Zuko rushed instinctively to his own room kicking the door closed behind him. He went to the bed and set her there as gently as though she were a piece of glass. Katara's eyes were closed again and Zuko panicked. They fluttered open and she looked at him. In a very quiet voice she asked, "Is everyone alright?" Zuko was so overwhelmed he just pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. He knelt beside the bed and for a moment he feared he would weep. He had never been so terrified in his entire life. It was then he realised he loved her. So much it hurt. "They're fine." he whispered gripping her hand tightly. Katara was worried. He was acting very strangely. "Zuko what's the matter?" He lifted his head and stared at her. "You scared the crap outta me Tara." Katara's eyes shifted and she put a hand over his that gripped her so tightly.
"You could've been killed!" he declared a hitch in his voice. Katara's brows furrowed together in confusion. "I had to do something Zuko. Everyone would have died." Zuko just stared at her a long time. He saw her shiver and the weakness in her eyes and couldn't resist. He grabbed a blanket and climbed onto the bed beside her sliding his arms around her waist as they lay on their sides facing eachother. "Zuko what are you..." Zuko quieted her with his lips. It was brief but accomplished what he wanted. "Just please... let me sit here a minute with you. I thought I had lost you." Katara's eyes misted as realisation hit her. She slid her arms around him too and he looked up as she did so. They searched eachothers eyes a minute then touched their foreheads again and closed their eyes. They stayed that way a long time, neither of them wanting to break the peace with words.
He opened his eyes first and saw the tears slipping out from under her lashes. "Why are you crying?" he asked worriedly. "Please no. I cant stand it..." He put a hand to the back of her head and put her head to his shoulder. Katara sniffed against his skin and admired how solid he felt. She felt safe there. She didn't ever want to move. Her hands slid up his back and that's when she noticed the gash there. Jerking upright she leaned over him going pale again. "You're hurt!" she moved to kneel and he tried to look over his shoulder, unsuccessfully. "Am I?" He tried to smile but it disappeared when he saw her face. "It's ok Tara I'll be fine. It's just a flesh wound. Probably from some debris." She didn't seem comforted. She looked around her and saw the pitcher of water that was ever preswnt on his night stand. She bent the water to her hand and pressed it to the open wound. Zuko watched her eyes as she concentrated. He felt love swell in his chest. When she was done she sat back a little, seemingly content that the crisis was over.
Zuko sat up rotating his shoulder, finding there was no pain anymore. She leaned back against the wall and they stared into eachothers eyes a moment before Zuko joined her against the wall grasping her hand in his lap. They both stared out into the room absently.
"You want to go steady?" Zuko turned and grinned at her. She turned her head to stare at him with the funniest look on her face. Then she burst into laughter and leaned on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her and they sat that way til they fell asleep. Content to be with eachother.
Iroh found them that way awhile later. He smiled and quietly closed the door deciding to let them rest. He signaled to the man with him to be quiet and then gave orders that they were not to be bothered. The man left and Iroh stared backat his nephews door. He felt hope again after so long. The banished prince had found home again.
Katara woke to being shifted slightly. She was so tired and felt as though all her strength had been drained from her. She opened one eye and caught Zuko changing his shirt. Peeling the soaked one off and tossing into a corner he selected another dry one and pulled it over his head. She smiled to herself and quickly closed her eye again. Zuko walked back to her and lay down again slipping his hand under her head so she would rest it on his shoulder. She shifted and rest her hand over his heart where she felt the precious thumping. The man she knew now she couldn't live without. The love she felt was so intense it blinded her, consumed her. Zuko sighed and his breathing became even. Soon they were both again fast asleep.
When Zuko woke again the light was no longer shining through his window. He figured by the position of the moon that it was the middle of the night. He felt the hand on his chest warm and he reached up to press it gently. Smiling down at the body pressed to his side, he kissed her forehead and shifted her so she could rest her head on the pillow. He glanced down at her again as he got up. He covered her with the soft blanket and padded to the door closing it quietly. He wanted to grab something to eat and take back to the room for Katara later.
He was in the process of doing just that when his uncle stepped into the kitchen. He exchanged a glance with uncle Iroh and they just sat down at a table not saying anything. "You love her then dont you?" Zuko stared at him plainly and nodded. "This makes things very complicated." Zuko again nodded and stared down at the mango in his hand, taking a bite. "I dont care uncle. I'm not going to part with her. I cant." Iroh and Zuko looked at eachother a long while before Iroh smiled and grabbed the mango taking a large bite. "Well is she alright? You both looked so tired I didn't want to wake you." Zuko smiled back and snatched at his food. "I think so. She scared the crap outta me. She was amazing. That power. Where did that come from?" Iroh looked pensive and rubbed his beard. "I dont know young nephew but I've learned to never underestimate the power of a woman protecting those she loves." Zuko grunted in response and smiled at his mango. "The men are astounded. I've never seen them speechless, but that's just what they were. I think they have a great respect for her." Zuko's eyes glowed with pride and love. Iroh beamed inside and out. "Dont worry Zuko, when love is present insurmountable tasks become as simple as a cup of tea." At the thought of tea Iroh stood up and started making some. He offered Zuko some and he shook his head wanting only to go back to his cabin. He bid his uncle a hasty farewell and was off with a bowl full of fruit.
Katara woke up with a smile on her face. Reaching out she discovered the bed empty beside her. She panicked a moment then lay back down appeasing herself with the thought that he would come back.The blanket was still warm where he had been. Pushing her face into the pillow she inhaled his scent and revelled in it. Feeling still weak but better than she had. She stretched like a cat curling her toes and wrapping the blanket around her more snugly.
Zuko watched from the doorway as she stretched and yawned. He smiled to himself and closed the door. She turned with a start when she heard the latch click. Seeing Zuko she sat up and smiled.
The prince was amazed at how beautiful she looked. Her hair was messed up from the ordeal and her clothes were wrinkled and she had a goofy smile on her face but he didn't care. She looked adorable. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed offering her the bowl. Her eyes lit up and she grabbed a mango. He lay back resting on his forearms watching her eat.
"Where'd that power come from?" he asked finally. She shook her head and swallowed, "I honestly dont know. I was standing at the door to the galley and all I could think about was that I needed to do something to help. So I decided to give my water bending a shot. I ran out into the rain and sat down to concentrate. I felt a swelling inside like something was growing. I remember you called to me once. Then I heard someone shout and opened my eyes and saw that wave. Whatever was inside me grew even bigger then and it took over. I just let it flow through me." Katara was shaking her head still, disbelieving herself.
Zuko stared off at the wall not sure himself. "You scared me." he said very quietly. Katara studied his face for a moment and then scooted down to rest her head on his chest and look up at him. "I'm sorry." She looked so sweet he couldn't help himself he sat up and turned to her grasping her face in his hands like he had before. This time the kiss was sweet, gentle, like a promise. She sighed against his lips and he slid his hands into her hair. She wrapped her arms around his middle and splayed her fingers on his back. He lifted her into his lap never breaking the contact of their lips. They explored eachothers lips a long time before Zuko leaned back against the wall again rubbing her back instinctively. She burrowed her head under his chin. "What are we going to do Zuko?" He sighed. "I dont know Tara. All I know is I'm not letting you leave now. I cant. Do you understand?" Katara sat up and searched his eyes. The hope shining there was mixed with fear. and a pleading.
She nodded and kissed him again lightly before standing up. "I'm sore all over." she exclaimed testing out her balance and twisting to get the cricks out of her joints. Zuko got up too and noticing her sudden discomfort at her appearance he hurried into the room adjoined to hers by the door. He came back with a red gown. A casual sleeping gown. It was beautiful and had the fire insignia on the hem at the bottome. The sleeves had slits all the way from the wrist to the shoulder coming together once at the elbow. She touched the neckline as he held it up and he held it towards her so she would take it. "It's beautiful Zuko." he smiled sadly and looked down at it again. "It was my mothers." She looked at him quickly and saw the love there. She took it and walked into the other room to change. Zuko sat on his bed nervously. Hoping she accepted this part of him. He was afterall fire nation. The nation that had killed her mother. He fidgeted with his hands while he waited.
Katara slipped off her dirty wrinkled dress and laid it on the floor. She took the beautiful red gown and slipped it over her head glancing at the wardrobe remembering the mirror she opened it to see what she looked like. She gasped at what she saw. The red silk hugged her in all the right places and the red looked better than she could have imagined. She stared at the fire insignia and never thought she would think of love while gazing upon it. She frowned when she looked at her hair though. Rummaging around inside the wardrobe she found a brush and nearly sang in excitement. She pulled the brush through her hair and when it was tangle free she looked back in the mirror. Fire Lady. This was the thought that came to her when she gazed upon herself. Looking at the open door she suddenly got nervous. 'Well... here goes nothing.' she thought.
He heard her footsteps as she walked back and his head snapped up and he stood as she came in. His eyes widened and he froze. Katara watched his reaction carefully. Taking his expression as one of dislike she turned away quickly and started walking towards her room again. Zuko was startled out of his reverie and he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him. "Where are you going?" he asked her worried. She wouldn't look at him. "It's ok if you dont want me to wear it I'll go take it off." Zuko was mortified that she thought he had reacted badly. "No no. Please... dont take it off. I like it. I just cant believe how right you look in it." She would make one hell of a fire lady he thought to himself. Her eyes lifted to his slowly and she saw his appreciation there. "I dont think I can let you leave the room in that however. I'll be beating my crew off with a stick." they both laughed and he grabbed a big fluffy robed from his wardrobe. Bringing it to her he helped her into it and tied the belt for her. He kissed her quick on the lips and then grabbed her hand. "We should go talk to uncle. We need to find a village and get you some clothes." Katara only nodded and followed him out of the room.
They met Iroh in the navigation room. Iroh saw the hem of the fire lady's gown peeking out from under the robe and he covered his astonishment well. his nephew really was at peace with his past. Iroh stared at the woman who had done it all. He knew he would forever be in debt to this sweet child. Before her, his nephew was an angry, stubborn, hot headed man. Now he sensed a calm in him he had never known before. Even his eyes seemed less turbulent.
"Uncle can we find a village nearby here. We really should stock up on supplies. Katara could use some new clothing as well." Katara blushed and ducked her head. The men around the room tried not to stare but were caught by Zuko when they thought he wasn't looking. Zuko put an arm around her waist and pulled her a bit closer annoyed.
"Of course!" Iroh exclaimed. "I love to shop! Perhaps I can get some new tea." Zuko shook his head at his uncle. Smiling he nodded and they planned out their route. It would take another couple of days to get there but it was the closest to their current position.
Once they had finalized their plans Zuko noticed Katara yawning and failing miserably at hiding it behind her hand. He frowned and walked to her. "Are you alright? Not feeling weak again are you?" The concern in his voice and eyes warmed her heart. She smiled and placed a hand to his cheek, "No Zuko I'm fine. Just tired." He smiled with relief and grabbed the hand on his cheek. "Let's get some sleep then."
Later the next day, Katara was standing at the railing of the ship watching the men mill about doing their work. Zuko had gone to help fix something in the engine room. A sudden chill raced up her spine and a feeling of dread overtook her. She turned around and squinted over the water. In the distance she could make out a tiny speck that seemd dark. "Iroh!" she called to him as she saw him walking past. He stopped and looked out at where she was gazing so intently. He called for someone to bring him a spyglass. When he was able to see the figure off in the distance he dropped the spyglass slowly eyes hard as rocks. "The firelord comes."
Katara stared at him disbelievingly. She turned and looked around at the men all around her. Zuko still wasn't back... "Zuko" She whispered to herself. Knowing the hell this man had put him through. She knew things were about to get bad.
Iroh escorted her back to Zuko's cabin as had been her habit of late. Neither of them wanted to sleep anywhere else and that suited them both just fine. When Katara sat on his bed now though she was filled with dread.
That was how Zuko found her. Her face in her hands. Iroh sitting beside her trying to comfort her. "What's going on?" Zuko asked rushing to Katara. Katara raised her eyes to him and reached for him. Once she had him in her arms he looked over her shoulder at Iroh who now seemed angrier than Zuko had ever seen him. "You're father's Coming." Iroh said tight lipped. Zuko tensed so audibly that Katara pulled back to look at his face. His eyes went cold and when he looked at her the hope left them. Katara winced.
Zuko turned to his uncle and simply said, "Prepare yourself for a battle."
Katara sat in Zuko's cabin alone, fingering the silk of her sleeve. She could hear men rushing around up and down the halls, ocassionally shouting at one another. She knew things were about to get bad. Zuko's mask had come back up. After he had discovered his father was not far away he had not said more than a word to Katara. She knew that the fragile peace he had found was now being threatened once again. She sighed tucking her legs underneath her. Wondering if there was any way of avoiding this confrontation, knowing hopelessly, that there was not. She only prayed that it would not destroy him.
Zuko rubbed the back of his kneck for the thousandth time since his new discovery. Looking over the last of his plans for their defense strategy he knew nothing good could come of it. Wherever the firelord went a fleet of soldiers followed. His only thoughts were on protecting the ones he now knew he loved. 'Katara...' he thought to himself. Life was so unfair at times. threatening to take away the happiness he had found as quickly as he had received it.
Iroh stood at the helm thoghtfully ondering his nephews change in mood. The prince of fire had returned. It scared Iroh somewhat. Unsure of whether the fierceness he saw now in Zuko's eyes would stay there. Zuko glance up at him and with a quick exchange Zuko turned and walked out back towards the galley. 'save him again waterbender. For his sake I hope you can save him again.' Iroh shook his head sadly and turned his attention back to the horizon and the rapidly approaching ship.
Zuko stopped infront of his cabin door with has hand paused on the handle. 'What will I say to her?' he thought to himself. 'How can I explain that we may not get to share anything beyond this moment. That this fight will surely kill me, if not in body then in mind.' to have to fight ones own father until life had been snuffed out. Either way he was going to lose. He sighed and opened the door.
Katara immediately stood up upon his entrance. They simply watched eachother for a long while. Both were struggling with their own thoughts. Eventually Katara made a small sound of despair and rushed to him. Hurling herself at him and wrapping her arms around his waits she buried her face in his shirt. He closed his eyes and absently rubbed her back. He knew he didn't have to explain anything to her now. She understood. Someone finally understood him. It pained him even as it filled him with joy.
Katara leaned back and looked up into his troubled eyes. "I love you Zuko." He felt a prick of sudden tears behind his eyes. This girl, this sweet innocent girl was telling him the words no one had ever felt enough to say to him. "Oh Tara." He squeeze her tightly and pressed her closer. "I love you too." She burrowed her face in his neck. He bent and putting his arm under her knees carried her back to the bed. Setting her there gently he pressed kiss after kiss to her face. He had to make memories. Happy ones for her as much as for himself. Who knew what tomorrow would bring. She kept her hands on the sides of his face. Both knew they might never get the chance to experience the kind of intimacy they both wanted to so badly. Searching her eyes he silently asked her the question he was desperate to know. She simply blushed and nodded. Climbing onto the bedt with her he loved her slowly. She was so innocent and he wanted to make sure she knew how special this moment was for him.
Hours later they lay under the covers limbs tangled together. Not caring for modesty anymore, Katara rubbed her hand across his bare belly and nuzzled his ear with her nose. He gave her a gentle squeeze and took a deep breath. Katara knew the time had come. He would walk out of that room and possibly not come back. She fought back the sob lodged in her throat. Choked by it she couldn't find any words. Zuko was feeling much the same.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed. Katara, trying not to blush watched him stalk over to his wardrobe, gloriously naked. He reached inside grabbing his clothing and dressing slower than usual. Not wanting the coming hours to be upon him. Katara slipped the nightgown back over her head and stood behind him. Grabbing his sword belt she reached around him and fastened it in his front. He turned to her admiring her courage. She continued to help him dress. Lingering at the doorway embracing desperately, Zuko placed a kiss in her hair. "I have to go Katara." She nodded and felt the tears brimming. He saw this and reached up with his thumb to wipe them away. "Come back to me Zuko." He nodded and gathered her up for a last desparate, soul searing kiss was gone.
As soon as he was gone Katara ran to the bed and threw herself facedown giving into the fit of sobs.
Up on deck the men had armed themselves and even now stood ready, awaiting their orders. The galley door opened. Prince Zuko stepped out and as one all his men bent to one knee in respect. He was touched deeply by the gesture. "Rise noble warriors." He adressed the crowd. "Today is a dark day for the fire kingdom." His eyes scanned the faces of those he had grown so accustomed to seeing. His gaze stopped on his uncles face. Sharing a silent knowledge they walked up to the railing. Seeing the fire nations ships they turned back to the crowd. "I understand if you wish not to fight. This is a battle meant for father and son. I'm sorry you are all a part of it." The men stood and he saw on their faces totaly loyalty. A man stepped forward. "Prince Zuko, we are your crew. We will gladly follow you into battle. Whether the battlefield be a ship the earth or through hell itself. What are your orders?" Zuko clasped hands with the man and nodded. "You are good men."
Iroh stepped forward then. After a brief speech about their plan the men dispersed to carry out their orders. Zuko turned back to the approaching ship. "Are you ready for this Zuko?" Iroh asked the young man. Zuko kept his eyes out to the ocean. "No uncle. But I have no choice. Life makes decisions for me it seems." Iroh nodded and put a hand to his shoulder. "What of Katara? What will become of her?" Zuko looked at Iroh now. "If the ship is overtaken, I want you to take her with you in a small boat at the back of the ship. Get away as quickly as you can. Take her back to her family." Iroh bowed his head now knowing Zuko expected to die today. He walked away to finish up what he could in preparation.
Katara was sitting on the bed with her legs folded and her hands clasped together praying for their safety when she noticed the lights in the room dimming. She looked quickly around her.
It was then that the door to her previous room swung open. Standing before her was the image of Prince Zuko 20 years into the future. They had the same eyes and mouth. Strong and unyeilding. But this mans eyes held no warmth. No flicker of softness.
He took a few steps toward her and stopped. "Who are you?" He asked her. Katara stood and lifted her chin defiantly. "I am Katara of the Southern Water tribe." The Firelord eyes her from toes to face. "So you're the cause of my sons sudden change in demeanor. Pathetic." Feeling her temper bubble up Katara Flicked her hadn behind her back bending the water in the pitcher to her. She spun quickly and flung it with all her might at the boulder of a man. Not quick enough though for as she was turning to flee she felt the most searing heat smack into her back. She fell forward gasping in pain. The man laughed behind her and placed a foot to the burn covering every inch of skin on her back. Katara cried out in pain. Grabbing her by the hair he yanked her up and out the door heading towards the deck.
On the deck Zuko and his men were doing their best to fight off the waves of fire nation soldiers swarming the ship. Zuko kept flicking his gaze to the door of the galley. He spun and hurled a blast of fire at a group of men overtaking one of his crew. They fell, smoking, in a heap at the cremans feet. Spinning back around Zuko ducked just in time to miss a blast of fire headed his way.
He grabbed the man by the throat and flung him aside. 'Where is he?' Zuko thought impatiently darting his eyes around. Searching for the one man he wanted to get his hands on.
The sounds of the battle halted abruptly and Zuko saw the eyes of all his men turn towards the galley door. He slowly turned. What he saw had his heart stopping. There stumbling and falling to her knees was katara. The silk gown falling from her shoulders. As she fell he saw the tatters on her back and the angry swelling red burn that covered the entire surface there. He felt a rage unlike no other he had ever felt spread within him as the man who had pushed her stepped out of the darkness behind her. "FATHER!" he yelled in a feral growl. "Zuko. How unfortunate to see you." His father has a grin on his face as he stepped over the limp form on the ground in front of him.
Zuko fought the urge to run over and tear the mans face off. 'Get him away from her.' was all he could think. He began side stepping and his father followed suit. they circled like two caged animals ready to pounce. "You gave her the gown of the fire lady? What is this Zuko? Is she you're whore?" Zuko bared his teeth at this and saw out of the corner of his eye that Iroh had knelt beside her. 'Good.' he thought. 'Now keep a cool head. 'You're no good to her dead.' "You should have known I would come sooner or later Zuko. You've failed me for the alst time. The dishonor you have brought to this family will end today." He glanced over at Iroh, his heart sank at the look on his uncles face. Iroh closed his eyes and shook his head resting a hand on her head. Zuko felt his skin heat up. He felt like he was burning up.
The men around him grew wide eyed as fire burst to life all around him. The prince was breathing heavily and seemed not to see anything but the man standing infront of him. "YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO HER WITH YOUR LIFE!" There was a burst of fire and the firelord merely laughed. "That peasant? Why do you care Zuko? Have you grown so weak minded that you care for a weakling such as her?" Zuko was beyond coherent thought and charged at his father.
Katara was floating through time and soace. She felt numb. She thought of Zuko and looked around her frantically. Unable to see anything she cried out his name... nothing. Then she saw it. The dark figure with the flames. She saw him standing just infront of her. Engulfed in flames. He wasn't reaching to her anymore or calling her name. She ran towards him anyway. The figure turned and held out his hands as if to warn her not to come closer but she didn't listen. She felt the burn of the flames as she stepped through them. As she did so she knew the most intense pain of her life. Smelling her own scorched flesh she concentrated on the thing she knew best... water. There was steam all around them. She heard it sizzled as it touched the fire. The man infront of her fell to his knees at the same time she did. They were consumer by water now. Cool, soothing water. When she looked up she looked into the eyes of her love, Zuko.
Her eyes snapped open. Feeling once again the searing pain at her back she pushed herself up from the ground and looked towards the sounds of battle. Seeing Zuko and the man from her cabin lunging at eachother and dodging to avoid eachothers attacks she stood. Zuko emitted a loud yell as flames engulfed his entire body. 'NO!' Katara thought in her head. 'I wont let it take him again!' She ran infront of him as he was about to lunge again and he stopped completely dumbfounded. There she stood. The red gown slipping off her shoulder from te tatters on her back. Her face smudged from the soot of all the fire blasts around her. She locked eyes with him and walked slowly toward him. His eyes widened with fear. "No Katara dont. I'll burn you! Please Dont come any closer!" She merely closed her eyes and kept walking slowly toward him.
It was then the light appeared around her again. Water lifted from the ocean on either side of the ship and raced toward her. As she got closer to him the water hissed and sizzled. Steam shot out all around her as the water around her touched the fire around Zuko. Suddenly her arms shot out and wrapped around him. He felt the cool sensation of water touch his enflamed skin. He felt energy crackle around them both and then was conciously aware only of steam rising from them both. The fire and water was gone. Leaving nothing but hot steam. He stood there arms by his sides with Katara still wrapped around him.
The Firelord growled suddenly and began to charge them both but was knocked aside by a blast of fire. Iroh walked over to his brother and held his hand out palm first in a threatening manner. "Just try it brother. I haven't challenged an Agni Ki in a long time and I'm itching to do so." The firelord merely snarled back at him from the ground.
Zuko put his hand to the back of Katara's head for fear of touching her back and whispered into her ear that it was alright. She nodded against his neck and he gently nudged her hip so she would stand behind him. Peering over at his uncle now and the fallen firelord he said "Father I am no longer your burden to carry. Consider me dead. I'll return the favor and disappear if you but forget about me and never seek me out again." He glanced behind him at Katara who was still dipping her head a hand on his back. "And if you ever touch the people I love again, nothing will stop me from evicerating you!" He walked over to his father and gave him a long look before grabbing Katara's hand and stepping back. Iroh hauled up the firelord by his collar and walked him to the railing. "Go on your own or I'll throw you over... your choice." The firelord agilely vaulted over the railing and began swimming back to his ship. His men followed quickly.
Zuko whipped around seeing Katara struggling to keep upright. Afraid he would hurt her more by carrying her below deck he had her put her arms around his neck, legs wrapped around his waits he carried her that way. Catching his uncles eye he silently asked him to help.
Iroh knew without being told what needed to be done. He hurried to grab any and all burn salve he could find, clean towels and the pain remedy root they had given her when she first arrived.
Once back in his cabin Zuko set her down instructing her to lay on her stomache. In too much pain to say anything Katara did as he asked. Zuko winced seeing the damage done to her beautiful skin. The silk having been incinerated on contact her entire back was exposed. Angry red flesh was all he could see. He knelt down beside her and rubbed her hair knowing his words could not help.
Katara lay very still, every movement feeling as though her skin was being torn. She brought a fist up to her mouth ready to bite back a scream. Her eyes were glazed with pain. 'I'll be scarred forever.' she thought to herself. 'Surely Zuko wont think me beautiful anymore.' Turning her face into the pillow she gave into despair.
Iroh walked in then arms full of supplies. He walked briskly to the couple. Setting down various jars and clean towels he went to work immediately. As gently as he could he spread a sticky balm across the skin. Careful to guage her reactions so as to not hurt her further.
Katara let out a small whimper and once again put her fist to her mouth. Zuko felt absolutely helpless. Stroking her hair he continued to watch her face. Exchanging worried glances with Iroh he reached for the root. Katara looked up at him with watery eyes as he offered it to her. She took it and popped the whole thing in her mouth, praying it would ease some of the pain.
Once Iroh had done all he could he wiped his hands on one of the towels. Iroh moved to kneel beside his nephew looking directly at Katara he said, "You are, by far, the bravest warrior I have ever known. Thank you for saving my nephew. He surely would have died if he had to kill his father. I am eternally in your debt little one." Katara's eyes misted. "Try not to think about the scars. They are your mark to carry proudly. I will forever tell the tale of a brave waterbender who loved so much she was willing to sacrifice herself for the man she loved."
Zuko watched his uncle speak with admiration. He realised how right his uncle was. He would most definetly have died inside if he had been forced to kill his father. Perhaps he would have been killed himself. He only wished Katara had not had to suffer so. He would rather have died then to have let this happen. He turned his eyes back to this brave woman who had given him so much. Iroh knew the time had come to allow them time alone to discuss things. "We will be needing to visit a town even more now. The ship will be traveling very quickly. You needn't worry about things nephew. I'll ensure that all is taken care of. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do to help." and with that, he was gone.
Once they were alone Katara buried her face in the pillow once again. Zuko felt her despair as though it was his own.
"I dreamt about all of this." Katara's muffled voice came out from the pillow. She turned her face to him then and he saw the glittering tears. "The night before I was taken I was praying to my mother. She showed me a dark figure engulfed in flames begging for my help. I ran and ran but I couldn't save him. I couldn't let that happen... I couldn't." She dissolved into sobs
Zuko pressed his head to hers, eyes closed. So fate had brought her to him to save him. He seemed always to be the cause of her grief.
"Katara I am so sorry you are always being forced to sacrifice things for me. I would rather have died a thousand times over than for this to have happened. I felt as though the fire had taken over me. I could have easily killed him then and not cared. You saved me again. You saved my sould from damnation. I love you so much. How can you love the monster I am inside?"
Katara watched his pain laden face. "You are not a monster. Do you hear me? You are NOT a monster!" she insisted vehemently. "Life has been so unfair to you. You are a GOOD man. Your father doesn't know the wonderful son he is losing. That man does not deserve your love or respect." Katara was nauseous from the pain but she didn't care. What mattered was repairing the broken soul in front of her.
Zuko was at a loss for words and simply knelt beside her stroking her hair. "Katara I wish I could take this hurt from you. My father... I cant believe..." Katara reached her hand to his lips and halted his words. "Your father is in your past, and mine. I know the shame you feel about your scar. Now you and I have that in common too. I only hope the sight of it does not always remind you of the pain he has caused." Her eyes changed then. Became sad. "I hope too that you dont think me ugly now. I will understand if you do."
Zuko couldn't believe she would think that. To prove he thought nothing of the sort he kissed her sweetly. Putting all his love into the kiss he could feel her soften again and knew she was soothed. Glad for small miracles, he pulled back and smiled. "Is the medicine working?" Katara thought about it a moment and nodded. "Good. Now I hope you know you're not moving for a week." Katara giggled softly and Zuko was happy. His Katara would forever be warm and loving. Even through pain and sorow she found joy. He was thrilled to know he could share that with her. And that she was his.
Zuko grew very serious. Katara saw the change on his face and her smile fell. "What is it?" she asked him worriedly. Zuko drew her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckles. "Katara. I wish I could have asked you this in a more... special way." His eyes locked on hers His life was about to change. And he couldn't be more excited."Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Katara's eyes squeezed shut and her chin quivered. She nodded and Zuko's heart thrummed in his chest. He felt as though it would break free any moment. He kissed her again then not wanting ever to have to stop.
Katara smiled the biggest smile she had ever given anyone and Zuko was honored. Then her smile dropped again. "What about Aang?" Zuko smiled at her and said simply, "You'll have to introduce me. I dont believe I've ever met him. See I've been pursuing tis pointless mission whereby if I can return home with the avatar my honor will be restored." Katara thrilled knowing it was finally over. Zuko would not pursue Aang anymore and her family would be complete. "I love you Zuko. They'll love you." Zuko looked doubtful at this but only nodded and continued to stroke her hair.
"When we dock we can find a messenger to send to them. We'll invite them to come see you. You'll have to write it however. I doubt they'll believe anything I have to say." They both chuckled at that and grew quiet again just gazing at eachother. "You'll make one hell of a fire lady Tara." She smiled at the nickname. "You really think so? I will do my best to make you proud."
Zuko saw her eyelids droop and knew the medicine was beginning to take hold. "How about I help you get comfortable and we get some rest. You keep playing saviour and wearing yourself out." He smiled and she nodded. He did his best to remove what was left of the dress. With a little help from her, he had it off and a soft white gown in its place. Zuko was sure to place bandages over the wounds on her back. Katara looked at the red silk garment sadly. "The dress... your mothers dress..." Zuko glanced at it and then caught her eyes. "The person inside the dress concerns me more. My mother would have admired you today Katara. She likely would have done the same thing in your place. Besides it is a fitting end to a fitting situation. The dress was burned by my father just like our ties to eachother. He is my past, you are my future." Katara's eyes welled up again and he rubbed his hands up and down her arms and kissed her forehead. "Now, to bed with you."
Katara laid down on her stomache again and Zuko climbed in beside her careful not to jostle her while doing so. He lay on his side, Katara's face turned toward him. He held her hand in his as she drifted off and he soon followed.