Chapter 2


After showing the other water-benders to their quarters, Zuko walked Katara to hers.

"So how's everything at the South Pole?"

"It's finally calming down. The construction projects, the political squabbles...everything seems to be settling down", Katara sighed in relief.

"And how's everyone...at home?"

"Dad's good...he's immersed himself in the tribe's progress. Granny is...well Granny is enjoying her time with Master Pakku", Katara giggled, "...and Sokka...well Sokka is hopelessly in love too."

"Huh?"

"Suki! I told you a few letters back."

"Oh yes", Zuko chuckled. "So he still has her fooled, huh?"

"Zuko!" Katara punched his arm.

"Ow! I'd forgotten how violent you are."

"Well, get used to it! I'm gonna be here a while!"

Zuko turned to see a beaming Katara. His heart thumped louder in his chest, but he caught himself.

"And how's...Aang?" Zuko rolled his eyes at himself as Katara's smile straightened into a more polite one.

"You should know better than me. After all, Aang does spend most of his time on diplomatic missions with you."

"Oh, yeah...sorry."

"For what?"

"No, I mean...for keeping him so busy."

"That's a good thing! The hard work both of you are putting in seems to be yielding results. And now that my responsibilities in the South Pole have reduced, I am looking forward to aiding in any way I can!"

"I'm really glad you're here, Katara", Zuko sighed. "I mean...it is an important project for the fire nation. And your help means a lot", he added hastily.

"Of course. For the fire nation", Katara chuckled and shook her head. "I'm glad I'm here too, Zuko. I missed you."

Zuko's eyes widened and then wrinkled into a smile, "Here's your room."

"Oh, I recognize this corridor. Aren't your fancy royal quarters somewhere here?"

"Um, yeah…", Zuko rubbed the back of his neck and tilted his head to the left, "they're right down at the end of this corridor. I just...I thought...for your safety…"

"Safety?" Katara smirked.

"Uh...yes...things are still unstable…"

"What do you mean?" Katara's face grew serious.

"I mean...it's nothing...but there is still some unrest because of certain groups who aren't happy with…"

"With?"

"Me."

"Oh!" Katara frowned.

"But it's nothing, really."

"Zuko…", she glared at him. "You didn't mention this in your letters."

"Because it's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" Katara threw her hands in the air and stomped into the room.

"Katara…", Zuko followed her inside and closed the door behind him. He could sense an angry rant coming and he didn't want anyone to hear her scolding the Firelord.

"Zip it, Zuko! How bad is it?" She turned to face him, her face contorted into a scowl.

"There have been some protests…"

"And?"

"And riots…", Zuko shuffled uncomfortably.

"And?"

"Threats…", his voice grew meeker.

"...and…", Katara's voice lowered to a whisper as she stepped closer, hands on her hips.

"...and...there were two...attacks on the palace", he pursed his lips and avoided her gaze.

Katara gasped and covered her mouth.

"Do you mean...assassination attempts?"

Zuko coughed and wished the earth would open up and swallow him. This was not going to end well.

"Zuko…you better tell me right now...", her voice grew more menacing with every word.

"Okay, fine. Yes. But it really wasn't as bad as it sounds, Katara. Trust me."

"I can't believe you, Zuko!" She was nearly screaming at this point. "Please explain to me how an attempt to KILL you", she walked right up to him and poked him in the chest, "is not. a. big. deal."

Zuko winced and caught her wrist to stop her from poking him any more. He really had forgotten just how violent Katara was, for a water bender.

"Look at me! I'm fine. Nothing happened. I have well trained guards and in case you've forgotten", he grinned, "I am a Master Firebender who fought alongside the Avatar and ended the war."

Katara glowered at him as she wriggled her hands free from his hold. She wanted to smack the grin off his face.

"And why didn't you mention this in your letters?" she took in a deep breath and continued through gritted teeth.

"Because I knew how you would react", Zuko replied impatiently. "And what was the point anyway?! It's not like you would have come here!"

Katara's expression changed to hurt and Zuko immediately regretted his words.

"No, I mean..that came out wrong...I meant you were in the south pole. There was nothing you could do. I didn't want to worry you. And if it helps", he tried smiling, "I didn't tell anyone else either."

"Wow...I feel all better now, Zuko", Katara replied sarcastically.

"Katara, please...let's not fight", he gave her a pleading look.

"Fine", she sighed and turned back.

She began unpacking and moved around the room frantically, clearly trying to distract herself.

"Uh...yeah, you should rest and freshen up."

"You're right", Katara muttered without turning to look at him.

"Do you want me to leave?"

Katara paused and closed her eyes. She shut the wardrobe and faced at him. And there it was again, the confused innocent look. One half of her wanted to shake him by the collar and yell at him and the other wanted to hug him and never let go.

"No, Zuko", she sighed and walked over to him. "I just got so mad. I thought we shared everything. And now I find out you were keeping such important things hidden from me. How would you feel if you found out someone tried to kill me and I didn't tell you?"

Zuko felt his chest tighten at the mere thought. He let out a deep exhale and dropped his shoulders.

"You're right...I'm sorry."

Zuko sat down on the bed beside her bag. Katara noticed how tired he looked, as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The more she looked at him, the more she realized that that was probably what it felt like.

He was carrying the weight of a hundred years, a weight passed down from his ancestors, a weight he would have to walk forward with one step at a time. The thought that people would actually oppose him as he moved forward hadn't even crossed her mind.

"How's your lightning coming along, Sparky?" She shook the dark thoughts out of her mind. "Any luck?"

"Actually, yes. A few days back I was able to finally create some. Not as powerful as Azula…", his voice trailed off.

Katara saw the expression on his face and knew. Ever since her defeat, Azula had descended into a deep well of insanity. Her mind had trapped her inside it and she seemed lost forever. But Zuko had not given up hope. After reuniting with his mother, Azula had made progress. But things were still strained and he still couldn't bring himself to trust her.

"How's Kiyi?" she asked cheerfully, hoping to distract him.

Sure enough, at the mention of his step sister, Zuko's face lit up.

"She's well. She's really good actually. She started fire-bending training and she is quite amazing!"

Katara grinned at the sight of Zuko gushing over his sister. She could only imagine how much joy he felt at having a second chance at a healthy sibling relationship.

"She will be so happy to see you."

"Zuko, I doubt she remembers me. It's been a year since I met her and she was only five years old then!"

"Oh no, she remembers you. We talk about you all the tim…"

Zuko's eyes widened and he pursed his lips shut. Katara sat beside him and nudged his arms with hers.

"I can't wait to meet her", she smiled.

Zuko looked at her and felt a warmth spread across her chest. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer affectionately.

"I've missed you too, Katara."