Thanks so much for the reviews! That last chapter was indeed pretty much fangirl service, but I think we all need one of those every now and then. ^_~
Family Reunions
Light was just beginning to filter through the sky when Zuko woke Katara with a gentle nudge, telling her it was time to go. They said little as they ate a small breakfast of bread and cheese together, and then they were clambering back on Scratch and making their way for the eel-hound tracks, ready to begin anew the hunt for her brother and friends.
Katara knew that she should have been happy. They were travelling again; her little adventure was almost at its end and soon she would be reunited with those who had been lost to her. But where anticipation had once glowed inside her, now there was only a sickening dread. Last night had been like a dream. She could still remember how it had felt when Zuko had kissed her: the feel of his mouth on hers, and the way her heart had responded to every touch, every caress. She remembered how they had held each other long afterwards, as well as the hushed conversation they had shared while the darkness thickened and closed around them. It had been strange and wonderful, letting her see a whole new side of him.
But then morning had come, and with it the reality of their situation.
Zuko was still the prince of the Fire Nation; he was still banished from his home until he captured Aang, and though they had not spoken of the matter again, she knew that, whatever his feelings for her, he had not ruled out the option. It was the reason she was reluctant to speak to him of his plans now; the reason they had both silently agreed not to discuss what had happened last night and instead just focus on finding the ones they chased. Neither wanted to fight the other anymore, but they both knew they would if it came to that. There simply was too much resting on Aang's continuing freedom. So Katara fretted and ached, dreading the moment when Zuko's decision would be made clear.
Dreading the thought of having to say goodbye to the dream for good.
Time was not on her side. It seemed like they had barely set out before Zuko observed that the tracks had split again. This time a single set of eel-hound prints had gone in one direction while the other two had headed off in another. Zuko and Katara chose to follow the single set of prints, noticing that there were traces of Appa's white fur littering the same route. It was a gamble, for both recognised that diversionary tactics were being used, but instinct whispered this was the right path. Soon, the chase would be at an end. Soon, she would have her answer.
Wordlessly, Zuko quickened Scratch's pace, pushing the ostrich-horse to its limit so they could bring their hunt to a close as soon as possible. Katara bit back the words she both longed and dreaded to speak—words that would have demanded he see things her way and stop his quest to capture Aang—and resigned herself to watching the landscape change from fertile fields to a dusty expanse of brown. She was still debating whether to confront the prince when the small town came into view, looking like the discarded toy of a giant: rundown and forgotten.
"This is it," Zuko murmured, pulling Scratch to a halt.
Katara blinked in surprise. "Are you sure? But—"
For answer, he pointed to the eel-hound that had been tethered on the outskirts of town. Katara felt a panicky flutter start in her chest, realising that she had run out of time. Azula was somewhere within that abandoned settlement right now, and that meant Aang probably was as well. Even worse, she still had no idea what Zuko was planning to do when he saw the Avatar.
Oblivious to these thoughts, Zuko nudged Scratch back into action and headed towards the decrepit buildings. He slid off the ostrich-horse once they reached a reasonably secluded alcove and told her that it would be better if they continued on foot from here; the element of surprise was crucial if they wanted to overcome Azula, and Scratch wasn't exactly good at being stealthy. Katara barely registered his words, following him more in trance than from any real comprehension. In her mind, she was trapped in a frozen state of panic. She should have never allowed her feelings for Zuko to get in the way of her commonsense; she knew she had to stop running from the question she needed to ask him.
"Zuko, wait!" she said in a rush, grabbing his wrist. "Before we go any further, I need to know that you won't try to capture Aang, even if you're given the opportunity."
He made an exasperated sound. "Look, this isn't the time fo—"
"Just tell me!" She stepped closer, and her voice softened a fraction. "Please, he's my best friend. I don't want to fight you, but I won't help you hurt him either."
Zuko held her gaze for a long moment, and in his eyes she could see his inner turmoil. Confusion, regret, frustration, determination—it was all there swirling in his pale gold irises. It was obvious that a part of him still wanted to complete the quest his father had given him; to finally regain his honour and return to the home from which he had been banished. But there was another part of him that sensed the wrongness of taking such an action. She just didn't know which impulse was stronger.
He looked the other way, hiding his expression from view. "Katara, I—"
Suddenly, there was a shout from behind them, followed by a streak of blue fire. Katara and Zuko shared an alarmed glance, then started running towards the sounds of fighting without a second thought. Both understood there was no time to waste.
"That was Aang!" Katara observed, summoning her water from her flask.
"And that fire had to come from Azula," Zuko responded, clenching his hands into fists. "We better hurry."
He sped up as he spoke, leaving Katara struggling to match his pace. She gritted her teeth and forced her legs to move faster, rounding the corner just in time to see a girl who had to be Azula shoot a fireball towards a stumbling Aang. There was no time for him to dodge, but then a jet of orange rushed between the boy and the sapphire flames, colliding with the attack like a shield and diffusing it to nothing. Azula made a hissing sound like an angry fox-cat and spun around to face her new opponent, even as Aang's eyes widened as he spotted the scarred teen straightening from a bending stance.
"Zuko!" Aang exclaimed. "You—you saved me?"
Zuko ignored the airbender and kept his attention fixed on Azula, who seemed to have got over her initial shock and was now smiling viciously.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Zuzu," she observed in a mocking voice, placing a hand on her hip. "It seems you really have gone full traitor now. Protecting the Avatar?" She shook her head in feigned dismay. "Father would be so disappointed."
Smoke trailed from Zuko's clenched fists. "Back off, Azula! I'm not letting you take the Avatar!"
Her smile widened. "Oh, Zuzu, have you forgotten already what happened the last time you tried to fight me?"
"I don't plan on making the same mistake." His eyes narrowed and he shifted into an offensive stance. "This time I will stop you!"
She laughed and shook her head, amber irises glinting with amusement. "You couldn't beat me even with Uncle to help you. What makes you think you'll win now that you're all alone?"
"He's not alone."
Aang gasped in surprise as Katara stepped out from the shadows, but she spared him only a brief glance before coming to stand beside the prince. Water swirled around her hands in translucent arcs, and she slipped into a half-crouch and met Azula's gaze with hard, determined eyes.
"If you want Aang then you'll have to go through me as well," Katara said grimly. "I won't let you hurt him."
Azula's lips thinned into a harsh line, but the smile was back a second later. "Well, isn't this quaint: enemies working together, and all to protect the Avatar." Her voice took on a dark edge. "But it still won't be enough."
In a flash, Azula shot off three fireballs—so fast that Katara barely had time to react. Her heart thumped against her ribs as one set of the flames crashed against her water shield, hissing and dissipating into steam. By the time Katara had caught her breath, the princess had already shifted into close combat with Zuko and Aang, focussing most of her attention on her brother, but still managing to keep Aang on the defensive with calculated bursts of fire. It was like watching a dance—a cruel, ruthless dance that flashed in sparks of blue and orange but also whispered of the wind. Katara perceived at a glance that the princess was more skilled and experienced than all of them. It was a frightening realisation—especially since Katara had only a small source of water at her disposal—but it was still three against one. If they could just work together, she thought they might have a chance.
Seizing her opening, Katara sent a water whip for Azula's legs, intending to knock the other girl off her feet. As if expecting the attack, the princess somersaulted over the whip and landed back on her feet with her arms outstretched, retaliating with streams of blue fire that went straight for Katara and Aang in a powerful surge of energy. It was too much, too fast. There was a moment where Katara felt the heat of the flames caress her face, even as her mind screamed for her to do something. Then Aang was there and pulling her out of the way, lifting her with him to safety.
"Thanks!" Katara gasped as her feet touched the ground again.
"You're welcome," Aang responded with a grin.
Katara turned to see what had happened to Azula, but she need not have worried for her own safety. It was Zuko whom the princess had chosen to target—Zuko whom she had wanted to hurt all along; the fire had only been a distraction to separate the three of them. Blood pounded in Katara's ears as she watched Zuko desperately try to defend against his sister's assault, losing ground by the second. She shouted his name in warning, but it was too late. A calculated kick, a flash of blue, and then his fire shield disappeared and he fell back against a pile of rubbish and debris in an unmoving heap.
"No!" Katara screamed.
Azula's head whipped up and suddenly more flames were coming towards the waterbender. It seemed the princess had chosen her next target. Before Katara could respond, Aang jumped in front of her and deflected the attack with his staff, then counterattacked with a blast of wind that sent the princess flying.
"I'll draw her away," he muttered to Katara in passing. "You check to see if Zuko is okay."
Katara didn't have time to argue; Aang was already darting off down the street, calling out taunts to Azula to ensure that she followed. A knot of fear twisted in Katara's stomach as she watched the benders leave, twisting and churning in protest against what was happening. She took a step in the same direction, wanting to help so she could make sure that Aang didn't get hurt, but Zuko was just lying there, and—
"Damn it," she hissed, dropping to her knees beside the scarred teen. "Zuko, wake up." She felt for his pulse—still alive, good—and then gripped him by his shoulders. "Come on, Zuko! You need to wake up!" She shook him a little, staring down into his lifeless face. "I know you can hear me, so open your eyes!"
His head lolled to the side, but otherwise there was no response. Katara made a frustrated sound and doused him with some of her water, resisting the urge to scream when he remained unresponsive. She could feel his heartbeat thudding under her palm in a steady rhythm, but it was the booming fireballs echoing in her ears that had her worried. Avatar or not, it didn't sound like Aang would be able to last much longer without some assistance. She had to do something, and she had to do it fast.
"Come on, Zuko," she repeated, giving him another shake. "You have to wake up! Aang needs us!"
The fingers on his left hand twitched. She held her breath, waiting for his eyes to open, but he still remained unconscious. Disappointed, she got back to her feet and glanced towards the buildings where she could see sparks of blue flashing through the gaping windows and holes. There was nothing she could do for Zuko right now, but she could help Aang. She had to help Aang.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, staring back at the prince. "I'll come back for you."
Zuko just lay there, completely oblivious to the world. She bit her lip and then started running towards the sounds of the fireballs, telling herself that he was going to be fine. It wasn't like that circus freak girl or the knife thrower were around—at least Katara hoped not—so there was no reason for her to worry about Zuko's safety. Besides, Aang needed her. Now was not the time to let her feelings cloud her logic.
Stay focussed, she told herself.
She ducked a crumbling beam, still keeping her water at the ready in case she needed to attack as she made her way through the web-like alleys and abandoned buildings. The sounds of battle were getting closer. She could see the blackened marks and little flames eating away at the wood where stray fireballs had struck; however, there was no sign of Aang and Azula. Heart pounding, Katara stepped around a corner and almost fell backwards when the airbender leapt through the door of a burning house just in front of her, not even noticing her presence as he raced across the street to escape his pursuer. Azula followed a moment later, but Katara was prepared this time and lashed out with a water whip, forcing the princess to skid to a halt to avoid the attack. Azula paused just long enough to glare at Katara and then took off in another direction, clearly not wanting to waste time fighting the waterbender with the Avatar on the run.
"Oh, no you don't!" Katara muttered, giving chase.
She was not about to let Azula slip through her fingers that easily. Faster she ran, water trailing from her fingers and waiting to be unleashed. A glint of blue caught her attention from out of the corner of her vision, but the significance of the colour barely registered to her mind. It was only as she reached the main street and began closing in on Azula that she realised more figures had joined her: three on her left—one of which was Sokka—and two on her right, all boxing the princess against a crumbling stone wall. Her heart gave a flutter of relief when she recognised the scarred face of the boy standing to her right, though she was careful not to let herself be distracted. Every hunter knew that a cornered animal could still be dangerous.
"Give it up, Azula!" Zuko said in a hard voice, not once breaking eye contact with his sister. "You've got nowhere to run."
Something flickered in Azula's gaze, but she nevertheless raised her hands in submission. "Very well, I know when I'm beaten. I'll surrender."
No one moved. Perhaps they, like Katara, did not trust this girl who smiled so innocently yet stared at them with such calculating amber eyes. Whatever Azula said, it was obvious that she had not given up yet—a fact that became all too clear when her right hand suddenly shot up and released a spark of crackling energy that sliced through the air like a lightning-forged dagger. For a moment all that existed for Katara was the pounding drum in her chest, slowing time right down to her heartbeat. She sucked in a breath and watched the lightning strike—not her, but the other person to her right.
"No!"
The scream seemed wrenched from Zuko, but the sound also shattered the paralysis that had fallen over everyone. As one, they attacked the princess, creating an amalgamation of air, water, earth and fire that exploded in a cloud of elemental sparks and clouded their vision. Katara gritted her teeth and put more force behind her water stream, yet when the smoke cleared there was no sign of the princess. Somehow, Azula had managed to dodge their attack and escape during the commotion.
"We lost her," Sokka said bitterly, shaking his head.
Katara was about to respond, but just then Zuko let out another cry of despair. She turned to see him collapse to his knees beside the old man, muttering words of denial as he slumped forward so that his face was hidden, fingers curling into the dirt. His whole body was trembling, and she could tell by the choked sounds he kept making that he was on the verge of tears. Something tugged at her heart, and before she knew it she was walking towards him and placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Zuko, it's okay," she said gently. "I can heal him."
The scarred teen raised his head, anger and fear burning in his eyes. For a second she thought he might attack her, so lost was he to his emotions, but then he stared at her—really stared at her—and some of the fire faded from his eyes. His fingers closed around her wrist, and he pulled her closer.
"Do it," he said hoarsely. "Save him."
Wordlessly, she knelt next to Zuko and summoned the water from her flask. It wrapped around her hand like a glowing glove, and then she was placing her palms against the smoking wound on the old man's chest, trying to repair the damage the best that she could with her bending. The rest of the world seemed to fade away in that moment, existing only as a tangled image of chi meridians and injured flesh, though a part of her was still aware of Zuko breathing beside her, as well as the speculating eyes of her brother and friends. She'd never tried to heal someone so damaged before, and as she felt her own energy reserves begin to drain, she knew she would have to stop soon.
Slowly, she removed her hands from the wound. Zuko rocked forward on his knees, peering down at his uncle's face as if expecting the man to suddenly sit up and speak. When nothing happened, he stared at Katara with accusing eyes.
"I thought you healed him," the prince demanded.
She smiled wearily. "I've done all I can for now. Don't worry," she added when he opened his mouth to protest, "your uncle is going to be fine. He's just sleeping."
Zuko nodded, apparently satisfied, and went back to fussing over his uncle, completely ignoring the others. Sokka was not so easily appeased and marched over to where the two were still kneeling, giving a suspicious glance at the prince before confronting his sister.
"Um, Katara," he said in a voice that was higher pitched than usual, "wanna fill me in?"
She rolled her eyes. "Nice to see you too, Sokka."
He waved his arms in a cross-like motion. "Hey, don't get me wrong; I'm happy to have you back all safe and sound, but, uh, what are you doing with the Angry Jerk? No offence," he added, inclining his head to Zuko.
Katara pursed her lips. "Sokka, Zuko just helped us fight against Azula and watched his uncle get injured. The least you can do is show some respect!"
"I said 'no offence', didn't I?"
She stood up and planted her hands on her hips, getting ready to give him a proper scolding for his rudeness, but the sudden motion made a wave of dizziness pass over her. Black dots swarmed before her eyes and she found herself swaying to and fro like a leaf in the wind, even as a high-pitched ringing sound roared in her ears.
"Katara!" Sokka's eyes widened and he reached forth to steady her. "Hey, are you okay?"
She smiled weakly up at him. "I think I might have used more energy than I realised with that last healing."
Sokka shifted his hold on her so that she was leaning against his chest. "Idiot, why do you always have to push yourself so hard? You're going to really hurt yourself one of these days if you don't start using a little prudence!"
Her smile widened a fraction and she brushed her fingers against his hand, even as her eyelashes fluttered shut. "I missed you too, Sokka," she murmured.
Sokka gripped her tighter, sensing that her consciousness was slipping away. "Hey! Katara, don't you go passing out on me. Hey!"
Katara pushed past her dizziness and met his gaze. "Don't fight with Zuko," she half-slurred. "He helped me a lot, and I—"
But whatever she was going to say was lost as the fatigue took hold, leaving her nothing more than deadweight in her brother's arms. Sokka raised his head from Katara's unconscious form and stared at Zuko, who was now looking at the waterbender in some concern.
"Alright, Jerkbender," Sokka said in a hard voice. "I think you have some explaining to do."
So I wasn't actually intending to end the chapter here, but I'm getting very little time to write lately with everything going on, so I figured it was better to give you something than nothing. The good news is that I'm going to be visiting some family next week and will finally have proper internet access, so I plan to reply to all of the signed reviews I have missed then! Yay!
If you would like to receive review replies in the future, make sure you have your PM function turned on and are signed into an account. Unfortunately, I can't reply to 'guest' reviews, but I'm always very grateful for all of your comments regardless. ^_^
