believe him when he said he was not going to harm her.

"You really mean it?" she asked softly. He nodded.

"I do. I never, ever wanted to hurt you. My actions were rash. And I am sorry. I honestly never meant to frighten you."

Katara blinked back tears as he rested his chin on her shoulder, and she felt his warm breath on the side of her neck. She didn't know what to do, what to think. He spoke in such a way that made his feelings for her seem so sincere... Hmm. If Zuko truly was as kind as he claimed to be, then perhaps she could let him court her. Just a little bit, so she could learn a bit more about him and her situation. Then maybe she could find a way out of here sooner than later!

Well, that decision might also in part have something to do with how her body was responding to his voice and touch, but she wasn't about to acknowledge that...

"How long have you... wanted me?" she inquired. He was quiet for a moment.

"I wanted you from the moment I met you." he whispered, stroking her hair.

"That was so long ago." She hated to admit it, but she liked the way he was touching her so reverently. It felt nice, and better than when her Maidens would comb or stroke her hair.

"I can't believe you remember the first time we met. I was so embarrassed... I was hoping you would forget that…" she said with a weak chuckle.

He lifted his head to look at her before he smiled. It was a genuine smile, not the tight-lipped, grim smiles he would bear in the company of others when the situation called for.

"How could I? You had… have the most beautiful eyes, something I cannot soon forget."

This comment brought a smile to her face, and she let him hug her a bit more tightly.

"I never would have thought you really liked me..." she whispered. He nodded slowly, realizing that perhaps if he had made more of an effort to talk to her before, she might have felt more comfortable around him.

"Why did you decide to take me just now?"

"I couldn't take the loneliness any longer." he admitted. When he gently pulled her into his lap, she did not protest, and his embrace remained chaste, his touch protective and careful. She closed her eyes, thinking about his beautiful music playing as he rocked her just slightly.

"Will you... play more music? On that thing?" she asked, looking at the pipa curiously, then up at him.

"It's called a pipa. Would you like me to?"

"You play beautifully and I liked listening to it very much…"

"I will be glad to play it for you again. But I ask for one thing in return…" the Fire Lord said as he looked down at her. She felt the warm flush in her cheeks intensify by a degree. What would he ask of her?

"Sing for me." Zuko whispered. She stared at him for a moment before she nodded slowly.

He smiled at her and let her crawl out of his lap. He placed his pipa where she had just been sitting, and nodded to her. Closing her eyes, she started to sing, a song that she had learned from her own mother, and she heard the notes from his pipa, intertwining with her voice. He was able to fit in so flawlessly, that she was stunned, but she was unable to stop singing. Not even the water nymphs had been able to accompany her singing in such a profound or ethereal way.

Who knew how long it lasted, but their music wound down to a graceful finish and Katara sat there as if in a trance. He rested his hand on the side of the instrument, glancing at her thoughtfully, his face set in a peaceful expression. She had never thought that someone could fit in with her song so well, and she glanced back at him, their gazes meeting and holding one another to the spot. She was barely aware of him setting his pipa aside.

Katara let him take her into his arms again, this time facing him so her cheek was against his shoulder. Maybe she could give him a chance...

Katara closed her eyes, letting him rock her. He just wanted her affection. Was it so hard to understand, or so much to ask for? Would allowing him to court her be so terrible? Deep down inside, she knew it would not be terrible at all. Struggle or surrender, Zuko had said. She still didn't want to just surrender, of course, but if it seemed as if she did, he might relax his guard and she could find a way out of her captivity...

"Are you hungry?" he asked. She shook her head. She was tired. She was usually asleep by now, and knew that it was now early morning. More than half a day had passed since she had been captured, and she had been through a lot. As if the Fire Lord sensed this, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her bridal-style to the bed.

"Would you like a robe to sleep in?" he asked. She was loath to change in front of him, so she shook her head again. He was tempted to press her, but didn't want another fight. He would try again tomorrow, and leave her be for the night so she could be comfortable.

Zuko lay her down on the bedding in a reverent manner, carefully arranging a pillow just so that her head rested on it comfortably.

"Welcome home, Katara." he stated quietly as he lifted a red velvet blanket, draping it across her lithe form.

"This isn't my home." Katara replied in a small but stubborn voice. He smirked to himself before he removed his shirt, giving her an unobstructed view of his well-sculpted chest. Despite her fatigue, she felt her pulse race at the very sight of a shirtless Fire Lord. It wasn't the first time she had seen a man without his top, for the Warriors would often go around like that on warm days, especially when training or sparring. Unbidden, her eyes moved along the rippling muscles from his shoulder, following the smooth planes downward to his hips where she saw the beginnings of the vee where his torso joined his legs.

His skin was pale despite the time he spent in the sun, and she tried to fight back a blush as she glanced at his nipples, which were the barest shade of pink against his creamy flesh. She could not help but wonder what it would be like to touch him, to run her hands along his chest and trace her fingers along the delicate ridges of his abs. Though his pants were loose-fitting and comfortable, she saw a hint of what sat between his legs, the silk fabric creating a subtle outline of his manhood.

Wait, why the hell am I looking at that! she scolded herself, looking away so he could not see her struggle against the warm flush of her cheeks. She tried to focus her mind on the shirtless Warrior of her tribe and the times she had watched them train and spar, muscles flexing and rippling under tanned skin, giving off a rich bronze hue in the sunlight or a dark but warm brown under the moonlight, flirtatious smiles sent her way with twinkling blue eyes as they vied for the attention of the daughter of Hakoda...

Yet, the more she tried to not think about Zuko, the more the fiery-eyed male dominated her thoughts. Damn Zuko!

The Fire Lord could not help but feel smug as he saw the blush on her face despite her attempts to hide it. Who knew that taking off his shirt would have such an effect on her? Oh ho ho, this was definitely a good start... how would she respond to seeing the rest of him? He hadn't missed the appreciative glint in her eyes, and was determined to earn more appreciation from her, in due time. This thought pleased him as he settled down beside her, waving his hand so the fire dimmed considerably, plunging the room into comfortable darkness, the embers glowing faintly. He needed rest as well, and he settled down comfortably beside the Water Maiden, resting his hand on her arm, his chest mere inches from her back.

"Sleep well, Katara. Sweet dreams." the Fire Lord whispered as he placed a light kiss on her temple. Though she was half-asleep, she murmured out a soft reply which brought a smile to his face.

"Thank you… Zuko."

o0o0o0o

It was now late morning, and the daughter of the Sea God was nowhere to be seen. Hakoda knew that Katara liked to sneak away from her harem of attendants sometimes, but she had never been alone for so long. Since the Water Gods and the mortals that they ruled over followed the Moon, Katara and the water nymphs frequently played outside at late night, but she was always in bed before dawn. Alas, she was nowhere to be seen, and the sun was just now hanging high in the cloudless sky.

Sokka approached his father, bowing his head in reverence to his lord and father.

"The Maidens have searched all along the shore and the caverns after they searched around the area that they had been playing. There is no trace of Katara. They said that they had been playing tag yesterday and she sneaked off as they were doing so, but she had always returned to them soon enough. At least, before now." the young Warrior stated. Hakoda sighed and nodded. His daughter was spirited, and though he was protective, he forgave her the times she liked to sneak off and play by herself, even though he always admonished her.

But now, as he stared out at the midday sun, he had an odd and foreboding feeling deep in the pit of his stomach.