Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Thirteen
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
"I don't understand..." Suki slumped down on the soft pillows that Katara had vacated. "It's the perfect chance for her them," She looked up at the four men still standing there. "Why didn't she accept?"
"She doesn't feel she belongs here," Sokka grumbled. She turned to look at the blue eyed young man in the corner. Sokka's arms were crossed over his chest and he was frowning. "She's directly felt just how much she was hated when she worked at the infirmary."
"The infirmary here?" Hakoda asked. Sokka nodded.
"Soldiers didn't trust her. They would complain and fight the doctors when Katara was supposed to help them because they thought she was going to kill them," Sokka frowned. "I wanted to do something, but Katara made me swear that I wouldn't touch them. They were already injured, she said. To make it worse, it wasn't just the soldiers. It was their families. The wives would glare at Katara and say things about her. It didn't matter that she was healing them."
"Soldiers make a large part of the Fire Nation," Gran-Gran said in a world weary voice. "But those that were in the infirmary were hurt by those that opposed the Fire Nation prior to the end of the war. I understand how they would say things."
"But Katara isn't their enemy!" Sokka defended as he sat up straight. "They had no right to say those things to her! She tried to shut them up at first, but after a while she just started ignoring them. But I could tell what they said they hurt her!"
"So what you are saying is that Katara doesn't want to stay because she feels unwanted by the people...?" Chief Arnook asked.
"Nobility hasn't been good to her, either," Toph frowned. She fell back into the pillows beside Suki. "We went to around the palace. Visiting nobles were fine with Katara when she was just Aang's friend, but when rumor of an affair with Zuko came out..."
Aang frowned. "Let's just say they weren't very nice."
"But still," Suki insisted. "Would a treaty fix all of that? Wouldn't they accept her?"
"It would look like we were forcing Katara on to them," Gran-Gran told her. "Resentment would rise."
"Also, marrying Katara to Zuko as a political engagement isn't really necessary after the signed treaties and pacts that were approved right after the war," Bato admitted sadly. "We were hoping to add some more benefits for the Fire Nation if Zuko married Katara, if only to help push the engagement."
"This is too much," Suki shook her head. She let out a groan and rubbed her forehead. "Why is she being so stubborn?"
"Katara is idealistic," Gran-Gran told her gently. "She always has been. She sticks to her beliefs."
"And you know once she's set on something, changing her mind is almost impossible." Aang added.
"So this is it, then?" Suki spat out, frustrated. "They're in love. They have a chance to be together and her ideals are stopping them."
"Her love for Zuko is stopping her," Gran-Gran added. "She loves him so much; she's willing to take herself out of his life so that he can succeed in something he had spent his whole life dreaming about."
"I still don't like it..." Suki frowned.
"Well..." Sokka mused. "It suits me just fine." Suki glared at him and he cowered back into his corner.
"Hakoda, what do you think?" Bato asked his old friend. The young waterbender's father looked down and thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
"Personally, I am a bit relieved," Hakoda admitted. Sokka beamed a haughty smile at Suki, who rolled her eyes. "Ever since I returned, my children have been elsewhere trying to save the world..." he chuckled."It was nice when we were all home. I missed spending time with you both," he said, looking at Sokka. "As selfish as it is, it would be nice to have Katara home again."
The door closed behind her and Katara suddenly felt like a caged animal. She watched as he walked around her, his body moving like a graceful predator around its prey. She admitted to herself that she loved watching the way he moved. So smooth and fluid like the water, no matter how fast and violent his movements were.
"Have a seat." he said suddenly. Katara swallowed nervously and sat down on one of the posh arm chairs in his study. Zuko began putting his shirt on. Slowly, he buttoned up the front. Katara watched his strong, calloused fingers work their way up. When they reached his collar, she tore her eyes away.
He had just come inside from training out in the courtyard when he over heard familiar voices. While he wasn't sure exactly why Mai and Ty Lee were with Katara, he was pleased with their actions. Even Mai's rather harsh warning was laced with concern the perpetually bored noble woman would only show to those she respected. Then he heard Katara's comment.
Zuko had prepared himself for her answer before he even asked her the question. What if she said 'no' and planned to leave? He had prepared an arsenal of energy to argue against it. Even after they were discovered in the stables and the likelihood of her leaving him became greater, had prepared himself. However, when he actually heard her say those words: I'm not staying long., he felt every single preparation was in vain.
His heart sank with disbelief. Part of him had clung to the hope that she would stay and be with him, no matter what. He couldn't understand why she would leave.
"Zuko..." Her voice was shaking as she looked up at him. His heart was racing, his body filled with anxiety. Unconsciously, he began to pace in front of her.
"Why," he demanded before she could get any further. Gold eyes looked back at her, not hiding the desperation with his usual mask of invulnerability. "We're all alone now. Tell me the reason why." he stressed.
As she watched him before her, she felt her heart rip painfully in her chest. He was hurting and it was her fault. Tears rimmed her eyes as her lower lip trembled. "I don't know if I can even explain it in words."
"Then at least try," Zuko pressed on. "If you don't want to stay, I want to know why. Is it me? Do just not want stay because of me?"
"No!" Katara choked out. She shook her head wildly.
He stopped pacing and stood in front of Katara. "Last night, you told me you loved me," Zuko growled. Katara winced. She knew he was getting angry. "You cried in my arms and told me you loved me! Is that true?"
"Yes!"
"They why won't you stay?" he asked behind gritted teeth.
She felt her shoulders shaking and her lungs burning as a sob wracked her body. "Because I love you!" she gasped out. She saw the confused look on his face and stood up to meet his gaze. "You have worked so hard, for so long to get this far, Zuko. You are close. So close to becoming the great Fire Lord you have always wanted to be."
"And I want you at my side with I reach it," Zuko insisted. "I don't understand you!" He growled. She could see steam coming from his nose. "You say you love me, but you want to leave me! That doesn't make any sense, Katara!"
Yet, without hesitation, her hands reached out and cupped his face firmly, forcing him to look at her. "You are close, but you are not there yet. Zuko, I am not accepted here and no," she said quickly placing one soft finger on his lips as they opened to argue. "Do not try to say otherwise. Mai and Ty Lee just saved me from two noble women. They don't accept me here, Zuko. The soldiers at the infirmary didn't accept me and the military makes up a big portion of the Fire Nation.
"I know how important it is for you to earn their loyalty and trust. And then there are the nobles. The nobles would never accept me and you need them to help run and rebuild your nation. You need their support and acceptance and you will never get that if I stay. I don't want to hold you back from everything you've worked so hard for," Katara's eyes narrowed as she looked up into his eyes beseechingly. "You followed us around the world for your dreams. You went through hell for them and I refuse to hold you back."
Zuko's eyes narrowed as he looked down at her. "You are asking me to choose my nation over you..." he said in a low, trembling voice."Don't make me choose, Katara..." He begged. Because while my mind knows I love my nation, everything else knows I love you more...
"I'm not asking you to choose your nation over me," Katara insisted, her thumbs gently stroking the sides of his face. "I'm asking you to accept my decision."
"Then I refuse to accept it!" Zuko yelled. His hands rose and grabbed on to her upper arms, holding her close to him. "Everyone I've ever loved, save my Uncle, has left me. Don't leave me, Katara. My visions at night should include you in my arms, not long forgotten memories of blue eyes turning away. I hate what I see when I close my eyes. Visions of my mother vanishing in the darkness. My father turning his back to me. I don't want to lose someone else!"
Tears were streaming down her eyes. "I just can't be with you," she whispered slowly. She shook her head. "Don't make me stay, Zuko. I don't want to hurt you."
"You think leaving me will protect me from pain?" Zuko growled. "Katara, have you lost your mind?" He spat out. He released her roughly and turned away from her. "Every night after you left, I would stare a little blue flower you pressed into my hand," he told her. He lifted his head and looked back at her with melancholy eyes. "Do you know..." he whispered as he took a step closer. His hand rose and Katara felt his finger tips against her cheek. "That it is the exact shade of your eyes..."
"Zuko, don't-"
"Every night, Katara, I am in pain," he told her plainly. "If you leave again, you will hurt me much more than it did the first time."
She swallowed and turned her head away. "I have only been in your life for a year," Katara told him. "The Fire Nation is your purpose in living. It is your right to be Fire Lord."
"I already know that!" Zuko exclaimed. "I am the Fire Lord, Katara! If I wanted you to stay, no one could stop me!"
"You're right," Katara whispered softly. "I know that."
"Then why do you still insist on leaving?"
Katara closed her eyes and went silent for a moment. Slowly, her eyes opened and looked up at him. "Because I don't want your reign to be marred by a waterbending peasant from a small little tribe in the South Pole. Because I don't want anyone to speak badly of you, to question your judgment and decisions. Because in this way, I will help you rebuild your nation. I will do whatever I can to help you, even if I have to leave."
Zuko stared at her, wanting more than ever for her to stay. "Do you know how absolutely foolish you sound?"
"Gran-Gran calls it idealistic." she replied softly, offering him a small smile.
He reached over and took her hands. "There are other ways."
"They are not prepared for someone like me yet, Zuko," Katara continued. "Not for a long time."
"An arranged marriage," Zuko said, ignoring her words as he looked at her earnestly. "Your tribe and my Uncle and I can arrange it-"
"They've already offered and I've declined..." Katara smiled softly as his eyes widened slightly, just before baring a pained look. "The Fire Nation has already signed numerous treaties and pacts after the war. An arranged marriage would only enrage the nobility and they would believe you are being selfish."
Zuko's eyes narrowed desperately. "Katara..."
She smiled weakly and raised her hands. She gently brushed back the damp black locks that hung out of place around his head. "Zuko," she said softly. "I want to come back one day."
Gold eyes immediately locked on to hers. "What did you say?"
"I want to come back," Katara told him softly. "I won't stay with you, Zuko. It will only get more complicated if I stay," Her eyes then carried a determined look. "But I want to come back."
His hands rose and gripped her tightly. "Don't lie to me, Katara."
"I'm not lying," Katara chuckled behind puffy, wet eyes. "It's not a promise that I will come back, but I hope that while I'm gone, you will have proved yourself the unquestioned leader of the Fire Nation. Maybe then-"
Her eyes widened as he swept in, leaving her breathless as his warm lips closed over hers. His hands dropped hers and wrapped around her slim waist. He pulled her against him with one rough movement before allowing his hands to ride up the sides of her body, feeling every soft curve. Her arms hung loosely at her sides; unsure what to do with them as heated waves of pleasing shivers ran through her limbs.
Her arms finally rose and wedged themselves against his broad shoulders. She tore her lips from him, gasping for air as she pushed against him. Before she could turn back to him, she felt his lips against the sensitive skin of her neck. Almost immediately, she went limp in his arms as a euphoric feeling spread through her body. A small, elated moan slipped from her mouth and she could feel his lips curl up into a small smile.
"Two years, Katara," He whispered roughly in her ears. "Give me two years to show the Fire Nation that I am their one and only Fire Lord."
"Two...years...?" she mumbled, trying to keep her mind from falling into a pleasurable abyss.
"Two years," Zuko repeated as his mouth trailed down the curved side of her face. "I will have my people's loyalty and trust and my noble's acceptance and support. In two years, you will be welcomed in the Fire Nation."
Katara closed her eyes as her body leaned against his. It was impossible to do. After such a long war and a hard hitting economic recession, it wouldn't be easy for Zuko to gain everything he wanted in two simple years. Perhaps in a generation or two it would be possible, but in two years...? Her heart raced inside of her chest.
"Two years," she agreed softly. "If you have reached greatness in two years, Zuko..." she trailed off, not willing to make any promises. Her eyes opened, but she kept them lowered. A warm kiss was planted at the top of her head. His arms were tightly wrapped around her, unwilling to release her. Her head found its way to rest beneath his head as his chin placed itself on atop her head.
"Just wait for me..." Zuko told her softly.
They stood there in the silence of the room. Katara closed her eyes, pushing down all her anxiety and fears, if only to relish the moment. She would remember the beating of his heart against her head and the warmth of his body against hers. No matter if she returned or not...she would remember him this way.
"I said no!" A loud voice was muffled from the other side of the door and Katara jumped while in Zuko's arms. The young Fire Lord's content look was replaced by an annoyed scowl. "The Fire Lord is busy!"
"Uncle..." Zuko frowned. He slowly released Katara from his grasp and headed towards the door. Iroh's voice was heard mingling with others. Worry gripped the waterbender as her hand shot out and grabbed his. Zuko turned to look at her questioningly.
"Give me a moment to hide."
He looked at her as if she had gone mad. "What?"
"Just let me hide and don't let anyone know I was here!" she hissed in a quiet voice. "I don't want the rumors to be perpetuated!"
Zuko rolled his eyes. "They caught us sleeping together. How much more can it be perpetuated?" She shot him a glare as she scrambled behind his desk. He waited a few seconds until he was sure she was comfortable in her new hiding place.
He turned towards the door and extended his hand. He gripped the handle and pulled it open.
"I said leave!" Iroh felt a rush of air behind him and turned around, surprised to see Zuko standing there.
"What is going on here?" the young Fire Lord demanded. He looked past his Uncle to the several noblemen surrounding his door. "I was in the middle of reviewing documents, so this better be good!" he growled.
Iroh raised an eyebrow curiously. His nephew seemed a bit too lenient considering how he hated being bothered when lost in concentration. Maybe something good happened! He thought as he sure a smile didn't cross his face. I will ask later...
"Fire Lord, we must speak to you immediately!" one nobleman insisted. Zuko looked at the serious and disapproving looks of the nobles and guessed that they had heard about what happened in the stables.
Calmly, he released the door and crossed his arms over his chest forebodingly. "What is so important that it must disturb my work?" He spat out coolly.
"May we come inside first, my lord," one man asked. "It is a serious matter."
Under his desk, Katara's eyes widened. While she had chosen a good spot beneath Zuko's heavy wooden, metal plated desk, she didn't want to be trapped there. Silently, she prayed to the gods that Zuko would turn them away or at the very least lead them to a different room. Instead, she heard him step aside.
"I'm afraid there isn't much room," Zuko told them as he walked into his room. "I have yet to send the clerk to bring the approved documents to the correct ministers."
The noblemen moved into the room. There were about eight of them, excluding Iroh, Zuko, and the hidden Katara. Iroh followed his nephew to his desk. As Zuko sat down, Iroh's eyes followed him. He quickly saw the curled up young waterbender under the desk. She looked back at him with pleading blue eyes and held a finger to her lips. He gave her a small nod and looked back at the men before they noticed his reactions.
Around the room, the eight other men stood in front of the desk. The two oldest sitting on the chairs before Zuko's desk. The Fire Lord sat on his chair and carefully placed his legs so that they wouldn't hit Katara and accidentally make her yell.
"Forgive us for disturbing you, my lord," one noble bowed. "However, we felt that the issue had to be addressed immediately."
"And what issue is this?" Zuko asked, despite already knowing.
"There is a rumor, Lord Zuko, that you were found sleeping in the stables with the Avatar's waterbender," the oldest noble told him. "Did you hear of the rumor?"
"Hear of it?" Zuko asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's true."
From under the table, Katara raised her hand and rubbed her head. The nobles in the room murmured with disbelief. "It's...its true, my lord?" one of them gasped.
"The night before, I was speaking to the waterbender. She is an old ally and friend of mine. We took the bison up for a flight and returned late," Zuko told them calmly. "She had fallen asleep before we returned. I was tired and fell asleep before I knew it," Zuko smirked slightly. "It reminded me of when I traveled with the Avatar and we would all sleep on the bison during flight."
"Then...nothing transpired between you and the waterbender?" another asked.
"We fell asleep beside each other," Zuko stated. He narrowed his eyes. "What do you believe happened?"
Beside him, Iroh let out a small cough. "I believe they have only heard exaggerated rumors from the palace staff, Lord Zuko."
Regardless, Zuko gave them a challenging look. "Yes...but rumors are strong," another nobleman said. "I am worried, Lord Zuko, that the rest of the nation will hear of this and start to believe that you..." he hesitated to continue.
Zuko's eyes bore into him. "That I'm what?"
"What nobleman Shan is trying to say, Lord Zuko, is that at a time like this, the country looks to you for stability and leadership," the eldest said. "They want you to show them how devoted you are to them. After so many reparations have been made to the other nations, they are starting to believe that you care more for them than you do for us. If you took a Water Nation peasant as your bride-"
"Are you questioning my devotion to my country?" Zuko growled as he leaned forward, genuinely insulted. He had spent the last few months of his life neck deep in documents in hope of bettering his country. He had over thrown his own father with the belief that it peace was needed in the Fire Nation. He dove head first into politics he only watched before he was banished, all of the sake of rebuilding his nation. And they had dared question his devotion to it?
"No, my lord!" the nobles gasped. Iroh glanced down at his nephew and frowned.
"Zuko...be calm..." he said in a low voice.
The young Fire Lord snorted out steam and leaned back against his chair. "Tell me why you are here." He ordered.
"We want to quell the rumors, my lord."
"How so." He knew he wasn't going to like their answer and braced himself. Under the table, Katara held her breath.
"The nobles had felt for some time that the Fire Nation needs a Fire Lady." Anger flashed in Zuko's eyes.
"The Fire Nation has far more important things to think about than a wife for me!" Zuko growled.
"In the beginning we agreed with you, my lord," the eldest told him. "However, now that rumors had taken hold in the court, we feel it is for the best for you two quell them by marrying a daughter of the aristocracy."
Katara's eyes widened. Her hands rose and covered her mouth as the severity of the sentence weighted in. Iroh stiffened and Zuko's hands clenched at his sides. Everyone in the room waited nervously for the Fire Lord to get out. His jaw was locked and his eyes were closed tightly. Steam was coming from his nostrils in uneven bursts.
The air in the room grew warmer. Silently, Iroh prayed that Zuko would not loose his temper more than he already did. Under the table, Katara's eyes were wide with shock. They wanted him to marry. Soon. Because of her. Her heart was racing in her chest. Above her, Zuko was fuming. She could feel his anger fill the air with heat. She looked up at him, her hand raising and grabbing on to the fabric of his pant legs, trying to calm him.
He felt a tug. Katara... Zuko closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I appreciate your concern," he told the group as calmly as he could. "However, at this point and time, I do not think that we should concern ourselves with finding a suitable Fire Lady. Such an endeavor would be too costly for time and our time should be focused on the nation."
Katara heard their disappointment and closed her own eyes as she let out a breath of relief. Murmurs of understanding were heard and Zuko stood up. The men shuffled and headed out the door. As soon as it closed, Iroh moved the chair away from Katara and helped her stand up.
"I'm sorry," he apologized quietly. "I tried to stop them from coming in."
"It's not your fault, Iroh..." Katara assured him. She looked towards the Fire Lord standing in the center of the room. "Zuko-"
"They want me to get married," he said in a low voice, unable to contain his frustration. "To a Fire Nation girl."
The young waterbender exchanged worried looks with the old general. "Zuko," Iroh began. "You know why they are doing this already. It was expected to come up sooner or later."
"I thought I had made myself clear the first time!" Zuko exclaimed as he whirled around to face the two.
"Things change," Iroh continued. "What applied then might not apply now," He frowned. "I was worried that they would do this."
"The nobles?" Katara asked. Iroh nodded.
"This gives them the perfect opportunity to put pressure on him to marry a noble girl," Iroh told her. "To prove his loyalty to his people."
"I am the Fire Lord," Zuko growled. "I shouldn't have to prove anything."
"The nobles have come and gone, Zuko," the old general said calmly. "For now, the threat has passed."
"But it will come again," Zuko insisted. He looked at his Uncle with knowing narrowed eyes. "It will come again and again until they marry me off!"
Katara turned to the young man before them. Zuko's hands were still clenched at his sides. She walked forward. "Zuko..." she said softly, raising her hand to touch him. He turned away and began to walk to the door.
"I need to think," he said as he walked away, not seeing Katara's face sadden at his harsh actions. "Uncle, please apologize for the guests who were supposed to be joining us for dinner. Tell them I had business to attend to."
"Zuko, wait a moment," Katara rushed forward and grabbed his arm. She pulled on it tightly, forcing him to turn and look at her. He gave her a questioning look as she stopped in front of him. "No matter what happens..." she whispered in a low voice.
His face softened for just a moment. I love you. His hand grasped hers tightly for just a moment, but said nothing. He released her hand and walked out the door.
"Katara," A warm, comforting hand was placed on her shoulder. "Come...dinner will be served soon. We should send someone to gather your family and friends for the evening meal."
She closed her eyes and nodded solemnly. As Iroh walked around her to get to the door, she reached out and grasped the sleeve of his robe. "Iroh," Katara whispered, almost reluctantly. He gave her a soft, encouraging look. "What do you know of the noble woman Mai?"
If Zuko found out, he would probably explode. He'd completely incinerate the documents before her and then grow very frustrated, if not hurt. However, Katara kept reading. She wanted to be prepared for whatever those noblemen threw at them.
Right after dinner, she had followed Iroh to his study. The old general didn't ask questions, only provided the information she requested. Katara to read the progress reports and background information on his niece's old friend. In the dimming candle light, Katara read through Mai's latest results in her classes. She was thoroughly impressed. A talented musician, top scores in history, government, and politics. She could dance, too. The blade throwing noblewoman had the intelligence to back up her breeding.
A small knock sounded from the door and she looked up. The door opened and Iroh peeked through. "You are still here? It's late, you know."
She smiled intently from behind his desk. "I'm sorry I got carried away," she chuckled. "What time is it?"
"Past midnight."
Her eyes widened and the parchment she was holding dropped from her hand. She immediately whirled around and looked out the window. It was pitch black outside and the moon and stars were glowing brightly. "Oh no..." She shot up from the seat and began to try to tidy up the desk. Her brother and father were probably wondering where she was.
"It's all right, Katara. I can take care of it," the old man assured her. She slowed her movements and gave a nod. "And I told your father you were here reading," She let out a sigh of relief and threw him a thankful look. "You should head over to feed the turtle ducks. It's late and they haven't eaten yet." he added as he began shuffling through the papers that were sprayed across his desk.
"The turtle ducks...?" Katara trailed off. She had planned to go straight to the guest pavilion where her tribe was staying. She smiled widely as she understood his hint. "Thank you for reminding me."
"They've been hungry for a while now, I might add." Iroh chuckled. Katara giggled and thanked him once more before running out. The halls were quiet, except for the few guards that dotted the hallway. As she passed them, she slowed down, trying to seem casual and unaffected by the rumors flying around.
As she looked straight ahead, the royal quarters' garden her goal, she didn't notice the soldiers bow their head at her passing. Katara looked over her shoulder before she turned into the hall that led to the garden. She didn't hear anyone following her and quietly walked into the hall. She could see the entrance to the garden up ahead and the moonlight pouring in across the marble floors.
Her heart began racing, as if it were her first time seeing him again. She looked behind her once more and then stepped out into the open gardens. Zuko was lying across the stone slab, wearing a loose red shirt and his hair in disarray. One arm hung out to the side, his finger tips touching the water. One turtle duck was resting on his stomach. Both seemed to be lost to the world under the dark cloud speckled sky. Katara's lips curled into a thoughtful smile.
She walked across the garden as quietly as she could, hoping not to disturb the little creature on his chest. As she neared him, she realized his eyes were closed and briefly wondered if he was asleep. "You're late." a gruff voice told her. So much for the sleeping theory.
"I got caught up reading," she told him. A pair of gold eyes opened and looked up at her. "What are you doing here tonight?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?" he said as he began to sit up. The turtle duck quacked and scrambled up before diving on to the water. Katara was a little disappointed. She had wanted to hold it. "I was resting."
"For low long?" she asked. She motioned her hand to get him to move aside. Zuko scooted over, giving her enough room to sit beside him.
He shrugged. "A few minutes." Hours...
Katara nodded. "Did you feed them?"
"Not yet," he replied, disinterested. He dug into the sleeve of his shirt and took out a little ball of bread. "Here."
Katara smiled and took the ball from his. She tore it in two and returned half of it to him before beginning their ritualistic turtle duck feeding. "Thanks for waiting."
He grunted out a reply. As they sat there in the usual silence, Katara's mind slipped into thought. Something was different from the night before. The atmosphere around the two of them wasn't the same. It was as if everything had returned to stage one; where the most she could hope for was his hand to touch hers. No warm embrace. No soft kisses under the moonlight. And definitely no euphoric bliss of his lips on the erogenous zone of her neck. She couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.
Her mind chided her. This is what she wanted, wasn't it? To be friends. To make the parting easier. Perhaps Zuko had finally accepted that she was leaving and this was his way of letting her know. Mixed feelings of joy and disappointment churned inside her. She tossed the last piece of bread in and glanced over at Zuko.
His bread was still in tack. His movements were slow and disengaged; tossing the little pieces of bread lazily in the water. His eyes were glazed over and not watching the turtle ducks as he should've been. Instead, they were staring blankly at the pond. He was also lost in thought.
"Tomorrow, I have a meeting with the council," Zuko murmured in a low voice. "The nobles, military officials, scholar advisors...they'll all be there."
Katara swallowed nervously, already knowing that it was not a scheduled meeting. It was an emergency one pulled together to address the issue of their relationship. "They've told you what it's about?"
His head nodded slightly, his eyes still looking at the pond. "Part of me always knew that I would be pulled into a political marriage. It was the only way of marriage my family knew. That those in my position are born into. My mother was married to my father in a political marriage to strengthen ties with a wealthy noble family. Uncle Iroh was married in a political marriage..." He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. "I should've known better than to expect otherwise."
Her arms ached to hold him as her eyes looked at him with hurt. She wanted to hold him and assure him that everything would be all right. But it wouldn't and she knew it. "Then you believe it's a mistake..." she trailed off, referring to themselves. She looked away, berating herself for sounding so pathetic.
"What I have with you is something almost all of the nobles will never experience," Zuko told her in a strained voice. "I know it's not a mistake," He turned to look at her. "I know what they're going to stay tomorrow, Katara. I know you do, too."
She let out a small, sad chuckle. "It's fairly obvious. What are you going to do?"
His head turned back to the pond. "I don't know."
"You know they won't stand for you to hold off marriage now," Katara insisted. "They will make you marry."
"Katara-"
"I can't say I'm not disappointed," Katara said softly, her voice starting to shake. "But you can't just tell the no."
He looked down at her, already noticing the symptoms she carried just before she was about to cry. The trembling voice. The shaking shoulders. The broken breaths of air. Instinctively, he reached over and wrapped his arms around her. She felt the strong, warm arms drawing her near him and relented, allowing herself to fall into his comfort.
"I don't know what to do," Zuko admitted in her ear as he rested his head against hers. "Katara..."
It took a few minutes for Katara to control herself. She evened out her breathes and closed her eyes. "Get engaged," His eyes widened and she felt him inhale a sharp breath of air. "They won't leave you alone until you at least become engaged to a nobleman's daughter."
His hands tightened around her shoulders and she almost winced. "You want me to marry another woman." he stated in a low voice, both shocked and questioning.
Katara opened her eyes and pulled away. "I want you to do what it takes to appease them," she elaborated. His eyes narrowed and she glared back. "Don't give me that look," she frowned. "Do you think I want to see you with another woman? That I enjoy it? I spent the rest of today thinking about that, Zuko."
"But you still want me to marry another woman," he frowned, his hands dropping from her shoulders. "You want me to pick some random woman, get engaged, and pretend I don't love you? Your ideas keep getting more and more insane and foolish, I'm starting to wonder if all that time on the bison has rotted your brain!"
Katara shot up from the stone slab. "I told you I will do what I can to make sure you reach your dreams, Zuko, and I will." she spat out. He stood up, as well, and faced her.
"I told you that in two years-"
"Two years, Zuko? What can one person accomplish in two years?" Katara asked, challengingly. She saw the surprise in his eyes and took a step back. "I told you before Zuko that I love you. Nothing will change that. But two years won't change the situation here! You can't win your people's unquestioned devotion in two years! The nobles aren't going to allow you to be with me in two years!"
"Time changes a lot of things!" Zuko countered. "How do you know that in two years, the people of the Fire Nation will not welcome you?"
Katara realized he wasn't going to relent. He would cling to that hope that she would return. It would drive him in all his endeavors, all in the hopes that she would come back to him one day. Her eyes narrowed and she locked eyes with him. "How do you know that in two years, we will still feel the same way about each other?"
She saw the shock and disbelief in his eyes. The way his mouth dropped slightly and his eyes widened just a little. The possibility of falling out of love had never occurred to him until then. How could it, when her departure left him constantly yearning for her? He couldn't even contemplate spending his life with another.
"What we have..." he began slowly." Is not something that will die in a few years."
Her eyes softened slightly. "Neither is the resentment your nation has for a Water Tribe girl," she whispered. "I'm sorry, Zuko. I want to come back...but I don't think I can."
"So this is it," he stated coldly. "You give up. Just like that. You? The girl who freed earthbenders from a floating prison with words of inspiration?" he spat out bitterly. "You're giving up?"
Her eyes lowered. "Yes," Katara said. "I will give up if I know I can help you." He was furious. She could tell.
"Leave me, Katara," Zuko growled in a low voice. She looked back at him and saw him looking away, his jaw clenched and his hands, fists at his side. "Just leave me right now! I can't stand to look at you!"
His words hurt, but she knew she deserved it. She lowered her head in a small bow. "Then I'll take my leave," she said. She paused as she turned her back to him. "If it makes it easier, Lord Zuko...hate me."
Katara slowly walked across the garden. She climbed up the steps and paused at the top, turning once more to look at the lush green garden and clear pond before she left. For the rest of her life, she would remember Zuko standing outside, glaring at the stone slab he stood before, as rain began to fall over him.
She cursed the rain. She hated it when it rained. She had always been a light sleeper and the gentle sounds of the rain kept her awake. It drove her crazy. It had been a long day with Ty Lee. Their conversation at dinner revolved around the Avatar and his friends, particularly the girl Katara. However, while her friend was talking, Mai's mind kept returning to the rumor that was all over the palace. Well, it wasn't so much as rumor as an exaggerated truth. Still, she found herself relieved that nothing had really happened.
Then she was annoyed at herself for even caring. Whatever Zuko's relationship was with Katara was none of her business. There was a quiet knock on the door. Mai rolled over in her bed, pulling her blanket up higher. The knocks persisted. Her gray eyes flashed open and narrowed into angry slits. Frustrated, she sat up in bed and glared at the door. Who in their right mind would knock at her door this late?
She kicked off her blankets and slipped out of bed. She grabbed the robe hanging at the foot of her bed and quickly put it on before heading to the door. Mai's hand reached out and unlocked the door. She pulled it open and nearly jerked her head back in surprise as her eyes went wide.
Clear blue eyes were looking up at her. "I'm sorry to bother you so late," the Water Tribe girl said as she bowed her head respectfully. "But I would like to talk to you."
"She didn't come back last night," Sokka fumed as he tore through the pavilion. "Gran-Gran, are you sure she didn't come back?"
"I'm positive, Sokka," the old woman told him. "She might have fallen asleep else where."
"That's what I'm afraid of..." he murmured, disgruntled.
There was a knock on the door. "Hello? Is anyone still in there?" Suki asked.
"Yeah, we're in here," Sokka said. He walked over to the door to their room and opened it. Suki was standing there. "I thought we were going to meet you at breakfast? And Katara wouldn't have happened to spend the night with you or the other girls did she?"
"No," Suki said as Sokka stepped aside. "Forget breakfast. Something big happened this morning."
Sokka's eyes widened, immediately fearing another stable incident. Please let me be wrong, please let me be wrong...of all the times for me to be wrong, let this be it!
"What's going on, Suki?" Gran-Gran asked as she walked forward.
"At dawn, Lord Zuko was called into an urgent meeting with his entire court. Aang and Toph are there right now." Suki said.
"It's about Katara, isn't it?" Gran-Gran frowned. Suki nodded. "Those nobles work fast."
"Is Katara there?" Sokka asked.
Suki nodded. "Your dad and the other tribesman are there, too."
"What?" Sokka gasped. "When did that happen?"
"When you were sleeping," Gran-Gran frowned. She slipped past her grandson. "Suki, take me to the meeting."
"Sure, Gran-Gran," Suki nodded. She looked back at Sokka. "Come on!" The young Water Tribe warrior followed behind them.
As they walked through the palace, everything seemed eerily still. It was already mid morning. Dawn had come at least three hours earlier. That meant that Katara and the others had been in the meeting since then. Guards lined the halls towards the meeting room and Suki lead them to an observation area around the main court.
As they quietly took their seats beside the Kyoshi Warriors, all of who were watching anxiously, they saw Zuko seated in his usual throne behind a wall of fire. Around the room, noblemen and officials sat in rows facing him. To one side, the Water Tribe officials sat, all looking unhappy with the situation. And sitting with them was Katara.
"What's happened so far?" Suki asked one of the girls.
"The Fire Lord has stated that Katara is only a friend. Katara confirmed it. Then the nobles starting telling him to get married." one girl replied.
The newcomers nodded and looked back at the court in front of them.
Zuko kept a calm mask of indifference on his face as he sat before his court. To his right, his Uncle. To his left, the clerk. He was dressed in the deep red and gold robes of a Fire Lord and his hair neatly kept. However, his eyes glinted with a tired look. He had gotten no sleep the night before.
He didn't know how long he was standing in the garden, but he did remember rain. It didn't matter that he was cold and tired and wet, he couldn't bring himself to move. The lingering hope that Katara would return stayed to him. After hours of wallowing in the darkness, he turned to head to his room. Then he heard the sounds of feet padding quietly across the hall floor.
His head turned up, hopefully. A tall, slim figure graced the entryway and Zuko's hopeful face fell. Mai stood at by the hall, hesitant to walk outside in the rain. She didn't have to. Zuko stared at her face; reading the uncertainty on her face. It was clear to him why she was there.
Katara had sent her.
"We have been debating over this issue for some time now, Fire Lord," one of the nobleman said. "As a court, we advise you to wed a Fire Nation daughter and quell the rumors of a relationship with Katara of the Water Tribe immediately."
"Nobleman Yan, it would take time to find the Fire Lord a suitable bride," Iroh told the man as well as the court. "As of right now, we do not have the time to do that."
"Then allow the court to choose a Fire Lady for the Fire Lord," another nobleman suggested. "Surely, we can pull together a list of choices for the Fire Lord."
From her seat, Katara glared at the men, insulted that they would treat their own daughters like that. A list...they weren't wine to choose from. A few men agreed with the idea. Katara's eyes drifted back to Zuko. He still sat rigidly, unmoving and his gaze unrelenting. She hadn't spoken to him since she left the garden.
All she had done was follow Mai.
"What are you doing here?" She could hear Zuko's voice from behind the hallway wall were she had been leaning against in the pre-dawn hours. Just a few feet from her, Mai stood at the entryway to the garden, one hand gripping on the side of the wall for support.
"Katara came to speak to me," replied a seemingly calm voice. "She said you would understand if I came. Do you accept?" Katara closed her eyes and silently prayed.
His voice was strained. "What did she tell you?"
"To do what I can to help you achieve greatness."
He went silent. Katara heard Mai walk out on to the over hand above the steps. "I accept."
Katara felt her world grow dimmer. She clutched her hands against her chest as she slid to the floor, tears silently streaming from her eyes. Now, hours later, she sat beside her father and Master Pakku, watching the proceedings.
"I refuse to marry immediately," Zuko said in a low voice. "I already stated that I do not feel that it is a good time to marry. That is a personal choice that I ask you to honor."
"But Fire Lord-"
"However," Zuko said, cutting him off with a cold glare. "I have decided to accept an engagement to a Fire Nation girl." Beside him, Iroh closed his eyes, as if pained to hear him give in. A series of murmurs went through the court. From their seats, Suki and Sokka looked at Katara. She sat there, as emotionlessly as she could. Even Aang and Toph looked at her, confused and concerned.
"Is this true, Fire Lord?" an older nobleman asked. Zuko gave a nod of his head.
"Then we shall pull together a list of candidates for you immediately, my lord!" another said enthusiastically.
"That won't be necessary," Zuko stated. The once excited court before him slowly came to a halt. Questioning looks were given and murmurs died down. "I've already chosen a young lady to be my fiancée."
"My lord..." one noble began, hesitantly."You have chosen?"
"Yes," Zuko frowned. "She meets all the necessary qualifications. Knowledge of arts, culture, history, and politics. Raised in the court, of a good noble family," He turned to his right and looked at his Uncle. "Bring her in."
The old general bowed his head and walked off to the side. Everyone waited, holding their breaths. Whispering was heard and Iroh returned. Behind him was a tall, slender young woman in dark red colored dresses. Both Aang and Sokka's mouths dropped. Toph recognized the footsteps and her blind eyes widened.
"Mai?" a nobleman gasped from his seat.
"Hello, dad." she told him in a bored voice as she passed. She bowed respectfully to the Fire Lord and then turned back to bow to the court.
"I present to you my fiancee," Zuko said in a clear, low voice. "Mai of the Sun Family."
"Katara," Hakoda called out as his daughter shoved the last of her belongings into her bag. "Is this what you really want to do?"
"Its fine dad," Katara replied calmly. She pulled the drawstring of her bag closed and stood up. "Are Aang and Toph ready to go?"
"Katara, wait a moment," Hakoda said as he stopped his daughter from walking out of the room. The young woman looked up at him curiously. "You've been in here for two days and all of a sudden you tell me you're going to leave with the Avatar?"
"I think I could be of use to the people he's serving," Katara told him seriously. "After helping with Haru's village, I realized just how much work there has to be done in the Earth Kingdom."
"Katara..." Hakoda told her sadly. "Must you go again?"
"I'm needed else where, dad," Katara smiled softly. She reached up and hugged her father tightly. "The South Pole is practically rebuilt. You don't need me there any more."
"But I'll miss you." Hakoda admitted as he looked down at his little girl.
Katara smiled and blinked to keep the tears at bay. She hated saying good-bye. "I'll miss you, too, dad. And Sokka and Gran-Gran, too. But I'll visit. I promise."
"I will hold you to that," Hakoda smiled warmly. He hugged his daughter one last time. "The Avatar and Toph are waiting in the courtyard."
"Thank you, dad," Katara watched as her father headed out the door. She looked back at her suite in the pavilion. It had been her sanctuary for the last two days after Zuko announced his engagement to Mai. When she didn't have to be somewhere out in the palace, she was in her room, safe from the whispers of the court. She hadn't really spoken to Zuko or Mai since the night she left the garden. Not that she had time to.
Since the announcement, the palace was buzzing. A party was thrown immediately to celebrate, with Mai and Zuko the main attraction. As Zuko's 'friend' and ally, she made an appearance. Even giving them both warm hugs and wishing them well. All three were aware of how awkward that had been. As nobles spoke of possible wedding dates to whether or not Mai would give birth to a son first, Katara had been protectively sheltered from any scalding court conversation by her friends.
The Kyoshi Warriors, at least two, were with her at all times. Sokka, Suki, and Toph stuck to her like glue. Aang would've as well, had it not been for him being the Avatar. They would sit together at their table, talking about what they planned to do next. Katara asked Aang if she could go with him and Toph. They were surprised at the request, but quickly agreed. They understood why she asked.
Katara needed to get her mind off of what was happening. They all seemed to know. Even though they didn't agree with what was going on, they didn't ask questions. It was obvious she didn't want to talk about it. During moments were she forgot where she was or wasn't engrossed in something else, her face carried a hollow, haunted look. Like she had lost a part of herself. Sokka admitted quietly to Suki that he didn't like what was going on either.
There were times during the party in the grand banquet hall that nobles tried to make their way over to Katara to study her and whisper. Others went a step further and casually walked by while saying, rather loudly, inappropriate comments about Katara and Zuko's relationship. Words were thrown around that Katara brushed off. Toph silently got back at them by casually moving her feet across the floor and sending noblewomen falling. And then Suki remarked about how she had always thought they were more graceful than that.
Katara had appreciated them. Never in her entire life had she been so glad to have such loving friends. . Even Ty Lee was there to celebrate her friend's engagement. When not doing her duty as a noble's daughter and chatting up court members or at Mai's side, she was with Katara's group. Apparently, Mai told her what was going on.
Personally, Katara was relieved that she knew. It would mean more support for Zuko, even if the girl was a circus acrobat. Twice, Ty Lee had 'accidentally' cut off the chi flow to some of her peers after they made a ruthlessly tasteless joke about Katara. In the end, she had retired earlier and headed to her room. She spent an entire day preparing to leave. In a few moments, Aang and Toph would leave on Appa for the Earth Kingdom.
Sokka would go back to the South Pole with members of their tribe and Suki had already left for Kyoshi. In a few days' time, she would be back in the Earth Kingdom under the official title of Ambassador of the Southern Water Tribe. Katara took in the room once more and adjusted her bag on her shoulder. This was it. She walked out of the suite and headed to the hall. Before she left the now vacant pavilion, she stopped.
A darkly dressed figure stood in front of her, blocking her way from the door. A small smile graced her lips as she laid eyes on the blue mask. Black clothes graced his body and two swords were crossed over his back. He was sneaking around...to see her.
"You really want to make this difficult for me, don't you?" Katara choked out, tears already rimming her eyes. She couldn't see the gold eyes behind them, but knew they were looking at her. She suddenly felt vulnerable. She had hoped she wouldn't see him when she left.
"You've made it difficult for me," he countered. "It's only fair."
Silent tears slid down her tan cheeks. "I'm sorry..."
"So am I." He stood in his place, unmoving. Slowly, she walked forward. Quiet steps padded on the floor as she approached him.
Katara stopped inches from his body. Her blue eyes slowly followed the lines of the mask up to his eyes. She could see them clearly, now. Her heart ached as her lips trembled. Shaking hands rose and gently grasped the sides of his mask. She could feel the heat of his body beneath her hands as she lifted the mask up.
Lips she was more than familiar with were revealed. Pale, smooth skin. Then beginning marks of a painful scar. Two beautiful gold eyes. She rested the mask at the top of his head and stared up at him, wondrously. Her hands gently caressed his face, memorizing the curves and angles; the feel of his warm skin. His eyes closed as she stroked his scar lovingly. To her, it had never been the mark of shame, but the mark of strength.
It was what made him stand out the moment he appeared in the South Pole. It was what she wished to have for her own. She felt his covered hands stroke her cheeks, wiping away the tears. Gently, lips softly sealed over hers. It wasn't the overwhelming kiss they had shared in his study. It was more than that. A thousand words were communicated through a simple movement.
Apologies. Pleas for forgiveness. Encouragement and support. Oaths of love that would transcend them both. Her eyes closed tightly, unable to stop the tears from falling. She felt warm liquid slide against her hands as they cupped his face and she leaned in closer. One last time, she wanted to feel him against her and his body welcomed hers.
A heated kiss of good-bye passed between them. And in the shadows, just outside, Mai watched the two benders with a heavy heart. She would give her all to Zuko, as she was asked to. As she wanted to. But knew that he would never love her like he loved Katara. No matter how much she wished he would.
Slowly, the waterbender pulled away and looked up at him. For a moment, she stared up at his golden eyes and at her reflection within them. Her eyes crinkled up as she struggled to suppress another wave of tears. She raised her hands once more and grasped the sides of his mask. She pulled it down over his face.
Without another word, Katara slipped from his arms and ran out of the pavilion area. She knew if she looked over her shoulder one last time, he wouldn't be there. She ran through the palace, ignoring the breaking heart within her chest as she wiped frantically at her eyes. She couldn't let her family see her like that.
She emerged into the court yard, smiling and looking eager. With meaningful hugs to her family, she kissed Gran-Gran good-bye and climbed aboard the massive white beast. She settled in on the saddle and began waving as Aang said "Yip yip!"
Wind rushed past them as the bison ascended into the sky. Katara looked down at the palace as she waved and smiled. A small, misplaced blotch of blue against the shadows of a tower caught her eyes. Silently she raised her hand over her chest. She could hear his words in the air...a silent, desperate declaration.
"Katara?" Toph asked. "Are you okay?"
"Hmm?" Katara turned to look at her friend and smiled. "Yeah! Why wouldn't I be?"
Toph reached over blinding and Katara took her hand. Slowly, the younger girl raised her hands and carefully moved around Katara's head until she touched Katara's face. She lifted her wet finger tips. Katara's eyes widened.
"What do you call this?"
Katara closed her eyes and looked up at the dark sky. A few fluffy clouds dotted its otherwise clear expanse. "Rain, Toph," Katara told the younger girl. "That's just rain."
A.N. - The End. I'm just kidding, don't kill me. Please. More details in later chapters, so please don't rant about how unrealistic it's becoming and what not. At least give me a chance to explain. Please wait! Well, this is the last update until next week. My friends are visiting from SoCal, so I'm going to take them around my home area (the Bay Area - guess where! Hint: It's in the South Bay). Have a great weekend, everyone! And thanks for reading!
