I was reading "Rises With the Heart" by Jimi's Little Wing and discovered he/she hasn't been on in 2 years and left this awesome story unfinished. So I wrote this up for personal pleasure to help further the story. I deserve no credit for the plot but this deliciously angsty Zuko is all mine

I'm not going to give a preface because that would give away the plot of the original story this blurb was inspired by. So if you get confused- sorry. Go read the story. I tried to give some back story using character's comments and narration but I'm not gonna give everything to you.

As always, I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender…

Zuko... she calls. He looks around himself in confusion. The only thing interrupting the darkness immediately surrounding him is her. She stands in the darkness before him, light emanating from her outstretched palms.

Zuko... she beckons once more. He obeys her quiet summon, but with each approaching footstep her light becomes diminished. He looks into her eyes trying to understand what she wants from him, but her face is a mask devoid of emotion. Standing before her he tentatively reaches out to her. As his hand draws closer to hers the light is extinguished in her palms but the imposing darkness doesn't swallow them. Zuko looks around him in confusion searching for the source of the light. When glances down he is shocked discover that he now possesses the light she had held.

A sharp scream brings his attention back to Katara. She stands naked before him but he feels no arousal as his eyes take in her sickly form. She has contracted the horrific plague that had nearly been the undoing of his country. He watches as the disease progresses at a lightning quick pace until she is in the final stages of its horrific grasp.

Katara! he shouts in despair. Oh Spirits! Zuko pleads. In response to his wordless prayer the light in his palms glows brighter. Intuitively, he knows the light will save her.

Take mine! he shouts tugging at his now-glowing clothes. But she can't hear him. Another scream pierces his mind as the pain of death wracks her body. The anguished sound tears him apart and before Zuko can do anything her body is suddenly engulfed in flames. Laughter echoes around him. The same disturbing laugh that had haunted his dreams for three years now.

Azula! He shouts.

Behind you. a whisper unexpectedly tickles his ear. He swivels around and Azula stands poised for a lethal blow. Her arm swings forward and-

"My Lord," a quiet voice says. "The sun is up."

Zuko wakes with a grunt. He lays sweating in his sheets; hands gripping his pillows like vices.

It was just a dream, he thinks as he takes a shaky breath trying to calm himself.

"Thank you, Gi," he says in a croaky voice. The servant bows low, deposits a tray of food on the stand next to Zuko's enormous bed, and quietly exits the room.

Zuko takes another breath and sits up against his pillows. Leaning his head back against the massive wood headboard he closes his eyes. It was rare for the sun to rise without him, but when he dreamed about the horrible events of the past or his fears of the future his mind stayed trapped in the nightmare until it ran its course. The palace physicians had been concerned about his health as the Fire Lord tossed and turned in violent fits while he slept.

His nightmares had become less frequent in the past months, however. He'd hoped they would eventually stop but now there was this new nightmare.

"Good morning, Fire Lord Zuko," Zuko's introspection is cut short as his personal assistant enters. "I trust you had a pleasant night?"he asks as he walks around to the right side of the bed.

"Read me today's schedule." Zuko commands ignoring the man's attempt to gain favor. He'd always found it obnoxious when Rakun tried to be overly friendly. His ambition was all too apparent.

"Uh, y-yes," he says rustling through his full folder. "Forgive me my Lord. Before I do, may I ask if Lady Narya is to have a permanent residence in the west chambers or should I have the guards escort her out of the palace?"

"Who?" Zuko sits up from his mountain of pillows and looks at Rakun. The man seemed to shrink under his fiery gaze.

"The woman from- ah, well the diplomatic gift from the Southern Water Tribe." He tries to avoid outright saying he had accepted another harlot for Zuko against his wishes. "It was waiting for you-"

Rakun is cut short as Zuko roughly throws back the covers and moves to tower over the babbling servant. He is apparently unaware that he isn't wearing a stitch of clothing.

"Who was in here last night?" he asks praying the memories flooding his mind were just part of his most recent nightmare.

"It was-"

"Forgive my intrusion, my Lord. I should have had myself announced."

Zuko spins around when he hears the sultry voice coming from his doorway. She stands there with a smirk playing at the edges of her mouth. Her hazelnut brown hair pours over her shoulder and falls down her body inviting his eyes to travel in the same direction.

Ruby colored jewels rest comfortable at her throat, at her wrists and in her hair. The deep red material of her strapless top clings greedily to her breasts, while the luminous thread woven throughout the garment hangs loosely at the edges. The beads woven into those loose threads dangle across her bare stomach reaching toward the hem of her loose pants drawing his own eyes down past the dark, taught skin of her torso. The pants, made of equally thin and clinging material, billow as she walks toward him.

He drinks in the sight of her. She saunters slowly toward him jewels tinkling, and sits on the bed- the only thing separating them. When his eyes finally return to her face he notices she holds his gaze despite his own state of undress.

Eventually Zuko remembers that they are not alone. "Rakun you are dismissed."

"Do you still wish to hear the-"

"Leave!" Zuko barks. Needing no further instruction Rakun flees the room. Closing the door to the Fire Lord's bedchamber he mutters to no one in particular, "He is not as immune to beautiful women as he likes to think…"

Back in the young Fire Lord's bedchamber a charged silence waits to be broken. "You will come when summoned. Not of your own volition." Zuko turns away from Katara and throws open his closet doors to reveal a compartment full of similar black and red robes.

Refusing to be provoked Katara shoots back, "I see you've got difficult decisions to make. I can wait," she says in reference to his wardrobe.

Reclining on his unmade bed she closes her eyes and listens while he bangs around the immense bedroom. Hangers clang together. Drawers open and slam shut. Then with sudden swiftness he is on top of her; his face inches from her own. She's somewhat surprised at his directness but experience keeps her expression cool.

"Isn't that a little backwards? Usually you take off your clothes before straddling a woman."

Katara has that half smirk again as she taunts him. She can feel him trembling with anger. He's never been good at taking a joke, she sighs mentally.

Exhaling in exasperation she begins to slide out from under him, but he grabs her around the waist and pulls her back down before she can move more than a few inches. Not in the mood to be man handled she uses the momentum of his tugging arm to slide downward through his legs. Standing, she flicks her hair off her shoulder and adjusts her clothes. Suddenly he's behind her. She'd forgotten how fast he was.

Roughly spinning her around he forces a kiss on her. The kiss holds no affection and they both know it. It's a show of power.

"Two can play at that game," she snaps accepting his challenge. Matching his ferocity she pushes him back against his dresser. It rattles loudly in response to the abuse. His hands tangle themselves in her hair while hers sneak past the flaps of his robe and cling to his well-muscled chest. Using his grip in her dark tresses he pulls her head back to expose her dark neck. She is left gasping as he finally releases her mouth to worship her neck instead.

"What will your subjects think if you shirk your duties to fool around with a water tribe concubine?" she asks breathlessly.

"I don't care," he snarls back. His grip tightens in her hair painfully. Her hands involuntarily cling to him more fiercely.

"Then maybe we should send a messenger hawk to Azula and let her know she can have the throne anytime. Zuko has other plans." Her words get the reaction she wanted. He lets go of her and steps away. She looks up at him with seriousness while he glares back with mild distaste. Suddenly exhausted, he releases an exasperated sigh and walks over to his recently replaced sitting table.

"It never ends." He confesses morosely.

He sinks down onto the chair she had sat in the previous night. "The plague is finally under control and now this. I have more important things to do than track down my sister's ghost ship!" He throws his arms in the air in a frustrated gesture. "There's the crumbling economy, my impoverished citizens, restructuring the political system. Unemployment is soaring with the returning soldiers who we can't even pay. Ozai is still a very present influence, especially among those who would see me deposed or worse. Then there's trying to command the convoluted politics within my government. And that's just in my own kingdom."

He slumps forward and lets his head fall into his large hands. "That's not counting all the grievances we're already receiving now that the blockade is removed. The earth kingdom will demand hundreds of thousands in war reparations. The water tribes even more. How do I begin to repair the damage done to the air nomads? And every single one of those things is going to have to wait because our nation is bankrupt. Even if I find a solution and spend every waking moment focused on this there will always be more obstacles that come up. Things like Azula, or-or-"

Katara kneels down in front of him and cuts him off with a kiss. He was overwhelming himself. "Let me handle Azula. That will be one thing off your shoulders." She looks up at him and offering a genuine smile.

"I don't need your protection," he shouts as he shoots up from his chair. "I need- I need..." he trails off while he paces in agitation.

Katara watches his tense form try to cope with the stress. He clenches and unclenches his fists. She smiles a little forlornly as he pushes his hands through his long hair. It had always been a telltale sign of his frustration. His hair is so long now that he pulls it back in a low, loose ponytail. Some strands been pulled out thanks to his agitated habit and poked out awkwardly.

Katara resists the urge to tease him as she watches his pacing grow less focused. Finally he gives up the action altogether and slumps against the far wall, slowly sliding down its smooth surface until he's sitting against it like a pouting child.

"I wish my Uncle was here." Zuko confesses in a whisper as he pulls his knees toward him. Katara's eyes shimmer with emotion. She knew Iroh's death had affected Zuko more than he was willing to admit. She also knew Zuko could only have a few, if any, confidants within his social circles. Now more than ever he needed someone to help shoulder the burden; offer him wisdom. Iroh could have been all of these things for him but he became just another thing Ozai took away from him.

Walking over to him she places a hand on his cheek, "You can do this Zuko. I know you can. One thing at a time." Putting his hand over her own he leans into her touch.

"You don't know what it's been like." He wants to add 'without you' but can't bring himself to say it. He already felt way too vulnerable and out of control. He was putty in her deft hands and the cool touch only weakened him further. He removes her hand and stands. "I have duties to attend to."

"I know," she replies. "I just wanted to check on you. Last night was…unexpected." Her eyes search his and he grew uncomfortable under her scrutiny. She'd always been too perceptive.

"Your concern is misplaced. Last night was nothing. You should return to your room." he replies coldly.

Her expression becomes pained as she steps toward him. "Do you put up your walls so quickly?"

He dismisses her with a nod. "I'll send for you when I have time. Leave me." He's grateful she didn't reach out to touch him again. He didn't want her to realize the power she had over him. For a moment she simply stands there looking at him with her big, blue eyes. They hold no guile. He can see it, but it's too dangerous to let her hold his heart the way he had before.

"Go." He says roughly.

Deciding its best to give him space she pauses before she opens the double doors of his bedchamber. He notices the way she seems so small next to their massive size. Glancing over her shoulder but not entirely looking him in the eye, she quietly says, "I will never leave you."

Then she's gone and the doors click shut.

"Fire Lord Zuko, I most adamantly press for a strengthening of border patrol. With the removal of the blockade any revenge seeking peasant could sail into our borders without difficulty. And with the rumors of your sister's return it would be best if we are proactive about our nation's risk and your own safety."

Several of the members of Zuko's council mutter agitatedly at the mention of Azula's ghostly reappearance. Zuko tries not to let his annoyance show on his face as he looks around the long table of the ancient council room. The last thing he wants is for Azula's reappearance to become common knowledge. If they're lucky Katara and whatever help she has can take out Azula before she becomes more than a rumor. The thing is Zuko had never been very lucky.

Zuko focuses his attention back on the old general. "I understand your concern, General Shu, but we just don't have the resources to reinforce the border right now. We're unorganized when it comes to our military division and the only soldiers we can rely on are here in the Fire Nation and they're stretched thin enough already.

The soldiers who were abandoned in the various nations because of the blockade will be returning soon. We can't even begin to predict how many that will be. What we need to do is create a system to track the number of soldiers flowing into the nation. It will allow us to more accurately predict how they will affect the already unstable economy. It would also allow us to understand their mood as they return since their arrival will deeply affect the public.

If I was in their position I don't know if I would come back. They sacrificed a great deal for a nation that abandoned them in foreign kingdoms that still consider them an enemy. We need to maintain peace and mutual goodwill between the crown and public.

Additionally I propose we send out delegates to help Fire Nation citizens and soldiers attempt to peacefully integrate into the other nations. General Shu can I rely on you to take care of the soldiers coming back into the nation?"

"Yes my Lord, but I will require-"

"You are granted the men and supplies you'll need. Please bring it up with the chairman after the session. As for the delegates I suggest Shinzu though I will leave up to your disgression to assess some of your men for qualities that would suit our needs." Zuko looked down at the documents in front of him. "If that is all then this session is dismissed for today."

The wizened men begin to pack up their belongings. A deliberate cough brings Zuko's attention back to the men around him. General Shu is staring pointedly at him.

"General is there something else you'd like to discuss?" Zuko hates having to play nice for the sake of politics. The general had been an important leader in the 100 year war. A fact that did not endear him to the new Fire Lord.

"With all due respect Fire Lord Zuko," the General stands as he begins to speak, "I do not think we should ignore the rumors of your sister's return. One of the many things I have learned in my career is that truth or not, if the public believes something, then it becomes a reality. We may not believe the rumor but as you know Ozai's influence and the influence of the war is still very prevalent. If Azula's rumor becomes widespread then that could cause any number of reactions in the people. Widespread fear. Motivation for those who oppose you. It can give a plausible story for anyone wishing to use the rumor to their advantage. Are you prepared to deal with the consequences of this story?"

The room has fallen silent as one of the more respected elders in the room finishes speaking. Councilmen fall still as they for their Lord's response. Zuko notices several of them looking to the General for further direction.

He grits his teeth. He and Katara hadn't really done much talking last night... He'd hoped that Azula's 'rumor' wouldn't be brought up for another few days so that he and Katara could form a plan.

Now here he is cursing himself for not being more focused last night. But dammit, how else was he supposed to react when the woman he'd loved from a distance for three long years suddenly appeared in his bedchamber looking more beautiful than ever- and basically naked for that matter? Zuko's mind becomes a slightly muddled as he thinks about the way her body looked in the moonlight...

There's a loud cough. "Your highness...?" General Shu tries to avoid being rude as he points out Zuko's extended silence.

"Uh-yes. Well-" shit! Zuko thinks to himself. Scrambling, he gathers his thoughts. "At this point the story of Azula's return from the dead is a minor rumor. As you know the international peace conferences will officially convene in two week. I had hoped to receive further details on this rumor and organize a plan of action involving the other nations since she is a threat to the recently established peace. Until then I already have messengers working around the clock to collect the facts. It is as Councilman Tanzuk has always said, educating the public is key for maintaining peace. Knowledge is power. We can prevent most of the problems you pointed out with the truth."

"Very good, my Lord. But what about acts of terrorism under the pretense of this story? Contained or not there are still people who have heard it. The fear in them will believe it despite logic," the general states.

"Then we should be grateful our soldiers here on the island are so well trained thanks to you. With the returning soldiers we will be able to regroup and retain the order we've accomplished. The removal of the blockade is a good thing. Let us not forget all the positive events this represents: the containment of the plague, reuniting the scattered people of our nation and reuniting our nation with the world. Thank you General for your wisdom but the problem is under control. Perhaps you all can make use of your break for the day by considering ideas on how to help our nation generate some revenue. Good afternoon gentlemen." With that Zuko strides out of the room flanked by his assistant Rakun.

"You were brilliant in there, your highness." Zuko does not respond. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Rakun titters nervously.

Whirling around Zuko fixes him with a glare and replies sarcastically, "No Rakun is there anything I can do for you?"

The servant falls back a step in surprise. "N-no my Lord." he stammeres.

"Then go make yourself useful elsewhere." Zuko barks before briskly walking toward his office. Rakun continues to shadow him.

"Your highness, I thought you would like to know that Lady Narya has requested to stay in the bedchamber adjoining yours. The servants have begun to move her things..."

Zuko stops dead in his tracks. Without turning to face his nervous servant he asks in a disturbingly calm voice, "Maybe in the future, Rakun, you should choose a better time to tell me you failed to prevent a bunch of servants and a water tribe concubine from usurping my authority."

"But-I..."the cowering assistant struggles to respond.

"You what? You assumed I wanted my new toy sticking her nose in my private affairs?" Zuko turns to face his servant who takes an involuntary step back as his fury washes over him. "Never mind. In the future, however, maybe you can try to remember who is in charge here instead of letting a pretty face cloud your judgment." Zuko turns with a swish of his robes and barrels down the hall toward his bedchamber.

"Yes please put the vanity there and I'd like that vase over in that corner next to the lotus plant. You are being so helpful. Thank you." Unaware of the storm headed her way Katara patiently directs the servants moving her belongings. "Please be careful with that box," she said referring to a small, expensive looking chest.

A servant near the open doorway cocks her head as she becomes aware of thundering footsteps. Setting down the vase she is carrying she peers out the doorway. She recognizes the Fire Lord and his unmistakably foul mood. Her eyes flit to away from him in respect and fear.

Turning back to those in the room she says quickly, "My Lady, forgive me, I believe the Fire Lord is headed this way and he looks displeased."

Katara looks up from her checklist, smile fading and replies, "Thank you, Ru. You are all dismissed for now."

It only takes a few moments for the servants to dart out of the room and escape the oncoming wrath. Sighing, Katara picks one of the abandoned boxes and moves to continue arranging her room.

Crash!

Katara refuses to be startled as the doors to her room slam against the wall as they are thrown open. Very calmly, she set the box in her arms in a pile and turns to face the angry Fire Lord. He steps forward and throws the door shut behind him.

"What the hell is this, Katara?" he wastes no time getting to the point. "I just spent hours with the Elders' Council playing politics with a bunch of men who want to see me fail, but I guess despite my hard work I'm going to look like a fool anyway thanks to you! Did you think you could just waltz into my palace and do whatever you like?" Zuko towers over Katara glaring furiously down at her. She can feel angry waves of heat rolling off of him.

"Zuko I'm sorry I didn't ask permission. I have very little to fill my time and thought I should begin to reinforce my cover story. This seemed like a good alternative to taking up residence in your bed. It's also convenient for us to discuss confidential topics and for me to keep tabs on your safety." She knows mentioning her role as protector won't help his foul mood but she doesn't want to pretend that it isn't part of her mission.

As anticipated his face gets red with anger but instead of blowing up he quickly steadies his raging temper. Stepping back he lets his eyes survey the room, then slowly wander up and down her appearance suggestively.

"Your 'cover story,'" he emphasizes the words as if he doesn't believe the innocence of the words, "shouldn't be too hard for you to act out, since you always did act like a princess." Zuko crosses his arms as he rests on one of her boxes feeling pretty pleased with himself. He knows she won't be able to stand a comment like that and he's eager for a confrontation after enduring the pretense in his council room.

"Excuse me?" she asks barely concealing the outrage in her voice.

"I mean you've always been pretty good at telling people what to do, and here you've got an endless supply of servants waiting for orders. And apparently, now you think you'll get the ultimate pleasure of having the Fire Lord at your beck and call. Does that just get you going?" he asks nastily. Ignoring her attempted protests he goes on, "And let's be honest, you enjoy being well-liked and admired by those around you. But maybe it's not just admiration you're after. I've heard all about your beloved Foggy Swamp Tribe. You were always preaching about hope and love but they really showed you what love is didn't they? After all this time with them you want to teach everyone all about love don't you Lady Narya?"

The echo of her slap bounces around the room for what seems like an eternity.

"How dare you," she hisses in a low, menacing voice. "I don't know if this is about your stupid pride your even more ridiculous jealousy, but I won't listen to any more. Dammit, Zuko I came here as an official ambassador of the Southern Water Tribe, of the Peace Councils and until tonight; I came here as your friend."

"Come on Katara," he says cutting off her lecture. He grabs her by the shoulders and slowly let's his hands caress her thin arms. "Three years is a long time. You're allowed to change," he pulls a wrist up to his face and inhales her heady scent before placing a possessive kiss on it.

"You've made that very clear tonight," she replies as she yanks her arm away.

Betrayal is clearly etched on her face as she stares up at him. Shrugging out of his grasp she says quietly, "Maybe you're right. Maybe I should stay in the western corridors."

When he makes no protest she walks past him toward the doorway. "If you'll excuse me, my Lord," she says the title like a curse, "I need to find some servants to boss around and get my belongings out of here!"

"Enjoy yourself," he taunts back without turning to watch her leave.

She whirls around angrily, eyes ablaze. "We're supposed to be allies! Mutually beneficial! Do you have anyone in whom you can trust? Do you have any confidants? Friends? Why won't you let me be those for you? If not for the mission, then because I- because…" She clenches her jaw fighting back tears. She will not give him the pleasure of watching her cry.

"Because you what?" he challenges as he faces her.

He watches her shimmering eyes turn heavenward. "Why La do you make me love such a stupid man?" she shouts and then flees the room.

Zuko stands alone in the half empty room while the severity of what he's done sinks in. I'm such an idiot, he thinks as he runs his hand through his hair.

"Forgive my intrusion your highness." It's Rakun. "We've received several messages requiring your attention." He waits awkwardly in the doorway expecting a venomous rebuff.

For a moment- silence. Then, "Thank you, Rakun." Zuko stands, straightens his robes and heads out of the room.

A surprised Rakun follows. He reluctantly asks, "Will Lady Narya be staying in your adjoining chambers?"

"No," Zuko says. "No, she's decided to go back to where she came from."

So like I said I deserve no credit for the storyline but I hope you enjoyed it! I'd really recommend the original story. It's phenomenal! It's a little darker, a little more venemous. Reviews!

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