Hello everyone! Welcome to chapter 24 of Day's of Future's Past! I hope you all liked last chapter! Can't wait for you guys to see what's in store. Let's not take too long here and just get into it! As always, I do not own Avatar or its characters but the world is my own. Onto the story!
Katara is the most popular girl at Kyoshi High. She had everything she ever wanted. A boyfriend, tons of friends. But when she discovers a secret of her town that longed to be hidden, was it everything she wanted?
Let's find out!
Chapter 24: Rescue Part 1
Katara made her way through the trees. After all this time, the way to Zuko's house was like second nature. It seemed like so long ago when she would get lost in these woods. Her old life seemed so long ago.
She was not that girl anymore. The girl who was scared. Even as she got older, she was still scared. Scared of not being liked. And scared of the people who used to torment her as a child. As much as Zuko helped her not be scared, she did it just as much on her own. Now she wasn't scared. In fact, walking through these woods was the most content she had felt in a long time.
She had decided her fate. She knew and understood what she was choosing. It was never what she expected. She never expected to want this. But now that she knew she did, there was nothing she wanted more. She understood what it meant. In a few weeks when she makes the change, she may never be allowed to see her brother and dad again. She could never put them in danger of what she was. But she wasn't scared.
She knew this was the right decision for her. There was nothing she wanted more than forever with Zuko. She had never felt this content.
Katara quickened her pace. She had to get to Zuko to tell him she was sorry. That she understood she was only trying to save her and protect her by changing her. That she knew he never meant to hurt her. Because that's all he's ever tried to do for her. Save her. Protect her. Not hurt her.
She walked as fast as she could through the woods, trying not to trip over branches and stones as she went. In the distance, she heard someone yelling. But she could not quite make out what it was. She stopped and listened to the voice.
"Katara!"
She started running towards the voice. It did not take long to realize it was Iroh calling her name.
As soon as Iroh discovered the girl's change in thought, he knew he had to get to her. And then when he found her, get to his nephew. Zuko would have no idea of Katara's new outlook and he would still go through with it. But if he was able to get Katara to Kasai and to Zuko… He didn't know. The future was still too blurry to decide. Zuko did not know of Katara's intentions. Katara did not know of Zuko's intentions. And Ozai's future was always too blurry for Iroh to see. Because of his brother's wild tendencies, his future was always changing based on what he decided that day.
It was not long before Iroh could hear the girl's hurried footsteps in the distance. He called out to her, hoping she would hear his voice and head towards it. He had to get to her. He just had to.
Katara was running towards the voice. They practically ran into eachother with the pace each person was taking. "Iroh? What's wrong?!" she asked, worriedly. Iroh was breathing deep, with the older age he took when he was changed, he still had a little trouble running far distances at such a fast pace. "It's Zuko. He's on his way to his father" Iroh told her.
Katara gasped, "But why? Why would he go to him? He's just going to get himself killed!" she exclaimed. Iroh nodded his head, "With you not wanting to change, he knew he had to do something to stop his father… So, he's going to give himself up to him in exchange for your safety. I saw you change your mind but he already left. He doesn't know. We have to go to him. He has to see you've changed your mind or it'll be too late"
She nodded, determined. This time she was going to save him. She would be the one to change his fate. She couldn't let him die for her. No. Not today. Not ever. "How do we get to Kasai? How do we get to Ozai?" she asked.
"You will need me to accompany you. Ozai's palace is at the base of a volcano and only fire benders are able to go inside unscathed. The journey to Kasai will be a long one but if we hurry. We may be able to make it before…" Iroh trailed off, unable to finish.
Katara looked at him, slightly hopeful, "Can you see it? Can you tell whats going to happen?" she asked him.
Iroh shook his head, "Zuko will arrive before us… But that is all I see… After that, the choice is up to Ozai… And he has not made a decision yet."
Katara nodded, "So let's start running."
Iroh had Katara on his back and he was running as fast as he possibly could. But the pair wondered if it would be enough. They both had so much to lose.
Iroh was losing his nephew and although the future was undecided, yet bright, it was impossible to tell and the gloom of losing the only family he has is still hanging over his head. There was the possibility that they could arrive and Zuko will already be dead and Ozai will take the opportunity to kill the girl too. Then he would again be alone in this cruel cruel world he lived in. Even if they arrived, Ozai could forget the deal and kill them both anyway. The future was too blurry to make anything out.
Katara wondered the same thing. What did the future hold for them? It felt they were climbing up a mountain. At the top could be the peak of her happiness. Or she could fall off the other side and plummet to her death. Her future was entirely unclear. More unclear then it had been so far in her life and 3 months ago she found out one of her classmates was a vampire.
And then she fell in love with him.
She didn't know what the world had in store for her. But frankly she never had so it just makes this only a little bit different. But one thing is for certain. She had one single thought flowing through her brain as felt Iroh's heaving breathing and felt the wind in her face.
Zuko… I will find you. I will always find you.
Ta-Daaa! Hope you enjoyed this part. Now I have a slight confession to make. This is part 1 of the finale of this season. I know, I know. But don't worry too much. After the finale, there will be a slight epilogue leading into next season. And then there will be a small break. Only a few days, don't worry. And then season 2 will begin. So, you'll have to stay tuned to my channel for that! So now onto the reviews!
Proud B Democrat: I mean most of the country does so you're not alone haha. I'm not gonna be one to talk about politics on here though. Thanks for reading!
Running From My: I know how that can feel. But its not always true. You just have to look around. You may find someone you weren't expecting to be there. Glad you liked it!
Gothic girl: That's something that will always be hard. But I'm sure your mom would want you to be happy! Thanks for reading!
DeathTheKidOCD: I know and don't worry we will! Season 2 will answer that question!
Bloody arms: The fight will probably be there. But you are strong enough to overcome this! You are stronger then you think! Thanks for reading!
Guest: Thank you! Keep reading!
That's it for the reviews! Until next time!