Chapter 14
INQUIRING
3 Days Later
Katara
In a sudden breath I inhaled a strong gust of air circulating around me and felt my soul awoken from what felt like a deep hibernation. My lips smack together as my eyes bulged out, a bright candle light flickered all around me. Feeling a cold sweat covering my body, I sat up slowly my head becoming lighter. I couldn't understand where I was, but my neck reeked in pain. My head and my back was throbbing with a fierce sting I dont remember having. Actually I couldn't remember a thing.
My fuzzy distorted vision started becoming clearer, my sight able to now zone in on a single candle. At least able to veiw the melted wax as is dried falling over.
A dry groggy feeling embedded itself in my stomach as I sat up.
*creeek* Hearding a cracking sound I soon identified it as the bed underneath me.
Hunching over a flash of pain overwhelm my body, the moment I tried to moved my hands to remove the thick blanket off me.
"Oh my.."
My heart skipped a beat the moment I took in my surroundings, I expect to see metal bars around me. But instead I was in the middle of a luxurious room, what was even more of a surprise was the warm atmosphere of home I instantly felt. Years had gone by, I felt alone and scared, now all of a sudden it was like I was home again.
But how could I be? even though it looks like home.. something's off.
The furniture had a authentic water-tribe feel I've missed. A large blue and white tapestry of my heritage hung on the wall across from me. There anchored against the wall was a long deep blue rectangular dresser with a grand mirror covered with a white boarder. Deep blue thick plush cushions lined a rug with a tea height table in the center. Looking down to the white fur blanket that covered me, I pressed it together between my thumb and index finger. Vigorously rubbing the fabric with fine fur.
It's made of wolf? What in the name of spirits... I need to know where I am.
Swinging my legs over the bed I moved quickly to stand only to feel a sharp electrify pain. Effectively stopping me for seeing out the near window.
"AH! Shit!"
Flopping back down onto the cushioned bedding, tears began to trail down my cheek. But I didn't know why. I couldn't understand, a fiery heat came off my back more intense then when I awoke. suddenly it was hard to breath.
"Spirits!" I screamed out.
What the hell happened to me!?
Panting hard, she couldn't seem to remember clearly what had happened. Only able to feel a single line engraved on her back of the lower neck and down.
Reaching over her shoulder Katara felt a small bandage covering that spot. Following her spine as far as she could was bandages covering most of her back.
"I need to see"
Positioning the base of her feet on to the ground , Katara bit her bottom lip slowly balancing herself up. Instantly feeling the need to topple over, her legs shaking with each movement. But she couldn't give in, with each tiny step forward Katara felt as if the wind was knocked out of her the more she pushed herself. Katara breathing turned shallow and rugged, grunting to her painful discomfort. Until she miraculously found herself standing in front of the large long dresser that had the beautiful large mirror.
Loosing the knot on the robe someone had dress me in I turnt to the side my back and breast exposed. The image reflecting back to me was shocking, I didn't know that person. Old bandages with dried blood pressed against my back. As I peeled the bandages off, all my breath had disappeared. The bandages covered in old blood fell to the floor revealing a gruesome site.
Gulping the forming saliva in my throat I wanted to cry. Deep strips of welts cover my back, in many different directions. I could tell they where healing as scabs began to crust over, but I was sure this was all scaring and all permanent. Shadowing each strip was my tender skin colored in deep black and blue bruising. The gold necklace Zuko had forced me to wear was still on my neck reflecting back in the mirror.
"Katara?"
Looking over to the door my forearm intensity came up blocking my bare breast from being view.
*Thump* Seeing this person my body instinct whispered in my ear to move backwards, causing me to bump into the dresser.
"Katara. Are you feeling better?." He asked walking in with a silver tray in hand, his eyes looking dark as if sleep was the last thing in his mind. A gold painted tea cup and kettle with a plate of easy to sallow food was placed on the tray. Carefully he placed the silver tray onto the tea table, looking up to me. His amber eyes standing out the most. "Im so glad your ok.."
I remember him. I spoke to myself. Zuko. He had me whipped. I was whipped in front a crowd. He kissed Mai in front of me as I was being whipped...
In the back of my head I could still hear the aggressive strokes of the lashes inflicted on my body. A stinging pain as the lash split my soft flesh. I remember a intense heat that covered my back with each mark, like a hot iron burning on my skin.
My face turned white remembering the shock of pain I felt that instantly halted my scream as I grit my teeth together, trying my best not to make a sound. I wouldn't give them that satisfaction. Even now I could feel blood trailing from my a gapping wound. And he did nothing... he wanted me to go through that.. to please her.
I couldn't talk I couldn't breathe. I don't even know how I'm alive. Feeling that kind of punishment is unbearable and he let it happen.
Zuko now standing in front of me expecting some kind of answer. I could only watch him with a blank stare as a tear rolled down my cheek. My wrist pressing against my bare breast. The damage to my body was to great for me to feel any emotion towards him other then hate.
"I bought you some dinner". Zuko said trying to break the ice that form between them.
"Dinner?" I whispered confusedly, my own voice cracking in the wind, missing some syllables. Looking to my right a large glass door to a balcony was open. The sky had darken, but when? I couldn't tell you. But I also didn't care, looking back at my reflection was painful but I couldn't look away.
"Katara" Zuko spoke again causing me to look back at him. "I'm so sorry. I should have known better." He began walking closer to me as I stood in disbelief blinking rapidly.
"I wasn't thinking, I was just so hurt when you tried to leave. I didn't-" Reaching out to touch her, Katara moved just in time. Zuko shoulders slumped slightly, a painful hurt he felt watching her walk away from him.
I didn't want his touch, I didn't want his presents near me. Stumbling back to the bed I tried my best to cover my exposed breast quickly with my robe.
"Katara please believe me, I was just confused and upset. I'm so sorry"
"For what?." My frail voice asked. A cold stone expression took over my facial muscles. "For commanding the hand that did this to me? Or for practically raping me in a dungeon."
"I ...I.. was ..uh drunk" Zuko tone diminished with the last word he spoke knowing that wasn't a excuse. His cheek blushed from embarrassment remembering how tightly he held her then forcing his member inside her.
"I guess that makes everything all better.. huh?" I snapped back with ferocity in a low tone.
"No, look. " taking a deep breath Zuko centered himself closer trying to restart his thought more clear.
"Katara I really am sorry, I can't express how sorry I am. I was just hurt and upset that you wanted to leave... leave me.
When I told you to come back that early morning, I was so excited for you to see.. well this! when I realized you weren't coming back ..I felt used and foolish." He explained using his arm to show me the room.
Oh right, I forgot.. I had no idea where I was. "where am I"?
"I had this built for you. For you to have piece of the water tribe right in the Fire Nation palace.. just for you."
Limping towards the tapestry on the wall, I pressed my palm against it. It was soft enrich and beautiful. I couldn't help but smile at the tapestry, bringing a minor tear of joy to my eyes. For years I thought I would never have a piece of home again.
"It's beautiful". I told him smiling until my reality set back in "but it doesn't excuse everything else."
"Katara-"
"No!" Katara tone was strong and unforgiving. "My flesh will forever be a permanent reminder of this event. I am permanently scarred because of you! But it doesn't matter to you. I'm sure you and Mai will have a grand life together."
"Katara-" he tried to interject once again.
"Besides" Katara continued cutting him off. "Im noting more to you but a stupid dirty whore for a easy fuck."
Zuko looked at Katara unforgiving eyes as they welled in hatefulness. Her mood unchanging, even though her body was extremely weak, her spirit was strong.
Knowing very well those were his words he told her the night before the whipping, Zuko felt a deep sorrow in the pit of his stomach. Why am I so stupid! He said to himself on the inside.
"Katara-" stopping himself from speaking her name a third time, Zuko shook his head to the side, knowing there was noting he could say right now to wash away her pain. Walking to the door Zuko opened it pausing in the door frame.
"I'll have the physician come by to replace the bandage... I'm sorry." Zuko whispered before closing the door completely.
Tears rolled down Katara face as the pain inside her heart hurt more then the physical. "Spirits... I wish that was enough".
Sui Seikuh
2 days later
I could feel a harsh thump entwine with my breathing. My hands shivering, both palms face down on the dark marble floor as I hunched over in a child pose bowing. I could feel my body breaking out in cold sweats. Bend over I dare not look at his grace. His amber eyes seeming to pierce me from above.
Like a elegant painting his grace stare at me as if he was the highest individual in the land. Only he was, and I knew how he cared for Katara but surely my years of loyal service meant something... right?"
"Speak" the Fire Lord stated sitting in the throne room on his gold grand chair. The room felt cold and sterile, there wasn't even the normal warmth in his voice. Only rage.
"..of...of what... Fire Lord." I nervously asked as I sat up, my body's weight rolling back on to my knees. Slowly my eyes looked up as I swallowed the saliva, the gulping sound echoing in my body.
"Don't play stupid." His tongue was sharp but tone was sharper. He stood up as I watched his regal attire uncrease itself.
"I'm sorry Fire Lord... I just don't understand your question." Understandably my hands continued to shake.
This wasn't part of the plan! I'm not supposed to be here. ...but I am. I have to remain calm... remember what your fighting for.
The Fire Lord young eyes didn't soften, instead his breathing became more harsh as he walked closer. I could see whatever was troubling him took a effect on his health. He seemed sad, angry, and tired all at once. His eyes hallow and darken.
Standing next to me I bowed on my knees once again, the Fire lord hands touched behind his back.
"You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. When this is over your many years of service would not save you if your hands are dirty."
My eyes bulged out of my face as a drop of terrified sweat lefted my forehead splashing on to the marble floor.
*tap tap tap tap*
Hearing him exit the throne room my eyes lifted, setting onto the gold throne in front of me. A strong symbol of the Fire Nation. A symbol that I'm suppose to live for.
Katara
A week later
"AH!" A quick screamed left my lips as I was forced to let the water touch my back flopping into the white porcelain tub. It's been close to two weeks after that horrible day but I still could feel pain beaming within me. My wounds are not bleeding any more yet I'm terrified one twist to hard or bend in my spin will open them back.
*SPLASH* I could hear the warm water overflowing the rim of the tub splashing onto the white marble floor. I couldn't even turn my torso around to see, fearing I would unintentionally reopening my wounds.
"Spirits it hurts!" I yelled out to a empty room.
A tear fell down the curve of Katara cheek as the pain stings subsided. Katara had sent every servant Zuko had cone to help her away. She couldn't trust anyone. No one. Not a soul he trust. Especially not him.
After cleaning where I could easily get to, I reach over to my back with the natural luffa loofah. With one nervous pass, I rub my black and blue skin abrasively without realizing. My sensitive skin easily scratched.
"AHHH!" Rereleasing the luffa loofah instantly Katara heard it fall onto the ground. The frustration she was left with was to intense to bare. Her fingers glanced over her delicate neck only to feel the gold metal choker that rested on her neck.
She could feel her insides boiling with hate and anger.
All this and this thing is still on me.
Twisting my torso I felt a joint of pain that I didn't want to continue to feel, Looking down to my knees I watched as the water settled around my thigh. The rippling action in the clear bath water calmed with each moment that passed.
...what if I end it now... just hold my head under... it'll be over.. right?
Mesmerized by the rippling water and her dangerous thoughts Katara didn't hear the knock at the bathroom door inside her room.
*Tap Tap Tap*
Hearing the clear tap of footsteps on the marble flooring Katara wrapped her arms around her knees, side eyeing the person next to her.
"Why did you send the new servants away? I sent them to help you." Zuko asked.
I suppose my privacy isn't a right...
Stooping down to Katara level, Zuko now made himself eye level with me able to look right at her. His arms resting on the rim of the tub.
"I don't need any help." I said rolling my eyes. "Especially from you" I added under my breath turning my head to the opposite side of his gaze.
"Then why is this is on the ground?" Zuko asked with a small chuckle picking up Katara luffa loofah that had fell onto the floor. Picking it up from his right side Zuko held it out near her, for Katara to grab.
Still sitting in the water with her head turnt, Katara didn't have an answer to his obvious question. Instead she breath deeply closing her eyes to the soft lingering pain in her tender back. Deciding not to acknowledge his question Katara kept her head turnt.
"Your stuck aren't you." Zuko asked putting all the puzzle pieces together smirking now realizing his discovery.
"Of course not" Katara pridefully said tilling her head up.
Sighing under his breath Zuko stood up grabbing a clean folded towel. Opening the white threaded Si Wong State luxurious towel, Zuko held it open horizontally ready to cover Katara fragile body. His large frame now standing in front of the tub. "Come on"
"I'm not stuck. I'll be just fine... just". I reminded him harshly still looking to the side sitting in the large porcelain tub.
"Your so upset with me you'll continue to sit in this water suffering instead of letting me help you get out."
Repeating my thought out loud to me, Zuko made me sound foolish for thinking that way. Yes that was exactly how I felt, but was it smart...
Rolling my eyes I didn't want to look at him. I didn't want to verbally admit he was right. I'd be foolish to continue and sit in here without knowing how I would be able to get out. As much as it infuriated me I reached out touching Zuko hand as he gave me a firm hold letting me stand to my feet.
Each water droplet began to run down, off of Katara wet curved body. With a loud plummet of water falling from her dark brown hair. Her ocean eyes instantly pierced up, indicating to Zuko to let go of her hand.
Blushing in the apple of his cheeks Zuko turnt his head to the side offering her some form seclusion. Wrapping the towel around Katara, he made sure it was secured before anchor his arm to her back and under her knees, lifting Katara over the lip of the tub. Letting water drip onto to the marble floor as he carried her.
"I could walk" Katara reminded him when her feet didn't return to the ground.
Instead of listening to her Zuko continued walking out the bathroom door into her room as Katara wide blue eyes looked up to him.
I wanted to walk.. well try too... At least I could have put some distance between us, after all my anger was justified. I hated him...
Finally he set me down near the edge of my bed helping me to secure my stances before fully letting go.
"I'm fine" I told him hoping he would let go and he did.
"Turn around". His lips spoke to me low.
"What!" Katara yelled clinching to her towel stronger with more strength then she had.
"Just do it" Zuko sighed demanding as he rolling his amber eyes. Reluctantly to move Zuko turnt Katara around. Her back now facing him, Zuko large hands pulling on the back of her towel. Allowing the small of her back to show.
"Fire Lord... please don't" Katara said softly trying to appeal to any humanity he had left. Only two weeks ago he had her in a dungeon, tied up allowing himself to do what he wanted with her.
I can't do that again... I just can't..
"I told you my name is Zuko." Zuko reminded rolling his eyes. Although he knew he couldn't blame her for being fearful of him.
"And calm down. I'm just going to put some medicine on your ...markings." Zuko said pulling a foot stool for him to sit on. Going with the direction Zuko initiated Katara let the towel fall loosely off her but enough to still cover her ass which draped around her body enough to cover her exposed breast to.
"Why isn't the physician doing this" I asked as Zuko middle and index fingers began to make contact with my wounds.
"He is out of the capital for personal reasons. Which is why I had many servants sent here over the last two days... But someone didn't want them."
"Oh" Now I felt foolish and bad. Zuko was trying to make sure I'll be comfortable and instead I sent all the help away. But could he blame me? After what Sui did to me? After he took her word over mines..How could I trust anyone here but me?
"I guess I can't blame you" Zuko confused as he continue to rubbed the medicine on Katara back.
"After all I'm the reason you need this medicine now." He finished saying as his fingers finish applying the medicine, soon closing the medication jar tight and standing up.
Grabbing Katara curved waist with both hands Zuko spun her around stopping her body the moment she faced him.
Both of his hands was on my waist partly on the towel and partly touching my skin. Resting his head in the crook of my neck I could feel his breath being release. His hands squeezing my sides firmly.
"I am so sorry for what I did. I miss you so much." I could feel my heart pumping harder as the soft touch of his words floated within my heart.
"Even though your only doors away from me I feel as if your oceans away."
Pulling my body in closer he toke in my freshly cleaned scent and I had to admit I missed the way he held me. "Katara" he whispered softly, his breath dancing on my sensitive skin. Softly he kissed my neck awaking my spirit as my back arched with lust. My body almost going numb making me want to embrace him fully.
"No!" Pushing Zuko back I gripped my towel closer. My eyes locked with the ground.
I can't forgive him. I won't forgive him. "I can't forgive you. And I never will."
"Please Katara just-"
"How can I?!" Katara firry voice yelled out. "You had me tied and whipped till I fell unconscious. You fucked me painfully the night before. Do you remember ever degrading smack from that night?! Because I do! -URGH ...it doesn't even matter... if you want to send me back to the dungeon then so be it." Katara finished saying as she sat on her bed.
Zuko look at her as she sat on the bed, the weight of his choice becoming clear to him. And only one answer came to mind. Exiting out Katara chamber, she watched as he lefted quickly and quietly locking the door behind him.
The next morning
Katara
*knock knock*
Hearing a knock at the door my face turnt to it, however there was no time to react. Within seconds the door flew opened banging against the wall. Three servants coming in automatically beginning to go through my things with no regards to me.
"Hey! What's going on!?"
With no answer the three servants began packing my items into boxes.
"I said hey! What's going on!" I demand closing the book I was gifted many weeks ago. Slamming it onto the bed I arose walking up to them as best and quickly as I could.
"Hey!" I yelled again grabbing one of the women shoulder.
"Can't you see we have work to do!" The servant woman snapped back.
Stepping back I was taken by surprise. I've been asking what they were doing the moment they walk in, but somehow I was the rude one?
"Hey! I've been trying to get an answer from one of you."
"Please Ms. Katara let them get back to work." Naoro said walking in. His hand held together in front of his body.
"Then can you tell me?"
"I'm not sure exactly all I know is the Fire Lord requested for all your clothing to be pack immediately."
"What? Why?! For what?"
"I couldn't honestly tell you." Naoro answered. "Perhaps your last conversation with his majesty could shine light on what's happening?"
Thinking back to yesterday all that came to mind was the fact I yelled at him. Demand he leave.. and the last thing I said... if you want to send me back to the dungeon then so be it.
Oh no he want to send me there...
"Maybe what happened all those years ago is happening again?" A servant on the other side of the room answered.
"What? What is she talking about?"
"Rose! Quiet! The Fire Lord would never do that!" Naoro interject furiously.
"What is it?" I turnt to ask her. "Naoro please let her talk".
Ignoring Naoro requests to remain quiet the women began explaining.
"Fire Lord Azulon was a unforgivable man. This man was Fire Lord Zuko and Princess Azula grandfather. In his younger years he had a concubine he was rather fond of...until he wasn't. She was from the earth kingdom blessed with beauty and grace. However one evening she didn't want to join the Fire Lord and his generals in the harem where she most liking be force to sleep with many. Especially since she was his favorite however decline to show up was insubordination.
The next day her room was cleared out and her hair was shaved, she was forced to walk in the capital naked for all to throw rocks and rotten food at. After that she was bond to a room where any man could come pay 5 coins and sleep with her."
"Oh my- that's horrible! How could he?!"
"He had demonstrated his power to all, no matter how close you are to him, no one is to defined him".
Looking to Naoro my throat closed up. "Do you think he'll do that to me?"
"I'm sorry. I don't know"