Chapter 5

Human Nature

Katara (Yami)

With that release the rippling water around me grew lukewarm, soaking in what I just allowed to happen.
Engraved in my mind were Zuko's piercing yellow honey eyes looking back at me. Lowering my head my chin almost touch my neck as I knew I couldn't match his gaze.

His body language was so intimidating towering over me. In the reflection of the water, I could see my cheeks growing red with embarrassment. Shutting my eyes tightly I couldn't look up, I couldn't bring myself to look at his reflection, I couldn't even stand to look at my own.

Then before I knew it he was gone. One minute he was here the next I heard the door click.
I felt the seconds turn into minutes, and minutes turn into hours. The once strong heat I had felt coming off the exposed water pipes was no longer there. As if he selfishly took the warmth with him long ago.

*Knock Knock*

"Yami?"

I looked up with wide eyes feeling frightened as my heart skip a beat.
What do I do? What do I say?
Before I could conclude any action the door pushed open, a slim figure moving forward.

"Come now. How long do you think you're supposed to stay in there?" Holding a large towel open, the older woman who rushed into the bathroom said looking down at me with a warm smile. She was a light tan color with dark black hair, kept in a loose low bun. There was no one else with her as I looked around, but her eyes pulled me in reminding me so much of grangran's.

Following her gaze I stood up in the cold water, feeling ashamed of myself I crossed my arms over my breast. My long dark brown hair cling to my skin. In a hustle the old woman wrapped the towel around me, drying my body quickly. She dressed me in simple light pink servant kimono she had brought with her, leaving my hair out wild to dry.

"Come, we must get out of this room quickly". Pulling my arm the women led me out of the Fire Lord chamber where the two soldiers still stood against the wall guarding. Making our way down the hall I could hear steps far behind me on the opposite side.

"Quickly now!" The old woman said turning around the corner of the hall. "I'm too old to deal with her tantrum at this time of night."

"What? Who is it?"

"Lady Mai," She said simply replying.

Opening a door she led us to another hall, that many servant women walked freely in. It wasn't as luxurious a feeling as the halls we just left. Everyone seems relaxed here, not needing to walk on eggshells.

"I am Sui Seikuh, The place court Lady. I use to personally serve the former Fire Lady."

She must be speaking of Zuko's mother... Katara thought to herself.

"This is the servants wing" Sui continues. "it's the only one in the palace. The other servant's sleeping quarters are in the south tower. Depending on the worker's job will determine if you get to stay here. Generally, it's only for those of us who serve the royal family, and the head status of other departments. However, the Fire Lord instructed me to find a room for you here".

"The Fire Lord... um .. can I ask you a question?" She nodded her head as I followed her, passing two workers who leaned against the wall speaking freely with each other. "who's Lady Mai?"

The women head snapped back to me blinking confusedly, her body coming to a complete stop. "What?!"

Her sudden out bust caused me to jump backward in fear. Oh no... I've said something wrong...

"What do you mean who-... oh my spirits!" Shaking her head side to side in pure disbelief the old woman couldn't fathom her thoughts.
"Poor thing-Sei must have had you in a broom closet ...Lady Mai is the Fire Lord's fiancé. And let me tell you she would hate to find any women in the Fire Lord chamber. Not that there have been any before. But had she seen you in his bathtub, you'd probably been executed by now even if you're his favorite for the moment."

"..his favorite?" I confusedly asked as if I didn't understand the language being spoken to me.

"You know his favorite for the season, the ones the Fire Lord has"

Looking down to my feet I didn't understand, what did she mean, his favorite for the season?

"Oh dear, I see you so confused...
The Fire Lord has a harem of women in the east part of the palace. He usually gets very friendly with different women... some servants, some nobles. And those women Lady Mai has a strong dislike for. In her eyes they would have a motive to take her place by growing a relationship with the Fire Lord.
But it's usually a short-lived thing, and when that happens he sends them off away from the capital.. well that is unless Lady Mai gets ahold of them. She's already executed three girls over the last 2 years from the time of her engagement. "

"Engagement..." I thought she looked familiar, it was the same girl from when we tried to trade her baby brother for King Bumi.

"Yes dear engaged, so you'll see why she'll be upset at women plotting to take her title."

Stopping almost at the end of the servant hall she opened a door, the old woman walked in allowing me to follow inside. The walls were bare but smooth with a consistent light rose blush pink paint. A twin-size bed was fixed against the wall with furniture and much large painting of artwork lent against the wall.

"This is my room dear, I'll get you a shikibuton that you can sleep on till we find you a permanent solution"

MAI

(The Next Afternoon)

"Fire Lord! A word!" I demanded.

Stopping in his tracks Zuko looked back at me. I felt the raw heat of anger radiating off of me until I saw those sun-colored eyes look at me. Remain strong Mai

"Mai, what can I do for you-"

"Don't get cute with me" I said poking my two pointer fingers into Zuko's chest. Suddenly I heard a gasp coming from my two maids Chloe and Zoey. "Back up you two!"

Feeling frightened the two maids dressed in matching bright red clothing layered with brown pants stepped back quickly, immediately giving me my space with my fiancé.
"Who the hell was in your chamber last night!"

Zuko's eyes widen before he regained his composure quickly, a trait he and his sister had naturally. "Mai I don't know who-"

"Don't give me that! I heard all the whispers in this damn palace. I heard how gorgeous she was. Who was she?!"

Damn it! Zuko thought. "Mai, stop it. There's no one but you in my life." Raising up his hand, he reached out lightly rubbing his thumb on her cheek.

"Then I heard lies!? Maybe I should see the Fire Sages and make sure I'm not insane!" I screamed out swatting his hand away from me.
"It's all over these halls!.. it was that girl from the throne room! The one who was on the trial"

My eyes were bursting with fire and hatred. Coming into this, I knew I would have to get used to him being entertained by women... but this! Spirits no! I'm not even allowed in his chambers! Yet he had some other women in there!

My heart felt like it had cracked down in the center, I was overwhelmed with anger. Taking in a deep breath I tried to calm my nerves before looking up at Zuko once more.
Please tell me it's not true.
"... just tell me the truth"

Zuko reaches out again pulling me by my waist firmly, closing the space between us. Zuko could hear the maids behind Mai giggling at his sudden embrace of her, as he was sure they would deliver this news to all the servants throughout the palace. "Mai look at me."

My small lips pouted as I rolled my eyes looking up.

" There is only you in my life".
Zuko's fingers began to trail my hair as he gently tilted my head back, allowing our lips to met. Like a cloud touching me, his kiss soften me, his hands gripping the petite curve around my waist.

My thin back naturally arched in his hands with Zuko's lips deepening the kiss further between us. Lifting off me he could feel my lips wanting more as I leaned forward trying to stay attached to him.

With that kiss, Zuko knew he had her where he wanted. "Listen I have some things to take care of, how about we have dinner tonight".

Rolling my eyes again, I folded my arms annoyed. Zuko worked well into the night. Most nights, which stops us from eating together in the grand hall. Instead, we became accustomed to eating in our own quarters alone, only joining in the grand hall when guests visited.

A sudden dinner invites to the grand hall isn't going to make me feel better... I thought rolling my eyes.

Leaning down to my ear his deep voice whispered "I meant I'll join you in your chambers.."

Looking back up our eyes locked and I could feel my pale cheeks blush red to his requests, his lips smirk in his intoxicating devil smile leaving my knees weak. Nodding my head in agreement. Backing up and bowing before I left back the way I came.

ZUKO

Looking down the hall I confirm Mai leaving before I began to rush to my study at the opposite end of the same hall, where two guards stood watch. The sight of me caused the two men to readjust themselves standing tall and saluting me. Nodding my head one guard opened the door to my study, closing it as I walked in.

Stepping closer inside I could see Katara had already been delivered as I ordered. Her eyes were fixed on the floor after she became aware of my presence.

The servant clothes she had on did very little to flatter her shape, but the warmth in the color against her own skin created a radiant glow. "How was your night"... I awkwardly asked.

"...it was fine... Fire lord.."

Raising an eyebrow I was a bit surprised she addressed me formally without any indication from me.

"I trusted you had a ..safe night with Sui." Walking over to my desk I opened a draw pulling out an old wooden box made many centuries ago.

I heard a faint "yes" as I looked over my shoulder and saw katara's head snap back down as she admitted to peeking behind me.

Smiling to myself I opened the box holding a sturdy metal choker covered in gold with one sapphire fixed at the center. It could deceive the most experienced jeweler who would buy the illusion it was delicate and could break any moment but that was far from the truth.

Walking back to katara I held the object in my hands behind my back. Standing next to her I quickly locked the choker around her neck as I pulled her original woven choker off.

"Hey!" Touching her neck, she quickly realized what I did. Frantically touching the new choker repeatedly. "What the hell is this? Give me back my mothers- ...my necklace!"

Raising the woven necklace in my hand up high, katara's shorter body tried jumping up to grab it but of course, failed. "You'll get this back when I could trust you."

"Trust me? What are you talking about? Why did you take that? It's mine!"

I could see she was truly upset, almost on the brink of tears. "You know I don't believe anything you've said?" Looking at katara her demeanor was taken back, her eyebrow raised.

"Like I shouldn't have believed anything you said-?!" Both of her hands flew up to her mouth, and her eyes widen in surprise at what came out of her own mouth.

"...You really expect me to believe your name is Yami?"

Katara's eyes shifted around in front of me, slowly she moved her hands from her own lips. "What do you think my name is..."

Skipping over her question I backed away moving towards my desk and placing her old necklace in a small box that I locked in with a key that forever sat on top of my desk.
"that new piece of jewelry you wearing is very old and very rare."

"Why would you give it to me if it is so valuable?"

Facing katara my eyes ran up and down the curve of her body with her bright blue eyes looking seductively confused. Focus Zuko..
" this suppresses your ability to bend amongst other things. "

"What!" Mortified she let out a high pitch scream in anger, Katara rushed past me, raising her hand to try to bend the water in a cup on top of my desk.

Her eyes blinked rapidly feeling dumbstruck. In her blood, she could feel the water essence but the ability to move it was lost. Observing her I walked behind Katara resting my hand on her shoulder. "You know.. Yami's file says she's a none bender".
Turning her head slightly to the side where I placed my hand, she look up at me "So why would you care? ...an ability you wouldn't even have?" I asked smirking.

"I don't... I just want my necklace back." Katara replied shaking her shoulder in one vigorous movement which allowed my hand to fall off, creating space between us.

"How long are you going to lie" I question her growing increasingly frustrated.

Wrapping herself in her arms she looks off to the side. "Lie about what?"

I can't believe she's being so stubborn. Even now knowing her bending is taken she refuses to say it.
Reaching out I felt her soft skin on her chin as I turned her head towards me.
" what haven't you lied about?"

Suddenly bursting out she yelled out. "Spirits! What do you want from me? You people have taken everything from me! What else is there!"

"Katara... " I couldn't bring myself to say another word after her name. Breaking down her anger turned into intense tears that started to flow from her eyes as the feeling of distraught was drastically written across her forehead. Reaching out I pulled her close holding her tightly as she sobbed into my robes.

"Spirits! I hate you! I hate this nation! I hate all of it!" she screamed out but still allowed me to hold her.

I knew she was only upset, I didn't allow her words to hold any weight on me. "I know... shhh..".

Mai

"Oh, Lady Mai! I'm so excited for you!" Chloe expressed as she scrubbed the bottom of my foot.

"I know, right!? The Fire Lord going to have a private dinner with you! AH! So exciting! No servants to interrupt, just you and your man. alone." Zoey added as she washed the conditioner out of my hair.

Leaning my head back I looked up to the ceiling, the Royal salon in the palace was beautiful. Two great gold dragons connected by their tails embroidered on the wall behind me. The Fire Nation signature deep red color stained all four walls around me, a few greenery plants hanging out in the corner taking in the natural sunlight from the skylight above.

I rarely come here but seeing how this was turning into a special occasion I want everything to be perfect. Plus I couldn't lie to myself ...I was excited.
"Yes.. it'll be wonderful finally having an intimate dinner with him"

"With any luck, he may even propose a date for the wedding!" Chloe squealed. Thinking of the possibility a soft smile crept onto my face.

"Lady Mai" Sitting up I saw Naoro the royal family personally designer walking up the short staircase holding something covered on a hanger.
"Per your request, I have an outfit I think you would like. I've designed this a few months ago. Seeing that your frame is so beautifully thin I believe this will complaint you perfectly"

"Let's see it" I demanded standing up and letting my jet-black long hair drip on the marble floor behind me, ready to try it on. Even Zoey and Chloe looked up eagerly smiling...

Coming out from behind the divider I could feel how light the fabric was, my body feeling as though I wore nothing at all.

"Yes, darling! Just as I envisioned!" Naoro yelled out clapping, quickly wrapping a 2inch white belt around my waist as he tighten it.
"You know darling I envisioned this piece when Shen and I were traveling in the earth kingdom"

"Oh my... Lady Mai" Chloe's mouth dropped open watching me.

"It's perfect!" Zoey yelled out.

"wow!" Looking at myself I was blown away. The wrapped sheer dress was a light fabric dyed in grey, that hang effortlessly around my thin body. Added to it was another sheer fabric dipped in black that draped around my arms but held the white belt, with small white flowers attached to it.

"And this goes with it" Naoro announced holding an open black box with two grand silver hair ornaments. "what do you think?"

"...you can practically see my nipples.." I criticized looking back at my image.

"Then he wouldn't have a problem finding it" Zoey smirked.

"Zoey!
Don't listen to her, Lady Mai. You look amazing. Plus we'll do your makeup beautifully" Chloe said smiling at me through the mirror reflection.

Katara (Yami)

Later that night

"you became Fire Lord after Ozai died.."

" about a month after I was crowned...it was the same night uncle was killed."

"I'm sorry to hear that" I spoke softly to Zuko, neither one looking at the other. After my slight mental break down we spent the whole day in his study sitting on the floor, our backs against the wall, just talking. The tears from my eyes dried hours ago.

"...you told me how you felt after coming back here...after our battle I mean.. but why? ..why did you betray me? Why did you do it? I trusted you."

Thinking for a moment Zuko leaned back tapping his head against the wall and looking up. "I didn't do it to you.. it's just in that moment I knew I would have everything I wanted, my family, my nation even my honor."

Looking at him I didn't get it still. "But at what cost? Aang's life? the Avatar state being wiped out? "

"Hey, I didn't kill him. Azula did. And I ended the war. Yet I'm still paying for it "

Is he delusional? "On the count that I nor you heard anything about Aang being alive, I would say he paid for it," I said rolling my eyes.

"..After Ozai died and I was crowned. Shortly after all the nobles, Governors, judges, and higher officials have been fighting me at every step..everything changed when I wanted to end the war."

"why?"

"their money... power... it all dwindled. After years of the war proving for their houses with consistent income, it suddenly stops."

"oh.. did you ever find your mother," I asked realizing I may have been a little insensitive.

From my peripheral view, I could see Zuko smiling wide at what I can only assume were pleasant thoughts. "I did" Zuko replied. "She's been living in her hometown village. She even got married to her first love.. well I guess her only love when you think about it... I even have another sister now! She's about 12.."

Silence fell between us as the minutes passed by. "Uhm... Zuko? What happened to the water tribe.." I asked faintly.

"Oh ..last I heard they were rebuilding, the northern journeyed to the south to help their sister tribe."

Smiling to myself I was happy to know my once small struggling tribe was getting the help needed.. once my home, now a distant memory... "I'm so happy to know that. It's been so long... you think Gran Gran is still alive? ...wait no... I suppose she wouldn't be". I said realizing I was now 19 soon to be 20.
"Still dad.. Sokka..I've missed them."

"I'm sure they missed you too" Zuko added now remembering his past encounter with the two southern Water-Tribe men.

"Dad would be in his late 50s by now, and Sokka would be 21 like you... I wonder if Sokka has gotten taller? If Dad's dreads have gotten longer? I wonder if he remarried.. everyone's probably changed but me... I mean I don't think I've changed much.."

Zuko tilled his head to Katara as they sat against the wall, observing how elegantly she held her knees to her chest. Her body unknowingly pushing against her breast, her beautiful peach lips smiling into space allowing her snow white teeth to peek through. "you've changed too."

I felt my cheeks blush to Zuko's soft words as I pushed back a few strands of hair that fell in front of my face. "Either way I can't wait to see them.."

Zuko's head lifted off the wall looking towards me. My eyes were warm and inviting but his changed to cold. "You are not going back there.."

"What?" Jumping up I couldn't believe what I heard. "Excuse me?! What do you mean I'm not going back?!"

As Zuko's broad body began to stand up as I moved back, creating space between us. "I forbid it. You will continue living under the name Yami in the Fire Nation."

"what! Are you crazy!? no, I'm not! I've been trapped here for years! I'm going back to my tribe! To my FAMILY!"

"Katara, I am sorry for the things that happened, as far as you being captured... however, I'm telling you now. You are not leaving the Fire nation. Do not leave and run from me- er ..the palace".

Turning around Zuko started to move towards the front door, not bothering to say another word.

"So that's it!?" I yelled out pissed off. "You get to use me yesterday! Then tell me today you forbid me escaping this nightmare!"

"It's not up for discussion.."

He just brushed me off as if my life was not worth his time. How dare he! "Your absolutely horrible you know that!"

Zuko stop in his tracks removing his hand from the door handle he was about to open.
"you must have had me confused with someone else". Turning around Zuko quickly rushed back to me grabbing the collar of my servant Kimono, his demeanor cold and ruthless.

"I could care less what you like. I think you had me confused with some saver. Just because I kept your nationality a secret doesn't mean we're friends. It means I'm your master, your ruler, your Fire Lord. If I say bark you only ask how loud. Got it?"

Zuko's eyes were dangerous as he looked down at me. I wanted to scream to yell to fight. But I'm ashamed to say I was too frightened too. Looking back at him I simply nodded my head as my eyes began to fill with water, looking down.

"Use your words" he pressed on, pulling me closer. My feet barely held my own weight.

"...yes Fire Lord.."

With that confession of my loyalty, Zuko suddenly let go of my collar causing me to lose balance as my legs came crashing down to the floor. By the time I pulled myself up Zuko had already opened the door.

"Guards escort her back to Sui Seikuh's room in the service wing."

Zuko

I watched as Katara refused for the guards to touch her, instead, she jumped up running out of my study. I would be lying to say I didn't take note of her teary eyes. But for some reason, it brought me joy seeing that discomfort on her face. The guard looked at me confused as no one ever defined order from me before.

"Go make sure she gets there quickly and safely.." saluting me the two guards took off trailing Katara.

Safely? What the hell is wrong with me!?
Leaving my study I made it to my room where I took a nice long bath, my mind only flooded by the images of katara. We had a great time talking about our past. While the subject at times became straining I was happy to speak to someone, I would like to think she was too.

Getting out of the tub I quickly dressed myself coming out of my closet where I saw Ikah, a loyal servant I've had since childhood. He must have been in his late 40s by now.

"Ikah, I want you to deliver some nice clothes to someone.."

"Lady Mai sire..?"

"No.. Uhm she's staying with Sui Seikuh right now"

"So she a servant? Oh I get it! Does she need more uniforms? I'll get some made-"

"No Ikah, I haven't named her a servant ...yet.. but I don't want her dressed as one either"

"Well sire if I may, why don't you just put her in the harem?"

"...I don't- never mind. Just get her some clothes. And where is my dinner? I thought it would be here waiting like it normally is?!"

Ikah looked at me surprising but confused. "Sire... did you forget your supposed to have dinner with Lady Mai?"

Shit!

Running to Mai's room I burst open the door to see Mai sitting at a tablet for two in a light grey sheer outfit covered by a black outer layer. The mascara under her eyes was running as she sipped on a glass of red wine. The two candles on the table center as well as the others throughout the room had been melted down with barely a 1/4left.
Her plate nor the one across from her had been touched, the meat looking as if the air dried it out, with no sense of heat coming off it.

"Mai.. I'm so sorry"