AN: (yawns) I am determined to keep steady updates even though I'm in school!
I've told you that this is nearly over. There are only a few more chapters left. Please let me know if you want a sequel. (You'll probably be adamant for one after the last chapter...Mwahahahahahah...not even Khazia knows what I have in store for you...I think I'll go start my will now...)
Chapter 21: The Banquet
Sokka and Aang had made a meager breakfast of bread and water, considering Katara wasn't there to cook. And Zuko had disappeared as well. Aang had simply wondered where they were earlier, but Sokka's thoughts were turning to what he'd seen when he'd woken up last night, and now the two were out together alone. Sokka shook his head to banish the bad images. Bad images that just got worse when a dragon landed in their camp.
Aang yelled and air-bended at the dragon and Sokka drew out his boomerang. That was about the time they noticed that Zuko and Katara were on its back.
Katara leapt off the dragon's back and tore away from them, pulling out the things she needed to fix breakfast as she went. She then plopped down by the dying fire and began working. Zuko, on the other hand, sighed and slipped away from the dragon. Sokka glared at him.
"What were you two doing out all night?" Zuko looked at him blankly. He had slept barely an hour the night before and none this night, so he was on the verge of a breakdown. Katara, however, caught her brother's tone.
"What exactly are you thinking Sokka! That I would do that with that…that…that…fire-bender?" Sokka looked at her, mouth agape. Hadn't he almost seen them kissing last night?
"Well, what did happen?"
"Why don't you ask Sir He-Is-My-Bondmate-Now?"
Zuko just sighed.
"Don't make breakfast Katara, it's clear they've already eaten and I'm not hungry. I'm sure you don't want to go through the trouble of making a full meal."
"And what if I do?"
"Do whatever you want to."
Katara's mouth fell open. Zuko had so smoothly avoided the fight she was longing to start, to pour out the betrayal she felt. First the stupid dragon has kidnapped her, but Zuko had followed intent on rescuing her. And when he got to the cave, he'd seemed truly happy to see her, concerned for her welfare. But then, the dragon and he had gotten into some sort of staring contest, and then Zuko had, quite forcefully, pulled away from her and joined the dragon. She fought back the tears that now threatened and looked down at the ground.
How could I have ever thought I loved him? First Haru then Jet, and now Zuko. God, am I cursed?
But instead of lashing out at Zuko, who really looked dead on his feet, she just helped pack up their things. Finally, Aang raised the question Sokka and he were dying to ask.
"Zuko, who's the dragon? And I thought you said they were extinct."
Zuko sighed, for the umpteenth time that night.
"I was wrong. This is my Bondmate, Hessair. Hessair is a Fire Dragon, and had joined our quest, unless anyone has any objections."
Sokka frowned.
"Can we trust him?"
"Since we bonded, he is bound by the same Oath I am, to an extent."
"Ok, we can trust him."
Suddenly, Appa came into the clearing. He and Hessair looked at each other, and though Hessair was slightly larger than a Komodo Rhino, he was still smaller than Appa. But Appa just yawned and let Katara and Aang load the supplies on his saddle.
When all was ready, Zuko started to climb onto Appa with all the others, but something stopped him.
(Fly with me.)
He turned and found Hessair looking at him almost dejectedly.
I want to sleep, Hessair.
(You can sleep on me back. I won't let you fall.)
If it will please you.
"Zuko?"
"I'm going to fly with Hessair."
Aang frowned. "What if we need you?"
"Hessair and I will stay close."
Aang continued to frown but nodded. Zuko climbed up on Hessair, and Hessair arched his serpentine neck so Zuko could rest his head against it.
(Where are we going?)
Paradis Island.
Aang 'yip-yipped' to Appa and he burst into the air, and with one giant sweep of his silken wings, Hessair followed.
They flew through the morning mists, Zuko trying not to fall asleep and failing miserably.
Katara was silently fuming at the dragon. First, the insufferable beast had stolen Zuko from her, and then had taken him away, destroying all chances of reconciliation. She knew that if she hated the dragon, she had to hate Zuko, and that was nigh impossible. Because she wasn't able to forget about Zuko, as she had forgotten about the others. As the day wore on, she just couldn't turn her mind from him. She glanced over at the dragon, and she could barely make out the form of Zuko sleeping on its back. It had to stay a certain distance away because of its great wingspan, and Katara just couldn't bring herself to speak to it. Finally, she ended up taking a nap.
Zula stared at the paper in her hand, a terrible smile on her face. Her uncle was simply too trusting, and her cousin too foolhardy. He'd declared war on the Fire Nation on the eve of the day when the entire army of the Guerriers Réels would be gathering at one place. The Réels estate. And Zuko was bound to attend with his new friend, the Avatar. Kinita came up behind her with her new slave boy. The poor boy was physically identical to Zuko, but facially, they were complete opposites. Nothing a few skull bashes wouldn't fix, but she had to make sure Zuko was confined. But it wasn't a problem; she knew exactly how to do so.
That day and the next went pretty uneventfully. Katara didn't say a word to Zuko, who looked extremely upset that their feud had resumed, and she felt terribly guilty. This was probably helped by Hessair glaring at her nearly constantly. Katara reached her wits' end when she found a long gash in one of her dresses. Finally, when she saw Hessair leaving the campsite, she followed him.
Stepping into the clearing, she kept her voice level mainly not to alert the boys who were yards away.
"Hessair, why do you hate me so damn much?"
The dragon turned and glared at her. She didn't expect the dumb beast to answer. Dragons couldn't talk, but once again she was wrong.
(Hate you? I don't hate you! I'm frustrated with you!)
"Why!"
(Because of the pain you are causing my bond.)
"What? What have I done to Zuko?"
But instead of answering, Hessair turned his back on her and took off into the sky. So she stormed back to the camp, fixed supper, became worried when Zuko refused to eat and headed off, and finally, went to sleep before he returned.
Zuko met up with Hessair and they went flying. Zuko now loved flying like he loved swimming. It was relaxing and easy; the steady rhythm of Hessair's wing beats threatened to lull Zuko to sleep. And then it did.
Katara woke to find Zuko dozing nearby. Hessair was just behind Zuko, head tucked under a wing. Zuko was lying on his side, his fists curled tightly under his chin and his knees drawn to his chest. She'd never seen him look so tense. She sighed, forbidding herself to go to him, and started fixing breakfast. Within moments, Zuko was awake, as always woken by her movements. Hessair remained asleep, and Zuko attempted to help Katara fix breakfast but she pushed him away. He sighed, and disappeared into the woods. Katara wondered why he kept vanishing like that, and she noticed it was always when she was especially rude to him. She never guessed that he left so she wouldn't see the tears in his eyes.
Sokka woke up with a joyous shout, causing Hessair to jerk his head up in alarm. Katara looked at him and sighed. That night was the banquet.
After Zuko returned and they ate breakfast, they made their way towards the city and then to the estate. At the mansion, servants escorted them to a room with an adjoined bath. They all bathed and dressed for the banquet. Katara bathed last and slipped into the silken red kimono. Tears formed in her eyes as she thought of who had given it to her. Her hair was down because she didn't really know what to do with it, and she stepped back out into the room.
Zuko was the only one besides her that was completely dressed. Aang was looking with a dejected look at the shirt he was supposed to wear, (It was white.) and Sokka was trying desperately to get his new pair of boots on. Zuko was sitting in one corner of the room watching the other two's antics indifferently. He was dressed completely in black, with a small amount of golden flame embroidery around the collar.
Katara glanced annoyingly at the two fidgeting boys and turned to Zuko. "You're the expert on formal banquets. What should I do with my hair?"
He stood. "I'll fix it."
There were a hundred things she could use to protest that, but she didn't. Instead, she sat on the chair in front of the vanity and looked in the mirror. Soft blue eyes stared back at her, and when Zuko entered the reflection, she closed her eyes. Because, for some reason, his eyes looked particularly golden.
He brushed her hair out with a gentle hand, which was the last thing she expected from rough determined Zuko. His hands were soft as they easily pulled her hair into an elaborate bun. On one side of her face, he let some of her bangs hang down, framing her face. He finished by placing a sapphire comb in her hair, just above the bun. When he stepped away, she opened her eyes and was astonished. She turned and faced the retreating Zuko.
"Where did you learn to do that?"
"I've done Ediera's hair hundreds of times. Just takes practice."
He left the statement open, allowing her to inquire more if she wanted, but Katara remained silent as she stood, waiting for the boys to finish. They left the room, and Katara suddenly felt very nervous. She gave up trying to ignore Zuko and wrapped her hand around his elbow. He glanced at her, but angled his arm making it easier for her to hold on.
When they reached the main hall, Katara and Sokka gasped. The room below them was alight and there were hundreds of people there from every nation. All those dressed in Fire Nation garb had a white band on their upper right arms. The immense steps before them were flanked by a herald, who would no doubt announce their presence. The herald glanced at them and smiled. The man then cleared his throat and silence fell as every eye turned towards them.
"May I present Sir Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe and Avatar Aang of the Southern Air Temple."
There was scattered clapping and Zuko motioned for Sokka and Aang to join the crowd below and they did.
"And now, may I present Lady Katara of the Southern Water Tribe and our guest of honor, Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation."
The applause was irrefutable now, and was mixed with cries of 'Welcome' and 'Happy Birthday prince!' Zuko led Katara down the steps into the waiting crowd. Following Zuko's example, she plastered a fake smile on her face and nodded to anyone who called her name.
Suddenly, Zuko was swept from her grasp and lifted quite literally off his feet. It was Zuko's Uncle Iroh who now had him trapped in a bone-crunching hug.
"Hel…lo…un…cle…"
"Zuko, It's so good to see you in one piece!"
"Yep, still…alive, though I won't be…much…longer if you don't…put me down."
Iroh complied, and smiled at his nephew, who returned the smile.
"It's been ages since I've seen you smile, my nephew."
"It's been ages since I've seen you at all." Zuko's gaze turned to a very fair, curvy woman now coming up behind Iroh.
"Terca?"
She smiled.
"The one and only."
Katara felt a pang of jealousy when the two embraced. They pulled apart and Terca smiled at her.
"Who's this Zuko?"
"This is my…friend Katara." Katara inclined her head to the girl.
"Katara, this is Terca, my…" Zuko stopped, as brow furrowed as if he was trying to think of exactly what to say and Terca laughed.
"Don't want to say ex-girlfriend?" Terca turned and smiled at Katara. "It's nice to meet you Katara." Katara started to reply, but a young man joined them. Zuko's face darkened.
"Sourin."
"Zuko."
The two glared at each other for a moment before the boy name Sourin smiled.
"Mind if I steal your date for the dance?"
"She's not my date and it's up to her."
Sourin smiled at her, and offered his hand. Katara glared at Zuko and, determined to upset him, took Sourin's hand.
"I'd be glad to."
Sourin led Katara out onto the floor where couples were dancing softly, and after a few moments, Katara found out why neither Zuko nor Terca liked Sourin. He kept whispering suggestive comments in her ear while his hand traveled far south of her waist. Some were complimenting, others just disturbing. Katara did a good job of ignoring him for a while, but finally, after several songs, she lost her patience. When he asked her what she'd be doing for the rest of the night, she brought her foot down hard on his foot, tore herself from his arms, and replied.
"Staying as far away from you as possible."
She lost herself in the crowd, and everyone parted easily to make way for her. Katara spotted Terca over at a table conversing with a few other girls. Zuko was nowhere in sight. The older girl turned when Katara came over and joined them.
"So, did you find out about Sourin?"
"He's always like that?"
Several of the girls nodded and Terca explained.
"Sourin takes pride in seducing women…and then dropping them. I'm surprised Zuko didn't warn you. Sourin was what pretty much ended Zuko and my relationship. I fell for Sourin's…tricks."
Terca seemed ashamed of this, but she said nothing more. Katara waited a moment before finally making herself ask.
"What if you know someone loves you, and you've been ignoring them for a while, but you love them back? What would you do?"
Terca looked up and smiled.
"I'd go tell him. And by the way, Zuko's out on the balcony. That way."
Katara smiled and headed off in the direction Terca pointed.
Zuko was out on the balcony alone when Katara stepped out, closing the door behind her. He didn't turn around, didn't turn his gaze from the stars, and she realized he was singing softly.
…The days will turn to years
Before you know where they've gone…
Zuko suddenly turned and looked at her. She moved to stand beside him. "Please don't stop."
He sighed. "It's just a song I used to sing to Ediera."
"Sing it for me."
He looked at her, puzzled, but complied.
The sun is setting on the waters
Casting its golden glow over your bed
The day's worries melt away
Let your eyes drift shut
And your dreams take wing
The days will turn to years
Before you know where they've gone
Cherish each moment my sweet angel
But every day ends with sunset
And your dreams dance their beat
Maybe you'll be a great general
And master the flames of your heart
Maybe you'll find love
In the arms of your soul mate
When your dreams come true
Until then I'll protect you
And keep all evil at bay
Until then I will love you
And let no one take you away
Until your dreams come true
His voice trailed off, and she sighed.
"That was beautiful Zuko. Who wrote it?"
"I did, for Ediera."
They were silent for a minute or two, Katara not knowing what to say. Finally, she opened his arms and placed herself in them, burying her face in his chest.
"Is this how it will always be, Katara? You'll hate me, then love me, and then hate me once more? Will you turn to my arms knowing I won't refuse you and leave once again when it pleases you?"
"No, Zuko. For so long, I've refused to let myself trust you. Because of past mistakes, I didn't want to admit that…admit that…that I love you."
After this confession, she tried to drown anything he might say out but he was silent.
"You don't believe me do you?"
"Say you love me."
"…I love you." It was simple, she didn't know what else to say.
"I believe you."
She looked up, meeting his amber eyes.
"You do?"
"You stated it like a fact, instead of trying to convince me. And there is no lie in your eyes."
Suddenly, he chuckled lightly.
"What is it Zuko?"
"Thinking about all the times we've ended up in this exact position." His arms were looped about her waist, her hands on his chest.
"Well, I'm not letting you get away from me this time."
"No?"
"No."
With that, she placed a hand behind his neck and brought his head down quickly, pressing her lips to his.
That simple kiss sent electric flames through her body, flames that intensified when he began to kiss her back. Her first kiss…was more than she'd ever dreamed it.
She pushed up onto her toes, deepening the kiss, and pushing her body against his. It was if the fire of his heart was burning away her defenses, leaving a searing path straight to her center. He held her close to him, his arms like bands of steel, and strangely enough, the ferocity of the moment appealed to her.
Sokka walked by the balcony window, and caught sight of what was going on outside. He grinned, and went off to tell Aang. When he did, the air-bender's only response was "Finally."
The banquet continued wonderfully, everyone happy and enthusiastic, not even noticing that the guest of honor had disappeared. Or noticing the uninvited guests.
YAY! They kissed! Finally!