Disclaimer: A:TLA is Mike and Brians

Prompt: 41. Hope

Characters: Katara, Zuko

Takes Place: Post "Fortitude" (Post Series)


There has been an assasination attempt on Zuko's life, he was injured badly. That's all Iroh's letter would tell Katara. In the 5 minutes she took to pack, Aang had already read the letter, gotten Kaya, and headed to Appa's stall to prepare the bison. It was times like this that made Katara's heart hurt becauyse she knew she'd hurt the poor child still withing Aang. She didn't want to, but one must follow what thier heart dictates. It is the only way. At the Fire Palace, Aang and Kaya waited for Katara to return as she bolted down the hallways with Toph beside her, both heading for Zuko's room. Toph steps outside once Katara steps into the large room, and she sees the damage immediatly. The room has been torn to shreds, blades still embedded in the walls. Mai. Zuko lays on the bed, sweaty and gasping for air with every breath. Poison, there is not a shred of doubt in Katara's mind that this is the case. She is quick to draw it out of his lungs, and his eyes squint open, the same golden color they'd always been, only slightly glazed in pain.

"That's the third time you save my life..." Katara smiles, squeezing Zuko's larger hand.

"I need some hope in my life, Zuko. You're it."

That's all she needed to say. Zuko understood. Without hope, a person would sooner die then live. But this would never happen to either Zuko or Katara, for they had one another.


Heart's Note: My post "Fortitude" universe is simple. Aang and Katara got married soon after the Comet left(Fortitude), and every post Fortitude drabble takes place over the years past that date. There will be one or two more to this, Aang still needs his side told.