Wow...so I have been completely bogged down with homework. Anyone who thinks high school will be fun is so wrong! Yeah, freshman year's ok...but after that they try to smother you w/ hw. Idk, maybe it's a Catholic school thing. Anyway, 3 day weekend and I'm working on this story to keep you all happy. You ready?
I thought so...
Chapter Eight
"Um...could you be a little more elaborate?" Katara said, suddenly feeling nervous.
"I'm really not sure. I just feel like I need to tell you...everything."
"Ok..." Katara said, trailing off as she wasn't sure exactly what to say. She decided to persuade him to give her the answer to the question that had been plaguing her mind. "How about you start with why you're sorry."
"I don't know what to say to that," he replied honestly. He wanted to explain to her, but he was unsure how to put into words how he felt. The feelings were so new to him, he was unsure of just about everything.
"Well, you said you wanted to tell me everything, Prince Zuko, but now you seem to be at a loss for words. If you aren't going to explain why you have been acting like such an idiot, then you might as well leave my room. I'm tired."
"I want to tell you everything, I just don't know how to begin."
"The beginning usually works for me," Katara said rather curtly, obviously tiring of his elusiveness.
Zuko sighed long and hard. He just didn't understand the effect this insolent girl had on him. Most other beings would have already been severly reprimanded, but he could not do so with her. He even felt himself inclining to her will at some times. This time was an example, as he took a deep breath and began to tell her his story.
"You already know that my father banished me from the Fire Nation nearly four years ago. It is because of him that I bear this hideous scar. Ever since then, I have strived to become the fiercest warrior in every way. I was determined to win my place in the court back. But that wasn't to happen. Many jealous commanders saw to that. And my father didn't seem to want me still. I had dishonored him and no small act would raise me in his eyes. So I set my sights on the Avatar.
"Everyone told me I was crazy to pursue him. They all thought he was long gone. But I knew that there was an Avatar for every generation and I figured this new one was just a coward, hiding in some distant land. Imagine my surprise when I discoveredhim to be young Aang, amere child. But thatdid not stop me from fighting him; I would bring him back tomy kingdom and prove to my father that Ideserved he and the kingdom. But time after timethe Avatar slipped through my fingers."
"I don't mean to be rude,but I know all this. Or most of it at least," Katara interrupted.
"You recommended starting at the beginning. That is what I'm doing."
"I didn't necessarily mean the very beginning, however."
"I recently devised a plan to lure the Avatar to me," Zuko said, blatantly igoring his captive. "I would capture his love, you, and bring you to my fortress. The Avatar, being the irritatingly intelligent boy he is, would follow us, although some days behind. And when he caught up with us, I would be ready. I would ambush and capture him and bring him to my father and king.
"All of this sounded like the perfect plan a few weeks ago. Now, though, I'm not so sure. It's not that I don't think it will work, it's something else. I just cannot name what. I've been feeling strange things, stirrings almost, deep within me. These things have not been the normal things I feel- hate, anguish, angst, and anger. It's something very new. I don't know how else to explain it. It's an wonderful, and still yet awful feeling. And it leaves me thinking about you a good deal of the time. I think it has something to do with you, and that scares me. That could ruin everything."
Katara just looked at the prince as she felt her cheeks start to burn. The way he was speaking was so mesmerizing. His sharp, harsh voice was soft and sweet sounding. And the way he was describing how he felt made it sound like he was falling in love with her. Katara knew she ought to feel repulsed, and on some degree she sort of was. But it wasn't the repulsion she should have been feeling, what little there actually was. She felt sorry for him, and she suddenly had the overpowering urge to hug him. That was the thought that repulsed her, that she could let herself be melted by some arrogant fire bender. By the enemy.
Prince Zuko looked up and into her eyes. What Katara saw there stunned her. The hate and pride she normally met there were gone, or at least pushed back by something far more light. She felt her lips curl in a soft smile despite herself. And she feltan airy feeling in the pit of her stomach when he returned the favor. Embarrassed, she looked away. And, unknown to her downcast eyes, so did he.
It was a moment before their silence was broken. And the intrusion was not made by either of them. Iroh stood at the door, clearing his throat to get their attention. They gave it to him, eager to have something to do that was less awkward then their previous actions.
"Prince Zuko, the captain needs you," the elderly man said, a slight smirk on his face, like he knew something the two young people did not.
"Yes, Uncle," Zuko said, standing and moving to leave the room. When he reached the doorway he turned and looked at Katara and gave an unsure smile, his mouth out of practice in the action.
Katara gave him a smile also, and as his cheeks burned crimson, as did hers. When she caught herself at this she wondered vehemently, What is wrong with me?
Ok, my devoted fans. Sorry again this took so long. I hope it doesn't happen again but I make no promises. Now, since you've had such a long time to wait for this, I expect many, many reviews telling me what you think (even if they are just rants about my lengthy break from writing). You know you love me!
Now review!
