A few days later the gang stood at the railing watching the approaching shoreline and port full of ships. The plan was simple. They were going to stock up on supplies here, look for Toph and ask her to join them. Then they were going to head out on Appa towards Ba Sing Se. Iroh would be coming with them as well. Zuko's highest ranking, and most trusted general, was taking command of the ship in his absence. Iroh was coming along with them. With such a full and strong party, Katara thought, the fire nation didn't stand a chance.
Sokka watched his sister lock eyes with Zuko and saw the love on both of their faces. 'The tides sure have changed.' he thought to himself. Trying to think only of the positive.
Later that day the gangplank was down and their group was heading into the village.
Flashback
Zuko was sitting by the pond in the courtyard with his mother. "Look mother Azula feed the turtle ducks like this." Zuko threw a rock in the water annoying the creature there. Zuko's mother frowned as the turtle duck bit onto her sons foot. She scooped up the animal depositing it back into the pond. "Zuko that wasn't nice. Mother's are likethat you know. If someone comes to close to her babies she attacks." Zuko's mother said pouncing on him for emphasis. Zuko giggled lightheartedly.
End Flashback
Katara had been watching Zuko from her position across from him on Appa's back for awile now. His eyes seemed very far away. Everyone else was napping and she wanted to find out what had made that sad look come into his eyes so she crawled over to him. She nudged her way in beside him and rested her head on his shoulder looking up at him. Zuko glanced down at her, his eyes still distant. Then he smiled weakly and kissed her forehead.
"Where were you?" Katara asked him. Zuko sighed heavily and looked out at the clouds again before smiling sadly at her. "With my mother." he replied. Katara mouthed an "Oh..." and he rubbed her arm reassuringly. "I was just remembering how sweet she was. You would have liked her." Zuko nuzzled his nose in Katara's hair. She responded by putting a hand on his stomache and snuggling up closer. "I'm sure I would have." Katara thought a moment and then asked cautiously, "Can I ask what exactly happened to her?" Zuko knew he could trust her with this. She meant the world to him and wanted to know everything about her. It was only fair he give her the same courtesy.
He shifted so that she could move into his lap. Rubbing her back and staring out at the blue sky he started, "Five years ago when I was 13, Uncle Iroh's son, the next in line to be firelord, died. Uncle Iroh never got over it. He was unable to conquer Ba Sing Se after this and was shamed in the eyes of my father. My father tried to get Azulan, my grandfather and reigning firelord to make him the next heir. My grandfather was enraged that he would suggest such a thing so soon after Iroh had lost his only son. I never found out exactly what happened but from what I can tell my father took matters into his own hands. My mother found out what he was planning and when she tried to stop my father from killing my grandfather he killed her."
Katara's eyes were wide with shock. Zuko's father had killed his mother? She couldn't grasp the concept. She looked up at Zuko's face and saw the utter despair that memory brought him. She sat up and put her hands on both sides of his face. "Zuko it's ok you dont have to tell me anymore if you dont want to. I understand." She finished by wrapping her arms around his neck and putting her face in his neck. Zuko squeezed her tightly, feeling the emotions he had tried for years to quell rising to the surface. "No, Tara. I want you to know. I have to make sure you understand why I was such a monster. I couldn't stand it if you ever looked back on us and thought I was that person of my own choosing."
Katara shook her head adamantly, "I never have and never will think that. Even when we were bitter enemies I knew that you were who you were because of what life had done to you." she leaned up and rained kisses over every inch of his face. Zuko went completely still when she kissed the part of his face he abhorred with every fibre of his being. Katara saw this and locking eyes with him she leaned forward and kissed him there again. He nearly lost control then. Crushing her to him he buried his face in her hair and cried bitter tears he had held inside for too long. Katara felt every tear like a knife to her heart and tried to soothe his fears, knowing the release was necessary to heal. They sat together, Zuko drawing on Katara's strength for a long while. When Zuko raise his head again the tears had stopped. Katara smiled at him brushed her thumb across his cheek, erasing the last trace of a tear. Zuko leaned froward and brushed his lips across hers in a sweet caress and the two were lost in the moment.
Sighing against her mouth Zuko pulled away knowing they would have to refrain from pursuing the kiss. Katara's eyes were lidded and Zuko thought she had never looked more beautiful. He put a hand to her head and guided her to his shoulder. They fell asleep like that.
Unbeknownst to the young lovers Sokka had listened to the entire thing. Afraid to alert them he was awake he had laid completely still listening to Zuko's heart wrenching story. Knowing now the Zuko was just another victim of this war, Sokka felt at ease. Katara was happy and he knew she would be safe with the fire bender. Closing his eyes, not wanting to intrude on their private moment any longer he fell asleep.
The next day the group sighted Ba Sing Se with excitement, all talking about the things they wanted to do when they got there. "I am going directly to the Earth King. Once that's over with I'm going to find the biggest moonpeach they have for Appa. He's flown us so far and he deserves it." Aang patted Appa's head, receiving a groan in appreciation. The group laughed. "I'm going to find the biggest softest bed they have and have a long nap!" Sokka exclaimed dreamily. Katara shook her head and sat back shoulder to shoulder with Zuko. Iroh spoke up then, "I'm going to find a nice cup of hot jasmine tea." Now it was Zuko's turn to roll his eyes. They all chuckled at this as well.
"What about you guys?" Sokka asked Katara and Zuko who seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. Both just glanced at eachother and smiled at the group. Sokka crawled over and had a goofy smile on his face, "Awww the two lovebirds wanna be alone." he started making kissing sounds and just as Zuko was about to knock him off his feet Katara flicked him in the forehead. Sokka sat back rubbing his forehead. "Ok sorry geeze." Sokka said climbing back to his spot. Zuko laughed a big hearty laugh and Sokka glared at him from his seat.
"We're going down guys." Aang shouted above the wind. Everyone prepared for the descent.
Once they had landed and found a stable for Appa where he would be fed and brushed to his hearts content they set out on their individual missions. Sokka told them he would be at the inn and to meet back there. They all agreed. Zuko caught Katara's hand and inclined his head. Katara smiled and followed. They half jogged through the streets easger to find somewhere to be alone. They exited the gates and broke into a run through the woods. Katara and Zuko stopped very suddenly when they came to a beautiful waterfall that flowed into a serene looking pond. Zuko and Katara smiled at eachother and ran to the pond tearing off their clothing as they went.
Katara reached it first diving into the cool water. Zuko stopped short and watched her swim gracefully through the water. She was in her elemnt here. Katara surfaced and swiped her hair back off her face. She noticed Zuko staring at her and she blushed ducking under the water to cover her nakedness. Zuko laughed and dove in heading towards her.
Katara's stomache flip flopped as he surfaced right beside her. Slipping his hands around her waist they came together in a wet slippery kiss. Zuko had waited too long to be with her like this again. The heat between them grew as Zuko's hands roamed over her skin. The water added to the enjoyment of it. Katara slipped her arms around his neck and he lifted her off her feet. Katara stiffened and began to push Zuko away. Startled he leaned back to search her face. She was avoiding his eyes and trying to get him to let her go. "Katara what's the matter?" She shook her head and he released his hold on her. She sank back into the water keeping her eyes down. Zuko's concern was evident in his voice, "Katara talk to me. What's the matter?" He sank down infront of her waiting patiently.
She looked up at him and he saw shame there. "It's broad daylight. I know you say it's not a big deal but you can see and feel the scars too much. I'm ugly... completely ugly!" Katara dissolved into tears and Zuko was horrified. So they still caused hey pain. Ignoring her protests Zuko gathered her up and held her head to his shoulder. "Tara, you know me better than that by now." She shook her head against his shoulder. "Tara.. " not sure what to say he looked up to the sky. Leaing away again he caught her eyes and stroked her face. "You have shown me the greatest love I have ever known. You also taught me not to be ashamed of the scars of my past. Dont be ashamed of yours either. I cant stand to see you hurting so much." Katara leaned her forehead on Zuko's chest and hiccuped.
Making the decision in his mind, Zuko reached around her and began rubbing his hands up her spine. He felt her stiffen and start to pull away but he murmured soothing words and continued his ministrations. Eventually she sighed and slid all the way up to him. They both closed their eyes and allowed the peacefulness of the day seep into their minds. Katara felt a strange warmth eminating from the man she held onto. She opened her eyes. Zuko's eyes were still closed a frown on his face as he concentrated. Knowing that something magical was happening she closed her eyes and let her mind drift.
Zuko was concentrating very hard on the love he had for this woman and how badly he wanted to take away her hurt. He knew he was eminating heat and that she had looked at him but he didn't want to interrupt his concentration. He fought to keep his mind steady as the water started to bubble around them. he noticed to a shadow falling over them. Then the rain started. 'How could that be...' he thought. It was a beautiful sunny day. Opening his eyes he saw Katara in much the same pose as he. Eyes closed brows drawn together. He closed his eyes again and concentrated.
Both of them felt a rushing sensation of heat and rain and there eyes opened at the same time. Katara gasped in shock and Zuko looked confused. She reached out a hand to his face, the side his scar was on. Zuko's brows came together and he leaned over to look at his reflection in the water. He did a double take. 'it's gone...' he stared at himself incredibly and rasied a hand to his cheek. Straightening back up with his hand still on his face he stared at Katara amazed. She smiled a huge smile and grabbed his face in her hands. "You're free.." she said to him, their noses inches apart. crushing her to him again he slipped his hands up her spine and froze. Pulling her back quickly and spinning her around. "Katara..." he said in wonder. Her skin was as smooth as the waters surface and showed no sign of the scar she had been so ashamed of. Katara whirled around trying to look at her own back. Zuko grabbed her shoulders stopping her. Staring right into her eyes he whispered, "They're gone too.." Katara hurled herself at him. "Oh, Zuko." Zuko hugged her back with all his soul. And there in the healing waters and under the again blazing sun, they showed eachother how much they loved eachother.
Everyone except Zuko and Katara had returned to the inn. They were all sitting down debating whether or not to start without them when the door swung open. Katara walked in first a big smile on her face. Sokka smacked his forehead. Then all eyes were on Zuko who stepped in right behind her... minus the scar. Everyone was immediately on their feet asking questions all at the same time Katara just kept beaming from ear to ear and hugging Zuko's arm.
Zuko held his hands up to halt the endless questions, grinning. "We dont know either. We were kiss... er... swimming in the pond outside the gates and we both became very warm and compelled to concentrate on eachothers hurts. Then just as fast they were gone. Katara's too." He smiled down at her. Everyone's mouths gaped. Seeming content with the answer they all went to sit down for the evening meal.
They were in the midst of their roast duck when the door to the inn opened again. This time a little ball of energy ran straight at the group and engulfed Aang and Sokka in a hug. "Toph!" the two boys said at the same time. "Miss me twinkle toes?" Toph laughed and sat down between them. "How are all of you?" she stopped and her eyes narrowed putting her ear to the table. "I sense two familiar bodies... but they're not recognisable... who do you have wuth you?" Aang answered, "Zuko and Iroh from the fire nation." Toph immediately stood up feet spread apart. "No, no! Toph it's ok!" Katara said quickly. Toph relaxed a bit. "What do you mean it's ok?" Sokka turned and whispered the details to her. Toph's brows furrowed and she sat down warily. "I'm still keeping my... er... ear on you buddy." she said pointing towards Katara who sat next to Zuko. Katara smothered a giggle and Toph frowned, "I'm not pointing at him am I?" Aang patted her shoulder and she ducked her head.
"It's ok earthbender. I'll earn your trust eventually." Zuko said to the newest member of the group. Katara squeezed his hand under the table. It was just then a thought struck her. If the pond had rid them of their scars maybe it could give Toph her sight back. Not wanting to get her hopes up she decided to wait until she had a chance to ask the others.
Iroh stood up and declared his intent to go to sleep. Sokka yawned and followed him up the stiars to his own room. Aang and Toph wanted to go out for a walk leaving Zuko and Katara alone again. He leaned over and gaveher a quick kiss and pulled her up with him to go to sit by the small fire in the corner. They sat chest to back watching the flickering flames. Zuko grinned and made the fire pop with his hand. Katara giggled. "At least I'll never be cold with you around." She snuggled back against him and closed her eyes. To prove her point he ran his hands up her arms and created waves of heat. Katara gasped and then smiled liking the sensation. "We're a perfect match Tara. Water and fire. We keep eachother balanced out." Katara nodded and feeling utterly safe and happy began to drift off. Zuko sat with her awhile knowing she ahd nodded off but reluctant to leave just yet.
She had given him so much. He wanted the war to be over so they could begin their lives together. Kids, he wanted them. He wanted a little girl that looked just like Katara. A fine young lad to teach. He wanted his children to have better experiences than he and Katara had. He knew they would be good parents. A home. Someplace permanent. Friends. Thoughts of the good life he would lead once this war was over filled his mind and he moved to scoop up the reason for all of it. His Katara. He smiled down at her peaceful face while she slept. Zuko carried her up the stairs and to their bedroom. He set her down carefully on the bed and she grabbed for his hand in her sleep. Not caring that he still had his clothes on he climbed under the blankets and wrapped her up in his arms and fell asleep.
The next day everyone met downstairs and sat down to their morning meal. Eyes heavy from sleep Katara rubbed her face in frustration. Zuko noted this and touched her knee to get her attention. She turned and smiled weakly at him. "I didn't sleep well after we went upstairs." Zuko frowned and watched her begin to eat. 'That's odd.' he thought. 'I slept like a baby.' Assuming it was nothing he began to eat his own meal. Once the meal was over they all announced their plans for the day. Zuko and Katara were going to check the harbour to see if the ship had arrive yet. If it had they were going to stock it up with supplies. Aang, Toph and Sokka were going to see the Earth king as they had been denied access the day before. Iroh was going to go shopping.
They all set out on their individual plans. When Zuko and Katara arrived at the harbour the ship was indeed there. Walking to the railing a crewmen hollered for the gangplank to be lowered and they walked aboard. "You are looking well miss Katara." The man said before his eyes froze on Zuko's smiling face. "My Lord..." Zuko clasped the mans shoulder in comradarie. "Many scars of the past are done away with my friend." and with that Zuko walked toward the navigation room to get a full report. Katara smiled at the man and followed her husband.
Later that day the group sat in the inn playing a game of tiles and chatting about the things they had accomplished. Katara and Zuko had taken they're now favored position infront of the fire. Sokka sat grievously pondering his next move against Iroh who was smiling smugly. Aang and Toph were playing with Momo.
Zuko looked down at Katara who seemd tired but fighting the urge to sleep. He smoothed the hair back off of her forehead and kissed her there looking at her with concern. Katara smiled and sat up. "Tara what's the matter? Are you feeling ill?" Zuko asked now worried at the look on her face. Katara looked confused for a moment and merely shook her head. "No I'm fine. Just tired." Zuko grabbed and kissed her hand. "Well then why dont we go to bed?" Katara nodded slowly and stood up with him. "Goodnight guys." Katara called from the bottom of the stairs.
Once the door had closed behind them Zuko circled Katara's waist with his hands and backed her up to the bed. "Now to bed with you wench!" he said jokingly. Katara giggled and reached for her sleeping gown. Turning to get changed himself Zuko took off his shirt and changed his pants. When he turned back around Katara was sitting on the edge of the bed in her sleeping gown clutching her stomach. Zuko rushed over; "Katara what's wrong are you ok?" Cringing she sat up straight again. "I'm fine. just stomach pains I'm sure." She told him trying to smile. Zuko wasn't buying it though. "Katara if you're hurting we need to get it checked out." He pleaded with his eyes for her to agree. Katara sighed and nodded. "Ok. Wait here then. I'm getting uncle." She watched him walk out to get his uncle.
Zuko walked back into the room with his uncle in tow to find katara curled into a ball on the bed moaning in pain. He was immediately at her side grabbing her hand. Iroh leaned over her feeling her pulse. It was erratice. He calmly asked her to lay flat on her back. He listened to her breathing, 'A little fast but normal.' he thought. Asking her permission he lifted the gown to expose her stomach. Gently prodding around he asked her if it hurt and she shook her head. He came to a spot just below her belly button and she cried out. Iroh pulled away and touched a few other places receiving no complaints. Iroh looked sullen and he knelt down on the floor beside the young couple.
"Did either of you know Katara was pregnant?" Each of their eyes flew open. Zuko, still gripping her hand looked down at her. They both slowly shook their heads. Katara began to cry now. "Was?" she asked sadly closing her eyes. Zuko squeezed his eyes shut too and put her hand to his mouth. "I don't know what is going on inside but something is defenately not right. She needs to see a healer immediately. The village healer is likely not awake or willing to hear an old mans pounding. You should be alright for tonight Katara. I will go and get you something for the pain." Iroh reached a hand to her shoulder in comfort and walked away shaking his head sadly. Nothing ever seemed to come easily for his family.
Zuko was at a loss for words. She was pregnant with his child and they may lose it. Life was so unfair. He opened his eyes and saw the complete despair on Katara's face. Unable to stand it he put his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. "We'll be alright Katara. The baby will be alright. You heard uncle. He doesn't know what's wrong. It could be nothing." Not even believing his own words he watched her struggle to keep the tears at bay.
Katara was heart broken. What if she was never able to give him children. She had heard of some women being unable to carry a child to term. Never being able to carry a child to term. The pain was too intense. She knew everything was not going to be alright. Unable to look at her husband for the shame she felt at failing him.
Zuko knew she was withdrawing from him and was frightened at where that would lead. So he grabbed her up and sat her on his lap as gently as he could and rocked her. Katara continued to sob against his chest. The pain and sadness were overwhelming. She tipped her head up when she felt a warm drop hit her shoulder. Zuko's eyes were brimming as well and it broke her heart. "I'm so sorry I failed you and our baby." Zuko shook his head and put his cheek to her forehead. "You did not fail us. Dont think that Tara. These things happen. I only want you to feel better so we can try at it again." She buried her face in his neck and cried some more for the unfairness of it all.
Iroh knocked then and dashing his tears away Zuko called out to him to come in. Seeing the swollen eyes on his nephew he turned his attention to the girl in his arms. "Chew on this." he said handing her a different looking root. She slipped it into her mouth and turned her face back into her husbands neck. Iroh patted her hand and then with a last sorrowful look at Zuko turned to leave. On his way out he added, "We'll fetch the healer first thing. If you need me I'll be praying for you both in my room." and then he left.
Zuko laid Katara back out on the bed and knelt down beside her again. Stroking her belly in small circles he watched her eyes cloud over in pain. Feeling useless he shoved his face into the pillow beside her head. He whirled around when the door was thrown open.
"Azula!" he cried getting to his feet. "Miss me brother?" the princess defied with her arms crossed. Zuko watched the glint come to her eye when she noticed Katara's state. "Oh no. Is she ill? What a shame." Smiling smugly she began to walk into the room and Zuko stopped her with a blast of fire. "Dont come any closer to her or I'll kill you." His jaw was clenched in anticipation of a fight. "Dont worry she isn't worth my time. I only came to give you a message. Father has disowned you. You are never welcome back home again. Understood?" Zuko shrugged. "Fine! Whatever! Now get out!" When she didn't move he glared at her. "What do you want?" Seemingly now interested in the girl laying on the bed. Zuko took a step towards her. "Why does she clutch her stomach so?" Zuko's eyes widened in alarm. "She's sick. Are you blind?" Azula's grin widened. "Is she pregnant little brother? Has the whore gone and killed your child? What a fitting revenge for a traitor such as yourself." Growling in anger he lept at her. Jumping out of the way just in time Azula laughed. "Now now brother, calm down. I'll leave you alone for now. Father needs me." She laughed one more time before leaping out the window.
Zuko walked back ovr to Katara and noticed her breathing had slowed a little. "The medicine is working?" Katara faintly nodded her head and blinked at him. He carefully climbed into the bed next to her and cradled her close. "Dont worry Tara. I wont let anything happen to you." Katara squeezed her eyes shut and let the medicing carry her off to sleep.
Zuko stayed up the whole night listening to her breathing and stroking her belly when she cried out in ehr sleep from the pain. It seemed an eternity before the sun was up and Iroh was knocking on their door. "I just wanted you to know I am fetching the healer now. We won't be long." Zuko nodded and laid back down. Katara began to stir beside him and she muttered in her sleep. "Dont go please. I'll try harder. I wont fail again I promise." and then she was silent. Zuko knew she was feeling to blame for this and he was going to make sure she knew she wasn't.
A few short minutes later there was another knock at the door and Zuko called for them to come in. In walked Iroh with an aged woman carrying two bags with her. Smiling at him she set the bags on the bed at Katara's feet. "I dont mind the father being in here but you'll have to leave Iroh. The girls modesty forbids you being here." Iroh nodded and left the room. "Now son this may seem distressing for both of you but I will work quickly. It seems the medicine has its hold on her so that will make things easier on her." Lifting the blanket up to Katara's waist she prodded around the way Iroh had the night before until Katara cried out. Zuko, sitting beside her on the bed gripped her hand in his and stroked her brow.
He watched in horror as she examined Katara internally. Keeping his eyes on her face he watched the discomfort flick over her features. When the woman pulled the blankets back down he lifted his eyes to her. "What's wrong with my wife?" The woman wiped her hands on a towel and sat down on the edge of the bed. "She seems to be suffering a miscarriage son. Something has happened to the child and it is dying inside of her. We will have to remove it or risk her life as well." Zuko's worst fears had been realized and he clenched his jaw. His sweet Tara would be destroyed by this. He only hoped he could make her forget with time. "Then do it. I'll do whatever I can to help. Just tell me what to do." The healer woman touched his shoulder in compassion and began setting out things. "First would you ask your uncle for some fresh clean linen and some boiling water please?" Zuko nodded and opened the door a fraction to ask this of his uncle. Iroh left quickly to do as he asked.
Zuko turned around again to see the woman bending Katara's knees. Closing his eyes to fight the wave of sadness he went to do what he could.