Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Sixteen
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
Aang didn't like the sound of Jet's voice when he told him that he was serious about Katara. It wasn't that he sounded dishonest or sleazy, but because he sounded like he meant it. And Avatar didn't know how to feel about that. The young man had once made his friend cry and after that whole thing with Zuko, Aang wasn't sure he felt comfortable with the now bodyguard approaching the young ambassador. After all, he knew that Katara still had feelings for the Fire Lord. Old feelings die hard. He would know.
"Twinkle Toes! Are you going to sit there all day or are you going to come to dinner?" Toph's voice shouted from across the room. Aang's eyes flew open and he sat up straight in the personal hot tub he had been lounging in. He heard an amused giggle and looked over his shoulder.
Both Katara and Toph were standing there in their spa provided robes, waiting for him. "Aang, if you don't get out now, you'll get all pruney and miss Toph's dinner." Katara told him sternly, although an amused smile on her face.
He sighed heavily and stood up. "Do we have to go?" Aang whined as he looked at his earthbending instructor. "You don't even like the other competitors."
"They kept complaining that it was an unfair," Toph snorted. "Just because I'm the Avatar's earthbending master. Anyone could teach you, I just happened to be the best at it." Katara laughed and Aang put on his robe.
"So where are you going to put your championship belt this time?" Katara asked with a grin.
"I'm sending it home to be framed," Toph grinned. "Anyway, I just want to go to see all the faces of those losers who laughed at me in the beginning as I get my trophy."
Katara shook her head with a smile on her face. Even if Toph wasn't a wealthy heiress, she'd still be set for life considering how much money she brought in with earthbending tournaments. Although Katara didn't know why she continued. The challenge seemed all but gone since Toph was a master earthbender at a ripe young age.
"Let's go change then," Aang said. "We'll meet up in Katara's room."
"Why my room?" Katara frowned slightly. She knew that the two other benders had their own rooms that were just as nice as hers. Aang's was better actually, being the Avatar. However, they seemed to like hanging around her room.
"Just because," Toph answered casually. They walked towards the lift and the earthbender was about to raise them up when Toph raised her hand. "Allow me."
Katara's eyes widened. "Toph, no-"
The girl stomped her foot and raised her arms, shooting the lift up the shaft. Katara screamed and clung on to the railing to the side, trying to ignore Aang's shouts of enthusiasm and Toph's highly entertained giggles. The waterbender wondered if she the sheer speed of Toph earthbending the lift would paste her to the floor. She felt as if her body should've been slammed down from the force. Just a moment later, the lift came to an abrupt halt and Katara felt her body fly upwards before falling back on the lift.
"Let's do it again!" Aang shouted energetically.
"No!" Katara screamed. She grabbed both younger benders by the arms and dragged them out of the elevator. She looked over her shoulder at the other earthbender still inside the lift. He looked positively terrified. "Toph! You scared the elevator man!"
Toph snorted. "I did not," she shrugged. "He just needs to live a little!"
Katara sighed and deposited each of them in front of their doors. "My room in thirty minutes. Go it?"
"Yes, Katara." the two chorused as they entered their rooms. The brunette shook her head and headed into her own. After a quick rinse of water, she walked out into her bedroom and looked over the clothes she had laid out. Earlier that day, the three of them had stepped out to buy some clothes for Toph's award ceremony. Toph had insisted that she didn't want them to embarrass her.
After about four hours, they found a nice dark green shirt and pants set for Aang and an aqua colored set of robes for Katara. Toph already had a nice set of deep forest green colored clothes packed with her. As she finished putting on the robes and tying the sash neatly around her in a way she learned in the Fire Nation, a knock echoed through her room.
"Coming!" Katara shouted. Her hair was dried and fell around her body in soft mocha colored waves. She hadn't had a chance to put it up yet. Barefoot and finishing the final tie around her waist, she scurried to the door. Another knock sounded. "Aang! Toph! Hold on!"
She reached out and unlocked the door, pulling it open.
A dozen rare panda lilies were the first thing she saw. They were fragrant, lovely to look at and held together by a big blue bow. The first thing Katara thought was 'what in the world...?' Then she wondered who was giving them to her. At first she suspected Aang, but then shook her head to dismiss the thought. When would he have time to get her panda lilies? He had been with them all day. And she didn't think he liked her like that...
"Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady." a smooth voice said from behind the flowers.
Katara paled. No...No...No... She slowly raised her eyes and met the twinkling dark ones of a man she was sure she had told to leave her alone. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she glared at him. "What do you want, Jet?" she spat out.
"To give you flowers," he told her coolly. "Isn't it obvious?"
"How did you find my room?" Katara growled in a low voice. Her hand was gripping the door knob tightly as the other fisted at her side.
"I'm actually here by order of my employer." he answered as he lowered the flowers.
"Your employer?" she hissed. "And I suppose he told you to bring me flowers, too."
"No, that was a personal decision," he replied. "Actually, my employer is the sponsor of Ba Sing Se's Earthbender Rumble Tournament. I was told to come here and escort the winner, Toph, and her party to the banquet hall down the street."
"Toph's room is one door over," Katara frowned. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to do my hair."
"You should leave it like that," Jet told her as he casually held the bouquet over his shoulder. Appreciative eyes looked at her and he smiled. "It looks good on you."
She felt her cheeks reddening at the compliment and Katara cursed her body for betraying her. "Thank you, Jet, but I think I'd rather braid it as usual." she told him calmly.
"See, it's not too hard to be civil to me, is it?" he grinned. He offered her the panda lilies once more. "A peace offering?" Katara looked hesitant and eyed the flowers as if they would jump out at her and kill her the moment she accepted. "Katara, I really want a second chance here," Jet pleaded seriously. "I'm not the jerk I was before. I'd really like to prove that to you. So if you can just tolerate me for tonight, I really would like to show how much I've changed and apologize for what I did to you."
He sounded sincere. However, Katara remembered that even a year ago, he sounded sincere. In truth, she didn't know whether to trust him or not. But he used the key words; 'second chance' and she felt obligated to at least give him the benefit of the doubt. She let out a heavy breath and accepted the flowers.
"Aang and Toph will be here in a little bit," Katara relented as she lowered her head and smelled the sweet fragrance of the flowers. "Just wait out here."
"Outside?" Jet asked with a raised eyebrow. Katara frowned.
"You're not going to get into my room. Now wait here...please," she added, as an after thought. She closed the door and Jet sighed. He resigned to lean against the wall and wait. Inside her room, Katara wandered towards the table and gently placed the flowers on its flat surface. For a moment, she stared down at them. What's he trying to do...?
She couldn't remember ever getting a present from a boy. The most she ever got from Zuko was a flat stone slab to sit on by the pond and a haughty grin. Her fingers froze over the elegant petals. Panda lilies were supposed to represent love. Any girl in the right mind would've been flattered, if not completely blown away, when presented with an entire bouquet of the rare flower. Katara shook her head.
There was definitely something wrong with her if for some reason, a piece of rock meant more to her than the most romantic flowers in the world. Somewhere in her mind, she heard a voice telling her that it wasn't what was given, but who gave it that mattered.
"Katara?" Aang's voice said from behind the door. "Are you ready?"
She tore her eyes away from the flowers and quickly wiped her eyes. Fixing her hair was forgotten as she ran a hand through her long mass. "Yeah," she said as she pushed the flowers away and turned around. "I'm ready."
Haru shifted nervously on the pelt covered floor as Hakoda sat across from him silently. He had been lead into the man's study deeper within the frozen house. Animal skins hung on the wall as triumphant reminders of Katara's father's proficiency with weapons. Against one side of the wall; assorted spears, swords, clubs, and even a boomerang reminiscent of Sokka's were displayed.
At least he hoped they were just for display. Sokka, who was younger and never killed a man, was already good with weapons. And his father had taught him. A cough from the older man across from him brought his attention back to the subject at hand. Cautiously, he studied Hakoda's face. The face of the man who was the beloved father of the young woman he was in love with.
"Haru..." Hakoda began, a bit unsure as to how to begin. "This is...a very difficult decision."
"I understand Hakoda," Haru nodded as he lowered his head. "She is your only daughter."
"It's not just that, Haru," Hakoda said continued. "I thank you for taking me into consideration before you seek out my daughter. You were correct in the Water Tribe customs; however we of the Southern Water Tribe are a bit more lax in our customs since we were attacked by the Fire Nation all those years ago."
"So...I didn't have to ask you for permission?" Haru asked, feeling somewhat idiotic. He had traveled for a week, across an ocean and miles of land to get to the South Pole...and in the end, there was no reason he had to.
"You didn't have to, but it is very much welcomed," Hakoda chuckled. "Here in the south, the usual protocol of marriage is not enforced. Had we been from the Northern Water Tribe, it would've been a different story. But since you sought out permission from me, it is only right that you seek permission from Master Pakku."
"Master Pakku?"
"Katara's waterbending Master from the north," Hakoda replied. "As her master and mentor, he must guide Katara like a father must his own child. It is proper for a man to ask the master of a bender for permission in regards to marriage. And Master Pakku is quite strict with protocol and traditions."
"So I must travel to the Northern Water Tribe?" Haru asked. Hakoda nodded.
"Yes, if you want to speak to Master Pakku," the man told him. "However, Haru...Katara is not just a normal Water Tribe girl."
"I know that, sir," Haru bowed his head. "She is the most amazing woman I've ever met. She's intelligent and kind and beautiful-"
Hakoda laughed and nodded. "Of course she is, she is the daughter of her mother," he told Haru amiably. He smiled at the memory of his late wife before slowly fading into a thoughtful smile. "Katara has always been independent and strong willed. She's stubborn and once she makes up her mind, she will not back out of it. But...there is something else..."
Haru looked at Hakoda understanding. "You mean the Fire Lord?"
Hakoda nodded his head. "You have heard?" he asked hesitantly.
"The Fire Nation settlers in our village talk of a Water Tribe girl with the Fire Lord," Haru explained. "I believe they heard it through the trade routes..." And I know Katara was in love with someone else... He added silently.
Hakoda looked down at the fire before him. "She was in love with Zuko," the man told the younger one, using his daughter's love's name instead of his title. Hakoda believed that Katara loved the Fire Nation leader for who he was, not for his title. He respected that. "And Zuko...loved Katara. But things...things would not work in their favor and so to spare him problems that he would face if she stayed with him, she left."
Haru's eyes cringed slightly. He knew Katara loved the Fire Lord, but didn't know if the Fire Lord loved Katara. He suddenly felt uncomfortable. "I didn't know..."
The man nodded and kept his eyes on the flames. "Fire Lord Zuko is engaged to another woman now," Haru's head shot up, his eyes wide. "Political reasons...the nobles of the Fire Nation wanted him to marry one of their own."
Anger flared up in the earthbender. "But he loved Katara. If he loved her, why did he agree to marry another?" he gasped.
"Because Katara wanted him to," Hakoda said solemnly. He looked up and met Haru's eyes with his blue ones. "We all tried our hand in helping them stay together, but in the end, it was Katara's decision to leave that lead to his engagement. She doesn't like to talk about it, but her close friends and our family know."
"So...she left him...to do peace keeping..."
"Haru, I believe you should know the depth of her love for Zuko before you proceed any further," the father told him. "She willingly removed herself from his life so that he could rule without any resistance from his court and people."
"I understand..." Haru nodded. He looked up at Hakoda earnestly. "But, sir...would you allow me to see Katara with the intention of marriage?"
"You are a good boy, Haru. I have no qualms with you," Hakoda replied. "While I am thankful you sought out my permission first, the final decision lays with Katara. Only she can decide if she will see you or not. It is her decision and I respect her choices."
Haru bowed his head once more. "I understand, sir." He began to stand up.
"Before you go, I must tell you one more thing," Hakoda added. "Katara doesn't know this. Neither does Sokka," Haru nodded curiously. "They both think that no one has asked for Katara's hand. During the reconstruction period, just before you arrived, several young men from the Northern Water tribe came to me and asked for Katara's hand in marriage. I've told them the same thing I'm telling you. It is Katara's decision and hers alone."
"Sokka," Suki's dead pan voice stated as she looked at her boyfriend. He was pasted against the side of their house's outer wall and crouched down below a window. "What are you doing?"
He whipped his head around and lifted one gloved hand to his lips. "Shhh!" he hissed. Suki rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Sokka, I'm not leaving until-" He darted out and grabbed her, putting one glove her mouth as he scurried the both of them back to the wall.
"My dad's speaking to Haru," he said in a low voice. "You won't believe that the little piece of seal blubber asked-"
"Sokka?" a voice said from inside the room. "Is that you?"
Suki looked up at Sokka with a bored look as his blue eyes widened at the threat of being caught. She felt his body stiffen against her as his father's voice called to him. They heard footsteps coming towards the window and Sokka began to panic. His eyes darted around and immediately landed on the young woman in his arms. Without another thought, he grasped Suki by the shoulders.
"What are-?" she gasped just before his lips crashed down on hers. Her eyes widened as Sokka closed his eyes. Well...at least he's good at kissing... Suki closed her eyes and wiggled her arms over his shoulders and around his neck.
Hakoda opened the window of his study and peered out. He saw the blue and green clad couple and sighed tiredly. He shook his head and closed the window. As soon as he was gone, Sokka tore his lips off of Suki's looked back at the window. He let out a heavy sigh of relief.
"Wow..."
"I'll say..." Suki grinned lopsidedly.
Sokka grinned back and kissed her lips once more, softly. "Thanks for helping."
"Hey...anytime." Suki chuckle. Sokka looked around and led Suki away. As soon as they were far away from the house, Sokka began talking. He looked around to make sure no one was paying attention and leaned into the retired Kyoshi Warrior.
"Haru asked my dad for permission to marry Katara!" Sokka gushed. Suki's eyes widened.
"Are you sure it was to marry her? Did you hear correctly? Maybe he meant 'date' or something."
"I know what I heard," Sokka insisted as he looked around him warily. "He heard about the traditions of the Water Tribe. He came to ask for permission before he asks Katara. Can you believe his nerve?"
"Oh, yes," Suki nodded, mockingly. "The nerve of him to take your father into consideration!"
"Suki," Sokka frowned. "You are not helping."
"You already knew that Haru liked your sister."
"But not enough to marry her!" Sokka gasped. "I mean...she's Katara for crying out loud! Who would want to be with her?"
Suki looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Sokka, are you forgetting one particular scarred Fire Lord who was found sleeping in the stables with your sister?"
"I prefer to think of that as a nightmare that didn't actually happen," he stated. He shook his head. "But forget about that for a second! This is Haru we're talking about. He wants to marry my sister!"
The young woman sighed and gave him a questioning look. "What is the problem? Did your father marry her off or something?"
"He better thank the gods he didn't!" Sokka retorted proudly. "I've never been so glad we live in the Southern Water Tribe instead of the North. He said it's up to Katara."
"Then we don't have a problem, do we?" Suki asked.
"Yeah, we do," Sokka insisted. Suki groaned. "Suki, Katara just left Zuko...meaning she's open to new guys. How do I - I mean we - know that she won't just accept any loser that approaches her."
"It's just Haru-"
"No, it's not!" Sokka exclaimed. Suki furrowed her eyebrows.
"What? What do you mean?" Sokka ran a hand through his unbound hair and paced the snow in front of her. He looked worried. "I over heard dad tell Haru that he's not the first to ask for Katara. Several Water Tribe boys - I don't know who, but you can bet I will find out," Suki rolled her eyes. "Have asked for Katara."
Suki's eyes widened. "So she's not as unpopular as she thought." she mused thoughtfully.
"Exactly!" Sokka told her. "Now you know what we're dealing with!" Suki looked at him, confused.
"And that is...?"
"We must keep Katara away from boys! All Water Tribe boys! Except for myself, of course. I'm family. And possibly Aang. He's like family. But we must make sure that she will never make it to the Northern Water Tribe!" Sokka announced. Suki slapped her forehead with her hand and dragged it down her face. "Who knows that kind of perverted lunatics are up there, stalking my poor baby sister!"
"And if she's invited to Yue's anniversary?" Suki asked confidently.
"Then...then..." his voice trailed off and his enlightened smile fell. He looked over at his girlfriend. "You just live to see me defeated, don't you?"
She blew him a kiss. "You do it to yourself, Sokka."
"You know what I've always wanted to do?" Iroh asked the two young people who had joined him for tea. They were sitting outside, under a pavilion, drinking evening tea just after dinner. The evening was nice a cool and the sky was clear. Lanterns lined alone the tops of the walkways and pavilion ceilings lit the area for them.
Mai put down the erhu she had been playing as she finished a particular piece. "What are have you always wanted to do, General Iroh?"
Zuko leaned back against on of the red pillars and lifted a cup of tea to his lips. "Penguin sled." The tea was shot out and Zuko barely had enough time to turn his head to avoid spraying it all over his bride. Mai merely handed him an embroidered handkerchief from her robe.
Zuko snatched it from her hand and quickly wiped his mouth with it. He looked up at his Uncle with a look of disbelief. "Penguin sled? Where did you get that idea?"
"The Avatar told me!" Iroh explained, as if saying that if it was good enough for the Avatar, it was good enough for him.
"The Avatar...of course..." Zuko grumbled.
"I'm sure if I can find a large enough penguin, I can ride one down a slope," Iroh mused. "But I believe they only grow so big."
Mai chuckled slightly and was about to continue playing when a soldier began approaching them. Zuko placed his cup on to the table and walked forward. The soldier stopped before he actually entered the pavilion and bent down to bow before his leader.
"My lord," the soldier said as he lifted up a leather wrapped message. "A message from the Northern Water Tribe just arrived."
Zuko nodded and took the message from the soldier's hand. "You are dismissed." He stated off handedly as he turned around. The soldier bowed once more and quickly left the Fire Lord with his Uncle and bride to be. The leather was branded with the seal of the Northern Water Tribe and Zuko untied the latch.
"What does it say?" Iroh asked curiously. Zuko unraveled the scroll that was wrapped beneath the leather and skimmed through the elegant writing.
"It is the one year anniversary of Princess Yue's ascension as the goddess of the moon," Zuko stated. "It's an invitation."
Iroh's eye lit up and he held out his hands. Zuko placed the invitation on in his Uncle's hand. Iroh read over the parchment and smiled brightly. "This is wonderful! How kind of them to invite us," Iroh smiled. "Princess Yue was seemed like such a kind girl. We should bring an offering."
"General Iroh, who is Princess Yue?" Mai asked. "I thought the Water Tribes had no monarchy."
"The Southern Water Tribe doesn't," Iroh told her. "Not for a long time. But the Northern Water Tribe has a very strict hierarchy and has a patriarchal chieftain system. Princess Yue was Chief Arnook's daughter. During the siege of the Northern Water Tribe, she gave her life to bring back the moon."
Mai seemed interested with the story. "Will you be going, General Iroh?"
"We'll all be going!" Iroh smiled.
"No, we are not," Zuko stated. The other two looked up at him. "I have too much to do here to go off to the North Pole. Mai, if you could, please represent me."
She bowed her head. "Of course, Lord Zuko."
"Zuko," Iroh frowned. "You must go. They have invited you."
"But, Uncle-"
"You must go," Iroh stressed. "The Water Tribe has always made an effort to come to the Fire Nation for our celebrations and festivals. It is only proper that we reciprocate their actions by attending one of their celebrations."
Zuko turned his head and thought for a moment. His arms crossed over his broad chest as he internally debated whether or not to go. If it was a Water Tribe function, Katara was bound to be there. She was, after all, a highly respected member of the tribe. Perhaps even the most powerful woman there.
Don't be ridiculous, Zuko thought to himself with a scowl. Are you afraid of Katara now? He shook his head. No, he wasn't afraid of Katara. He was afraid of what he would do if Katara was there.
"I would like to go," Mai voiced from her seat across from Iroh. Zuko turned and looked over at his bride. "I have never been to a Water Tribe city before and would like to see the home of our allies." she explained.
"You would love it there," Iroh told her. "It is one of the most pristine, beautiful cities you have ever seen. They have a tiered city lined with canals for travel. Water pours out of fountains all over the city, and only they have the magnificent ice palaces."
Zuko studied Mai's intrigued face. She made a good point. As the future Fire Lady, she should know about all the cultures of their world. "Very well," he stated as he uncrossed his arms. "I'll leave the preparations to you, Uncle."
"Wonderful!" Iroh smiled widely as he clapped his hands. "I will get everything ready. We must get everyone a new set of robes for the occasion. Something thicker...warmer, of course..."
As Iroh rambled on about what to bring, half of Zuko prayed that Katara would not be present at the celebration. The other half vowed eternal praise if she was.
The banquet hall was large with rows of circular tables all around the room. Earthbenders wandered around as music echoed in the hall. Aang was with Toph as she went around, her championship belt around her waist. Katara could hear her saying "It was nothing...baby stuff, really."
Toph was really milking the arrogance, but as far as Katara was concerned, the exceptional young earthbender had earned that right. As for herself, Katara sat at their table, just beside the sponsor's table. As a single young woman who had the social standing equal to any leader and that of a war hero, numerous men have come to ask her to dance or join them for a drink.
She would give them a warm smile, but kindly decline the offer, citing that she had spent the day shopping with Toph and was tired. Alone at their table, Katara sipped on a fruit based drink. She had just finished eating to her hearts content and was impressed with the amount and quality of the food served.
If it was any sign of how wealthy the sponsor was, Katara knew that Jet wasn't lying when he said his job paid well. She reached for her glass again when a hand tapped her shoulder. She looked up and sighed heavily. Jet. Again.
"May I have this dance?" he offered amiably.
"I thought you had body guard duty." she stated.
"There are a dozen body guards. He won't mind if I take a little break and get one tiny dance in." Jet assured her.
"I just rejected about twenty men," Katara stated casually. "What makes you think I'll dance with you?"
"You said you'd give me a second chance." he countered. Katara internally winced. She took a drink of from her glass and stood up.
"One dance." she told him.
"One dance." he agreed.
Toph had been heading towards their table, when she stopped in her tracks. Behind her, Aang wasn't watching where he was going and ran into her back. "Watch it, Twinkle Toes!" she snapped.
"Sorry," Aang said as he stumbled back. "Why'd you stop, Toph?
Toph's blank eyes narrowed. She suddenly pointed to the dance floor. "That." Aang followed her hand and nearly dropped his jaw to the floor. While looking somewhat reluctant, Katara was dancing with Jet.
Silently, Aang thanked the gods that Sokka was not there. He could only imagine the kind of chaos Sokka would do if he found out Jet was dancing with his sister. Aang didn't feel that much better about it, either. "I don't know about this, Toph..."
"Just watch her," the blind earthbender told him. "I'm going to see if Jet's background story check out."
Aang nodded and he walked over to their table. He sat down; making sure Toph reached the sponsor and Jet's boss, before looking back at the floor. Katara was in the process of being spun around. Aqua colored cloth swirling around her body as long brown hair flew around her face. Despite her best efforts, a smile had reached her face.
Once again, Aang wasn't sure if he was comfortable with Jet being so close to Katara. Which bothered him considering he was pretty trusting guy. Then again, maybe it wasn't that he was afraid that Jet would hurt Katara. She was stronger now, more mature and experienced. Maybe what bothered Aang so much was that he still felt that Katara loved Zuko. And Zuko still loved Katara. It was like watching a betrayal happen before his very eyes.
A few minutes of dancing continued and Katara seemed to getting more and more into the activity. Jet seemed to be enjoying himself as well. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all...Aang mused to himself. He picked up a piece of fruit from a dish on their table and popped it into his mouth. Momo was still sitting on his designated chair, stuffed from all the food he had eaten earlier.
Aang chuckled and petted his lemur friend on the head just as Toph arrived. "Well, believe it or not, Mr. Tree Top Hideaway is the real thing," Toph sighed, seemingly disappointed. "What he told Katara is what happened according to his boss. Not only that, he received raves on his job."
"Maybe we're too worried," Aang suggested. "I mean...people change. Zuko changed."
"Yeah. And look what happened with Zuko and Katara." Toph told him. Aang froze in his seat and then looked down.
"Oh..." Toph nodded and kept her senses focused on her dancing friend.
"Even if he doesn't do anything to her," Toph told Aang in a low voice. "I'm just worried that Katara hasn't gotten over Zuko."
"That wasn't so bad was it?" Jet asked as Katara walked beside him. Toph and Aang were following carefully behind the two as they headed back to the spa.
"All right, it wasn't bad," Katara admitted.
"And I didn't do anything inappropriate, did I?"
"No...You were a..." Katara hesitated. "Complete gentleman." Jet smirked and nodded.
"I told you," he said as he looked back at her. "I got a second chance. I wanted to do something good for once and show you I wasn't how I was like before."
Katara nodded. "And you have. I'm sorry for doubting you and brushing you off."
"All is forgiven," Jet told her. "But I do ask that you do one thing."
Katara stopped in her tracks and narrowed her eyes. Behind her, Aang and Toph stopped and listened. "What thing?" she asked suspiciously.
"You're here for one more night, right?" Jet asked. Katara nodded cautiously.
"Let me take you around Ba Sing Se tomorrow," he offered. "You've been at the spa this whole time...a nice walk around the city would be nice, don't you think?"
Katara hesitated. She glanced behind her at the two. Aang looked worried and Toph was scowling. "I...I have to think about it." she stammered. Jet nodded.
"Take your time. No pressure." he told her. They walked up the steps to the spa. As they walked through the lobby, a male voice called out.
"Ambassador Katara of the Water Tribe!" The woman in question turned around and scanned the lobby with sapphire eyes. A movement in blue caught her eyes as a Water Tribe messenger approached her. His hood was down, revealing a mass of black hair, and he had his mouth covered. He was a warrior. Katara walked away from her group towards the man as he knelt down respectfully. "Ambassador, I bring a message for you and the Avatar from Chief Arnook."
"Thank you," Katara said. Her heart was racing, expecting the worst as she received the leather wrapped scroll. Aang walked up beside her and took another scroll. "What is it?"
"Chief Arnook would like to extend an invitation to you, the Avatar, and Lady Toph for a celebration at the North Pole in honor of Princess Yue's ascension to the moon." the soldier said.
Katara's fingers quickly unraveled the scroll and read it. Her lips turned downwards as she looked at the date. "I'm afraid we can't make it..." She looked down at the soldier and motioned for him to stand. "What do you think, Aang?"
"We'd be cutting it too close..." Aang admitted. "We won't have enough time to fly there from the southern Earth Kingdom."
"And we'll have our hands full with the peace keeping there..." Katara added. She looked down at the carefully transcribed invitation. She looked up at the soldier with disappointed blue eyes. "I'm afraid you will have to carry a message back to Chief Arnook. We will be unable to make it do to our schedule."
The soldier was staring dumbly at Katara. He remembered seeing her a year ago when she trained with Master Pakku Amazing what a year did. Aang glanced from the soldier to Katara and raised an eyebrow. As he studied the glazed over expression on the soldier's face, Aang made a little 'o' with his mouth and coughed.
"Ahem," Aang said, waving his hand in front of the soldier's face. The messenger soldier shook his head and snapped himself out of his daze as his eyes fell back on the Avatar. Aang raised an eyebrow. "Um...we'll have to decline. Scheduling conflicts. But will try to come visit and pay our respects to Yue later on." he added.
The soldier nodded and gave Katara a deep bow. "I will inform him, Ambassador Katara. It was an honor meeting you!" The waterbender merely raised an eyebrow and slowly stepped back.
As she and Aang reached Toph and Jet, she leaned over to her friend. "I wonder what was wrong with him..."
Aang shrugged innocently.
He stood on the docks of the Southern Water Tribe's city, a bag over his shoulder as he waited for his ship to start taking in passengers. Long brown hair billowed in the wind as he clutched something in his hand. He looked down at the blue choker and the jade colored pendant he had shaped with his own powers. It was a green and blue version of her grandmother's betrothal necklace.
"So, Haru!" His heart nearly jumped out of his chest as Sokka's overly friend voice rang through the chilly air. Haru turned around, shoving the necklace into his pocket as he shifted nervously under Sokka's piercing blue eyed glare. "Leaving? So soon?"
Haru swallowed. Behind Sokka, Suki was shaking her head and giving the earthbender an apologetic look for her boyfriend's idiocy. "I...I have some more places I wanted to travel to."
"Really?" Sokka asked with a dangerous gleam in his eye. He looked past Haru to the Water Tribe ship that was preparing to embark to the North Pole. "The North Pole, huh? What's wrong? Tired of the South Pole already?"
Haru moved from on foot to the other, his eyes looking away. "I thought it would be interesting to see the north and compare to the south."
"Is that so..." Sokka told him. He crossed his arms and eyed the earthbender with scrutiny. "So...you don't plan on visiting anyone while you're up there? Maybe stopping by a Master Waterbender's to ask for something?"
Suki groaned. She loved Sokka and he was many things. But subtle was not one of them. "Sokka..."
"No, no, Suki...I want to know what our little friend here is planning," Sokka told her. Briefly, she wondered if she should throw the fan in her pocket. "Well, Haru? Is there anything you want to say?"
Haru's eyes were wide and he took a step back. "Uh...Thank for the hospitality?"
Sokka opened his mouth to begin with the accusations when Suki reached over and grabbed his ear. "That's enough, Sokka!" Suki said cheerfully. "Now let's wish Haru a safe trip."
Her hand clapped over Sokka's mouth and she gave Haru a wave. "I...um...I should get on the ship..." the earthbender murmured.
"You do that." Suki told him with a smile. She waited until Haru was safely on board the ship before releasing Sokka.
"Why did you do that?" he gasped, sounding betrayed. He carried a sad, puppy look on his face.
"What do you think you were doing?" Suki countered, unswayed. "You nearly gave the poor boy a heart attack!"
"I was trying to protect my sister."
"You mean trying to scare Haru away," Suki frowned. "Sokka, didn't you hear what your father said? Didn't he say it was Katara's decision?"
Sokka gritted his teeth. "I know that, but..." He let out a heavy breath and looked at Suki with pleading blue eyes. "It wasn't easy for me to see Katara at the Fire Palace. She looked so broken, Suki. It hurt so much to see her crying when she smiled because she had to leave that idiot Fire Lord!"
"Sokka, you can't stop her from getting hurt," Suki insisted. "You can just be there to help lessen the pain," She told him a she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her forehead against his. "Besides, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I think Katara still loves Zuko."
His arms wrapped around her slender body and he rested his chin atop Suki's head. He eyes narrowed as he watched the ships lined at their docks. If Katara was still in love with Zuko, he could only imagine how much pain his sister was holding back.
Her loose, comfortable green robes made her blend in with the rest of the city populace as Jet watched her from the side of the stall. She was in the middle of bargaining for an interesting new tea pot. She had seen it and it just screamed out Iroh. The woman at the stall was shaking her head, until Katara shrugged and began to walk away. Three steps out; the woman called her back and settled for the price Katara had offered.
Giddy, Katara gave her the money and waited for her to pack up the tea pot and the set it came with. As she did, she casually looked around the marketplace stall. Her eyes landed on a bright red lantern. Slowly, she made her way over to it. It looked just like the ones that hung over the court yard at the Fire Palace on Zuko's birthday. A small smile graced her face.
She remembered looking down at them from atop Appa as she sat on Zuko's lap. A flush made its way up her face as she remembered the fond memory.
"Miss," a voice said from inside the stall, snapping Katara out of her thoughts. "Your package is ready." Katara gave her a bright smile and a word of thanks before taking her bag and walking out.
"It's getting late," Jet said as he met her outside. "We should head back to the spa."
Katara nodded. "Sure. At our next stop, I'll send this to Iroh." said as she lifted up the package.
"General Iroh?" Jet asked.
Katara nodded once more. "Yes, Zuko's Uncle. He's always been very good to us. I saw this and I just had to get it for him."
Jet grinned slightly. "Katara," he began as they walked down the street. "I have a vacation in a few weeks. Around the time of the celebration in the North Pole..."
Katara turned to look at him suspiciously. "And...?"
"I think I'd like to go," Jet shrugged. "It seems kind of fun. Is it open to people of other nations?"
"Of course," Katara told him. "Everyone is welcomed to part take in Water Tribe celebrations."
Jet nodded. "Great," he said. He looked down at her once more, his eyes softened slightly. "I kind of wish I could go with you guys."
"I thought you liked your job."
"I do," he insisted. "But I kind of miss the freedom of doing what I wanted when I pleased," he admitted. "Since coming to Ba Sing Se, I haven't really traveled."
"Well, I think you should go. The more you travel, the more you learn about other cultures. It's good for you." Katara asserted.
They began walking up the steps to the spa and Jet rubbed the back of her neck. "So are we good now?"
"Huh?"
"You and me...you're not angry at me any more? We're okay?" he asked. Katara paused for thought.
She had spent the entire day with Jet and had gotten to know him and what he had been doing. He still seemed confident, but not as much as she had remembered. He seemed to really have changed and Katara was glad they were speaking like normal people again.
"Katara, are you ready to go?" Katara looked up and saw Aang and Toph standing in the hall, their bags on their back and hers with them.
"What's going on?" she asked as her eyebrows furrowed.
"We received a message from some of the villages in the south," Toph told her calmly. Aang fished out the note and showed Katara the paper message as she approached.
"They're requesting our aid as soon as possible," Aang said. "Since we were going to leave in the morning, I figured we might as well leave now. Then we can arrive there in the morning and get to work right away."
Katara read through the paper and sighed. She nodded and handed it back to Aang. "Did you get my stuff?"
"It's all packed away on Appa," Aang assured her. "We're ready to go when you are."
Katara nodded. This was her life. Challenging and hectic. Full of excitement. She turned to Jet and bowed her head. "Well, this is it. Good luck with the job, Jet. I really am glad we met up again. You got your second chance and I'm happy for you."
Jet nodded and stepped forward. "It's kind of all your fault, you know," he told her sincerely. "If you never froze me to that tree, I would've still been harassing innocent villagers."
"Well, I'm glad I was able to change your mind." Katara chuckled. Jet nodded and held his arms out.
"Can I get a better good-bye this time?"
Katara laughed and nodded. "Sure." She stepped forward and gave him a friendly hug. Jet squeezed her tightly and pressed his lips against her ears.
"Thanks."
Katara nodded and stepped back. "Take care, Jet."
"Next time we see each other, you owe me another dance." He told her with a smirk. Katara nodded and headed out with Aang and Toph.
"Seems to me that you two have gotten quite close." Toph murmured as they walked towards the stables were Appa was waiting.
"I have to admit, he has changed," Katara shrugged. "And it was good to see him."
"You didn't make him another hat, did you?" Toph grumbled. Katara's cheeks blushed and she turned to look at Aang.
"Did you tell her?" she gasped, embarrassed. Aang merely shrugged.
"Well...it kind of came out..."
Katara sighed and shook her head. "Let's just go. The sooner we get to the south, the sooner we can get started and I can mail this off to Iroh."
"You got something for him again?" Toph asked.
"Well...I thought he might enjoy it." the waterbender defended.
"What'd you get him?" Aang asked as he looked at her package.
Katara held up her prize proudly. "A new tea pot."
"Is that a new tea pot?" Zuko stopped by the pavilion, dressed in the robes he had from that morning's meeting. His Uncle was outside in the pavilion again, relishing the cool night air. Iroh was sitting there, a new tea pot in front of him with matching cups and a new box of tea that bared an Earth Kingdom export logo.
"It just came in today," Iroh told him distractedly as he measured out his tea. "It came with this little set up here...I've been dying to use it all day."
Zuko sighed and rolled his eyes. "I thought I asked you to stop shopping."
"I'm not shopping!" Iroh told him proudly as he put the tea into the pot and added water. "It was a present!"
"From who? The tea fairy?"
"From Katara," Zuko uncrossed his arms and furrowed his eyebrows. "Why is she sending you gifts?"
"Because she likes me," Iroh told him calmly. He put the tea on the little rack that came with the set to keep it warm. "Apparently, this tea set just screamed out my name and she had to buy it."
Zuko frowned. "Did she write you another letter, as well?"
"As a matter of fact she did," Iroh told him coolly. "She says that they will be missing the celebration in the North Pole a few months from now as their work peace keeping will keep them pre-occupied."
Zuko felt his heart sink and he quickly chastised himself for being disappointed. Another part of him felt relieved. This meant that while he was there he could just avoid all the awkwardness because Katara wouldn't be there. "That's too bad."
"Also, she says that violence has broken out in the south," Iroh frowned. "Many Fire Nation settlers have started rebelling against the Earth Kingdom villagers that have started to return into the villages. She's afraid there will be a death toll."
Zuko frowned more so. He was concerned and took a seat across from his Uncle. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
"Not unless you want to force your way into the Earth Kingdom and break those treaties," Iroh admitted. "If they are planning to settle in the Earth Kingdom, they cannot depend on us for support. And I don't think they want to."
"What about financial support?"
The retired general shook his head. "The Earth Kingdom might accuse you of funding a rebellion," he explained. "And you know what that would lead to."
Zuko let out a groan. "I don't want my people abroad to have to resort to violence again," Zuko sighed heavily. "Nor do I want them to be subjected to it by another party. Isn't there anything I can do?"
"I'm afraid anything that happens in the Earth Kingdom is beyond your control, Fire Lord," Iroh told him seriously. "Everything is in the hands of the Avatar and Katara."
"How about the other villages they've been to?" Zuko asked. "Has there been any success?"
"There is an uneasy peace amongst the groups. It will take a long time for the peace to deepen," Iroh explained. "But so far, they have been successful. From her letters, they have instituted town charters, treaties, and truces amongst the groups that are designed to help promote diversity and peace. I believe that the major problems were harassment and discrimination. The result of a backlash from years of Fire Nation occupation. Luckily, the Avatar's group has been going around promoting the peace. Katara is proving herself to be an excellent ambassador."
Zuko nodded. He had wondered how she was fairing. If she was doing well with her new post. It looks like he wasn't the only one destined for greatness. His look softened. She was out there, helping Fire Nation people he couldn't reach. Perhaps it was good that she left him. He stood up and headed back towards the palace.
"I'm going to get some rest, Uncle."
"Very good," Iroh nodded. As Zuko walked away, Iroh spoke his thoughts out loud. "I wonder why Katara said this pot had me written all over it...it's embedded with images of turtle ducks."
Roughly Two Months Later, Seaside Town, Southern Earth Kingdom
Aang nudged his friend away. "Katara," He whispered in a low voice. "Katara, wake up!"
"It's still early..." Katara mumbled. She rolled over in her bed and suddenly felt nothing beneath her. She opened her eyes and screamed as the floor rushed towards her face.
On the other side of the room, Toph's laughter echoed in the stone lined wall and Aang rushed to Katara's side. "Katara! Sorry! Are you okay?"
"Ugh..." The blue eyed waterbender sat up, a scowl on her face as she rubbed her nose. "I'm fine..." she grumbled. She looked over at Aang with an annoyed glare. "What is it? Why'd you wake me up?"
"Truce and cease fire has been made." Aang told her, a wide smile on his face. Katara's eyes widened and she grabbed the collar of his orange shirt.
"Tell me you are not joking," Katara told him in a low voice. "We've been here for two months just trying to get the two sides to talk...tell me you are not joking, Aang."
"Nope," Aang said. "I was up all last night with the representatives and they've come to an agreement."
"No more fighting, Katara," Toph told her proudly. "They're going to adopt a charter we drafted for one of the villages in the west."
Katara's eyes closed and she released the Avatar's collar. She fell back against the bed and let out a heavy sigh. "This is...wonderful..." she gasped out breathlessly."It took so long, but we finally got it done."
"We've been asked to help present it to the people this evening," Toph said. "But afterwards, we're two weeks ahead of schedule. You know what this means, don't you?"
Katara opened her eyes and raised one eyebrow. "We move on to the next town?"
Aang laughed and shook his head. "No! We get to go to the North Pole for Yue's celebration!" Aang told her. Katara's eyes lit up.
Ice. Snow. Cold weather. Her family was sure to be there and she'd love to walk through the lovely city once more. Her heart skipped a beat and she smiled.
"Well then, what are waiting for?" Katara shouted as she jumped off her bed. "Let's present the charter and get going!" North Pole - here I come!
A.N. - I'm not going to update this weekend: I'll be in SoCal helping my brother move into his apartment and visiting college friends. :D All responses to Chapter 15's reviews are on my profile. :) Also, if you have a story you asked me to read, please send them to me again. I like reading. :D Thank you for reading! And yes, this is a Zutara.
