Chapter 28

Spirit Angel


LuTen

Two weeks later...

*cough* *cough* *cough*

"How could you let this happen!" I scolded Lotus pulling her by the arm outside of Katara's room.

"What do you mean how?! Was I suppose you drag her inside from the rain!?" Lotus lashed out pulling her arm from me.

"Yes!" I yelled back.

*cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*

"Don't you hear her in there?" I angrily asked. "She sounds terrible!"

"Then why didn't you stop her from going?! You knew she wasn't strong enough for the journey!"

My blood began to blood over, my cousin Zuko hadn't bothered to even show up and foolishly Katara waited in the rain all night for him. Her already wounded body was no match for the horrid storm she endured.

*squeakkk*

Looking up both of us saw the physician coming out of Katara's room closing the door behind him. "It is not good." the local Physician admitted looking down.

"What does she need?" I asked.

"I'm afraid it may not be that simple." the Physician answered honestly.

"What do you mean? I've told you already she is a waterbender with healing ability. I can buy whatever medication to assist her."

"I understand my lord," the Physician answered still with his eyes low.

"what's the problem then?" Lotus asked looking up.

"Unfortunately it seems her body wasn't able to give birth to a foreign ability without stripping hers. The wound on her shoulder hasn't shown any signs of healing."

"She...she lost her bending ability?" Lotus lip mumbled out in shock.

"I am afraid so" the Physician clarified.

"What does that mean?" I asked. "It's a deep wound it will take time".

"It has been almost a month my lord." The Physician reluctantly said.

"But she would recover? Right?" I asked more concern.

Looking up at me the physician's eyes were heavy knowing he must tell these young lives the truth. "I believe she has the fever, my lord."

"But she's going to get better?!" I demanded to know.

"I'm sorry," the Physician said bowing low. "There isn't much I can do now, but to keep her comfortable." Standing up the physician looked to both Lotus and LuTen wishing he could do more for this young mother but in all his years of experience, the fever always won.


Katara

*cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*

I heard soft footsteps walking into my room. Bearly opening my eyes I could see two figures walking in.

"wahhhhhhhh"

"..the baby" I lowly whispered I instinctively.

"I'll get her" Lotus volunteered to leave the room for the nursery.

Looking up at LuTen face Katara noticed the well-up water in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked. *cough*

"I... I..." unable to speak LuTen closed his eyes in pain.

*cough* "Is it bad?" I asked weaken knowing the Physician had just left.

Shaking his head LuTen didn't want to answer that question. Shaking his head in frustration, a small confession slip out. "I should have gone with you."

"LuTen I don't think that would have changed anything." I honestly answered.

"I would have waited with you."

Half smiling Katara sat up as she coughed out, starching the back of her throat. Helping her to sit up LuTen quickly brought the cup of water near her bedside to her lips.

"Your a good man LuTen." I told him after feeling the soothing effects of the water in my mouth.


Zuko

Standing outside Mai's chambers I waited for the Royal Physician to come out. Bowing to me the Royal Physician looked upon me with grace.

"Fire Lord, she is carrying a strong child!" He happily informed me. "Almost 8 months now I'm sure you are excited to meet your future heir!"

"Mmm." Zuko scratched his head to the side rolling his eyes.

"Fire Lord if I may, the Fire Lady is getting ready to give birth, it is one of the most hardest things for a woman to do. She truly needs more support emotionally-"

"Quite." Zuko deadly ordered. "She is healthy. That should be enough for her."

Shaking his head side to side the old Royal Physician remembered the day he helped bring Fire Lord Zuko into this world. Although the past royal couple's relationship ended badly, Fire Lord Ozai was present for both births of Fire Lady Ursa.

"Please Fire Lord try to be reasonable. She would be the mother of the future heir. Her comfort at this time is important."

Looking at the old Royal Physician Zuko's eyes rolled back in his head as he listen. "She is comfortable".


Lotus

The next day

"Another letter?"

*cough* *cough* "please?" Katara's starchy strained voice asked from her bed. "This time I would like to write it."

Shaking my head left to right my eyes rolled back unbelieving this woman. "Are you serious? You need to rest."

"Please Lotus. I know what the physician thinks." Looking to Katara, Lotus saw Katara bat her eyes looking desperately for a yes.

Damn it! She was right her health wasn't certain anymore. I didn't want her to leave this world and I regret not helping her do something so simple. "Fine. But you owe me."

A tiny smile crept onto katara's lips as I handed her a paper and ink pen. Sitting herself up Katara dipped the pen into the ink container I placed on the bed as she thought how to start this letter."


LuTen

Holding Yu-Jie in my arms she looked every bit of Katara. Yes her skin was much fairer with hair darker than a raven but Yu-Jie was every bit of Katara. Her large eyes center her face, and her lips lightly stain peach.

She fit perfectly in my arms and sounded asleep the moment I would hold her. I couldn't help but think she felt safe with me. Could babies have this sense so early?

Her little arms stretched over her head as her tiny eyes fluttered open. She opened her mouth to yawn and her tiny tongue stuck out before retracting into her mouth. She opened her bright round eyes and I saw a rose-colored amber.

My heart hurt a little seeing what I knew would be true. Yu-Jie took her father's element which was no surprise, but in truth, I had hoped the local Physician to be wrong. I had hoped Katara's condition would be a bad cold. That she would be healed from this. Looking at the sweet angel eyes steal the truth in my heart.


Katara

There was so much I wanted to write. But none of it made sense. I wanted to write all I felt but I could feel time slipping from my fingertips. I felt weaker by the hour. A scary thought when you're a new parent.

"Dear Zuko" I began to write.

"The day I said I loved you I never thought our paths would end up this far apart. The day I left never felt so much turmoil then I do now, thinking of my exit from this world.

After so long I have so much to tell you but only one thought dominate my mind when I think of you.

Do you think of me? Probably not.. I can't see you as the type to long for me during the cold wet nights. I hate to say it but I miss you dearly. How I want this all to be fixed, how I wanted you to be the one for me, and for a time I thought you could be. But we're in two different places now. I fear tomorrow for Yu-"

Suddenly I felt my fingertips lose grip. I felt sluggish and my breath became heavy. My eyes wanted to close.

A nap. That's what I need. I'll finish the letter when I wake up.


Mai

The next day.

"Fire Lady Mai! Fire Lady Mai!" I heard Chloe and Zoey yell from down the hall. Barging into my chamber Chloe and Zoey's wide eyes twinkle at me.

"You won't believe it!" Zoey shouted.

"It's the Fire Lord! " Chloe added.

"He's filling the nursery today!" Zoey yelped excitedly.

I'm only 8months pregnant... I sarcastically said in my head. But hey better late than never. Perhaps he finally came to his senses!

"Help me up" I ordered as Zoey assisted me in standing. Rushing to the nursery not far from my chambers I saw many servants carrying large pieces of furniture. Zuko stood near the door approving items as they came.

"Oh Fire Lord!" I excitedly expressed holding onto his forearm my large belly hanging low. "We're finally getting the baby's chamber in order!"

Zuko's confused eyes narrowed in on the spot I held looking at me perplexed.

"He is my seed" Zuko coldly said pulling his arm from my hold.

Standing near him I felt his insensitive words to our baby. Eight months later and he still referred to our child as his seed.

"Are these gifts," I asked trying to mend a bridge between us.

"Of course not. There from the royal family crypt." Zuko coldly spat out. "What do we need gifts for."

"It's not the fact we need gifts. But to celebration of our child!" I said as I turn my head shouting.

"There's nothing to celebrate!" Zuko reacted. His face was in mine and his eyes were red. The servants of the palace all looked at us afraid and intimated. Turning away at once they all pretend to continue working with the harsh tension in the air.

"I am doing this because it's what I'm supposed to do." Looking at me disgusting Zuko walked out the door past me.

Rushing to the hallway Zuko just enter, I continued to rush up to him pulling his arm back so he had no choice but to look upon my face.

"The spirits are wrong with you! You are married to me!" I reminded him. "That bitch is gone! GONE! I am the one carrying your child, the future of this nation!"

"Go back to your chamber" Zuko ordered before turning away once more.

"What's wrong with you!" I yelled out hurt. "What have I ever done to you!"

"Ha! I know your not truly asking that question." Zuko laughed amused walking further away.


Katara

The next day

Outside was sunny with a soft rose scent gliding in the wind. Not able to sit up fully Lotus held me as Yu-Jie lay in my arms.

LuTen had prepared a family photo to take place in the well-maintained garden of his estate. I could see him talking to the photographer a little ways from us.

Wearing a soft peach top with long sleeves, my hair was pinned up halfway allowing the bottom half to be opened. Standing next to me, Lotus wore a long red tunic dress that has three buttons near her neck. Her hair was pulled up into a braided bun.

"Lotus" I whispered. "The letter.." *cough cough *

"Oh, I mailed it out last night," Lotus answered, covering Yu-Jie's neck with the blanket. "I thought you were finished writing when I check on you and you had fallen asleep."

"Ooh" I simply said. I fell asleep so quickly didn't remember if I finished or not.

"Ok ladies if you'll please look up this way." the Photographer asked fixing the new large industrial camera towards Lotus, Yu-Jie, and me.
"Smile please"

I couldn't find the strength to smile my body only felt weak and tired. Lotus however was fully into the experience, smiling very wide and pretty.

"Ok good job." The Photographer encourage adjusting this camera for a next picture.

"Oh is that it?" Lotus asked surprised at how quick that was.

"Yes!" the Photographer exclaimed excitedly. "Isn't the new technology amazing? No more sitting for hours just for one Portrait. Ok, can I get the proud parents together now?"


LuTen

A little while later.

"It's time for little missy to go down for a nap. " Lotus gleamed smiling standing over Katara.

"Can I put her down?" Holding out her hands to Katara, Lotus waited with anticipation for Yu-Jie. Looking down at her beautiful angel Katara smiled to herself as she slightly nodded hanging off Yu-Jie.

As Katara and I wanted Lotus to frolic into the house over joy to hold the baby I could see Katara's eyes were heavy. Her bright skin was now dull. This pass week her health declined at a rapid speed. She didn't eat and barely drank.

"Katara," I asked softly to not startle her. "I have another surprise for you"

"What is it?" she asked with her fragile voice looking up. Even at this time her eyes were only half open.

"I have hired a few instrumentalists to play a melody for you."

"For me?" she questioned. Looking up I could see her eyes welling up.

"Don't cry," I said sitting next to her. "We have a lot to do this coming year." Embracing her fail body my arms rapped around her, holding her close to my chest.

"LuTen..." looking me in my eyes Katara couldn't hold back the tears she felt wanting to stream down her cheeks.

"Shush. The performers will start soon."

Her eyes shifted across my face as she couldn't hold into what she felt any longer. "Spirits I wish I met you first." Katara confused.
"I wish sitting here you were the one in my heart." Heavy tears fell down her cheeks. Spirits how she wish she had given in to his advances more.

"Shush save your strength" LuTen whispered in her ear. Hold Katara close he left a small kiss on her forehead. Soft melodies began to play in the air creating notes of magic.

LuTen saw Kataraa's small frame shake to the soft breeze. Taking off his jacket he wrapped it around her, keeping his arm around her waist. Katara body adjusted to the warmth. Her teeth didn't chatter anymore and body didn't shake again.

"Please...protect Ju-Yie," Katara mumbled as her ocean-blue eyes closed drifting off into a soft sleep.

Narrowing his eyes concerned LuTen cupped her cheek tilling her face towards his. "Katara?" Her eyes remained closed.

"Katara?!" Nothing changed. The soft medley music played on with LuTen hands softly cupping Katara's lifeless body.


Zuko

A week Later.

"That would be the last order of business for the day," Ikah informed his Fire Lord as Zuko sat at his desk in his study.

Zuko noticed Ikah's impatience standing near him his eyes shooting around the room.

"Ikah" Zuko spoke as his eyes continued to go over the last paperwork for the day. "If there is something you want to tell me. Then tell me."

Kneeling down suddenly, Zuko was taken back. "What is it?" Zuko asked shocked seeing Ikah fully facing the ground.

"My Fire Lord.. It is Lady katara." Ikah shaken voice said.

"What?" Zuko asked assumed. "Is she asking to come back finally?-"

"Lady Katara is dead." looking at Ikah below him Zuko's face became serious, stiff almost. His eyes matched Ikah and Zuko knew he wasn't lying.

Blinking a couple of times I felt the air leave my body. Dead? Dead? Did he really say that? I couldn't accept that. Standing up I never felt so weak. Stumbling forward, I felt my insides wanted to leave.

Tears ran down his cheeks as he felt the sting of reality. Frantically Zuko looked around his desk seeing the wire basket with two unread letters from Lotus. Unable to open it fast enough the envelopes crumble in his shaken hands.

"Fire Lord allow me to help you". Ikah began to offer as he try to reach for the envelope.

"AWAY!" Zuko screamed shocking Ikah as he stepped back fearful.

Finally opening the letter Zuko's fingers passed across the words before reading it, recognizing Katara's handwriting.

"Katara sent these.." Zuko's heart cracked in half seeing it was Katara who actually wrote to him and not Lotus as he had assumed.

"Dear Zuko, There is a lot I want to say but I'll prefer to show you. Would you please meet me just outside the capital? Attached is a small map of our location... Yours Truly Katara."

"She wanted to met me.." Zuko's eyes frantically looked over the map noticing the landmark willow tree. "When When was this?!" with bloodshot eyes Zuko suddenly stare at Ikah demanding to know an answer.

"F-Fire Lord" Ikah stuttered in fear. "I believe that was the day Lotus bought the letter to the palace.

Blinking rapidly Zuko looked at the other envelope not able to open it any quicker in his shaking hands. His eyes scan the letter only allowing a small part to capture his attention.
"I can't see you as the type to long for me during the cold wet nights. I hate to say it but I miss you dearly. How I want this all to be fixed, how I wanted you to be the one for me".

Zuko's stomach began to ache in pain. The guilt he felt stirred harder. "Ikah! Ready an eel hound"

"Fire Lord Fire Lady Mai could go into labor-" A death look of hurt and Turmoil stopped Ikah from speaking the moment he saw the Fire Lord's eyes. Never had he seen such a broken man.


Ikah

"It seems the stool has been in the elements for a while," I informed the Fire Lord.

Standing next to the large willow tree landmark a stool was left outside sitting just underneath the canopy.

"It could have been left here since the last storm." I casually answered.

"When was that." the Fire Lord asked suddenly.

"I believe a few weeks ago. The day the letter was dropped off actully." I answered.

Suddenly I saw Fire Lord Zuko kneel to the ground. His arm reached out to the stool bearly able to touch it. I couldn't help but wonder if that poor girl sat in the rain all night awaiting him.

"We're going to LuTen estate."

Standing unexpectedly the Fire Lord mounted his eel hound hardly waiting for me. Cracking his whip the Fire Lord beast moved with great speed.


Zuko

With no stop or sleep, I found myself outside LuTen estate in a matter of hours.

"Fire Lord." I heard Ikah express getting off his eel hound rushing to get in front of me.
"Wait. This isn't proper protocol! Allow me to announce you-" walking past Ikah I had little patience for protocol at this moment.

*THUMP!*

The door to LuTen's house flung open. "LuTen!" My deep base voice screamed in the home.

Rushing down the hall I came across him in the courtyard. Under a cherry blossom tree was a bluebell stone urn, written in gold I could clearly see the words Katara.
LuTen quickly made eye contact with me, enraged by my presents.

"The spirits are you doing here!" LuTen raged out.

Coming to blows with my cousin our hands join in battle as our short encounter soon became combat of strength.

"You killed her didn't you!" I accused.

"Me?! " LuTen reacted surprised. "I tried to save her from you!" pushing harder back LuTen hands squeezed his cousin trying to make Zuko fall to his knees.

"How is she dead? We would been fine if you have never shown up." Zuko spat out in hurt.

" You couldn't even shown up! She died waiting for you!"

Pushing LuTen off Zuko's eyes were hurt upset but above all angry. Swinging a back kick fire emerged from his feet directed straight to Lauren."I'll burn this whole fucking place down!" Zuko threatened.

Hurt and angry Zuko was ready for combat that is until he a glimpse of Katara's urn once again. Walking to it Zuko reached out just to feel a strong blow strike him in the chest

"Go ahead and try it little king" LuTen mocked standing between Zuko and the Urn. "She's dead because of you. She ran away from you! You think she would want to be with you now-"

"LUTEN!" Looking to the side the two cousins saw Lotus standing there tears in her eyes. Rushing to him Lotus pulled him aside out of the Fire Lord's way.
"Don't say that. You know as well as I that's where she wanted to be."

Hearing Lotus confession impairment Zuko knowing Katara felt what he had all these months later. Looking upon her Urn again this time he feeling the weight of Katara's spirit. Unable to control his tears Zuko's cheeks felt the cooling sansation of water his own body made.

Lotus could feel LuTen's body language twitching watching Zuko start to carry off Katara's remains.
"Don't!" Lotus ordered.

"I'm not scared of him" LuTen reminded Lotus.

"The last thing Katara said was to protect Yu-Jie. But you know she long with be with him again." Lotus declared as the two watched Zuko walk out of their life with Katara.

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