To serve my master
by Etherealstar
BONUS CHAPTER.

Author's notes: This chapter contains a slight seductive waff. Viewers discretion is advised. Children 12 and over may read. Younger readers may indulge if mature enough.
Disclaimer: Avatar and Avatar Manga is owned by Nickelodeon and Sitcom. All rights reserved.
Chapter 7: Playing with your pet

Zuko watched the raw scene unfold. The death of Katara. Part of him was serious to her death, while the other part of him was at unease. Feeling shivers run along his spine that he could actually think so ruthless, he accepted the bitter truth. Bit by bit, rushing through his veins he was becoming something he didn't want to be.

Feeling the weight of everything stir in him, Zuko turned his face trying to block the scene. But his soul was baring witness to what was happening. Imagining her suffocation, her last moments of life into a blue world, made him edge his teeth.

Closing his eyes he saw an image of her. Dead Katara. Her eyes were open and she was staring back innocently, and the more he saw, the deeper she sank to the bottom of the sea. There were many people that Zuko killed and no one in particular seem to haunt him. Though he never dreamed, he swore if Katara died all that would have changed and the haunting would finally begin. Snapping his eyes open almost immediately, Zuko knew what he had to do.

Running toward the shore, Zuko entered the rough waters. They beat at him relentlessly until he found himself saving himself and a possible Katara. Seeing a huge wave approaching, Zuko took a deep breath plunging into the deep beyond. Going in search of Katara, he searched with anticipating eyes for the girl. Anxiety filled him up, dragging him slowly into a world of guilt for killing his maid. Averting his eyes left, he saw nothing. Propelling himself forward into the abyss, the water became colder on his skin. He was deeper in the water but how far was he going? He thought.

Not even caring or bothering to care, Zuko felt the oxygen leaving his lungs. The burning sensation made him a bit lightheaded. Going to surface for air, he burst free taking deep breaths of air. His erratic breathing was so hoarse he almost swore he was wheezing. Assembling his breath, Zuko dived into the water searching for the lost girl. The fear was building that it was almost becoming unbearable. His eyes went back and forth as his hands felt the bottom's sea-bed. Feeling the emotion of failure sinking in, Zuko became shock as to what he saw. Katara. There she was. Swimming forward in a haste, she lifelessly sailed in the water. Zuko grabbed hold of her and was surprised at what he saw. She blinked. Bringing her to the surface with him he suddenly realized what she did, what he had done.

The feeling or guilt left him and was replaced by nothing other than anger. Dragging her vehemently out the water, he dropped her on the shore, his breath fierce.

His hair was wet and his eyes were a dark shade of amber. His body wet and salaciously inviting became something that did more turning off than on.

"Why'd you save me Zuko, is it that you feel something?"

"How dare you onna" he growled

"How dare I do what Zuko?"

"How dare you trick me in thinking you were dead."

"Why do you even care?" she screamed

"Funny thing is, I don't" the words were dropped like a bomb.

And like needles to the heart Katara felt them. Shaking the feeling off, she countered back.

"Lies, death-lord Zuko would never save anyone, especially the enemy whose the infamous water-bender. Oh no, that's all wrong"

"Oh, but you see you've misunderstood everything onna" the flickering fires in his eyes were seen.

"And how is that?" she retorted.

"I saved you to kill you myself. With my bare hands. I don't want you to die by the sea, if its anyone who will enjoy killing you Katara, its me. Get that in your head onna, once and for all!" he ripped.

She saw the anger in his eyes. So potent, so incredible, so—so sensual?

A blush came to her face. Turning her face away, she remembered the bitterness of his words. 'Why do I think this way of you Zuko? Why are you doing me this?'

"Why, why do you me these things?" she whispered inaudibly.

"Because" he paused, "I am your master…"

Hurt, it was deep in her. She wanted to slap him so hard across the face to wake him to reality. Nobody is this crazy, nobody is such a monster but Zuko is. He's every colour of evil and darkness. He has the book of tricks and snappy-responses in his head. Anything she does or say will always have an answer. Everything she will do for him will always sour him. Everything she does is never enough, so why is she his maid? Why does she show the initiative to care? In those who are heartless…

For the first time, the only way to ignore everything within Katara's bleeding depths of pain was to truly become the slave he wanted her to be. The zombie and perfect maid. To be subservient and docile. Be something she never was, but to be it she would forget what he did to her. Destroyed me…

"And what duty will you have me do, master?" she looked into his face, her eyes filled of lone sorrow and loss.

He arched a brow, "your duty will be simple slave" it was the first time he called her that and it felt horrible to hear him say it.

Pulling her by the arm he whispered in her ear, "your duty is always simple. It is to serve me, to give me anything and everything I want. I could ever" he paused leaning closer to her ear, "desire"

A shiver raced down her spine. Zuko was witness to her shudder.

"Walk"

"Where would you have me go?"

"Places…"

"What places?"

"Places you someday may be forced to go,"

"By you master?"

"Who else onna?"

Katara walked through the maze and came out the next side with Zuko right behind her. They proceeded into the building, up the stairs and into his room. She felt him tense when she breathed in deeply and she knew something was wrong. The heat that normally kept them apart, somehow drew them closer, and closer. Something had changed. She could feel it. Heat. Was it truly present?

Pushing her on the bed, he leaned over her. Katara gasped.

"Tell me why you do it?" the water droplets were still clinging to him. A single droplet rolled down his nose falling on her neck. The tension that was never felt was suddenly present sending her crazy. The feeling of having his delirious eyes heat her wet skin was amazing.

She couldn't deny his amber eyes did a fine job of hypnotizing her into a world where crazy, yet magical things occurred. 'What is this strange feeling that comes at me in a rush?'

The feeling of being seen inside out by Zuko was phenomenal and a bit awkward. She saw the look in his eyes. It called at her, making her depths become ignited by something anew, something never felt. Turning her face away from his, she felt his stare laser her down. Almost incredulously, Zuko worked her body with just the mere position of him over her and the magical power of his eyes on her body. The electrifying sensation increased when he brought himself to her neck, whispering, "turn to your master, slave"

His breath tickled her skin but did more than it. It corrupted her straight thinking.

He trailed his cruel whispering over her wet skin. It taunted her beyond her control.

"Why do you do it, Katara" Like a strange language it made her muddleheaded but in a good way. Even her name, it sounded beautiful on his lips. Turning to him, her eyes became hazy and her resistance weak and crumbed. Whispering almost breathlessly, "w-what?"

"Why do you do me—"Master Zuko, you are called to a meeting" a knock and a voice came to door. Zuko and Katara found themselves staring back into each other's eyes as if they were the last persons on Earth. Not wanting him to go, she tried to deepen the look into his eyes. Unfortunately he pulled away.

"Nothing happened. Forget everything that happened" was his hostile statement.

'What?'

Oh no, for sure Zuko had to be out his mind, because Katara for sure knew this was something she definitely couldn't stab with all the knives in the world. Inside the feeling she wanted to begone of was flourishing perfectly. What Zuko asked of her, to forget of it, was completely and utterly crazy. He did something that was corrupting her and there was no end to this blinding feeling of naughty desire.

Zuko changed in the bathroom, getting rid of the salt water knowing he left things raw and unfinished. Things had gone overboard and there was no possible way to fix it. The best advice was to treat her as she was to him, a slave and accept the role of what masters do best, wear their slaves out.

Finishing up, he wiped his skin and changed off - returning to the warlord attire. Entering his room (which is connected to the bathroom), he saw his little slave on his bed. She was left deep in thought. Leaving her to be, he tried to show himself there was nothing to feel guilty for.

It was all a mistake. 'Oh who am I kidding? I shouldn't have let things get this far. How could I have been so stupid? Aghh! I just hate this!'

For days Aang stared at the ceiling. He'd never felt something so painful and somehow he wish he didn't feel it. For days he'd done nothing but stare at the wall and flitch at times whispering her name. Katara, the girl of his dreams had a way about her. She was his light and his comfort, his friend and admirer.

Lying down on the cold wooden floors of the large room, Aang found the shadows of the day playing against the wall. Everything was going by his eyes seen but not cared for. Simple things like the way how a flower blooms and how the bamboo whistles with the wind intrigued him, but today, now, it didn't matter, he didn't care.

All that matter was the loss in his heart.

Tortured by the memories, by the smiles and laughter, growls and quarrels, the memories planted themselves deep in the folds of his heart. The sunshine filters through the curtains falling on his face, but does he care? He doesn't.

The cold breezes enter the room but he doesn't care still. The night and day both show their faces but this young Avatar gives not a damn. Closing his eyes, he sees himself holding her. Telling her that no one will separate them from being the best of friends. He reassures her by hugging her, but the image is replaced with another of a fire lord who has her in chains in a deep dungeon.

Reopening his eyes he found the truth was just too much to bear. 'What can I do? Really, what can I do?' All along everyone might have thought differently, but his strength was Katara.

In her laughs and smiles. With that gone, it is like trying to walk without energy.

The shoji (Japanese doors that slide) slammed opened. It was Sokka. He had just about it with everyone failing and going away from him. First it was Katara, he lost her all thanks to Zuko, but losing Aang, his friend and somewhat little brother was not acceptable.

"Aang we need to talk," Sokka was firm

No answer.

Sokka went to Aang's side seeing the sadness on the young boy's face. Sokka wasn't even sure if twelve year olds felt this kind of a thing, but looking at Aang he saw indifferently.

"Aang, come on, you got to break out of this"

No answer.

"Aang, I know you don't want to hear this from me but if its me you got to hear it from then fine. Do you think Katara would be proud of what was happening?" he paused to see no response. "Katara is looking forward to seeing us Aang. The longer we wait, the more tortured she becomes by Zuko. You know we can't allow some creep to steal off Katara like that? Katara needs our help Aang, and what you're doing, is letting her down. You may feel as if you're feeling the world of torture and pain, but think of Katara. She's being held against her own will you can say. She doesn't want to be there, she wants to be with us." Aang flinched. Sokka could see he was getting through.

"If you really care for Katara, you'd fight to get her back. You know Katara needs our help, but are you going to help her or let Zuko not only take away our Katara, but take away your happiness?" Sokka asked.

Aang swallowed, "w-what should I do?"

"Fight for her," he paused, "for our Katara"

Aang nodded.

Before his very eyes the day was flying pass.

He sighed remembering what he had done. 'Idiot' he scolded himself.

"And our strategy is simple." The voice of his grandfather could be heard.

Zuko's eyes trailed out the window. Completely unaware that his grandfather was onto him.

"Zuko," came his deep voice.

Startled at the voice, the teen turned to look at his grand pa.

Giving a face of 'what' the old man scowled. His grandson was a bunch of show off. A lot of it in fact. If it was one thing he didn't like about his grandson was the fact he was a brat and a cocky little showoff.

"What is it old man?"

And of course there was a respect dysfunction which his grandfather could go on and on about but right now it was time to put the teen in place.

"I saw you day-dreaming miboy" the man started.

"No I wasn't"

"Is that so?"

Zuko didn't answer.

"Because I could have sworn I saw you sighing, looking out the window with a remote expression on your face"

Zuko narrowed his brows, "trust me, I wasn't"

"Hmm, so you say, so tell me, do you agree with our plans?"

Eyes of his soldiers, higher ranks and his relatives focused on him. The uncomfortable feeling of having everyone looking on, expecting an answer and the right one, killed him. Damn, he hated moments like this. Staring back at his grand father who wore a smug smirk made him growl. Why was this man so cruel that every time he got a break this jerk would pounce on his case? Who in hells name did he feel he was, his father?

Knowing he lost to his grandfather, he turned his face from them.

"We're waiting" was the irritating statement.

Zuko gritted his teeth. "I have no answer."

"What's that, I didn't seem to catch that"

"I said I don't have an answer, happy you big oaf?"

Zuko got up in a rage storming out the meeting without any permission.

"So disrespectful you've grown,"

Zuko stopped. He felt the comment. If it was anything he felt, were statements that pertained to his disrespect and the Fire Nation. It was because of his disrespect and opinionating that he was banished. Letting the words settle in, Zuko slammed the door shut walking down the hall in pure anger.

There was nothing like a good ole haunting memory to haunt the present. Why not add some nasty words and shame lecture to really bring the mood alive. Zuko scowled. 'I hate them all'

Tired of having people reckon for his life, Zuko went down the steps. There Madam Tristle and the young maids were cleaning the table for the late lunch.

The old woman stopped seeing her young lord at unease.

"Are you alright milord?"

Knowing the boy since he was born, she could consider Zuko more of her son than anything. Zuko did little respecting but knowing her since he was born, he respected her and she as an elder admired that of him.

"Is lunch finish?" he tried to avoid the questions.

"Yes milord"

"Good. Have my slave put my meal there."

"Yes milord"

The woman shouted Katara's name, who was right around the corner.

"Yes?"

"Your master asks of you to have his food in the common room. Go quickly now," the woman handed Katara the meal.

Katara nodded.

Walking up the tall flight of steps she made her way down the hall and to the common room. Fixing the tray on her left hand, she opened the door with her right.

In front of her was Zuko sitting in the Western chair, his fingers tapping the table to pass the boredom. His eyes were looking out the window in thought. Something must have happened for him to be here, because she swore she heard the meeting down the hall.

"Good afternoon, master Zuko." She bowed before walking forward.

He closed his eyes, sighing to himself.

No answer.

Katara figured he wasn't in the mood. Not that he ever was.

Placing his meal on the small table. She fixed him a bold of soup, a couple of rice balls, a glass of green tea and water and fried tofu pieces. Lunch indeed smelled good. She sat opposite of him waiting for him to dig in. His remote eyes averted to the food and then at Katara.

Troubles. They were always in his eyes.

He quickly returned his gaze to his food, eating it in a manner that he wasn't hungry. He took small bites chewing the food slowly and tiredly.

Katara was a bit alarmed at his behaviour.

"Is everything alright master Zuko?"

He took an aggressive bite of the onigiri (rice ball). She arched a brow at his sudden behaviour.

He ate loud and quickly.

Katara sat there in thought. What could have happened? Zuko was much of the selfless being who usually got angry and expressed himself, but now, he's just being awkward.

"You know, if you have a problem, you should try telling someone."

Zuko listened to her. Why did everyone always feel that he had a problem? Why did they constantly dictate for him? Did he ask for it, is there a sign on his face saying 'problem boy?'

Clenching his fists he flung the chopsticks to the window. Katara was stunned. His sudden behaviour amazed her.

Looking at him expectantly for an answer he turned to her. In a low voice he said, "go get them, now" he said lowly.

She nodded.

Zuko watched her. 'Sick onna, what is it about you that gets me—infuriated?'

Flinging his whole tray of tofu to the ground, Katara backed up in shock.

"M-Master Zuko, are you okay?"

He growled. 'Always asking if I'm okay, do I look okay to you?'

"Master Zuko?"

'And they ask and ask, and bloody ask. What is with these questions? What is it with these bastards?'

"Master?"

'I hate them all'

"Pick up all my food" he grunted.

"Of course"

Katara began picking up the tofu with her hands when a silver twinkle flashed in Zuko's eyes.

The whole mood of seeing this young, innocent maid picking up his food brought ideas to his mind. A sinuous smirk full of raw evil came to his face. What was it about this girl's innocence that made him show his true demonic self? What is that makes me react so differently when she's in his presence?

"Yami (Stop)" he ordered.

"Something wrong?" large sapphire eyes looked at him.

"Yes, in fact, something is wrong. Pick up the food Katara…"

"But that's what I'm doing"

"No, not with your hands"

"Huh?"

A devil's smirk came to his features, "with your tongue and teeth"

To be continued.

Special thanks to: Archangel Joel for one of the ideas used in the chapter.