The Fire God's Bride

A/N: Please forgive me! I know that I'm very late in updating… :(

Author's Rant: I saw a video on YouTube that has a Zutara proof. It says there (on the TV screen the guy was taping) that Zuko was originally Katara's love interest and I was just like "WTF Bryke?" XC

Part 3

Chapter 3 – Yearning of the Heart

Humans.

Zuko's frown deepened at the thought and immediately gulped down his shot of Fire whiskey to soothe his grating nerves. He could never understand them even if he, a god, should. It is one of his duties aside from keeping them safe. He would rather fight his father in an Agni Kai than be in their shoes. This thought occurred to him after he received news from Iroh.

His counsellor was hesitant in telling him at first, fear written on his face. During Iroh's hesitation, Zuko thought that he had committed a big crime that the Fire god began to rake his mind for a not-so-harsh punishment. (Of course, he wouldn't kill hi most trusted counsellor!) Iroh eventually told him that Katara is getting married with someone named Jet. At first, Zuko questioned the information that Iroh had given him but when his counsellor insisted that it was true, he finally believed.

The Fire god growled with irritation and banished his thoughts. He had vowed to himself to never think of Katara ever again which, he admitted, is another hard thing to do. And to top his frustration, the Fire Nation residents' condition didn't improve and he and the other gods were not in speaking terms. The latter happened when Air god Aang knew about Katara's banishment. Aang visited him and confronted him about it. When the Air god was dissatisfied with his reason (Zuko didn't tell the truth), he swore to not talk to Zuko again. The other gods knew about it and followed Aang's decision, giving the Fire god a cold shoulder.

Soft knocks on his bedroom door halted Zuko's train of thoughts. He sighed exasperatedly and looked at the door in an odd way. He was sure that the person behind it was not Iroh. Who in their right mind decided to visit me this late in my bedroom?

"Enter," he called out harshly as he set his glass down the table.

A tall woman wearing a red Arabian dress entered. She was barefoot and a red veil covered the lower half of her face. Her yellow eyes glinted mischievously as she slowly made her way towards him.

Zuko knew that staring at somebody is not a polite thing to do but he couldn't take his eyes off the woman. He noticed how her silky black hair complimented her smooth pale skin. "W-Who are you?"

"Your humble servant, my lord," she said softly, smirking behind her veil. She began to dance seductively in front of him without breaking their eye contact and ran her slender fingers on the upper part of his body. Grinding her hips against him, she saw him gulp and rejoiced internally. Come on, Lord Zuko. I know that you can't resist.

Zuko felt his body warming up and his blood rushing. Cursing himself mentally, he removed the veil from her face, grabbed her waist, and crushed his lips against hers. He sucked and lapped on her lower lip, begging for entrance. She moaned and opened them, letting Zuko roam in her mouth. He noticed how her lips tasted like bittersweet fruits and how she smelled like flowers.

Then it came crushing on him. He didn't know how but it seemed that a hundred ton truth came down from the ceiling to him. she smelled like flowers, not the cool breeze of the sea. She is not her. Quickly, she pushed the woman away from him. "Get out. Now."

The woman, who slightly stumbled due to his push, glared at him before fleeing in humiliation.

When her footsteps died down the hall, Zuko growled. It's not fair! His wife cheated on him and so he had every right to seek revenge. But then, a small voice inside him kept telling him that it was wrong if he would. Defeated, he sighed and eyed his drink. A bottle of Fire whiskey couldn't help him this time.

-O-

Toph walked nonchalantly around her mountain home. She was careful not to cause tremors on Earth. The humans wouldn't like it. Unlike other gods, she thought spitefully, she knew how to please the mortals but still be in control over them.

Had Sparky lost his mind? she wondered as she kicked a pebble which soared out of sight the pebble landed on a nearby town and Toph hoped that it didn't land on anybody's head. Why would he do that to the poor girl? Had he forgotten that she is Princess Yue's daughter?

Toph groaned and sat on the soil. Zuko didn't really know how to take care of the inhabitants on Earth until now. He still had responsibility over them even if he lives on the Sun. the humans needed him and his fire. If he wouldn't give them enough heat from his home, the Earth wouldn't survive.

"He even forgot about the Supreme Beings," she muttered disgustingly. The six Supreme Beings were disappointed at Zuko's decision. At present, they were already discussing in stripping Zuko from his power. They, with the other gods and goddesses, agreed and it would be implemented as soon as they would find a replacement.

Toph smiled ruefully. "Good luck, Prince Zuko."

-O-

The flame of the candles around Zuko dwindled then brightened simultaneously as it matched his even breathing. He had been meditating and at the same time pondering. Meditation helped him think clearly with the guarantee that he wouldn't lose his temper or sanity.

His thought kept returning to the news Iroh gave him. According to it, Katara would be married hours after the sun would be up which is approximately three hours away. Three hours before their marriage would truly dissolve. It was funny that he had every chance to make it up with her these past five months but only now did he worry that she would be forever gone. He admitted that he had seen it coming but it was too soon. Does she forget that easily? Is five months enough for her to erase me from her mind?

He then laughed bitterly in silence. Why would she not forget? She doesn't love me!

"Zuko… please. You can't do this to me."

Her plea to him echoed hauntingly in his head, making him wonder if Katara had feelings for him. He suddenly wanted to know. Opening his eyes slowly, he picked the candle in front of him and stared intently at its flame. He concentrated on it, hoping that it would give him opportunity of seeing Katara. The flame danced and swayed for a long time until it became cloudy.

Katara was sitting in a white and blue room, her back hunched. Her face wa sad and she seemed to be murmuring something, her lips barely moving. Zuko was entranced by it and he longed to trace it with his fingers. He wanted to smooth the crease between her eyebrows.

"Ai ren," he whispered softly. As if on cue, her right hand flew to her throat. Zuko's breath hitched as he saw her trace the necklace lovingly; a necklace with blue lace and reddish stone.

Minutes later, Zuko was in the western wing, calling out his father's name. Ran emerged from his lair, exasperation written on his face.

"Father," he said in a steady voice, "please allow me to bring my wife back."

Temper: Since when did Mai know how to seduce?

Me: Since now.

Demon: Shut up.

Zutarians: (cheering loudly and partying) Thank you, kusachi-chan!

Demon: (sulks) Don't be too positive. I'm very sure Ran will not allow it.

Me: (hits Demon) Don't ruin the moment. (turns to the readers) Please review!

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Chapter 2

Thank you:

- akay2, AnnaAza, badonyx, Bunzilla894, Afictionado, and Momomiya Ichigo Loves Inuyusha for the reviews; and

- Karson27 for the fave!