Right, so on to what is essentially part 3 of the story. Part 1 being Zuko and Katara's marriage. Part 2 being Zuko discovering Katara's secret and them starting their relationship. Part 3 is healing for Katara, Zutara development, the family coming together, Azula's plot, Sokka's discovery and Katara being the Fire Lady. Part 4 will be the final bits. The story has really grown. Originally, I had like 10-12 chapters in mind. How it became this behemoth of a story, I don't know. But I love every moment of penning it.
Oh, and I forgot to mention in the previous author's note, Lady Ursa is dead.
Chapter 26
"Will you stop moving!" Suki swatted at her husband, who grunted in response. "What's going on with you? Why aren't you sleeping?"
"I can't… Something is bothering me."
Suki sighed and sat up, "Clearly. Is it the heat?"
Sokka shook his head and pushed himself up to sit cross-legged and face his wife, "I saw something today that was very strange."
"What?"
"At the dinner table, Zuko's hand was at Katara's waist."
"So?" Then understanding dawned on her face, "Please don't tell me that your older brother instincts have kicked in. Please don't tell me you are planning to teach Zuko a lesson for touching your sister. If so, let me remind you, they are married."
Sokka made a face, "I know. But that's not what I am talking about. I don't have a problem with Zuko. He's my bro and a great guy. I couldn't ask for a better guy for Katara, but… something isn't adding up. Like a giant puzzle piece is missing which is why the picture is all wonky."
Suki raised a brow, "Explain."
Sokka huffed and scratched his nose, "I was thinking about the way they got married. According to Zuko, they were hardly talking to each other, barely three letters in like two years. And then, one fine day, out of the blue, wham! They're married. Both of them were married to people they were in love with. And now, suddenly, just little over a month later, Zuko is touching her bare waist? And she doesn't have a problem with that. Doesn't strike as odd to you?"
Suki shrugged, "They both suffered a terrible loss. Sometimes, when two people go through the same pain, they bond better. Besides, they were good friends to begin with, and now they have come close. Maybe even had sex. So?"
Sokka shook his head, trying to articulate his thoughts, "No. No. I mean, yes. I know. That's not the bit I have a problem with. That's their life and they are welcome to do what they want. That's why we did all that, right? The clothes we packed. It was to nudge them in the right direction."
"And maybe it worked," Suki answered, still not seeing what he was getting at. "Why is that bothering you?"
Sokka shook his head, "I know my sister, alright? She is not really comfortable with this public display of affections. This… it was really out of character. Also, that kind of familiarity… it doesn't come within a month into a relationship. At least not with Katara."
"Why? Katara has always been free with her hugs. How can you say that she is not that big into public display? Rather, I'd say it's Zuko who would be uncomfortable with it. Remember how he hated the group hugs?"
Sokka sighed and rubbed his face, "You have a point. But tell me, do you ever remember Aang putting a hand across her shoulder? On her knees? Or her ever hugging him publicly? I'm talking about after they began dating."
Suki bit her lip as she thought back. "No. I don't think so. But I don't think you should worry too much about it. Maybe Aang wasn't so much into showing affection. It's possible, right?"
Sokka considered her words for a while, mulling and chewing them before he said, "Of course. But I feel like there's more to the picture. My instincts say there's something more here."
When Katara woke up the next day, Zuko was not next to her. Instead there was a note that said he would see her at the sparring arena if she woke up within an hour of sunrise, else he would see her at the dining area. When she walked into the sparring area, however, Zuko was not alone, much to her surprise. In fact, him and Sokka were already engaged in a fierce round, each with their swords. Sokka with his replaced space-sword that Piandao had crafted for him from the remaining meteorite that was left at the smelting shop. Sokka had never been more thrilled at receiving a gift as he had been that day. Zuko, on the other hand, was arms with his dual dao swords. They were both involved in a heated match that Katara did not want to interrupt. She walked over to the bleachers where Suki was perched, watching them.
"Hey, good morning!" Katara said, "You guys are up bright and early."
"Sokka couldn't sleep last night," Suki answered with a shrug. "You know how distracting fidgety husbands are. But he was getting very antsy."
"Why?"
"Who knows? What about you? How are you up so early?"
"My husband is a Fire Bender," Katara dropped her voice in a poor imitation of Zuko's heavier tone and slight lisp, "He rises with the sun. I seem to wake up soon after he leaves."
Suki nodded, apparently satisfied with her words. The warrior mulled on Katara's words, then opened her mouth to say something when a loud curse from Sokka interrupted their chat.
"Not fair!" Sokka cried. "You use two swords! How am I supposed to keep an eye on both at the same time?"
Zuko shrugged, sheathing his swords, "I beat you fair and square. I have always used two swords, so you knew what to expect."
Sokka sheathed his sword and said, "Why do you use two swords, anyway? Is this a compensation for something?"
Beside her, Suki gave a snort as Katara's own lips twitched. A younger Zuko would have flown into rage or be reduced to an awkward, blubbering mess at the risqué joke. The older version merely rolled his eyes, "Did you just crack a phallic joke about my swords? I'll have you know that I don't need any compensation. No problems whatsoever in that department."
Katara felt a blush creep up her cheeks while Suki doubled over in suppressed laughter.
"Not bad!" Sokka said, grinning. "You cracked a joke! Impressive."
"I'm not a humorless person," Zuko replied a little defensively.
"No, you are just bad at remembering actual jokes."
"I don't need to, as long as you are here. You can keep us entertained."
Sokka clapped his back with a good-natured laugh and the two of them walked towards their wives. "Good morning, sweetheart!" Sokka said cheerily, and settled down next to Suki, giving her a kiss on the lips. "Morning, sis."
"Morning, Sokka," Katara said as Zuko stood in front of them.
"Can you believe that in less than a month it's going to be fourteen years since the war ended?" Suki said.
Katara gaped, "Fourteen years! Wow!"
Sokka agreed, "I know! Seems just like yesterday, doesn't it?"
"At this time, fourteen years ago, we were watching that godawful play," Suki giggled.
Zuko groaned, "You all be thankful you haven't had to witness the revised version of the play."
"There's a revised version?" Sokka asked interested.
"Not anymore," Zuko grinned. "I put a stop to it."
"Fire Lord! That's an abuse of power!" Katara said, giggling.
"Yep. Not ashamed of it. That play was worse than the original."
"How is that even possible?" Suki asked.
"For starters, you didn't even exist in the play," Zuko said to Suki. "Ozai was this benevolent ruler that abdicated his throne for his prodigal son. And Azula was shown as… a lovestruck girl who was left heartbroken at the end of the war. Oh, and best part, Sokka, you had an affair with The Boulder."
Sokka blanched at that while Katara howled with laughter. Suki shuddered, "I'm so glad I never saw that one."
Zuko sniggered. From the corner of her eyes, Katara saw him put his middle and ring finger on his chest and rub it a little. Instantly, she was on her feet and next to him. "Your chest hurts."
"Sometimes," he said, looking straight into her eyes. Katara felt a slow warmth envelop her at the soft expression on his face. The way he looked at her these days set her heart beating at a frantic pace. This man, the one she had loved for so long, was finally, finally returning her affections. He had seen her at her most vulnerable. Had heard the deepest, darkest secrets she held in her bosom, and after all that, had accepted her completely. He still held her close, gave her the support she needed. And for that, Katara could not be grateful enough. She loved him. There was no point denying it. She had always loved him and had long since acknowledged it as the one cardinal truth of her life. But just when she had believed that she was dead in all but her body, Zuko had stormed in and breathed life back into her. And for that, she had fallen in love with him – again.
Katara shook her head a little to clear the thoughts and called her element to herself from the trough nearby. "Let me see."
Zuko frowned, "What?"
"Your chest, the wound. Let me see it."
Even as he unbuttoned his shirt, he said, "It's an old wound. It tingles sometimes. What will we gain from this?"
"Let me just have a look, will you?" Katara said.
"Go ahead."
Katara laid her water gloved hand on the star-shaped scar and closed her eyes, allowing the water to seep into his pores. The first thing she noted was that there was a jumble of scar tissue, mottled together in a mass. It took her some time, but then she spotted it. A pair of nerves that were pinched with the scar tissues growing around it. She willed the liquid to ease the tension a bit, but she knew she would not be able to do more than that. Not then.
"I did what I could for now," she said pulling the water out and sending it back to the trough. "But I would look at it again, later. During full moon."
Even though she didn't say it, she knew he understood what she meant. He nodded and said, "It is better, thanks. Anyway, I must go now. I have to attend the court. As do you. Your first day as Fire Lady."
Katara nodded, "I know. I'll be there soon."
Then, before she could move, Zuko pulled her in his arms and kissed her. It was short, just a touch of lips. But to her, it spoke volumes. In that one action he told her that he knew what she wanted to do to heal him. He knew of the doubts that lay coiled in her stomach. Of the nervousness that fluttered in her. She was troubled, both with the prospect of using her bloodbending and for her first day in court, and he knew it. With that one small kiss, he was assuring her that she was not alone and that he was there for her. Through it all.
Spirits, I love this man so much!
Neither of them noticed the look exchanged by the other couple that sat on the bleachers, just a couple of feet away physically, but miles away from the little world Katara and Zuko were in.
Zuko and Katara took their positions in the throne room as he raised the curtain of flame. He had to make sure he did not make it too hot, because Katara was not used to sitting behind a wall of flame. Being a Fire Bender, his tolerance for heat was much higher. By the time he was slightly discomfited, Katara would be dehydrated. Keeping the heat moderated would go a long way in ensuring that she would stay comfortable. Zuko raised a hand as an indication for the proceedings to begin.
"Welcome back, Fire Lord, Fire Lady," Councilman Sho said with a bow. "I would like to take this moment to say that it is a great honor for us to see Fire Lady seated on the throne. The place next to our Lord has been vacant for far too long."
Zuko nodded. There was a persona he maintained as the Fire Lord and he had long since learned that one of the key things of that was to speak as little as possible. He had communicated that to Katara as well and she was now following his lead.
"Now, with your permission, Milord, we would like to commence with the order of business," Sho said.
"Permission granted."
For the next few hours, the council went on and on about various issues. Next to him, he could feel Katara fidget a couple of times, but she stayed quiet. Not that he could blame her. It took a while for the body to get accustomed to sitting like that for hours upon hours. He remembered the first couple of months that he had struggled with sore knees, cramping thighs, stiff back and aching ankles. Now, he had gotten used to it. At one point, he saw her wince slightly and moved her left knee slightly. Using the fire curtain as a shield, he placed a heated hand on her knee and kneaded it lightly. In response, she squeezed his hand a little.
Finally, the day at the court came to an end. With Councilman Sho read out the closing for the day, Zuko allowed a small exhale to escape his lips. He waited for the courtroom to be empty before lowering the flame. He stood up and held out a hand for Katara, who stood up with a groan.
"Oh spirits! How do you do this? My legs are killing me!" Katara said in a low voice.
"I know," he said, nodding sympathetically. "I'm sorry. It does take some getting used to."
He waved a hand, allowing her to step in front of him. She descended the throne first, followed by him. The stiffness of her movements spoke about how sore her body was. Zuko lay a heated hand on her lower back, earning a sigh of relief from her. As the two of them walked out of the throne room, Zuko saw someone approach them from his peripheral vision.
"Milord," Councilman Sorma bowed, catching his attention. "May I take a moment of your precious time?"
Zuko's lips thinned slightly, because he particularly disliked being approached outside the throne room but nodded, nevertheless.
"Milord, may I be so impudent as to invite you to my abode for dinner?"
"I do not attend dinners at the abodes of my Councilmembers, Councilman, to avoid the impression of favoritism. Surely you knew that."
The smile on the Councilman's face faltered only for a moment before he hitched it back up. "Milord, I had a matter of utmost importance to discuss with you and would require your audience."
"Take it up with Mizu," Zuko answered. "I am certain he can find a slot for dinner."
Sorma's smile was a shade frigid as he bowed and said, "As you wish, Milord. I'm honored that you are willing to consider my request."
Zuko nodded. The Councilman bowed and withdrew.
Azula had not come for her meal again. Katara had tried, over and over again, to get the other woman to attend the family meals but she steadfastly refused. According to her, no one wanted to see her and that her presence would upset everyone. A convincing argument that Katara could not fully refute but she was not about to give up. She had seen a side of Azula that hardly anyone was privy to and she seemed too reluctant to let anyone else see it. But Katara was not about to let her latest friend hide away from her own family.
Stars lit overhead as Katara was walking along the corridor, now a little more familiar with the way to Azula's chamber. The royal family wing was designed in a square, with the turtle duck pond at the middle. As Katara walked along, she heard the distinct sound of someone sniffling. Startled and worried, she made her way to the garden. She walked carefully, making sure she didn't startle whoever was sitting near the lake, hidden in the bushes. It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the change in light. When she finally did, she realized that it was Izumi who was concealed by a clump of flower bushes.
"Izumi?" Katara said, as softly as she could.
The girl looked up and her lips thinned. "What are you doing here?"
"May… may I sit down?" she asked gently.
The girl shrugged, wiping off her tears. Katara sat on the grass, careful to keep distance between them. Just like Zuko had done with her, Katara let silence be the language between them. The gurgling of the lake and the squawking of the ducks broke the quiet once in a while, but the two of them sat, facing the lake. Finally, Izumi broke the silence.
"I don't know what to do," the girl said in clipped tones.
"About what?"
"About you."
Katara blinked, not knowing what to make of that sentence. The words were hostile, but the tone was resigned. "Is something bothering you, dear?"
"Like you care," Izumi responded, the barb strong and icy.
Katara pushed away the pain that she felt at the words and concentrated on the angry child. "Izumi, I know you don't consider me your mother. But for me, you are no different than Bumi or Kya."
Izumi scoffed. "No. I am different. I'm the cast away."
Katara wanted to reach out and hug the lost, confused, and angry child, but she knew that would not be received well. Instead, she said, "Izumi! No sweetheart. You are not cast away. This is your family. We love you."
"Really? What do you even know about me?" Izumi said, now riled up. Her spine was taut, and her teeth clenched. "If you truly loved me, you would know why I am out here, crying. If Dad truly loved me, he would be here with me. He is not. All because of you!"
Katara felt her heart twist uncomfortably as she realized the child was feeling neglected. "No, sweetheart. I assure you, your father has not forgotten you. He is working right now."
Izumi shook her head and shot to her feet. "Working? He is working? How can he be working now? How could he forget?"
"Forget? What did he forget? Izumi, did something happen?"
"Something?" Izumi spat, her hands curled into fists and she was quivering. "Yes. Something happened. Day after tomorrow is my mom's birthday and dad doesn't even remember it! All because of you!"
Saying so, Izumi ran away, leaving Katara behind.
