An Unintended Request
Zuko thought to himself as he ripped off a piece of bread and fed it to the ducks in the pond. The pond in the garden was always a place of comfort for him. It reminded him of the days when his mother was always by his side. He missed his mother dearly. He hoped, no, he knew he would see her again.
She wasn't the only person on his mind. He sighed in despair as a picture of Katara came into his mind. The water in the pond looked so gentle, just like Katara. However, it was rattled and disfigured by each piece of bread he threw into it. It disfigured the beauty of the smooth surface. He felt that the turbulence he caused in Ba Sing Se had done the same to Katara. She was probably upset. He wouldn't blame her if she never wanted to see his face again, but he still missed her dearly.
He looked into the water to see his reflection. His hair was long enough again to be put into a topknot. He was also proud to be back in Fire Nation robes. Not only had his appearance changed, but his attitude had developed as well.
The man he had become was different then the boy that was banished three years ago.
Zuko had become strong. He had learned how to make his way in the world, but his heart was still heavy with the thought of betrayal not only to Iroh, but Katara as well. Didn't he promise to protect her and be by her side forever? Why was he still there looking into the pond?
He knew exactly why. He couldn't leave now. He had regained his honor and his throne. He regained his father's love and respect by "killing the Avatar". If he wanted to go back to Katara, he would have to wait.
"You look troubled, Zuzu," a devious voice pronounced. "Care to share your thoughts?" Zuko turned around slowly to find his sister looking over his shoulder. He hated it when she snuck up on him like that. He just wanted to be alone. Was that too much to ask? With her it was, so he just turned back to the water.
"What do you want, Azula?" he asked coldly. He heard his sister making a tsk sound.
"Is that anyway to great your sister? I'm just trying to help." She slowly bent forward to put two hands on his shoulders. "Come now, Zuko. Tell me what is bothering you. Perhaps I can help."
"How can you possibly help me grasp water? It just slips through my hands. It's impossible." Azula smiled as she began to rub her brother's shoulders. She knew how to get him to talk. It was her art.
"I see uncle has taught you a few proverbs. Too bad that old man will never get to see sunlight again. I wonder how long it has been since he has used his firebending. He must be drained of his powers with no sun. Who really cares anyways? He's a traitor, Zuko. You must remember that. You helped stop him. You took responsibility into your hands and secured the Fire Nation's future. You are a war hero. You have nothing to worry about except how you want to spend your days." Zuko turned his head to the ground. He felt awful for betraying his uncle, but Azula was right. Iroh deserved to be imprisoned. He betrayed the Fire Nation first.
"But Katara didn't betray me," he whispered softly.
"Did you say something, Zuko?" Azula asked.
"No, nothing. I think I will go see Mai." He quickly got up and walked away. He needed to get his mind off everything. Mai would help him with that. He loved her and she loved him. The question was could he get Katara off his mind? He would have to try.
As he walked away, Azula put a hand to her chin and smiled. She had been watching her brother lately. He had been so miserable, and now she knew why. She knew exactly what she could do for her brother.
"Don't worry, Zuzu. I'll bring back your precious waterbending princess, and I know exactly where to find her.
I know. It's a bit short. I'm just trying to set things up. Please be patient with me. I'm thinking about setting up a new story part for this whole story. I might just keep it as one. We'll see. Cya.