The Dragon and the Siren
Chapter XXV
o0o0o0o
The Sea God's gaze was level, betraying none of his shock at the sight of the Fire Lord in a dragonic form with his daughter in hand. Unlike the young Air God, Hakoda was excellent in masking his emotions when it suited his purpose, something he shared with the Fire God, though he would be loath to admit that he and Zuko had anything in common.
The young descendant of Agni stared back just as levelly, his tail swishing slowly as he kept his mate close. Though he was ready to attack at the slightest provocation, with Long Feng gone, he had no reason to.
At least, not yet.
"Zuko!" Katara gasped, twisting around in his grip. Due to his anger over Long Feng's trespass, the oppressive heat was still rolling off him in waves, and the Water Gods – regardless of immortality – were unsuited to such heat. The dragon stared down at her, seeing her discomfort and immediately discerning the reason. She had expressed the same discomfort when he had taken her through the wall of magma for the first time. All thoughts of what he would say to Hakoda were pushed to the back of his mind as he set his lover down, concern for her well-being of the greatest importance. Carefully grasping her arms, he used his impressive talons to break her bindings. Without a second thought, Zuko reverted to his original form, barely thinking about the fact that he had taken such a fierce form – a level of power he had never tapped before – and leaned down, taking Katara into his arms.
"I'm sorry." he murmured, touching her cheek. "You know I'd never hurt you."
"I know." Katara assured him. "It was just the heat..."
"I was angry with Long Feng. I didn't realize..."
"You don't need to explain." she replied simply as she looked up at him, immediately feeling better under his loving attention.
Hakoda made careful note of what he saw before him, this time avoiding the mistake he had made in the past. Rather than yell at the Sea God or attack him outright, Zuko's first concern had been the welfare of his daughter, taking her into his arms and checking to see she was unharmed, an action that spoke volumes.
Katara looked up at her mate, taking immediate comfort in his presence, his fierce dragonic form forgotten for the moment. It was that embrace that spoke of his power, his command, his honor... and his love.
"Zuko..." she whispered, a hand reaching up to cup his face. She could lose herself within his gaze and presence, but at that moment, there were more pressing matters to attend to.
Hakoda approached them smoothly, his black-and-blue cape billowing before him, a imposing presence as he stood out in stark contrast to the scenery that was dominated by a mixture of fire-lilies and burnt earth.
Silently, the two mighty deities regarded one another. The elder was the god of the waters, a being who made the ocean his plaything and could unleash its unforgiving ferocity with ease. The younger was the lord of the flame, a man of such power and command that he was rumored to hold the heat of the sun itself in his brilliant golden eyes. And yet, for all of their differences, they were alike. Hakoda and Zuko were both stubborn and powerful, commanding in all senses of the word, brave and absolutely protective of their loved ones. They were more alike than they knew or cared to realize. Were the circumstances different, they could easily become comrades or allies. Perhaps, once things were cleared, that could actually happen.
"Hello, Daddy." Katara said, feeling almost eerily calm as she regarded the man who had sired her. Before, Hakoda had been able to coax her home, using her exhaustion and confusion to ease her away from the Fire Lord. But now her mind was made up. There wasn't a single hint of doubt as to what she wanted... or needed.
Hakoda turned to look at his young daughter with the beginnings of a smile on his face as he focused on her. Mentally, Zuko was startled in how the deep softness in his blue eyes was so similar to Katara's own.
"I've come to bring you home, Katara." Hakoda then regarded the Fire Lord again, his smile evaporating like smoke on the wind. "Why are you here, Fire Lord?"
Such a question was ludicrous here on the Fire Lord's own island, but unlike Aang, Hakoda seemed more receptive to an answer and willing to listen.
"Your daughter came to me of her own accord." Zuko explained patiently, rubbing Katara's back in a reassuring gesture as he looked down at her for a moment. "I did not kidnap your daughter this time, Hakoda. The choice was hers."
The Sea God's eyes narrowed slightly at the young man. Unconsciously, the waters around the island began to grow wilder as he spoke his mind, his voice carrying an unmistakable tone of surety.
"Why would Katara wish to be with you? You, who kidnapped her and held her captive in that volcano!"
"I do not deny that I held her captive..." Zuko confessed calmly. "But I always treated her well, and I never harmed or abused her. You can ask herself that if you like. I cherish your daughter, and I desire her as my queen. She loves me as well."
"How could she?" Hakoda demanded, struggling to remain calm, reminding himself to just listen, the ocean churning in his simmering anger. "She's my little girl!"
"Zuko's not like his sire." the dark-skinned woman pleaded as she defended her man, her voice firm. "He has never hurt me or even threatened me. You're not the only one who lost someone you loved to Ozai." She thought of the fate that had befallen Zuko's mother, Ursa, the woman who had dared to oppose the former Lord's madness and paid with her life.
"He's not like the people who hurt Hama either, or like Zhao. He's a good man, like you are." Her words were earnest, and she was determined to show her father that her mate wasn't a horrible monster. "Please, Father. I'm not a little girl anymore, I have not been, nor for a long time."
At hearing those impassioned words, the anger surrounding the Sea God began to dissipate. Hakoda looked into the clear azure eyes of his daughter, the little girl he cherished more than any other being on this planet. He just couldn't bear to let Katara go. He had known for a while that the Water Maiden was growing into a woman, but it was a father's affection that blinded him to this truth.
"Katara... if you want a mate, there is a suitable companion for you at home." Hakoda replied quietly, though part of him knew what her response would be.
The Goddess shook her head slowly, feeling a pang of guilt as she thought about Bato. But it had to be done.
"I know. And you made a good choice." Katara conceded, mollifying her father before she continued. "Bato's a good man and he would indeed be a good mate. But it's not Bato that I am meant to be with." A soft sigh escaped her lips before she looked back up at the Fire Lord for a moment. "I want to be with Zuko." Katara stated firmly as she looked back at her father. "He needs...loves me." She looked up at the Fire Lord. "And I reciprocate fully."
Zuko could only look from the stern eyes of the father to the pleading gaze of the daughter. The Fire Lord knew that the bond between Hakoda and Katara was unbreakable, and for him to imprison her would be to cause great distress for both of them. In his heart, he wished he had formed such a bond with his deceased father. He knew all too well the pain of not receiving a parent's love, and had no desire to inflict that on either father nor daughter. Reaching down with a hand, he stroked his mate's cheek lovingly.
"I will not bar you from seeing your father. I was wrong to confine you before. I will agree to share you with your father, if he will agree to share you with me."
Hakoda examined the softness in the Fire Lord's tone, and knew that he was speaking the truth. The atmosphere between them reminded him of his younger days with himself and Katara's mother, loving with no hatred or sadness able to break that spell. While part of him was sad that Katara would be leaving him, the Sea God's paternal side knew that the time had come. Katara had become a beautiful and strong woman under his love and guidance, and she truly desired to be with Zuko. At first he had dismissed the claim as mere lies from a malevolent, lustful deity... but he knew now that the Fire Lord had nothing but love in his heart for the young Waterbender.
Like his heart, the waters around them calmed until barely a wave broke onto the sands of the Fire Lord's beach. Katara fought back tears of relief as she looked over at her father. She gently broke away from Zuko's embrace and floated across the fire-lilies to her father, feeling him pull her into his strong arms.
Embracing his little girl, the mighty Sea God felt her tears fall against his broad chest. He softly stroked her back as he did in her younger days, his eyes meeting those of the Fire Lord's.
"I suppose we do have something in common after all, Fire Lo- Zuko." the Sea God spoke warmly, trying out the Fire God's given name for the first time. "We both love Katara."
Zuko had a faint smile, and he nodded. The sight of Hakoda hugging his daughter was a rather heartwarming sight. In her freedom she had chosen him, and a compromise had been reached between her mate and her father. Katara sniffled softly, burying her face against her father's chest.
"I can see now that you truly love her and will care for her." His eyes closed as the hug grew tighter. "I suppose that I was in the wrong also, Katara. I've seen you as my little girl for so long... I had forgotten that you've grown up."
"It's okay..." she said softly, lifting her head from his chest and looking up into his eyes. "I'll always be your little girl."
The elder God, despite his best efforts, felt a tear fall down his face. Part of him didn't want Katara to leave, but to always remain his little girl... his little raindrop. But, time was a mistress that no God could tame. Hakoda now saw her not as the little girl who idolized him and saw him as the greatest of all Gods, but as a young woman who had created a life for herself. The Sea God would admit that part of his animosity towards Zuko was the fear that he would be cut out of her life altogether…that he, Sokka, Bato, Pakku and her clan would become mere memories. He knew that the Fire Lord would indeed make her happy. But it didn't make the situation any less painful to bear.
"I love you." Katara said softly, looking at her father as she felt him hug her tightly. "I'll come and visit you often, I promise."
Zuko was quiet through this exchange, giving them a respectful silence. Privately, he could only imagine the strength it took to let one's own daughter go. Far greater than strength of arms, what Hakoda was displaying was a strength of heart that the Fire Lord could only admire.
Katara tilted her head, fluttering up just a little to place a kiss on her father's cheek, before slowly drawing away from him, and returning to her husband's side, gently touching his pale hand with her own.
"Zuko." Hakoda stated, meeting his golden eyes with his azure blue. "Take good care of my daughter."
With a silent gaze, Hakoda added, If you ever hurt Katara or make her cry, there will be nowhere you can go to escape my wrath.
The gaze of Zuko's was just as expressive. I would die before I hurt her.
With a respectful incline of the head, he acknowledged Hakoda's words, spoken and unspoken. Stalking across the thick grass calmly, he bowed and extended his hand in a display of mutual respect. The Sea God nodded after an admittedly tense second, then extended his hand. The two men formed a firm but respectful grip, and seeing this caused an immense surge of relief to overcome Katara. She didn't have to worry about making one or the other unhappy. An agreement had been reached, to the benefit of all.
The Fire Lord and the Sea God gripped hands, firm blue meeting bright gold as they shook. Their mutual love for Katara had formed the basis of an understanding...and perhaps soon, a friendship. Zuko again bowed respectfully to his now father-in-law, and slowly retreated to his bride's side as Hakoda returned the bow with one of his own. Katara looked up at her mate with a gentle smile, taking his hand before looking over at her father, raising her hand to wave to him.
The Sea God's lips curled into a fond smile as he waved back to his daughter and son-in-law. Somehow, they looked... right for each other. Katara sniffled softly, trying to not cry as her father retreated, the waves swallowing him. She wiped her eyes and cheeks with the back of her hand, having been unable to stop the tears.
"Don't cry, Katara..." Zuko spoke softly, brushing her cheeks. "You can visit your father whenever you want to, and we can now have a proper wedding."
"I'm trying not to cry!" she said softly, unsure of how to articulate her emotions. "It's not that I feel sad or anything. It's just... I don't know." So much had happened within the last hour, and within the last few months of her life as well.
As the Fire Lord was no expert at articulating such deep matters himself, he held her close to him as they soared high above the sea and the volcano, Zuko chose only four words.
"Let's go home, Katara."
She looked up at him and smiled, nodding a little, clinging to him in a loving way.
"Yes. Let's do just that." Her eyes twinkled warmly, and her smile was brilliant. In a playful move, Zuko scooped Katara up in his arms as the much-loved bride she was.
"I like the sound of that..." Zuko whispered into her ear.
"So do I." Katara replied, her eyes glinting warmly.
o0o0o0o
Several Months Later
Katara smiled to herself as she landed on the terrace in front of the Fire Lord's Palace. In the distance, a squall raged – Hakoda's own way of protesting every time his daughter ended her visits to return to the Fire Lord. But such storms were a mere extension of his grief, and in no way meant to punish the mortals who were now used to such inclement weather. Some of the more astute sages may have thought his response a tad childish, the Ocean God effectively throwing a temper tantrum, but no one who valued his well-being voiced that opinion aloud. Better this than eternal winter creeping up on their bones, after all.
The Palace doors opened by seemingly invisible hands and Katara entered, the warmth of her husband's home drawing her in as it always did. The lamps cast their cheerful glow, making the splendid wall hangings and polished floors seem richer and darker. Her feet moved along the floor as lightly and daintily as a cat's would, and the Waterbender called out her mate's name in a sweet voice.
Zuko's response was a low, rumbling purr, her name rolled out in delicious velvet tones that caused a pleasurable shiver to pass all the way down to her toes. With a step that was bouncier than before, she made her way towards the western wing of the Fire Lord's palace.
Ever since Katara had returned to him, Zuko had made significant adjustments to the Palace. Before, when he had overtaken his sire, he had not done much to the Palace other than dismantle Azula's torture chamber and destroy his father and sister's personal effects. He had seen no real reason to do anything else to the Palace, not when he had created his own inner sanctum within the volcano while using the Palace itself for formal occasions and receptions.
But now, with someone to share the Palace with, the Fire Lord no longer retreated to his inner sanctum so much as he had when he had been all alone. This was no longer a Palace that he and Uncle merely used when it suited them. No, this place was now truly a home, one that his mate and himself shared, and perhaps one day, their offspring.
The western wing of the Palace had some of its walls knocked out and connected to an interior part of the volcano that had a pool of magma, to give the Fire Lord the freedom to rest in his draconic form whenever he pleased.
There was no doubt in his mind that had Ozai or Azula been able to achieve this level of power, they would have spent most of their time in it. The fact that he had been able to achieve such a form had to mean that he was truly blessed by Agni. As he purred out his response to Katara's call, he coiled loosely and waited, a fanged smile on his reptilian features. The setting sun shone through the large windows, causing his vermilion scales to glitter like rubies set in gold.
It was this sight that met the Water Goddess's eyes as she entered the chamber, and the smile on her face was brilliant and warm as she regarded her mate, approaching him without hesitation.
Lowering his head, he felt Katara place a kiss on his forehead before rubbing the scaly flesh and looking at him admiringly.
"It's always such a treat to see you like this." she whispered as her other hand rubbed below his jaw. A low, contented rumble escaped Zuko's maw as her attentions continued, and his tail started to swish slowly. After a while, Katara found herself wrapped up in the Fire Lord's claws, his body tightly coiled around her so that had she had any desire to escape, her attempts would all too easily be thwarted.
Her wings fluttered, beating gently against his body as she gave out a quiet little coo of pleasure. His claws roved along her body, careful to not tear the fine linen and gossamer of her gown as he savored her presence and feel. His forked tongue flicked along her face and collarbone, causing a low moan to issue from her slender throat.
"I have been parted from you for far too long," Zuko rumbled, his breath blasting the mocha-skinned woman with a soothing heat. Even though it had been but a couple of days that Katara had been visiting her Clan to celebrate the final harvest of the year, that was still too long a time to be apart.
"And do you think I enjoy sleeping alone in my bed?" she shot back. It had only been one night alone, but oh, how lonely she had been, and tempted to just flee back to Zuko's island! A sudden flick of his tongue against her cheek drew out a soft gasp from her, and her eyelids fluttered.
"Then don't leave." he retorted gently, a claw now sliding the hem of her skirt up her legs.
"But when you miss me, you're so attentive. Absence does make the heart grow fonder." she murmured. A deep chuckle was his response as the hem of her gown went up to her knees.
"Are you sure my presence is all that you missed?" she teased as she felt his claws gently brush just above her knees.
"Look who's talking. I can smell it, you know." Zuko purred, catching the scent of her arousal.
"Well, if you wish to act on that, then you need to decide what form you will use..." she murmured, blushing as she glanced up at him. Actual intercourse was impossible in Zuko's draconic state since he was simply too largely-endowed to fit it into her lithe form. Of course, the clever and imaginative couple had found many ways to share pleasures when the Fire Lord was in his draconic form – and a few that were impossible when Zuko was in his human guise.
"Well, there are many ways to enjoy treasures…" the aroused Fire Lord smirked, flicking out his forked tongue to drive the point home. A sudden cry of delight was the response he gained, and he grinned wolfishly as she squirmed against his loving grip, his nimble tongue seeking her treasure's source...
o0o0o0o
Hours later they lay amidst the cushions, a naked tangle of limbs and flesh, smiles of contentment on their faces. The night was dark and no moon offered its light, so they were surrounded by the soft glow of muted lamps. A pale hand gently slid along relaxed dark flesh, drawing out a soft sigh of contentment, and a wiggle that brought her body closer to his own.
"What a lovely little creature you are. The glow of pleasure and contentment suits you well." Zuko murmured, his voice a soft rumble even though he had assumed his human form again. His hand continued to slide along her body, feeling the firm yet pliant planes of her slender frame, and she watched him with half-lidded eyes, her hair a rumpled mass of waves around her head.
"I love you." she whispered, reaching up to touch the face of her beloved mate and companion.
"I love you." Zuko echoed, his voice still a deep purr, giving the words a new cadence that caused a shiver to run up Katara's spine. He never grew tired of hearing these words from Katara, or saying it to her. The trials they had been through only made them appreciate one another all the more.
Zuko summoned a servant to bring them some tea and blankets, having no desire to get up and go all the way back to his bedroom. A tray laden with tea and treats was set before them, and several thick velvet comforters were unfolded and arranged for their comfort, the servants performing in their usual silent and efficient manner before retreating.
A soft coo escaped her lips when she felt Zuko's mouth travel along her back, his heated breath tickling along her flesh before he kissed the small scaly spots on her shoulder blades where her wings retracted when not in use. Finding these spots during her explorations of her body had tickled him, even more so when he found out that these – and the base of her wings – were sensitive areas for him to touch.
A warm smile crept across her face as he poured her some tea. He thought of her often, and made sure her needs – and desires – were attended to, without spoiling or smothering her. Honestly, he truly was a perfect mate, right down to the scar that had taught him a certain humility that did him a good for his life that his sire never would have expected.
She lay back and sipped her tea, hiding nothing of herself as the golden-eyed God stared at her over the rim of his own teacup. For a while, they held the other in silent regard, savoring their mate's form and presence. The cup was taken from her hands before the Fire Lord slid down to her side, draping a wing across her body.
o0o0o0o
The next morning, the Fire Lord was the first to stir as was habit, and he gazed down at his beloved Waterbender, feeling her warm curves under the protective cover of his wing. How dearly he had missed her two nights before, when his bed was empty. But he supposed that the separation made them appreciate one another all the more. Pulling her body closer, he wiggled against it and pressed his lips to her temple. It didn't take long for Katara to rouse herself, and she gazed up at him sleepily. As he gave her a gentle nuzzle, the skull-faced servants slid in and set the table for breakfast with their rote efficiency before retreating.
The Fire Lord and his mate pulled on satin robes before settling down for breakfast. The meal was above par, as per usual. She had taken an immense liking to Fire Nation cuisine, and she even negotiated a trade agreement between the mortals of Fire Nation and her own tribe, so that spices could be traded for other commodities. It was almost funny, because the Water Tribes had been wary to deal with the Fire Nation, and preferred to do their business with the Air Gods. Now the Water Tribes traded freely with both.
Though Aang hadn't wanted to accept the truth at first, he had come to do so. He and the Fire Lord were by no means friends, nor would Katara expect them to for a long time, but no violence had ensued, and peace was maintained.
After the meal was done and the pomegranate wine drank, Katara folded her hands in her lap and stared across the table at her husband expectantly.
"You do know that the first day of winter comes to us before a fortnight." Katara stated casually as she fingered the edge of her sleeve, savoring the feel of the black satin.
"I know it's winter when the days become woefully short." he shot back lightly.
"But I make the nights worth it?" she asked, her eyes twinkling warmly. A knowing smile on the Fire Lord's face was the response she received.
"You know that I am going to the North to celebrate the solstice with my family."
"Must I be parted from you so soon after you just came back to me?" Zuko asked softly, his hand sliding across the table for hers. She lifted her hand from her lap and squeezed his own.
"That's what I wanted to talk about. You're invited." Her words were met with silence for several moments. So far, Hakoda had not yet deigned to invite the Fire Lord to special Water Tribe gatherings. Generally, such Clan matters were considered private.
"Your father would welcome me to Clan affairs?" he asked, almost unbelieving. She nodded.
"The gods, nymphs, and mortals alike celebrate the Winter Solstice. We have a banquet, and music, and other fun activities."
"Does your father really want me there?" he asked point-blank. Though Hakoda had accepted his daughter's choice of the mate and had hosted a spectacular wedding feast for them, he hadn't rushed into the welcoming father-in-law role, per se. Katara nodded slowly.
"My father honors you by issuing this invitation to the Winter Solstice gathering. No one outside of our Clan has ever been part of it." Katara responded, her head held high. Only the Gods, Warriors, and Maidens had ever been part of the divine Winter Solstice festivals. The mortals had their own festival down in the city that was overlooked by Pakku's palace, the celebration of gods and mortals separate but for a few rites. The Solstice gathering was a regular fixture in her life, having gone every year since her first winter.
Well. Zuko had no doubt of the veracity of his beloved mate's words. If Hakoda was willing to invite him to a private Clan affair, then it would be an ill deed to turn it down. Surprisingly, he was now feeling nervous. What would his reception be? How would he be treated? Would the Clan find small ways to insult and snub him while having an cordial facade, as his father and sister had done to other people? As if sensing his thoughts, Katara squeezed her lover's hand.
"Zuko, it'll be okay. I'm going to be with you. I would love it if you came with me, and my father is not so petty as to try to make your stay miserable." she stated cheerily, seeking his eyes with her own.
"Okay. I'll come with you." he conceded. She smiled at him warmly and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"It'll be fun. You showed me so much about your culture and people. Isn't it about time I returned the favor?" she asked. He nodded and pulled her into his lap, holding her tightly. At least he would be with her to keep her warm in the cold North...