Hello and welcome back! I LOVE all the support it truly means the world to me. I was so nervous about this story that no one would like it or that it would fall apart but it seems that I've been proven wrong. Thank you so much for sticking around. I hope you enjoy the next chapter. I'm updating pretty fast because the story is fresh on my mind. But from this point on I will be inconsistent with updates. School is kicking my butt!
So Book 0 is composed of events before the death of Lu Ten all the way to Zuko being banished for 3 years. Books 1-3 might follow the show I'm not sure how AU I want this to be. Book 4 is all my evil work.
On the twentieth day of the six-month, Prince Ozai and his wife, Princess Ursa welcomed a baby boy. The Fire Sages thought this to be good fortune for their people, a child born on the longest day out of the year. It was also one of the strongest days when Fire Benders gained more power from the Sun. The Sages believed that Agni had blessed the couple, embedding a piece of himself into the child. It seemed to be true, as the young Prince's eyes burned a deep red instead of the gold that every Fire Nation person had.
As the years passed, the young Prince was watched carefully, especially by his grandfather, Azulon. If it was true that this child was to be the reincarnation of their God, then he should show promise at a young age. It wasn't too long before the idea of perfection and reincarnation was snuffed out of the boy.
Most Fire Benders come into their bending around the age of three, but Prince Zuko hadn't so much as lit a flame. When questioned by the Fire Lord, the Head Sage was not sure what was wrong with him. Instead of finding fault within the Prince, the blame came to his mother, Princess Ursa.
Princess Ursa was the granddaughter of the last Avatar, Avatar Roku. The Royal Bloodline only mated with powerful benders so their line could be the most dominant of all benders. When Fire Lord Azulon learned that Lady Ursa was of marrying age and his youngest son, Prince Ozai was in need of a bride, it made sense. His father, Sozin was friends with the late Avatar, it made sense that their lines would cross again. This mating, breeding, the union of powerful lines were said to produce a child of immense power. Now, it seemed as if the Sages were misinformed.
Some believed that instead of being the needed Prince, he was damned. The Prince that would pay for the sins of the Fire Nation. Of course, that idea went out the window quickly because the Fire Nation did nothing wrong. The Fire Nation had every right to take control of the world and form it into their image. Once the child couldn't bend, it didn't matter to Fire Lord Azulon, his eldest son, Crown Prince Iroh already had an heir who was promising enough.
By the time Prince Zuko could bend, he was four. Though Ursa thought her husband would be happy that their son could finally bend, he didn't care. Princess Ursa had given birth to their second child, a girl that they named Azula after her grandfather. If their first child was going to disappoint his father, the best Ozai could do was name a girl after his father in the hopes that she would be better, and he was correct.
While Zuko struggled to bend at the age of four, Azula had already shown immense skill at the age of two. No one had known a child to bend at the age of two besides the lucky ones who were the Avatar. Yet, Azula had shown more power than anyone in the Royal Family could predict. Soon, Azula climbed up the ranks of bending, reaching, and then passing her brother Zuko.
It was clear that Zuko was not his father's favorite child and at times Zuko barely felt like a Prince. However, his birthday was the only day out of the year that he was celebrated. That didn't mean that his father was any nicer to him, if anything it seemed that his father was harsher on this day, the day that Zuko ruined Ozai's life. Ozai didn't tell Zuko that but no words needed to be communicated to a nine-year-old who wanted to please his father.
"You look wonderful." Princess Ursa said, fixing Zuko's collar.
"He's a boy." Prince Ozai snapped, the fall quickly falling from Zuko's face. "He should look strong, not some decorated vessel."
Zuko wanted to speak but he didn't as he tried to not falter. Ursa nodded and called in the servants to fix Zuko's shirt, removing all the ornate jewelry and going for something simple yet regal. When asked if this was better, Ozai nodded, not even turning to look at his wife and son.
"You're taking forever, Zuko!" Azula said bursting into the room. "Everyone is waiting."
"We are taking a while, Ursa," Ozai said, holding out his hand for Azula to come towards him.
Azul sat on her father's knee, looking up at him. Zuko drowned out the servants and his mother's voice, watching father interact with Azula. He wondered if his father ever looked at him the way Azula did. There was no hint of disgust or annoyance when Azula laughed in her father's arms. If anything, Ozai seemed amused as Azula twirled around in the room and spoke of silly things. Zuko wondered if his father would ever look at him like that, with joy in his amber eyes.
"Finished," Ursa said, brushing Zuko's cheek. "Now, let's go to your party." Zuko smiled as his mother helped him down from the podium.
The family of four walked through the halls until they met up with Uncle Iroh and his family. Zuko sprinted towards them, jumping into Lu Ten's arms as he swung her around.
"Happy Birthday, Zuko." Aunt Hui Ying said, bending down and placing a kiss on his forehead, Zuko relaxing, feeling her warm lips on him.
"You are going to grow up big and strong." Uncle Iroh said, his hand resting on his shoulder.
"Hopefully now you can beat me with swords." Lu ten said, teasing Zuko which made everyone smile except Ozai.
"Come, we know how much father hates being tardy," Ozai said, taking Azula from Lu Ten's arms and putting her on the ground.
"Loosen up, it's Zuko's day." Uncle Iroh said, nudging Ozai who only seemed more annoyed.
Soon, the royal family walked until they stood behind the golden doors. Zuko took a deep breath, knowing that within a few seconds, he would be presented in front of all the Noble families of the Fire Nation. Zuko wanted to make a good impression like he did every year, showing his father that he was the best son.
The doors to the courtyard opened and applause rang through the building as each Royal was introduced. The ground was a little louder as Zuko was announced and though he was nervous, Zuko only blushed making sure not to flinch or let Ozai see that he was nervous.
"On this day, Our Lord Agni, The Sun God, The Father of our Nation has blessed us with Prince Zuko." Fire Lord Azulon said, his hand resting on Zuko's shoulder. Zuko was so nervous he didn't even notice that his grandfather had approached him. Looking at his grandfather, Zuko wondered if one day he would look as regal when he was grayed and shriveled like him. "Be merry and celebrate this day with us. All Hail Prince Zuko."
"All Hail Prince Zuko." the crowd chanted. "Let Agni's fire burn through you and guide you."
Zuko stood up straight, the palm of his left hand straight white his right hand formed a fist. Coming together, Zuko bowed, showing his gratitude to the Nobles that celebrated this day with him. As the formalities passed, Zuko walked into the crowd to meet his friends.
"Your hair is getting long," Cheng said.
"Is that all you have to say to your Prince?" Zuko asked, folding his arms and glaring at his friend.
"Well, I-"
"Happy Birthday, Zuko." a voice shouted and Zuko groaned, feeling a weight press into his back. Stumbling forward, Cheng pushed out his hands, trying to keep the Prince from falling.
"Please don't break the Prince." another voice groaned, watching the encounter.
"Oh calm down, he likes my hugs," Seiji said, squeezing tighter and Zuko gasped, tapping on his friend to let him go. "Sorry."
"Now he's all messy," Tadashi said, trying to fix Zuko's clothes which only caused Cheng and Seiji to roll their eyes.
"I'm fine, please stop touching me before my father sees," Zuko said, fixing himself.
"Right, you must be a good Prince and maintain your honor." Seiji teased standing straight and barely breathing.
Seiji and Cheng laughed while Tadashi tried to not laugh along with them. Zuko was about to argue with them when he noticed brown hair out the corner of his eye. Not excusing himself, Zuko ran from the courtyard and up the stairs, hoping to catch the figure.
"Katara," Zuko said, tapping the healer on her shoulder. Katara turned and jumped once more, splashing water on him.
"Oh, Prince Zuko." Katara squealed as she watched the waterfall on him once more.
Zuko thought about groaning but instead, he took this time to impress Katara. Taking a deep breath, Zuko felt the fire surge through him, steaming radiating from him as he dried himself off.
"You keep spilling water on me." Zuko chuckled, "This may be the way we greet each other from now on."
Zuko watched as Katara giggled, glad that one of Lu Ten's stupid pick-up lines worked. Katara's cheeks flushed red and Zuko couldn't help but feel his heartbeat a little faster knowing he caused her to laugh.
"You keep scaring me, Prince Zuko," Katara noted. "It's always when I have water and now I have to go get more."
"No one is working in the Palace," Zuko said. "It's my birthday, we sent the servants home."
"We are practicing with Hama," Katara informed, her voice slightly faltering.
Silence fell between the two and it was obvious that Zuko was nervous. He hadn't been alone with Katara, so he didn't know how to act. No that he wanted Lu Ten or Hama for that matter to be around.
"I can go with you to get water," Zuko suggested, looking at the empty bowl in Katara's hands.
"No need," Katara replied, putting the bowl down. With a few waves of her hand, water surrounded Katara and she placed it into the bowl. Zuko was amazed, he had never seen a Water Bender pull water out of thin air. It was almost like Katara was a Fire Bender with the way water clung to her.
"How did you do that?" Zuko gawked.
"Hama taught us." Katara shrugged. "Pretty cool."
"I guess." Zuko shrugged, remembering that Lu Ten told Zuko to not look too eager to speak to Katara.
Katara froze, shocked that Zuko had lost interest in her bending. Zuko watched as the nervous girl grabbed the bowl of water from the grown. He inwardly yelled at himself, Lu ten was only ever useful once in his life and this was not it.
"It's my birthday." Zuko sputtered and Katara looked at him confused.
"Yes, it is." Katara agreed, her eyes squinting in confusion.
"Uhhh...I- well not me but my friends...we-e…" Zuko stuttered, trying to form a sentence that didn't make him seem stupid. "I get gifts."
"Yes, it is customary for friends to give gifts," Katara said.
"Sooo, that means you have a gift for me, right?" Zuko asked a smirk forming on his face while his hands rested behind his back. Zuko rocked back and forth on his heels as he watched Katara go through the phases of confusion.
"We are friends?" Katara asked confused.
"Are we not friends?"
Both of the children fell silent. They never talked about being friends but Katara guessed no words needed to be said. If Zuko, The Prince of the Fire Nation thought that they were friends then who was she to object? Katara needed friends it was getting lonely with her and Hwasa.
"I didn't know that I was supposed to," Katara whispered. "I'm sorry."
"Well...I guess I have to tell Hama th-"
"No!" Katara begged, spilling the water once more. "Ugh."
Zuko frowned, he didn't mean to cause her that much distress. Azula did it to him all the time, he thought it was a girl thing, to make people confused. Zuko picked up the bowls and walked towards Katara, trying to hush her. Katara shook her head violently, gasps coming from her mouth and her hands shaking.
"Shhhh," Zuko whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I was joking."
Zuko watched as Katara stepped away from him, wiping the tears from her face. He wondered why Katara acted that way, so afraid of Hama. From what he could tell, Hama was nice, weird, and old sure but she didn't seem to strike fear into anyone unlike his father Ozai.
"That wasn't funny," Katara mumbled, bending the water back into the bowl and sighing. "I have to go."
"Wait," Zuko said, stepping closer to her. "Why don't you come and celebrate with me and my friends."
"I can't." Katara snapped, still upset with him. "Hama wouldn't allow it."
"We don't have to tell her," Zuko suggested. "We have fireworks soon and they're my favorite part of the day."
"Fireworks?" Katara asked.
"You don't know what those are?" Zuko asked, shocked that Katara hadn't seen them. He didn't know how long she'd been in the Fire Nation but he knew she nor anyone in the Fire Nation could drown out the sound of gunpowder bursting in the air.
"I do, I've just never seen them before..." Katara said, trailing off and looking down at the bowl of water.
"Well, they happen at night," Zuko added. "I know a really good spot with the best view. I could show you."
Zuko looked at Katara who snapped her head up at those words. He was inviting her, but he wanted to play it cool, scared that he would upset Katara again. Zuko understood if she couldn't come because Hama kept the healers very busy. Yet, Zuko wanted Katara to join him. He only used that spot with Lu Ten but since Lu Ten brought his fiancé, Suni to the party, Zuko was invisible.
"I…"
"It could be your gift to me," Zuko noted, smiling at Katara which caused the brown skin girl to smile lightly. "I think you'd like it."
"I'll think about it," Katara replied, biting her bottom lip.
"Meet me at the fight grounds," Zuko added, smiling at Katara. "No one will be there today."
Katara nodded and Zuko picked up the bowl, hanging it to Katara. Zuko's fingers danced over hers and Katara stepped back a little, breaking their simple contact. Smiling nervously, Katara turned on her heels and walked into the palace leaving the Prince of the Fire Nation wondering if she would appear.
The party couldn't end fast enough for the eager Prince. He sat at the head table, eating his rice while one by one, the guest came towards the table. Each person brought a gift for Zuko and though he didn't care for material things, he thanked them anyway. The party was filled with more dancing and singing, and while everyone enjoyed Zuko couldn't wait for the sun to set. The one thing he hated about his birthday was that the sun was out for too long. He couldn't voice that out loud, his father would surely beat him for it.
Uncle Iroh announced that fireworks were coming and Zuko sighed in relief ready to leave. Excusing himself from the table, Zuko walked back into the palace, headed towards the fighting grounds.
"And where are you off to?" A voice asked and Zuko groaned. He couldn't be that lucky to have a day without his annoying sister speaking to him.
"None of your business." Zuko snapped.
"Oh, I see," Azula said walking closer to her brother. "You're going to see that Water tribe Peasant."
"She's a healer."
"Same thing." Azula quipped, a smirk tugging on her white cheeks. "Oh, so you are meeting her. I wonder what father would say, spending your time with such savages."
Zuko moved away from Azula, not liking the way he spoke about here. Katara was from the Water Tribe but she was different; she was growing up in the Fire Nation. She would be stripped of all her old customs and adapt to theirs which were more refined and eloquent.
"What, you followed me so you could rat on me?" Zuko asked, annoyed as ever.
"Well no, I actually was going into the city but bothering you is much better," Azula admitted.
Zuko never understood why Azula was so annoyed. The girl was perfect at everything, but she was a master at annoying Zuko. No matter what he did or where he was, Azula was there doing it twice as good. The girl was seven but to Zuko, Azula was the beginning and end of all ever.
"You tell father and I'll tell mother that you are the one stealing Mochi from the kitchen at night," Zuko added, knowing that it would shut Azula up.
Azula glared at her brother and then sighed. "Whatever," Azula said, walking away.
Zuko smirked and continued to walk, reaching the fight grounds. The yellow hue of the sun painted the gold-trimmed Palace beautifully. Truly the Palace was a work of art, but nothing was more stunning than watching Katara walk from the other side of the palace, dressed in simple clothing.
"You made it," Zuko said, partly shocked that she had actually come.
"Well, it is your birthday." Katara reminded, smiling at him.
"What?" Hama asked blankly, looking at Katara who was playing with her dress, not wanting to meet Hama's eyes.
She knew it was stupid to ask Hama if she could meet the Prince. She didn't want to lie, knowing it would only cause more trouble. They'd been practicing their new bending for months and Katara thought that one day couldn't hurt. They were in fact the only servants working beside the ones hired for the party. Katara nor Hwasa wanted to train all day. It was a lot of work on their small bodies.
"I...we-ll...Prince Zuko asked t-to watch fireworks with him." Katara stuttered, still avoiding Hama's eyes.
"And why would the Prince ask you?" Ham asked, her arms crossed as skepticism crept into her voice.
"W...we're friends…" Katara admitted shyly.
"Friends?" Hama asked, turning her head. Moving closer to Katara, Hama lifted Katara's chin with her finger. "And when did the friendship start?"
Katara was just as confused as Hama. She had no idea when she and Prince Zuko became friends. To be honest, she didn't consider him a friend, not until now. He was just a Prince that sometimes-needed healing, a lot of healing.
Friends were something that Katara didn't have in the Fire Nation. Back at home, she had friends, but she couldn't exactly speak with them now. The only child she had with that was her age was Hwasa and she wasn't a friend. No, Hwasa was more than a friend, a sister, and a part of Katara that she could never be parted from.
But Prince Zuko, well he was a Prince. They only have three encounters and in two of them, she had spilled water on him. Maybe that was the way friendships were formed, with awkward occurrences.
"I don't know," Katara mumbled, scared to hold Hama's cold gaze.
"Mhm," Hama grumbled, her long nail moving a loose strand of Katara's hair and tucking it behind her ear. "I guess you can go. But once they are over, you are to come back here, we have to practice."
"Can I go see Fireworks too?" Hwasa asked, excited.
Hama let go of Katara and looked at Hwasa smiling. "Yes, get changed and we will go into the city."
Both girls changed, getting out of their formal healing wear. Katara went for a simple kimono, red with a black cloth around her waist. She wasn't sure where the spot was, but she could move in it and if she needed to bend she could. Hama fixed Katara's kimono and sent her off.
It wasn't proper to run through the Palace halls, especially as a servant. When Katara needed to be somewhere quickly but still look elegant, she walked quickly.
Most of the time Katara wasn't in a rush but it seemed that today she was. She didn't expect to see Prince Zuko; their encounters were always short and messy. It was his birthday and Hama had informed the girls that they weren't to go anywhere near the Nobles unless instructed by the Royal family. But Katara could help but gaze at the arrival of the Nobles dressed in their finest clothes, carried by servants on their Palanquin. The smell of Fire Nation Cuisine infiltrated the Palace and the music only amplified the girls' need to go outside and explore. They lived in the Palace and yet they couldn't enjoy any of it which was so different from her home in the South Pole. It was then that Katara realized that this place wasn't her home and these people weren't her family.
Lost in her thoughts, Katara hadn't realized that she made it to the fight grounds. This was where she had run into Prince Zuko and Prince Lu Ten with their sword. She watched as Zuko paused, allowing Lu Ten to hit him in the shoulder. Katara heard the popping of Zuko's bone, knowing that it was removed from its socket. Katara smiled, remembering the banter the two shared, reminding her of her brother and how they argued.
"You came," Zuko said a smile on his face.
"Well, it is your birthday," Katara replied.
"You're right and now as a friend, you have to promise to keep this place a secret," Zuko said, holding out his pink to Katara.
"Why?"
"Because it's only for me, you, and Lu Ten."
"Did you make Lu Ten promise?"
"No, I promised him."
"Well, aren't you breaking it right now?"
Zuko froze and Katara couldn't help but laugh, her hands resting on her stomach. For a Prince, Katara realized that he didn't think this through. If the place was so special to him and Lu Ten, why would Katara be allowed to see it? They were friends, yes, but it was very much new.
"Well, we don't have to see it." Zuko hissed, stomping his foot and folding his arms, turning his nose up in the air.
"No, I want to." Katara chuckled. "I'm here, no turning back now."
Zuko smiled and took Katara's hand, leading her to the cluster of trees behind the court. Katara walked with Zuko, his warm hands clasping her fingers ever so slightly. He had touched Zuko to heal him, but never did he touch her. There was that incident with the bowl, but it was nothing like having his hands wrapped around her fingers. Katara didn't know what this was, she didn't understand the feeling within her chest or the butterflies in her stomach.
Katara pushed it away, knowing that it meant nothing. At seven years old, she didn't need to think about boys. Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, Katara watched as Zuko let go of her hands and reached for the tree.
"You can climb, right?" Zuko teased
"Yes, Prince Zuko." Katara sighed, "I can climb a tree."
"Good, race you to the top!"
In an instant, Zuko climbed the tree, by the time Katara could register, he was halfway to the top.
"Cheater!" Katara shouted, reaching for the branch and stepping on the tree, bringing herself up.
Katara wasn't used to climbing trees, there weren't any in the South Pole. They had one tree in the old house that she lived in with Hama, and they climbed in it all the time. Grabbing another branch, Katara moved through the tree but not as swiftly as Zuko. Reaching the top, Katara noticed that part of the Palace roof stood behind the tree. It wasn't a far jump but if Katara fell to the ground, she would hit the concrete underneath and break more than just her arm.
Looking up, Zuko stretched out his hand to her, the setting sun catching his amber eyes. Katara swallowed, not sure if it was her nerves about falling or the way Zuko's porcelain skin glistened.
"Don't worry," Zuko said, smiling at her as his palm laid their flat and open. "I won't let you fall."
Nodding and taking a deep breath, Katara took Zuko's hand and jumped from the tree. Zuko pulled, Katara's foot landing on the room and soon she was on the ground. Moving around, Zuko sat on the flat part of the roof, his feet arched on the slanted roofing. Katara followed soot and the pair watched the sun start to set.
"How was your birthday, Prince Zuko?" Katara asked, her arms wrapping around her knees.
"It was fun, I saw my friends from school," Zuko replied, turning to look at Katara.
"That's good."
The pair sat in silence, not sure what to say. Katara had never been alone with anyone besides Hama and Hwasa, she forgot how to act.
"Zuko." Zuko corrected, breaking the awkward silence.
"What?"
"You called me Prince Zuko," Zuko noted. "My friends and family call me Zuko."
"Oh...Zuko." Katara said, letting the informal words fall off of her lips.
Katara noticed Zuko's smile and it was contagious.
"So, who gave you the best present?" Katara asked, turning to Zuko and smiling.
"I haven't opened them yet but it's probably just money and old scrolls." Zuko shrugged. "It's the same thing every year."
"Oh well, what did Prince Lu Ten get you?" Katara queried. "He seems like the person to get you an odd gift."
Zuko laughed at Katara's words and bit his pink bottom lip. Katara found herself staring at the skin between his pearly white teeth. They looked plump, soft and warm but Katara stopped herself.
"Lu Ten has a tradition of giving me a gift early in the morning," Zuko explained, his eyes watching the setting sun. "He told me that we rise with the sun. He says I was born the moment light touched the Fire Nation and his gifts have always been given to me then. First, he punches me the age I am and then gives me a gift. This year he gave me a map of the Earth Kingdom."
"That sounds interesting," Katara noted, watching the sunset. "He seems like a really good cousin."
"He is, but he feels more like a brother than anything," Zuko added. "He's always been there."
Katara nodded, remembering her brother back at home. No matter how much Sokka annoyed her, he was her brother and she missed him. Katara found herself not thinking of home anymore, not until her and Hwasa's birthdays came. Hama would cook traditional Water Tribe food and play instruments while the girls danced. It was smaller than her celebrations back home, but they were comforting. When Katara returned home, she could have a celebration with all of them. She could even invite Zuko.
"What about your birthday?" Zuko asked, his hand resting on Katara's without even thinking. Katara jumped, his warmth pulling her under.
"What about it?" Katara shrugged.
"Well, when is it and what do you do for it?"
"It's the twentieth day of the twelfth month," Katara said excitedly, remembering how her small village came to life to celebrate her. "It's dark most of the day and that's the best part. The village would cook while women of our tribe would dance. Our healer would bless me for that year and many more to come."
"That sounds just like here," Zuko added. "Maybe we aren't so different."
"I never thought there was a difference when I was younger." Katara shrugged, shifting away from Zuko.
"I-"
A whistle sounded through the air and the children's head turned. Katara watched as little spirals of fire shot into the air. After a loud boom, fire in a rainbow of colors filled the sky. Katara jumped, the fireworks shocking her. She hadn't noticed that she jumped closer to Zuko. Not paying attention, Katara giggled and laughed as she watched the night sky light up. She had never seen anything so beautiful created by fire. Hama said that Fire Benders were dangerous, but she didn't understand since they were surrounded by them. Either way, Katara would not think about Hama at this moment.
Katara reached out her hands, wondering if she would be lucky enough for the sparks to fall on her hand. Maybe she would be closer, and they would take her back home. But then she wondered if she would ever see something so beautifully devastating again. The embers were so close and yet far away, daring her to grasp onto them. Her blue eyes caught every single tendril that fell above the two.
Looking down and turning her head, Katara met Zuko's eyes and she wondered if that's where they got the idea from. If the Fire Nation looked into someone's eyes and thought they belonged in the sky. It sounded stupid of course but Zuko's eyes, the fire that raged in them at this moment rivaled any firework she had seen.
Katara stared at Zuko, not sure what he was thinking. His golden eyes held hers for a second but then glanced at her lips quickly and then back at her. Neither knew that this meant or why their heads seemed to come closer, drawing out the fireworks.
Spirals of fire fell around them, the deep blue sky hiding the two children. The full moon watched as its daughter came into contact with the beginning of something she would not grasp. As each child moved closer, their breaths fell shallow, not daring to speak and ruin the moment.
The rays of the moon touched Katara's cheek and it was enough to pull her out of the moment and away from the young prince. Zuko moved back, turning his head and Katara turned away, trying to catch her breath.
The moon begged her not to look back, to be a good girl and leave now. But all defiance had settled itself in her body and she turned around to see Zuko looking at her once more. She hadn't known what came over her and though she didn't understand it, she didn't want it to leave. She yelled at the moon for taking away this moment that she didn't know she wanted.
"Katara, I-"
"Happy Birthday, Zuko," Katara said softly.
Zuko found it within himself to smile at the blue-eyed girl. He wasn't sure what came over him, but he didn't care. This place was even more special now because he was with her.
"Thank you, Katara."