Story Arc: New Allies

Part: One- The Lutdeo

Chapter: Twenty Seven- The First Good-Bye

Author: Fritters-4-Psi

Disclaimer: I do not own the show Avatar: The Last Air Bender or the related characters. Nor do I profit from this fanfiction. The only things of my creation in this fanfiction are the Koertan, Kashi, Risha, the concept of the grith coin, Vioniza, Raven's Watch, Kali, the Nai, Shian-Nai the Nai, Kaza the Koi Fish, and the Red Sand Gulf. Other possible things to come in later chapters.

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After Risha finished talking of her childhood, Zuko excused himself. Earlier, he had said that he would be leaving this day and meant to do so. It was nearing noon and he still had plenty to do before he left. Although the Fire Nation soldiers had only stayed in the barn for one night, there was a great probability that they had made quite a mess of it. They would have to prepare to leave and clean up the barn. It was only a small amount of work to be done, but it would still take some time to complete. The Fire Nation Prince left the house.

When she saw Zuko leave, Katara pushed her chair back and stood up. Trying not to draw too much attention to herself, she walked toward the door. On accident, she tripped on a chair, falling to the ground. Quickly, she stood back up and looked around to see if anyone had noticed. Of course, all present company had noticed and were staring at her. "Where are you going, Katara?" Sokka questioned.

She paused before she spoke. There were a few options of what she could tell her brother. She could lie or tell the truth. The truth could hurt him, but so could a lie. "Risha told me that Zuko was planning on leaving today," Katara spoke the truth, "I wanted to spend some time with him before he left."

It was against Sokka's better judgement to let his sister go. He knew Zuko was nothing, but trouble for Katara. Of course, the Prince had clearly stated that he wouldn't hurt her. Also, in no time, Katara would be turning fifteen. She was a Water Bending Master, as well. Soon she wouldn't be needing her big brother's protection. He might as well be getting used to that now. "Uh, sure Katara. Go right ahead. I'm sure that would be really helpful," he said.

Sokka didn't mean to come off as a jerk when he said that. He just couldn't think of the proper words to be able to lie to Katara. He really wasn't too pleased with her talking to Zuko in a friendly manner. She, obviously, took it the wrong way. After listening to her brother, she stormed out the door. Sokka hung his head in shame. Risha got up from the table and walked over to him. She rested her hand on his shoulder and said, "It's okay. She's mad now, but soon enough, she'll realize you were just looking out for her best interests. These things work themselves out."

Outside, Katara had caught up with Zuko, who was almost at the barn. He stopped when he heard Katara approach. Turning slowly, he smiled when he saw her. "Your brother allowed you to follow after me?" Zuko raised his one eyebrow.

The Water Bender felt slightly embarrassed, thinking that Zuko was implying that she was just a kid who still needed looking after. Then she realized that he was just making an inquiry. A question based on Sokka's past actions that showed his need to protect his sister. Quickly, she regained her composure and answered, "He didn't argue with me, if that's what you mean. He didn't sound too happy with the idea, though. I'm sure he'll get over it."

Zuko laughed. He was sure he knew, even in the smallest amount, how Sokka felt. The Prince had never felt like he needed to watch over his sister, Zula. Their father had always done that. On the other hand, when Risha had first left for her exile, Zuko told himself if he ever found her, and she was alive, he would do anything to protect her. "He'll always feel like he needs to protect you. Your brother may adjust to the fact that you don't need his help any more st some point. Back in the Fire Nation, I had seen brothers who could care less about their sisters. Feel lucky that yours it so kind," Zuko explained, "I'll be leaving later today, so I have some things to take care of. If you would like, I would be honored to have you as company."

The Prince of the Fire Nation offered his arm. Gladly, Katara took it. After many long months, it was nice to have someone speak to her like she was a lady. Together, they walked the rest of the way toward the barn. Zuko opened the barn door for her. Graciously, she walked through it and Zuko followed after. The soldiers resting inside snickered when they saw Zuko with Katara. All he needed to do was give them a glare and they quieted down. Although they were relatively quiet, the Prince could tell that the soldiers were still making cracks at the relationship between Zuko and Katara. With dignity and honor, Zuko ignored these remarks.

To Zuko's surprise, the soldiers had kept the inside of the barn comparatively clean. He had expected at least two hours worth of cleaning to be done, but there hardly seemed to be half of an hour's worth. He had told Iroh and Risha that they wouldn't be leaving until roughly three-thirty. Now, he had about two and a half hours of free time. "Begin cleaning. We will be leaving today at three-thirty and I want this barn spotless," Zuko instructed the soldiers, "I will return in one hour. If the cleanliness doesn't meet my standards, there will be repercussions."

The soldiers didn't hear anything after the word 'cleanliness'. They were far to busy laughing, making jokes and rude comments. These jokes made Katara blush. Many of them had been directed at her in an uncouth manner. A lot of the soldiers made it seem like she had no moral values not to mention other things. Quickly, Zuko pushed the Water Bender out of the barn. Once outside, he apologized for his soldiers' behavior. Although she was thoroughly embarrassed, Katara told Zuko that he shouldn't be the one apologizing. The Prince was thankful that she wasn't holding a grudge against him.

Together, the two walked in the forest. It was peaceful and quiet. Birds wove in and out of the branches of the trees. Every so often, they would see a Koertan dash out of the bracken. Fruit buds grew on the trees. On the ground, there were hoof prints of the Koertan and of the two flying bison. It was spring and all looked lovely.

They walked for forty minutes before they decided to go back to the barn. While on the way there, they came across a wounded bird. It was a small thing, no larger than Zuko's palm. Blood came from a broken wing. The Fire Nation Prince took no notice of it and would have passed it by if it wasn't for Katara. The Water Bender stopped and lifted the creature from the ground. From a pouch hanging at her side, she pulled out some water. The liquid rested in her right hand, which turned a pale blue. She set her hand on the bird's wing. Within seconds, it had stopped bleeding and the wing healed. "You're ability to heal will never cease to amaze me," Zuko commented.

Katara smiled weakly. Healing took a fair amount of energy and she was out of practice. For comfort, she slipped her hand into Zuko's. The cool touch of the previously, water-covered hand felt soothing on his hot skin that was warmed by an inner fire. "I know, in the past, we've had our differences," Zuko stated, "But I would like to ask your permission to kiss you."

The Water Bender was shocked at the Prince's forwardness, but didn't object. Zuko leaned toward Katara and their lips met. The kiss lasted for no more than three seconds, but to them, it felt as if it might have been an eternity. When they pulled away from each other Katara said, "That was nice. It's too bad that our families would never be accepting of our relationship."

Zuko nodded and looked solemn. Inside, he was confused. One on hand, even though he was exiled, he still felt tied to his country. On the other hand, his heart was telling him to abandon his quest for the Avatar and to aide him, and be with Katara. "It's such a shame," he added.

Still holding hands, they went back to the barn and Risha's house. When they got back, they saw Sokka and Risha talking outside. When Sokka saw his sister with Zuko, he tensed, but remained relatively calm. The Fire Nation Prince could tell the warrior from the Water Tribe wanted to run over to him and begin fighting, but Risha lay her hand on Sokka's lap. She was telling him that perhaps other Nations needed to teach people calming exercises.

From the door, Iroh and Aang joined the rest of them outside. Iroh had a worried look on his face. "Risha has received news of a small group a Fire Nation soldiers from some animals. She was told that the soldiers are more than three days march away," Iroh explained, "Now that your father has discovered about your little excursion against Zhao, other Fire Nation soldiers are unlikely to be courteous to you. If our soldiers are ready, it's best if we leave now."

Zuko agreed and walked off toward the barn, leaving Katara behind. He would have suggested that she come with him to the barn, but he didn't want her exposed to the soldiers' crude comments again. He entered the barn and saw it spotless. Apparently, Iroh had already mentioned something to them about leaving earlier because they were all lined up. Zuko threw open the large doors and, in synchronization, the soldiers walked out.

The farewells were short. Risha hugged both her cousin and her uncle. Sokka didn't hug them, but shook their hands. Aang, who had become quite close to Iroh, hugged him, but only waved to Zuko. Iroh gave everyone hugs. Zuko returned the handshake of Sokka, waved back to Aang, and gave Risha a hug. The Fire Nation Prince said good-bye to Katara last. They hugged and, for the second time that day, they kissed. With a final wave Zuko, Iroh, and the Fire Nation soldiers left.

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Gah! I almost forgot to save this! That could have been bad! I had Chinese food tonight for dinner. I love seasame chicken. It is awesome. If you have never had it, I suggest that you do. And sadness! Unless there's some freak event, the next chapter is the last one! Yeah, in this chapter, I would have included the soldiers' comments, but then I would have to move the rating up, probably. Some of the ones I thought of were hilarious, though.

Reviews

26, SovereignxXxBrunette: Personally, I'm a Sokka fan, but no one in their right mind could say no to a bribe of naked Zukos. I tried drawing one of the nai, but it came out horribly.