Zutara - Healing Chapter 10

I didn't know how long this trip could be. I didn't think the trip here was so long. Granted they did stop to send the messenger hawk to Katara, but I tried to keep her off my mind. After my last encounter with Katara, I didn't know what to think.

The sun had set and it had to be midnight before we were back in the firenation. When we landed outside the palace, I was sure all my maids and servants were asleep. The guards stood at ready.

"Go get some servants!" I barked at a guard before we had even gotten off of Appa. But they had been ready and as soon as Aang and I got my mother down, servants were there to take her.

I was about to follow when on of the two guards that had come with us called, "Firelord Zuko, shall we take this man to the dungeon?" I looked back and saw them holding the man from the Dragon's Mouth.

"Yes," I said barely paying attention, and chased after the servants that carried my mother.

They set her down on the bed in the royal bedroom that once belonged to Azula. I blindly followed them into the room and watched as the maid washed her face with wet rags and a bowl of water. The healers came in to inspect her body and I left the room. I did not want to see all the damage done to her.

"Zuko," Aang called me, when I stood out in the hallway.

"Yes," I replied slightly distracted.

Toph stood behind Aang as he said, "Toph and I can return to Ba Sing Se if you are no long in need of…"

"No, no. Please, stay and rest. It's the least I can do to thank you. Call on my maids if you need anything. I will get someone to show you the guest rooms." I raised my hand and called a messenger (they were always everywhere). "Show these two the guest chambers, or have a maid do it. They both deserve ambassador suites."

Aang bowed "Thank you, Firelord Zuko."

"Just Zuko," I almost muttered.

I left them and went to the garden. I needed to think. So much had happened in the last 24 hours that I could not keep up with it all. I sat down under the tree near the pond. The stars reflected against the still water. I stared at the dark pool and my mind was flooded with thoughts. Mom… She was alive. She was here. But she wasn't well. I didn't know if I was happy or sad, or scared. I was so overcome.

Suddenly the pool below me stirred and a ripple in the form of a circle grew across the surface of the pond. I realized that it was my tear that had fallen to disturb the water. I wiped away another tear before it could fall. I choked on the lump in my throat and tried to swallow it. I wanted it to go away. I hated being so weak.

"You should rest," I heard a familiar voice. I looked around hopefully. But saw no one. I swore I had heard her. But when I thought about it, she couldn't be here. Not yet. I was just tired. I was hallucinating. It wouldn't be the first time. And she… I mean that voice in my head was right. I need rest.

I urged myself to stand and make my way back to my mother's room. The healers and servants were bustling about still. I leaned on the door frame, "Who is in charge here?"

One female healer came to me and bowed. "I am, my name is Yin Tu."

"Alright, Yin Tu, I am going to rest. Send a messenger to wake me if you find anything important."

"Yes, my lord." She bowed.

I made my way to my room. My eyes were already drooping and my limbs were heavy. I closed the door behind myself as I entered my room. Then I collapsed on my soft bed and fell into sleep before I could even roll over.

"Zuko."

"Where are you!" I yelled.

"I'm here, find me, Zuko."

"Katara!"

I ran through the darkness searching frantically for her. I needed her. I loved her. "Katara!" I screamed her name.

Suddenly I saw her standing with her back turned to me in the black emptiness, she was the only thing I could see.

"Katara," I called her a third time and ran to her, grabbing her shoulder to turn her around.

But she spun around and slapped my face, "Get away, firebender!"

"But…"

"You are the enemy! Do you know what your father did to my people? Do you know what YOU did to my people? I hate you! I hate you!" And with that she turned and ran away.

"Katara, wait! You know that I changed!" I grabbed her wrist.

She yanked it away and yelled, "Did you! Did you really! You are a terrible firelord. You go off finding you mother, who didn't even survive. And now you don't care! Your people are still terrorizing the world; it's as if the war never ended! I hate you! Self-centered bitch!"

The words stung as they sunk in more and more and Katara ran off. I collapsed to the ground, an indescribable pain in my chest. I had failed! I am no better than my father. I am a terrible firelord. Katara said it herself.

No.

My skin stung. I looked around and only saw the light of flames enclosing on me. I screamed, "Katara! Help me! Please!"

"You brought this on yourself!"

And it was over.

Blackness.

My lids opened to the bright dawn. I rolled over on my back and stared at the ceiling.

"Have I failed?"