An: Hey everyone! I know I remember writing back from my old OUAT story that I will not continue writing fan fiction. Well surprise, surprise! I just couldn't resist this idea, had to get it out of my head! I got this done in one sitting.
I got into the whole Avatar craze nearly 2 years ago and watched the show. Let me just say I don't regret it. My only regret is that I was pretty much living under a rock while it was airing on TV over a decade ago. I think I would have loved it more.. (also just started Cowboy Bebop thanks to Netflix. I was way too young to watch that on TV at the time. Don't know, maybe I'll write some one shot for Spike and Faye exploring their friendship and dynamic)…
Anyways, I am aware of the whole shipping war of Kataang and Zutara. The characters still have some work to do on themselves before jumping into relationships. Especially with the trauma they have experienced from the war. I haven't got myself into reading the comics or watching LOK, but I have heard what happened. After hearing it, I have some mixed feelings.
Let me tell you I truly believed Katara was better off without Aang, seeing the outcome of their marriage and children. If all Aang cared about was restoring the Air Nomads, he should have let go of Katara and married a non bender. Zuko was great as a Fire Lord but if Katara wounded up with him, it would be interesting how the Fire Nation citizens would react to a water bender as a Fire Lady; and make political changes. Could have possibly been an interesting twist.
I was disappointed how the romance was handled considering how young the characters are. Romance subplot was REALLY unnecessary IMO..*cough cough* and the finale kiss seemed out of place. Aang and Katara should have exchanged a realistic conversation like "We did it!" "Will we still be friends?" or "Everything's going to change now, I'm so happy," while watching the sunset. That would have been WAY more appropriate since their previous interaction before the finale was an argument..Leading to an epic kiss was unrealistic and out of context.
I wrote this thinking what could have happened between Katara and Zuko off screen, while staying true to the canon storyline. It takes place after the finale and includes additional scenes that explores their potential slowburn. This is just how I imagined it would have happened.
This story is not an AU but ignores the finale kiss and events from the comics.
Enjoy!
Beneath the starry night sky, Katara gazed up at the moon, counting the stars along as she sailed further away. Dwelling on all the events that occurred over the past year. All of it was a lot to take in at once, leaving her thoughts in a race. Since she boarded the ship, she barely ate or spoke to anyone; the desire to be alone overwhelmingly engulfed her. The salty ocean breeze of the Fire Nation kissed her skin and hair. Bidding their final goodbye.
It was over. Finally. The One Hundred year War came to a dramatic end and her and Sokka were making their journey home to the South Pole along with their father. Who knows how long it would take. Days? Weeks? This was unlike Appa's rides, that was for sure. She couldn't wait to run into her Gran-gran's arms and retell many stories of her adventures with the Avatar and travelling around the world.
Unbelievable as it was. The boy from a frozen slumber being their only hope, was now a hero.
Who would have thought the hot tempered fire prince, so eager to hunt down the Avatar, had formed genuine camaraderie. It was insane how much the world had changed in a year.
How much he changed.
Prince Zuko had connected so close with Katara over the past few months, she thought the war would continue had it not been for him. From the very first moment he set foot on the South Pole, the waterbender felt nothing but fear and intense anger as she scrutinized his repulsive appearance and mannerisms. Heir to the wicked Fire Lord Ozai, she and everyone believed the prince pursued the Avatar for the gain of his pride and Nation.
How wrong had they been.
Thanks to him and General Iroh, the whole world will be able to view the Fire Nation in a whole new light. With restored peace and honour, they were all going to do it. Together. A remarkable event in history was going to take place very soon.
As she boarded the ship, she thought if the decision she made would be bound for happiness. With the war over, Katara yearned for a thrill of more adventures, without any enemies, fights or confrontations to interfere.
The sound of footsteps were fast approaching, Sokka's being wary as he came closer. "Everything ok, Katara? You haven't spoke since we boarded the ship. What's wrong?"
She turned to look at her brother, grabbing a strand of her hair between her fingers and stroked it. "No need to worry Sokka, I'm fine."
"Really?" His eyes narrowed in suspicion, comically rubbing his chin. "Because it sure doesn't seem like it. Was it the Fire cakes or Komodo Chicken from the party?" his tongue lolled out as he rubbed his stomach. "I think I feel my gut burning. Water won't help."
His sister shook her head. "Suki and I told you not to chow down every dish you saw. You could loose all that muscle mass that'll stop you from ice fishing. Besides, your stomach's not made of steel like you think," she casted him a smirk.
Sokka crossed his arms, his grave expression eyeing her sideways. "Ha-ha!" he said sarcastically. "Anyways, I was wondering," he then turned to face Katara, his eyes narrowed again. "I remember the argument back at Ember Island. Did Aang say anything to upset you?"
"No."
"Toph? Zuko?" Warmth spread through her body at the mention of the firebender. Katara shook her head and grimaced, knowing her brother wouldn't bring up his girlfriend.
"Well," Sokka sighed. "Dad says we'll reach the South Pole by dawn. You should get some rest. Good night, sis." Her brother strolled away towards the cabin with a wave.
"Night Sokka." She turned to look up at the sky again.
Images of the Agni Kai kept replaying in her memories; Azula's unhinged guise, the illumination of red and blue fire, Zuko's determination, the lightning..
La! Spirits! Her fists clenched hard around the rails of the ship, shaking the thought out of her mind. How her entire body and hands trembled as she healed the lightning scar, hoping Zuko would survive for the sake of the world. The soft whisper of thanks from him washed relief through her, burning tears overfilling her eyes.
Destiny sure was a funny thing. Katara couldn't believe she could go from hating Zuko to fully trusting her life with him. It always brought unexpected things.
The waterbender's sapphire eyes transferred towards the moon, thinking what Yue thought of all this. She'd be so proud to see how far they have all come, saving the world.
...
Once Azula was taken by the Fire sages, Katara and Zuko stood in silence, with her hand on his back. Observing the remaining flames from the Agni Kai crumble to cinders and the scent of smoke filling the humid air. The wind growing strong with the comet.
Suddenly, miles beyond the palace, two cosmic lights shot up towards the sky. Blue and Orange. The ground shook violently. Katara lost her balance and Zuko instinctively held onto her while crouching lower to the ground. Hands encircling her waist and shoulders with her head buried against his chest; shielding her body.
"What's happening?" He asked with grit teeth, maintaining his composure.
"I don't know," Katara yelled.
His heart hammered and body rattled with the earthquake; if he were to have his last breath from this earthquake, he would willingly do it knowing it would not be in vain.
Zuko and Katara fell to their knees on the ground and held on to one another tightly. The tremors of the earthquake began to lighten and suddenly came to a halt. Katara opened her eyes and looked up at Zuko—she subconsciously grazed her hands onto his shoulders to look at him.
"Katara," he muttered softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
She gave him a smile, her eyes twinkled like the moon. "Zuko, he did it. We won."
Without protest, she allowed him to lift her to stand up. As he stood completely straight, the fire prince winced and groaned, hunching over and clutching his abdomen.
She put her arms around his shoulders. "Zuko.."
"I'll be fine, no need to worry.." he grunted, as he managed to slowly straighten his posture with Katara moving away. The wind blowing his hair, revealing the scar on his face along with his stoic expression.
There was no need for Katara to question his actions. She continued to eye the scar.
"So I guess this is it.." Zuko said.
This caught Katara's attention. His words were so sudden. "What do you mean?" A tinge of curiosity in her voice.
"It's just that..." Zuko nervously ran a hand through his hair, his mind frantic. "I don't know what's going to happen after I become Fire Lord. Everything just changed so fast in my life. I never thought my time with you, Aang and everyone else would end. I'm telling you I haven't felt like this in so long."
She gave him a sad smile. "Zuko, you know we will always be friends, right? War or no war."
A thought then occurred. What would Katara be doing if there was no war? It was strange to think how the world would be, in spite of the desire for peace. She'd probably still be at the South Pole with Sokka, dad and Gran-Gran. It was highly possible that she would never have met Zuko, as their nations would share some political conflicts.
Not exactly enemies nor allies.
The thought made her shudder. Some things about destiny should not be inquired or given second thoughts. Zuko continued to stare at her, looking optimistic.
"But we have duties to our nations," she tucked a strand behind her ear, avoiding his gaze before looking back at him. "I got to return to the South Pole to rebuild our tribe. And you will finally be crowned Fire Lord. I'm sure you'll be what everyone hopes for."
Zuko stood in silence for what felt like hours, Katara felt her heart palpitate. He finally shook his head and shifted his eyes toward the red sky. "I don't really think I deserve the crown," he muttered.
Katara's mouth was agape. "Why?"
The fire prince bit back a groan, his eyes narrowed to slits, looking more hurt than angry. "All Fire Nation citizens loved my dad. They even worshipped him," he finally met eyes with the waterbender, as she took a step back. "When father welcomed me back, nothing had changed. Citizens were happy about what happened in Ba Sing Se and saw the Avatar's death as victory."
Her eyes widened, Zuko looked at the ground and his face hardened with disgust, closing his fists. "This is why we were hated and feared for many years. All because of my family. I am nothing like my father and some angry mobs would cheer over my dead corpse," he said hoarsely.
"Zuko, don't be so hard on yourself.." she put a hand on his shoulder, his face refusing to meet hers. "I'm sure you'll get the help you need from advisors and sages. You won't be alone. You have Aang, your uncle, your friends and me," she added softly.
"I don't think I want this.."
The waterbender bit her lip, feeling pity for him. The amount of pain, trauma, anger and mistakes the prince had experienced the past few years made him blind to the goodness around him and himself. A sigh escaped her lips, removing her hand from his shoulder, she managed to find the ultimate question for him.
"Then tell me Zuko, what would you do now? If you were to choose."
A dark shadow enveloped across his face as he turned around to face her.
"Find my mother.." he replied.
"That's something we have in common."
"This is just like when we were in prison together at Ba Sing Se. He starts talking about his mother and making it seem like he's an actual human being with feelings!"
Katara deeply regretted those words back at the Western Air Temple. Sure, Zuko was not perfect, but he tried his best to make amends and did not deserve her bitter attitude.
"Nothing and no one can stop me. I don't care what it'll take me, weeks or months. But I will be ready."
The ambition was a quality which she truly admired about him. Something then sparked in her, she felt like she should return the favour after helping her seek closure to her past.
"I think.." she began before finally catching his attention. " I think I should go with you Zuko.."
He suddenly smirked. "On another field trip?" He mirrored Aang's words back at the camping ground.
She bit back a chuckle against his remark. "Pretty much. I wouldn't miss it."
"Thank you, Katara," he suddenly initiated a hug, wrapping her tightly around his arms. Katara was slightly taken aback by his action and with reluctance, returned his hug with her arms around his neck.
"I'm sure mother would love to meet you," he whispered, his breath tickling her hair. His words brought a smile to her face and buried her head into his neck, deepening the embrace. The comet and fire withering from the distance.
...
Zuko eyed into the mirror, witnessing fragments of himself he couldn't seem to apprehend. He was still feeling agony from the pain, his entire chest and abdomen bandaged from the assistance of the palace physicians. From the banished prince to a reformed Fire Lord, he didn't know what to make of himself. Though he allowed others to do so.
The red scar on his left marked who he was. As he intensely absorbed into his reflection, he undeniably saw it all. From his amber eyes to his sharp jawline, all he saw was Ozai. The uncanny, spitting resemblance brought him anger and resentment— yet he was aware that deep down, their hearts contained different substances. Succumbing to his level of madness was somewhat avoidable.
Moving away from the mirror, Zuko was still limping slightly, bearing some difficulty to move swiftly. One wrong move would aggravate his injury if he wasn't too cautious. He reached towards his robe which laid on the chair when he heard someone knock on his door.
The prince flinched; he was not seeking any company at the moment. He sought refuge to rest and empty his thoughts away from the chaos. Stifling a frustrated groan, like ash and smoke, he breathed deeply.
"Come in."
The door to the room opened slowly, Zuko felt his body stiffen as he awaited some unexpected news from the palace guards or uncle. He was over it. When the figure emerged, he felt himself soften at the familiar sapphire eyes.
"Katara? How did…" he fumbled with his words and shook his head. "You shouldn't be here."
She ignored him and strutted closer, steady and fluid like the ocean waves. "I wanted to see you.."
"Is everything alright? How did you come here without the guards noticing?"
It was then that the fire bender recalled the few nights following the Agni Kai. Katara tossed and turned, moaning in her sleep as the nightmares creeped into her subconscious. The result of those nightmares made her jumpy and restless the past few days, with dark bags surrounding her eyes.
He gently placed a hand on her arm. "You know Azula is gone now, she can't hurt anyone. Not anymore," he said softly.
However, she seemed much calmer than usual, the dark circles faded. "That's not why I came here," she shook her head and lowered her eyes on his injury. "How are you feeling?"
A wince etched his features as he moved away, trying to reach his robe. "Still sore. And I owe you everything for saving me."
She brought her fingers to his bandages and traced them along with her eyes. "After I leave, I'm thinking of taking a trip to the North Pole to get more water oasis so you can.."
Zuko suddenly dropped his robe and grabbed her wrist. "Don't," he urged, his jaw clenched but his eyes were tender. "You've done enough. I mean it. I wouldn't change my scars for anything. Do you hear?"
"Zuko, I-"
"Please.." his eyes glimmered like the bright sun. "My honour was restored the moment I took that lightning for you. And I would do it over again, knowing you can be free and happy."
Katara felt her eyes well up. Zuko wanted nothing more than to wipe them, but refrained himself. She gradually slid her wrist away from his grasp and inhaled a deep breath.
"In that case," she began, Zuko felt his pulse quicken. "There's something I should show you." Katara removed her gloves, revealing the red scalding marks on her hands. Without thinking, Zuko grabbed them, eyeing the trails of every single line of the burns. He bit his tongue, cursing whoever harmed her.
"What happened?"
Katara knitted her brows in confusion. "Aang never told you?"
The Avatar's words about firebending at the Western Air Temple replayed in his memories.
He felt his body tremble with anger, hating how his element and nation harmed the innocent. The destructive and evil nature which affected the world's perception.
"He did."
"I won't change mine, if you choose to keep yours," she muttered, her face nonchalant.
"That's fine by me," he released his grasp and she put her gloves back on and slumped down in his chair. Attempting to reach for the robe, he just managed to drape it around his shoulders, not wanting to expose too much skin. Katara stepped forward and leaned by his chair on the stool. They sat in silence, enjoying the moment without utterance. Fresh air from the wide window flooded the room with a sweet scent. Birds chirping, brighter days ahead for everyone.
"Are you ready, Zuko?" Katara asked, he lowered his gaze and sighed.
"I don't think I am. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind and as worried as I am about you," he raised his head slowly and gave her a smile. "I'm glad you came to see me."
She returned his smile. "Aang has been feeling the same way. He thinks everyone is out to harm him when they actually admire him than he gives them credit for. It's best to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I am being hopeful and I know it will be the same for you, Zuko."
"Katara, would you stay longer, in the palace?"
His question rendered her speechless. What made him want her to stay behind? She couldn't think of anything impactful to accomplish in the Fire Nation without receiving disapproving glances from common citizens. If all she needed to do was keep him company, they knew there were alternative ways to ease his mind. The amount of pressure and duties of being a young Fire Lord won't guarantee an easy path for Zuko. It was still best to have faith. Nonetheless, she knew the opportunity to return was always in the cards.
Her hand subconsciously fiddled with her hair. "As much as I would love to, Zuko. I can't."
"I see."
A hopeful grin lightened her face, how he adored it. "Honestly, it would be fun getting to explore the Fire Nation. Its not like anything I have experienced in my adventures," she looked out the window, her expression childlike and wistful. "A year ago, I can't believe I had such bad ideas about this place. Aang, Sokka and I were actually so scared of facing our enemies. But not anymore. I will remember to send you letters when.."
"But we were supposed to find my mother," he interjected with narrowed eyes. She could hear the slight frustration in his voice.
She sighed. "I haven't forgotten, believe me. You want to see her more than anything and I feel you Zuko, " she laced her fingers with his. "We'll figure something out as we go our ways, I promise you. But our duties should come first, to restore peace and stability to the nations."
"We can't do this alone. I'm going to need more information."
"And what is your plan?" Katara urged as she leaned closer, her sea blue orbs meeting his gold.
The prince stared hard at her, his expression deep in thought. Her heart plummeted to her stomach. "Looks like I've got no choice," he said and she drew her hand away.
"No, Zuko. You can't."
"Katara," he suddenly stood up, his robe slipping off once again and ignoring it completely. He turned to look out the balcony. "I've faced him before and there will be guards. They will watch his every move and he's helpless without his firebending. Trust me."
She followed suit, standing directly behind him, "He's done nothing but hurt you, what makes you think you can trust him after all he's done? Wouldn't he lie to you?" she caught herself raising her voice louder than usual.
"As much as I hate to admit it, he won't. I know Azula is no different, but he never lied like she did."
Her grief stricken expression couldn't be hidden as she lowered her eyes. She finally nodded. Zuko knew his family best and she had no reason to be inquisitive.
"Is this the only way?"
"I believe it has to be."
Suddenly, a loud clash erupted from the distant hallway, followed by shrill squabbling. The pair turned their heads toward the door and listened intently until they could make out the conversation.
"I'm telling you, she's not here. Go see Avatar Aang." One guard retorted.
The other guard scoffed. "The water tribe girl? Nobody's seen her in the corridors since morning. Not even good old tea loving Iroh or that earthbending brat, let alone the Avatar. You think he's got some psychic tracking power going on?"
"Who are you talking about? What business does she have to be here?" croaked a familiar female voice.
Mai.
Zuko's body paralyzed in place. This couldn't be good, he cannot bear the thought of Katara being confronted over some trivial matter. After all, futile things were a big deal in the Fire Nation, let alone the palace. Stirring gossip was a favourite time passing hobby for the palace folk. Mai was the last person he needed to get wrapped in the whole turmoil.
The prince whirled his head, hair swaying in front of his panicked eyes. "Katara, go!" She turned.
"But-"
"I'll see you later. Just be careful." He embraced her, which she quickly returned then headed towards the door. Katara looked both directions of the hallways before turning back to Zuko.
"I can handle this. See you soon, Fire Lord," she added with a smile and darted towards the opposite direction.
...
The coronation went smoothly without any disturbance, Aang, Iroh and the others ensured Zuko had been safe and sound. As there were a handful of Fire Nation citizens who were disappointed with Ozai's defeat and Azula being taken away. General Iroh managed to lighten everyone's mood, much to Zuko's relief.
It was now closer to evening and many citizens from the different nations gathered for dinner and leisure in the banquet hall. The palace, which was once unwelcoming was now open to the general public. Hesitance displayed amongst others was not unusual, as many still feared the warfare perils of the Fire Nation.
Katara roamed the halls, leaving the gang behind whilst they spent the time making themselves comfortable. Sokka fooled around sharing his usual jokes to the palace guards, much to Suki's annoyance. Toph retold children stories about the badger moles and how earthbending helped her blindness. Aang, on the other hand, made the effort to remain on friendly terms with everyone he had encountered.
The water tribe girl was on edge, she did not get a chance to see Zuko all day since the morning and was growing anxious. Recalling the conversation, there was a lot of thoughts swirling in her head. The hallways were filled with people she have not met or seen before. As she strolled through the corridors, many have casted suspicious glares and she ignored them regardless. A room which she had not seen before captured her eye and slowly made her way, avoiding attention from others. She steadily peaked into the room and felt her eyes widen.
Fire Lord Zuko was beautiful in his regal robes, his hair pulled back in a topknot with a traditional golden headpiece. In spite of the scar, he was very handsome— like a prince from the stories her mother used to tell her. He was talking to the palace sages, servants and citizens from the Earth Kingdom, with a goblet in hand.
She was too engrossed by her thoughts that she did not realize she was walking straight into the room. Instantaneously, she bumped into someone, repressing a squeak in response. It was none other than Zuko's uncle as relief washed through her.
"Oh, hello General, sorry-" she started.
He smiled warmly. "Hello Katara, did not expect to see you here, did you enjoy dinner?"
She shook her head. "I'm not really hungry..I came to see how everyone is doing."
The former general exchanged glances between his nephew and Katara with curiosity. "You don't happen to be Zuko's girlfriend, do you? The two of you have bonded well."
A rush of heat spread through her cheeks. "Um, no I-"
Iroh chuckled. "It's alright, my child no need to fret," he eyed his nephew with a hopeful smile. "Months ago I thought I lost my nephew for good. His path was not an easy one, but I knew he was bound to find his way back.."
"Did you ever think he'd become Fire Lord this young?"
"Honestly, as someone who's lived and struggled through the tyrannies of the Fire Nation myself, it is still hard to believe. I have lived long but did not think I would live to see this war come to an end. Ozai and our ancestors have done enough damage. Joining the army was a grave mistake I have made," his eyes filled with anguish as he lowered them. "And who knows what would have happened if my son was still alive," Iroh contemplating the horrific events of his long life, thinking about the road ahead.
Katara attempted to hold back tears. No wonder he refused to succeed his position on the throne. The only person who could truly pass down political justice was his nephew. She could only imagine how he'd feel had the prince gone astray like his father. Her respect for Iroh and Zuko had flourished that very moment—in spite of how they have been treated by their own people, they never reduced themselves to cruelty and greed. Their good hearts continued to guide their pathways. "I'm so sorry, General," she muttered low enough for only him to hear.
He gave her a sad smile. "Destiny has not always been good to us, but it brought good replacements for what I've lost," he averted his eyes to the Fire Lord, who was chatting happily with the sages. "Zuko was like the son I desired. Since he was banished, I wanted nothing more than to help," he let out a sigh and his eyes warmed up to the waterbender. "I think of him as my own."
"He really must be lucky to have someone like you," Katara grinned, eyeing the Fire Lord.
Iroh just nodded. "Now I know the past few days haven't been easy for us all. You're all young and as a reward, I think it's time to have fun and relax. Tea?" Katara was surprised by his change in mood.
"No thank you."
The former general gave her a toothy grin. "Make sure to stop by the Jasmine Dragon in Ba Sing Se with your friends when they have the chance. I'll make sure there will be free tea for everyone," he announced, nearly catching the attention from the party attendees in the room.
Katara bit her tongue in mortification but she could not resist a smile. "We'll be there."
"I'll be looking forward, enjoy the rest of the evening, Katara." Then he turned towards the palace kitchen, brewing more tea for the guests.
From the corner of her eye, she saw someone familiar casting a smile at her direction. She shifted her eyes to meet Zuko's, showing nothing but warmth and kindness. Although she was alone and surrounded by unfamiliar faces, she felt a profound sense of safety and comfort in his presence, even without Aang.
The rest of the evening was full of lively music, dances and more entertainment. Sellers from the Fire Nation market were selling some goods and dressed up as dragons for a dance performance. Katara and the gang had difficulty withholding their excitement. Some benders from the different nations put on live performances, showing off their best bending techniques. Sokka insisted Aang and Toph to take turns, which they did. Toph showed everyone her abilities followed by many 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the crowd. Unbelievable how the blind little girl managed to survive alone with her raw talent. However, Aang was more nervous, but with some encouragement from Katara and receiving an approving nod from the Fire Lord from his throne, he felt no need to be afraid.
Aang showed his bending techniques, from blowing wind to riding on air balls. Using the other elements, he blew fire like a dragon, with the crowd gasping. Boulders shot through the air and he kicked them into crumbs as they landed. Before the waterbending performance, he winked at Katara. Swaying his hands like waves, he brought the water from the fountain and made an ice sculpture of a spider monkey. The citizens whooping and cheering him on. Aang felt himself sweat as he eye the crowd of the nations before him, receiving encouraging gestures from his friends.
For his final stunt, he decided to keep it simple. He used his glider to soar high in the sky and the crowd watched in awe, children squealing in delight. As he landed, the entire crowd applauded him and Aang gave a bow, removing himself from the stage. Sokka and Toph whistled and cheered him on, Suki and Katara were applauding. The entire crowd exchanging words how amazed they were with the Avatar.
By the end, the gang retreated to the balcony of the palace. Zuko, who was exhausted from all the festivities, found his way to them, much to their surprise. His hair was loose and he was wearing his normal attire instead of his royal robes. They spent the entire evening watching the fireworks, the vibrant and glimmering colours brightening the dark sky. Beautiful like crackling fire. In silence, Katara and Zuko exchanged glances at one another, the dazzling effects from the fireworks reflecting in their sapphire and gold eyes. The others continued to stare at the light show before them, captivated by its beauty.
There was so much they wanted to say to each other that very moment, but were well aware that now was not ideal. They will always find ways to share words, even in the most subtle way. Things will be different once they all parted ways back to their rightful homes. Marking the end of their adventures. Katara had second thoughts, but unfortunately could not allow her emotions to lead her to possible misfortunes that could come her way. From the conversation they shared in his room that morning, she knew Zuko felt the same.
He gently took her hand in his and she let him. With another reassuring expression, they finally turned to watch the sparks continue to explode in the sky. Enjoying the very moment, making memories they would gladly reminisce in the future.
...
With a sigh, the young waterbender continued gazing up at the moon, feeling it's power. Pondering how she and Zuko will be able to find the time to seek his mother's whereabouts. They were able to find Yon Rha with the correct clues, so they knew they can find answers along the way. Now, she truly needed time to heal before moving forward to other duties. With his smile coming into her memories, Katara walked away from the rail, retiring straight to her cabin for the night.
The future remained unknown, but perhaps the awaited adventures were just beginning.
A/N: I swear this sounded waaaaaay better in my head. I've edited this multiple times. I can tell I'm rusty.
Please rate and review! :)
