Hey everyone! Welcome to chapter 22 of Sparks Ignite! I hope you guys liked that last chapter! This chapter will be the party! So enjoy! As always, I do not own Avatar or its characters. Onto the story!

Fate and Destiny are a funny thing. They are so permanent, but yet can be changed by the smallest thing. It can cause the moon and the sun to collide. Or the most opposite Sparks to Ignite.

Chapter 22: The Party Part 2

Katara and Zuko walked down the stairs, her arm laced into his. The guards saw them approach and stood at attention. Zuko smiled slightly at Katara and winked before standing in front of the large ballroom doors.

A man stood next to the door with a large trumpet and brought it to his mouth once they reached the stairs. "Fire Lord Zuko and Master Katara" he spoke loudly as the doors opened and they entered. Those of the fire nation turned to the door and stood, bowing as he entered.

Zuko raised a hand to indicate they could be seated, "Let the festivities begin" he spoke loudly.

Aang watched the two of them as they entered, and specifically Katara's hand around Zuko's arm. He glared, frustrated with the both of them. What was going on between them? What didn't he have that Zuko did? What made him so special? He was determined to win Katara over tonight, no matter what it took.

As soon as Zuko and Katara were seated, servants rushed in with heaps of food. Zuko made sure there was delicacies from every nation, not just the fire nation. A plate of sea prunes was placed in front of Katara and Sokka and they both shared a look of delight. Katara then looked to Zuko, a look of surprise on her face, "How did you?" she asked. Zuko shrugged, "I have my ways…"

Once everyone's bellies were full of as much food as possible, Zuko stood at the front of the room and began speaking, "Thank you all for coming… And I want to thank you all for playing your part in bringing in this new era of prosperity and peace… I can't undo what some of my ancestors have done to this world. But I can focus on our future… On the future of my country and this world… The United Republic of Nations is the start of that future. And tonight… That's what we shall celebrate… Let the celebration begin"

With that, the band broke out into song and people began to flood the dance floor. Zuko watched with a smile on his face. This was what the future looked like, a unity of all peoples. He turned around to talk to Katara and noticed she was gone. He frowned looking around the room and found her as Aang was dragging her onto the dance floor.

Zuko sighed and turned around, finding three girls standing behind him, all giddy with excitement. "It's our honor Fire Lord Zuko" the first one spoke, while the other two stood behind with excited smiles on their faces, "Perhaps we can keep you company?"

Zuko chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck, thinking of several different places he'd rather be.

The man in the black cloak watched the palace from afar. He watched as the lights from the party glistened out the windows. He watched the people coming in and out, and the guards checking every single one. He hoped to outsmart all of them.

He had waited weeks for this plan. He had waited to watch it unfold. It had felt like a lifetime since he envisioned it.

He heard the footsteps behind him and spoke, his voice low and deep, "Is it done?" he asked.

The other man coughed slightly, "Yes sir… Now we shall only wait…"

The two men watched the palace and waited for the chaos to ensue.

Zuko had tried for what seemed like forever to break away from the female pursuers. He just wanted a few more moments with Katara. If he had a few more moments, maybe he could tell her. Maybe he could tell her everything he had always wanted to say. Maybe tonight was the right night.

He barely heard the high-pitched giggle of a short brunette, "Who knew Fire Lord Zuko was so funny… And charming" she winked at him, trying to flirt. But Zuko was barely looking at her, "If you excuse me ladies…" he quickly ran onto the dance floor, hoping to outrun them.

But a servant, a small boy, stopped him on his way, "Excuse me sir? I was just told you requested a cup of tea?" he said, offering him a cup of tea on a tray. Zuko frowned, "I didn't request any tea" he looked around. A petrified look appeared on the boy's face, confused and a little worried he may be yelled at for his misunderstanding. Zuko noticed this and took the cup of tea, "No worries, I shall drink it anyway. Thank you…" he said, bowing a little. The boy's face lit up in a smile and then ran back to the kitchen.

Zuko quickly chugged the tea then turned back to the dance floor and saw Aang and Katara, and the exasperated look on her face did not go unnoticed. "May I cut in?" he asked them, offering his hand. Aang went to speak but Katara spoke first, "Well I can't say no to the Fire Lord" she said, taking his offered hand.

Aang sighed, looking slightly dejected before walking away to find Toph. Katara let out a breath, "Thanks for that… I thought my legs might fall off from his upbeat dancing" she laughed slightly, placing a hand on his shoulder. Zuko smiled back at her, as he placed a hand on her waist, "I understand… I didn't realize I was so funny that a group of girls might laugh at everything that comes out of my mouth"

Katara giggled slightly, "You are quiet funny Fire Lord Zuko…" she told him. Zuko lifted his chin proudly, "Hmm… I know right" he joked. Katara smacked a hand against his chest and they both laughed, their bodies spinning slightly of their own accord as the song changed to a slower one.

"Zuko?" Katara questioned. Zuko raised an eyebrow slightly, waiting for her to continue. She took a deep breath, before continuing, "Uhh… nevermind" she said, looking down and chickening out at the last second. But Zuko took her chin between his fingers and pulling her face up to look at him. They both looked at each other in the eyes for a moment, "Tell me…" he said.

Katara stuttered for a moment, before taking his hand and pulling him from the room. This didn't go unnoticed by Aang, who went to follow them. But Sokka put a hand on his shoulder, and shook his head, "Let them go Aang… I think they need a moment alone…"

Aang watched after them, "When did they become so close and how did I miss it?" he asked Sokka, looking back at him. Sokka sighed, "You have to remember Aang… He risked his life to save her once… That's a bond you can never break…" he told the younger boy. But Aang still didn't understand, "But she doesn't act the same way around me… And I saved the whole world!" he reasoned with himself. Sokka couldn't help but sigh once again, "You'll understand one day…" he told him, patting him on the shoulder before walking back to his wife. Aang watched after them, he would let them go.

This time.

Katara pulled Zuko out onto the balcony and stopped next to the railing. It was their one moment alone and she didn't want to waste it.

"Zuko I…" she took a deep breath, "Zuko I don't know what we are… Or what you want us to be… But I do know you give me butterflies when you look at me…" she spoke.

Zuko went to open his mouth, but Katara spoke first, "Let me finish…You make my heart skip a beat with your smile… You make me feel like I can walk on water… I don't know what this world holds for us… Or what our future has in store… But whatever this is between us… I want to dive head first… I wasn't ready before but now I am. I'm ready…"

Zuko smiled at her, "Katara… I…" he paused.

Toph stood in the ballroom and could feel both their hearts beating faster than she ever felt between the two. She smiled, knowing that she may be about to lose her bet but so happy about it at the same time. But all of a sudden, she felt one heart stop.

"Zuko?" Katara asked when he didn't continue. She looked in his eyes as she saw something drain from them. When suddenly, a drip of blood fell from the corner of his lips and his body fell to the floor.

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

Dun DUN DUUNNNN! I'm sorry for the cliff hanger guys! The next part will be coming soon! Until next time!