-1Zuko's Point of View
Cradling my head in my hands, I sank to the ground. This was all my fault. I was angry at Katara for being such a bitch, so I yelled at her. I'd said she could die, which was a little- oh who am I kidding- very harsh, when she was trying to apologize. My girlfriend was trying to apologize and I yelled at her. If I hadn't done that, Katara and I could've been doing mushy couple stuff. But no, I had to be a prick. Way to go, Zuko. Poor Katara. She must be so scared.
"Zuko, look at this!" Sokka exclaimed. The only noise I made was an agonized moan. Katara was gone. This was all my fault. I was such a failure. . A disgrace. Why couldn't I do anything right? Sokka's hand came from out of nowhere. With a little grunt of shock I fell backwards as Sokka slapped me. Numbly I touched my hand to the place where I'd been struck. "Wake up!" Sokka yelled. "Katara has been captured! This isn't the time to feel sorry for yourself!"
"This is the perfect time to feel sorry for myself! This is all my fault!"
Sokka grabbed me by the shirt and hoisted me up. Bringing me close to his face he shook me and growled, "This is not your fault! It's the Fire Nation's fault! Katara needs you! Moping around won't help her!" Huh. What did Sokka know? His girlfriend hadn't been captured by the Fire Nation.
No, his little sister was captured. I think that's just as bad, if not worse.
Shut up. Why do you always bother me when you're not wanted?
Because that's when you need a good kick in ass the most.
No comment.
Shocker.
Sokka has no idea what I'm going through.
You are so full of it. Do you honestly think that you're the only one to have suffered?
No. But where does Sokka get off hitting me and telling me what to do? I'm a Prince, he's a dumb peasant!
I thought Azula stripped you of your power.
No…well….technically….
Yeah, that's what I thought. You aren't in any position to be acting all high and mighty.
No one understands me.
Oh, enough with this 'no one understands me' crap! So bad things happened in your life. You think that everyone else lives in a happy little bubble while poor ickle Zuko suffers. Get over yourself. There are others with lives even worse than yours.
Huh.
Really.
But where the hell does Sokka get off yelling at me? What is wrong with him? Doesn't he have any sympathy? Does he have any what I'm going through?
No, he doesn't. He never lost anyone close to him.
Yeah- hey! You're being sarcastic!
Yeah, I am. Hello! Katara's Sokka's little sister!
He still doesn't know what I'm going through! He didn't say something awful to Katara! If I hadn't been such a jerk Katara never would've gone into the forest and been captured.
You don't know that.
Yes, I do! This is my fault!
Would you quit whining? Sokka has more reason than you to be upset and he's not whining.
But Katara was the only person who ever cared for me, and now she's gone!
What about your Uncle and mother?
Besides family members.
Sokka must be upset too. How would you feel if you found your mother and then she was captured?
I'd feel awful…hey! That's not fair!
Stupid conscience. How did he always get the better of me? But once again, he was right. Feeling sorry for myself wasn't going to help Katara. Composing myself, I turned to face Sokka. "I'm sorry. What did you find?"
"A note from Zhao," Sokka spat.
My fists clenched at the mention of the Admiral. "What does he want?" I growled.
"He wants Aang in exchange for Katara."
"What?" This was classic Zhao. Kidnap my girlfriend and expect me to hand over the Avatar. How stupid did he think I was? I knew perfectly well that he'd never hand over Katara if I brought Aang to him. No, he'd attack me and take off with Aang and Katara.
"We have to save her!"
"You can't honestly be thinking of taking Aang to the Fire Nation!" Sokka protested.
I rolled my eyes and scoffed, "No, I'm not. But we should look to see where Katara's being held." Sokka nodded in agreement and followed me. Following the tracks made by the Fire Nation soldiers we found the ship near the river's edge. A quick glance told me that there were way too many for us to take on by ourselves.
"Well?" Sokka whispered.
"Too many," I whispered back
"What are the chances of us getting Katara and making a quick escape?"
"Slim to none. Too many guards. Maybe if Aang brought Appa and the others we'd stand a chance."
"Okay, let's go back."
Sokka and I headed back to camp. As we approached I heard Toph cry, "Tthey're back!" Uncle Iroh jerked up from where he was resting. "Did you find her?" he asked anxiously. Shaking my head, I sank down next to him. "Katara's been captured by Zhao. He wants to trade Aang for Katara."
"This is most unwelcome."
"What are we waiting for? Let's go get her!" Aang yelled, spinning his staff.
"Wait a minute, Twinkle Toes," Toph interjected. "You can't just go running off like this! Suppose it's a trap?
I don't care! Katara's my friend! I can't let her be in danger because of me!"
"So you're just going to run off and get captured? Open your eyes Twinkle Toes! It's a trap!"
"I know that! You hate Katara, don't you Toph!"
" Are you crazy? I just met her!"
"Then why don't you want to save her?"
"I DO want to save her! I just don't want you to get captured! You're the Avatar. The fate in the world rests in your hands. You can't go running off and get captured!"
"What are you saying?"
Toph sighed. "I'm saying that you're the Avatar. It's your duty to save the world. If you die, what'll happen to the world? I'm not saying Katara isn't important or anything, but since you're the Avatar, your choices have a greater effect."
"So you're saying that I'm more important?"
"Yes. I'm not trying to lessen our roles or anything, but well….do you understand?"
"Yes, I do. You want Katara to die!"
"I never said that! I'm saying that your choices can affect the world and you shouldn't be so rash!"
"You don't care about me or Katara at all! All you care about is saving the world! You just want to use me as a tool!" As he yelled the last bit, a gust of air slammed into Toph. She went sprawling. Uncle Iroh moved to see if she was alright but before he could do so a rock whizzed through the air and hit Aang on the head. "What was that for?" he yelled.
"To knock some sense into you, Twinkle Toes," Toph snapped. Uncle Iroh decided to intervene. "Fighting amongst ourselves will not help. Toph is right. It is a trap."
"So we're just going to leave Katara?"
"No. Sit down." Grudgingly Aang sank to the ground. Uncle Iroh nodded encouragingly and gestured for us to gather round. "What does the note say again?"
Sokka produced the note. "Zhao says he'll trade Katara for Aang. We have until tomorrow afternoon to bring him."
"Could we go tonight?" Toph asked.
"The ship's heavily guarded, and Katara's most likely down below."
"Couldn't we just use Appa?" Toph pointed out.
"We could. If some of us caused a diversion, someone could go get Katara and we could make a run for it on Appa."
"When should we rescue Katara? How about right now?" Aang asked eagerly.
Uncle Iroh shook his head. "Patience, Aang. We can't just rush into battle." Aang snorted and scooted away from us. Rubbing my temples, I sighed. Sokka and I had more of a reason to be upset than him, but we weren't losing control. Why was Aang so upset? He'd only known Katara for a couple of days, so why's he seem to be the most upset? Could he have a crush on Katara or something?
Sokka's voice broke into my thoughts. "What if the Fire Nation attacks and tries to get Aang?"
"I wouldn't put it past them. I'll keep watch while you guys plan."
"Toph, Aang, get some sleep. Iroh and I will plan in the meantime," Sokka ordered.
"Why should we sleep?" Toph protested. "Do you think we'll get in the way just because we're the youngest?"
"No. But we'll need both of you to be at your best. Aang, your air bending makes you the fastest. We'll need you to slip in and rescue Katara. Then you can use air bending to get her onto Appa and knock the rest back."
"What about me?" Toph interrupted.
"You're going to metal bend. You'll be our secret weapon. The Fire Nation won't stand a chance against you." Toph turned away, but I noticed a little blush creeping across her cheeks. "Fine," she agreed grudgingly. Aang was already sprawled on the floor.
Sokka and Uncle Iroh conversed in low tones while I scanned the area. Part of me wished that the Fire Nation would attack so that I could capture a hostage. Then again, Zhao wouldn't care about the hostage, so that plan was out. Images of Katara being attacked played in my mind. What were those bastards doing to her? Suppose they'd…no. Don't think like that. Katara will be fine. But suppose she's been killed? No, she can't be dead. She can't be.
The plan was that we would attack in a few hours, before the sun went up. Sokka volunteered to take over for me, but I refused. There was no way I'd go to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes I kept seeing Katara's frightened face. I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I tried. Now Sokka was snoring My eyes roved around the campsite. By now I was sure that we weren't going to be attacked, but I couldn't help watching.
A noise made me turn. When I didn't hear it again I relaxed, closing my eyes. Instinct told me that the person might have paused for a moment and was waiting for an opportunity. Cracking my eyes open, I noticed Aang tiptoeing past. Obviously he was going to rescue Katara. For a moment I considered waking the others, but there really wasn't any point. I was pretty sure that I could stop Aang from doing anything rash. Or, the rash part of my brain said, help him to do something rash.
Quietly I got up and followed Aang. This was pathetic. His weapon was held too loosely and he was completely focused ahead. What if he was suddenly attacked? When going to confront the enemy, you do NOT hold your weapon loosely, or keep your attention focused on one spot. Swiftly I grabbed Aang, knocking the staff from his hand and covering his mouth. "It's Zuko," I hissed. "I'm going to let you go and I don't want you to make any noise." I felt Aang nod and released him. To his credit, he didn't yell but crossed his arms. I recognized the defiant look in his eyes. It kind of reminded me of a child being confronted by their parents.
"You were going to rescue Katara, weren't you?"
"You can't stop me!"
"I wasn't going to." I wasn't? I thought that was the plan. Oh, who am I kidding, I was probably going to pull a stunt like this anyway, but Aang beat me to it. At least if we got caught I could say I was trying to stop Aang.
"You won't!" Aang cried in a low voice. Casting a glance back at camp, I shook my head. Every instinct screamed at me to hurry up. "Come on, let's get out of here." I was worried that any second now we'd get busted.
"Why didn't you bring Appa?"
"He makes too much noise. I was worried someone would hear me getting him. And I was hoping the others would think that I went for a walk." I highly doubted it. "So, I'll distract the soldiers, you get Katara. Got it?" Aang nodded.
"Let me ask you something. You've only known Katara for a few days. I've known her longer than you, and Sokka's her brother. How come you were more upset than any of us?"
Aang picked up a rock and tossed it from hand to hand. "I get attached to people easily. Katara spent some time with me." Oh really. When was this? What am I doing, he's a twelve year old kid! Acting like a jealous manic isn't going to help. Then again, my jealous instincts are usually right- remember Jet? But Aang was a twelve year old kid! His affections for Katara were probably just brotherly or a tiny crush.
"It's just that, I hate being the Avatar. My life was fine as a monk. Then one day I wake up and I have a bunch of responsibility thrust on my shoulders. I'm a monk, for crying out loud! How was a twelve year old monk supposed to end a war?"
"People get heavy burdens thrust upon them at a young age."
"That's true," Aang agreed. "It's just…what Toph said. That my choices have a greater effect because I'm the Avatar. If I decide to do something, it could affect the whole world! But nobody sees me for me! They see me as the Avatar, a famous person who can end the war! No one seems to realize that I'm a twelve year old boy who doesn't know what on earth he's doing!"
"But Katara did." It wasn't surprising. Katara could see the person inside you.
"Yeah. She was the first person who saw me as Aang and not the Avatar."
"What about Sokka and Toph?"
"I traveled with them for a long time, and they're like family for me. But Sokka's a warrior and he never hugs me or anything like that, not like Katara."
"Sokka's a guy. Hugging and comforting are more up a girl's alley."
"But monks…"
"It's different for non monks."
"But Toph….she always insults me. Even if I do something right, she can't be happy for me. No, she just says something sarcastic."
"I think that's Toph's way."
"It is. I just wish she wouldn't be so rough. I'm a peace loving monk and she's this sarcastic, powerful earth bender. I feel nervous around her. Like she'll always laugh and me and I'll never earn her respect."
"I'm sure that Toph respects you. I'm pretty sure she'd tell you if she didn't."
"True. I just wish Toph would show some feelings for once, instead of ….it's not that I want he to change…it's just…"
"You're not used to someone like her," I finished. "You don't know what she thinks of you. You like affection and Toph's not really the affectionate type."
"Yeah." We fell silent as we approached, although I was pretty sure the soldiers could hear my heart beat. Looking at them gave me a funny feeling. For years I'd imagined myself at the head of them, the proud leader. Now I felt nothing but contempt. "Remember the plan?" I whispered. Aang nodded grimly and swept us up in an air bubble. We landed on the ship.
One soldier whirled around, aiming a fire blast at us. I stepped in front of Aang and blocked it, sending two attacks in rapid succession. The soldier yelled for help and more of them poured onto the deck. "Go!" I shouted to Aang, and he rocketed off. Quickly I aimed two fire balls, but they were more out of instinct. I didn't expect them to actually hit anyone. But one of them sent one soldier sprawling. Running forward I grabbed one soldier and slammed his face onto my upraised knee. Whirling around, I aimed a fire whip at the soldiers. Some of them were fortunate to dodge, but the others went sailing. Something collided with the back of my head and my knees buckled. My head spinning I sank to the ground.
Sensing someone above me, I swung my legs, causing them to fall on top of me. I shoved them off of me and sprang up, aiming fireball after fireball. There were shouts of pain as they made contact. Fire grazed my skin and I drew back in pain. As I did, strong arms encircled me and held me tightly. I could feel the life being sucked out of me. Raising my legs, I kicked and flailed wildly. My hands clawed at my captor as my skin started to heat up. Where was Aang?
As if in response, I heard a strangled cry from Aang. Still struggling in my captor's grip, I turned to look. Aang was being held by Zhao. Instead of struggling, he seemed to sag. But why… my answer came in the form of a brown haired girl clad in pink.
"Hi, Zuko!" Ty Lee cried happily. Was this girl ever not happy? We were in the middle of a fight and she's smiling and waving. Yeah, that was Ty Lee. Shocked, I barely realized that I'd been released. Once that had entered my mind, I moved to attack, but was stopped by Zhao. He was holding a flame to Aang's throat.
"Let Aang go and release Katara!" I ordered. Zhao laughed; I hate it when he laughs. "Now Zuko, you are in no position to make demands."
Furiously I stepped towards Zhao, but the flame at Aang's throat stopped me. I would never be able to get Aang without battling Fire Nation soldiers. Zhao would kill Aang for sure. "Please, let him go. Let Katara go. Take me instead." I couldn't believe I'd just said that. Who would have thought that I'd be pleading for the life of the Avatar and a water bending peasant?
Zhao chuckled and tossed Aang to some soldiers who dragged him away while I was cornered. A girl emerged from a door. "Mai," I breathed. My ex. I'd tried to make it work, but she just wasn't the girl for me. "How could you, Zuko! You broke my heart!"
"Mai, I didn't mean to. It's just…the relationship wasn't working out. You cared more about Azula. Your loyalty was and is to my sister."
""You were a coward. You couldn't tell me that it wasn't working to my face!" That was true. I'd written her a note and then avoided her after avoiding her for a long time. Breakups weren't exactly my thing. I was also worried she'd go to Azula and my sister would murder me for breaking up with her friend. But Azula never really looked out for her friends. "Look Mai, I'm sorry. I was a coward. You're a good person really, just not the girl for me." I was grabbed once more and surrounded. My eyes were focused on Mai and I didn't even try to fight. I had a feeling this all came down to my ex girlfriend and me.
"You were a coward, Zuko. I loved you. I still love you. I tried to make it work. I can't be as high-strung as you!"
"I know that. I never meant to hurt you!" How much more cliché could I get? Inwardly I prayed for the others to come.
"Bull!" Mai shouted. She moved towards me. Even though I knew what was coming, I still flinched when Mai slapped me. I guess I did deserve that. "What can that stupid water bending peasant give you that I can't! I'm Fire Nation nobility! I'm from your world! A filthy little peasant doesn't belong in our world! She has no place there!" Rage boiled up inside me and I lunged at Mai. Unfortunately I was still restrained, otherwise I would have torn her limb from limb.
"As amusing as this is, I believe you have a job to do Mai." What was Zhao talking about? Apprehension filled me as Mai reached for a dagger. "Mai, no. I know I hurt you, but you don't have to do this!" I begged. Shaking her head sadly, Mai raised the dagger. "You were right, Zuko. My loyalty is to Azula." The dagger was flying towards me. Thoughts of making a dramatic escape flew from my mind. When you're close to being killed, logic is thrown out the window and you just freeze up. My throat closed, otherwise I'd have yelled for help, although I doubted the others would arrive in time.
I waited for the pain to start, but it didn't. The dagger was only inches from my face. Yes! Mai wasn't going to kill me!
"Put the dagger down, Mai. You don't want to do this!" I pleaded. Mai's hand was quivering. Maybe she wouldn't kill me. I had a chance. "Look, I know I hurt you and that you're loyal to my sister, but you don't have to do this. You don't have to listen to Azula." The dagger was slowly being lowered. What time was it? Were the others on their way? Did Uncle Iroh have parental senses that would tell him that I'd gone and done something rash, again?
"Foolish girl!" Zhao yelled, striding towards Mai. "You had your orders from Fire Lord Azula. You are to kill Zuko." My heart plummeted. Even though I'd guessed that Azula ordered me killed, I still felt a pang. I'd hoped that my sister would welcome me back with open arms, even though I knew there was a slim chance of that happening. But there was this part of me that hoped. The part of me that would continue hoping no matter how much I knew it wasn't going to happen.
"I won't kill him!" Mai snapped.
Zhao backhanded her, snapping, "You useless bitch!" Mai toppled to the ground. "Leave her alone!" I yelled incensed. My eyes widened as I felt something sink into my stomach. Without out looking, I knew it was the dagger. Towering over Mai, Zhao kicked her. "See? Killing isn't that hard to do," he taunted. All you do is take the dagger and stick it in their gut. Personally I'd prefer using fire, but we're pressed for time."
Through a haze of pain I heard Mai choke, "You monster!"
Zhao chuckled darkly. Blood was coating my hands. Oh Agni, I was really going to die. During my life, I'd nearly died before. But I'd always been saved….by Katara. She'd believed me about not killing her father and risked her life to save me. She went looking for me even when I acted like a prick. But when I'd tried to save her, I 'd gotten myself killed and the Avatar captured. Another reason why I was no good for her. The world was spinning. Dimly I could hear Ty Lee's yells as I was dragged off the ship and tossed into the water. The pain was becoming unbearable. Staggering to my feet, I tried to go after the ship, but fell into the water. Blood spiraled out of my wound. So this was how it felt to die. I'd failed. I'd failed Aang, Uncle Iroh and my friends, and the world. Most importantly, I'd failed Katara.
AN- Hi people! So, I just saw the series finale! I knew that Zutara wasn't going to happen, so I was considering not watching the show. But then I thought, no, you're a big girl, so I watched. There was part of me that kept hoping for Zutara, but nooo. I wasn't going to give up until Mai and Zuko kissed or Aang and Katara. But my hope was slowly diminishing. I have to admit, that scene in the cave from Ember Island Players, I wish that was what happened on the show. My little brother forced me to look at Aang and Katara, but I shut my eyes before the kiss. Oh well. I have fan fiction to look forward to, and the finale inspired me to write more Zutara.
Oh yeah. For all you Zutarians, how did you get started on this ship? I remember when I first started watching Avatar I was a Kataanger. It was just so obvious and Zuko was the bad guy. That and Katara was the only girl he knew and I don't really like OC's very much. I remember during the first finale, when Katara and Aang hugged, I wanted them to kiss. I was so mad at Momo for ruining the moment. Then in season two, during the cave scene, I got to thinking about Zutara. I'd been browsing fan fictions and without knowing why I clicked on Zutara. So I started thinking about the ship .I was mad when Aang interrupted the Zutara scene. When that was over I had more time to read Zutara fan fiction and fall in love with the pairing. What about you guys? Oh and here's a line I love.
"Fire and water may seem like they're enemies, but they are really very passionate lovers." Something along those lines. It just stuck with me. Isn't it so full of Zutara goodness?
