Hey this is MusicWritesLife! Okay so just to say I AM ON FIRE! I might take a break after this though... But anyway, I need more motivation from you guy so I need more reveiws!


Chapter 9

"We are heading home!" Shai told Katara after breakfast as they say on Shai's bed.

"Home?" Katara asked.

"My father's home. You will get to see Zuko again. And Aang if you like," Shai said hesitantly.

"I would love that. Well, I think I would like that," Katara glanced down and sagged her head.

"What do you mean?" Shai asked biting her lip as if she was afraid Katara knew something she shouldn't.

"It's just that I expected Aang to find me a few days after I froze myself. I don't know whether to love him or be mad at him. And then," Katara hesitated, "I hear you, Lane, and Malza talking about something I shouldn't know. Im just so confused." Katara put her hands up and covered her face.

"I'm so sorry, Katara. I want to tell you so bad but Lane and Malza are right. Its not in my place to tell you. You are sure to find out in a few days. We aren't that far from the Palace," Shai said trying to comfort Katara. Katara nodded but the confusion and anxiety in her chest only increased.

Four Days Later…

"Wake up Katara! We're here!" Shai shook Katara to wake up. Slowly, Katara opened her eyes and took in the sunlight. The day had finally come for her to see Zuko and possibly Aang. It was also the day that she found out the secret that Shai, Lane, and Malza were trying so hard to keep from her.

When everyone had eaten breakfast and put on their best robes, (Katara borrowed hers from Shai), they headed out of the ship. From there they were transported to the Palace on platforms carried by 4 men on each platform.

When everyone had hopped off the platforms they turned toward the Palace. It hadn't changed at all. It looked as it had forever.

"Welcome home, princess," a guard welcomed Shai as they approached the golden doors. The Palace doors opened and the 4 of them walked in.

"This way," a maid said and led them left into a long hall. She finally opened one of the doors and they walked in behind her. Katara recognized this room: the library. Shelves and shelves of books rose 20 feet on every inch of every wall. There were many chairs on the floor and in one of them was a man who looked to be about 30. He looked up from reading and instead of smiling, he sighed.

"Hello," he said. It was not a welcoming greeting and Katara could sense it was directed toward Shai.

"Hello, father," Shai replied and Katara's mouth dropped. Zuko had changed so much. He looked tired, with purple circles under his eyes and he looked as if he hadn't shaved in a couple days.

"What are you doing here Shai?" Zuko said without even glancing at Katara.

"Father, I found something for you," Shai said tentatively.

"Well, where is it?" Zuko growled impatiently. Katara was frightened by this Zuko. It reminded her of his old days when he tried to capture Aang multiple times.

"Right here," Shai pushed Katara forward, "Katara. I found her." Shai smiled proudly. Zuko's eyes widened as his jaw dropped.

"Katara!" Zuko suddenly looked 10 years younger as he ran over and hugged Katara. He squeezed her so hard that Katara struggled to catch a breath.

"Hi, Zuko! You look so different!" Katara gasped when Zuko put her down.

"Sorry. I've had a lot on my mind for so many years. Now could you tell me how you are alive and look about the same as you did 15 years ago?" Zuko asked.

Katara told Zuko how she had frozen herself up to when Shai had found her and brought her here. The whole time Shai just stood hunched over in the corner, looking down as if examining her feet. Katara noticed this and thought it was strange.

Zuko, will you walk with me for a second? Alone?" Katara asked and they walked out of the Palace and into the garden outside. The roses were in bloom and a small breeze rocked them back and forth. They walked past the pond where the koi fish swam slowly in a circle. Zuko turned around.

"So…How have been?" Zuko said awkwardly.

"Zuko what happened to you?" Katara asked and looked him directly in the eyes.


How was that? Any questions pm me or ask in a reveiw. This is MusicWrites Life signing off!

~MRL