Here is the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it!
Avatar: the Last Airbender belongs to Mike and Bryan
Chapter VII
Zuko slowly opened his eyes and winced at the harsh light that fell upon them. He blinked a few times to readjust to the light and the fog in his head. Once his sight cleared, he faced a pair of lifeless, black eyes staring straight at him with an opened, fanged mouth full of blood. Zuko jerked back and a painful groan left his mouth as his body angrily protested at the sudden movement. Blinking his eyes to get rid of the tears that had appeared from the pain, everything came rushing back to his head as Zuko looked back at the dead carcass of the tiger-armadillo that lay in a pool of its own dark blood. The young lord looked down at his left arm and cringed at the bloody sight.
His arm had long slashes, so deep he could see the muscles underneath his skin, and blood was everywhere. Groaning, Zuko summoned all his strength and crawled painstakingly slow to the tree where he had been previously sitting under before he was attacked. He could feel more blood escaping from his wounds, cascading down his arms and onto the dark forest floor.
Pulling his bag over his left shoulder, Zuko bit his lip as he held onto the rough trunk of the tree and pushed himself up. A hiss escaped his mouth as the muscles on his arms throbbed at the effort. His sight was blurry and his head was pounding unmercifully. He took a shaky step away from the tree before his legs gave out underneath him. He grunted and groaned as he fell onto the hard, dirt ground. Not wishing to fall again and injure himself even further, Zuko dragged his damaged body as best as he could until he finally stopped at the edge of the small river.
He splashed some water onto his slashed right shoulder. Lying on his stomach, Zuko slowly stretched his bloody and mangled arms and dipped them into the cold water. Hissing loudly, the firebender waited until the river washed his arms and carried the blood away. Pink streaks swirled and danced away downriver.
He lifted his arms when they began to feel numb, but cursed when the blood did not stop from flowing. Rummaging around in his bag with his less injured arm, Zuko pulled out his blanket. Holding the fabric between his knees, he pulled the blanket with his teeth and ripped it into shreds which he badly wrapped around both his wounded arms.
Once his arms were somewhat bandaged, Zuko looked up into the sky and estimated that he had a few hours before night found him. He needed to keep walking and move away from the carcass before any scavengers found the dead tiger-armadillo and him as well. Taking deep breaths, Zuko gritted his teeth as he hauled his body into a standing position. His whole body screamed in agony and protest, but he clenched his jaw tight and swallowed the pain down.
The young Fire Lord slowly made his way upriver, sweat and blood pouring all over his body. His long, tangled hair and beard were matted with blood, sweat, and dirt, causing his skin to itch horribly. He could barely see the objects in front of his face and he knew he was about to pass out from starvation, massive amount of blood loss, and poison from the orange carnivorous plant at any given moment.
The last rays of sunlight disappeared and night crept in along with the cold. A few minutes later, a streak of lightning illuminated the forest followed by a loud thunderclap that resonated through the place before a curtain of rain fell from the sky. Zuko winced as the rain harshly pelted his injured skin. He needed to find shelter.
Zuko shook his head to get rid of the water from his hair that fell into his eyes before scanning the area around him for any sign of refuge from the freezing rain. He noticed a large spot deep into the forest that was darker than anything else surrounding it. He walked away from the river and headed straight through the trees. The dark spot turned out to be the entrance to a cave. Zuko sighed in relief as he stumbled inside it. It was very small, but deep enough to keep the rain away.
Zuko barely had enough time to notice that it was dry and abandoned before he collapsed on the hard stone floor. Panting from the excessive amount of effort in took to walk, Zuko tried to sit up so he could remove his wet clothes before he caught a cold, but he had no more energy to move and he had no dry wood to start a fire and warm himself. So he lay staring at the ceiling as his body began to shiver uncontrollably from his infected wound, a fever, and the cold. The sound of the rain falling from the sky cascaded down the mouth of the small cave. He remembered the times when light rain would grace the hot Fire Nation Palace, making his beautiful young wife giddy as a child...
'Zuko, look, it's raining! Come on!' Katara yelled excitedly as she grabbed her husband's arm and practically yanked him outside into the Royal Palace Garden.
Zuko smiled as his wife lifted her arms wide to welcome her element with a large smile on her face. He silently watched her as she became reacquainted with the fresh rain that hardly watered the Fire Nation, weaving thin tendrils of water around her lithe form. He became mesmerized as he continued to watch her dance around under the rain, her wet light dress clinging onto her curves.
Before he could think any further about another wet thing that he liked about Katara, a light smack on the back of his head brought him out of his fantasy. Cursing under his breath, he threw a glare at Katara who had retracted her water whip. Katara dropped the water whip and gave him an innocent look.
'I'll give you to the count of three to run before I catch you and punish you for your disrespect to the Fire Lord,' he said with a smirk.
Katara's eyes widened before a mischievous glint overtook them. 'Oh, really?'
She took a step back.
'One…'
Zuko began and took a step forward.
'Two…'
Laughing, Katara pivoted on her heels and raced across the garden, splashing the rainwater everywhere as she ran on the wet grass.
'Three!'
Zuko sprang forward with a grin on his face as he chased after his young wife. The cool rain caressed their skin as they ran around the garden. Katara squealed as Zuko finally caught up to her and grabbed her before spinning her around to face him.
'That's not fair! You have longer legs!' Katara mock pouted.
Zuko chuckled as he kissed the tip of her nose.
'You should know that you can never escape from me. You belong to me as much as I belong to you.'
He watched as a blush painted her wet cheeks before she smiled.
'I will always be by your side like you will be by mine,' she said softly, before she placed a kiss on his lips...
Zuko blinked as thunder crashed to the earth below with a deafening roar. His teeth began to chatter loudly as the cold began to seep into his bones. He curled onto his side, finally letting tears fall from his eyes as his longing for his wife increased tenfold because of his current situation. He needed her warmth, her caress, her love.
He knew his body was burning up because of the fever, but he felt so cold. He was starting to lose consciousness and this time he was afraid that he would never be able to open his eyes again, never see his home and friends again, never look upon his lovely wife again.
Time passed by, darkness was starting to seep into his mind, and he no longer felt the cold on his skin or the pain in his entire body. Numbness had taken over. Zuko fought for control on his consciousness, but he knew he was fighting a lost battle. Sorrow painfully filled his heart as he realized that he would die that night, leaving his Katara a young widow with a broken heart.
Katara. Please forgive me for not keeping my promise. Know that I will always love you.
He closed his golden eyes filled with tears and took his last breath.
Katara opened her eyes and sat up in her large bed. It was midnight and the room was dark except for a small candle resting near her nightstand. Squinting in the dark, she saw Jiao sleeping on a cot near the door. The next night was Ling's turn to sleep next to the door in order to make sure no unwanted suitors entered the room. The waterbender looked over at the large couch were Toph was snoring lightly. The earthbender had refused to sleep on the bed after the night she had first arrived and both had fallen asleep after they had cried into exhaustion.
'I don't know what could be on that huge bed with you and Zuko sleeping there. Who knows what you two have done in it,' Toph said and made a face, flopping down on the sofa.
Oh, you have no idea, Katara thought before a rush of heat raced through her body. Yes, they had done many naughty things in that bed, but lovemaking was not the only thing that they did. She smiled as a memory surfaced in her head...
Katara entered the royal bedchamber she happily shared with her husband. Three years had passed since the end of the war and two since their wedding. Closing the door behind her, she noticed Zuko lying on his stomach on the bed. His black boots and royal robes were carelessly scattered on the floor. She knew he must be tired for he was never this sloppy.
She crossed the room silently and sat beside him, placing a soothing hand on his bare back.
'How about a massage, my lord husband?' she cooed.
Zuko lifted his head to smile at her gratefully.
'That sounds wonderful, my lovely wife,' he shot back.
Katara giggled as she stood up. Removing her slippers, she scooted towards him and straddled his hips, sitting on his behind. She rubbed her hands together and began to massage his back and knead the tensed muscles. He always did work hard. She heard him moan and sigh in contentment.
'What did the Council members complain about today?' she teased.
She heard Zuko grunt.
'The usual, you know, more power and wealth for the Fire Nation,' he muttered into the pillow before he sighed, 'I'm afraid they will never cease their belief that the Fire Nation is supposed to be superior to the other elements,' he admitted with shame.
'Of course they will, Zuko. They just need a few more years to get accustomed to having all the nations live in equal harmony. I know you will do your best in leading your people into the right path. I believe in you,' she said truthfully.
She watched as Zuko turned onto his back with her still straddling him. His golden eyes locked with hers and they stared at each other lovingly. Zuko reached out a hand and gently caressed her cheek.
'I can't believe the spirits were so kind to me for giving me a woman such as you. I will always be thankful to them for having brought you into my life,' he confessed, his amber eyes burning with emotions...
Katara sniffled as she wiped the tear that fell from her eye. Oh, how she missed him! She ran a hand on the side where Zuko used to sleep and sighed sadly at the cold and lonely contact. Shaking her head, she removed the covers from her body and stood up. Grabbing the candle, she made her way to the table where she was 'working' on her husband's blanket.
She barely had the top part where a background of crimson and black could be seen. Katara sighed as she looked at it. She had no idea on how to begin weaving and sewing the blanket into a beautiful memorial of Zuko's life. Should she depict Zuko's life as the Fire Prince? She shook her head. No, that had not been a good time in his life. His search for capturing the Avatar and his betrayal at Ba Sing Se were out of the question. Perhaps his life as Fire Lord could be the inspiration.
Katara ran her fingers through her long hair and sighed again.
Why am I getting all worked up about it since the point is not to finish it?
Sitting on the chair, Katara grabbed the barely started blanket and began to unravel it, pulling the threads apart one by one. Every day she would work on it, sometimes showing it to the council members so as not to raise suspicions. Every night she would disentangle what she had and start all over the next day.
Her only excuse was that since she had not had much practice in sewing since she became Fire Lady she was having some difficulty working on it. They had asked her if perhaps she let a professional weaver do the job, but she had argued that it would take the whole point in the tradition away.
A disturbing thought entered her mind.
How will I depict Zuko's life once he…does die? Shaking her head furiously, Katara started to pull the threads apart even faster. No! Zuko is not going to die anytime soon. We still have many years ahead of us.
Just as she pulled the last crimson thread apart, Katara cried out as a sharp pain excruciatingly gripped her heart, almost as if a heavy force was trying to crush it into a million pieces. It felt like part of her soul had been ripped away from her, leaving a cold, numb, and lonely feeling. That could only mean…
No! No, no! Zuko, don't leave me! You promised!
Hot tears sprang forth from her blue eyes as she bent over the table and clutched the left side of her chest.
Zuko, you can't die!
She cried out again as she slipped from the table, clutching the cloths and sending everything crashing down onto the marble floor.
"Zuko!" she cried out as she curled into herself.
"Katara!" Toph yelled as she sprang away from the couch and raced to where her best friend laid trembling and whimpering.
"Katara, what's wrong?" she asked in alarm.
She touched the young woman's shoulder, but Katara's only answer was a mournful wail.
"Get the physician!" Toph ordered loudly to Jiao who had also rushed to the side of her lady. "Katara, what is it?"
Jiao hesitated for a moment before she bolted to the door, startling the guards posted outside the royal bedchamber. The two guards peeked in and quickly stumbled into the room as they took in the sight of their Fire Lady lying on the floor in pain.
"Fire Lady Katara!" they cried out.
"Help me placed her on her bed!" Toph ordered as she tried to lift the hysterical woman.
One of the guards helped Toph and carried Katara, gently placing her on the bed.
"Wait outside for the Palace Physician," Toph told them. Both guards shifted unsurely. "Go!" the blind earthbender barked. The two men jumped and quickly ran outside.
"Katara! What the hell is going on? Tell me where it hurts!" Toph asked as she lightly slapped Katara's cheek to get her to focus.
Katara sobbed before rubbing her hand above her heart.
"Here. It hurts here," she cried between painful pants as she curled into a ball.
Toph frowned, unsure of what to do.
"Don't worry, the Palace Physi—" she gasped, startled, as Katara shot a hand out and grabbed her by the wrist.
"I don't want the damn physician!" Katara shouted angrily before she dropped the hand tightly holding Toph's wrist, letting it fall limply to her side. She turned to lie on her back and stared at the ceiling with blank eyes. "He won't be able to help me. He won't be able to take the pain away."
Toph gulped uncertainly at the soft yet sorrowful voice of the waterbender.
"What are you talking about?" she asked as she reached a hand to sweep Katara's hair away from her face. "Why can't he?"
"Because he can't bring him back to me," the young Fire Lady said quietly.
Katara's loud wailing now turned into silent tears that coursed down her tanned and sad face.
"Bring who back?" Toph whispered softly, afraid at the sudden change in her friend's behavior.
"Z-Zuko," Katara's voice quivered.
Toph frowned, wondering if perhaps her friend had lost it and was calling her husband.
"Zuko…is d-dead," Katara's voice broke painfully.
Toph's eyes widened and she gasped.
"W-what?" she stuttered, but was interrupted as Jiao entered with the old Palace Physician, the guards, and Iroh who was wearing his sleeping clothes, his golden eyes large with unveiled concern.
"Toph, what has happened?" Iroh asked worriedly.
The physician moved to stand beside the bed and check on the Fire Lady, but Toph stood up and blocked his path with an emotionless face.
"Lady Toph," the physician frowned as he tried to go around, "I must check to see what ails my lady and—"
"Get out," Toph said, her voice void of emotion just like her porcelain face.
Everybody in the room looked around at each other in confusion.
"Didn't you hear me? I said to get the hell out!" Toph growled and stomped her foot, causing the floor to shake.
Jiao, the guards, and the physician jumped before turning toward the retired general.
"Toph, let the Palace Phy—"
"No! Katara doesn't suffer from a physical illness. He can't help her," Toph's angry voice suddenly turned sad, "Iroh tell them to leave and I'll tell you what's going on."
Iroh frowned as fear began to creep into his old bones. He turned to the others in the room and gave them a nod. The Palace Physician and the guards bowed and left the room silently with concerned faces. Jiao looked towards the door and back to her lady who was very still on her bed, worry written all over her face. Iroh placed a hand on her shoulder and the young servant sighed before walking out and closing the door behind her.
The old prince turned towards Toph, whose eyes was hidden beneath her dark bangs. He walked over to stand beside Katara and gasped. Katara lay motionless on her bed. Her blue eyes staring vacantly at the ceiling above her, tears were silently falling from her eyes without any sign of ever stopping.
"Katara," he whispered and touched her check, but no respond greeted him. He turned back to the earthbender. "What happened, Toph? What is wrong with her?" he asked urgently.
Toph hugged her arms around her torso as if to comfort herself and turned her head away.
"She started screaming and crying as if she was suffering extreme pain. But when I asked her what was wrong she said her heart hurt because…because…Zuko has died…" Toph slumped down onto the floor and hugged her knees.
"Zuko has what?!" Iroh cried out as his heart was once again stabbed by the news. "How can this be?"
Toph shrugged.
"They did have this weird thing between them. Like this strong bond that made them know how the other felt. Bunch of weirdoes," Toph said and smirked, but her humor died before it even took place.
Iroh sighed and wiped his cheek as a tear fell from his aged eye. He looked down at Katara and stroked her hair, but Katara remain unresponsive.
"Learning that a loved one has died a second time is an unbearable shock. Katara's heart is in pain because her heart has shattered."
Katara lay unmoving, it felt like her body had shut down, but she could hear what was being said around her.
Shattered? No, not shattered. Broken, damaged, crushed…destroyed…
She opened her mouth to let out another scream of agony, but no sound came out.
Zuko, you have to come back. I don't want to live without you. You can't break your promise. You can't!
She closed her eyes as more tears cascaded down her colorless cheeks and she began to pray to the gods and the spirits for her husband's life.
Please Agni, Tui and La. Please! I beg you! Don't take him away! Return Zuko to me! I need him just like he needs me. Please…
Suddenly a soothing sensation overtook her and her world faded into darkness.
Zuko took in his surroundings and smiled. He was sitting under a very large cherry blossom tree in the middle of a large meadow full of lush green grass. The blue sky had such a strange, beautiful shade of blue, a kind of hue he had never seen before. Big white, fluffy clouds floated serenely across that fascinating blue sky. The grass swayed gently even though a breeze had not blown by to disturb the scene.
It was so quiet, so serene, so peaceful.
Zuko frowned. Yet, there was something nagging at the back of his mind. As if a voice was trying to tell him something very important. Something that was too important for him to forget, something that he felt he could not live without.
A few cherry blossoms fell from the large tree he was resting under and danced their way to the ground. Zuko reached out a hand and one blossom fell into the center of his palm.
"Zuko, don't leave me! You promised!"
Zuko jumped to his feet and looked around himself.
Where is that voice coming from? It sounds so familiar. He frowned as he tried to remember where he had heard that voice before. That voice...It sounds so lovely, but so…sad. He winced as his heart clenched in pain.
"Zuko, you have to come back. I don't want to live without you. You can't break your promise. You can't!"
Zuko gasped and fell to his knees as an excruciating pain crushed his heart and his head. At that moment he knew what or better said who was so important to him.
"Katara!" he yelled in alarm as the pained tone in her voice pierced his heart even more. "Katara!" he cried out again as he wildly looked around himself in order to see her.
The beautiful and peaceful scenery was lost in his eyes as his main attention was focused on finding his wife so he could comfort her and chase away her hurt. But then he remembered he was in the Earth Kingdom, trying to find a way to the Fire Nation. Then he was poisoned by a carnivorous plant and then attacked by a hungry tiger-armadillo.
Frowning, he scanned his surroundings even more carefully than before. He was not in the cave, the last place he remembered being. Zuko looked down at himself and noticed that he was wearing black pants and boots and a red shirt. The material of his clothing felt softer that feathers and smoother than the finest silk.
I wasn't wearing this before. He lifted his arms and his eyes widened as he took in the clean and healed skin. He touched the place where the infection from the plant's poison had been to find smooth flesh. What is going on?
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting. Welcome, my son," a smooth, rumbling male voice interrupted him.
Zuko looked up to see a tall man looking down at him. This person towered over Zuko, who was used to being the tallest person around. The man had long, blond hair that fell straight down to his calves. He had pale skin and a pair of the most piercing, golden eyes Zuko had ever seen. He was wearing a white shirt, his hands tucked into the billowing sleeves of his clean haori. He also wore long pants of the same color that were tucked into his boots. These boots, similar to the ones Zuko almost always wore, were also white with the pointed tip in gold. A long golden sash was tied around the tall man's waist, leaving one end of the sash to fall to his knees, swaying in the same unnatural breeze.
Zuko finally looked back at the man's face which held a smile on his flawless skin. His handsome face was young yet ancient at the same time.
Narrowing his eyes, Zuko took on a defensive stance as he asked, "Who are you? And what is it you want?"
"No need to become hostile," the man in all white chuckled, a sound which sounded between a rumble and a growl. "I am The Guardian."
"The Guardian?" Zuko repeated. What kind of name is that? Is he some kind of Earth Rumble Six competitor?
The Guardian chuckled again and continued to smile.
"Yes, The Guardian, and no, I am not one of those silly men."
Zuko gaped. How did he…?
"And I am here to take you to your place in the Spirit World," the blond man continued.
Zuko looked at the man carefully before his eyes widened at his words.
"The Spirit World? No, that can't be! I'm not dead!" he denied vehemently. I can't be dead!
The Guardian's smile faded from his face and a sad frown replaced it.
"I am sorry, but it is the painful truth. You died of poisoning and severe blood loss."
A memory of him shivering and in pain in the small cave bombarded Zuko's mind before the last thought he had had slapped him on the face.
I gave up! I didn't fight hard enough to keep my promise to Katara! He cursed himself for giving up so easily, even to death.
The pain! He touched the left side of his chest. It was Katara's pain! Pain in knowing that I had died and failed her!
"Come," The Guardian's smooth voice broke through his anguished thoughts. "It is time for you to rest in peace." He reached out to grab the young man's arm, but Zuko pulled away.
"No! I'm not going anywhere! I'm not supposed to be here! I'm not supposed to be dead! I have to leave! I have to go back and return to Katara just like I promised I would!" Zuko growled and looked around frantically for a way to escape.
The Guardian raised a delicate, blond eyebrow.
"Pray tell, who is this Katara you speak of?"
Zuko's angered expression softened and a wistful sigh escaped his lips.
"Katara is my wife," he responded with fondness, "She's the woman I love, the one I need to return to."
"I see," the blond man said with a smile before he frowned, "But there is nothing you can do to change this situation. Death is inevitable and with it the pain and sorrow that brings with mourning."
"I will find a way to her. I will keep my promise. She needs me. I can't abandon her. I don't want to cause her anymore pain." Zuko sighed and ran a hand down his face. "I also need to return to my country. I can't leave the Fire Nation, not now that it has regained its honor and has started to heal. I am afraid that something might happen, such as another war, if I am not there to protect it."
"Are you sure you want to go back? Back to the world where there is so much hardship and pain?"
Zuko's eyes shone with strong determination and he straightened his shoulders, raising his head high.
"If it means being with Katara and helping my nation, then I will gladly accept the pain."
The tall, blond man smiled even more and his golden eyes brightened. An emotion flickered through them which to Zuko looked like pride. Something struck Zuko within as he realized this man had shown such an emotion. Something Ozai, his own sire, had never graced him with. Zuko let down his guard and relaxed.
The Guardian's bright, golden eyes twinkled.
"This is indeed incredible for not many who enter the Spirit World remember their life in the mortal world. Only a few do remember, but once they have entered the Spirit World it is uncommon for them to wish to return to the living where they had suffered greatly. Many lack the determination and courage to go back.
"I know you have suffered greatly in your past life and yet you are willing to return to your duties. Your love for your wife and your nation is honorable indeed." The Guardian removed one of his hands from within his sleeves and placed it on the young man's shoulder. "Your determination is something to be greatly admired and I have decided to help you, my son."
"Really?" Zuko asked hopefully, "You can help me leave this place?"
The blond man nodded.
"Yes. There is one way that could return you back to the land of the living," he said before his face turned solemn, "But it may be difficult and I cannot assure you that you will succeed."
Zuko looked into the taller man's eyes with resolve.
"I will succeed," he said firmly.
The man smiled again and patted Zuko's shoulder.
"You must find that which courses through your veins, my son, and once you do, a final test will be given onto you. If you are found worthy enough, your wish to return will be granted, if not you will lose all your memories from your mortal life and remain here in the Spirit World for the rest of eternity."
Lose all my memories? I will forget about Uncle, my friends, and…Katara?
Zuko closed his eyes as indecision seized him. What if he did fail this test? What if he did lose all of his memories? He shook his head, cursing himself for hesitating.
Again he looked at The Guardian in the eyes as he responded.
"I will pass this trial and I will return home."
The Guardian again emitted a rumbling chuckle.
"I will be looking forward to your fate."
He turned around and pointed west with a long, pale finger. Zuko followed where the blond man indicated and squinted. Far ahead, and barely visible, stood a red mountain with a pointed peak. White clouds swirled at the top.
"That is where you must journey to, where your destiny lies," The Guardian spoke, "You must hurry for there is not much time."
Zuko nodded and bowed.
"Thank you," he said gratefully and started walking toward his destination.
"You're welcome…Zuko," The Guardian's smooth, strong voice responded.
Zuko turned back, but instead of a smiling man in all white there was only empty air. Shrugging, Zuko resumed his walk, never taking his eyes off of the red mountain, his only chance of finding a way back home and to Katara.
Iroh walked silently down the golden palace corridor, sliding his hands into his sleeves, he lowered his head sadly. He had just left the meeting room where he had informed the Court Council members as well as all of the suitors of Katara's 'ailment.' Some were concerned for the well-being of their lady while others were upset by the delay of the announcement of the new Fire Lord, that mostly being Nobleman Fu. Of course, Iroh had not told them that Katara was suffering from shock because of Zuko's death since everybody already thought the previous Fire Lord was dead.
Iroh sighed mournfully and scratched the left side of his chest. Was it true what Katara had said? Was his nephew really dead this time? Hearing the news the first time had been painful, but having their hopes dashed a second time was unbearable. Iroh frowned as he continued on his quiet walk towards his niece-in-law's room. Katara had not woken up since that horrible night and the retired general was afraid that the young woman would never be the same.
"Iroh!" Aang's voice broke through his thoughts.
Iroh raised his head and waited for the young Avatar to reach him.
"What's really wrong with Katara? You just said she fell ill, but what does she have? A cold, a fever, a—"
"It is none of those things, young Avatar," Iroh interrupted. It is something far worse. "There is nothing for you to worry about."
Aang crossed his arms.
"I want to see her and make sure she's okay," he said stubbornly.
"You know no suitors are allowed into the Fire Lady's bedchamber," Iroh reminded him.
Aang raised his chin haughtily.
"But I'm her friend. I have a right to—"
"Friend or not you cannot go in," Iroh said firmly and narrowed his eyes.
The young monk opened his mouth to argue, but the stern look on the old firebender's face made him quickly close his mouth. Lifting his chin even higher, Aang turned swiftly around and marched down the way he came from. Iroh's tensed muscles relaxed and he continued on his walk.
"General Iroh, if I may," another young man's voice stopped him.
Iroh turned around to face the man. He was the young nobleman Katara spent most of her time with than the others.
"Nobleman Chen, am I correct?" Iroh asked with a raised bushy eyebrow.
"Yes, you are correct." Chen smiled and gave a small bow. "I just wanted to ask if there was anything I could do to help Fire Lady Katara in her illness."
Iroh sighed. "I am afraid there is nothing you could do, Nobleman Chen."
"Please, General Iroh," Chen continued urgently, "There must be something I could do! I could bring the best healer from the Fire Nation or one from the Water Tribes or better yet both and—"
Iroh held up a hand, silencing the rambling young man.
"Like I said before there is nothing you could do. What ails Lady Katara is not a physical illness."
He saw the confusion in Chen's eyes as well as the concern along with another emotion.
Dear me! Is he in…love? He sighed again.
"Time will be the only healer Lady Katara needs." With that Iroh turned on his heels and walked away. He heard Chen sigh before his footsteps retreated.
I should be glad that a good, young man is falling in love with Katara who would more than likely do anything for her happiness. Iroh frowned. But I can't...Not only because I want her to only be happy with Zuko, but because I know she would never be happy with anyone else. The Dragon of the West shook his head and sighed tiredly. I need some tea.
He finally reached the doors to the royal bedchamber and nodded at the guards posted outside. He entered and found Jiao and Ling straightening Katara's workplace. He nodded at them politely, this time not stopping them with a charming remark. He walked over to where Toph sat on a chair next to the bed.
"How is she doing?" he asked softly.
Toph sighed and rubbed her sightless eyes, which were a bit red.
"She's still the same since last night. She's hasn't moved an inch," she told him tiredly.
Iroh sat at the edge of the bed and took Katara's small hand in his. Her hand was very cold and her skin color was paler than usual. Katara's face was blank and the only indication that she was alive was her chest rising and falling with her breathing.
"Katara," Iroh called softly as he gently stroked her hand, "Zuko would not have wanted for you to suffer like this. Please, come back to us."
A/N: Bet you weren't expecting that! *grins* So in The Odyssey, Odysseus enters the underworld as he travels home. Next chapter will be what happens to Zuko as he travels in the Spirit World.
~alwaysZutarian
