Final part.
I have to say that this has been really heart retching for me. I almost burst into tears. I'll give it a little edit in due time.
The Statue – Part three
Set in the North Pole during the events of the final chapter Book one.
"In the memory of Shiian of the Fire Nation. May her spirit of fire live on through the ages. And may she find the love she seeks, for that love awaits her, in death and the next life. Carved by Makkato of the Water Tribe."
"I've heard of Makkato." commented Katara. "He lived around a hundred years ago. He carved a statue of Avatar Roku. Then he disappeared."
Katara rose and looked at the face once more. Brushing away some dust, she began to notice the intricate detail put into this. Shiian was a pretty woman, almost girl-like in her featured, and seemed very fine boned. Her head bowed in silent grief made Katara wonder what she was thinking.
A glint from her neck caught her eye. She reached over to touch the necklace, and then drew back as something moved and fell.
Feeling something hit his head; Zuko jumped and looked for the perpetrator. Katara was staring at something.
"What is it?" he asked.
"The necklace," her voice quivered. "It was real."
The necklace was indeed real. Debris must have accumulated and given it the impression that it was made of stone and carved as a part of the statue. Despite being a little faded and worn, it was definitely the real deal. A flame was carved onto the stone in the centre, confirming it was meant for her and only her.
Zuko tentatively picked up the ribbon. Feeling a disturbance he looked closer and drew in breath. "For my beautiful Firebender." his voice cracked. "I am yours, always and for ever. I love you. Makkato."
They were silent for the longest of times. No-one really knew what to say.
"He loved her." Katara bowed her head and allowed a tear to fall. Wiping it away she asked "Do you think she loved him?"
"Yes."
Zuko stared at Shiian's face, seeing her hollow eyes stare back.
"'Captain Shiian of the Northern Fire Nation. Tried and found guilty of treason, rallying information to the Water Tribe of the North. She was sentenced to death and executed on the solstice' or so I am told."
Stepping back to get a better look, Zuko's foot stumbled on something. He could not help but gasp at what he saw. "I think I might have found our stone carver."
Katara's breath caught in her throat. The skeleton of a man, still somewhat dressed, lay a few feet way. He died here, alone, with nothing but a statue and a necklace. No-one ever knew. The place now felt eerie, with so much loss filing the air.
Saying nothing, the Firebender and the Waterbender turned and walked away, wanting to leave as soon as possible. But Zuko stopped, remembering he still had the necklace in hand. He turned back.
"Does this mean no more fighting?" Katara asked.
"Not here." Zuko answered, placing the necklace back on the likeness of its owner. "This place was not meant to be a battleground."
And so the place was left, its memories lingering and the love of two people still drifting through time, hoping to one day be reunited again, in some way or form.
A/N: sob.