Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Seven
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
Zuko rolled over on the massive bed he claimed as his own. Stray locks of black hair were unconsciously swept away from his face as he mumbled incoherently.
In his dreams, he could see her standing there by the edge of the pond. Her hair was in the usual braid he could spot with ease. Knowing no one else was around, he allowed himself to relax and a small, endearing smile graced his face. "Katara!" he called out.
How long as it been since he last saw her? How long since they sat together and just enjoyed each other's company? No empty gibberish, just meaningful silence. Zuko found himself jumping over the low wall and landing in the soft grass that spread across the garden. Everything was so clear.
She stood with her back to him, seemingly engrossed with feeding the turtle ducklings. And all five of them were circling the pond in front of her, eagerly awaiting the balls of bread she would throw in. A small part of him wondered if she had brought another piece of bread for him to feed them. "Katara!" he called out once more.
She didn't answer. His eye brows furrowed and he walked closer. "Katara! Hey," She kept her back to him. All he saw was blue edged with white. He frowned. "I'm talking to you!" He quickened his speed and extended his arm. "Katara!" His hand went straight through her shoulder. His eyes widened as he looked down at his trembling arm. "What..."
His face rose to look at Katara. From the side, he could make out the small, content smile on her lips. Her blue eyes mirrored the turtle ducks swimming in front of her. He reached out again, trying to touch her face, but couldn't feel anything as his hand went through her tan cheeks. A wave of pain shot through his body as he realized he wasn't allowed to touch her. His eyes squinted as he stood on the stone slab before her.
"Why can't I touch you...?" he whispered, confused. He looked down at her face. She was looking right through him, as if he weren't there. "What's going on...?"
Her hand rose and, for a split second, Zuko wondered if maybe he was wrong. Maybe she did know he was there. Instead, her hand swept back some loose strands of brown hair behind her ears. He let out a frustrated groan.
"Katara, can't you at least hear me?" he asked as he lowered her head to meet hers at eye level. "I'm right in front of you!"
He waved his hand in front of her face, only to stop when she lowered her arm and it went right through him. He stood back, dejectedly. "Fine!" he spat out, trying to sound angry. He let out a heavy breath. He knew it probably wasn't her fault she couldn't see him. His eyes softened as he looked back down at her and felt his heart beat pound against his chest.
It seems like it's been so long. So much has happened... He thought to himself as he studied her face. It was so familiar. It's only been a few months...have you changed? Do you miss m-the turtle ducks? They've missed you. His hand rose once more. Hesitantly he lifted his fingers over her face, trying to caress something he could not touch.
He closed his eyes, trying to remember the softness of her face and the curve of her cheek against his palm. She was warm. Always warm and soft. He felt comfort in that. Golden eyes opened and stared down at the gentle curves of her lips. His fingers slowly traced them. He found himself drawn closer to her. His head lowered, his eyes closing slowly.
Just before they closed, he saw her turn away. His heart suddenly sank and he pulled back. Zuko frowned as he watched Katara step away from the stone slab and walk around the tree. Her eyes were focused on something else and he followed her gaze.
There was a shadow by the palace. Tall, built...male. Zuko narrowed his eyes dangerously. Who dared to come into the royal quarters without his permission? From the corner of his eye he saw Katara run out.
"Katara!" Zuko stepped forward only to have her go through him. His eyes widened as he felt his heart stop. He whirled around and then cursed himself for doing so. Golden eyes watched as she ran into the arms of the phantom. Jealousy boiled within him. "Who are you?" he yelled. "What are you doing with her?"
They couldn't hear him. He didn't exist to them. Zuko growled and took one step forward. Katara suddenly became blurry. Zuko froze in mid step and watched as she faded away, still in the arms of someone he was sure was not him. "Katara!"
He stepped forward and heard a crunch beneath his feet. He looked down grew even more confused. He lifted his head and looked around. The palace had vanished. The pond was gone and with it, the turtle ducks. There was ice and snow. Zuko turned around in a little circle, his eyes scanning his new environment. Ice and snow...everywhere.
He looked up. The air was clear and a bright blue sky hovered above him. Soft fluffy clouds dotted the sky as a bright sun shone down. In the distance, he could see a thin stream of gray smoke rising in the air. Where there was smoke, there was fire, and most definitely people. Silently, he trudged through the frozen wasteland towards the smoke. He shivered and wrapped his arms around himself. Where was a coat when he needed one?
As he approached, he saw the low, flimsy wall made of packed snow and scoffed. Did they really think that would keep invaders out? He climbed over it without much trouble and stood at the top. Meager huts shaped out of ice and animal skin tents dotted the little village.
"The South Pole..." he mumbled. He could recognize it anywhere. The South Pole meant one thing: Katara. His eyes darted around, trying to find her in the small group of people wandering around. However, everyone was wearing the same thing. At the Fire Palace, she had her brother had stuck out amongst the brilliant reds and golds with their calm blues. However, now, he wasn't sure who she was unless he saw her face.
He slid down the other side of the wall and began to wander around. No one seemed to notice him and he figured it was like at the pond with Katara. Without dwelling to much on it, he began to walk through the village, occasionally peeking into the huts and tents. He heard giggling and stopped. It was a familiar giggle. "Toph..."
He turned just in time to see the green clad earthbender slip into a tent. He quickly followed her inside and stopped. Fully uniformed Kyoshi Warriors were circling someone as light laughs and reassurances spread around the room. He recognized the leader, what's her name...the one Sokka liked. Suddenly, they walked away from the person in the middle and she stood up.
Zuko only saw blue. The background began to blur and shift once more; only this time he didn't bother looking around. With the sun light and the cold air, he knew they were outside. The Kyoshi Warriors were now standing off to the side. His eyes followed a train of white fur trimmed blue directly ahead of him.
His mind was screaming. Telling him not to look any further, knowing full well he would not like what he saw. But he couldn't stop himself. He looked at her, smiling as she stood there draped in blues. The exact shade of her thick, warm dress matched her eyes. And he would've smiled if it weren't for what else he saw.
A shadowed figure held her hands. A shadowed figure looked down at her. Zuko froze as the reality of the situation sank in. Katara was marrying someone else.
"Zuko! Zuko!" The panicked voice of Iroh came through as he pounded against the door.
The Fire Lord's eyes flashed open as he woke up, rigid in bed. Beads of sweat trickled down his head as gasped for breath. He sat up, his body still tense as he looked around. No snow. No ice. Just a red canopy and sheets. His chest heaved with labored breaths. He looked down at his trembling hands and clenched them slowly. Where did that come from...?
"Zuko!" Iroh shouted again. "Zuko, I heard screaming!"
"Screaming?" Zuko mumbled. He looked at his bed. It looked as if there had been a struggle. His pillows had fallen on to floor and the sheets were kicked to the side in large clumps. He raised a hand and ran it through his hair.
"Zuko!"
"I'm fine!" he shouted back. The pounding stopped and he could almost hear Iroh's breath of relief.
"Are you sure?" Iroh asked. Zuko took in several calming breaths before falling back over his bed.
"I said I'm fine, Uncle!"
"You didn't sound like you are fine." Iroh insisted. Zuko sighed. He knew his Uncle wouldn't rest until he made sure Zuko really was okay.
He rolled off the bed and walked over to the door. Annoyed, he unlocked it and pulled it open, meeting his robe clad Uncle with a tired look.
"See. I'm fine."
Iroh raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "You don't look too good."
Zuko growled. "I had a dream. That's all."
"Oh...was it a nightmare? Your mother told me you had a lot when you were a boy."
"No, it was not a nightmare," Zuko hissed as he gripped the door knob. "It just wasn't pleasant. Now, if you'll leave me alone, I'd like to get ready for the rest of the day."
Iroh sighed heavily. "If you think you don't need any more sleep..."
"I'm fine, Uncle. I just woke up a little earlier than usual."
"Zuko," Iroh said. "The sun hasn't risen yet." The young Fire Lord turned around and looked back into his room. It was still dark.
"I...wanted an early start!" Zuko countered. "I have a lot to do today!"
"Is that so?" Iroh asked with a chuckle. "Then I will let you get started on your day."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Just be sure to put on some clothes."
"Of course, I-" Zuko's eyes went wide as his face began to burn. He glanced down and quickly slammed the door shut. "Go back to bed, Uncle!"
The old general chuckled as he turned around. "By the way, regarding your birthday part-"
"Celebration!" Zuko's voice growled from behind the door. "I'm not a five year old!"
"Regarding your celebration," Iroh smiled. "I have already sent the invitations to the Water Tribe."
Inside his room, Zuko dropped the robe he was in the process to putting on. "What are you talking about? The invitations are not supposed to be sent out until later this week!"
Iroh counted to three and then the door flew open with a still clothing deprived Fire Lord standing there. "Captain Ji was scheduled to make a delivery to the South Pole a few days ago, so I had sent the invitations with him ahead of time. It will save on postage."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Zuko gasped.
"I didn't think you'd mind," Iroh shrugged. "After all, the sooner they receive the invitations, the sooner they can send in a reply."
"Yes, but-"
"Did you have something else you wanted to send with them?" Iroh asked coyly. Zuko quickly shut his mouth and lifted his chin, defiantly.
"No," he snorted. "I merely wanted to send everything at once so that no one will think I'm favoring one group over the other."
"I'm sure it will be fine, Zuko," Iroh assured him with a wide smile. "It is in Captain Ji's hands. I'm sure he will take care of matters without cause for worry."
"Haru!" Katara ran forward and threw her arms around her old friend.
Smiling warmly, the dark haired earthbender lifted his arms and gave her a hug back. "It's been too long, Katara."
"What are you doing here?" Katara gasped as she pulled back. Large blue eyes were filled with excitement as her hands rested on Haru's shoulders.
"Oh...I came to visit." he said sheepishly as he looked away.
"To visit?" Sokka snorted quietly. "That's the best he can do?" Suki elbowed him.
"Well, what about your father? Did he come, too?" Katara asked. She pulled away and walked around him to see if anyone else was there. Haru shook his head.
"No, he wanted to stay and help with the village," he told her. He smiled happily. "We got it back, Katara. People no longer live in fear and everyone is pulling together."
"That's great!" Katara said enthusiastically. She bent down and picked up her box. "How is your mom doing?"
"Oh, she says thank you!" Haru said enthusiastically. "She said she knew the risk you put yourself in and can't thank you enough for bringing me and my dad back."
Katara smiled broadly. "We have so much catch up on! I have so much to tell you! Trust me, Haru. You'll have to sit down from some of my stories."
He smiled lopsidedly. "I can't wait to hear them." he said intently.
Sokka raised an eyebrow and frowned. He raised his hand to his mouth and let out a fake cough. "Ahem...people, people, aren't we forgetting something?" The group turned towards the Water Tribe warrior.
"What is it, Sokka?" Aang said.
"We suddenly got almost ten new people here. I don't think everyone is going to fit at the house." Sokka said, motioning back to their home. While it was much larger than their old ice hut, it definitely was not large enough for the new comers.
"He actually makes a good point..." Toph said, rubbing her chin. Sokka glared at her.
"What do you mean 'actually'...?"
"We should tell dad and see if he can find a place for everyone to stay," Katara said. "We didn't expect you guys so soon, so your rooms might not be ready yet."
"its okay, Katara," Suki said. "If anything, they can always bunk with me and Toph."
The blind earthbender grumbled at the idea and Suki laughed. Katara tucked her box under her arm and grabbed Haru's hand. "What are we waiting for? Dad's probably still at the docks! Let's go ask him! Come on, Haru!"
"Oh...okay!" the boy said as he dragged along. The warriors followed after them.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Sokka shouted. He ran after them, taking Suki's outstretched hand as she paused to wait for him.
"Hmm..." Toph mused as she walked beside Aang. "Nice guy...kind of shy, though."
"Yeah, but he's a good guy. He's there if you need him." Aang assured her, remembering their time in the metal prison out at sea.
"Still," Toph mumbled. "I didn't think Katara liked guys like that."
"Huh?" Aang looked down at his companion. "What do you mean?"
"He's kind of shy...doesn't seem like he'd fight back or anything. Katara's kind of loud and bossy. I didn't think she'd go for a guy that was such a pushover. I mean, where's the challenge?"
Aang frowned and looked down the path the rest of the group was running down. "They're just friends, Toph."
"Yeah, for now," Toph shrugged. She sighed and patted Aang's shoulder. "It's okay if you don't understand. Girls are just tuned in to these sorts of things. Guys are too dense."
"Hey..."
"Anyway, she is really excited to see him..." Toph concluded. Aang's look saddened.
"Hey, Toph..." he began, hesitantly.
"What is it, Twinkle Toes?"
"You know Haru's an earthbender, right?" Beside him, Toph nodded. "Do you think he's a powerful bender?"
Toph tilted her head to the side. "I've never even felt his bending, how would I know?"
"I'm just saying...maybe, since you're an earthbender, you can tell."
"I'm not psychic, Twinkle Toes," Toph said. She paused and furrowed her eyebrows. "Although, if I were to make a guess, I'd say he's good. But I wouldn't say powerful. No where near my level."
"Oh..." Aang nodded.
Toph turned her head towards him. "Why'd you want to know?"
The airbender shook his head and began walking forward. "No reason," he shrugged. "Just curious..." He turned back to his friend, who was walking carefully on the ice. He took her hand. "C'mon, Toph! The sooner we get them settled, the sooner we can go penguin sledding!"
He wanted to yawn. He wanted to yawn so badly. But he couldn't. Not when some of the most important men in his nation were in the same room as him. It didn't matter how absolutely boring it was, a Fire Lords didn't yawn.
"And the converted navy ships turned cargo ships have settled into a bi weekly schedule. New trade routes have opened up for some of our merchants in the Earth Kingdom. We will be getting our first shipment of cabbages in a week's time from the new trade route. In exchange, we are selling oil lamps..."
The clerk continued on and Zuko found himself nodding. Who ordered cabbages? When was the last time someone said 'cabbages would be an excellent trade'. Agni, wasn't there anything else?
"That concludes the trade reports from the Earth Kingdom." the clerk said as he bowed and sat down.
Iroh stood up and coughed slightly to get everyone's attention. "Is there any new business that requires addressing?" he asked calmly. No one said anything and Iroh continued. "Then I would like to take this time to remind everyone of the upcoming celebration for Fire Lord Zuko's 18th birthday."
A series of muffled comments went through the meeting room and Zuko sat stiffly in his seat. They're already plotting...I can feel it...
"The initiations will be sent out later this week. However, I just wanted to inform everyone that soldiers from the other kingdoms will be stationed here during the celebration."
"What?" a nobleman gasped. "Do they not trust us to host this gathering? That is an insult to the Fire Nation!"
A series of voices agreed quickly and Iroh raised his hands to try to calm them down.
"Nobleman, please calm down. Rest assured that this is merely a precaution. Also, the other kingdoms did not send them. I requested them."
"What? why?"
"Fire Lord, is this what you wished?" another nobleman asked rashly.
Zuko's eyes darkened as he shot the man a glare. "Before you speak, I would suggest that you listen. My Uncle is a deliberate man. He has his reasons." he said in a low voice.
The men slowly returned to their seats and Iroh gave them a bow of thanks. "I have requested them from King Bumi of Omashu and from Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe. Considering that many of their leaders will be in attendance, I felt it only necessary to strengthen security and show open arms to our guests. This way, all the groups will be at ease."
"It is also to strengthen bonds with the other nations," Zuko added. "Fostering good relations between us and the other countries is a priority if we are to stabilize ourselves economically. Trade is a necessary and we must show the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribe that we are no longer at war."
"Our honor should be enough to assure them that we are no longer the aggressor!" one nobleman argued. "Not to mention that we have sent over hundreds of cargo ships worth of relief aid!" A few other men sounded their agreements.
"Gentleman, gentleman, please," Iroh said, holding his hands up. "A hundred years of war doesn't end with a cease fire and a treaty. It takes much more effort to end a war than start one. The Earth Kingdom is still very wary of us and in order to keep good relations, we must foster trust. Do you not agree?"
The men grumbled and returned to their seats. Zuko scanned the room with narrowed eyes. "We have decided to hold the celebration in the main court yard. Therefore, a week before the celebration, it will be closed off for refitting in order to hold all of the guests."
Iroh nodded. "Are there any other items that should be addressed before we adjourn for the evening?"
"Yes, there is something else," Nobleman Yan stood up. "Fire Lord, will you be taking an escort to the celebration?"
Zuko kept his face stern. Beneath the table, he clenched his hands. "No, I will not be taking an escort."
The noblemen all looked at each other and then back at the Fire Lord. "May we ask why, my Lord?"
"If you are suggesting that I choose from the young women studying here at the palace, I am afraid I will have to decline," Zuko stated solemnly. "If I were, I would be showing favor towards one individual. Such a thing could institute antagonism and competition within the system and I do not wish to start something that would distract the girls from their studies. Baring that in mind, I have already decided to go without an escort to the celebration."
Iroh nodded from his seat just below Zuko's elevated one. He's getting very good at this...
"I suppose you are right, Fire Lord..." Nobleman Yan said solemnly. "You made a wise decision."
Zuko gave him a subtle nod of his head and then looked at his Uncle. Iroh stood up. "If there is nothing else, this meeting has been declared over," he said. He smiled brightly. "See you all next week."
Slowly, the men gathered their things and left the room. After the clerk left the room, he bowed to the remaining old general and the Fire Lord before closing the doors behind him.
Zuko sighed and slumped down, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The next time we initiate a trade, please run the items through me for approval."
"What? You don't like cabbages?" Iroh gasped with mock horror. "But they are good for you!"
Zuko shook his head and stood up. "Just because they are good for me doesn't mean I have to like it."
He walked down the elevated platform where his chair was and headed for the side door. Iroh followed him, holding some scrolls in one arm. "Have you received the progress reports from the instructors?"
"Last night," Zuko frowned. "It seems that a few nobles did a little switching with the participants."
"Should I send an order for an investigation?" Iroh asked. Zuko shook his head.
"No, I've already put in an order to send the progress reports to the homes of the nobles. If they are unable to pass their classes, they will be dismissed from the program and you will select new girls to take their place. Not necessarily from the same family." Zuko instructed.
"That will put some pressure on them, indeed," Iroh chuckled. He looked up at Zuko curiously. "You handled the issue of an escort very well back there."
"I knew they were bound to ask sometime," Zuko admitted. "Also, I would like to join the participants for dinner sometime this week."
Iroh nearly dropped his things. "You...you what?" he gasped. "Zuko...this is most expected. Just the other day you were locked in your study, avoiding them."
"I thought about it this morning," Zuko shrugged. "I'm the Fire Lord. I shouldn't be hiding from a bunch of girls. No matter how eager they may be."
"Very well. I will send a notice to the kitchen staff."
"By the way, Uncle," Zuko said. "Captain Ji will be at the South Pole for a few more days, am I right?"
"Yes...I believe he's collecting blubber oil for laps," Iroh mused. "Why do you ask?"
"I just want to make sure the message I sent to him will reach him in time." Iroh glanced back at his nephew, noting the slight smirk on the young man's face.
"I see..." Iroh trailed off, a slight smile on his own bearded face. As he turned to head towards the private dining area for dinner, he noticed Zuko wasn't turning with him. "Zuko, aren't you going to eat?"
"Maybe later, Uncle," Zuko said, his voice strangely airy and relaxed. "I'm going to feed the turtle ducks."
Katara moved slowly, following the graceful movements of the other girls. In the glow of the fire light and amongst the impressed voices of her tribe members, she moved with the practiced movements she had learned from Suki.
As they came to a stop, clapping was heard around them along with impressed yells. Katara blushed beneath the heavy white make-up as the girls bowed and then surrounded her. Suki put one arm around Katara's shoulders and grinned cheekily. "Not bad, Katara. You did great!"
"Yeah...well...you helped a lot." Katara blushed sheepishly. She returned to her seat beside Haru, a few spots down from Sokka, Aang, and Toph.
In front of them, the girls lined up for a more advanced performance, doing things like fan flipping and leaping that Katara was unable to do from her meager, informal lessons. As the fans opened and the girls began, Katara leaned over to tell Haru something.
From down the table, blue eyes hardened at the sight. They were close. Far too close for his comfort and he did not like it. Sokka lifted up a piece of meat and tore into it, his eyes fixed on his sister and her little friend as he chewed menacingly.
Suddenly, Katara tossed her head back in a laugh as Haru said something. He blushed and laughed shyly. She raised her hand and patted his shoulder. Sokka sat up straight in his seat.
"What does he think he's doing?" he spat out, scowling.
"Sokka," Aang's voice was heard, but he didn't react. "Sokka! Hey!"
"What?" The warrior growled, pieces of meat nearly falling from his mouth as he whirled around to look at Aang. The Avatar wrinkled his nose and leaned back.
"What are you staring at? You haven't said anything since we started eating," Aang pointed out. "And that would be normal, except there are times when you're not even eating."
"I am eating! What are you talking about?" Sokka said. He grabbed another piece of meat and shoved it in his mouth. "See?"
Aang rolled his eyes and bit into some vegetables on his plate. "I'm sure he's not going to try anything."
"Excuse me?" Sokka gasped, as if shocked. "Who try what? I don't know what you're talking about, Aang. Just eat your cabbage."
"He's talking about you glaring at Katara and Haru, you dummy!" Toph said, leaning over so Sokka could see she was talking. "That's all you've been doing and it's getting embarrassing!"
"I am not glaring at them!" Sokka insisted.
"You were glaring at them," Aang said. "I'm surprised you haven't walked over there and sat between them yet."
Sokka snorted and rolled his eyes. "I already thought of that."
"So why haven't you?" Aang asked. Sokka went quiet. His face relaxed and he glanced back at his sister and Haru with an almost sad look. Katara smiled brightly as she waved her hands in front of them, as if illustrating her story in midair.
"Because I haven't seen her smiling like since we left the Fire Nation," Sokka admitted. "I don't like it...but if she's happy, even for a little while, I can put up with it."
Aang nodded, staring at Sokka with impressed eyes. "That's pretty mature-"
"But I swear!" Sokka growled as his face twisted into a menacing scowl. "If he gets any closer or even so much as touches her hand, I'll kill him!" Toph slapped her forehead with her hand as Aang groaned.
Several seats away, Katara and Haru were oblivious to Sokka's death threats as the music around them drowned out anything but their own conversation.
"So I came out of the water. And it's in the North Pole, mind you, so it was freezing cold," Katara said putting her arms around herself as if to illustrate the point. "And there he is, standing there all smug. So I pulled up this small pillar of ice and began throwing ice discs at him. You should've seen his face! I bet he didn't expect that!"
"You actually fought with a waterbender Master without any serious training?" Haru asked, his eyes wide with awe. "That's amazing! Did you win?"
Katara's arms fell at her sides and she smiled sheepishly. "Well...no...not exactly..." she trailed off. "But the point is that in the end, he ended up teaching me! And he said I had advanced quicker than any student he had before." She added proudly.
"That's great! So you're a waterbending master now?"
"That's what they call me." Katara laughed, light heartedly.
"I heard so many stories about you guys," Haru said as he leaned back against his arms. "Man, I wished I could've come...just to see it up close. Fighting the Fire Nation in their very heart... that must've been...wow..."
Katara chuckled. "Well, it's not all that it's cracked up to be. I've heard stories, too. One of them said that Aang merely twirled his finger and created a tornado that wiped out an entire Fire Nation fortress and then caused a tsunami that wiped out the navy," She and Haru both looked over at Aang, who was playing keep away with peach from Momo. He made trilling noises and a face at Momo before the lemur smacked him in the nose and grabbed the peach. "Does that guy look like he did that?"
Haru chuckled and shook his head. "I guess not," he admitted. He looked back at Katara. "But still, it must've been exciting in the Fire Nation..." He smiled slightly. "We don't have anything like that in our village."
"Trust me, you're lucky," Katara said. "There were nights when we couldn't get any sleep because we were being chased. Even when we did get sleep, we'd always be wary of our surroundings. You never know when we were going to be attacked."
"But didn't you guys join up with the banished prince?" Haru asked, confused. "He was the once chasing you, wasn't he?"
"When we last met, yes...but even afterwards, there was his crazy - and I mean crazy - sister we had to deal with. Zuko and his Uncle weren't that bad. Iroh is actually pretty fun to have around," Katara answered. She grinned slightly at a memory. "We used to have tea with him all the time. That man knows his teas. One time, he took us shopping at the Fire Nation and he bought all these new cross breeds of tea leaves just to taste them!"
"You went shopping with the Dragon of the West?" Haru gasped his eyes wide.
"Yeah, and let me tell you something, he has a lot of stamina when it comes to shopping."
"Whoa..." Haru trailed off. "You guys sure have been through a lot."
"And then some."
"I can only imagine of doing stuff like that..." Katara grinned proudly.
"Well, it was hard, but I can honestly stay it was worth it." She asserted. Haru looked away nervously as she smiled at him.
"Um...Katara...I-"
"Katara!" The blue eyed waterbender turned her head towards Suki. The warriors were done with their performance and Suki trotted over to Katara, a towel in her hand as she began wiping the make-up off her face. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure!" Katara said. She looked over at Haru. "I'll be back in a bit, okay?"
"Yeah, no problem..." Haru said. Katara stood up and joined Suki as she headed outside to cool down. A shadow suddenly loomed over him.
"Hello, Haru..." an eerily kind voice greeted. Sokka slipped into his sister's seat as he gave the other young man a wide grin. "It's been a while...and we haven't even got a chance to talk yet."
"Oh no..." Aang groaned as he saw Sokka sitting besides the friendly new earthbending guest.
"So..." Sokka said as he suddenly whipped out his whale bone knife out of know where. "Do you like knives, Haru? This is my favorite one...Did Katara ever tell you how good I am with weapons? I'm good, my friend...very good." Aang covered his eyes with his hand and shook his head.
"What?" Toph piped as her head darted around. "What's going on?"
Outside, Suki waved to the other girls, who were removing their make-up. She led Katara further down the path until they were out of hearing rage.
"So...?" Suki grinned as she wiped off the last of the white make-up. "What do you think of our surprise?"
A wide smile graced Katara's carefully painted face. "It's great, Suki! Thank you so much. I haven't seen him in such a long time," Katara told her. "In all honestly, I was kind of worried. After we left him and his father, I didn't know what became of them."
"I'm glad...you know, you haven't really been yourself lately."
"Really?" Katara asked. Does everyone notice it?...Or maybe Sokka told her. No, he can barely get out coherent sentences when Suki's around...not that he could in general.
"Yeah...At first, I thought it was because you were over working yourself. I mean, from sun up to nearly sunset, you're working with the construction. And then you still make time to hang out with us. But then, today...before Sokka came into the room...it kind of all made sense. When Haru arrived, you were a lot happier and more energetic..." Suki trailed off. Katara's eyes widened and she quickly darted away.
"Suki, about that. Haru...Haru is just a friend."
"Well, I know that," Suki laughed. "But don't worry, he likes you. Everyone can see that."
"No," Katara shook her head and looked up at her friend with meaningful eyes. "Haru is a friend," Suki let the words sink in and slowly drew her head back.
"But I thought...he was so excited to come down and...you..." she trailed off. Katara shook her head.
"Look, I really am happy that you brought it down. I think it's great that he's finally seeing the world after he worked so hard on his village. I'm glad to see him and talk with him again. But really...I only see him as a friend."
"Oh..." Suki frowned. Somewhat dejected. Katara took Suki's hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"But I am happy, really," Katara stressed. "Having everyone here is great. Since the 'surprise', I couldn't stop smiling!" She laughed genuinely. Still, Suki didn't look convinced.
The Kyoshi Warrior nodded understandingly. "I didn't mean to push him on you or anything."
"You didn't do any such thing. I'm glad to see an old friend. Just like I was glad to see you guys." Katara assured her.
"Then...if it's not Haru...who is it?"
Katara released Suki's hand and lowered her head. "It's no one," Katara said. She thought for a moment and lifted her head up to meet Suki's concerned eyes. "Even if you knew who he was, you'd never be able to bring him along as a surprise. But thanks, Suki..."
Suki nodded and was about to say something with Aang's voice called out. "Katara! Suki! You better get in here! Sokka's being weird!"
"Oh no..." Katara sighed heavily. "Now what?"
She darted up the path to the lodge followed by Suki. "It can't be that bad, Sokka's always weird," she grinned slightly. "It's kind of cute."
"I didn't need to know that." Katara said. They slipped back into the lodge without being seen and arrived at their table just as Sokka held up his shining boomerang.
"Yep..." he sighed contentedly, one arm around Haru's shoulder in a friendly fashion, while he ran the edge of the weapon before the young earthbending male."He never saw it coming. Of course, that's the point with a boomerang. It gets you when you least suspect it."
"Sokka!" Suki stomped over and grabbed his ear. "What are you doing?" She hauled him up as Sokka whimpered 'ow, ow, ow'. "Ugh! Honestly..."
"Haru, I am so sorry I left you with my idiot brother," Katara said as she sat down in her now vacated seat as Sokka was pulled away. "He didn't do anything stupid, did he?"
"No, Katara...we were just talking. Kind of..." Haru trailed off softly. "He must really like weapons." Katara let out a low growl and shot a glare at her brother. As he sat there being chastised by Suki and laughed at by Toph, Katara stood back up and offered her hand.
"Come on, Haru. Let's go for a walk." she said.
His eyes widened as he nodded and stood up quickly. He took her hand and followed her as they walked around the table and headed back outside. As they passed, Sokka's mouth dropped. He looked up at Suki with large pleading eyes, only to be ignored. His eyes darted around the room, trying to think of an excuse to sneak outside.
"Geez, Sokka, they're just friends-"
"Hey, Suki, you want to go out for a walk?" Sokka asked suddenly. She stopped in mid sentence and looked back at him.
"Really?" she asked a slight blush on her cheeks. A smile caressed her face and all of a sudden, Sokka forgot about his chaperoning sister. "Okay..."
"So what do you think?" Katara asked. She walked carefully along the low wall that edged the bridge over the main canal. Her arms were extended to her sides to help her keep her balance.
Haru looked up at her as he walked along side. His eyes lowered and he smiled softly to himself. "It's beautiful."
"I know," Katara said happily. She stopped and looked behind her. In the face of the moon, the newly constructed city of ice glowed with an almost celestial light as moonlight was reflected from its glimmering surface. Even outside, they could hear the music coming from inside the lodge. The Fire Nation sailors were apparently sharing their musical skills with their hosts. "I mean...it's nothing compared to the Northern Water Tribe or even Omashu with all its shoots and slides. But its home..."
"Was it always like this?"
"Here?" Katara asked, her eyes wide. She jumped off the low wall and landed before him. "No way. It was maybe...a quarter...no - less than that, smaller than it is now. We had maybe twelve buildings and a wall that didn't really hold anything back," she grinned slightly. "Don't even get my started on Sokka's old watch tower."
Haru chuckled and wrapped his arms around his body. He let out a puff of air and studied it as it crystallized in front of him. "I think it has something special of its own. A big city with all its fancy shoots and slides is nice...but there's something to say about a small village and its people."
Katara turned around and smiled broadly. "We're small, but tightly knit. We're like one big family...I like that."
"Is that what you missed about home?"
"I missed a lot more than that," Katara said. She tilted her head. "Are you cold, Haru? I knew I should've grabbed one of Sokka's parkas for you before we left..." she frowned.
"It's okay. Really, this is thick enough. It's just that I'm not used to cold." he assured her.
"Then that means we should've given you something more to wear. Here," Katara walked over and put her arm through his. Haru's face heated up as Katara moved closer. "Let's head back and get you something to wear. In the mean time, you'll have to make do with me, okay?" She smiled amiably and Haru merely nodded stupidly.
"Tha...thanks, Katara." he stammered.
"No worries," Katara said. "I was practically hugging Toph when she first arrived. Can you believe she didn't wear shoes? I'm surprise her feet didn't freeze to the ground."
"Hugging...I see..." he trailed off. He swallowed nervously as Katara lead him back into the walls of the newly constructed city-village.
"I never could understand why people would wear such thin clothes to the Poles. I remember Zuko once ran around it the middle of a blizzard wearing these thin gray and white clothes. I'm surprise he didn't freeze!"
"Zuko is the Fire Lord, right?" Haru asked. "How was it like working with a firebender? And the Fire Lord, no less."
"Convenient. Especially for starting camp fires," Katara grinned. "But he's not just a firebender. He's a good friend. And I like think that our time with him changed him for the better, you know. I think he learned a lot from us. Even though he spent most of his time wallowing in despair."
"I never thought that the Fire Lord would be someone to wallow in his despair."
"Well, it wasn't really wallowing. There were a lot of times when he and Sokka would argue. But Aang would always stop it before it got serious," Katara said. "While at the Fire Palace - you know Sokka and I stayed after the overthrow of Ozai, right?"
"Yes, I heard from the Kyoshi Warriors," Haru said. He smiled intently at her. "You were working at the infirmary. Your waterbending really is amazing..."
Katara looked away and blushed. "Well...I did what I could," she replied modestly. "Anyway, while we were at the Fire Palace, I'm kind of glad he joined up with the group. Watching him talking to the other nations and being understanding instead of blowing up and killing them all in a fiery whirlwind of death really showed that he grew from when we first met here."
"He came here?" Haru asked, his eyes wide. They walked down a street towards Katara's house.
"Oh yeah, that's where he found Aang," Katara explained. "His ship just rolled right in, taking down a piece of our meager wall. I still remember how it opened up..." Katara trailed off, her eyes squinting into the distance as if visualizing it all over again. "He came down on this metal ramp, full Fire Nation armor on..."
She trailed off into silence as she felt her cheeks heat up with the memory. Haru looked down at her confused as to why she wasn't continuing. "Katara?" His hand rose and gently shook her shoulder. "Katara, are you okay?"
"Huh?" Her eyes flew open and blinked as she looked around. Her eyes followed the length of his arm to where he was holding on to his shoulder and she gasped. "Oh!" She suddenly jumped back, her arm tearing from his as she stepped a few paces away. "I'm fine!"
Haru looked at her strangely. "Katara?"
"He...um...took Aang!" Katara threw her arms in the air, as if to show him why she had pulled away. "But of course, we got him back."
Haru smiled fondly. "I guess in a way, you saved the world by saving the Avatar." He chuckled. Katara smiled weakly, but looked away, unable to look him in the eyes.
Her own were drawn up by the shape of a building and realized they had arrived at her house. "Oh, hey...we're here!" she piped. "Um...stay here right," she said as she held her hands out. "I'll be right back. Just let me find a clean parka. That might take a while considering Sokka."
He nodded and wrapped his arms around himself to keep him warm as she ran into the house. As Katara burst into her brother's room, she frowned. What had she been doing? Holding on to his arm as if he were more than a friend! It had taken her a month to even hold Zuko's hand and there she was, clinging on to another man's arm like some sort of floozy.
Zuko...She suddenly felt as if she had just betrayed him. A wave of guilt flooded her and she gripped the clothes in her hand tightly. "Don't be stupid, Katara," she hissed to herself as she dug through the clean looking clothes by Sokka's bed. "You're not betraying anyone...there is no one to betray..."
It was just like she told Suki. It was no one. But then why did it hurt so much?
"Katara! Katara, how cold does it get out here?" Haru's voice asked from outside.
"Sorry! I'll be right there!" Katara shouted over her shoulder. She grabbed one thick blue piece of cloth and lifted it to her nose. She sighed tiredly. "That'll do," She shot up and ran back outside, waving the parka. "This is the best one I can find. I hope it fits!"
The young man smiled as he took it from her hands. Carefully he put it on, lifting up the hood and smiling. "It's perfect! Thanks, Katara!"
"No problem," she said. "So, are you ready to head back?"
"Actually, I'm about ready to turn in," he admitted tiredly. "The trip really wore me out. And those girls...I could barely keep up with their conversations on the boat." He laughed.
Katara nodded, understandingly. "Okay, then. Here, I'll walk you to Bato's. That's where you're staying right?" Haru nodded and followed her as they walked up the path. Silence began to drift between them and Haru started to grow uncomfortable with it.
"So...now that the construction is almost done...are you planning on staying here?" Haru asked as he walked beside her.
Katara nodded. "Even though the construction is done, I think I'm still needed. There aren't a lot of waterbenders here and I might be needed."
"Oh..." Haru said, slightly disappointed.
"Although I would like to travel again," Katara sighed longingly. "I do miss flying on Appa."
"I think I'm going to travel for a bit..." Haru told her. "But I'm also needed in my village."
"I completely understand." Katara agreed. He smiled warmly.
"That's what's so great about you, Katara," he said quietly. "You're a really good person to talk to. You really understand me."
Katara looked back at him and smiled. "Thanks," She stopped and looked up at a building similar to hers. "This is Bato's house. You know where your room is right?"
"Yes, straight down the hall, first door to the left." Haru repeated the instructions he had been given earlier that day.
"Great. I'll head back to the lodge. I'll tell Bato that you're already turned in for the night." Katara assured him.
He nodded and turned to head into the house, but stopped. "Katara, wait!" She turned around and gave him a questioning look.
"Yes, Haru?"
"Thank you for...tonight..." he began nervously. Katara raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah...no problem, Haru," she replied obliviously. She turned around once more and felt a gloved hand grasp hers. Her eyes went from his hand to his face. "Haru?"
"I...uh..." Haru took a deep breath and snapped his mouth closed. Gathering all his courage, he leaned forward.
Aang hummed to himself and looked around the surrounding area for any sign of his female friend. The little celebration at the lodge would end soon and he wanted to get Katara before Captain Ji returned to his ship.
As he turned the corner, he heard giggling and carefully peeked. He slumped down and rolled his eyes as he saw Sokka on his back, on the ground, moving his legs and arms apart.
"This is a snow angel?" Suki asked. She stood above him, a wide grin on her lips as she had her hands on her hips.
"Just give me a moment," Sokka explained. He finished waving his arms and stood up. As he brushed the snow off his clothes he looked back down at the thing he created. "What do you think?"
Suki raised an eyebrow. "It looks like you fell in the snow and left a crater."
"You have to use your imagination..." Sokka trailed off and looked at her. "What do you mean by 'crater'?"
"Guys!" Aang jumped out from his spot. "Have you seen Katara?"
"No, isn't she in the lodge with Haru?" Suki asked. Sokka's eyebrows furrowed as Aang shook his head.
"Nope, they left just before you two did."
"Just before we..." Suki narrowed her eyes and turned to Sokka. The young warrior was looking away innocently and she scowled. "Sokka..."
"Um...I can see you guys are busy," Aang said weakly. "I'll find them myself! Bye!" He dashed off quickly, before he could get involved. "Where are they...?"
As he turned another corner, he airbended himself to a stop as he saw the familiar brown plait. "Ka-" His eyes widened as he watched Haru reach out and take Katara's hand. Aang took a deep breath. "KATARA!"
She turned around quickly, narrowly missing Haru as he leaned in to try to kiss her on the cheek. He stumbled forward as Katara turned away, nearly falling on the ground as she looked around for whoever called her name. "Aang!" She pulled her hand away from Haru as she waved.
From where he stood, Aang let out a breath of relief. That was close. "Hey, Katara! Haru!"
The dark haired young man quickly struggled to regain his composure, despite the fact he felt like a complete fool. What the heck were you doing, Haru? Trying to KISS Katara? You don't even know if she likes you! his mind chastised. He silently decided it was for the best that he missed.
"Hey, Haru, Aang's calling me," Katara said as she started walking away. She didn't notice the disappointed look on his face as she waved. "I'll see you tomorrow okay? Penguin sledding - promise!"
"Oh okay...um...have a good night!" He waved back and then rushed into the house. Katara looked back at Aang.
"What's up?"
"Just delivering a message," Aang smiled brightly. "The party is ending and Captain Ji said he had to give you something."
"Captain Ji...?" Katara tilted her head the side and mulled over his words for a moment. Zuko! "Where is he?" she gasped.
"He's waiting outside the lodge-" Aang was cut off as Katara sped past him.
"Thanks for the message, Aang! I'll take it from here!" she shouted. Katara ran back up to the lodge and, as expected, saw the Fire Nation Captain standing there. He heard her coming and turned around, offering a welcoming smile and a bow of his head.
"Lady Katara," he greeted warmly. "I'm sorry this took so long for me to give to you."
He lifted up a scroll in his hands. "Thank you, Captain," Katara smiled thankfully as she took it. "What is it?"
"I believe it is an invitation to Fire Lord Zuko's 18th birthday celebration," the Captain told her. "We will be leaving in a few days and it was requested that you send in an RSVP."
Katara laughed to herself and nodded. "I definitely will."
"Also, I was instructed to personally give you this." A neatly folded piece of paper was handed to her. A few bright red chords of silk were wrapped around it, keeping it closed while adding a decorative shot of color to it.
"Thank you," Katara said as she gently took the paper. "Who is it from?"
"General Iroh, Lady Katara."
She couldn't help the disappointment that flooded out. "Oh...I see..." The Captain raised an eyebrow curiously, but said nothing. She looked back at him, a smile on her face. "Thank you for your trouble, Captain Ji."
"My pleasure, Lady Katara. I hope to receive a generous answer to the invitation soon."
He bowed once more and Katara bowed back before watching him head down towards the docks. She looked back at the papers in her hands carefully. The scroll was just a standard invitation stating the date, time, and location. As well as instructions on dress code.
Katara began walking down the path to her house. She tucked the scroll under one arm and untied the red silk chords around the letter. She slipped the long piece of chord into her pocket and unfolded the paper.
My Dear Katara, She giggled to herself. That Iroh...
The palace is not the same with you and your brother. It's rather boring. Without you here to shop with, my nephew will not let me go out to the markets to randomly shop. The meetings are longer and the tea is not as good without proper company. To be frank, you are missed greatly. The palace servants wonder when you are returning and the doctors hope you will drop by before Zuko's birthday party.
Don't tell him I called it that. He says he's not 'five' any more. But you all will be coming, won't you? Speaking of the boy, he's getting used to the finer points of being the Fire Lord, which includes dealing with nobles. Several things have changed since you left. The biggest would probably be the institution of a program here in the palace. There are now dozens of young ladies here that are being taught cultural arts for the benefit of the nation. You should come and try them. Zuko has been avoiding the young ladies like a plague, believing that they are trying to get him to marry one of them.
Katara let out a quiet breath of relief before shaking her head. Why was he avoiding them? For her? She shoved her questions out of her head as she continued reading.
Also, I have walked passed your pond. Your turtle ducklings are getting bigger by the day! I hope to see you here soon. In the meantime, I've included a small token in hopes of bribing you to come back. It's delicious! Until we meet again, Iroh.
Katara looked down and choked out a laugh as she saw the little packet of tea he had included. She began folding up the piece of paper when she saw someone standing up ahead. Haru, still dressed as he was when she left him, was standing by the door of her house. Her eyes widened with surprise.
"Haru? Oh!" She scampered over. "I'm sorry; I completely forgot to tell Bato! I was talking to Aang and then-"
"Katara, wait a second," Haru said softly, holding up one hand to try to slow her down. The young woman closed her mouth and nodded. "I...I do have something I want to ask you. It's sort of the real reason I came here."
Her lips fell into a slight frown. "Real reason...?" she repeated quietly.
Haru nodded. "Katara," he took a deep breath and met her eyes nervously. "I would like you to ask you to come back to the Earth Kingdom with me."
A.N. - Slowly...slowly inching towards when they meet again. Just give me time to work up the 'drama' (in the words of my brother…). If Haru was OOC, I apologize. But Aang saved the day; as that is what Avatars do. On the thought of Iroh's secret society...that sounds cool. :) Thanks for reading!
