A/N: Okay, just to warn you guys… this chapter has some…err graphic descriptions. All right, enough said. Here's the next update! I hope you like it!
Chapter 9

The night had finally fallen onto Tochigi and its surroundings. A long, exhausting day came to its end as Katara found her way back to the hut. She put the basket of herbs and fruits down on the ground and she smiled when she saw Zuko lying on his bed. His hair was tangled to the point where it looked like a bush. He didn't mind it though, and she looked over his face, from his closed eyes, to the tip of his nose, to his slightly open mouth. Zuko had gone through so much, she felt extremely guilty for always mistakenly thinking about his life. Katara recollected herself and began to search for another blanket. She did this as quietly as she could; Zuko looked so peaceful, and she didn't want to disturb his sleep.

Suddenly, as she was looking among the barrels in the corner, she spotted something dark but there was a bright horn sticking out. She took it into her hands, a feeling of horrible realization occurred. Deep down inside she already knew what it was, but she didn't want it to be true. Her fingers felt the round edges, the half dome, the two holes, and finally the string. As she stepped outside into the moonlight, she saw herself holding the Red Spirit's mask. The breeze blew by, sweeping the mask into the forest. Her arms felt numb, as the knowledge of betrayal seeped into her heart. Zuko heard movement and slowly opened his eyes. Katara was standing silently at the hut's opening. She turned around, and he smiled, expecting a warm welcome in return. His smile disappeared instantly. Katara's eye's were round and glazed. Tears fell down her cheeks and her trembling figure became overwhelming as she came towards him.

"Katara… what's wrong?"

"…What's wrong? You betrayed my trust Zuko! How could you keep such a secret from me?"

He stood up and she kept her eyes aimed at his. Zuko started to put his arms around her, but she pushed away violently.

"What secret Katara? I have no secrets from you!"

"Don't even say those words to me! You're a liar! I can't believe I trusted the Red Spirit!"

As she said those two words, everything made sense, and the information was now free. Zuko's secret was loose and he had just lied to her again. His eyes grew large and he backed away a bit. Katara's tears stopped flowing, and anger started to seep into her soul. He was the other red spirit she had fought with. He was the one that she didn't want anything to do with.

"Katara… I can explain…"

"Don't bother Zuko. I hate you. Anyone who lies and betrays me isn't worthy of my time. I won't stand here and let you make a fool of me! I actually believed your story! I'm on your side now… I've come to my senses… You were lying right through your own teeth!"

"No I wasn't! I was telling you the truth!"

Zuko's anger was now enflamed as well. She had said that he wasn't worth her time! Who says that it didn't go the same for him?

"I am not going to believe another word you say! I can't believe I even helped you, cared for you, nursed you back to health! I have so many other things to worry about!"

"Oh yeah? Who said you had to take care of me anyways?"

Her temper had now reached its height and she yelled out in frustration. Zuko crossed his arms and she stepped right up to him. Their eyes were inches apart, and she tried to regulate her breathing.

"I am through with wasting my time on you Zuko. Mark my words, you will never hear from me again, and if I ever do run into you again, I will not hesitate to fight you."

For a moment there was a still silence as the sorrowful memories of being in each other's arms replayed themselves in their thoughts. Zuko furrowed his eyebrows, but then his eyes suddenly became soft. In an instant she turned and ran out of the hut. The anger had left him; her mysterious eyes calmed him, and he realized what a stupid mistake he had made.

"Katara! Wait!"

But all that he saw was a small glimpse of blue cloth within the thick forest. He had to run after her; if he didn't, he might have never seen her again.

..:-:..

Katara ran with all her strength, and she was glad that she hadn't shown Zuko where her hut was. Her anger was still spreading its roots in her heart; it was worse than the time she had liked Jet. This time, she had shared her feelings with Zuko and he returned them. She didn't want to admit it, but deep down, all she wanted to do was pretend like she had never seen the mask, and go back into his warm embrace. But that was all in the past, and her reason for being in Tochigi had vanished temporarily while she got to know Zuko a bit better. After running for about fifteen minutes, she stopped in front of her hut. Her breaths were short and quick, but she fell down onto her bed and collapsed into tears. Slowly, her sobs faded and she no longer heard herself; instead she heard the dead silence of the forest. Katara stood up, and wiped her face. She was staring right at her own mask.

Her anger returned once again, fueled by the now hideous sight of the mask and all that it meant. Katara took it with fury, and violently threw it out into the forest.

"Goodbye forever and don't come back!"

She yelled and heard her distant echo. A flock of birds, disturbed by the noise, flew out of the canopy and into the sky. Just as she was going to head back into her humble home, a pair of golden eyes caught hers.

"Oh no… you did not come follow me after I told you not to!"

Zuko could tell how angry she was and it made him feel even guiltier. He put his hands on his heart and didn't move.

"Katara let me explain."

"No! I don't need any explanations as to why you decided to lie to me! And as I said before, the next time I saw you, I promised I would fight you, and that's what I'm going to do now! You don't deserve to live…"

"I don't want to fight you…"

He stopped talking as he dodged a blast of water. Zuko couldn't believe that she was doing this.

"Katara… I…"

He ducked as another blow flew above his head. As he neared her, Katara used the water in the pots in front of her hut to attack him.

"Don't say anything! I won't believe you. Isn't that what you wanted to do all along? Get me to trust you and then do whatever you wanted with me?"

"No! That's not it at all!"

This time, Katara's aim was perfect, and she was expecting him to dodge her attack. Zuko flew backwards into a tree as his clothes became soaked. His fists flared and his eyes furrowed.

"You're so … frustrating!"

He stood up and ran to her, punching the air and sending flames right at her. Katara dodged with ease, but it left him open to come within inches of her. As Katara raised her arms to pour water over him, he grabbed a hold of them and pinned her to the side of the hut.

"Listen to me! I'm sorry for not telling you… I didn't want to hurt you!"

His voice barked at her, and his apology didn't move Katara one bit. She leaned her head forward a bit and narrowed her eyes with disgust in them.

"You can't say anything Zuko. It's what you didn't say before that hurts."

In the moment of her whisper, Zuko's guard weakened and before he knew it, Katara's hands gripped Zuko's arms and she twisted away from the hut. She left Zuko standing right next to it and then she saw a basin of water. Katara didn't think twice before she sent the water spiraling around him. His desperate cries of agony filled her ears as the water began to drown him. But she soon began to feel guilty and realized that if she were to keep it up, she could end up killing him. Katara had no intention of that, so she jabbed her arms into the air one last time, and the water flung Zuko right through the wall of the hut. The roof collapsed and fell in slightly. She scanned the pile of debris to see if there was any movement. When she saw that there was, Katara quickly began to run away towards the only other home she had.

..:-:..

As usual, the men of Tochigi had poured into the main tavern for the night. That night was special at the tavern; women were being brought along for a night of fun and entertainment. Katara didn't know why she followed the crowd inside, but she was so lost in her own thoughts, that she wasn't sure of what she was doing.

Once inside, the loud noise attracted her attention, and then she realized where she was. The men were already drinking and in the far corner, the smokers already had gray clouds above their heads. Katara turned around to head out, but a young man stepped up to her. He had a charming smile on his face and his hair was as long as Zuko's but it was actually groomed and taken care of so that it was sleek. Katara rolled her eyes; she didn't need to deal with another man that night.

"Excuse me, but you're in my way."

"Oh, I'm sorry, but see, I wanted to know if you'd like a drink? It's on me."

The man moved in closer and she leaned back, very reluctant to speak another word to him.

"No, thank you. I am on my way now, and I don't need another man to treat me tonight."

She stepped to the side, but he kept in front of her. His charming smile vanished and he became serious.

"Listen, I'm sorry about whatever might have happened. I just thought you looked troubled. Sometimes it's good to talk about things with someone. Let me get you a drink and you can tell me about what happened. That's all really. No games or tricks. I just want to help you out."

He looked serious and he sounded so sincere; Katara caved in.

"I don't know your name though…"

"Oh right! My name is Yukio."

"Okay Yukio, my name is Katara, and yes you may buy me a drink. Nothing funny though remember, or I can seriously knock you out."

He laughed suddenly and Katara liked looking at his perfect face, and his beautiful innocent smile. Yukio saw this and he smiled at her.

"I'll be right back Katara."

In a few minutes, he returned with two drinks of juice. She took one in her hand, and she interlocked the other in one of his arms.

"Right this way!"

Yukio led her to another part of the tavern that she didn't know about. It was in the back and there were separate rooms. He slid the furthest door open so that they were away from everyone else. Katara eyed him suspiciously but her qualms died out.

"It's really noisy in the main room; we can talk here in peace."

Katara stepped inside and took a seat across the table. Yukio closed the door and smiled to himself cynically. He put on a reassuring face for her and sat down. The room wasn't detailed too much with decoration, but there were pillows everywhere so that it was nice and comfy when they sat down.

"Where do I begin? Oh yes, that man! He was so repulsive! He lied to me you know!"

Yukio took a sip of his drink and then pushed his hair out of his eyes, looking at Katara deeply. He nodded his head and sighed.

"Oh so he's one of those guys? You feel sorry for him, and then you begin to trust him, and before you know it, you figure out what he's hiding. Am I correct?"

Katara's eyes widened.

"That's exactly what happened to me!"

"Well it's true that a lot of guys out there just use women. I'm not surprised you were apprehensive of me when I first asked you if you wanted a drink."

Katara was impressed with his intelligence and he wasn't too bad looking either. She smiled and cocked her head to the side.

"I suppose that's true… but why did you really ask me?"

Yukio took another sip and smiled gently.

"I already told you; I wanted to see if I could be of any help at all. Why haven't you tasted your drink yet? It's delicious."

He took another sip of his, and then Katara slapped her forehead comically.

"Oh! I forgot about it! Let's see…"

She took a sip and Yukio eyed her curiously. Katara winced at first, but then shook her head and smiled.

"It's bitter, but then it leaves a wonderful taste on my tongue! What is it?"

"Just a blend of juices at the counter. It was the only thing that wasn't alcoholic. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh no! That's exactly what I didn't want! Thank you!"

She took another sip and grimaced but then nodded.

"Yes, this is one very… very interesting drink!"

Yukio smiled as he saw her eyelids begin to droop.

"That's good. I'm glad you like it."

"You know what Yukio?" she asked after taking another sip, "you are so different than him! I can trust you, but I should have never trusted him! I was so stupid to think he was telling the truth!"

"Well I don't blame you, I bet he was really smooth with his talk and everything like that."

Katara pointed across the table and widened her eyes.

"Yes! You're right again! Yukio, you know everything!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh no, I'm not really all that. Like I said, talking about things is usually helpful. Do you feel any better Katara?"

He looked at her as she drank the rest of the drink in her hand. As she slammed it down on the table, Yukio smirked.

"…I sure do … Yu…Yukio…"

She was swaying from side to side and her vision was beginning to become blurry. Suddenly, he vanished from her view.

"Yukio? Yukio! Where did you go?"

She yelled it a bit louder than she normally would, but then she felt someone sit down next to her. Katara turned her head abruptly and saw his familiar face staring right at her.

"There you are!"

Katara laughed and flung her arms around his neck, giving him a tight hug. Yukio smiled to himself and wrapped his arms around her. She started to pull away, but Yukio kept his grip around her. His smile faded and then he leaned his head towards her. She felt a chill run down her spine as she felt his hair brush her nose. Katara was staring right into his eyes but she couldn't see straight. Something was wrong.

"Katara… did you know you are beautiful?"

It was a soft whisper and she had to close her eyes to catch her breath. Her voice was caught in her throat and then she felt his arms pull her into his embrace. Suddenly, she felt his lips on her neck, and his hands groping around her back. Without opening her eyes, she felt her way along his arms towards his shoulders. When she got a hold of him, she started pushing him away.

"Yukio! What are you doing?"

But nothing was working. Somehow, she had no strength in her, and even though she pushed him away, he didn't budge. Katara felt a hand on her thigh and suddenly she was up against the wall. For a brief second, she didn't feel anything on her neck anymore, but then she opened her eyes and saw his face right in front of them.

"I'm going to kiss you. Do you have a problem with that?"

Suddenly, she became afraid. Katara was powerless and Yukio was not a being a gentleman anymore. The breath was taken from her as he pressed his mouth against hers. She felt his tongue explore her mouth, as his hands started to work their way up from her torso. Inside, she was screaming, but no one heard. Once he pulled away Katara was able to breathe again. His face was distorted in her view, but she could hear his cruel laugh.

"You are just way too naïve."

Just as he was about to kiss her again, the door slid open violently. Yukio turned his head and then his disgusting smile vanished. Her commanding presence sent him scurrying to her feet. Katara felt relieved to be free of Yukio's grasp but she had no idea who had come into the room.

"Princess Azula, I believe I have proved myself worthy."

Katara gasped when she heard the name. This was worse than she could have ever imagined. She was getting weaker and weaker by the minute, and now Zuko's sister was in the room.

"You haven't proved yourself worthy at all."

Yukio lifted his head and his eyes grew large and worried.

"But I did what you asked me to do! I got the girl and she drank the wine!"

Katara couldn't believe it. For the second time that night she had been fooled. But then it occurred to her; Zuko didn't hurt her, he just lied. Yukio actually did it because he meant to do her harm. Her thoughts scattered away as Azula's eerie voice spread across the small room. In the distance, she could hear the laughter and clinking of glasses.

"Did I ever tell you to molest her?"

"No… but…"

"I just said, get the girl and give her the drink. You disgust me."

Yukio was frightened of what she would do but he still had the nerve to ask her for his earnings.

"Do I still get paid?"

"Well, you did get her drunk enough. Fine. Here's half of what you should have earned."

She threw the bag to him, and he took it greedily. Azula rolled her eyes and then crossed her arms.

"What are you waiting for? I have no need of you anymore. Get out."

Yukio bowed and shut the door after he exited. There was a deep silence and the haunting feeling that something horrible was going to happen came back to Katara. She had no idea where Azula was or what her next move was going to be. Suddenly she heard her voice in her ear, and Katara jumped.

"I'm so sorry that you had to go through that horrible display of affection. Men disgust me, don't you agree?"

Katara didn't say anything and she held her breath. Azula grew impatient.

"Answer me!"

Suddenly Katara's vision went dark and her body collapsed into Azula's arms. The princess grimaced as she stood Katara up.

"Ugh, this is disgusting. I have to touch her. Guards!"

Two fire nation guards came into the room and stood ready to obey their princess.

"You will carry this peasant as we head back to the palace."

They nodded and took Katara into their arms. Azula found the secret door and the entourage headed out into the alleyway. After they marched out towards the outskirts of town, Azula spotted an old woman in the alleyway. Miaka threw out her garbage, but then she spotted three people carrying a woman in blue. To her horror it was Katara, but then she saw two golden eyes looking at her narrowly. As the guards passed by, Azula stopped in front of Miaka.

"Old woman, what are you doing out this late?"

"I was just throwing out my garbage."

"Do you know who I am?"

Miaka kept her cool and acted as if nothing had happened. She bowed graciously and then looked up.

"You are Princess Azula of the Fire Nation."

She looked content but then spoke seriously.

"Good, then you know not to speak of what you just saw?"

"I don't even know what you are speaking of, my Princess."

Azula chuckled to herself and shook the old lady's hand.

"It looks like you know where your loyalties lie. I like that in a person. Have a nice night."

Miaka watched as Azula disappeared and then she entered her house slowly. Once inside, she walked hurriedly out the front door, desperate to find someone who could help her.

..:-:..

Zuko, after looking for over an hour in the forest, decided to risk going into town to look for her. Within that time of searching, Zuko realized just how ridiculous he had been. She was right, if he had told her from the beginning, then he wouldn't be in this situation. But he needed her now more than ever; he was just too ashamed to ask anyone for help. Suddenly, as he entered the main street of Tochigi, a familiar old lady started to hobble towards him. Zuko eyed her curiously, though he couldn't see her clearly in the dark.

"Young sir! You need to help me!"

He bowed and then straightened himself out.

"I am in your debt. You cared for me a couple of days ago. What is it that you need me to do?"

Miaka thanked Agni for this man services.

"I know it is very dangerous, but you must help! I have just had an encounter with Princess Azula. She and two guards were taking one of my apprentices away. She looked like something horrible was done to her."

Zuko listened intently and began to worry.

"Could you tell me the name of this apprentice?"

"I'm not so sure… she'd be awfully angry with me…"

"But it could help me to know. I won't tell anyone that she is here in Tochigi."

"All right… her name is… Katara."

Zuko stumbled back a few steps and he shook his head. Miaka looked at him strangely.

"Dear, are you all right?"

"No… this can't be true… tell me Agni it isn't true…"

His sister had Katara and he had no idea where she was. Then all of a sudden, he regained his strength and stood firmly rooted to the ground.

"Do you know where they went?"

"I'm not sure… but I know of this secret fire nation palace on the southern side of Tochigi. It's in hidden by a trail in the forest and it leads to a shortcut through the mountains. The palace isn't very far at all, but no one knows about it except myself and now you."

Zuko's fists flared and his breathing deepened. Miaka's eyes widened as she saw the fire erupt from out of nowhere.

"I'll get her back."

And with that he was gone.

..:-:..

Katara woke up with a splitting headache. Her vision was back to normal, and suddenly she gasped. She was in a steel room with fire nation insignia drapery on the walls. In front of her, Azula was smirking. It was then that Katara realized that she was chained to two pillars.

"What do you want with me Azula?"

"Oh how feisty you are once you sober up a bit!"

Katara stared at her with hatred. Azula found it amusing.

"Do you think there is any hope for you little wench?"

"Don't call me that!"

Azula walked up to her and put a finger on Katara's chin. She jerked her head away and then stared at the princess.

"I really don't know what my brother saw in you. You look pathetic to me. No beauty whatsoever. But then again, it's not like he's anywhere near close to looking as good as me… with that hideous scar and all!"

For some reason, Katara wanted to defend Zuko. Maybe it was because no one deserved to be ridiculed by Azula, or maybe it was because those emotions deep down inside told her that maybe Zuko hadn't purposefully kept his double identity a secret from her. Then it clicked: he had been protecting her from getting hurt. She now understood what he meant. If she knew about it, then she would have acted differently around him when she fought with him. But that meant… that he knew she was the Red Spirit too.

"Why so quiet all of a sudden? Thinking about your long lost love?"

"Shut it Azula!"

Her eyes glowed and her mouth dropped open.

"What did you just say? Maybe you'd like a scar to match Zuko's?"

Katara suddenly regretted opening her mouth, but decided on a new tactic.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I am unworthy of speaking in your presence."

The fireball in Azula's hand died out and then Azula cocked an eyebrow.

"Interesting… but since we started talking about the topic, why not continue. How about telling me where my dear brother is?"

"No. I can't do that. I'm sorry."

Azula's temper was triggered.

"Fine. I guess we'll have to do this the hard way."

She took a bamboo stick from a table in the corner and then with one swift blow, hit Katara against her spine. She yelled out in pain as her back started to throb. The chains rattled violently as Katara's body swayed.

"What about now? Feel like saying anything?"

Tears fell down Katara's face.

"I don't know where he is…"

Azula sighed nonchalantly.

"I suppose you like beatings?"

Katara tried to suppress her pain but a muffled cry came out of her throat anyways. After the second time Azula hit Katara, she walked in front of her prisoner and pouted.

"Tell me. Do you actually care about him so much, that you are willing to suffer to keep him safe?"

At that moment, the statement made Katara doubt whether or not she had a point. She remembered the time when he had the Azure Jewel and he had used it to strip her of her bending. But then she also remembered how he had destroyed it. Her thoughts wandered through memories of the past week and one stood out among all the rest. After Zuko had saved her from falling over the cliff during the storm, he had cradled her and spoken his true feelings. She still heard his authentically worried voice in her head. "Katara… I don't know what I would have done if I didn't see you in all of that darkness…"

"Yes Azula, I would."

"All right then. Here we go again!"

Azula's footsteps echoed in her ears. Katara bit her tongue and closed her eyes as she felt another blow on her back. Suddenly, she felt light and the room started to spin. Azula growled with frustration as Katara's knees fell to the ground, and her head hung loosely. She had blacked out once again. The guards came in and took her from the two pillars. Once they arrived at the cells, Azula ordered them to just throw her like a doll. One of the guards was more humane and he gently put Katara down on the bed. Azula saw this and slammed the door.

"I told you to throw her in there!"

"I'm sorry your grace…"

"You should be! You just ruined all that fun I had! Get away from my view before I change my mind and start having fun with you!"

The two guards darted away as Azula huffed to herself. She walked away and decided to go for a nighttime stroll in front of the palace. The stars were dotting the sky and she laughed to herself.

"Useless, just useless. Unless it's a comet, it's useless…"

"Like you Azula?"

She spun around and saw her brother standing there, ready to fight.