Chapter 9

Admitted

Katara

(Yami)

The next day

Pacing back and forth I couldn't fathom the words to even bite my tongue any longer.

That bastard! why should I apologize!? He hit me first...

Because you're the one trying to escape. Katara's conscience spoke back. Rolling her eyes as if a person had spoken those's words to her. Looking around the empty room unable to control her instant rage, Katara breathes heavily, a small scream coming out. "Arghhhh I so don't want to do it!"

Eyes rolling back in her sockets Katara finally set her sight on the door. Committing to her plan, she breathed out deeply, her nerves trigger walking towards the door. "Here goes nothing". Katara told herself out loud.

Opening the door, two guards look at her confused. "Go back inside".

"No."

"Look here" a guard with his helmet on spoke out. "Your suppose to stay here, and if you put up a fight I'm supposed to take you to the Fire Lord. Kicking and screaming if I have to".

"I'll walk. Thanks". With great pride and her head held high, Katara stepped out of the room. Her long deep jean material red skirt hit just below her knees. A soft fabric tube top covered her breast as she wore another darker red flowing top over, clearly able to see the tube top underneath. Katara's loose deep color brown hair shined underneath the daytime sun peeking in from the large windows surrounding them.

The two palace guards assigned to Katara follow closely, one guard's eyes scanning the path ahead as the other eyes were scanning Katara from behind.

"Dajo stop it!" the guard on the right whispered to his comrade. "you heard how clear the fire lord's orders were with her."

"Zekks tell me you don't see that ass?" Dajo whispered back. The two guards walked neck to neck with each other. "the things I would make her do"

"I'm not losing my benefits over you Dajo! my wife will kill me".

Zuko

"You've been here all night... don't you want to get some sleep?" Mai trailed off from my side asking. Running her finger on a dusty large vase, scorning the build-up of dust on her fingertip.

The room was dark and quiet. With a large hanging Portrait of Iroh in the center of the room. A table in front held a few bowls of fresh fruits, clean drinking water along with incense burning with rare fragrance. The deceased ashes are sealed in a beautiful red beryl stone urn.

The ground below holding a glorious gold basin steadily releases an orange flame to the earth.

Zuko's eyes were heavy and his mouth was beyond dry. But still, he kneeled in his same spot all night, center to everything, fueling the fire with branches. "..You can leave".

Rolling her eyes to the side Mai huffed as she started making her way to the door. For the last 20mins, she had stood at his side. Not wanting to offer any wood herself but determined to get Zuko to leave. why is he always like this? Can't he just forget him...

Swiftly turning back she roared her discomfort. "You know I'm not trying to be the bad guy here! I'm just worried! you have been here all night and-"

"Mai! stop talking!." Zuko howled turning around with eyes full of fury. The deep rage of orange and reds in his eyes caused Mai to stiffen up, fearing she stepped too far out of line.

Damn it... I didn't mean to frighten her too...

Breathing deeply Zuko turned his head once again to the fire as he continued to fuel it. "I understand your concern Mai. and thank you, I am not upset with you... I just need ..to be alone ..here."

Continuing to feed his fire, Mai looked up at the Iroh's large portrait. She felt a blanket of shame wash over her. Looking back down, Mai couldn't watch the painting in their eyes. They didn't belong to any physical form, yet she could feel the deceased soul baring down judgment on her.

"I understand... I'll be going now". Slowly backing away all that was heard between the two was Mai's short heel clicking on the floor as she left. He...he just needs time alone...

Silence echo the room, the air was stiff and stale. No form of light could be reflected in, only allowing darkness to rain.

"Uncle." Zuko began still on his knees, finally finding the courage to speak.

"Since your death, I've only made one mistake after another. I admit it, I have everything I always wanted, but it's not as all how I thought it would be. The truth is, I need your advice. Please, Uncle, I'm so confused I need your help."

Bowing low Zuko's head taps the floor softly before coming back up. Breaking apart another stick in his hands, he threw it in harshly, still not ready to let go of his grief.

*tap tap tap tap* With a twitch in his ear Zuko heard the sound of women's shoes walking in along with the heavy cherrywood door being shut again.

"Mai I'm fine, you can just go-"

"I'm not Mai"

Looking over his shoulders Zuko's eyes narrowed in on the water bender coming closer.

The night's sleep had done her well, although Zuko could still see a slight bruise print on her cheeks. Looking down to the ground, he felt the breath of his uncle's spirit breathing down his back, highly disappointed in his actions.

"The Uhm.. guard said I could only come to see you and they brought me here.."

"humpf" Zuko continued feeding the Fire, leaving Katara to stand around behind him.
She came just to say that... truth id I don't know why I'm so mad..

Looking at Iroh Portrait Katara rubbed her arm feeling discomfortable. "I didn't know you were here doing um.. this... I could leave if you want to be alone.."

"I don't care" Zuko coldly answered throwing more wood into the fire.
Idiot! why say that! Zuko's conscience pleaded inside.

Katara's eyes glanced around the room unable to steady her breath. She had wanted to yell at him even though she knew Sui was right.

She had no idea what she would say when faced with him again. But now Zuko looked hurt and lost... Every drop of anger Katara was holding onto, had slipped away the moment she stepped into the room.

"Are you ok-"*cough**cough* Clearing her throat Katara tried to retract her question. "I wanted to talk to you.." She stated more loud and clear.

"Katara, I know I said we'll talk later about-"

"I wanted to apologize" Katara announce firmly cutting Zuko off.

Curiosity had wedged its way into his mind as he questioned what he heard.
What is she apologizing for?...
Still kneeling with his back to her, Zuko couldn't understand her reasoning yet he wouldn't let that curiosity be shown to her.
I was the one who who wronged her, who slap her. I was the one who humiliated her to feel power. Why the hell is she apologizing to me!?..

Walking closer Katara now stood directly next to Zuko, whose body still didn't move or even flinch.

"I was wrong" she continued. "I should have listened to your first warning and been quiet when you told me to. I shouldn't have pushed you over your edge. I shouldn't have insulted you. I should have had better control of myself-"

"No. I'm the ruler of a nation that burden is mine.." looking at the Fire crackles and sizzles Zuko's sight was mesmerized.
Did I just apologize? Why?..

Surprised Katara looked down only able to see the top of his head, her eyes bulged out surprised by what she heard. She never expected Zuko to admit to anything. Looking up her eyes were now glued to the portrait ahead.

This does little justice to his aura... Katara thought.

"Zuko- uhm Fire Lord can I .." kneeling Katara held out her hand for a couple of pieces of wood.
Dazzled by her request Zuko just stared at Katara for a few moments. No one had come to offer or grieve with him. Yet the women he humiliated hours ago wanted to.

"You didn't know him, there's no need" Zuko concluded turning his sight away and continuing to feed the fire himself. Don't make this mistake.. don't let her in.. she has a plan, everyone does...

Still holding her hand out Katara didn't let his sharp words put a damper on her feeling toward Iroh. Zuko noticed her hand hadn't moved an inch. Spirits.. this girl is stubborn...

Caving in he handed over a few pieces of wood that Katara happily accepted. Closing her ocean-color eyes she quickly spoke a few words in her mind as she began to feed the Fire.

"Why are you doing this?" Zuko asked harshly after observing her.

"Your right, I didn't know him well. My path crossed his more than once. But I'll never forget how he help me escape the caves with Aang's body. The moment I caught Aang all the I hate had flown out of me.
Then you and Azula stepped closer. I've never felt so much instant fear before. But my heart didn't allow to be frighten, only heart broken. His sacrifice was enough for me to honor and morn him". Throwing the last piece of wood Katara bowed deep, thanking Iroh's spirit, before standing.

"Wait" Reaching out to his side Zuko grab Katara by the wrist just before she was fully out of reach.

"W-what did I d-do?" Katara stuttered as fear washed over her. Thinking back to the last time Zuko had held her, she ended up on the ground.
Hurt and damaged.

Clearly understanding why she was shaken, Zuko's hand let go gently. However, he couldn't deny the fact he didn't want her to leave yet.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it. Just go". Turning back around Zuko continued to feed the fire.

He looks awful... Katara thought. His eyes are so dark, clearly from the lack of sleep. His hair is falling from under his crown. This must be very hard on him...

Why do you care?.. Katara's conscience spoke up. He slapped and choked you yesterday!

Your right... Katara spoke back to herself in the safety of her mind.

Turning around she made her way to the door only to spot a pear-shaped wooden lute pipa in the corner of the room.
When mom died I played music as my village mourned her for her brave sacrifice... I know I probably shouldn't... Picking up the pipa instrument Katara sat down fixing it between her legs as she arched her hands around it.

*thuh that* the instrument sounded off as she tested the cords. Mmm Zuko didn't say anything...

Peeking over my shoulder I saw Katara inspecting the pipa instrument as a few note sounds came out. Normally I would be angry wanting just silence, but I know I had wronged her too much. I just couldn't find the strength to be mad right now.

"🎶 G 🎶
Leaves from the vine, falling so slow"

Katara's soft angel voice shocked me as the melody touched my ear. Here she was singing for me. To help ease my pain. Hearing those words dampen my heart, and my tears started to fall slowly.

" 🎶 Em C9 🎶
Like fragile tiny shells, drifting in the foam

G
Little soldier boy, come marching home."

Mai

*Slam* The cherrywood door was still closed, but my body was slammed against the hard wall.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Grabbing Mai's arm Azula held tight as she made it known, that she was the one who stop her from going inside.

"What do you mean? She's is there right now fucking singing to him! I need to put a stop to this right now!"

"No, you will not. This is perfect. Let it be."

"But she-"

Quickly Azula's nails came over my mouth covering them before I could say another word. "Come here".

Pulling Mai to the crack of the door Azula allowed her to peek inside.
"Now what do you see?"

"A bitch I need to disposed of"

"I see a plan working just how I want." Azula declared smirking with her cherry-red lips.

Katara

(Yami)

Hours had passed as I played the pipa. I could feel the tips of my fingers going numb against the string, but I didn't care. It was cleansing for me as well.

In my direct sight line, I saw Zuko standing up, his long regal clothes creasing at the knees. As he walked toward me the fire had seemed to diminish. Now standing in front of me his hand stretched out urging me to hold it.

"I'm going to my chambers ..do you want to come?.."

My body jerked back in a reaction as I stood on my feet. Go to his chambers...
"I uh.. don't think I should.."
Every time I went to his chambers I always end up naked by some force or another. Not to mention last night...

"Nothing is going to happen to you. I thought you wanted to talk."

Looking up at him, I saw something different. His eyes were calm and cool. And while his face had ashes from the smoke he seemed in a better place eternally.

At least I'll finally get some answers if I do. Nodding my head I agreed shortly to his request.
"ok, sure."

Sokka

Looking around the Council hut, there were lots of joyful faces, laughing and smiling. We are finally at a place where there is peace. Many young children are being born, ensuring our survival. I wish gran-gran was still alive to see this...

The permafrost walls are large enough to host the entire village for this special occasion. But yet something was missing... Katara...

Sitting at a crest shape table in the center, on both sides of me sat Suki and Sinir, a northern tribe warrior who quickly became close with us.

"Sokka look your dad" I heard Suki's voice from my right side speak.

In the middle of the room was my father, his skin had grown paler with dark eyes. His appetite had diminished the last few weeks, he was clearly more unsocial, not attending meetings. Instead sending me to stand solely as the face of our family.

"Attention!" With one word the entire room quieted down, and people found a seat quickly. All eyes both blue and dark looked up to the chief.

"I know you all have been wondering about my absence over the last few weeks. And while there is no secret I haven't felt well I wanted to take this opportunity to say... I wanted to see what would be done in my absence.
I'm proud to say my son has exceeded my expectations... On this night I am passing on my responsibilities to your NEW CHIEF,
Chief Sokka."

*gasp* The whole room's eyes widen along with mine. For a moment the earth was still, followed by a massive cheers with fists in the air, hands clapping joyously.

"SOKKA! SOKKA! SOKKA!" The room yelled out.

"Congratulations Sokka" Sinir announce hitting my back hard.

"Sokka this is so great!" Suki gleamed, stars twinkling in her eyes looking over at me.

Soaking in all the compliments and good wishes l couldn't help but look around. Only to catch my father slipping out of the room.

Katara

(Yami)

"I'm just going to shower"

Stepping back I could feel myself hesitant about Zuko's statement. He better not make me go in with him again.

"Ah ..you want to wait on the balcony," he asked reaching his hand over his own shoulder as he rubbed his back nervously.

"Right." I nervously expressed. Walking back towards the glass door leading to the balcony. I turned around only to slam my face against the glass itself. "OUCH!"

A small smile crept onto Zuko's face as he watched the disorientated woman rub the bridge of her nose. He couldn't help but chuckle low through his tired eyes.

"I'll just be out here". I said trying to play it off smooth continuing to rub my nose. Pulling open the sliding glass door, I hurry to get out of his sight from my embarrassment.

Moments later I heard Zuko's footsteps waking behind me as the door slid open once again. Counting the breaths leaving my body, I fixed my eyes on the Fire Nation homes and businesses in front of me. I could feel his body moving closer to mine but I just couldn't turn around. Suddenly I felt unbearable shy and small.

"Katara" he spoke. "Are you ready?"

"Ready? Mm uh ooh.. yea" standing up I stumbled on my own feet honestly scared to move. All of our encounters have ended worst each time.

Coming inside Zuko stood in his chambers his honey eyes fix on me. Closing the door I couldn't let his gaze capture me. Holding myself together I felt my throat clamp up greatly.

Suddenly Zuko's muscular arms reached out for me pulling me in without question. His warm rough hands from his recent bath held me gently and fragility. Pressing the small of my back he drew me in closer, slowly and softly holding my chin, tilting my head to him. His thumb rubbed my cheek feeling the slight raise in my skin from his furry last night. Although Zuko's hands were rough and hard from his years of training and traveling he touch me delicately as if he was brushing the inside of a rose.

"I'm sorry" he finally spoke, his soft words tapping against my ear. My body felt feverish to his gentle tone, as my lips parted my eyes picked up on the twinkling lights between us.

Before regretting anything I reached up, covering my cheek. My body backed away from his embrace quickly. "It's fine"

Moving to his bed Zuko sat down. The relief of sitting on something soft engraved onto his face. "You wanted to know about yesterday. Right"

Nodding my head I finally brought my hand down to my side looking at Zuko.

"Yes I do have a harem.. but no I'm not subjecting you there."

"Why am I still here" Looking at Katara's ocean eyes Zuko had to ask himself that question many times, even a couple of times during the day and many times in his sleep.

"Why did you act that way when LuTen kissed my hand? Do you know how that made me feel to have you strip me down and push me into a bath? Then you just join me as if that's normal!? You went too far pulling me down on top of you! I've never been forced into being with a man in such an intimate setting!" Realizing I was raising my voice I quickly looked down. Slow down Katara... Zuko's temper was so unpredictable.

"I know.." Zuko admitted feeling shame in himself. "Just.. just stay away from him. He's up to something."

"What can he possibly be up to... he's very.. kind, actually" Katata said in a dazes playing with the long wavy locks of her hair.

With an eyebrow raised Zuko repeated the last word he heard. "Kind?.. LuTen isn't Kind. He's twisted and horrible.. and a coward." Sighing loudly Zuko looked at Katara.
"I don't want to argue with you just ..please stay away from him"

"Why? Do I belong to you? Am I your whore?"

Zuko looked around breathing deeply as he thought of his next words to say. "Yes and no"

"Wait what?!" I blurted out, flipping my hair out of my hand.

"It's not like you think. Let me explain. While it wasn't ..tasteful having another servant catch us in such an intimate moment, it does mean by now everyone in this palace knows your mine. Like I told you, no other woman is allowed into my chambers. Not even Mai"

Katara stood there thinking for a moment. She remembered how that one servant who brought her food last night acted so rudely and the comments she made.

"By me not allowing Mai to strike you last night confirms the rumors about you and me. You don't understand how Mai is, she will kill you with no warning."

"So you had to give proof we're..." letting my words trail off, I felt embarrassed once again. My cheeks hue a red color.

"Exactly" Zuko added finishing my sentence.

"What am I supposed to do now"

"Stay close to me." Zuko instantly jabbered out. Realizing he blurted out that answer, Zuko's eyes shifted down as he tried to cover his response.
"Ah...It wasn't a joke when I said Mai will kill you. You need to stay close to me.. for your protection. of course."

Looking at him Katara's eyes widen once again "Why can't I just go home?"

"It's not possible."

"But why?"

Zuko's lips parted for a second only to close again, instead of answering his body decided to lay down in his bed. Covering himself with his thousand-count bedding.

"Katara.. you have a nice voice". Turning to his side, Zuko's eyes closed with the sun still coming into his chambers. Although Zuko pretended to be strong, between no sleep last night and griefing at his uncle's shrine, he was beyond tired.

"Thanks..." Katara replied. Her eyes traced over Zuko's body, easily she was sensing he was falling asleep quickly. "I'll.. just uh be going"

"Wait," Zuko said softly his eyes still shut. "Would you mind singing to me again"

"Oh" tucking my hair behind my ears, I couldn't help but blush. "I don't really sing, the only other time was for my mother's funeral.. and well today." Katara finished confessing.

"Please"

His voice was so soft and pleading. Unlike his usual harsh tone... How could I say no?
"...ok" moving closer Katara sat down in the large bed near Zuko.

"Closer," he asked. Moving to the opposite side Katara sat in the empty spot next to him the pillow against her back.

His sheets were sinfully soft brushing against her delicate legs. The thought was unreal to her, never had she felt something luxurious like this.

Instinctively Zuko wrapped his arm around Katara's waist pulling her in closer, his scar lay against the pillow. The undamaged side of his face pointed to her.

Looking down at the young ruler, Zuko had no shirt on. The defined muscles he built over the years flexed through his yellow pale skin. His arm was heavy resting on Katara, yet it felt right having him hold her so tight but soft.

"W-What you want me to ssing?"

"Whatever you want"

Hesitantly Katara parted her lips, a soft sweet voice coming out. "Winter, spring, Summer, and fall... Winter, spring, Summer, and fall... Four seasons, Four loves. Four seasons, For love-"

"I will never treat you like that again" Zuko softly promised through closed eyes, half sleeping half awake.

"Fire lord?" Katara questioned her breath deepening.

"My name is Zuko".

"Zuko.." Katara whispered softly.

Turning around Zuko lay with his right side down. His famous scar showed to the world, his arm still holding Katara. Zuko felt his body and mind at ease a kind of feeling he only felt when he was alone and secure.