Inutenshi: Wow! I updated within less than two weeks this time.
Zuko: ITS A MIRACLE!
Inutenshi: It would've been sooner, but-
Katara: Shes been getting really indepth with Naruto. Shes even contemplating a fanfiction for it as we speak!
Zuko: Why don't you tell them her life story while you're at it?
Katara: Ok! She was born on the 27th of October in 19-
Zuko: (covers her mouth) I was being sarcastic!
Inutenshi: Um...Anywho...There also was a death in my future stepdad's family last week. You start feeling really out of place when you're in a room full of your future family members and you only know a handful of them.
Katara: Its really awkward...
Inutenshi: Well now that my ranting is done. Take it away Zuko!
Zuko: Onto the story!
Chapter 10: Brother, My Brother
The little tea escapade was ended with Zuko carrying the grinning Katara over his shoulder back to his room. The tea-less Iroh sat with his back against the wall, rubbing the on his neck Katara had held the spear to. The two guards that had stood outside the room watched the entire event in confused amusement from their place on the floor. When Zuko returned, he dismissed them.
"Are you happy now?" He asked, setting Katara back on the ground and shutting the door.
"Yep." She replied cheerfully, pouring herself some tea.
"This is why I don't drink tea. I don't want to end up like my uncle and start fighting for it like a maniac."
Katara sipped from her cup, smiling at the delightfully warm taste. Zuko shook his head and strode over to the dragon alter. He had just closed the shutters of the window to the sprinkle of rain and light draft coming in, when he noticed the scattered papers on his meditation table. Gathering them into a pile, he began looking over them, chuckling at the more comical ones. He nearly broke into a full out laugh when he found one of Katara's brother with his boomerang stuck in his head.
The waterbender turned and looked up from her cup. Seeing the prince going through he pictures startled her so much she almost spit out her tea. Setting the pot and half empty cup on the tray, she staggered over to him and tried to grab the papers from him.
"Hey those are mine!" She yelled, straining to reach them from the height Zuko held them.
"Really now?" He asked smugly as he looked at the next one, the one of him. "Hmm…I rather like this one."
"Zuko! So help me, if you don't give those back I'll-" Her voice caught in her throat when she saw the one he turned to next.
Zuko's smile faded and he felt a sharp pain in his chest as he looked over the drawing. An ink Katara sat in a pool of black. Small and large gashes marred her flesh, each place precisely where they would be on the real one's body. Her eyes were blank, nearly covered by her curtaining tresses. Surrounding her were seven scratchy, evil-eyed figures, poised for attack when the chance came. The only thing that seemed to protect her was the small yet strong flame flickering in her cupped hands.
He slowly brought the sketch to eye level, his mouth somewhat slack in shock. The real Katara snatched it from him and clutched it to her chest. Zuko looked at her shaking form, not knowing what to say.
"I know you told me not to dwell on what happened." She whispered. "But it's too hard to let go…"
Zuko set the other drawings aside and placed his hands on her shoulders. When Katara winced on her left side, he moved the hand on it down to her arm.
"Things like this are, Katara." He said softly and lifted her chin so she'd look at him. "It's not always that easy to move on and I was wrong to try and force you to."
Zuko took a step closer and wrapped his arms around her fully. She didn't resist his embrace, but delved into it, crying softly on his shoulder.
What are you doing? Zuko's prideful inner voice screeched. You're hugging a waterbender! The enemy!
"She needs me." He replied in thought.
She's a weak, emotional, annoying wench! You don't need to be Mr. Shoulder-to-cry-on!
"I'm not running from another woman that needs my help."
Once again, compassion rules over pride.
"Hey." He whispered, catching her attention. "Want me to help you get rid of those demons?"
Katara silently answered with a nod against his shoulder. Zuko smiled and released her small frame. He took the offending picture from her shaking hand and replaced it with his own. She clung to his arm for support as he led her down the corridors and into the outside light. The sprinkle had stopped, leaving the deck wet and glistening as the sun's rays peeked through the clouds.
Zuko brought her to the front of the ship where the metal ends met and raised towards the sky. He held her against the railing, her back to his chest as they both peered at the ocean below.
"As a child, I would draw the things that haunted me in my dreams and take them to my mother." He said, bring his arms around her and holding the crunched up drawing in his intertwined hands. "Cup your hands under mine and don't pull away."
The young woman did as she was told, even where his hands burst into flame above hers. After a few moments the flames died down and Zuko dropped ashes into Katara's hands and held them closed.
"She always told me that after you chased the monsters away, it would ensure that you're deepest desires would be achieved."
He opened his hands, still holding hers, and whispered,
"Make a wish…"
Katara unfolded her hands, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and blew the ashes into the wind.
"Feel better?" Zuko asked stepping back, letting her turn around.
"A lot better." She replied with a smile. "Thanks…"
"No problem." He smiled back. "Do want to go back inside? I'm going in to bathe and I don't want you to be left out here alone."
Katara shook her head.
"No. I'll stay out here just a little longer. I can't really attempt an escape with this leg." She said, patting her left thigh.
The firebender gave her a somewhat sympathetic look and nodded before making his way back towards the deck door. Katara watched him go, a small smile play across her lips after the door clanged shut.
Ok missy! Her pride shouted. What's with the grin? Don't tell me you like that fire nation swine!
"I like him as kind of a friend. He, Iroh, and the crew aren't as bad as they're made out to be." She reasoned in her mind.
They started a hundred year war, killed hundreds of thousands of people, and are driving your people to extinction!
"Fire Lord Sozen started the war, not Zuko."
Great! Now you're defending him! Next thing we know you're going to say you're in love with him!
Katara didn't replay to the absurd comment.
Oh my Goddesses, you are! You're in love with Prince Zuko!
"I am not! Not even Sokka would make that kind of stupid accusation!"
Admit it! You love that retched, fire-breathing, pitiful excuse of a male!
Come on! You know you do!
A new unknown voice came in. Katara glanced about her, but saw no one.
Just admit it child…
There's another one.
He is quite good looking.
And another.
His perfect posture!
And another.
His strong physique!
How many voices was she going to hear today?
Those mysterious, entrancing, beautiful eyes…
Was she going insane?
Can you imagine what he's hiding in those baggy trousers!
Okay! That one went a little far!
Katara shook her head and gave it a few good knocks. Now wasn't the time for her to lose her mind. Prince Zuko may be her friend, but once her arm and leg healed and they got closer to land, she'd make a run for it like the demons were at her heels.
You won't run…, cooed one of the seven unknown voices.
You care too much to abandon him. Giggled another.
"That's enough!" She covered her ears. "I'm not listening!"
You can't ignore someone when they're in you head.
Suddenly all of the voices came raining down on her mind. Her head began to throb violently and sweat trickled down her neck as she tried desperately to chase the annoyances away. Her nails dug into her scalp and she screamed.
"Stop!"
In an instant, everything was quiet and Katara took the moment to lean over the railing and catch her breath. The need to sit washed over her and she sank to her knees, resting her head against the wet, cold metal. Thoughts and images flickered through her mind. A deep sigh escaped her lips as pictures of Aang, her old friend Haru and the now dead Jet settled into place.
"If there's a prize for rotten judgement…I guess I've already won that…"
Aang's constant tricks came to mind. Zuko's rudeness and persistence did too.
"No man is worth the aggravation. That's ancient history, been there, done that!"
Katara angrily pushed herself onto her feet and walked against the railing of the deck. The voices came back.
Who'd' ya think you're kiddin'?
He's the Earth and heaven to you!
Try to keep it hidden.
Honey, we can see right through you.
Girl, ya can't conceal it.
We know how ya feel.
And who you're thinking of!
Katara groaned in agitation.
"No chance! No way! I won't say it! No! No!"
She climbed up on a barrel that blocked her and staggered across it to a second before hopping off.
You swoon.
You sigh.
Why deny it?
Uh-oh!
"It's too cliché! I won't say I'm in love."
Katara heaved a sigh as the voices made disapproving noises.
"I thought my heart had learned its lesson. It feels so good when you start out. My heart is screaming get a grip girl!"
Her inner voice returned, shouting curses and threats at the invading before being shoved into a box then thrown into a pit of killer boots.
"Unless your dying to cry your heart out!"
You keep on denying
Who you are and how you're feeling.
Baby, we're not buying.
Hon, we saw ya hit the ceiling.
Face it like a grown-up.
When ya gonna own up
That ya got, got, got it bad?
"No chance! No way!" She yelled, smiling slightly at their persistence. It grew bigger as she thought of how they were helping her realize her situation more and more. "I won't say it! No! No!"
Give up!
Give in!
Check the grin!
You're in love!
The waterbender shook the smile from her expression.
"This scene won't play! I won't say I'm in love!"
You're doing flips!
Read our lips!
You're in love!
She covered her ears again and shouted almost angrily as she half ran back to the front of the ship.
"You're way off base! I won't say it! Get off my case! I won't say it!"
Staggering to a stop, she slid to the floor and finally gave in.
Girl, don't be proud.
It's ok.
You're in love.
Katara smiled half in defeat, half in realization. She let out another deep sigh and whispered to herself, her eyes cast up toward the now clear blue sky.
"At least out loud…I won't say I'm in love…"
The voices in her head slowly disappeared, obviously happy with their work. Sliding down a little more, Katara found herself on her back, arms stretched out against the drying deck as she counted staring into the never ending cerulean above her. Slowly her eyes closed and her smile widened, a giddy laugh tickling her throat.
"Well…Since no ones around to hear me, I'll just say it."
She drew in a deep breath and let it out in a giggling shout.
"I'M IN LOVE WITH PRINCE ZUKO!"
"Um…Ahem…Miss Katara?"
The waterbender shot up, looking in the face of one embarrassed and three rather amused soldiers standing outside the open deck door.
"T-Teiru? You all…Did you all here me just now?"
Taku, Rotan, and Misato grinned knowingly at the flustered waterbender.
"Oh Goddesses! You did!" She gasped in horror. "Please don't tell anyone! Please!"
"Don't you worry Miss Katara." Rotan laughed, helping Katara to her feet. "Your secrets safe with us."
Katara looked warily from him to the other soldiers across the deck. They all gave her reassuring smiles and she found herself returning them.
"I see you came out here with out anything to help relieve pressure on your leg." Rotan noted, extending his arm. "Allow me."
She blinked at the soldier's kindness, but smiled and accepted it just the same. He led her across the deck, following the other three soldiers inside. Rotan and Katara were almost in the doorway when the ship tipped forward and to the left with a loud crash. Cries of terror escaped as each of them were thrown against the solid steel wall. Katara sat up first. Her body ached even more from the sudden jolt, but not nearly as much her heart did when she saw cause of it.
Aang was beyond angry when he returned to the spot the remainder of his group had camped only to find them gone. No trace was left. He knew he'd been gone for a few days, but he had no idea that they'd leave him behind. Finding the nearest village, he commandeered an unattended boat and set out to sea. Without Appa he couldn't travel great distances.
He knew he was on their trail. The spiritual bond he shared with Appa told him so. In a few more days they would meet and he'd give them all the shouting of their lives. These days, no one betrayed the Avatar and got away unscathed. The Avatar was there to protect the world and when you betray the Avatar you betray the world as well.
There was a dull, painful throb in the back of Sokka's head as he slowly came to. Everything was blurry. All he could make out were the black lines before a yellow flickering background. He felt the cold metal against his cheek as he attempted to move. Slivers of pain cut into him and he rubbed his eyes to clear them.
Taking in his surroundings, he came to the conclusion that he was in a cell.
"How in the hell…" He muttered to himself, slowly recalling the last thing he saw.
He remembered landing Appa aboard Zuko's ship then leaping off, weapons in hand as he began shouting threats to four Fire Nation soldiers. Katara was among them, staring in astonishment at him. He remembered her standing and limping towards him. The soldiers didn't even attempt to stop her.
He was about to grab his sister and hold her when she totter right by him to embrace the bison and lemur. Confusion ran through his mind like a child wired on sugar. He remembered calling out to her, asking her if she was alright. The only thing he remembered after that was the burst of pain in his head and Katara's cold voice saying, "Take him below", before darkness closed over him.
Sokka rubbed the knot on the back of his head. That was going to be there for quiet sometime. The torch that lit the prisoner hold flickered as the door opened. From it, emerged his beloved sibling, donned a red knee-length sleeveless kimono, lined in black with a dragon crawling up the black and down the front. Her two fans were tucked into her black sash. There was a spear in her tight white-knuckled fist and an open canteen on her hip. Sokka's somewhat hopeful smile faded.
"Katara! What the hell is going on?" He shouted, clutching the bars as he tried to get closer to her. "What in the Goddess's names are you wearing?"
The waterbender giggled almost evilly, her fingertips lightly touching her lips.
"Oh Sokka, sweet brother of mine." She knelt before him, thee faces merely inches apart. "You are a prisoner of the Fire Nation."
Sokka fell backwards, the wind rushing from him as Katara landed a hard punch to his stomach. He wheezed heavily, curled into a ball, and tried desperately to suck in his lost breath. The warrior rasped out his sister's name, watching her stand with the help of the spear.
"You abandoned me Sokka." She hissed. "You and Aang left me on that God forsaken island! I nearly died because of you!"
Finally getting back his breath, Sokka stood on his shaking legs and answered her shouts.
"We thought you would fine on your own for an hour or more! You said yourself that you could handle your own against a few firebenders, Katara! We had no choice! Aang and I had to run!"
Katara's expression turned to pure hatred and a water snake emerged from the canteen, lunging forward and striking Sokka across his face.
"Firebenders weren't the problem Sokka! Firebenders saved my life!" She paused to blink back frustrated tears. "Prince Zuko found me being brutally beaten and raped by a group of rouge bandits!"
She grinned as the blood drained from her trapped sibling's face as he touched the bleeding cut on his cheek.
"The thing I was supposed to defend myself from came to my rescue. My worst enemy killed off the bandits, took me aboard his ship, fed me, clothed me, talked with me, and even became my friend!"
Sokka looked at her in confused anger.
"I helped save his life in return when we were both merely moment from our demise! I helped heal him, bandage him, and feed him when he didn't even have the strength to rise from his sleep!"
"Katara, what are you talking a-"
"He helped me chase away my demons…"
Katara took a deep breath, casting her eyes to the ground and letting the tears go. Her breath was shaky as she mustered up the strength to look him in the eye once more.
"But it looks like one managed to find its way back…"
"Katara…" Sokka whispered pleadingly. "How was I to know? What could I have done?"
She gave him an icy cold glare that caused him to flinch and almost look away.
"You could've come for me…could've been there for me brother…Brother…My brother…You could've been there."
Sokka watched longingly as she ran through the doorway from this prison and slammed it behind her.
Zuko had heard the news of the water tribe warrior's capture. It pleased yet bothered him. He was pleased that he had another advantage to his Avatar hunt, but the fact that Katara herself was willingly involved and even gave the order to have him put in a cell irked him to no end.
Brushing aside the damp strands of hair that clung to the sides of his skull, Zuko continued down the twisting corridors and was making a turn when he was suddenly pushed back. A small, broken cry escaped his obstruction as she fell onto her rump. Zuko was about to berate whoever had blocked his path, when he saw Katara's tear streaked face looking up at him.
"Are you alright?" He asked helping her back up.
The firebender was answered with a sorrowful wail and a strong, almost desperate embrace. He felt the young woman's hot breath and tears as she sobbed in the crook on his neck. For the first moment he didn't know how to react, but slowly, as if on instinct, he pulled her closer. One arm wrapped around her waist while the other brushed through her chocolate tresses. His body twisted side to side slowly as he whispered calming words in her ear and just let her cry.
The seven muses stood behind them, each clothed in white and completely unheard nor seen my mortal eyes. They looked at each other worriedly.
"This may cause immense problems in our plans." One whispered.
"I agree." Another replied. "But all we can do now is watch over them and let their guardian's guide them."
The others nodded and whispered in agreement as one by one they disappeared.
Inutenshi: Eh...Not as good as I'd hoped, but not too bad. At least there more fluffiness. That song was from Hercules so I don't own it! All I own is the plot, random soldiersI name, the gods, godesses,the random names given to the rhinos, and the half of the muses. Only half because they look nothing like the ones in Disney's Hercules and have the ability to bring out peoples true emotions. Ha! Try and get me now stupid lawyers!
Katara: Yay for fluffiness! (cuddles with Zuko)
Zuko: (pretends to be annoyed, but is really smiling on the inside)
Inutenshi: Well that's it for this chappy. And all you Naruto fans watch out for my fanfic coming up soon. Sasuke/Sakura haters beware! Lol
Next Chapter: Peace-making Son of a Dictator