Hey everyone here is chapter 10~!
I didnt address the reviews last chapter so let me do that now!~
ImKindOfWorriedAboutMyself- Calm your heavy breathing!~ Here is chapter 10 for you~~~! I kept on going just like you told me too!
RUReadingThis- Of course I am reading these! Thank you for the review I am so glad you are following both of my stories! *breathes sigh of relief* Im happy that you are enjoying them as well! I will keep it up because of people like you that keep me going! You guys boost my confidence!
The Son of Hades123- Are you glad that I corrected the font now? Hahaha trust me the whole bold font drove me crazy! Im so sorry you had to read it like that *slaps forehead* I hope you can forgive me and continue to help me out with such honest opinions!
Okay and a huge thank you to Irianna Marie, and Grace225lax for becoming new followers!~ I hope to hear some of your thoughts soon in a review~!
NOW ONTO THE CHAPTER~
The Wedding: Part 2
Katara's POV
"YOU WHAT!?" Sokka shouted. I looked at Sokka and then back to Zuko and Aang. Taking away her bending!? Azula smiled softly and held her hands out.
"I can't harm anyone…or anything for that matter without my bending." Sokka remained flabbergasted. I was in so much shock I could barely make myself audible.
"You, you already took it away?" Aang nodded and Azula walked up closer to me.
"Katara this needed to happen. I hurt so many people and messed so much up. We're the same age and you've healed… and helped people. It's only fair that in return for what I've done I take away something that's equally as precious to me." She smiled with no sadness in her words or eyes."That precious something is my bending."
No one talked for awhile and it obviously made Azula very uncomfortable. I couldn't imagine myself without my bending. I looked at Zuko. He nodded as if telling me he understood. That was all I needed. All I needed to know that Azula had made this choice herself and that he had already discussed it with her. I couldn't disrespect her decision especially if it was something that she had decided to do for the greater good. Sokka placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Azula I'm not going to lie. I really didn't want you here, not because I hated you. I just couldn't get past the possibility that you could harm any of us. This is such a precious day for me, I was scared." Azula smiled sadly, I saw Sokka breath heavily. "I can't imagine what it must be like….to lose your bending….I feel like it's my fault. If I had agreed from the beginning maybe then you wouldn't have given up something so pre-" She put a hand over Sokka's mouth.
"No Sokka this isn't your fault. I knew that my bending was the source of the problem. Not only did it cause fear and hurt but it drove me to become a person I didn't want to be. I never wanted to hurt Zuzu and all I've ever wanted was my mother's love. I…I needed to be rid of something that could hold me back from all the things that I can now strive for." Sokka smiled and pushed her towards me with a huge grin on his face.
"Well then Azula you can help Katara out! You are a princess you can give Suki some pointers." Aang and Zuko chuckled. "Katara is she okay? Suki I mean… I'm so worried" I sighed.
"You're both hopeless. Just get to the altar and we will be there with Suki I promise!" He smiled and nodded while Zuko placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Everything will be fine! Your best man is here now!" Sokka smiled widely and crossed his arms over his chest. Aang looked to me and I smiled softly. Hopefully he had come to his senses while being in the fire nation with Zuko. Zuko must have seen us and looked to me shaking his head slowly. Then it hit me.
Zuko couldn't change his mind, I sighed softly. I needed to talk with Zuko before the wedding before I messed this up even further. I needed to know how to approach Aang, I didn't want to lose him as a friend. Then Sokka pulled Azula and Aang to the side and started talking about their roles in the wedding. He hadn't had much time to talk things through with them and the wedding was in less than an hour.
I felt someone grab my arm and I looked up to see Zuko's scar. He pulled me to the side and waved back at everyone "Hey we'll be right back. I need to talk to Katara!" I looked up at him confused. He smiled and whispered to me " just go with it." He started pulling me along, walking away from the group. I chuckled and waved back at everyone while he continued on.
We didn't go too far away but we continued walking down the shore. I looked up to Zuko who was walking closely next to me. I nudged him in the side and he looked down at me with his golden eyes. "So, how have you been this month. I never got a reply back to my letter." I smiled as the blush crawled its way into his face. I chuckled until he finally found his voice.
"In one word I've been busy. Very very busy," I sighed I think everyone had been busy, "but, I think we both know that we need to talk about Aang right now." I wanted to argue. I really had missed him and his company but, I couldn't deny the fact that the issue with Aang needed sorting out. Quickly.
"I don't know what to do Zuko. If I tell him now he will be sad at the wedding and I don't want that. I also don't want to hurt him. No matter what he is one of my best friends and I love him like a brother. If I somehow lose his friendship I don't know what I would do! If I have to lie through a relationship with him then I will." He sighed beside me and stopped us gripping my wrist in his hand.
"But it's hurting you Katara! Do you honestly believe you can have an honest and happy relationship with him if you force yourself! It's crazy so stop thinking like that." I bit my lip, he was right. "Look I tried to get Aang to see that but he's a child obsessed with his first love, and there is nothing wrong with that. But it is harder for him to give up. You have to tell him and make it so that he understands or he won't give up." I felt the exhaustion accumulate from the past couple of days. I rested my head on his chest, he stilled for a moment before stroking my hair comfortingly. It felt nice…nicer than I would've liked to realize. I didn't want him to stop but, the wedding was soon. We had to go back.
"He's going to be so hurt. I love Aang. Just-just not the way he wants." I sighed and started walking back. "I'll tell him at the reception. When everyone is too busy focused on Suki and Sokka." He nodded in agreement. There wasn't much longer until the wedding and I had to make sure everything is done and ready. Zuko followed behind me silently.
"Hey 'Tara..?" I smiled at my nickname he had given me and turned to face him.
"Yeah?" He matched his pace with mine as we headed back.
"I was wondering. What do you plan on doing after this wedding?" I shrugged. To be honest I wasn't sure myself. I thought about making another trip to the northern water tribe but, it would probably have to be by myself. I was saddened by the fact that I would be alone but, it could prove to be worth it. Do some training maybe?
"I haven't really thought about it much. There's so much I could do." I turned to him with a smile, "I might go on a solo trip though." He sighed sadly which made me bump him. "That's sounds like you're not happy about my choice." He shook his head chuckling deeply.
"No not really but, actually it sounds just like you. I was kind of hoping you'd come back with me to the fire nation." I blushed and turned away quickly. The fire nation? I looked at Zuko from the corner of my eye and saw him blushing. It was kind of cute on him. He must of saw me looking at him because he quickly turned away and made a quick response.
"I...I just thought it would be nice. I mean you could be there for Azula. You know help her out with…I don't know girlish things?" I chuckled heading towards where Suki, Toph, and most likely Azula were now finalizing and getting ready to go. Zuko stopped at the door with me. I turned to him arms crossed across my chest a smile working its way to my face.
"Oh so not because you want me there?" I teased. His blush got worse and then Sokka called to him from a couple of feet away. I quickly pushed Zuko away towards him. "Uh oh Suki is in here! He can't see her until she's walking towards the alter!" Zuko chuckled turning to Sokka. When he reached him he took Sokka by the arm and took them to the other hut where my dad was.
I saw him look back and give a cheesy grin. I cocked my head to the side, why was he smiling? He stopped and yelled over to me "I was the one who asked you to come!" I blushed and smiled shaking my head. He was ridiculous, but I did question him. I rushed inside and saw Suki, Toph, and Azula finishing up their appearances and my grandma getting Suki's engagement necklace. I smiled softly at how beautiful everyone looked.
"Sugar queen! You made it. Where were you!?" I touched up on my make up before lining up in the front. Gran Gran placed Suki's necklace on and everything was ready.
"Sorry I was catching up with Zuko really quick. I'm going to go see if they are ready now!" I poked my head outside the door to see Zuko and my father outside ready to lead us towards the main hall where Sokka was waiting. Aang was probably inside with the rest of the village with the rings. Azula was carrying the flowers so she would be out before us. I smiled at her, she was currently getting them from Toph. I waved at Zuko and he motioned for us to start walking their way. Azula led with the flowers, then it was Toph, and then me. I would be walking with Zuko since he was the best man. When we reached them Zuko held his arm out for me and I took it happily. My father took Suki from my grandmother who would be carrying the end of her train. Suki placed her hand on top of my fathers. I smiled sadly. Her dad should be the one who walked her down, but she had asked that he took her instead of walking alone. I looked back at her when I heard the music start.
"Suki you ready?" Everyone looked back at her and she smiled.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be!" We all smiled and Azula led us down. She scattered the flowers then took a seat in the front row. Toph took her place on the left side of the alter and Zuko and I unlinked our arms and took our places.
Sokka looked amazing in his formal blue water tribe furs. With his dark and light blues in his clothing Sokka stood out next to Zuko's fiery red. His hair was in a traditional wolfs tail but he looked frightened. He hadn't seen Suki yet, or all day for a matter of fact. I looked at Zuko who was still in his red robes that he had worn off the ship. I watched him poke Sokka and point to the entrance were Suki came around from the side, linked arm to arm with our father. He led her up the aisle with easy slow steps in time with the music. Sokka looked like he was going to pass out, then love and adoration flashed across his face. Suki was beautiful walking up to meet Sokka at the altar, I could feel my tears forming and the ceremony had only just started. When Suki and my father reached the top he gave Suki's hand to Sokka's. They looked at each other warmly.
Gran Gran walked from the back to the middle of Sokka and Suki holding their hands together. "Today we are here to witness the union of Sokka, son of Hadoka and Suki of the Kyoshi Islands." The room went quiet as she proceeded with the wedding. During the time I was filled with so much happiness watching as the tears fell down our people's faces. The last time they had witnessed something as special as this was when Gran Gran and Pakku had finally gotten married. Sadly we weren't there for the occasion. I smile, if only Pakku could be here now to see his grandson getting married. He had much to do in Ba Sing Se, I shook my head now wasn't the time to be thinking of such difficult topics. When I finally refocused my attention to the wedding they were reciting their vows.
"Sokka, please say your vows first." He nodded and smiled at Suki.
"I Sokka, take you Suki to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, and share with you the burdens you face, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live." Suki wiped a tear from her face before beginning her vows.
"I, Suki, take you, Sokka, to be my husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of the spirits, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you and your tribe, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
"Avatar Aang the rings please." Aang walked forwards in his formal robes rich in browns and oranges. His smile was wider than his face as he presented the rings. Sokka first put Suki's ring on and then she did his in return. Both smiling, excited that there wasn't much time left until it was official. My grandma smiled and held their hands together. She whispered a blessing before turning back to the crowd.
"By the spirits of La and Tui, I now pronounce these two as husband and wife. Sokka, you may now kiss the bride." Sokka pulled her veil away and kissed her gently. Everyone erupted into cheers and laughter. Sokka grabbed Suki's hand and made his way down the aisle waving to everyone who saw them. We all followed them out to the front where Suki had prepared to throw her flowers. Toph pushed me forward.
"Sugar Queen you better catch those! I won't see them while they are in the air!" I laughed and prepared for Suki's toss. She turned her back to us and threw them back. The few girls and I watched them fly past us due to Suki's strength and into the unsuspecting hands of the Fire Lord. We locked eyes and before anyone could say anything I started laughing hysterically. Zuko's face blushed a deep red and Sokka's laughter echoed around. No one had expected that to happen. Zuko turned away, embarrassed by the event and gave the flowers to his sister who in return blushed at his kindness.
The rest flowed smoothly into the reception where they were blessed with spirit water by my grandmother. The best food from our tribe was then brought out and everyone started eating. Sokka and Suki were in their own little world feeding each other and basking in the moment. I smiled, they were so perfect for each other. I noticed Toph talking to Zuko and gagging at the two's public display of affection. Sadly Toph couldn't stop from seeing them or else she would be blind to everything. I felt a little bad for her but laughed regardless. Azula sat on the other side of Zuko and was talking to my grandma and father. They seemed pleased to see Azula's improvement. I looked around for Aang, now would be a good time to talk to him. I eventually found him sitting on the edge of the beach. Suki had wanted her reception outside in the fresh air basking in the moonlight in honor of Yue. Sokka was pleased at her idea and agreed quickly.
When I got close to Aang he turned around with a smile on his face, patting to the space next to him on the snow like sand. "Hey." I smoothed out my dress and looked out to the water. Aang smiled, "Hey…the wedding was amazing." I nodded smiling back to him.
"It was beautiful. I hope one day I can have a wedding like that." Aang put a hand over mine.
"We will Katara, I will make sure it's even better than theirs!" I blushed and pulled my hand away.
"A-Aang…actually we need to talk about that." His face fell and I felt the fear creep into my thoughts.
I don't want to upset him but, I have to do this. It's the only way we can both move on.
"Katara, you belong with me." I shook my head as I felt the tears beginning to form.
"No Aang… I don't think we are. I- I think that we love each other. But…it's not the same as what Sokka and Suki have." Aang stood up and stared down at me with angry eyes.
"What can I do to make you see this Katara!? I save the world for you! I did everything for you! Why isn't that enough for you to love me?" I felt the tears fall as I rose to stand with him as well.
"Aang I do love you just not like that. Not the way you want me to." He started shaking his head, grabbing his hands I looked into his stormy grey eyes. "Please Aang, I don't want this to continue. I can't lie to myself and hurt you and I in the process."
"Oh so it's okay if only I get hurt!?" I shook my head quickly.
"NO! No Aang that's not what I'm saying! I love you Aang but like a brother. I don't want to lose you" he pulled me closer to him.
"Then if you love me you can learn to love me the way I love you. It can't be that hard. At least you don't hate me." I struggled to get out of his grip. Sadly Aang had grown and could now easily overpower me.
"Aang stop! STOP! Let go of me! I don't love you please! Please listen to me!" He grabbed the back of my head and kissed me. Forcing our bodies together while I struggled to get away. I felt a hand push past me and harshly on Aang and the other firmly around my waist pulling us apart.
I looked to see that Zuko had pushed Aang away and put his body in front of me protecting me from Aang who was dazed by the interference. "Aang I told you not to force her into anything! You are both important friends to me please don't make this worse!" Aang shook with anger and walked up to Zuko, their faces barely inches apart.
"Don't get involved Zuko this has nothing to do with you!" Zuko shook his head.
"It does when you start forcing yourself onto her. She doesn't want it Aang and we have all been trying to tell you!"
"OH! So when I was in the fire nation you were trying to get me to break up with Katara!?" Zuko threw his hands up in the air in frustration.
"NO! I just wanted you to see that she loved you in a different way than you do! By pursuing her you are putting not only your relationship in danger but the relationship with Sokka as well! Do you honestly think he would appreciate you forcing Katara into a relationship she doesn't want!?" Aang pushed Zuko back and grabbed my arm pulling me to his side.
"You don't know anything! Zuko back off!" I got out of Aang's grip and placed myself between Zuko and him.
"Aang stop this! I know what I'm doing is cruel but Im sorry. Im so sorry I can't love you Aang. The things you want and what I want are different I just can't-" Aang air bended both Zuko and I to the ground.
"Oh so is Zuko the one you want!? Because so far it seems to me like the two of you are a little too close!" I went red with anger.
"WHAT!? NO AANG WE ARE JUST FRIENDS! DON'T BRING HIM INTO THIS!" Aang shook his head and air bended me down again. Zuko didn't like it and started fire bending, much to his anger Aang was able to easily dispel it with fire bending.
"DAMNIT AANG! There is nothing going on between Katara and I!" Ouch, that hurt. I shook the feeling away. This wasn't working. Zuko was trying to help but, it was just making it worse.
"Zuko leave us." He turned to face me, his face filled with anger and disbelief. "Please…just leave us." He looked at me for a moment and finally sighed in defeat.
"Fine," he looked at Aang "Aang she's giving you a chance to keep your relationship. Don't mess it up! Clear your head and listen to her!" With that he stormed off steam pouring from his nostrils. I sighed and sat up looking at Aang who had tears rushing down his face.
"What have I done?" I felt my heart drop to my stomach and the tears fall down my eyes.
"Nothing Aang, this was me. I should've told you earlier. It should never have gotten this bad. Im so sorry…" Aang sniffled and finally turned to me.
"How-how long have you felt like this?" I wiped some tears with the back of my hand.
"Awhile…not too long after I returned home." I could hear his voice shaking.
"I'm sorry too…" I shook my head and hugged him.
"No! Aang please. Please I'm so sorry, please don't hate me. I-" he hugged me back stroking my back.
"It's okay Katara. Im sorry I never listened…when you wouldn't come with me…I knew, I just didn't want to believe. Then I saw how close you were with Zuko and I..I just lost it. I…I have to apologize to him. What I said, accused you guys of was wrong of me. I…" I continued to shake my head and hold onto him.
"It's fine, we both know. It's okay Aang. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner." He pushed me away looking down with a tear streaked face.
"It's okay Katara…I," he looked down. "Can you tell Zuko I'm sorry? I can't stay here Katara. I have to go, I need to be alone and sort my feelings out." I stood motionlessly as he began to walk away. I wanted to run after him but I knew better. I knew I needed to leave him alone. So instead I fell to the ground sobbing at the disaster I had created.
Zuko's POV
ARG! How could Aang be so stupid! How could he blame me for defending Katara and then making such a baseless accusation because of his petty jealously! I paced around outside too angry to go inside and then worry everyone while they were happily enjoying the celebration. I sighed heavily and sat down counting to ten until I calmed down. What did Aang know!? Sure me and Katara got along but that didn't mean we were…in…in love with each other. I threw my face into my hands.
I cared about Katara, she was important to me but, I hadn't thought of her like that…or did I? I looked up to see Aang in front of me. "Z..Zuko. I wasn't planning on seeing you." I growled but left it at that. "Look Zuko…I'm sorry. For accusing you for being in love with Katara behind my back. It was stupid and childish of me to say." I rolled my eyes. At least he understood that. I looked at him and sighed. I couldn't stay mad at him, he had just lost the girl of his dreams. I knew heartbreak like he did…
"It's fine, your forgiven. Just…just don't beat yourself up over this okay? Your young Aang…Katara isn't the only girl who you can come to love." He nodded and sat down next to me.
"I know…I just, she was the first girl to find me. I owe it to her for saving me. I saved the world for her, I did everything for her because I loved her." He looked up at the moon. "I guess I just find it hard to give up after all this time." I sighed and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"You will find a girl who will be everything and more than Katara ever could be." He chuckled and finally looked at me.
"Are you saying Katara isn't one of the best girls you've known? Because so far I'm finding it hard to believe I'll find one as good as her." I shook my head.
"You're just blinded by love. Katara is probably one of the most infuriating, stubborn, most argumentative girl I've ever met." He raised his eyebrow.
"But you're her best friend. And surely you've noticed how beautiful she is becoming." I blushed.
"Aang I do not love Katara, end of. Stop stressing out over things that are never going to happen." He smiled.
"I know," he looked back at the moon "do you remember the promise I made you keep?" I shook my head and he sighed. "If you fall in love with her. I want you to tell me." I groaned and fell onto my back.
"Aang I'm not making that promise I don't-"
"Promise me. Please." I could hear the seriousness in his voice. Groaning I sat back up and put a hand threw my hair.
"Fine, fine I promise." I mumbled, "it's never going to happen." He smiled and got to his feet. Standing straight and dignified as if he had just finalized a decision.
"I'm leaving in the morning. I need time alone, to think…I've already told Katara." I sighed.
"Do you really have to go?" He nodded and started walking away.
"I want to give myself time to think, so that when I come back I can be the friendly air bender you guys knew. At this point I'll just trouble everyone." I stood up and followed him into the party where everyone was making fun of Sokka's dancing.
"Where are you going?" He shrugged.
"Maybe to Ba Sing Se? I think Toph wants to leave too." I nodded. Maybe Toph could help him through and make him stay on track.
"Probably, I would ask her soon especially if you plan on leaving so soon." He smiled and walked over to Toph who was eating much of the food on the table. I looked around the room and noticed that Katara wasn't anywhere. She must be outside still I thought. I walked back to where Aang, Katara and I had gotten into a fight. I was right, she was standing with her feet in the water breathing deeply. When I approached closer I noticed she was making small waves with her water bending. A technique to probably smooth her mind. She turned around smiled at me, her eyes red with tears.
"Hey…" she walked out of the water and sat down where it was dry, beckoning me to sit with her.
"Hey there, I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier. I know you were just trying to help but, it just make Aang angrier." I shook my head taking a seat next to her on the cold snow like sand. She was gazing at the moon with a sad smile. "Aang wanted me to tell you that he's sorry. For accusing you and me of things." I chuckled.
"Yeah he already came and apologized. I don't think he was planning to run into me. We talked it out." She smiled and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
"That's good. I was worried you would remain angry at him until he came back." I shrugged.
"It's not like I can't understand why he made the assumption. I mean I am pretty close with you." She blushed a light red, my heart skipped a beat and caught me by surprise. It wasn't the first time she had blushed but, for some reason it made me think she was cute.
"Well I don't find the idea that terribly offending…" I turned to look at her wide with confused.
"Wh-what?" She shrugged turning away from me mumbling almost so low I couldn't hear what she said.
"Me…liking you….I mean, I don't know." I could feel the blush rising to my cheeks. I didn't want to admit it but after all that's happened. Why the hell not?
"Me either…" she turned to look at me and this time I turned away out of embarrassment. She smiled lightly before leaning up and kissing me on the cheek.
"Thanks for helping me Zuko." I put a hand to my cheek as she walked away back towards the reception. My heart hammered in my chest, I could still feel the softness and warmth of her lips.
Shit.
I might have to talk to Aang again after all.
THIS CHAPTER WAS SOOOO LONG! Omg 10 pages on word holy cow~
I tried to find places to stop but I just didn't want to end until I reached that part and I felt like it was a great place to finish :3
Aang gave them quite a bit of trouble but he's mature enough now to realize that he almost lost two of his most important friends. He will be leaving to Ba Sing Se, this chapter ends the first Arch like thingy in my fanfic and the next chapter will start the next set of problems and adventures the Gaang will encounter!
Katara will be going solo for awhile, whereas I will be diving into some Aang, Suki, Sokka, and Toph pov's as they go on their own adventure. Azula and Zuko have business again in the fire nation.
This next chapter will go a bit quickly and will enter the next year soon. They will all be having birthday's or just celebrating birthdays. For Zuko and Sokka this year will be the most important! I hope you all stay with me for the next chapter and arch of this fanfiction!~
Please Review review review!~ I love to hear your opinions about the course of my fanfiction so far and if you are excited to what I am doing next!
Till the next chapter
Rae