Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Fourteen
By DamageCtrl

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.


Iroh sat on a cushioned pillow beneath one of the cherry trees in the garden. A low table sat in front of him. It had been set up by the servants for the specific purpose of holding his tea, scroll, brush and ink set. He took a sip of jasmine tea and calmly looked down at the smooth parchment before him. The ink he had prepared was drying up and if he didn't start soon, he'd have to make more ink.

Slowly, he put his tea cup down and lifted the fine brush in his hands. Slow, fluid moments pressed down on to the paper as bold, black ink made its mark. Thick lines stood out and Iroh lifted the brush from the paper. He stared down at the calligraphy with critical eyes. Strength.

He had started his morning ritual the day after Katara left, six months ago. It had begun with his sudden inspiration to write elegant calligraphy with the character 'love'. With each brush stroke, visions of his nephew's brief, but overwhelming romance with the waterbender came to brush. It was as if Katara were there again...easing Zuko's mind with a roll of bread and a few hours of silence. Perhaps that was why every day since she left, he had begun writing one character a day. Because it reminded him of better times...times he knew when his beloved nephew was truly happy.

On sunny days, he would spend a good portion of the morning situated on that little hill within one of the gardens. On rainy ones, he would sit out underneath the pavilion looking across one of the numerous ponds and over at the hill. And he would drink tea and write one thing...they were always different. Sometimes they described Katara. Sometimes Zuko. Sometimes the love between them. Iroh was a romantic at heart.

If Zuko noticed the sudden change of his uncle's morning routines, he didn't mention it. The young Fire Lord was caught up in all things concerning ruling a nation that was recovering from a war. Perhaps too caught up... Iroh mused.

Since Katara had left, Zuko dove into being a Fire Lord. He began to wear a mask of a serious leader; someone strong with no faults that could be pointed out by the court members and whose whole purpose was his country. He even began controlling his temper so much that Iroh began to wonder what had happened to his nephew. Where was his former fire and passion? Had it left with the waterbender he loved so much?

The old general stared down the hill at the palace before him. He remembered that night clearly. Katara had rushed out of his study to go 'feed the turtle ducks'. And after she left, he had followed her. He remained standing out in the hall, just close enough to hear their voices through the rain. When it was over, Iroh's suspicions on Katara's request for information on Mai was validated. If she could not stay and be the pillar of support for Zuko, she would find someone who could take her place.

It had not been an easy decision for her to make or for Zuko to accept. Iroh had witnessed Katara's tears as Mai entered the garden in her place. He had seen Zuko's hurt and resentment all throughout the meeting, no matter how well he hid it. And why the old general understood the reasoning, he didn't like it. However, if the parties involved consented, there was nothing much he could do.

Zuko had come to him that night and told him he was engaged to Mai. Iroh hesitantly asked about Katara, already knowing the details. Zuko's eyes glazed over and his face became emotionless. Katara was leaving, Zuko had told him. At first, Iroh tried to talk his nephew out of the engagement, but Zuko was stubborn. He was adamant on taking Mai as his fiancée. Yet even as he said it, Iroh could see the pain in his eyes. He was lying to himself and he knew it. After he spoke to his Uncle, he left to get some rest before the sun rose. Iroh rushed around to find Katara. When he found her, she was in his study again, sleeping. The papers on his desk were damp with tears.

He hated seeing Katara leave. As he engulfed her in one last hug, just before she climbed on top of the bison, he knew she wouldn't be coming back for Zuko. A silent smile passed between the two of them. An apology for leaving.

"Please watch my turtle ducks?" she smiled, tears rimmed on her lashes. Iroh nodded.

"You need not ask, Katara. I always will." he had assured her. And so he watched her leave with a heavy heart. His nephew wouldn't be the same.

In the past six months, Zuko had maintained such a professional demeanor, that he was earning praise from the nobles for wisdom and strength not typical in a young Fire Lord. The pile of documents that had once created a fortress around his desk was gone and put away in the proper places. Heavy construction was now in full swing all over the affected areas of the Fire Nation. And there was much funding going into new schools and institutions that would better the nation.

That had been thanks to his nephew's new fiancée. As soon as it was announced, Mai had been plucked out of the program and dropped into the role of dutiful Fire Lady-to-be. She had classes on royal etiquette three times a week and almost every other day, she was out representing the Fire Lord to the people through ceremonies and events; all designed introduce her to the people. And the people were enthusiastic about their Fire Lord's fiancée.

And Iroh admitted that she was doing an excellent job. She went through her duties with learned elegance and grace. She understood the importance of what she was doing and how it would reflect on the Fire Lord. She knew the right people to talk to, was polite, and genuinely interested in helping her nation rebuild. Truly admirable. As Iroh watched her, he realized something else.

Mai was in love with Zuko.

Had Katara known that? If she had, what was she trying to accomplish? Most women would not send another woman who felt the same way about their significant other to their significant other. What if he fell in love with her? The old general's heart froze for a moment. Iroh wondered if that was what Katara was aiming for.

He looked down at his parchment. Strength. For Zuko? For Mai? For Katara? He closed his eyes and put his brush down. For everyone they cared about.


Aang watched as Katara and Toph chatting over dinner about the latest village they had arrived in. Katara, he noted, looked better. She wore a bright smile on her face and her ocean blue eyes were wide and shining in the restaurant's light. Her hands were flying with exaggerated movements, as if illustrating her story, despite the fact that her conversation partner was blind. She was slowly returning to her old, mothering self rather than put up the facade of it. Six months ago, when they left the Fire Nation, he would notice her get teary eyed and sometimes even cry silently at particular moments. Especially when it rained.

Since they left, Katara completely immersed herself in the role of Ambassador. She went everywhere with Aang and Toph, dutifully aiding them as best as she could in relieving tensions amongst the groups. Particularly in the villages that once were under Fire Nation control. The ex-patriots there recognized her sincerity and her understanding of their background. It did make things smoother for the group as a whole.

Word of Katara's prowess as an Ambassador was spreading quickly. She was very proud of her title and felt the need to prove herself worthy of it. But even though she was doing an excellent job, gaining more and more fame for her work, and was idolized by all the little Water Tribe girls, Aang and Toph knew that the cheerful demeanor she presented to them wasn't completely real. Yes, Katara was indeed all of those things, but she turned them into a wall to assure the people who saw her that she was unaffected by what had happened in the Fire Nation several months prior.

On the nights when it rained, Toph would hold Aang back from running to his friend as she cried. "She needs to be alone right now, Aang," Toph would tell him seriously. "Let her get it out. It's healthy."

Healthy or not, it still hurt to see her cry. She missed Zuko. It was so obvious to the other two benders who spent their time with her. All her strength and insistence back in the Fire Nation was only to protect him from the possibilities of backlash from his people. But when she was alone, she let herself drop the walls she had built around herself. She never wanted to talk about it and held everything in, refusing to burden others with her concerns. Even those who begged for her to share. Aang shook his head. Typical Katara.

"You know that guy was kind of cute," Katara said with a grin as she looked at Toph. "You shoot up a few inches and now every guy wants you to go home with him."

"Hey, I'm not as old as I look," Toph reminded her. She had yet to reach her fourteenth birthday, but puberty had already struck. She was taller now and developing rather quickly. Aang still didn't know how to take the change of his earthbending teacher. She still acted the as the same harsh, sarcastic, and some what brutish earthbender. But she started noticing other things. And by other things, Aang meant boys. "Besides, he was kind of old. Isn't he more your type?"

Katara wrinkled her nose and snorted. "I said 'kind of cute', not drop dead gorgeous."

Aang signed heavily from the other end of the table. They were in one of those conversations again. The ones girls had when they were around each other. The two turned to the fourteen year old Avatar and grinned as they heard his sigh.

"Sorry, Twinkle Toes...I keep thinking you're one of the girls." Toph smirked.

"Thanks..." Aang mumbled. How could they keep mistaking him as one of the girls? Toph wasn't the only one who had grown. He'd shot up a few inches and, horrifyingly, his voice was cracking. It had been the source of many jokes from the two females. "Don't mind me...I'll just sit here...eating my rice porridge..."

Katara sighed and rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay..." she relented. In truth, sometimes she and Toph just started with the cute boy talk to bother Aang. It was never anything serious and they all knew it. Katara's heart already belonged to an unspoken someone. And Toph...well, Katara preferred to sit back and watch before coming to a conclusion of her young friend's affections. "What do you want to talk about, Mister Avatar?"

Aang's eyes went wide as he sat up straight. It was as if he was suddenly given the chance of a life time. He beamed a wide smile at them and pulled out a worn map. He slammed it down on the table and spread it open. "The mountain leopard goats of the Southern Air Nomad Territory mountains!" he exclaimed proudly, pointing to an area he had circled.

Toph groaned. "I knew it...I knew it! Our first break after six months straight of flying around and doing peace work and you want to ride an animal!"

"Come on, Toph!" Aang pleaded. "Just one ride! Please?"

"No. Tell him, Katara." Toph said.

"Aang, Toph's right. We've already stopped three times during our travels so you could ride animals. You've ridden desert camel wolves, flown on the back of a red tailed fishing eagle, and gone parasailing again on elephant koi." Katara reminded him. Aang cringed slightly. Perhaps he should've expanded his argument...

"But these are leopard goats!" Aang insisted.

"No." Toph stated firmly.

"What about a compromise?" Aang offered. "You let me ride leopard goats and up next, we'll do whatever you want, Toph."

"That sounds fair," Katara nodded. She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a worn leather notebook. "We're not due in Ba Sing Se for another two weeks..." She snapped the book closed and looked at Toph. "That would give us enough time to go wherever you want to head, Toph."

"Hmm..." Toph mused. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Give me a moment."

Katara chuckled and looked over at Aang. He looked anxious as he looked at Toph. She grinned as he chewed on his lower lip, silently praying that Toph would agree. Moments passed and Katara finished her soup. Aang was still looking, pleadingly, at Toph. "Toph," Katara sighed, always the peace maker, "Stop dragging it on. Are you going to compromise or not?"

The ebony haired earthbender gave a nod of her head. "All right," she agreed. "In return, I want to spend the rest of the time at Ba Sing Se. I've heard they're having a tournament there for earth bending and I could use some exercise."

"Yes!" Aang threw his hands in the air and did a little dance in his seat as Katara laughed.

"What about you, Katara?" Toph asked. "Anywhere you want to go?"

"Hmm..." Katara stretched out her arms a bit. "You know, I heard Ba Sing Se has some great spas...I'd really like to go to one...maybe spend a few days just relaxing before we head out again."

"Great! Then that means we don't have to separate the break into three things; we'll spend one week with the leopard goats and one week in Ba Sing Se!"

"Hold on a minute, Twinkle Toes," Toph told him immediately. "You get five days only. Including travel time. The rest of it will be spent in Ba Sing Se. Got it?"

The Avatar, the most powerful man in the world, looked down, obviously disappointed, but nodded. "Great!" Katara beamed as she slipped her book back into her bag. "I can't wait to get to Ba Sing Se and get my mind off of things!"


"Sokka!" Suki was dressed in a green parka as she ran across the frozen ground. From a wide area just outside the walls of the city, Sokka turned around. He was in the middle of training a group of young boys how to use the standard weapons of their people when he heard the young warrior's voice behind him.

A wide smile graced his face as he watched the green clad brunette bound across the white landscape. He let his heart flutter slightly at the sight. A month after he arrived back in the South Pole, a ship from Kyoshi had arrived and in it, Suki. She had brought her things with her and Sokka felt his heart burst in his chest. There she was, in all her strong, elegant beauty...moving in with him.

Technically, she was moving into Bato's house down the street, but still she had left Kyoshi Island to be with him. Every time he thought about it, he was in cloud nine and would thank Yue for sending a wonderful young woman to him. In the last few months, she had gotten used to the cold weather and wore thick clothing specially made for her, in green.

Everyone in the tribe already knew who she was from the time she had spent there months earlier. While at the Fire Nation, in the midst of Katara's decision to leave Zuko, he found himself wondering about him and Suki. He could never ask her to leave Kyoshi Island. She lived for that island. It would be selfish for him to ask her to stay with him. To leave her home and her loved ones for him was not an option.

Regardless, when Suki told him she was leaving for Kyoshi Island with the other girls, he was devastated. He tried to smile and assure her that he'd come visit, he couldn't help but feel hurt that she was so calm about it. He had expressed his concerns to Gran-Gran and Bato over heard.

"Didn't she tell you?" his father's best friend asked. "Suki will be moving into my niece's vacated room in the South Pole in a month."

Sokka nearly ran across the palace to ask if it was true, but decided to wait. Rather, Toph told him to wait and Aang held him back. It took him all his strength to not corner his girlfriend and demand to know the truth. If she wanted it to be a surprise, he had to let her. And it was the best surprise he'd ever had.

Suki smiled widely as she neared him. A faint blush reached her cheeks. Did he know how handsome he'd gotten? He was tall and had an athletic build. And those blue eyes and that smile made her melt. Even though she saw him every day, she never grew tired of that wistful smile on his face whenever he saw her. It was flattering and attractive.

It made her move to the artic worth everything. The other warriors weren't surprised when she announced that she would move to be with Sokka. They all had teased her about him in the beginning, but he was a good man and he adored their leader. There wasn't anything they could really say against the pairing. Although, when Suki left, she couldn't help but cry. She was leaving behind her life as a warrior to be with man she could beat with her hands tied behind her back.

But seeing him standing there in his blue clothes, his hair swept back into a neat wolf's tail, and sapphire eyes glimmering in the artic sun as a warm smile graced his lips, she couldn't see herself anywhere else.

"What's the rush?" he asked as he extended his arms. Suki smiled widely as she arrived before him and instantly felt his lips against hers for a brief, yet pleasant, 'hi, I missed you in the few hours I haven't seen you' kiss. His hands rested on her hips as he looked down at her.

"Letter from Katara," she said as she lifted up the paper. "I got so excited; I had to crash your lesson."

"Well," Sokka looked back at the group of kids and sighed tiredly. Half of them were playing in the snow and the others were pretending to fight with the weapons. "It's not really a lesson...Hey! You two! Stop it or I'll send you back home!"

The three that were mock fighting stopped and sighed heavily as Sokka looked back at Suki. "Can we read it now?" she asked eagerly.

"Sure," Sokka said. He looked back at the children. "Okay guys, fifteen minute break! Don't go too far!"

The boys let out shouts and dropped their weapons before running around. Sokka let out another heavy sigh and looked down at Suki. She quickly unfolded the paper and held it in her gloved hands. As she read it out loud, Sokka smiled thoughtfully.

He had originally been against his little sister leaving and going back to traveling with Aang and Toph. However, watching her determination as she packed made him realize she needed to leave. She needed it in order to get on with her life. She couldn't stay in the Fire Nation and she was no longer needed in the Water Tribes. The rebuilding was complete.

But she had a purpose if she went with Aang and Toph. A purpose she would love in place of Zuko. He hated to acknowledge it, but it was fairly obvious at that point that the two were in love. At least his sister was. He didn't like the idea, but if it made Katara happy, he would take it. He was surprised when Katara rejected an offer that would allow her to stay. He was sure she would jump at it. But as she explained her reasoning, he understood her and felt his heart twist.

Apparently, she loved the Fire Lord enough to part with him so that he could reach his goals smoothly. She didn't want to hold him back or be his weakness. His sister hadn't changed much. Always wanting to hold the blunt of everything for the sake of those she cared about. Then again, he felt that he should've been happy. This meant that there was no chance Zuko would ever become his brother in-law.

So why did his heart break when he watched his smiling baby sister hug him good-bye while tears streamed down her cheeks?

He suddenly wanted to go with her. To join her, Aang, and Toph once again. But he already made plans to stay in the South Pole. And Suki was coming, too. With a heavy heart, he watched his sister leave. For the first time, they would be apart. And he felt as if he was loosing a part of his life. If she recognized the apprehension he felt, she tried to accommodate to that as well. Every week they would get a letter from Katara that kept them updated on their most recent adventures. Even comments about Toph and Aang's growth. Sokka silently wondered about his sister's own growth. Six months changed a girl. Or rather a woman.

Katara had turned sixteen and, at the time, was in Omashu. King Bumi, Aang, and Toph had given her a large birthday celebration as she couldn't be with her family at the time. Sokka frowned slightly. His sister was a woman now. Not that he would ever think of her as one. Once a baby sister, always a baby sister.

"They're going to a spa at Ba Sing Se!" Suki gushed energetically. "Ohh...a spa..."

Sokka snickered and wrapped his arms around Suki's shoulders. As she leaned back against him he kissed the top of her head. "I kind of wish I was with them." He mused. Suki smiled intently and kissed him.

"I know," she told him softly. "But Katara is a big girl. She's fine." Sokka nodded. Silently, he prayed that his sister was fine as she made herself out to be in her letters.


Dinner was always a chore now days. Zuko would sit with his Uncle to one side and his 'fiancée' on the other, as protocol stated. As usual, the meal was held in silence and all the parties had long grown used to it. Occasionally, someone would make a comment on the food or how their day went. That someone was usually Iroh.

"So," he said as he carefully dabbed his lips with a napkin. "How was everyone's day?"

"It was fine, General Iroh." Mai replied calmly. Zuko merely grunted.

"I had a good day," Iroh mused. "I received a nice package of tea from young Toph's parents today. It seems the Avatar and the girls stopped by earlier and asked for some tea to be sent to me. Isn't that nice of them?"

"What kind of tea was it?" Mai asked. Her voice was monotone and she was making casual conversation.

"Ginseng," Iroh told her. "They had just expanded into the tea trade and Katara found out so had some samples sent."

At the mention of the female waterbender's name, the table went silent. Mai lowered her eyes and Zuko pretended he didn't hear him. The old General coughed slightly. Silence over took the table once more. Then, without a word, Zuko placed his chopsticks on the table and motioned for a servant to approach him.

"A hand sized roll of bread." he ordered.

The servant nodded and dutifully rushed into the kitchen. Iroh knew what he was going to do with the bread. He looked across the table at Mai. Her long, slender fingers were pale as she gripped her chopsticks. She also knew what he was going to do with the bread. A few moments later, a bread roll was presented to the Fire Lord on a silver platter.

He plucked it off the platter and pushed his chair back. "Going already?" Iroh asked. "Dessert hasn't been served it."

"I'm full, Uncle," Zuko replied. He gave them both a respectful bow of his head. "Thank you for joining me. Uncle. Mai."

The old general glanced over at the young woman as she gave a curt bow of her head. The young Fire Lord stood up and headed out the door. As soon as the doors closed, leaving the old man and the young woman alone, Iroh let out a heavy sigh.

"I apologize, my lady," he told her consolingly. "He is often very aloof. Things are strained right now in the courts."

"I understand," she replied. "The nation is still very unstable."

"He is trying to make it stable again, my lady," he assured her. "Please excuse his behavior." Mai nodded her head and placed her utensils by the side of her dish.

"I'm afraid I have a slight head ache, General Iroh. I believe I shall retire for the night." she told him respectfully. The old general let out a heavy breath, but nodded. She placed her napkin on the table and stood up, following Zuko's departure through the doors.

Iroh rubbed his forehead and waved over a servant. "More tea, please."

Outside, Mai walked swiftly down the halls. Servants and guards bowed respectfully in her wake, but she didn't care. Every night when Zuko asked for bread, she felt her heart twist painfully in her chest and jealousy bubble up. He was going to feed the turtle ducks; Katara had told her. The first time he did it, she asked what he was going to do with the bread. He merely shrugged and said he was going to feed some of the animals in the garden.

The next time, when she offered to come, he scowled and immediately told her no. It was his private time and would rather be alone. A part of her stiffened at his words. If I were Katara, you would've welcomed me... the spiteful part of her mind said.

She quickly shoved that part down. She had known when she took on the role of his fiancée that he would never love her. Not like he loved Katara. And while in the presence of the tearful blue eyed waterbender, Mai questioned how deep her love for Zuko went compared to her.

That night, it had been raining. When she answered the door, she was shocked to find the young waterbender standing at her door, wet from the rain with salty tears mixed with rain water sliding down her face. In a shaking, but determined voice, she asked to speak with her. Mai wanted to turn her away. They were acquaintances. Not friends. And she was disturbing her sleep time. Yet, Mai allowed Katara into her room. She fetched the young woman a towel from her connecting bathroom, only to return to see Katara dry.

Mai had forgotten she was a waterbender. And as Mai sat on the edge of her bed, in the dim candle light, Katara stood in front of her and bowed her head.

"Ty Lee said you all have been friends with Zuko since you were children."

"We were friends with his sister." Mai corrected quickly.

Katara swallowed nervously. "I have a favor to ask of you."

What she said next nearly made the tall young Fire Nation noblewoman fall off her bed.

"Marry Zuko."

For a moment, Mai had wondered if she heard correctly. Did the waterbender just ask her to marry to the Fire Lord? Mai stared at her for a few minutes, studying the Water Tribe girl with scrutiny. It didn't make any sense. She'd heard the rumors, seen the way he looked at her...he was the most powerful man in the Fire Nation and Katara wanted someone else to marry him. Mai said the only thing she could think of. "Are you crazy?"

A small smile graced the waterbender's lips. "I love him," Katara asserted. "Before you hear from anyone else, I want you to know and understand that I love him."

"Then stay when him."

"I can't," she said, pain in her eyes as a sad smile took its place on her face. "You know the reasons why I can't."

"I also know you're a well respected hero of the war and that Zuko is the Fire Lord. If you two wanted, you could get married and no one could stop you." Mai asserted. She began to wonder if she was crazy for pushing the Water Tribe peasant on to the Fire Nation Fire Lord.

"No one would stop us, but I would be in his way," Katara told her softly. "His entire life, Zuko was destined to become the Fire Lord. He has worked hard and I believe - I know - that he has the potential to be the greatest Fire Lord the Fire Nation has ever seen. But if I stay with him now, he will loose the necessary support of the nobles. His people aren't ready for a Water Tribe peasant to be at his side."

"So you're going to leave him?" Mai scoffed out. How idiotic was this girl? If she loved him, she should stay with him.

"Yes," Katara said. "I would rather him hate me than get in the way of everything he has ever dreamed and worked for in his life." She was foolish, but Mai found herself jealous of the depth of her naive and determined love.

Mai shook her head. "Love really does make you do foolish things."

"This is probably the stupidest thing I will do in my entire life," Katara chuckled over her choked up emotions. "I believe for him to reach his goals...he will need a Fire Nation woman by his side."

Mai narrowed her eyes. "Why me?" She frowned. "You do remember how I chased you and the rest of the Avatar's crew along with Azula, don't you? I threw knives and daggers at you, almost killing you."

Katara smirked slightly. "Well...you missed," she said coolly. "As far as I am concerned, that is water under the bridge. We're not friends, Mai. But we are acquaintances. And I know I have no right to ask you this. But, please hear me out. I've looked into your background in academics and the arts. You're intelligent and of a good background. You care about the people."

"I'm flattered." she mumbled, dead pan.

Katara looked at her seriously, with meaningful blue eyes. "Mai, I think you would make the perfect Fire Lady."

It took another two hours for talking for Mai to finally agree to it. Katara had somehow convinced her that she was needed to help lead the people of the Fire Nation back to their former glory. Mai shook her head, unsure of how Katara had even managed to get her to nod her head. Perhaps the waterbender was meant to be an ambassador if she could do that.

Before she knew it, Mai found herself living out childhood fantasies of being Zuko's bride. All of the perks, all of the power and respect, but none of the romance she had dreamt of. Katara had received spiteful rumors, nasty comments, and looks of distain, but Zuko truly loved her. Even though Mai knew the engagement was a farce, part of her wished it was real. The reason she had given her all to her duties as Fire Lady to be was all in the hope that one day Zuko would recognize her. A small part of her jaded heart held on to the hope that maybe one day it would become real.

He didn't have to love her like he loved Katara. She just wanted him to acknowledge her as a woman. As his future wife. Not as someone he picked up to cover his tracks with the woman he truly loved. She wanted Zuko to see her as Mai. Just as she didn't see him as the Fire Lord, but as Zuko.

She stopped just before the entryway to the royal quarter's gardens. She could hear the quacking of the turtle ducks. Cautiously, Mai peeked through the entryway. Zuko was sitting by the edge of the pond, one leg bent beside him with an elbow resting casually on his knee. He was staring longingly at something in his hands as the turtle ducks swam around before him. Mai squinted, confused.

It was a small blue flower encased in clear crystal.


"Why can't we come?" Aang whined as Katara grinned and waved her week long spa pass in front of her companions. Toph was already scowling and Aang was disappointed.

"Because you already agreed to go with Toph to watch her kick some earthbender butt at the tournament." Katara told them cheekily.

"No fair, Sugar Queen," Toph grumbled. "You never said we had a choice. I though we'd go to the spa with you after the tournament."

"And you are more than welcomed to do that," Katara assured her. "But this is going to be my last chance to have a nice, long time to relax before we head out to the southern part of the Earth Kingdom. And since that was almost all taken over the by the Fire Nation at one point, we have out work cut out for us."

"Fine..." Toph mumbled. "But expect us here in four days!"

Katara smiled from ear to ear. "In four days, I expect to see you here with a championship belt." Toph smirked.

"As if I'd come back with anything else," she snorted. "Come on, Twinkle Toes! Let's leave Sugar Queen to take a bath! She needs it!" She added.

Katara rolled her eyes and watched as her two younger friends headed off. She had purposely waited for Toph to register for the tournament before announcing that she would take off to the best spa in all of the Earth Kingdom. Alone. She felt that she needed some time by herself. Six months traveling in close proximity with Aang and Toph could drive anyone up the wall, regardless of how much she loved them. Not to mention she needed a break from resting on Appa.

Yes, her spa trip was well deserved. Giddy, Katara walked down the street to the entrance of the spa. It was large and renowned for catering to some of the most influential and powerful people in the world. That included kings and avatars. Avatar Roku was said to have come there years ago. And if it was good enough for kings and avatars, it was good enough for one Water Tribe Ambassador.

She walked up the stone steps and through the pillar framed doors, straight to the check in counter. A young woman smiled as she bowed her head respectfully.

"Welcome to Ba Sing Se Royal Resort and Spa. Will you be checking in today?"

"Yes, I am," Katara said with a wide smile. Just the thought of soaking her tired, worn body in a pool of hot, jet stream powered water made her giddy. "My name is Katara of the Water Tribe."

"Oh, Lady Katara!" The young woman bowed deeply as she blushed. She looked up at Katara with wide, awe filled eyes. "Welcome! We've been expecting you all day!" She flipped through scroll and checked off Katara's name. "We have your suite all ready."

"Suite?" Katara asked, raising an eyebrow. "I think there was a mistake. I merely asked for a one bedroom-"

"Lady Katara, it is an honor to have you here," the girl insisted. "Please take the upgrade as thanks for choosing to stay with us."

Katara blinked, but nodded. "Okay...thank you." The girl smiled again, seemingly giddy as she gathered some papers and a key.

"Please allow me escort you to your suite, Lady Katara."

The young waterbender nodded and followed behind the girl. Before she took a step, the weight of her bag was taken from her shoulder and she gasped. She whirled around and a boy bowed. "Hello, Lady Katara! Please allow me to carry your bag!"

He smiled hopefully and Katara consented. Eagerly he trudged behind the brown haired young woman as they followed the hostess. Katara was given a brief, personal tour of the spa and resort and finally led up an earthbender powered lift to one of the top floors. Her room had a view of the entire city.

"Please enjoy your stay, Lady Katara." The hostess said as she bowed. Katara nodded dumbly. She was about to fish out some money from her pocket to tip the hostess and the bell boy, when the door closed. She sighed heavily and made a note to tip them later.

Katara looked around her wide room. There was a thick carpet over the stone floor. The suite was divided into three areas; the waiting room, the bedroom, and a bathroom. The bed was large and soft as she jumped on it with childish glee. Long, gauzy green drapes fell over the bed, creating a canopy. Large, fluffy pillows lined the bed and Katara fell back on to them.

She sank into the bed and grinned. While they were going from village to village, they had stayed in the homes of generous villagers. The meager beds were welcomed after spending nights on Appa's stiff saddle. As much as she liked simply having a place to sleep, she knew how to appreciate a soft bed when she was graced with one.

Katara reached out and grasped one of the pillows. She brought it against her chest and rolled over; resting her head on it's soft, smooth silk. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. "It's just like Zuko's bed..."

Her heart stopped in her chest and her eyes opened. Long fingers curled into the pillow, remembering the soft comfort of a large bed lined with red. Swallowing nervously, she pushed the pillow away and sat up. She ran her hand through her head and shook it. Now wasn't the time to drown in memories, no matter how sweet. She was there to relax and get some rest before she took off once more with Aang and Toph.

With that in mind, Katara crawled off the bed and began to dig through her bag. She tossed clothes on to the bed, trying to find something she could slip into when she returned from a nice massage. Katara knew she had a nice new pair of sleep wear somewhere in her bag. Her hand grasped something smooth and silky. She furrowed her eyebrows and pulled it out. Red silk? Katara narrowed her eyes. She didn't have a red robe...

Her eyes widened. It was Zuko's outer robe...from the night they had flown on Appa. Her eyes crinkled up and suddenly she found it difficult to breath. He had wrapped it around her body to keep her warm. She could still feel his hands around her, tucking the cloth around her body as he maneuvered her head on to his lap. How had it ended up with her things? Unconsciously, she brought it to her nose, silently hoping that his scent was still embedded in the threads. As her lips brushed up against the fabric, she stopped.

What was she doing? Her hands dropped the cloth and she took a step back. "Stop it..." she told herself with a soft, pain filled voice."It's over."

But even as she said it, she silently prayed that it wasn't.


"What is it?" Zuko asked as he re-read a series of documents that recorded the latest of supplies sent over from the Earth Kingdom. He didn't look up as his clerk bowed his head before him.

"My lord, the nobles have requested a meeting with you by the end of the week." the clerk said.

Zuko frowned and lifted his eyes to look at the clerk. "We just finished a meeting yesterday. Why do they need to speak to me again?"

"They did not say, my lord," the clerk repeated. "Only that they request an audience with you."

Zuko narrowed his eyes, be refrained from pressing on. "Do I have any time available?"

"Yes, my lord. Two days from now, you have free time in the morning before you are scheduled to go out to the city to look over the progress of the new market area," the clerk reported. "Shall I schedule it for that morning?"

The Fire Lord gave a slight nod of his head. "Yes," Zuko nodded. He looked back down at the documents in his hand. "And get me some more red ink."

"Yes, my lord." The clerk bowed and quickly exited the Fire Lord's study. The door closed and Zuko closed his eyes. He dropped the papers and let out a heavy sigh. His hands raised and rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly.

Whenever the nobles requested a meeting, he always assumed the worst. It meant they had something important to tell him that would affect his personal life. Although, being Fire Lord, his personal life was rather public. It annoyed him, but there was nothing he could really do about it.

There was a knock on his door and he shot daggers at it. "What is it?" he growled in an annoyed voice.

"Lord Zuko," a female voice said behind the door. "May I speak to you?"

Zuko's eyebrows furrowed. Mai rarely came to speak to him. "Come in," he stated. The door opened and Mai walked in, somewhat hesitant. She was dressed in her usual dark reds and blacks. Her hair up in its usual buns. Her face carried her usual look of boredom. She bowed her head slightly. "What is it, Mai? Your visits are rare."

Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. "I needed to speak to you, my Lord."

Zuko nodded and motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs before him. "Zuko is fine in private, Mai," he assured her. "We've known each other since we were children. Now," he said as he pushed aside the papers and looked at her. "What is it? Is there a problem?"

For a moment, it sounded as if he cared. Perhaps he did, but not in the romantic way. "I was speaking to my father the night before last."

"Yes," Zuko nodded. "You were excused for the evening meal to join your family at your brother's birthday. Did they receive the gifts I sent?"

"Yes, my lor...Zuko," Mai corrected herself. "TomTom loves the clothes that were sent and my parents send their thanks for the other gifts that were sent."

Zuko nodded, pleased that the nobleman and his wife had accepted his gifts. He looked back at Mai. "That isn't the real reason you are here," he asserted. He frowned as he watched her flinch unconsciously. "What is wrong?"

"I was told that six months is the standard engagement time," Mai told him. His eyes narrowed, not liking where the conversation was going. "He told me that the nobles are growing anxious and are starting to ask questions."

"What kind of questions...?" he asked in a low voice.

"They want a date, Zuko," Mai told him carefully. She could feel the room growing warming and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The Fire Lord was not pleased. "They want to know when you will marry me."

He gritted his teeth and his hands clenched. "So that's it..." he said in a deep voice."That's why they want a meeting with me in a few days..."

"Lord Zuko," Mai spoke up once more and Zuko looked up at her. "When I accepted the position of your fiancée, I was under the impression that it was never going to get further than that," He raised an eyebrow in question and Mai elaborated. "I thought you would break it off."

Zuko scowled and Mai frowned. "What do you take me for, Mai?" Zuko snapped. "I'm not the type of man to use a woman to cover my up tracks!" He barked. Mai bowed her head.

"Forgive me, but I did not mean that-"

"Then what did you mean?" Zuko demanded. "The reason I accepted you as my fiancée was because Katara chose you," Pain shot through her body as if she had been stabbed and she struggled not to show it. "She knew the kind of woman that would make the perfect Fire Lady and she chose you."

Mai felt her heart burning with a sharp ache. Everything always led back to Katara. Even though Mai already knew that, it still hurt to hear it. "I see, my lord."

"Mai, do not misunderstand me," Zuko told her. "If Katara had brought anyone else to me, I would have refused," Her eyes widened slightly, genuinely surprised. "You have the background and intelligence to become the Fire Lady. Katara only brought that to light. You have honor and integrity. I respect that."

Mai bowed her head in thanks. For moment she had resented Katara; suddenly Mai thanked Katara for showing her to the Fire Lord. "I humbly accept your words, my lord."

Zuko nodded. "But as for marriage..." his voice trailed off and Mai lifted her head. He sounded hesitant. Did he not want to marry her? An engagement was one thing, but marriage? Marriage meant heirs. And heirs meant...

Her face flooded with color, but Zuko didn't seem to notice. He leaned back against his chair and rubbed his chin. Mai! Where did that thought come from? Her mind chastised. She looked back at Zuko, who was dressed in casual clothes instead of fancy court robes. He didn't need the robes when he was stuck in his study doing paper work. Still, he looked wonderful in the drab reds of his buttoned up shirt and pants. His broad shoulders and muscular arms were hidden beneath the cloth, but she well aware of them being there.

"I'm going to need time to think about it," Zuko frowned. He looked up at her and gave her a nod. "Once I come to a decision, I will speak with you. I don't want to speak to the nobles without consulting you first. You've already been dragged into this engagement. I don't want to take you further than you would like."

He was starting to sound like the noble prince she had always envisioned him to be. The one who would respect his princess and share his honor with her. Mai forced down a blush and bowed her head. "Thank you, Zuko."

She stood up and headed towards the door. As she closed it behind her she leaned back against the door and momentarily let a smile caress her face.

Back inside the room, Zuko scowled. He silently cursed Katara for bringing Mai to him now that the actual threat of marriage loomed in the distance. He didn't want to marry Mai. She was a good person, respectable and intelligent. But she was not Katara. He slammed his fist against the wooden desk and growled.

"Agni damn you, Katara." Zuko hissed bitterly. She had set this all up. She had brought Mai to him. She had set up their engagement. She had left him, knowing full well she loved him. His eyes closed tightly as his heart clenched.

When he had accepted the engagement, he hadn't been thinking about marriage. A large part of him was only thinking of having a long engagement. And maybe one day Katara would return. Zuko scoffed and shook his head. Katara manipulated both him and Mai into marriage. She knew it all along... He didn't want Mai to be dragged into a loveless marriage with him. He didn't want to drag himself into a loveless marriage. However, the time to break the engagement had not yet presented itself...and if it didn't soon, he would have to marry Mai. And forsake the woman he loved. His heart ached...

Somehow, he had a feeling that Katara had planned all of this. He cursed her once more before cursing himself. No matter what she did, now matter how resentful and angry he should've been, he still missed her.


The water was hot and bubbled around her. Katara let out an elated moan was she lay in the raised marble tub, her dark hair held up in a green towel turban as her towel clad body relaxed under the water. Her blue eyes were closed as music filled the air around the hot tub area.

The area was composed of a series of rooms, each with one tub built for one or two people to soak in. The air was humid and warm and the potted plants framed the open window across from her. The warm sunlight peeked into the small room and Katara sighed blissfully. She had just received a well deserved back rub and had practically fallen asleep on the table she had been laying on.

Then she went to get her feet rubbed before sinking into the personal hot tubs of the spa. Katara grinned stupidly as her muscles relaxed under the heat of the water. As she lay there, her mind drifted off to her brother. In his last letter, which had been sent to Toph's parents' house, he told her that Suki had begun helping him train the young boys of the village. She smiled, content to learn that Suki was adapting well to their frozen home.

She felt a bit envious. While she knew her job was an important one, her brother and friend were lucky to not have to spend much of their time traveling. For nearly two years, she had spent much of her time traveling. She loved the adventures and the thrills, but when she was tired, she missed the comfort of a room to call her own.

Even her room for those few months at the Fire Palace was welcomed. Her smile left her face as her thoughts turned towards the man she had left behind. What was he doing now? Were he and Mai getting along? Her heart ached slightly, but she quickly shook her head to try to brush it off. She had sent Mai to Zuko in her place. There was no reason for her to get angry if something did bloom between them.

Who are you kidding? She thought to herself. You'd be heart broken and jealous. More than you are now once they get married.

Katara's eyes opened and her heart sank. Marriage. Her heart twisted in her chest. Why was it that when she was asking Mai to be with Zuko, she didn't hesitate to tell the girl that she would make an excellent Fire Lady - the wife of the Fire Lord. Zuko's wife. Yet when she thought about it now, it made her chest tighten. This was what she wanted...to leave him in the hands of a woman who would be able to handle the duties of Fire Lady and stand by the Fire Lord's side. Mai would be the one to help Zuko attain his goals.

Not her.

Katara closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. Her head began to throb with a dull ache. "I should get out..." she mumbled. She lowered her arms and fixed her towel under the water. Once it was tucked in securely around her she stood up and walked towards the wall. She looked around and made sure there was no one peeking in on her as she grasped the robe hanging on the wall and put it on. The soaking wet towel fell to her feet as she tied the terry cloth towel around her body.

She then picked it up and tossed in into one of the shoots along the wall that lead to the laundry area in the next building. She checked to make sure her robe was secure around her waist and headed out of her room. She walked through the hall and turned a corner.

"Hey!" a male voice said as she felt her body collide with another. Strong, firm hands shot out and grabbed her shoulders.

"Sorry, I wasn't looking." Katara said as she pulled away.

"Katara?" a confused voice said. A familiar confused voice. Reluctantly, the blue eyed waterbender lifted her eyes. They immediately widened as she looked up into an equally surprised face.

She was in the most expensive, most exclusive spa in the entire world. Why was he there, of all places? She tore her shoulders away and stumbled back. "Jet?" she gasped as her eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"


A.N. - Yep...I'm not making this easy for anyone. I'm sorry for not updating in a while. I've been so tired after my little vacation with my friend, so all I was able to do was this filler chapter. And no, I'm not from San Francisco. If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them on my profile after each update. Thank you for reading!