The only thing I own is the plot on your screen. If you plan to take my ideas and put them into your own fanfic, claiming to be your own mind that thought them up, get a hobby. Plagiarism is wrong, don't do it!
"Let me see my sister!" Sokka yelled angrily, frantically trying to push himself past the palace healer. His heart thumped loudly beneath his ribs, the news about his sister's accident driving him insane. "Let me see her!" he ordered hysterically and shouted something incoherent when two strong men restrained him.
"I've told you already, sir," the man in white assured, casually passing a hand over the wrinkles on his shirt. "The Lady is going to be alright. She's got a small concussion, but that's all. Nothing to worry about."
Sokka furrowed his brow. "I still want to see her," he insisted and tried to shrug off the guards' grasp without success. "Let me see her."
"Not in your condition," the man answered and shook his head. "She's asleep and any kind of excitement could harm her." He walked into the infirmary after giving the young Water Tribe warrior a small reassuring smile. "Good day."
The sunlight spilled into the small infirmary, its white walls gleaming beautifully, giving the sanitary space a wonderful glow. The window was a few inches ajar, a nice fall breeze cooling the room. Birds chirped in the distance and the thick clouds that had once occupied the previous night's sky had dissipated. Clean white shelves surrounded the room with small medicine bottles sitting on their tops, waiting to be used in case of an emergency. Neatly folded sheets and towels sat neatly in a corner and a washbowl filled with fresh water sat on a table between two beds. The whiteness of the room gave anyone who looked in a feeling of peace and comfort.
Katara's blue eyes began to flutter open, her mind slowly arriving from her deep dreamless slumber. "Ahhh," she whined loudly upon coming eye-to-eye with the blinding white sun. She shut her eyes and placed a hand on her heavily bandaged head, the bright sunlight giving her an excruciating headache.
The healer turned around at the sound of her voice and smiled. "Good morning, my Lady," he said happily and walked over to her. "How are you feeling?"
The Waterbender gently rubbed her head and tried turning it, wanting to avoid the brightness of the giant star. "My head hurts," she whispered hoarsely. "And I'm thirsty."
"Ah, yes," the man said and poured a glass of water, the sound of the soothing element echoing softly. "I would think so. The ash from the fire must have done a job on your throat."
"Fire?" she asked confusedly and winced when the healer lifted her aching head so she could drink. She sipped the cool fluid and nodded a 'thanks' when the doctor pulled it away. "What fire?" She stuck out her tongue when the liquid mixed with the bitter ash in her throat, giving her mouth a horrible aftertaste.
Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. The fire, of course! How could she have forgotten. The smoke. The heat. The angry flames. The smell. She gasped and opened her eyes despite the sun. "The explosion!" she exclaimed and moaned when her loud voice caused a ringing in her head.
The man frowned and shook his head. "Rest, my Lady. We can talk about it later," he said and set the glass of water on the bedside table.
Katara rubbed her eyes and began to sit up, her head feeling heavy with all the bandages. "Where's Zuko?" she asked nervously when she noticed the bed beside her empty. "And my daughter? Where's Luna?"
"Please lay back down, my--"
"Where are they?" she asked worriedly, her heart beating rapidly. The doctor just stared at her, a familiar sadness filling his face. "Where's the Fire Lord?" she asked again, her tone quiet and insecure. The doctor sighed deeply and shook his head as he turned his back to her. Her mind began to race, the silence of the room becoming deafening. "Oh, please tell me what's going on…" she pleaded, her cracking voice but a mere whisper.
"I'm afraid that they're not doing so well," the doctor said at last. "I'm actually surprised that they even made it through the night." He turned back around, a small blue flask in his hand. "Princess Luna's breathing is very slow and shallow. She seems to be hanging on by just a thread." He took a deep breath and walked over to Katara, watching a few tears leave her celestial eyes. "And the Fire Lord is badly injured. The worst burn injuries I have seen throughout my whole career. He's awoken a few times, asking for you, but then he falls back asleep."
He handed her the miniature flask and smiled sadly at her. "Here," he whispered softly, "it's for your head." The healer watched the Lady grab it, looking at the flask as though it was something foreign and strange to her. And with a frustrated look on her face, she threw it against the wall, the clear medicine spilling on the flawless floor.
"I want to see them," she ordered sternly and began to throw her legs over the side of the bed.
"No," the healer said immediately. "You are in no con--"
Katara looked up at him, her once aching head numb. "Excuse me?" she asked, her brow furrowed. "You are nobody to tell me what to do. Although I am injured, you will not forget your place." She placed her feet on the ground and gasped, the marble floor feeling cold against her bare skin.
"Please forgive me," the man said. "But I still have to insist--"
"Get my shoes," the waterbender demanded quietly, her ears refusing to hear anything that he had to say. She had to see her husband and daughter for herself. She had to prove to them all that her family was fine. She had to prove to them that Luna was going to continue to be the cheerful little girl that everyone had grown to love. She had to show them all that Zuko was a strong man and wouldn't let a few burns get him down.
The doctor sighed and did what he was told, fetching her slippers. He helped Katara stand from the bed and watched as she limped to the infirmary exit, her mind set to see them. "I'll accompany you," he told her and opened the door, allowing her to step outside.
Sokka turned his head at the sound of an opening door and smiled happily upon seeing his sister. "Katara!" he exclaimed and began to run up to her before noticing the miserable look on her young face.
"Not now, Sokka," she whispered and continued walking down the palace hall.
The Water Tribe boy frowned and linked his arm to hers, walking beside her. "What's wrong?" he asked and briefly glimpsed the doctor who walked ahead of them, leading them to the West Wing's infirmary.
"I have to see them," the Water Tribe girl answered, her tone indifferent.
The boy sighed and closed his eyes, tightening his grip on his sister's arm. She knew. "Oh," he breathed and solemnly walked on. She wasn't supposed to know. At least, not yet. They had wanted her to get better. Everyone had wanted her strong so when it happened, because they all thought it was inevitably going to happen, she would be able to take it. Because she needed to be able.
He looked over at her face and noticed the distant look in her eyes. It was as if you could look right into her mind; read every thought she was having. He felt her hand trembling on his arm and he patted it lightly, a small habit he had whenever he felt a need to reassure his sister. "Everything will be okay," he said sympathetically and heard Katara let out a soft sob, causing his heart to sink with realization.
She wasn't going to be able to take it and he hoped to every God in heaven for strength.
At first, he felt in peace with everything. The flowers here were beautiful. The sky was the perfect shade of blue and he felt so free. This place was the perfect picture of bliss. He looked at his surroundings and saw colors that he never imagined. And he found that there couldn't be a place happier than the one he was at.
He looked up and noticed with slight curiosity that even though his paradise was glowing brightly, there was no sun. He smiled and realized immediately that this place was lit with Their light. Their eternal light.
Zuko, because he was just 'Zuko' here, walked a few paces before realizing that something was missing from this perfect heaven. But before he had time to place it, he heard a small child-like voice call him.
"Dad?" the voice asked innocently and he turned around, coming to face with a beautiful young girl. Familiar blue eyes looked up at him, long curly tresses flowed over her shoulders, and a lovely white dress decorated her body. And although he could've sworn that he'd never seen this girl in his life, he knew who she was.
He smiled and lifted the child, placing her on his hip as though he'd done it a thousand times. "Yes?" he asked.
"Where's Mom?" Luna asked and wrapped her arms around the man's neck, resting her head on his shoulder, which she gladly noticed was not covered with metal. "I miss her."
The man looked at his daughter and raised an eyebrow. "I don't know," he answered truthfully and began walking down a path, smiling when he saw the beautiful red blossom that Katara had picked out when she was pregnant with Luna.
"Ooh, look!" the girl squeaked happily, forgetting about her mother and how she was nowhere in sight. Her small hand pointed to a giant bright light centered at the end of the path. "Let's go see what it is," she said excitedly.
Zuko laughed. "Alright," he said and picked up his pace.
"To the light!" Luna said comically and pointed forward. "To the light! To the light!"
After a few steps the light grew bigger but a strange emptiness began to form in the man's being. An emptiness that he knew wasn't right. "Wait, " he began uncomfortably and tore his eyes away from the hypnotizing light. "I think we should wait for your mother."
"Aww," the girl whined and stared into her father's eyes. "How about we go and see what it is, and get Mom later?"
The man shook his head. "No," he said. "Let's go get your mother now and come back another day."
The young girl pouted for a few seconds before deciding that it would be best to take his advice. "Okay," she said and looked at the radiant ball. "We'll come back later!" she yelled and waved. "We need to get my mom!"
Zuko smiled and kissed his daughter's cheek, a small feeling of pride swelling inside him. "C'mon," he said and began strolling to his original place. "Let's go back."
"We're here," the doctor said quietly as he stopped in front of a white door. He turned around and looked at Katara and noticed that she had been silently crying the entire time, her tanned cheeks stained with wet trails. "Are you sure you want to d--"
"Let me in," the Lady said softly and unhooked her arm from her brother's grasp. She watched the healer open the door obediently and stepped forward, her nerves on edge when she saw the bleak darkness of the room. "Open the curtains," she ordered and stepped into the room. "I want some light in here."
"Yes, my Lady," the doctor mumbled apologetically and walked past the Lady, opening the nearest curtain.
Katara walked over to the nearest bed upon seeing a dark figure lying on it, his breathing barely audible. "Zuko?" she asked cautiously and gasped when the light from the newly opened window hit the man's pale face.
No, it wasn't her husband. "Aang," she whispered desolately as she sat down and grabbed his hand. "Oh, Aang." Her eyes fell on his cut and burnt face. Blood that had dried over night had accumulated by his ear, thin little streams that had flowed from his now bandaged head. His chest rose and fell evenly, and she smiled when she felt his hand twitch in her own. Then guilt began to eat away at her heart. She had shamelessly forgotten about her best friend as though he was just some common man. "I'm sorry," she whispered and lifted his limp hand, kissing it. "I didn't mean to forget you…"
"He'll be fine, Katara," Sokka said from behind her, placing his hands on her shoulder. "He's here because he was burnt very badly, but he'll be fine." He smiled down at the boy on the bed, wondering if the Avatar was deciding on staying here or going on to his next body. "He'll be fine."
The Waterbender let go of the Avatar's hand and patted it. "Yes," she said, slightly unsure of herself, "he will." She stood from the bed and spared him one more glance before moving on to the next bed.
She walked over to the next cot and held her breath as she neared her husband's body. She took a deep breath upon noticing a large gash on his bare chest, along with several red burns. "Oh, Zuko…" she hushed and sat down beside him, placing one of her cold hands upon his warm one. She gently traced a finger around a large cut on his left cheek and felt her eyes water when she heard him sigh. "You can't leave me here, Zuko," she said softly and pulled her hand away from his face.
"Katara…" the Firebender whispered softly and slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry from sleep. His mind swirled with slight confusion as his eyes began to focus on his surroundings.
The Lady smiled and squeezed his hand in mild excitement. "I'm here," she said. His dimmed golden eyes looked at her and the faintest of smiles appeared on his face.
"I came back for you," he whispered with a smile. He let out a small cough and groaned when a searing pain crossed his chest.
The girl let out a silent sob and placed her hand on his cheek, caressing it lightly. She turned her head towards the doctor who stood silently beside Sokka, staring at her expectantly. "Get me some water."
The healer nodded and poured a glass of water, feeling foolish for not offering it when they first entered.
Katara gazed back at Zuko, finding him handsome despite the severe burns on his face. "How are you feeling?" she asked quietly and grabbed the glass of water when it was handed to her.
He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, the muscles on his face too weak to do any sort of activity for too long. "Everything hurts," he muttered and squeezed her hand when he coughed once more.
"Here," she said lovingly and lifted his head, pressing the hard rim of the cup to his dry lips. "It's water." She watched him part his lips ever so slightly, allowing her to tilt the glass so the cool water could enter his awaiting mouth.
The Fire Lord swallowed slowly and carefully, wincing when the bitter aftertaste fell upon his tongue. He continued drinking despite the awful taste, the soothing liquid filling him with life. His throat felt wet once more and the necessity to cough left him as soon she pulled the glass away. He opened his eyes, seeing her smiling down at him. She placed his head on the soft pillow once more. "Thank you," he said and licked his lips.
"Rest, Zuko," Katara said quietly and watched her husband nod, closing his eyes. "I'll be here if you need anything." She noticed him smile softly at her words and heard his breathing even out as he fell asleep. She stood up quietly and looked over at the white crib that stood silently in the corner of the room.
My baby, she thought and began pacing toward her child's bed, wanting to see her daughter more than anything. She felt her brother's eyes on her, expecting her to break down at any given moment. She sighed and shook her head. No, she would be strong. She would be strong for Luna, because Luna needed a strong mother.
But when she reached the crib and looked down at her child, she couldn't help but cry. The sight before her was pitiful. The Princess was abnormally pale and when Katara brought her hand down to touch her baby's cheek, her skin felt cold. She's dead, a bitter voice told her and the Lady closed her eyes. No, she's not, she argued and began to lift her child before the doctor began to stop her.
"No, my Lady, you mustn't--"
But she lifted her daughter regardless of the healer's suggestion and held the sleeping babe against her chest, hearing the young girl sigh in comfort. She cradled her gently, rocking her back and forth like she did when she was first born. The Waterbender tried not to pay attention to the fact that Luna's breathing seemed forced and that her skin was getting colder.
Katara grabbed the blanket from the crib and wrapped it around her daughter, singing a soft tune.
Toora, loora, loora
Toora, loora, li
Toora, loora, loora
Hush, now, don't you cry
Ah,
Toora, loora, loora
Toora, loora, li
Toora, loora, loora
It's a Water lullaby
Over in the South Pole, many years ago
My mother sang this song to me in tones so sweet and low
Just a simple little ditty in her good old mother way
And I'd give the world if she could sing that song to me this day
Toora, loora, loora
Toora, loora, li
Toora, loora, loora
Hush, now, don't you cry
Ah,
Toora, loora, loora
Toora, loora, li
Toora, loora, loora
It's a Water lullaby
Luna began waking softly, the sound of the familiar song filling her ears. She remembered that song from a long time ago, back when she barely knew anything. Oh, her mother's voice was so sweet and gentle, she loved it so. I'm glad we came back, an unknown voice said pleasantly. The Princess sighed deeply and snuggled closer to her mother, ignoring the sobs that began to enter the song's melodious tune.
A/N- Credit goes to BabyCenter -dot- com, for the lullaby. I did not make it up, so don't sue me. Although, I did alter parts of it…
A/N- Well, I'm sorry to say that Beware is coming to its close. Yes, I know, it's very sad. Two more chapters left until the finale! There will be a Chapter 20 and an epilogue. I will post them both at the same time, so next update won't be until a month from now…at the latest.
I was planning on making a lemony scene for those who enjoy that kind of stuff, but I changed my mind. I'm currently working on a SMUT fanfic that will be posted on my LiveJournal. So those who have an Lj, friend me (check my homepage on my profile) and wait for it to come out. Otherwise, wait a month of two and check my homepage to see if I've posted it.
Once again, reviews are most appreciated. And I noticed that my regular reviewers stopped reviewing. What happened? Got bored? Haha, don't think I don't notice you disappearances 'cause I do. So…
PLEASE REVIEW!