This one is set in the Miraculous inspired AU, too. It could happen right after the story from day 1, since Katara still feels sad about the break up with Blue Spirit. At least, the first part could. The second part would happen a few weeks later.
For those who don't know Miraculous, the villain uses butterflies to deliver evil superpowers to people who feel strong negative emotions. They get under his control, and he can use them to fight against the superheroes, without having to do anything himself. Since the villain here is called Phoenix King, I chose to make it a feather instead of a butterfly for the story.
Day 4: Please don't hurt her / him
It's not difficult to notice the change in her.
She doesn't smile as often as she used to, and when she does, it is full of sadness.
Zuko's heart constricts every time, and he hates to see her like this. He wishes he could beat the guy up, who had hurt her like that.
The only problem is that this guy is himself.
Katara doesn't know that he's Blue Spirit, so she also doesn't know that he's still with her. He always thought breaking up would hurt, but it would be okay, since Zuko is a friend of Katara's. He can see her every day at school. Only Blue Spirit cannot see her again, since he broke up with her.
Zuko tries his best to make Katara happy. He smiles at her, every time he sees her, and he asks her every time what's on her mind. She never tells him it's about a boy. She makes excuses with studying and her family. Zuko even brings her her favourite treats, and once during lunch break, sneaks out to get her favourite smoothie. The smile she directs at him is radiant, every time, and he always wants to kiss her.
But it seems like it's not enough. Weeks pass, and no matter how nice he is to her, how thoughtful and caring, he always catches her with this wistful, sad look on her face. She often looks out of the window, and he knows she's waiting, hoping to catch a glance of Blue Spirit running on top of the roofs.
Then Azula uses Katara's sadness and unsureness against her and says awful, cruel things.
Zuha never felt the urge to punch a girl, but he considers to make an exception. He's afraid of the hurt Katara will feel, and stomps towards Azula, yelling that she should stop. He's furious, and doesn't understand why no one else in this class tried to defend Katara.
That's probably not fair. Suki, Sokka, and Toph tried their best, but Azula just turned their words around, hurting Katara more and more. Aang tried to talk Azula down, but once she finds a victim she doesn't let go.
Zuko was too late. Katara's eyes are already watering, her cheeks red, and she looks hurt and angry at the same time. Before anyone else can say something, she turns around and makes a run for it.
Without hesitating, Zuko follows her, knowing the danger of being alone in such a state.
His concern is confirmed, when he sees the large black feather soaring down to where Katara sits under a plum tree in the courtyard.
She has pulled her knees up, her arms wrapped around then. The Houhane is only a few metres away.
Phoenix King can send those feathers to people who feel negative emotions, and make them his subordinates. When those people are released from the influence, they are mostly traumatised for life. Zuko cannot let this happen to Katara.
Risking everything, Zuko only ducks under a bench, yells "Buryu, swords out!", and sprints towards Katara with all the speed he has gained from his transformation into Blue Spirit.
Unsheathing his swords, he jumps and slashes the feather in half. It's colour returns to orange and red, when it soars harmlessly to the ground, right in front of Katara's feet.
She looks up at him, wide eyed, and with a slack jaw. She looks shocked.
Zuko takes deep breaths to calm himself and sheathes his swords. "Don't let them get to you. Don't give into negative emotions."
Her mouth opens a bit, and she nods.
He smiles at her, knowing that his smile is sad, too.
oOo
Sokka just killed Zuko.
Katara is slightly irritated by her brother's behaviour. Bragging and pointing out how he killed the Fire Lord is no appropriate behaviour after a victory.
She thinks she has to put Sokka in his place. So she quickly dresses as warrior and attacks him.
He is no match for her, and he knows it. He keeps complaining and groaning, while she's beating him up. She uses everything, her water, weapons, and her bare fists and feet to kick him, while he is lying on the ground.
Out of the corner of the room she thinks that Zuko is watching them, so with new resolve, determined to avenge her friend, she lastly pushes an ice dagger through Sokka's chest.
"No fair!" he wails, and throws the controller next to him on the couch.
While Zuko pretends not to pay attention, hiding behind a book, Katara knows he is, so she just casually puts her controller on the table in front of the couch, leans back and smirks. "Sorry, Sokka. This is Team Fire Lord and Water Princess," she points onto the screen, where her revenge brought Zuko's character back to life. They cheer.
Sokka growls a bit, as he stands abruptly, and points at them both. "You are both traitors. I will not accept this sort of behaviour!"
Zuko lowers his book. "What are you talking about?"
"You were my best friend first! And now you team up against me with my little sister?" he accuses, and Zuko's cheeks dust a little with pink.
Katara's eyes widen, then she blinks, but the colour ist still there. "Well, I am the better player, so it makes sense. We don't team up against you in every aspect of your life!" she huffs, stands and walks towards the door.
"Katara!"
Her stomach clenches nervously, as she turns around to look at Zuko.
He smiles. "Thanks for avenging me." His smile lights up his whole face, as usual, and his golden eyes seem to shine like the sun at her, because she feels so warm under his gaze.
Something flutters in her stomach, and she knows exactly what it is.
"No process. Uh, I mean progress, no! Problem. No problem," she stutters, as her stomach catches fire, and her heart seems to beat out of her throat.
Oh no.