A/N:
The end is near! And also!
A fan of my first story Forgiving the Wicked messaged me and asked for a short mini series of Katara and Ozai's life in the Southern Water Tribe from the perspective of their daughter. I wanted to know how you guys felt about that. A small break between part one and part two of this story for a mini series based off Forgiving the Wicked. Let me know how you guys feel.
Chapter 36:
Forced on the ground with her head being pressed into the marble stone, Katara squirmed around as her wrists were cuffed behind her back. Across from her, on the ground like her was Ozai, foaming from the mouth as men they had never seen before cuffed his wrists in chi-blocking cuffs. The crowd and guards around at the Agni Kai arena were apprehended and engaged by what were clearly invaders. How did this happen?!
"Finally, Fire Lord Ozai. We have you right where we want you." A hooded man pressed his foot onto Ozai's head as he smirked while his men took control over things. It looked like the Earth Kingdom was involved in this attack.
Being lifted to her knees as her hands were cuffed behind her back, Katara had her hair pulled back and a blade pressed to her neck. Her eyes widened further as did her husband's as his body was reacting chaotically to the poisonous dart that had been shot into his neck. Even while he was twitching and having seizure-like activity happening to him, he still tried to get to her. Desperately wanting to get her away from these strange men.
Stumping down on his hand, "Sorry but she's a traitor. Can't let that go unpunished."
Ozai groaned as he tried to move, needing to get to his wife as her life was in danger but before he could blood splattered across his face. Eyes widened as he watched her fall over on her side as blood pooled underneath her.
KATARA! He screamed as he fought to get a control of his body and get from under the boot pressed on his head.
Pulling his hood off and revealing his shaggy hair, "It's not a serious wound. So chill. But if she bleeds to death, that's your doing. You did make her into a traitor." The man that slice Katara in her shoulder, lifted her unconscious body and threw her over his shoulders, sending the Fire Lord a smirk as all around them his people were being 'dealt' with accordingly.
As Ozai finally started getting a grip of the poison that had been launched in his body and looked up at his attacker. A boy not older than his oldest son. Dark brown hair and slightly tan skin. A smug look on his face as if he had just claimed victory. Ozai was going to wipe that smirk off this idiot boy's face after what he had done to his wife.
Hearing a growl come from under his boot, Jet shook his head. "You might as well accept fate, Fire Lord Ozai. This is where you will be defeated. As soon as that old fat firebending man shows up with the Avatar, you're as good as dead."
….
~6 days before~
"And here I thought that you loved this man." Arnook shook his head as he couldn't bring himself to look at the waterbender that had knelt by his cell. He wasn't angry with her or disappointed. If anything, he pitied her. The girl was only nineteen now. A mother of two. The wife of a monster. It was not the life he envisioned for the girl when he saw her and her friends off. The Chieftain imagined her becoming a hero of the war. A woman that would eventually settle down like how he visualized for his daughter, marrying a good man, maybe even the Avatar, and leading a beautiful life with children. And yet, here she was sitting before him, informing that for the sake of her honor and her daughter that was being ripped away from her, she had to fight against her own husband. A man she said she had fallen in love with despite the odds.
Having had time to berate herself about her decision, Katara came to the conclusion that after what her husband has done, she would not be able to move on unless she proved herself. She could not idly stand by as her child was torn from her and the label of a whore was placed upon her name. No. Tui and La knew she had done all she could. Loved as hard as anyone could love. And sacrifice more than anyone should have to. This was the only option she could see playing in her favor. Because accepting this was not an option and running away wasn't either. She was going to face this head on. Tackle the problem. Even if the problem just so happened to be her husband.
Taking a deep breath before she spoke again, "I know I'm disrespecting our people's moral code of marriage but I can't let this- I won't let this continue. I want my daughter back, I want my honor back, and I want my dignity back. He took that all from me and I let him. La knows if I don't do this I won't forgive myself."
Understanding completely, "Our people would not tolerate a man to treat his wife as your husband has treated you. So what you've decided to do to deal with the issue is more than encouraged." Arnook told the girl. "However; you will face consequences for these actions. You know the Fire Nation will not appreciate this sort of thing. You could lose your rank or worse, be executed."
Yes, she knew this. Katara had read plenty on this when Kimiko had been training her to be Fire Lady. Ozai could throw her in prison. Have her title as Fire Lady removed and be reduced to a mere concubine. Or kill her. He really could do anything with her, if she were to lose. And frankly, she wasn't planning on it. There was a lot more that she would be fighting for than Ozai would be. Her determination and pain would give her the strength to defeat him. No matter how much she still loved that bastard, he couldn't get away with this. None of it.
~Moments later~
After Arnook gave her a few words of wisdom, Katara stood outside the metal cell door of his room, her head pressed against it. You worry too much. The fight will be mines to fight. You have nothing to fear. I know that but regardless of the outcome, Ozai and I...I love him too, Katara. But I'm not blind to him and his ways. Neither am I. And that's why we must fight. His recent behavior cannot be tolerated. I agree. Then it's settled. We'll win this.
"Fire Lady Katara." A guard approached her and dropped in one knee, right fist to the middle of their chest. "If it is not a problem, I would like to speak freely with you if I may."
Not seeing how she could turn down the guard as she wasn't in much a position to make herself more enemies. "Yes, you may."
Raising back on their feet a set of gold eyes looked to the Fire Lady with blue eyes. "Is it true you plan to fight his majesty?"
"Yes." She said flatly as she wore her standard blank expression.
Gulping at the confirmation, "What about all the things you were working on to make the Fire Nation better?" He asked bravely. "Are you our enemy once again?"
Katara stared at the guard as if he asked her a question that was meant to decode the mysteries of her mind. She didn't know really what he was asking her. To tell him whereshe stood now. Before she was the enemy and then she was the ally and now back to being the enemy, possibly. But if Katara could have it her way, there would be no enemies. Everyone would be on the same side. Fighting wasn't something that she was a fan of. Even with the decision she made not even a day ago. The waterbender wanted peace but it was foolish to think such a thing could be achieved without a good fight. However; here stood a subject of the nation she now served asking her if she was still on their side despite the feud between her and her husband.
"I'm not your enemy nor the Fire Nation's." Katara decided she could give the concerned guard an answer. "I will still uphold my duty to the people but as you can see, this is a lot more personal. It doesn't affect my will to help this country." Because in truth, when she was with her friends traveling the country side of this nation she had loathed for so long, she discovered the Fire Lord and Fire Nation were separate. Even in the palace she noticed this. While the nobles and some servants were prejudice towards her and her origins, Katara noticed it was simply out of misinformation and not that the people here were terrible. And being married to the Fire Lord, she also came to the realization that the Fire Lord and the man who held the title were not the same. Ozai was the man she loved not the Fire Lord. The Fire Lord was a man she couldn't stand. A man that stared indifferently at her as she begged for her daughter. A man that forced her hand and she had been forced into being his wife. But the man that she fell in love with, gave herself willingly to, and had two children with was not the Fire Lord. Just like the Fire Nation and its people were not the same.
From the Fire Lady's response the guard smiled and bowed his head as he dismissed himself. So many had taken a great liking to her. She worked diligently and without prejudice. No matter the obstacle the Fire Lady was dedicated. It was good knowing her issues with her husband wasn't about to change her desire to help the civilians of the Fire Nation.
Leaving out of the prison tower, Katara managed to run into her stepdaughter, who barely even looked her way as she bumped past her. It left the waterbender feeling worse. She and Azula had finally hashed out their differences. Yet now it seemed they were back at square one.
Pausing just before she entered the prison, "The issues between you and my father doesn't change the progress you and I've made." Azula spoke up enough for her stepmother to stop in place.
"Thank you, Azula." Katara said sincerely.
"Don't thank me just yet." The Fire princess smirked and proceeded forward into the prison. Whether the waterbender realized it or not but Azula was here to visit her brother and spread the news to him about the Agni Kai.
…
Hama knelt on a cushion with the leash connected to her collar in Ozai's hands as he paced back and forth. She kept her gaze low, deep in thought and trying to block out her inner siren. Suppressing it for as long as she could. She needed to figure out how to fix this mess she made or rather that the siren compelled her to make. Either way, things were turning out to get messy and she didn't like having things as they were. And to make matters worse, Hama figured out what exactly was wrong with Ozai. Something must have snapped in him. A family illness. The madness she heard the nobles call it. A disease from pure blood that hadn't been mixed. Causing Fire Lord Sozin to launch a world war. Fire Lord Azulon to destroy the Southern Water Tribe. And Fire Lord Ozai to hallucinate and become hyper aggressive.
He never had this when he was a boy. No but there was something similar to it. Every once in awhile things would be fine and then a bush would be set on fire or she'd find a burnt alive gator-rat lying about. Hama thought maybe it was because the young prince was being bullied like he usually was but she found him one day, smirking wickedly as a small nest of birds were being cooked by the flames he set to the bushes. She put out the fire like she usually did but it was clear to her that there was more to him setting things on fire than him venting.
"Ozai, why are you doing this to that poor girl? You know as much as everyone else does that Katara didn't sleep with that guard or anyone other than you." Hama said as she rose to her feet.
Ozai stopped his pacing and stared at the woman, "Reading my thoughts, are you?"
"I knew your family was one plagued with insanity since you were a boy but I never thought you'd lose to it, the madness that is." She walked towards him and stopped just an inch before him. "Now you're stuck, aren't you? You accused her of something that you've finally realize isn't true and you snatch her daughter from her. Now she wants to fight you or rather kill you. Sounds like you're trying to create another me."
The Fire Lord cast his gaze away from the woman that served as his mother. He knew she was right. Only, he couldn't admit it. Not out loud anyway. What took place yesterday and the days before were completely his fault. It was like when Ursa left and he banished his son. The hallucinations, the paranoia, the hyper aggressive behavior, it took over and all he could do was watch himself from a 3rd person perspective calling his wife out and making her hate him.
"It's not too late, Ozai. You can make things right. Go speak with her." Hama suggested.
However; Ozai wasn't sure how the waterbender would take to seeing him just a day after she challenged him to Agni Kai. She was never known to be easy to forgiving when she was still angry. Maybe he should wait a while before confronting her about things. Besides, the war. That was where his concentration should be. Not a feud with his wife that had now gone public.
Sighing as he moved away from Hama and went to gather his things from his study to get ready to leave for his duties, "You talk to her. I have other things to deal with."
With that, he was gone and Hama looked after him with a disappointed expression. You're going to lose her.
….
Suki sat in the bedroom she and Jee shared with the sheets laid over her body. All her tears dried up as she stared blankly out the window to where the palace was in the distance. Katara had told her to stay home and stay away from the palace until things cleared up. As much as the Kyoshi wanted to see if Jee was alright and wanted to be there to support her friend, she couldn't while she was so far along. She was at that point where she could give birth at any given moment.
"Don't you worry, Suki. I'll figure out how to stop this." Aang said as he rubbed her back.
Iroh stood at the door watching the two young people. His hands were behind his back as he sighed and shook his head. Something needed to be done about his brother and as far as Aang was coming along with his training, Ozai needed to be stopped a lot sooner than they thought. Within the next week if possible. Seems like he made the right decision letting his contacts know a month in advance.
"Aang, I'm sorry I'm all emotional." Suki sniffled. "There's just so much going on and I want it to all end."
The young Avatar nodded his head at the Kyoshi. He wanted this to all be over too and have the gaang all back together. It had been an entire year that everyone had been split up and it just didn't feel right having it go on any longer. They needed to defeat Ozai soon and before the comet. Work towards bring peace and balance to the world together. Zuko would be the new Fire Lord and help remake the image of his country. Toph and Sokka would rebuild the places devastated by war. Suki would probably want to return home to help her people or stay in the Fire Nation and help Zuko. Katara, well as much as they would like her to heal the wounded, she might need time to heal herself first. And Aang planned on doing all he could as Avatar to help fix what a hundred years ruined.
Running her hands over her stomach, "I don't want to raise my child in a world still at war. I don't want it to suffer like I did."
"It won't, I promise, Suki." Aang wrapped his arms around the girl and she buried her face into the nape of his neck, crying heavily as her heart wrenched. All she could think of was Jee, the baby, and how much she just wanted to finally be done with all this madness.
…
"That idiot!" Zuko hissed as he sat on the floor of his cell and listened to his sister tell him all that had happened on the other side of these prison walls. He couldn't halfway believe it and he wouldn't if not for how upset his sister seemed to be by it. She wasn't any less angry about this than him. Why? He wouldn't know and he didn't really want to. His only concern was that the Agni Kai wouldn't be a death match that it would be organized as merely a match to see who falls first.
Azula was also sitting on her floor with her arms crossed, eyes shut as she needed to think as much as her brother needed to. Agni knew this was all stupid. Her father had lost his mind for sure this time. And the waterbender was too stupid to realize that. Ugh! She couldn't believe either of them. Morons.
"This is all that water bitch's fault." Azula spat venomously. "If she hadn't let dad fuck her like how she didn't in the beginning, none of this would be happening." The Fire Princess said.
Rolling his eyes, "And what the hell does that matter?" Zuko hissed.
Scuffing as she looked away from her brother. "Because then dad wouldn't have fallen in love with her and I wouldn't give a shit and she wouldn't be so hard to hate right now!"
Zuko still didn't believe his father loved Katara. There was no way. He might enjoy having her keep his bed warm but his father didn't actually love anyone but himself. Probably didn't give a shit about Azula or his other two children. His father was selfish. Love wasn't in his vocabulary.
As the two of them sat in silence for a bit longer, Azula noticed her brother's torn clothes had been replaced and he was given a mat to lay on on the floor. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Taking care of her prisoners, I see. Maybe she is having an affair. Just not with the guard." Azula smirked all the more.
Wanting to slap the smirk off her face, "She doesn't visit. Just orders the guards to give me and Toph things. Only person she even goes to see is that Northern Chieftain guy down the hall." He said with a bit of jealousy.
Standing up as she got ready to leave, the Fire Princess blew her brother a teasing kiss and let him know she'd see about getting Katara to visit him. No telling if he'd ever see her again. Even he knew that himself and was why he said nothing as his sister left.
…..
It was late at night and Katara didn't care to acknowledge that bogus schedule on the door of the nursery as she slipped inside to see her son. His caretakers were all asleep in their rooms as she tiptoed down the hall of the chamber to see her son. As she reached his room that he once shared with his sister, the waterbender quickly made her way to his crib and gathered him out of it. His small body was heavy in her arms as he was fast asleep. She cooed quietly at him. Poking his chubby cheeks lightly.
"I'm sorry, Zhair." She whispered. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to see you often."
Zhair wiggled himself awake and his blue eyes soon peered up at her. He had the softest blue eyes and the darkest black hair. Moon kissed skin like his father, Katara found her son to be one of the cutest baby boys she's ever seen. Her finger gently caressed his hair that had started curling at the ends, perhaps taking after her wavy curls.
The waterbender carried the blue eyes boy over to a lounging chair was by the window. She pulled back the curtains to watch the moon and be with her son. Sitting down, Katara laid Zhair flat onto her chest as she leaned back into the chair, closing her eyes and drifting off.
It was an hour later that the Fire Lord showed up, wanting to see his son before heading off to bed. His days were long as the war raged on. Upon entering the room, Ozai saw that the curtains were pulled back and the crib was empty. Panic was about to seep in until he heard soft snoring coming from the lounge chair and what was so obviously his wife lying there sound asleep with their son against her chest.
Quietly he walked over to her and knelt down by where she laid with their son. He didn't hesitate as he laid his hand on the side of her face, Katara was a heavy sleeper and the fear of waking her up wasn't there. However; the boy in her arms was awake. Ozai caught sight of his son's blue eyes staring up at him. His hand moved from his wife's face to Zhiar. He pulled Katara's arms apart to take the boy from her, wanting to hold his son himself.
Sitting with his back against the lounge chair his wife laid asleep in, Ozai held his son up and grinned at the boy. Zhiar moved his hand out towards him, reaching for his father's nose and touched the bridge of it. The boy tilted his head to the side and made a gurgling noise as he blew bubbles. A smiled came to his face as the boy wiggled around and started laughing.
"Shh, you'll wake your mother." Ozai whispered for his son to quiet down but the boy was lively still and giggled some more.
Rubbing her eyes as she heard Zhiar making noises, Katara first notice her son wasn't in her arms and then the more foreboding observation was sitting front of her with his back to her. Her eyes narrowed instantaneously and all her anger from yesterday began to resurface. Why the hell was he here?!
Zhiar wiggled and giggled as his father played with him, blowing on his belly and letting him play with his nose. However; the bubbly boy slowed and his frosted blue eyes looked above his father's head. The boy's small hands reached up and Ozai didn't have to wonder why.
"You're awake." His voice deep as he remained holding his son, back turned to his angry wife, and his cares far behind him.
Not masking any of her feelings, "Zhiar isn't known for being the quietest baby." She spat.
"Must take after his mother." Ozai said as a joke but clearly Katara was in no laughing mood.
Climbing off the chair, the waterbender reached for her son but Ozai raised his brow at her and stood up. He wasn't planning on handing over the boy so quickly. He wanted a word with his wife before she decided to leave without hearing what he had to say.
Backing away, "We need to talk." He said.
"We're past words, Ozai." Katara stated. "Only actions will get the point across."
"And fighting me is the answer?" The Fire Lord looked at her curiously.
There was a pause as she looked away from him and let herself think. Was fighting him the answer? Well of course. It wasn't the one she was looking for or wanted but it was the only one that would get her results. Kya was torn from her arms and her name was dragged through the dirt by her husband's false accusations. No one would respect her after this. She had reached a bottomless pit in a place of no return. Katara didn't care anymore. She wanted her children and she wanted her pride back. Ozai didn't answer to her words or her tears or her pleads or her prayers. So he would answer to her fists.
Turning her gaze back to him, "Fighting you is my only chance. Nothing I say means anything to you. Nothing I do means anything to you. I'm nothing to you. The only way I'll get what I want more than anything is to fight you."
"I could kill you by accident, Katara. I don't wa-"
"I'd much rather die trying to take back what's mine than to live without it." Katara's eyes were hard and unwavering.
It angered him to hear her speak so lightly about her death as if her life was of no value. Ozai looked down at his son that had gone quiet and was finally falling back asleep. Katara would be willing to leave this behind for what she wanted? What meant so much to her that she'd die for it but not live for him?
"I want my freedom, Ozai. When I fight you and I win, I want our children in my custody and then I want my freedom." The waterbender said as she stared at him with tears in her eyes. "You'll have to honor any deal we make over the match. That's the rule."
"Your freedom...are you asking for a divorce?" He asked quietly hoping that was not what she was asking.
Holding herself back from crying, Katara didn't trust herself to speak and looked away from him. She gave a simple head nod and it was perhaps the loudest answer she has ever given.
Ozai couldn't even pretend that didn't faze him, he couldn't even hide his hurt eyes as he looked at her and clenched his teeth tight. Was she seriously asking him of that? And to think that if she won that he'd be forced to grant her it. Giving her his children and letting her run off to wherever she may go. Likely back to that land of ice. She'd rather have their children live as bastards and possibly be raised by another man. There were no words for his feelings on this matter. He had but one response to her.
Walking up to her and handing her their son, Ozai gazed down at her as she held Zhiar protectively. "If that is your request, I'll honor it but know that if you lose, I will make sure that you will never leave me. Whether I have to take your privileges of bending away or chain you up for the rest of your days. I will not allow you to leave me." His hands caressed down her face as she looked at him in slight horror of his words. "You. Are. Mine. Katara. Till death do us apart."
And with that he dipped his head down and caught her chin in hand as he pressed his lips into hers, biting on her bottom lip. She tried not to move as she didn't want to wake Zhiar again. His tongue glided across her bleeding lip as he pulled away. Smirking down at her with his devil eyes. His thumb swept over her plump lips, licking some of the blood from his own.
"I will not lose to you, my beautiful waterbender." Ozai grinned at her as she shivered. "If you want freedom, you'll have to kill me first."
Katara remained completely and utterly still as her deranged husband kissed the crown of their son's head, not leaving until he kissed her one last time. She felt sick as he pulled away and quietly left without another word. She'd have to kill him first? La, he knew she couldn't kill him! Even if she wanted to! No one could kill him! He was a monster that was undying.
Carrying Zhiar back to his crib and laying him down, Katara fell on her knees in tears.
"I hate you!" She cried. "I hate you, Ozai!"
Not far from the nursery, Ozai held his head down as he made his way to his chambers. He barely managed keep it together as he made it back to his rooms. Slamming the door shut to his bedroom, the Fire Lord threw a fit as he punched his fist repeatedly into the wall and set fire across the bedroom. In the room over, Hama sat on her windowsill crying silently to herself as she relived her past and listened to her son lose it once again.
Look what you made me do! You evil wicked monster! Hama cried. Evil? Wicked? You knew what would happen if the thing I loved most in the world were to vanish. You knew and yet you pretend to not know. It's not my fault! I di-didn't know they'd kill her! The siren was bitter, like any siren would be if the one thing they loved unconditionally were to die. It was the contract of the siren to its host. One person. One life. One thing that needed to remain. That one thing needed to be protected. It needed to live. If not, the siren would take over and lose its humanity. Seek to destroy the world. And here it was, doing that very thing. Stop thinking about it and do as I say, you can mourn after we're through.
…
"We need to speak the Commander Chang, we have important entail on the Fire Nation and the attack their planning." Jet told the man stationed outside the walls of Bei Seng Sei.
A large military camp was formed outside the walls as the city and its allies were preparing for a large scale attack on the Fire Nation. Jet and Sokka had reached it a lot quicker than they had thought. Just a few days. Now standing under one of the tents waiting to speak with the head of operations here, the two young men found themselves relieved to find some shade and cool water to drink. They had been at it none stop getting here. Now they could rest knowing they'd finally complete their mission.
"Man, I tell you I miss Appa so much now." Sokka sighed heavily as he flopped down in a chair while Jet leaned against one of the large sturdy rods holding up the tent.
Drinking from the canteen he was provided upon arriving, Jet wiped the sweat from his brows as he looked around. Everyone looked busy and it looked like they were also getting ready to leave or move. What was going on?
An earthbender and waterbender soldier came running up to him, saluting and then relaying a message given by Commander Chang.
"Commander Chang has asked that you hurry west to port town Guangxi. He's about to depart for the Fire Nation invasion." The earthbender hurried to say.
Jet and Sokka exchanged looks before looking back at the men.
Clearing his throat as he saw their confusion, "One of our contacts in the Fire Nation capital has already informed us of the comet. We've been working endlessly for weeks to prepare an invasion large enough to finally put an end to this."
The waterbender soldier looked to Sokka, "Those of the Water Tribes will be following right behind the Earth Kingdom fleets. However; the Southern Tribe is having difficulties due to Fire Nation occupation."
The two young men exchanged looks and nodded.
"Looks like we gotta split." Jet said as he smirked at his pal.
Chuckling as he playfully hit the freedom fighter in the arm, "Yeah, well don't get caught under anymore rocks, alright? We've have got to celebrate the end of the war with everybody."
"Alright, drinks on me." Jet said as he got ready to follow behind his fellow soldiers.
Sokka furrowed his brows as he watched Jet leave, "Hey! Wait a sec. Jet, do me a favor when you get there, will ya?"
Jet paused and looked over his shoulder, "Yeah sure, man. Anything, what's up?"
"Make sure you get to my sister before the others do. I don't want anyone to mistake her for the enemy." He told the freedom fighter.
Giving his friend a seemingly genuine smile, "Don't worry, Sokka. I'll get Katara first, okay man?"
Happy to hear that, "Thanks man. I'll see you once I return from the South."
"Sounds like a plan, see ya there Sokka."
The tribesman went to find those that had planned to help in the Southern Tribe while Jet turned around to continue in his way to the mounts that would take them to the port town where Commander Chang was.
As he and his fellow soldier climbed onto their mounts, Jet looked over his shoulder at Sokka. Shaking his head before taking off. You still don't get it man. Katara's not your sister anymore. She's the enemy.
….
It was a single day before the big fight and the residents of the palace had become more and more excited for the upcoming Agni Kai. It had only been four times in their entire history where the Fire Lord and Fire Lady have fought. Arranged marriages were common through their history and more times than enough the royal couple have hated one another. Some even hated one another to the point of killing the other, affair and scandal, banishment, execution, fleeing, and Agni Kai. Agni Kai was the rarest stunt pulled by a ruling couple. Usually because both needed to be fighters and stand an equal chance against one another. Women in the Fire Nation weren't given the same intense training men were unless granted by their fathers. Especially women who were in line to be the next Fire Lady. Women were to serve the husbands and submit. But few were taught beyond that. As for the current Fire Lady, she was not born of Fire Nation etiquette and therefore behaved differently from the women here. Not only that but she acquired training of her own from traveling abroad. It seemed yet another rare case was in place for their to be an Agni Kai between the royal couple.
In the training arena, many caught glimpses of the Fire Lady's relentless workout sessions that started early and didn't end until nightfall. Her determination was admirable. How she was incredibly serious about her match. Her routine was flawless, ruthless, and carried much of her emotions. One could see the anger and frustration packed in each attack she'd deliver to the testing dummies. They had to be changed out each morning as they'd be completely destroyed by the end of her workout.
As for the Fire Lord, no one had seen him prepare. Probably due to confidence in his ability to win. He was after all the most powerful firebender in the Fire Nation and if that wasn't enough to defeat a small water tribe girl then there might be a serious problem. If anything, the Fire Lord looked relaxed. Not a care in the world. He attended his meetings and carried out his duties, taking on his wife's duties as well since he had her removed of them and seemed to be stress free while the match was just days away. Some had even seen him spending time with his son. Rumors flew around that the Fire Lord was through with his wife. Sending his waterbending daughter away as she wasn't fit for the Fire Nation court and purposely accused his wife of cheating so that he could get rid of her. It caused many to side with the Fire Lady that obviously been wronged. The women of the court especially sympathized with her. The men couldn't deny how dedicated to her work the Fire Lady had been and simply did not agree with the Fire Lord's approach. No one said he had to like his wife but he didn't have to resort to this. Many that had worked firsthand with the Fire Lady had come to find her working habits and ability to respect input as well as create a less tense environment to work in felt she should be allowed to keep her duties at least. Working with the Fire Lord wasn't easy. Let alone being in the same room as him.
Anyhow, things around court were getting heated and everyone was anticipating the coming fight.
"Azula told me you wanted to see me." Katara said as she suddenly showed up in Zuko's cell.
The disgraced prince looked up to his former love and grimaced at the sight of her. She looked so much like a native here than a foreigner. It made his stomach churn. Swallowing as he needed a minute to digest the waterbender's appearance, Zuko watched as she walked over to a stool and pulled it right in front of him to sit on.
"Your hair is shorter." Was the first thing he said. Not like he knew what to say.
Nodding her head as she offered a small smile, "Your hair's grown longer."
Zuko grabbed a strand that now hung to his neck and somehow just realized it. A pregnant silence fell over them before the firebender cleared his throat and looked away from the girl he had once been in love with.
"Azula says you and dad are fighting. Both figuratively speaking and literally." He says.
Katara sighed and looked down at her hands, "Well what do you expect? You know your father, he's prideful and selfish. He and I always fight. But this time things just went too far."
"So you're going to really fight him?" Zuko asked in his raspy voice.
Looking over to him, "What choice do I have? He took my child from me."
Sighing as he shook his head, Zuko didn't know what to say to her. Katara was the biggest idiot of all time to challenge his father and think she would even have a fighting chance. Or maybe she was bat shit crazy. He didn't know anymore. But what he did know was that she was determined to go through with this. He couldn't imagine her letting his father get away with taking her daughter from her. It wasn't her nature to let something like that happen.
"So did you do it?" Curious to know if his father was right about the affair. As much as he wanted to believe Katara wasn't capable of doing something so scandalous, she did marry his father while they were still together. He could only wonder if his father might have actually been right.
Knowing exactly what he was asking, Katara narrowed her eyes at the firebender. "I love your father, Zuko. I love him even now. I wouldn't ever think about betraying him in that way."
"But you want a divorce." His eyes were focused on her as he watched her expression to betray her.
However; she gave nothing away that would prove her to be a liar. "You can love someone with all your heart but know you can't change them or their minds. Your father isn't a terrible man, I learned that, but he has terrible ways and I can't ignore that. No matter how much I love him."
And you think he's going to let you leave? Even if Zuko didn't believe his father loved this waterbender, he did know for a fact his father would not let another wife leave. Especially after his mother left. His father was way too possessive and controlling. Katara must know his father wouldn't dare let her out of his grasp. He might offer the illusion but she would never be free of him. Ozai would never allow something of his to slip from his fingers. Never. That's why, as soon as Aang defeated his father, Zuko planned to interrogate the bastard. He wanted to know where his mother was.
Wiping her damp eyes a little, Katara stood up from her stool and sniffled. "Whether it make things better or not, Zuko. I still think of you as my friend." The waterbender said.
Scuffing, "Then I guess it makes nothing better." He spoke quietly. "I never saw you as my friend. You were always the girl I planned on being with."
"Zu-"
"I haven't given up on it." He was louder this time. "I still plan on having you myself."
And with that, Katara quickly left as she saw his amber eyes shimmer at her the way they had when they had still been a part of the gaang and sneaking around. It made her feel her age. Like a teenage girl. Like the girl she was before this. But just a year as Ozai's wife and two months of being a mother, Katara already felt years older than she truly was. And in seconds, Zuko reduced those years on her. Damn it! She swore and hurried back to the palace. Rushing to her room. Not paying any attention to where she was going. Something she would quickly regret.
Bumping into someone, the waterbender fell back and looked up as she rubbed her forehead.
"Katara."
"Ozai." Blue eyes widened as she scramble to her feet, tripping over herself as she tried getting up but only falling back down.
Not taking to the pathetic sight before him, "Come." He said and gathered her from the marble floor that would not let her up.
….
For the last few days, Aang had been training vigorously with Iroh on mastering firebending. However; no major improvements seemed to have been made. He was a natural and could very well be considered an advance level firebender but still far from being a master. It frustrated him and made him angry. Angry that he was going to fail everyone but Iroh told him something that came as a shock. Things were all set in place.
Running to the apartment that belonged to the guard Suki was engaged to, Aang burst in and found his pregnant friend stirring a large pot of what looked like tonight's dinner.
"Late again, Aang." She giggled. "I'm starting to think you only liked helping Katara out with cooking."
The young monk moved around to the Kyoshi and pulled her attention away from the pot, grabbing both her arms. "Suki, Iroh just told me there's going to be an invasion!"
"An invasion?!" She was shocked and puzzled. "I thought we would wait to do that!"
Shaking his head as he let go of her, Aang backed up and placed his hand to his forehead. "No, Iroh says his brother needs to be dealt with immediately and that while the invasions takes place, he's going to teach me this technique that only one Avatar before me knew how to do. He's says it will put an end to the Fire Lord and his reign."
What? Suki really didn't know how to take this all. She wasn't expecting any of this for a while. Like preferably after she had given birth. Or maybe when the Fire Lord's guard was down- oh! The Fire Lord's guard was down. The fight must be the distraction… Wait! They're gonna attack during the fight?! Shit, she needed to warn Katara tomorrow.
…
"Here." He slid her a glass of wine across the dining room table as he drank from his own.
Katara stared at him and then looked to the glass. It wasn't poison was it? For all she knows he could have had something placed on the rim of her glass that would alter her performance. The waterbender simply slid it to the side as she crossed her arms and stared indifferently at him. What was his point of bringing her back to his chambers? Let alone the dining room.
Drinking his entire glass first, Ozai poured himself more and then slid the bottle to her. "It's no fun drinking alone, Katara."
"I'm sorry to disappoint but I never cared for drinking. Besides, it'll mess up my focus for tomorrow." She said in a snarky tone and looked away from him.
Leaning back on one hand as he held his glass in front of him, Ozai studied his wife as she sat there much like how she had when they first married. She looked aloof and uncaring. In a world of her own. Ignoring him in every way possible. He smirked to himself as a thought came to mind and he sipped from his glass before placing it back down.
Clearing his throat, "When you leave me, what are your plans? Heading down south to marry one of those tribesmen?" He humored the thought for a moment. No one would put up with her terrible attitude the way he did. No one would appreciate that fiery personality of hers the way he did. Katara was better off staying here in the Fire Nation and marrying one of the men here or even going to the Earth Kingdom.
Rolling her eyes as she shook her head and chuckled, "As if any man would want me after being your wife. You completely ruined any future hope of me remarrying."
Good to know. He was back to drinking some of the content of his wine. "How about our children, you'll raise them without a father? Will you tell them about me?"
"You're pitiful, Ozai. You know that? Just pitiful." She said as she slammed her hands into the table and stood up, about to leave. No point in entertaining him. They were separated in the process of divorce. What could either of them possibly have to say to one another?
As he watched Katara reach for the door, he simply continued drinking and turned his gaze as the girl was electrocuted and collapsed on the floor twitching. Like I'd ever let you leave, waterbender.
~Later that night~
Katara found herself looking up at a gold ceiling with the smell of cherry blossoms scented candles and incense burning. Sitting upon on what looked like the bathroom sofa, the waterbender looked around to see that there were candles lit around the rim of the pool like tub. As well as rose petals and bubbles in the water. Her eyes lit up as she swung her leg over the side of the sofa and saw how the curtains had been pulled back to showcase the full moon. She would have smiled if it weren't for the one thing that ruined this all.
Standing all too quietly over her with his hair draping over his naked torso was her bastard husband that she couldn't stand. He wore only a towel over himself and she would have said something had she not noticed she was also in only a towel.
"Spend this last night with me and regardless of tomorrow's fight, I'll have our daughter brought back to the palace." He said to her.
"What about my freedom?" She asked.
Smirking as he looked down at her, "You'll still have to fight me for that."
The waterbender continued to sit there as she watched her husband remove his towel and climb into the bath. Her eyes rolled as he splashed some of the water in his face. La, she couldn't stand him. Standing up, Katara walked slowly over to the edge of the bath and looked down at the wet Fire Lord. He turned around and looked up at her, that smug smirk still on his face.
"This changes nothing. I'm still going to kick your ass and leave this place." She told him in a stern voice. Oh, he knew she wouldn't back from the fight. Not like she could. The grace period to back out was two days ago.
Taking a deep breath, Katara opened her towel and desperately tried ignoring the look Ozai was giving her. Not even trying to hide his admiration for her body. La, her face was red just by the way he looked her over. When he offered his hand out to her, she hadn't much a choice but to accept it and let him help her into the pool. Once inside, the waterbender looked away from him and snatched her hand back.
Ozai smirked and brushed his hand across the side of his wife's face into her hair. Her hand went to his wrist to stop him.
"Why are you doing this?" Her voice almost like a whisper.
Grinning as he moved his head towards her and he kissed her, Ozai's arms went around her waist as he pulled her to him. She was stiff in his arms and her lips refused to move but after a while, he felt her relax against him and her arms snaked around his neck.
Pulling just less than an inch away from her, he ran one of his hands threw her hair and smirked at her. "I'm trying to convince you to stay."
Staring at him with both a hard and weary gaze, "My mind is made, Ozai. I want to leave."
"Then you better fight harder than you've ever fought because I won't allow it." And his lips were back on hers.
"I will, you piece of s-"
Enough talking, Katara. He growled in her head as he claimed her lips and pressed her up against the edge of the pool, reaching for her thigh. However; she pushed against his chest and pulled her face away from his.
"Stop! I thought we were supposed to be bathing! Not this!" Katara yelled at him. "I'm not having sex with you! Ever again! It's over! We're over! No amount of anything will ever make me want to stay here with you! I hate you! I hate you almost as much as I hate myself! Now let go of me before I lose it!"
Furrowing his brows, Ozai looked at her with a hurt expression. "You don't mean that." He told her.
"I do! I hate you and if I could hate you more, I would gladly do so!" She continued yelling. "You took my innocence from me! You corrupted me! You made me turn my back on everyone I loved! You accused me of being disloyal and unfaithful! And then you took my children from me! If there was ever a chance that we were ever going to make it, you ruined that chance when you took Kya from me!"
"I'll have her brought back tonight." He told her.
La, she couldn't believe him. "You're so pathetic that it makes me pity you!" She pounded her fist against his chest and dropped her head against him.
"And you're such a terrible liar that I don't believe anything you say." Ozai replied as he rested his chin on her head and held her. "You still love me. I know it."
You arrogant asshole! She screamed in her head as he held her.
Taking her chin back in his hand, Ozai lifted her head up to look at her and then capture her lips again. This time he had no intentions of stopping. She was his. He could do whatever he wanted to do with what was his. Cradling her head in his hands he passionately devoured her lips. Her hands running up and down his chest. No matter how much she'd try to fight him. She couldn't win. Not before. Not now. Not ever. This was his waterbender. And he would make sure to remind her of that.
~Midnight~
Katara sat up in the bed she had shared with her husband just a few weeks ago. Looking down to her side she saw him already asleep with his long messy hair wild and covering his face. She sighed and looked away from him, pulling her legs to her chest as she looked out to the window.
"If we had met as different people living different lives, what would you be?" The waterbender pondered out loud as the sheets hung off of her and the moonlight fell over her form. "I know I'd be a traveling healer. Going place to place and helping people in need. And seeing the world, meeting new people, I might even come across you. But what would you be?"
Turning her gaze back to the man sleeping beside her, Katara leaned over him and took some of his hair in her hands. "I can't see you being anything other than the Fire Lord." She said in a quiet whisper. "I hope in another life that you'd at least be a good one with no war to fight and you wouldn't be a dumb jerk that feels like everyone and everything belongs to him. You'll be a good father to all your children. A good husband like you try to be. And you won't be selfish enough to shun everyone away. And it wouldn't be so painful to love you." Letting go of his hair, her hand gently caressed his sleeping face as a tear fell from her eyes. Leaning down, she kissed his lips and brushed his hair away. "I'll love you into my next life, Ozai." And before she climbed out of bed, the waterbender kissed her husband's forehead. "Promise you'll find me then."
Out of bed, Katara collected her clothes off the floor and she made her way out of the room. Ozai had heard her bare feet run towards the door and her gently close it as she left. Sighing as he sat up and pressed his hand to his forehead, the Fire Lord forced himself to reel in his emotions. He wanted to chase her down the halls and drag her back here. He wanted to chain her up to the bed and keep her from ever leaving. But listening to her, she sounded miserable. It angered him and it bothered him. His waterbender was miserable but not because she hated him but because she was in love with him and he hurt her. More times than he could count. Balling his hair up in his fists. Damn it! Why?! Ozai wanted to know why? Why it would take them living different lives as different people to be together? Why couldn't this work? Here and now, as they were. Was it because of the throne? The war? Was this stupid war why he could hold her but couldn't have her? Growling as he threw his fist down onto the bed. He needed to figure out, what was more important to him. Winning the war or Katara.
….
The day had finally come and everyone was placing their bids. It was a tie. Some believing the Fire Lord had a clear chance of winning while others could believed the Fire Lady was going to be the victor.
Having returned due to something Aang said to her last night, Suki rushed down to Katara's chambers to speak with her and warn her. Something awful was amidst. Entering the room as soon as she reached it, the Kyoshi found her friend dressed and preparing for the fight. Katara was wearing her hair pulled back in a high ponytail. Her arms were cuffed with those gold armbands of hers. She wore a sleeveless vest and matching red pants both trimmed in gold. Her eyes were lined with black liner and her lips painted red. There was determination in her friend's eyes. She was going to win this match.
However; Suki knew the fight needed to be cancelled, something would be coming up and Katara needed to be more concerned with getting far far away from the palace as possible.
"Kata-"
"If you came here to talk me out of fighting Ozai, you're a little too late. The grace period has ended. The fight is set. I'm going to regain my honor." Katara said as she stretched her muscles.
"But-"
The door opening interrupts them, "Katara, my dear, come. The Sages require you and Ozai to make your terms so that they will be acknowledged after the end of the fight." Hama burst in more of a good mood than she had in the last few days.
More ready than ever, Katara went to the door and looked over her shoulders. "Are you coming?" She asked with they blazing gaze of hers she had once possessed when they were preparing for a good fight. It was nostalgic for the Kyoshi, leading her to nod her head and follow her friend out.
~Sage Temple~
An Agni Kai was a lot more serious than Suki expected. There were rituals that took place before the actual fight. Her friend knelt down in front of a sage that rubbed some red oil across her forehead and said spoke some strange ancient language. The same was done for the Fire Lord on the other side of the room.
The Kyoshi notes that the man was dressed in the same pants as Katara and his hair pulled in the exact same style. He wore his armbands on both biceps along with a red towel over his bare shoulders. She tried to pretend she didn't see the man making glances at his wife. It bothered her the look on his face. While Katara was focused and ready to take back what was hers. It seemed the Fire Lord didn't even want to fight her. Was he afraid to lose? Or perhaps afraid to hurt her. He wasn't just a master firebender, Jee had once told her. Ozai was physically a force to be reckoned with. Without his bending he could probably take Katara out but with how settled the waterbender was in her resolve. That seemed unlikely.
When the Fire Sage were done with their chanting, both Fire Lord and Lady stood up, facing straight ahead as the high sage stood before them.
"Fire Lord Ozai, son of Azulon, age 41, master firebender, height 6'5, weight 235lb, Father of disgraced Prince Zuko, heiress Princess Azula, recently crowned Prince Zhiar and Princess Kya. Husband of Fire Lady Katara." The Sage read over documented information, a standard thing to do whenever noting those participating in an Agni Kai. In case one were to die. Information of them needed to be recorded. "Fire Lady Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, daughter of Chieftain Hakoda, age 19, master waterbender, height 5'2, weight 124lb, Mother of Prince Zhiar and Princess Kya, Wife of Fire Lord Ozai."
As he continued over information that would be recorded, Katara felt someone eying her and glanced over to see her husband staring blatantly at her. She quickly snapped her eyes away and balled up her fists. Suki caught sight of this and shook her head as she felt a hand slip to her shoulder and a lip press to her ear.
"Look here, you sweet troublesome girl." Hama whispered in her ear. "Take this and go break that guard lover of yours out of prison as well as the others. Things are going to get messy in a bit and if you want any hope of getting out of here alive, you need to go now."
Suki looked down at the hand that held keys and her body shook as she took them, looking to Hama with wide eyes. How does she know?!
The water siren smirked, "I'll take care of things here. You go run along now."
Not knowing what else to do, Suki nodded her head nervously and quickly left out. Slipping away without being noticed. Hama took her place and smirked as she clasped her hands together. I'll make things easier for you, dear host. I'll leave the innocence alone but the rest are mine. Hama having been pushed to the back only sat in the dark void on her mind and nodded. Good.
"State your terms, Fire Lady Katara. If to become victor, what will you claim as your prize." The Sage asked.
Katara wore little to no expression as she spoke with profound resolve. "I want a divorce from Fire Lord Ozai as well as custody of our two children and the promise that I won't be hunted down."
The room of Sages gasped and looked to the Fire Lord that didn't seem surprised.
"And you, Fire Lord Ozai?"
"As I am Fire Lord, I'll do whatever I see fit with her. She is my wife and therefore belongs to me."
It was obvious from the Fire Lady's expression that she was a second away from starting the fight early. Perhaps they should start making their way to the arena. Sunset was approaching.
~Prison Tower~
"Hey, we can't let you in here! This place is restricted until the Agni Kai has ended." A guard yelled at the redhead pregnant woman.
Holding a tray in her hands. "Please, you have to let me in. Her majesty ordered me to have this delivered to the Northern Chieftain. She didn't know if she would be able to see him after the fight and made this last request."
The guard looked over the pregnant woman and studied her distressed face. He was personally a fan of the Fire Lady and being that this was probably her last wish, he couldn't see why he wouldn't grant it.
Groaning, "Alright. Go on. You have fifteen minutes before the shift change make it quick or I can't help you when the next group comes in."
Nodding her head, "thank you!" She said as she hurried down the hall to the vast steps.
Reaching the top of the stairs to where the prisoner cells were, Suki discarded the tray and removed from it her dagger. If she was going to bust some people out of prison, she was going to have to fight as well. Sighing, she hoped she got everyone out before the invasion. First person she needed to find was Zuko. He could fend off any guards that caught her sneaking around helping inmates escape.
…..
"You sure are a model mother." Hama said playfully as the waterbender waited to be released into the arena.
Rolling her eyes as she kept her eyes focused on the gate that would lift any minute to allow her in the ring. "Don't get friendly with me, Hama. This is all your doing."
"Whatever do you m-"
With a sudden and quick jab, Katara threw her fist into the water siren's face. Baring her teeth as she did, the waterbender glared down at Hama as she laid on the ground with her hand over her mouth staring up with wide eyes.
"You got in his head and you did this to us! I won't forgive you and as soon as I'm done with him, I'm coming for you!" Katara threatened as she kicked the woman in her gut then spit on her. (The Water Tribe has a spitting problem, I'll admit).
Just as she turned around, the gate rose up and Katara narrowed her eyes as she didn't hesitate exiting the dark dusty catacombs into the ring. As she walked out of them, she notice first how many were present and how excited they all looked. While she wanted to knock her husband out and call it a day, she didn't like that people were actually finding this entertaining. Katara didn't even really want to fight him but seeing as it was her only option. Her eyes then took in account how wide and open the arena was. To the left was the palace west wing. To the right was the sea and sinking sun. The sky was red and orange. A beautiful hue for a not so beautiful occasion. At least if she were accidentally killed then she'd be dying under a beautiful sky.
In front of her, Katara saw her husband make his way out onto the platform of where they would be fighting. As he took his place and threw off his red towel, she noticed his eyes were steady on her as she made her way to the center. She held his gaze and tried to not let herself be distracted by the thought of last night. La, why the hell did she agree to sleep with him last night? Like how stupid could she be? She knew his plan was to distract her and keep her off her game. However; it would take a lot more than that to ruin her determination.
When Katara reached the center and stood on her side of the platform, Ozai looked her over and smirked. "You can surrender, you know that? If you're not feeling up to it."
"And have you burn half my face off like Zuko? Try again." She said taking a readied stance.
Assuming his fighting stance, "Why would I want to ruin that pretty little face of yours? I'm simply offering you the chance to allow things to return as they were but if you insist on going through with this, pray you win because you'll be chained up for the rest of your life. I promise you that."
Her eyes flashed its glow from how pissed off she was from that comment. If she didn't win today, she'd rather die than live as a prisoner.
A sage came up to the platform and looked between the two. "First one off the platform loses. Stay down past ten seconds and you lose. Have any assistance from the outside and you forfeit."
"Are we ready?" The sage asked and the couple nodded. Backing a way slowly. "Alright!" Signaling for the bell to ring. "Begin!" The bell rung.
As soon as the bell sounded, Ozai had sent a fire bloom towards the waterbender but she quickly countered with a wall of water, canceling his attack upon impact. He went for another attack, a side flip of fire whipping her way as she jumped out of its way, tumbling down and sending a stream of water to wrap his ankles, bringing him down with a loud thud.
The crowd went wild as the Fire Lady knocked her husband's feet from under him. It was quite the sight. She was fast and agile. Having a solution to every attack he sent her. However; the Fire Lord looked to be holding back. His attacks were simple and basic. Not at all how they should be with his level of mastery. Perhaps, he was toying with her.
"I'm not stupid, Ozai! You're holding back!" Katara yelled at him as she brought up her ice wall as he tried to strike her with lightning.
Without anticipating it, his hand shot through the wall of ice and grabbed her neck. Next thing she noticed, her entire wall came crashing down, melting over top of her head. Pulling her to him, Ozai smirked as his wife struggled, clawing his wrist and wiggling herself around to get free.
"Sounds like you're trying to lose." He chuckled darkly.
"Like hell." She yelled and used her bloodbending to force him to loosen his grip, allowing her to kickflip off of him. Her rage that had been bottled up came out and she summoned all the water from the barrels and formed a vortex that sent spiraling his way. Ozai jumped out of its way as it went towards one of the stands where people were fleeing from right as it crashed into them. Taking the water from the ground she moved her arms above her head and thickened her finger movements, turning it into ice as she had raised it from below her husband and slice him.
Hissing, Ozai palmed the wet ground and stared wickedly at the waterbender. Her eyes wide as she realized what he was going to do.
"Back down, Katara." He told her as his hand sparked threateningly.
Katara's heart pounded in her chest as she knew what he was planning. Strike the water and she would be out. Game over. But she couldn't just give in. If she did then she'd be damned to a life she refused to live. As she weighed her options, the waterbender saw the water just by his feet. If she could get him in the puddle then he'd knock himself out before it would even reach her.
Leaping in the air, Katara sent a ball of ice at him just when the ground lit up with lightning and had Ozai's hand disconnect from the ground as he fell backwards. The man climbed to his feet quickly as he was fed up and wanted to end the fight already. Katara landed on her feet and tried to hurry and make an attack to stop him from getting closer but just as she was about to send him a wave to push him back and he was about to strike her with a direct dose of his lightning, they stopped abruptly. Both their hands reaching for their necks as they stared wide eyed at one another.
The crowd was confused but when foam started seeping from the Fire Lord's mouth and he collapsed onto the ground within seconds, twitching out of control, screams all tore from their throats. Katara still low to the ground with her eyes wide and her hand on her neck where she felt a dart, looked around her as panic erupted all around her in the stands. Yanking the dart from her neck, the waterbender hissed and looked at it.
"W-what is this?" She asked herself quietly before she looked back to Ozai who was seemingly having a seizure just a foot from her.
"Ozai!" She cried out his name and tried going to him but her body was stiff and heavy. What was in that stuff?! Katara! Stop, we're under attack! Attack?! Her eyes slowly skimmed the arena and saw strange people dressed in black cloaks attack the guards and round up the civilian audience. It looks like an invasion is taking place. The siren observed all that was taking place as her host continued to make her way slowly to her fallen husband.
Reaching him, Katara looked over him with wide eyes and placed her hand over the side of his face. "Ozai?! Are you alright?!" He could look at her as he continued foaming from the mouth and shaking. The waterbender pulled his head into her lap and wrapped arms around him the best she could in her own weakened state as the arena broke out into chaos.
What's going on? He was able to reach her in her mind but even so, his voice dragged as he had barely been able to comprehend due to the poison the dart must have had. Katara found where his dart was and the. yanked it out.
Running her hand all over his face as she grew even more worried about him, completely disregarding what was happening around them. "I-I I don't know." She told him. "I-I th-think we're under attack." Her voice cracked as she was afraid but not for herself.
Katara...His shaking hand went to her face. Run! He managed to furrow his brows at her.
Shaking her head, "I'm not leaving you!"
Run, I'll be fine.
"No! I won't! I refuse! You can't make me!"
You stubborn idiot! I can't be killed! But you can! Now go!
"N-"
Katara, you have to! Zhiar is in the palace, if they get to him...he let it hang in the air. Their enemies would kill their son. He was the prince and a firebender. If these people were who he thought they were, they'd kill the boy. He wouldn't allow it. Not his son. Not his precious son.
The waterbender's eyes were wide with tears. Zhiar. She needed to get to him hit she couldn't leave Ozai. Besides, her legs were barely functioning. How could she get to him in time? La! She felt defeated!
Looking up at his wife, Ozai saw a cloaked person approaching with an unsheathed sword. His eyes widened at her warningly. Kat-
"Come here, you little bitch!" The person growled and grabbed her ponytail, yanking her from her husband.
Ozai tried seizing control over his body to get to her as she fought her attacker but then was slammed face down onto the stone ground. He grimaced as he saw her brow drip with blood and her eyes wide as she stared back at him. Her wrist cuffed behind her back.
"Finally, Fire Lord Ozai. We have you right where we want you."
…..
A/N: Yay! Chaos in the palace coming up and friendships are about to be tested to their limits. The Gaang reunites but on different sides. Hope you guys are ready for it! Love you all and review! See ya next week!