Chapter 25: Every Breath You Take
Alas, dear readers this is the last chapter. I hope you have enjoyed this story as much as I have. This will wrap up all unanswered questions, so please, for those who wish to know what Zuko saw in the mirror read on.
Zuko fell to his knees. There was a soft rap on his door and a gentle voice calling out, "Zuko?"
He ignored it. He could feel tears streaming down his face. "No. No. No. No. No." He barely registered that his door had slid open and someone was running in. "No. No. No. No. No."
"Zuko?" Zuko didn't look up. It was Katara. She bent down in front of him. "Zuko? What is it?"
He could feel her warm hands on his shoulders, but he wouldn't look up. "No. No. No. No. No." He covered his face as Katara pushed his head upward.
"Zuko, look at me." Katara gently pulled his fingers away. Zuko met her gaze.
"It' back." He closed his eyes.
Katara smiled and put a hand on his scar. "It doesn't change anything."
Zuko opened his eyes. He could see that she meant it.
"It doesn't make you who you are. Maybe… it's to remind you who to be."
Zuko pulled Katara into his arms. "I love you."
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The streets were filled with excitement and colors. The gang, whom Sokka kept saying should call themselves Team Avatar for clarity purposes, gazed around in wonder. They stood on a stage with all twenty members of the council to welcome everyone to the city and to begin the celebration.
The music started and people cheered. Zuko and Katara mingled through the crowd of dancing people. Katara smiled upon seeing Sokka and Crin together. He might be stepping on her feet, but at least they were alone. Katara had a suspicion that Iroh and Ursa were seeing to the distraction of Raan.
Katara looked away to see Aang dancing ridiculously while Toph laughed.
She smiled. She was here. With Zuko.
Zuko pulled Katara away from the crowd. "Come with me." He led her down a few streets to the bridge where he'd watched her waterbend. He took her hands. "Katara, you mean so much to me. I know we're still kids, but someday. Someday." He paused and took something from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
Katara's jaw dropped at the skillfully carved necklace in Zuko's hand. The pendent was a deep marbled blue stone, carved to resemble rose petals. Her eyes watered, he had learned the Water Tribe customs, for her. She quivered slightly. "Yes!" She threw her arms around his neck and he fastened the necklace around hers. "I love you."
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Azula knelt before the Fire Lord's throne.
"You dare return without the Avatar? Or any fugitives?" Ozai's voice echoed across the room, but Ursa's echoed in her head, Your father doesn't love anything but power.
But Azula was her father's daughter. "I'm sorry," she said skillfully. "But I have discovered some information I wished to deliver personally."
"Go on."
"I have discovered a rebel force about a hundred miles off the coast of Konashi, and…"
"And?"
"And I have found my mother. She is one of their leaders."
And that is the end of Violets are Red. For more of this thrilling tale, and you can tell I'm running out of adjectives when I use the word thrilling, please wait for the sequel, Roses are Blue. Wow that's and unexpected title. I will keep you guys posted on my progress, via my profile if you check my stories section. Until then I may publish a one-shot or two depending on my boredom levels. Thanks to all of you out there who have read this story. Your support has been invaluable and I hope you keep and eye out for the sequel and other stories I will write in the future. Any questions about my stories at all please ask, and I will answer them as best I can. And finally may you always find a bit of madness in your method…. Hmmm that's tacky. Haha. Oh and if anyone's interested, chapter 26 is a complete list of songs which I have used as chapter titles and some more of my witty banter. You know you like it.
-Madness