A few days later Zuko stood at the railing of his ship watching the approaching shore. Katara was still below not having fully recovered yet from the ordeal. He had scarcely allowed her to do anything worrying it would open the wounds and cause her more pain. Thank agni for his uncle who reinforced his insisting upon her staying in bed. Katara would have been up and running around otherwise. The girl could hardly sit still. Zuko knew how that felt too though. Restlessness was difficult to handle in the best of situations. Add to that a ship full of men and a small cabin with only a small window to the outside world. He had done his best to keep her occupied. Bringing her books and sitting with her long hours and talking. They had discovered many new things about eachother in that time. In a way he was glad for it. He learned everything he wanted to know about her and her past.
She had told him about her family and the southern water tribe. She had painfully spoke of her mother and the time shortly after when her father had left. Her eyes smiled when she spoke of her brother Sokka. He seemed always to be getting into some sort of trouble. He looked forward to adventures with him. Her eyes shone with hope when she spoke about the avatara, Aang. He knew now what it felt like to hope. To believe the future could hold promise. She ahd given him that gift.
She had asked him many questions too. He had gladly told her whatever she wanted to know. He spoke about growing up in the Fire nation. The mischief he and his sister and their friends had gotten into. His eyes grew sad however, for he and his sister were brutal enemies now. He missed her even as he loathed her. She too was a product of their father. She had been too young for their mother to make much of an impact on her before she died. He shook his head to clear his mind. That was his past, he reminded himself.
He turned away to ready everything for their docking.
Katara was so excited she could barely contain herself. Weeks at sea had made her long for solid ground. She sat now dressed in a dress of crimson as had been her habit recently. Showing her devotion to her soon to be husband. They were oposites coming together in the sweetest way. She smiled to herself thinking about him. Mending one of his shirts she hummed to herself and sat contentedly.
There was a knock at the door, "Come in." she called out. Iroh stepped in with a tray of tea and biscuits. Katara had come to cherish tea time with uncle Iroh. He sat down beside her and poured her some tea. "How are you today Katara? Feeling better?" She nodded and set the shirt aside. "We'll be docking in a few hours. Katara's eyes lit up and she clapped excitedly. Iroh smiled at her exuberance. "I hope my newphew has not been pestering you too much. He has hovered over you like a mother hen." Katara giggled and shook her head. "No uncle he has been ever attentive and kind. I will just be happy to set foot on solid ground again. I may embarass myself and fall to the ground kissing it!" They shared a laugh and sat in comanionable silence drinking their tea.
Zuko stepped in just then and smiled at them. he went over kissing Katara on the cheek quickly. He took off his sword belt and sat down too reaching for a cup and pouring himself some. "We're nearly to the village. We will be getting so many supplies I'm afraid it will take the entire crew to carry it all back." He eyed his uncle nervously. "You wouldn't be planning on any bank breaking shopping trips would you uncle?" There was a smile in his tone. Iroh beamed and nodded. Zuko smacked his forehead and shook his head. Katara laughed and set her tea down. "May I come with you uncle. I haven't been to a village in a long while. With my friends we only stopped long enough to rstock and then were off again. It will be good to browse and meet new people." Iroh nodded emphatically.
"Buy whatever you want Tara. Uncle will have my funds at his disposal. He sure has no qualms about spending it." Zuko rolled his eyes as he said this. Katara squeezed Zuko's hand and sipped her tea. "I shouldn't need much. Some clothing and perhaps some necessities. Will you be coming with us around to the shops?" She asked him. "Any excuse to watch you try things on Tara." She blushed and ducked her head. Iroh chuckled and started cleaning up. "Well we had best be getting ready. Are you sure you're well enough to manage the trip Katara? We understand if you need to stay behind and rest." Katara shooking her head vigorously. "If you think you're getting out of taking me out your wrong. I've waited for land for days now and I intend on enjoying it." They all laughed and prepared to depart.
Later that day, after they had found a messenger and Katara had written what she needed to for her friends they walked from shop to shop. Katara had gotten some soaps, a quill and paper, a beautiful clip for her hair (which Zuko had insisted on) and were not perusing a dress shop.
Katara idly rubbed her fingers over the fabric of a blue dress. It was fitted in the bodice and cut modestly enough. The sleeves were long and belled out slightly at the wrist. The skirt was full and would reach her ankles. She grabbed the garment and went to try it on. Zuko watched her go and walked up to the shop keeper. "Everything she likes please wrap up. We're also looking for something a bit more formal. Wedding attire. If you have something in red I would appreciate it." The shopkeeper smiled and nodded. "I have just the thing." she said and disappeared through a door behind her. She came back out with a dark red gown draped over her arms. "This looks to be about her size." She splayed it out on the counter and Zuko admired the beautiful dress. It was an empire waist with red gems strewn about the bodice. The bottom hem had stitching in the shape of tiny flames. The sleeves were off the shoulder and he knew immediately he wanted to see her in it. "I'll take it." he said. "Wrap it up quickly please I want it to be a surprise." The shop keeper nodded and disappeared again. When she came back she had a box and set it on the counter.
"Well? How do I look?" Katara asked when she came out. She wore the blue dress. It fit her wonderfully. The material billowed out slightly at the waist and made her look so small Zuko thought. He smiled and walked over to her. Putting his hands on her waist he looked her up and down and said, "Beautiful." katara blushed and gave him a peck on the cheek before dashing back into the room to put her clothes back on.
Once they were done in that shop, parcels in hand they met up with Iroh outside. "I got a new game and a few instruments. I thought we could have music night tonight in celebration of you two. Have you spoken to a priest yet?" Zuko nodded and they turned to walk back to the ship.
"I wanted to wait until Katara's friends could be here but the priest will be leaving town in a few days. If you dont mind Katara I would like to have it tomorrow on the ship. My men want to be there for it all and so do I." Katara smiled happily at him and nodded. "They are afterall part of our family now." They climbed back onto the ship and went to their separate quarters to put away their purchases and prepare for the special night.
In Zuko's cabin the couple was putting away their supplies when Katara came across a strange package she couldn't remember from their trip. She picked it up and started to open it. Zuko saw from across the room just in time and rushed over. "No wait! Dont open that yet. It's a surprise for you. I want you to open it tomorrow." He nervously tooke the box and set it in the bottom of the wardrobe. Katara looked at him confused. Zuko laughed stiffly and he closed the wardrobe door. "It's a surprise ok?" Katara smiiled and she shook her head at him.
In Iroh's Cabin he sat playing with an instrument he had picked up. He was excited for his new family. Life had been unfair and hard but things were beginning to turn around for them all. The peace his nephew had now was a blessing from agni and Iroh was determined not to let anything spoil it. Tonight they would dance and sing and celebrate the new life they had all found. He hoped that Katara's friends would accept this new development. She deserved to be happy too.
That night Iroh, Zuko and the rest of the men sat around a bonfire on the deck. Instruments played a lively jig and voices raised to sing along. They all munched on roast duck and fire chips.
Zuko kept glancing at the door to the galley wondering what was taking Katara so long. She had shooed him out of the cabin saying something about having a surprise of her own for him. He was considering going down there to drag her butt up here when she appeared at the doorway. Zuko's breath caught in his throat.
She wore a flowing white gown. It made her look ethereal. She looked beautiful. Her hair was down and she had a single flower above her left ear. The dress was form fitting. It hugged her very nicely, 'too nicely' Zuko thought glancing around at his men.There eyes were filled only with admiration. They really were good men.
He turned his attention back to her and unfolding himself he stood up and walked over to her. Reaching for her hands he kissed her soundly on the mouth then pulled back to take in her appearance again. Katara blushed at the thorough examination. She was glad when he gathered her up for a warm hug.
They turned to walk to the group and Katara had a moment to enjoy his appearance too.
His well sculpted legs were covered by black breeches and lace up boots. His shirt was red and long sleeved. He didn't wear his sword tonight. His hair having been shorn short, was falling in his eyes. She had never seen him more handsome she thought to herself. She knew under the clothes lay well toned muscle and long lean limbs. She blushed again thinking about that. He was hers.
They sat down at the fire, Zuko on her left Iroh on her right. The music picked up again and some of the men got up to start dancing. Katara clapped along happily and ocassionally slipped a fire chip in her mouth. Zuko sat comfortably Katara's hand firmly within his own. The song slowed and Zuko knew he wanted to dance with her. There were a few women on board tonight. The men had invited some of the local villagers. It did them good to have some fun too. Zuko turned to Katara and offered her a hand. She smiled and took it as they both got up.
They stoof close together one hand on her waist the other holding hers. There eyes never looked anywhere but at eachother until Katara stepped closer and rested her head on his chest. She listened to the beating of his heart and had never felt more content. Zuko's hand snaked around to her back and he felt her indrawn hiss as pain shot through her. Zuko cringed and immediately pulled his hand away. Katara looked up at him and touched his face comfortingly. "It's ok Zuko." and he knew it really was. They parted when the dance was over and sat back down.
Zuko motioned to the musicians to cease and he stood. "Men I wanted to take this time to speak with you all. Life has been enormously trying the past 3 years. I appreciate all of your loyalty and devotion through such hard times. We all seem to have found a semblance of peace more recently. Mine is thanks to one person. Tomorrow Katara and I will marry right here on this ship. I personally would like to invite you all. There will be a feast after and celebration." Katara's eyes shone with pride at her Prince. He smiled at her and continued, "I dont know exactly what tomorrow will bring. My hope is to join the efforts to end this war. After tomorrow you are all welcome to go home to your families or wherver you so choose. Should you choose to stay, my ship will always be your home." With that the men cheered and Zuko went and sat with Katara.
Iroh caught Katara's eye and at her nod he walked over to the musicians to ask them to play a certain song. The notes began to drift softly to everyones ears. Katara suddenly stood and walked to a spot infront of Zuko, along with several other women who recognised what was happening. Zuko looked at her questioningly. The women all began to sway and move to the music. It was a lilting love song he recognised from somehwere in his memories. Then it hit him like a brick. 'The song of the fire lady.' He watched Katara dance and felt his chest swell in pride. She was dancing the fire lady's dance for him. Iroh's voice sang the words and he knew she had planned this for him. It touched him to know her thoughtfulness extended this far.
Katara dared not break her courage by looking at him. She continued to move through the steps Iroh had shown her earlier. She caught a glimpse of the other women following her lead and smiled to herself. When the notes drifted away she stopped and stood infront of Zuko. She looked up then and saw the wonder on his face. She knelt in front of him and waited. He reached out and framed her face with his big hands. They smiled together at the same time and he pulled her in to wrap his arms around her. Now he understood the white dress. It was his people custom for a bride to be to wear white the night before their wedding. From this day forward she would wear red. His fire lady. Not wanting to share eachother a second longer they hurried away and below deck.
Iroh smiled to himself and tapped his knee to the rythm of the next song.
Aang and Sokka sat staring moodily into their campfire. Neither of them had anything to say. Her trail was gone. They had found no trace of Katara anywhere and received no randsom. Sokka threw a twig into the fire and blew on his pants quickly as a hot ember came out and landed in his lap. Aang bit back a grin at Sokka. 'At least some things never changed.' he thought to himself.
Appa lifted his head emitting a low growl and Aang knew someone was coming. A man dressed in modest robes walked into their camp with a pack on his back. "Are you Aang and Sokka?" Aang got to his feet anxiously, Sokka soon followed. "I have a letter for you." He handed them the letter and bowed briefly before turning to leave the way he had come.
Aang tore open the letter recognising Katara's fluid writing immediately. The note read:
Dear Aang and Sokka, my family,
I am writing to let you know I am well and safe. Many things have happened since I've been gone. I am pleased to ask you to come to Jin ne village to see me. please hurry and get here. I miss you both so much. I also ask that when you arrive you not jump to any conclusions until we have spoken. You will find me aboard Prince Zuko's Fire nation ship. They will allow you safe passage I assure you. I am certain Sokka has that look on his face right now...
Aang looked up laughing at the very look she had mentioned, then he continued to read.
...but I ask only that you trust in my decisions and respect them. The tides of war are changing in our favor and I am anxious to share my newest discoveries with you. Give Appa a belly rub for me and Momo an ear scratch.
With all my love
Your Sister
Katara
Aang stared at the paper a moment longer then folded it back up. He looked at Sokka who still had the stupid look on his face. "She cant seriously think we're just going to walk up to a fire nation ship and say, Hi! Can we come on board and see our sister your prisoner please?" Sokka said with dripping sarcasm. Aang scratched the back of his neck not sure what to say. "She asked us to trust her. And that was definetly her writing. I guess we dont have muchof a choice. We've had no luck finding her on our own." Sokka opened his mouth to say something but knowing Aangwas right he snapped it shut again. He nodded. "We'll head out at first light then. Jin ne is about 2 days ahead of us if we fly." Aang nodded as well and they settled in for the night. Both fell asleep easier tonight then they had since Katara had gone missing.
The sunlight filtred into the cabin and touched Katara's face. Her eyes fluttered open alowly and she wrinkled her nose at the bright light. She rolled over to snuggle up to Zuko only to find the bed empty. Her brows furrowed she sat there shocked for a moment. Then she noticed a piece of paper on the table next to the bed. It read:
Good morning sweetheart,
I wanted to give you the morning to spend as you please while I prepare things up on deck. I wont see you again til the wedding, which makes me want it to come faster, but I want you to be happy. Today is your day. Start it by opening that box in the wardrobe then I have arranged for you to have a long hot bath. Someone will be by with hot water and a tub for you.
I hope you know how happy I am to know I will be sharing life with you Katara. The time wont pass quickly enough for me until I get to see you again.
I love you
Zuko
Katara hugged the note to her chest and smiled. Curiosity nagging her she walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out the box from yesterday. She ran back to the bed and opened it. Zuko's surprise was a beautiful red dress. Katara's eyes misted as she unfolded the beautiful garment. 'He's such a sweet man.' she thought to herself. She ran her fingers over the sleeves dreamily and with a last wistful glance at it turned to prepare her other things for the day. The glorious day she would join with Zuko.
Zuko took one last surveying look around. All was ready. The men were dressed in their best and so was Zuko. Soft black breeches and a fine red shirt with the fire emblem on it. his hair was falling in his eyes again. He knew Katara liked it that way. Smiling to himself he saw the priest climbing the gangplank. He greeted the man with a firm handshake and escorted him to where the ceremony was to take place.
Once he had discussed everything with the priest he sought out his uncle. When he found Iroh he was in the kitchen brewing some special tea for the day. "Uncle all is ready. Will you go tell Katara we are ready?" Iroh wiped his hands on his apron and stepped back. "Of course nephew. I was just about to come find you to see how things progressed. Give me a few minutes with her. I have a few things I want to tell her myself. An old mans wisdom." Iroh smiled at Zuko's happy face and walked out and towards their rooms.
Iroh stopped at his room to collect a few carefully chosen items and then went and rapped on Katara's door. He heard the shuffle of footsteps and then the door opened to reveal Katara. The old mans heart skipped a beat. She looked like a fire lady ought to. Elegant, strong, feminine, sweet and most of all happy. Iroh shook his head to break the spell and stepped in. "Good morning sweet child. Zuko wanted me to come and tell you that they are ready. I wont take much of your time but I wanted to spend a little time with you this day before completeing your union with my nephew." Katara smiled and nodded stepping back so Iroh could walk fully into the room. He set the items in his arms on the bed and motioned for her to come.
Iroh held up a box and handed it to her. "Open it." he told her. When she did her eyes widened. She reached inside and withdrew a beautiful ruby necklace. "It was Zuko's mothers as well." Zuko watched her touch the gems in awe and would gladly replay the memory in his mind for years to come. He motioned for her to turn around and taking the necklace she lifted her hair and he placed it around her neck. He noticed the burn just above the neckline on her dress. Trying not to think about it he fastened it and turned her back around. She was smiling and touching it as though she thought it might disappear. Next Iroh handed her a comb for her hair. It too was emblasoned with the fire insignia. She turned again and Iroh placed it in the hair that had been swept off of her face and tied back. The rest of her hair fell loose, because that's how she knew Zuko liked it. This time when she turned around her eyes were sparkling with tears. Iroh gathered her up for a hug.
"Daughter of the water spirits you have calmed my nephews turbulent heart. I can never thank you enough for that. I give you these gifts as Zuko's legacy. He is and always will be the true lord of fire. I welcome you to our family and wish you all the happiness in the world. Water and fire coming together today is an omen of hope for the future. What do you say we go meet our destinies then?" he said holding out his elbow for her. She swiped at her tears of joy and looped her hand through his arm.
"Let's go meet our destinies uncle."
Up on deck Zuko stood next to the priest. His crew and some of the local women were there. Standing in a crowd awaiting their lords lady. His eyes were on the ground when a hush fell over the crowd. He lifted his eyes to the door of the galley. He thought his heart was going to thunder out of his chest. Katara stood with his uncle. The red dress fit her like it was made for her. Her hair was down, the front swept off of her face with a comb. Then he noticed the sparkling gems at her throat. 'Mothers necklace!' he thought quickly. 'But I had thought it was lost.' They started to walk forward and Zuko stopped thinking. The crew parted for them. Iroh escorted her up to him. The uncle grabbed both their hands and put them together. The couple smiled at eachother and stepped forward to take their eternal vows to eachother.
The priest began, "It is a bright light in my life to be able to be a part of this most special ocassion. Water and fire are coming together. It gives me hope for all our futures. Love can surpass everything. Now children are you ready to speak your vows?" They both nodded and continued to smile at echother. The priest went through the ceremony, Katara and Zuko replying where necessary. Once it was over Zuko turned to Katara and sliding his hands around her waist, pulled her in for an achingly sweet kiss. The procession cheered and the couple broke apart smiling, foreheads touching. They turned to the crowd and began walking back towards them hands joined. Handshakes and hugs were exchanged. Katara received gracious bows from the men and Zuko kisses on the cheek from the women.
"Let the festivities commence!" Zuko shouted and was rewarded with an exuberant cheer. The music swelled to life and all dispersed to find a comfy spot. Zuko bent to hug Katara again, this time sweeping her up off of her feet and around in a circle. When he set her back down on her feet she giggled, breathless. "It's done Tara. Nothing and nobody can separate us now." Katara was so happy she could only nod and put her head on his shoulder.
The celebration continued long into the night even after the two lovers had retired. They spent the night loving eachother, silently promising one another the wonders and happiness that they would share.
The next day Zuko awoke before the sun and decided to stay right where he was, Katara snuggled up to him, the starry sky still twinkling. He thought about the possibilities of the future. A home, children... a large family. All things he looked forward to in ernest. He absently rubbed Katara's arm which lay sprawled over his stomache. He couldn't have asked for a better woman. She was sweet, caring, giving, strong and beautiful. There were only a few more roadblocks to overcome before they could be completely at peace. The avatar and her brothers arrival for one. He was gravely concerned that her brother in the very least would not welcome him with so open arms as she had. Another was the ongoing war. He only cared now for ensuring that he kept her happy and safe. Zuko's hand raised to his face as he thought about the last. It seemed he was doomed to be eternally reminded of his father and their turbulent relationship. The ugly scar had scared more than enough people away in the three years since he had received it. Not his Katara though. He looked down at her closed eyes. She saw right past the scar to the man he was. He had not thought it possible. Now she had her own scars to carry. His father was ever, creating scars for people. Zuko would make sure to remind Katara everyday about how beautiful she was. He never wanted her to feel the hurt he did when people flinched at the sight of his face.
Katara began to stir and she felt his eyes on her before she opened her own. She smiled and kept hers closed. Shifting closer to him she rubbed her hand slowly over his taught belly. Her head resting on his shoulder she turned and placed a kiss to it. She felt him drop a kiss into her hair and she turned her face up to him and opened her sleepy eyes. "Good morning husband." she tested. He chuckled and smiled at her. "Good morning wife." They lay in companionable silence for awhile but were drawn out of their reverie by a knock at the door.
Zuko frowned knowing that no one would disturb him the morning after his wedding night without ample cause. He hurried to put on his pants and opened the door a fraction to peer out. It was his uncle. "Zuko... her family is here." Iroh said a hint of worry evident in his voice. Zuko nodded. "We'll be out shortly." He turned back around after closing the door. "What is it Zuko?" Katara asked sitting up in bed holding the blankets to her chest. "You're family has arrived." he said trying to smile but knowing it looked forced. Katara's eyes filled with understanding and excitement. She bounded up and tugged on a robe. Walking over to him she slipped her hands around his middle gazing into his eyes. "It's ok. I promise you. Like it or not I married you and I'm not going anywhere. They love me and will be happy for me. It may take them time to adjust and get used to it but they will. I know they will." She kissed his collarbone then and he sighed praying to Agni she was right. "Well you had better get dressed then princess. I dont know if I can justify defending myself from your brother if you greet him like that." They both laughed and went about getting dressed.
Up on deck Iroh and Aang sat casually drinking tea while Sokka stood, arms crossed and a look of constant vigilance on his face. "Come young warrior have some tea. I promise you you are safe here." Aang turned to agree. "Sokka if we weren't safe why would they have let us walk on board fully armed and served us tea?" Sokka sighed in aquiesence and sat down to guardedly sip at his tea.
"SOKKA... AANG!" they heard from behind them as a happy Katara ran full tilt across the deck. She flung her arms around their necks simultaneously and they hugged her for all they were worth. "I missed you guys so much." she said sniffing back tears. She pulled back and touched both of their faces.
Sokka was so happy to see her it wasn't until then he noticed the red dress she wore bearing the fire insignia. Sokka gave her a questioning look but before he could open his mouth uncle Iroh shoved a biscuit in. Katara laughed nervously. "We have a lot to talk about." Katara noticed Aang and Sokka stiffen and knew they had spotted Zuko behind her. "Yeah Katara, we do." Sokka glared at Zuko and then gave his sister a very serious look. That's when Iroh piped up. "Why dont we all enjoy a meal out here on the deck this beautiful day?" They all nodded and took seats around the large table they had been using for tea.
Sokka nearly lunged out of his seat when Zuko sat next to Katara and they exchanged glances. He would have too if not for Iroh giving him a look of feral promise. It was strange that he felt a commanding respect for the man instantly.
"Well," Sokka started, "care to explain all of this?" he said his arm sweeping across the ship and it's occupants. Katara nodded and took a deep breath. "Sokka, Aang, you remember the day I was taken?" They both noddd. "Well the night before I had prayed to mother for guidance. I received a vision of a dark figure engulfed in flames asking for my help. But in my dream I was unable to save him before the flames overtook him." she shifted her eyes to look at Zuko who was watching her intently. "I didn't know what it meant then but... I do now." Her hand rested atop Zuko's on the table. Katara studied her brother and Aang's faces.
Sokka stared at their hands for a moment and then his eyes drifted up to his sisters face. 'WAS SHE SERIOUS??' he shook his head trying to deny what he had just heard. "You're trying to tell me you ... and... him... are... Katara?" Sokka looked so confused Katara felt guilty. Aang simply sat there looking from Katara to Sokka. Katara nodded and went on, "We were married yesterday." At this Sokka's mouth dropped open. He was unable to form words. Katara saw him struggling. She got up and walked over to him kneeling beside him on the deck. "Please big brother. Try to understand. I love him. I need him. He's changed. He wants to help." she pleaded up from her position at his feet. She took his hands and clasped them between her own. "I love you too much to think I'd have to choose." She started to cry then and Sokka's heart melted. Looking quickly over at Zuko who was watching Katara intently with a frown on his face, Sokka turned back to his sister and pulled her up off of the ground. "Katara all I want is for you to be happy. I may not like it but your decisions are yours to make." Katara sobbed in relief and hugged him tightly.
Wiping her face on Sokka's shirtfront, earning a groan from him, she turned to face Aang. He stood up quickly and with that big goofy smile said, "Does this mean we get to celebrate and have a party?" Everyone at the table looked around at eachother then back at Aang and laughed til their sides hurt. Katara gathered both of her boys up in another hug and beamed from ear to ear. Zuko stood up to and came over to them. "Whatever you wish we will do. Since you missed the festivities yesterday we can continue them today." Sokka released his sister relunctantly and watched her go to him putting an arm around his waist.
"I just have to let you know, Zuko, this doesn;t mean I like you or that I will be your friend." He paused and closed his eyes for emphasis. "And if you ever hurt her... you'll wish you were dead 10 times before I actually finish you." Katara's eyes widened at the unusual display of anger coming from her sibling. Zuko stuck a hand out and the too men shook on it. A silent exchange passed between them and Katara sighed inwardly in relief. All was well again.
Iroh chimed in behind them again, "So how about that meal. This old mans stomache is growling fiercely." They all nodded and sat back down to share their meal together. Zuko and Katara filled Aang and Sokka in on everything that had occured in the past few weeks. "And I want to help in whatever way I can." Zuko said to Aang. Katara suddenly brightened as a thought struck her. "Aang! Your fire mastery. Zuko can be your fire master!" Zuko hadn't thought of that. He looked over at the young avatar who was smiling happily and nodding. "This couldn't have worked out more perfect." Katara exclaimed excitedly. I hope you're a patient man Zuko." Sokka put in, Aang is a horrible pupil." Aang hummphd and crossed his arms glaring at Sokka. Zuko only laughed. "So i guess we'll be traveling with you from here then." Zuko said to Sokka and Aang. "I suppose you will since I dont think Katara would agree to you following behind us in a ship." Sokka replied biting into an apple.
Katara looked thoughtful for a moment. "Uncle Iroh, will you come with us. You're wisdom has been a welcome help these past few weeks for me. I can only imagine the good you could do for the avatar. You could help in the training of Aang's fire bending." Iroh bowed in agreement and Katara smiled happy that things were falling into place so quickly. "I just realised... Aang, where's Appa? I want to see him. And Momo." Aang jumped up and blew on the bison whistle. Suddenly a shadow came over the group as Appa flew overhead. The sky bison landed with a thud on the deck and Katara jumped up and flung herself at him. "APPA!! Oh I missed you boy." She rubbed her face in his soft fur.
Zuko watched his wife reunite with her friends and smiled. He watched a small monkey - like creature , he assumed was none other than Momo, jump on her head and wrap it's tail around her face. She reached up and tickled his foot causing him to jump down with a yelp. She hugged him close and then rubbed her cheek on his head as well. Zuko was startled when the creature bounded over to him and plopped himself down ontop of his own head. The tail snaked out lightning fast grabbing a moon peach off the table. "Looks like you've made a new friend." Katara clapped excitedly at Zuko who was trying not to move his head, creating a very funny picture.
"Well I think we should all spend a little time resting. I'm sure you are weary from your travels." Iroh said to Sokka and Aang. "We have rooms ready for you to use if you so choose." Aang and Sokka stood to follow Iroh. Sokka turned back just in time to see Zuko gather his sister up and kiss her. 'This will take some getting used to.' he thought miserably to himself.
The group had decided to go by ship to the town of Oma gin se where they knew their other friend Toph was visiting her family. At the moment the group was sitting around a bonfire on the deck, listening to music and feasting on fruits and roasted meats. Katara and Zuko sat shoulder to shoulder then there was Aang half laying on Appa's tail tapping his foot to the music. Sokka sat next to Appa moodily staring at the fire. Katara noticed this and was about to get up and go sit with him when she saw his eyes lift. A short girl sauntered past him blushing shyly and smiling at him. Sokka smiled back and got up to follow her to the other side of the fire. 'He'll be just fine.' she thought to herself with a laugh.
The distant sound of thunder had the crews stomaches tying in knots. The memory of the last storm still too fresh. Iroh halted the music and suggested they start to pack up for the evening. Everyone agreed and once all was put away everyone headed towards the galley and their warms beds. Appa curled up under a makeshift tent the crew had put together and Momo decided to bunk with him. Sokka and the girl had disappeared long ago and Aang yawned before opening his door and walking inside. Katara and Zuko happily linked their fingers together as they went to their own room.
Zuko began the routine they had come accustomed to. Katara turned to face the window and he reached up to undo her braid. One that was finished Katara turned back around and helped Zuko rid himself of the heavy armor. Once their sleeping attire (or lack thereof for Zuko) was in place they both slipped under the covers. Zuko lay on his back with Katara on her side pressed up to him. Her arm rested across his middle and her fingers skimmed his ribs. "I had never noticed how solidly built you were until that night you had your nightmare." Katara dmitted. Zuko's eyebrow quirked, "I knew you were checking me out!" Zuko exclaimed with a laugh and a grunt as Katara lightly slapped his stomache. "I was not! I was totally focused on trying to make you feel better." Zuko chuckled and rubbed her arm brisquely. "I know you were Tara. When I opened my eyes and saw you standing there I thought I was still dreaming." Katara tilted her head back to look up at him and he smiled. "I thought I had died and you were an angel." Katara giggled. "Have you been having those dreams all along?" she asked him innocently. Zuko nodded. "They started immediately after I was banished. I kept dreaming about my father's face. The anger, the shame, the utter disgust that I would beg for mercy." Katara squeezed him letting him know he was safe.
They lay silent for awhile before Katara leaned up to place a kiss on the end of his nose. "You're offer of help to my friends and I is very generous. It's one thing for you to give up your mission for me but to know you are willing to join our cause makes me so... so..." Zuko leaned up and touched his lips to hers. "No need for thanks Katara. I love you and therefore you're family have become my own. I realise now what a pointless mission it was. It wouldn't have mattered if I had brought my father the avatar, I would never earn my honor back in his eyes." He nudged her back down and pulled the covers back up to cover them both. "Now sleep Tara. Tomorrow is a new day and we have a long journey ahead of us." Katara stifled a yawn and nodded letting her eyes drift slowly closed. Zuko fell asleep thinking about the new family he had. He fell asleep smiling.
Katara looked all around her. Everyone was staring at her with digust. She didn't understand. One young child screamed and ran away. "She's been branded by the firelord!" one of them shouted pointing at her back. Katara's eyes widened and she realised her entire back, and thus the angry flesh, was exposed. Tears burning her eyes she ran into the woods and kept on running.
Her eyes snapped open. 'Just a dream.' she thought. Rolling to her back she pressed a hand to her wildly beating heart and swallowed heavily to slow her breathing. She glanced quickly at Zuko to make sure he hadn't woken at her stirring. He slept on. Hearing the gentle rain on the window she slipped quietly out of bed and without bothering to slip on a robe or shoes she walked up and out to the deck.
Once she was there she stood at the railing with her face tilted up to the falling rain. Feeling it's soothing effect immediately she gave into the tears she had held in for so long now. While the burns had healed somewhat and rarely pained her the constant remembrance of the incident pained her still. She was ugly. The scars made her look scarey and were a tell tale sign of a lost battle against the fire nation. She gripped her arms tightly and sank to the ground knees drawn up to her chin. Resting her forehead on her knees she sobbed, letting the rain wash away her fears.
Zuko woke and rolled over stretching his arm out for the usual warmth and found cold bedsheets. His eyes were open immediately and he panicked. Looking around the room anxiously he saw her robe there and shoes by the door. He saw the rain dripping down the window and hurriedly dressed to go in search of her.
When he opened the door to the deck he peered out through the thick rain. There a distance away he saw a small form huddled in a ball against the railing. 'Katara?' he thought to himself. He walked through the rain towards the figure. As he approached he heard her sobs and her heart breaking plea, "Please Yue, take my scars away. Please?" she sobbed again "And Zuko's. They hurt far more than any flesh wound." Zuko's heart broke as he fell to his knees beside her. "Katara?" he said slowly. Katara's teary face lifted. She had her knees drawn up and her arms wrapped around them. Her gown was plastered to her. Soaked to the bone, she looked so small. Katara tried to compose herself but Zuko stopped her. "I hate to see you cry Tara but sometimes it's necessary."
Katara kept her eyes on him as a fresh wave of them hit her. He put a hand behind her head and pulled her to him. She unfolded and climbed into his lap as he sat down, back to the railing. He settled her there stroking her back and hair. She tucked her head under his chin and gripped a fistful of his shirt in angst. Zuko felt his own tears prick his eyes. This young woman had been threw too much in her short life. He wanted to take away all her hurts and knew he was helpless to do so. He rocked her slowly back and forth as she sobbed out the anger and hurt.
After awhile Katara's crying eased and she sniffled. Zuko leaned her back to see her face. She smiled weakly up at him. "Thank you Zuko." she whispered ducking her head. Zuko kissed her forehead. "You dont need to hide your feelings from me sweet Tara. If you want to cry you go ahead and cry. I'll always be here to keep you safe." Katara let out a long drawn out sigh and he felt her relax. "How can I help Katara?" Zuko asked hoping there was something.
Katara shook her head. "Nothing. It's alright. It just gets to me sometimes. I dont want anyone to turn away from me thinking I look like a monster." Zuko's eyes softened in understanding. He knew how that felt. He wished with all his heart that there was something he could do to take both of there scars away. Erase the memories of those horrible encounters with his father. Gazing up at the moon he closed his eyes and prayed for a miracle.
When Katara's tears had stopped altogether he lifted her up and carried her back to their room. He had spent a good portion of what was left of the night trying to show her how beautiful he thought she was. When she sighed his name for the last time, she did feel beautiful.