Please Say You'll Think of Me
Olivia Georgiana
Fan Fiction:
Katara
Zuko
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Disclaimer: Please understand that I do NOT own ATLA. This is a fictional story coming from my imagination! Thanks, and enjoy!
****Please ignore and misspellings! I haven't yet edited it, but I know this was kinda in-demand! I will edit tomorrow after my classes! Enjoy, the longest chapter, and most difficult write ever! It's a little crazy at some places, but I had to show that the Firelord was a harsh bitch!
Day 30: Humiliation
"I will not write much tonight. My hands are still sore from Zuko's whipping last night. Today is the end of day thirty, I've been here a month…I must stop, my hand is starting to bleed."
—From a shriveled piece of paper hidden under a pile of books, with small blood droplets scattering the page.
Zuko and I were sitting separate from each other. After the kiss we didn't talk much about it, but mostly just talked about our families and where we wish to be in the future. I was reading from some scrolls he said I may look at, while he was at his desk scribbling something on the sheet of paper. I glanced up at him times, he was either deep in thought or double dipping his pen in the ink goblet. Other than the sometimes turning of paper, or ink imprinting on paper, there was silence.
A small breeze entered the room through the open balcony doors, and my hair glided gently over my shoulders. The air was warm, the summer hot air, escaping from the cover of the clouds and draping it's warmness over the Fire Nation. A knock on the door released me from the warmness.
I looked at the door, but Zuko didn't bother to look instead he said, "Come in."
The door opened, and in walked a guard. "Your Highness, I have a dinner invitation from your father."
Finally, something got Zuko's attention, for he turned and looked at the guard. "Dinner? For what?"
"The Firelord said that it would contain some guests. He also said that you are to bring your er…um…servant with you. I was told Ren would be here shortly to take care of the girl. She's currently finishing off another."
"Very well, we'll be there."
The guard was surprised that Zuko mentioned us as we and not as I and It. It didn't bother Zuko, because he quickly went back to his work.
"You may leave, I'm busy," said Zuko, with his back turned to the guard.
"Your Highness," the guard bowed once again, and then left the room, closing the door behind him.
"I'm allowed to go?" I whispered across the room to him.
"He wants to know if you are doing your duty. So, you will be by my side the entire night. Act as though we are madly in love."
I giggled at the thought, and he looked at me. "Oh, so that's all I had to do in order to get your attention, laugh? I would've done it earlier."
He got up from the chair, and started to walk towards the bed. "You're laughing because we are 'madly in love'?"
He smiled at his own question, and I nodded and tried to settle another laugh.
"Things are different aren't they?" I whispered.
His smile slowly started to fade, and his hand gently touched the side of my face. "Of course it is. You're starting to enjoy yourself here, for whatever reason I'm not sure of."
I looked up into his golden eyes. "It's because of you. I probably would have been dead from going mad if I didn't live here in this room."
"I just wish I could help," now it was his turn to whisper.
"Zuko, shh," I placed a finger over his lips. "You've saved me more than I could ever imagine."
"How—?"
I cut off his words, by placing my lips over his once again. It was really the only way to shut him up. Once his initial shock was over, his face relaxed and his hand started travel its way to my shoulders. Both hands placed on my shoulders, one went to my waist and the other wrapped itself in my hair.
He gently bit down on my lower lip and I gasped, which made him pull away.
"Sorry, it's…," started Zuko, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink.
"It's the fire in you," I smiled. "I like it."
He looked back at me and I pulled him towards me again. I honestly don't know what I've come down too. It's like he's drugging me with every kiss and I'm becoming obsessed. I just hope I don't abuse it because I don't think I could take withdrawal anytime soon.
When Ren arrived, Zuko kissed my hand and said he would wait for me in the hallway before we would enter the dining room.
"I can see that you and Prince Zuko have gotten fairly close," said Ren as we exited the room, and continued to walk down the long hallways to the servant chambers.
"Well, we talk and it's like we understand each other," I replied.
"You talk? Don't let the Firelord know that's all your doing."
"Zuko talked to his father and told him that I'm obeying and almost close to being broken."
" 'Zuko'? We are getting friendly."
"It's nothing, Zuko and I traveled together for awhile with the—."
"You can say it, Avatar Aang, I don't mind. Just because I live and work in the Fire Nation doesn't mean I am one."
"You aren't originally from here?"
"Hell no, I'm from the Earth Kingdom, Ba Sing Se actually. I was kidnapped when I was thirteen and traded into prostitution. Then I was lucky when a member of the royal court bought me. We started off like you and Prince Zuko. We talked, and understood each other. Then the unbelievable happened, he proposed to me. Of course, since he was a royal member and I was concubine, the law refused it. Instead I visit him everyday just like it was the very first day I met him."
"Who is it?"
"He's a general for the Fire Nation Army and council member in the Head of War. Some say he's the Firelord's cousin, but I won't give away anything."
A smiled appeared on our lips, and my own lips started to curl into a smile. Wishing I had the own luxury. Zuko and I will not become anymore than friends, unless Ozai commands it otherwise. I was always be a whore to Ozai, no matter what I do. Then when I'm dead he will call me a dead lifeless whore.
Ren stopped at the same door I walked out of a month ago. When I entered I thought it would be dark and scary all over again, but it wasn't. The room was bright, and dozens of girls were talking, brushing their hair, or getting dressed for the evening.
"Katara, welcome to the House of Mistresses," said Ren and some girls looked up at her. They were hardly clothed and what they were wearing was as thin as wearing tissue paper.
"Welcome Katara," said an older woman, she walked up to me with bright eyes and a beaded dress. "I'm Kanna, the care mother for all the girls here."
"Hello."
"I've been told you were invited to go to the dinner tonight with Prince Zuko. You'll have to be washed, dressed, and be looking your best. Tonight might be the best or worst night of your life."
I nodded. "I'm ready."
"Good, first we go bathing room."
I was once again the doll in dress up mode. I was bathed, dressed, and primped all by someone other than herself.
"You are so pretty," said the girl who was brushing my hair and loosely tying it into a long braid. "I wish I was from the Water Tribe."
I looked into the hand mirror I was holding, and looked at her. "You're not from here either?"
"No, hardly any woman here is from the Fire Nation. My name is Poppy," she turned my chair so I was looking at her. "I'm from the Earth Kingdom. I came to the Fire Nation, when they kidnapped people in Ba Sing Se."
"You came with Ren?"
"Mmhmm, Ren is my cousin. She's six years older than me, so I stay here mostly. Doing chores, cleaning ladies when they come back, braiding hair," she smiled a warm smile at me, like she loved living here.
"You don't wish to go home?" I asked.
"Of course, but my parents were killed by the Fire Nation, so if I did return there would be no one there for me. The only family I have left is Ren, and she isn't going to leave anytime soon."
I knew what Poppy meant. Ren told me earlier about her own love affair.
"Poppy, are you done! The Prince is waiting!"
"Oh, yes Kanna, she's all ready!"
"Good, Katara please come with me."
Before I left with Kanna, Poppy called out to me, "Good luck Katara!"
"Oh that Poppy," said Kanna, and I looked forwards at her. "Always has her head stuck in the clouds."
I smiled at Kanna, and then left the House of Mistresses and out into the hallway. This time I followed Kanna, and we didn't speak, but just walked. The hallways started to get brighter and I knew I was getting closer to where more of the royals wander. I was right, because I looked up and saw Zuko leaning against a wall, his one leg bent, and his head slowly dropping. He obviously didn't get any sleep.
"Your Highness," said Kanna, but Zuko didn't wake.
"May I?" I asked.
"You really shouldn't, but I guess because his you are allowed to."
I gently smiled and put my hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Zuko, Zuko wake up," I whispered.
He woke slowly, but when he fully was his eyes widened. "Oh, I'm, um sorry."
"It's alright. I guess I'm ready for this big dinner."
He smiled at me then looked at Kanna. "Thank you Kanna, give my regards to the other girls."
She bowed at him, then walked away.
"Do you know all the girls down there?"
"Most of them."
I was taken aback from this. He slept with most of those girls? "You've been with those girls, haven't you?"
"I'll explain later, for now let's get this dinner over with," he took my arm and wrapped it around his own. "By the way, you look great."
I smiled at his comment. I couldn't believe how much I was smiling here in the place I call my imprisonment.
"Welcome Brother," said Azula.
Because I was technically his, I had to stay by his side the entire night, unless he told me other wise. I really didn't want to be here at this specific moment, not with Azula standing only feet away from me.
"Hello Sister."
"This must be that Water Bender, correct? Such a pity," she looked at me. "I'm truly sorry that you have to be broken by my brother."
I really, really wanted to say something horrible to her, but it wasn't in my place to speak, and Zuko gently squeezed my arm, warning me. Here's another thing that surprises me. I couldn't believe that I was actually taking orders from Zuko, and obeying them. Then again, I guess when you trust someone, everything seems right when you listen.
"Prince Zuko."
My eyes widened at the deep voice that beckoned across the hall. I saw Azula bow and realized that it was the Firelord. Zuko turned and I turned with him.
"Hello, Father."
Zuko and I bowed at the same time.
"I see that you followed my command this time and brought the girl."
"Yes Father."
"Girl, come here," he addressed me. Me. I didn't want to be any closer to this man than what I had to be. I felt Zuko's hand on my back, motioning me forward.
I slowly moved, and bowed once more to the Firelord, which I highly disagreed with.
"Have you been broken yet?"
I looked up him quickly. How could he ask me this question in front of all these other people?
"Answer me."
I didn't. I was too shocked to know what to say. If I said yes, he would pursue me to talk more about it, and if I said no….
"No answer? Then I will have to find out for myself. Let's see if you turned to a real mistress," the Firelord raised his palm and a bright light appeared. I knew that I could be dead. Fire and water do not mix, but then I felt bare. Like everything was stripped from me.
I looked down at my legs and noticed a naked body. My naked body. I fell to the floor, trying to cover myself. Tears started to well in my eyes.
"Father!" I heard Zuko yell.
"Uncover yourself, whore!"
I refused. I refused to be humiliated any further.
"Katara," said Zuko. I watched as he took of his long coat and wrapped it around me. It was that big that it covered my entire body. "Are you alright?"
He placed a hand on the side of face, not caring about the other people in the room. Astonished by the way Zuko was treating a Water Bender.
My head lowered, humiliated. He helped me stand, and his hands went to my shoulders.
"I see the girl has an affect on you," said Ozai.
"No Father," he looked at him. "I just take pity on innocent girls."
"Innocent? Obviously you haven't broken her yet. Don't you realize that my you lying to me is the worst type of cover-up. You will both be punished. More so the girl will be than you Zuko. Ten strikes to the hands. That should show both of you not to lie to me."
The guards came up and took me by my arms. The robe flew open just a little, and I removed myself from their grasp so I could cover myself back up.
"I'll follow you," I yelled.
The guards rolled their eyes and attempted to grab me again.
"Don't touch her!"
The guards obeyed and motioned for me to follow. Zuko started to walked behind us as well.
"Oh, and Prince Zuko?" We all stopped, and looked at the Firelord once more. "You may do the lashing, and with fire."
My eyes opened wide, but Zuko bowed and said, "Yes, Father."
Zuko looked back at me and our eyes locked. His eyes started to fall; I could tell he was sorry.
The two guards, myself, and Zuko entered a dark room. The only light was from a window in which the moon showed through. The guards put me up against a wall, and tied a chain around my waist. Cuffs were wrapped around my wrists, making my hands vulnerable and fragile. Zuko stood back, with the guards behind him.
He mouthed the words, "I'm so sorry."
Then a thin bright light appeared from his palm and it lashed against my skin. I grimaced at the pain. My eyes closing at the sting, I didn't dare open my eyes. Then another lash. Then another, and another. After Zuko hit me the sixth time, I could start to feel a line a blood run down my hand.
I could feel the rough heat of the fire hit my hands one more time, and then I heard the chain unlocking. I didn't open my eyes yet, and I could feel someone hold me in their arms. Carrying me away from that horrible room.
My hands burned, and I only finally opened my eyes when I felt the comfort of a bed. My eyelids fluttered open, and Zuko sat on the edge of the bed, his body crouched over, with his elbows resting on his knees and his head resting in his hands. He looked over at me, relived.
"How do you feel?"
"How long have I been sleeping," I swear I didn't fall asleep.
"You saw the blood and fainted. I say it's been about sixteen hours."
I tried to get up, but when I placed pressure on my hands it stung and I dropped back down on the bed. I brought my hands up to my face; they were wrapped in a thing gauze-like material. Blood surfaced the white cloth.
"Ugh, I feel horrible."
"Katara, I'm so sorry. If I didn't do it, my father he would've done something worse to you. He already humiliated you by unclothing you, and I couldn't let anything else happen."
"It's all right. It's just some scares. I just won't be able to bend for awhile."
"I'll help you'll heal like you did for me. Then I'll help you with your bending."
"Sure you will. I'm no Fire Bender, Zuko."
"That's what makes you perfect. You're different, and I believe that's what I needed. Someone to wake me up, and get me out of this damn darkness."
I touched the side of his face with my bandaged hand. "That's that best part of where I come from. There is never darkness."
Later that night, Zuko was reading and after I soaked my hands in a special type of liquid, I felt good enough to write.
Zuko gave me a piece of paper, but because of his constant stress level, all the paper was shriveled and ripped. I didn't mind though, and I started to write with his ink pen.
"I will not write much tonight. My hands are…."
Zuko
I hurt Katara, and I saw the pain the blood. I could never hurt her again. I glanced at her while she was writing. She gasped at some of the pain she was enduring, but she was strong. She only wrote a couple of lines then asked me where she could hide the paper. I didn't question her, so I lifted a pile of books and told her to lay the paper on the floor.
When she let the paper done on the floor, I looked at the red stained paper. The blood was my doing. I dropped the books, not wanting to see anymore blood.
She moved to the bed, and lifted the bed sheets over top of her. I headed for the sofa, instead she called my name and asked for me to sleep beside her. I didn't argue. I obeyed. I slept the night with the Water Tribe girl in my arms. So I could protect her, heal her, and save her from humiliation.
Please remember I have to edit! I know, I know it was pretty awkward. Please review!
