I've been looking over what I've previously posted, and I'm embarrassed at the number of mistakes I've made. Thank you to the reviewer who informed me I've been spelling Zhao's name wrong. I also know I should have written 'Gran Gran' instead of Grams, my mistake. But mostly I apologize for the phases of the moon. I hadn't been thinking about the plot line when I first mentioned that the moon was full—the first night Zuko saw Katara bend on the ship—and I tried to fix that later by fudging that Katara had fibbed, but I plan to go back and fix that later when I take out all the edit problems. Right now, let's say the moon is in the last night of being full.
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Zuko stared at the wall, trying to find the motivation to get out of bed. Usually mornings weren't a probably for him, but from the moment he opened his eyes he knew what was coming.
Zhao. Starting today, Zuko was going to have to spend the rest of the journey rubbing elbows with the arrogant man. And no doubt his large warship would only slow their pace, drawing the trip out.
With a sigh, Zuko reluctantly sat up and tossed the blanket off his lap. Getting to his feet, he stretched, letting out a satisfied groan as his back popped and cracked. He stepped toward his bureau, about to don his casual clothes, and then changed his mind. Zhao was undoubtedly going to try to intimidate everyone with some show of shiny armor and large crew, so he might as well play along.
Five minutes later he left his cabin wearing his official uniform and made his way to the mess. There he found most of the crew having breakfast. Katara was absent. Zuko took a seat beside his uncle, mumbling a good morning.
His uncle nodded and passed him a plate. "I see you're preparing for battle," he said with a slight smile, nodding towards his decision in clothing. Zuko just grumbled into his food, making him chuckle. "The entire crew is a little jumpy. All wearing their best clothes too. I even visited our guest this morning and gave her a little something…her own 'armor,' if you will." When Zuko gave his uncle a confused look, he continued. "I bought a dress for her yesterday."
Zuko stared at his uncle. "You gave her a dress? Why?"
Iroh smiled. "You need to learn about women. Nice clothes will make her more confident."
Zuko scowled. "I'm no feminist, but that sounds rather stereotypical. Katara isn't some bubble-headed girl you can win over with trifles."
"Easy there, Zuko. I wasn't saying that, no need to rise up to her defense," Iroh chuckled, making his nephew scowl even more. "But Zhao is going to be showing off. I'm sure she doesn't want to meet him wearing her plain old clothes she's been travelling in. And we both know Zhao, unfortunately. He will look down on her if she looks like his idea of a Water Tribe commoner. Frankly, I don't want to give him the excuse."
Zuko nodded, but he couldn't help thinking that the way Zhao could treat Katara would be nothing to how she would be treated after she got to the palace.
That thought was cut short when Iroh nudged him in the side. He looked up from his food and saw all the heads in the mess turn towards one direction. Frowning, he turned as well.
Katara was standing in the doorway, looking uncomfortable with the sudden attention. She was wearing a red and gold dress, with a golden sash tied around her waist. She had released her hair from its usual braid, instead tying half of it up and letting the rest wave down her back. As the men continued to stare, she crossed her arms and glanced down, a blush rising to her face.
"Lady Katara, you look lovely!" Iroh called across from the room. "Come, sit down over here. I'm sure the crewmembers will remember their manners any time now and close their mouths." Reprimanded, the men quickly looked back at their plates. Katara scurried across the room and sat down between Zuko and Iroh when they parted to make room.
"Thank you for the dress," she murmured quickly, still embarrassed.
"It looks lovely on you," Iroh complimented. "I worried about the fit, but it seems I needn't have."
No, the fit was perfect, Zuko thought, watching her.
Katara smiled, glancing down on the dress. She fingered the material, running her hands over the wide three quarter sleeves. "It's quite…flowy. I'm used to warm animal skins, not silk. It'll take a while to get used to." She pulled a bowl of porridge towards her. "I would have preferred to meet Zhao wearing my people's colors of blue and white, though."
Iroh ducked his head. "Those colors weren't the most popular in the stores I looked at yesterday, unfortunately."
Katara smiled wryly. "No, I suppose not. But I am very thankful of you for thinking of me." She touched the stone that hung around her neck, running her thumb over the design. What would my mother think, she wondered, of me wearing these colors? "I should probably get used to it."
Zuko couldn't take his eyes off her. There was just something about her wearing his nation's colors that was just…Zuko swallowed hard and looked away, suddenly extremely uncomfortable. Katara and Iroh continued talking, but he wasn't paying attention. He didn't blame the other crewmembers for staring.
"I'm going to find the captain," he said abruptly, getting to his feet. Katara and Iroh glanced up from their conversation to acknowledge him and he left the mess.
He rubbed the back of his neck as he strode through the corridors, embarrassed with himself. He had talked to her every single day of this trip, so there was no reason he should be noticing just now that she was…female. Given, outfit he met her in wasn't the most flattering, especially when she had her cloak on, but seeing her like that had just about knocked him over.
Damn his uncle. Trust Iroh to choose something that was so…form fitting. How had the man guessed her measurements, anyway? His uncle would never be described as a lecher, but he had a certain way with woman that Zuko could never understand…not that he would want to. Pushing those thoughts aside, he went to find the captain to see if there was any more news from Zhao.
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An hour later, the majority of the crew had gathered on the dock. Katara stood by Iroh's left, with Zuko on his right. They watched in silence as a large rowboat drew slowly closer, dispatched from the warship that had just arrived. It was too large to have boarded the small dock that was made for fishing boats and smaller merchant ships, which could barely accommodate Zuko's ship.
Zuko glared at the figure that was standing aboard the rowboat. They were still a ways from the dock, but he could already recognize the arrogant form of Zhao. His lip curled as he drew nearer. Was he really going to have to travel with this man? He would rather sleep on a bed of broken glass than have to deal with him for a month.
But, unfortunately, Zuko had no say in this situation, so he was forced to stand on the dock and await the arrival of Commander Zhao.
After several minutes of awkward silence, Zhao's rowboat finally drew up to the dock. The crew members stepped forward to catch ropes thrown from it and expertly secured them.
"General Iroh!" Zhao called, stepping onto the dock. "We meet again. I hope you have fared well since I have seen you last." Though his words were polite, they seemed insincere.
"Yes, I have," Iroh said. He reached out his hand, and after a moment, Zhao grasped it and gave it a brief shake. He quickly released it and turned to Zuko.
"You're Highness," he said disdainfully, with a curt nod.
"Commander," Zuko said, with even less warmth.
Zhao looked away from him and turned to Katara. She raised her chin and met his eyes steadily, not sure what to expect.
His reaction confused her, however. His entire demeanor changed when he set his eyes on her. A smile crossed his mouth. "And you must the Southern Water Tribe Princess, Lady Katara." He bowed, holding out a hand. Katara went to shake it, but when her hand touched his he gripped her fingers and raised them to his mouth, placing a kiss on her knuckles. He straightened, oblivious to the bewildered stares he was receiving, from his own crew and all the others on the dock. "I'm Commander Zhao. It's my great pleasure to meet you."
Katara forced a smile and politely withdrew her hand. It would be rude to wipe it on her dress, but her skin was crawling. "I've heard much about you," she said quietly, keeping that uncomfortable smile on her face.
"Have you?" he asked, sounding pleased. "Well, you'll just have to share those stories over the meal I have planned aboard my ship. I'd love to hear them."
"Commander?" Iroh asked.
Zhao pulled his attention away from Katara. "Yes. You and your nephew are invited, of course, as well as your captain. I need to acquaint the Lady with her new quarters."
"Her new quarters? I see no need for her to move from where she resides now," Zuko said sharply.
Zhao smirked at him. " It only makes sense that she be kept the most comfortable as we can provide. While I'm sure your ship is…adequate, it goes without saying that the Lady would prefer to be in the quarters we have already provided for her. Much larger accommodations, tailored to make sure her journey is as enjoyable as can be."
Zuko clenched his fists, but before he could say a word Iroh stepped in. "Well, we shall certainly see," he said graciously. "I, for one, am certainly looking forward to that meal you have promised. Now that we are all acquainted, why don't we see what you have prepared for us?"
Zhao ducked his head and once again got aboard the rowboat. He turned and held out a steadying hand for Katara, which she had no choice but to take. He helped her aboard, ensuring that she sat right beside him. Iroh and Zuko got in as well. A few of Zhao's crewmembers remained on the dock with the remainder of Zuko's crew, already socializing with each other.
Zuko stared blatantly at Zhao's back with narrowed eyes. He did not like the way he was acting. Never in all the time he had known him was Zhao so polite or courteous. Nor did he like the way Zhao was giving Katara so much attention. He glanced sideways at his uncle, but his face was blank of any emotion, staring serenely over the waves. Disgruntled, Zuko crossed his arms and sat silently as they drew closer to the giant looming monster that Zhao called a ship. Just to piss him off he played with the idea of asking Zhao if he was overcompensating for something, but he wasn't going to lower himself to his level. Let the Commander act like a child with all his snide remarks, Zuko was going to behave the way that was expected of him.
Too soon, they had pulled up alongside the cold steel hull. Katara titled her head all the way up to eye the top of the railing. The two crewmembers that had been rowing grabbed ropes at the bow and stern and hastily scrambled up the ladder that was resting alongside. They disappeared from view for a few moments after reaching the deck, and then ropes went taunt and the boat gave a sudden lurch. Katara fell backwards and Zuko grabbed her shoulders to steady her. She clutched at his hand and the side of the boat as it lifted into the air.
In less than a minute they drew up alongside the railing. Zhao was the first one out, turning to aid Katara aboard. Once she had both feet on the warship, Zhao turned away, leaving Zuko and Iroh to board by themselves.
She stiffened when Zhao kept his hand on the small of her back while he swept his other arm out before them. "Lady Katara, my crew."
At least two dozen men stood on the deck, standing in neat rows. When Zhao spoke, they all snapped to attention and bowed. "Welcome aboard, Lady Katara!" they shouted in unison, making her jump. "We are proud to serve you while you journey with us!"
Zuko fought a grimace. It was just like Zhao to waste time getting his soldiers and crew to perform like this. Zuko would never order his crew to act like trained pets, they had much more important things to do.
Katara nodded politely to the crew as they straightened, unsure of how to act. She was electrically aware of Zhao's hand on her back, and was wondering if it would be impolite to step out of his grip. "After a tour of the ship we can eat the meal that is being prepared as we speak," Zhao told her.
"A tour would be wonderful!" Iroh said loudly, stepping up and clapping Zhao on the shoulder and giving him a slight shake. Zhao dropped his hand from Katara as Iroh gently pulled him a few steps forward. "Wonderful crew you have here," he said with a smile.
Katara quickly moved over to Zuko, putting him between herself and the Commander. She glanced at him, trying to silently ask what was going on. He caught her look and gave a small shrug, looking as confused as she did.
"Thank you," Zhao said curtly, looking pointedly at Iroh's hand. The older man pretended not to notice and continued to smile at him.
"How do you like it," Katara muttered under her breath. Zuko heard her and started to laugh, then had to turn it into a cough, snorting into his fist.
"Why don't we start that tour?" Iroh asked genially, motioning Zhao to walk before him. "I would love to see your operations!"
The Commander slid his gaze over his shoulder at Katara, then back at Iroh. "Yes, of course," he said, sounding unenthusiastic.
For half an hour, Zhao led them through the bowels of the ship. Katara had known it would be larger than Zuko's, which was built more for speed, but she was still surprised. If Zhao meant to be intimidating, he managed it. She felt sick as Zhao showed her the armory, filled with weapons used against her people. She forced her face to look politely interested as he acted curator over the spears and sword used to draw blood of her friends and family. He bragged as he led them through the stables used to house the vicious komodo rhinos that had doubtlessly trampled villages.
She couldn't tell what bothered her more—his absolute ignorance to her situation, or his arrogance. Katara knew that she was proud, but Zhao was just…The absolute superiority that radiated from him rankled her. Whenever he passed crewmembers, who all bowed at his presence, he did not acknowledge them. He boasted about his equipment in an offhand way, as if he knew what he had was notable but didn't value it. Katara got the vibe that he was simultaneously trying to aggravate Zuko while impressing her.
She didn't understand it. Why was he bothering to be so polite to her? From what she could tell, he was indifferent to Iroh—his superior—and outright rude to Zuko. She was just a Water Tribe girl.
Well, that wasn't quite true, was it? She had self-proclaimed herself as the Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, and was going to be the…bride of the Fire Lord. She wasn't a nobody anymore. Perhaps Zhao thought that if he won her over he would win favor with the Fire Lord?
She tuned back in as Iroh proclaimed he would love to have that meal Zhao had been talking about earlier, rubbing his belly. Hoping to end this unpleasant tour, Katara hastily agreed.
They were lead to a large mess hall, where long table had already been set. Zhao walked over to a chair and motioned for Katara to sit down. She reluctantly walked over, not liking having her back turned to him. Once she was seated, Zhao pushed in her chair and took his seat at the head of the table by her side. Certain that Zuko would not be pleased if he had to sit near the Commander, Iroh took place by his other side, allowing the prince to sit by Katara's right.
Iroh eyed the food before them. "My, Zhao, you certainly have spoiled us with all this! Such delicacies!"
Zhao's lip curled into a smile. "Well, I could only provide the best for my very special guests," he said, looking at Katara. She gave him a quick smile and looked down at her plate. She just wanted to get done with this meal and get as far away from him as possible. Would she have to deal with things like this all the time now? People drowning her in attention? Hounding her, kissing up to her? She wanted none of it.
Both Zuko and Katara were relieved when the meal finally ended, having to sit through even more of Zhao's hardly veiled barbs and bragging. Hoping to escape, Katara said, "That was a wonderful. All this excitement has really worn me down, and would like to return to my cabin. I'm sure we'll have more time to talk tomorrow." She put a hand on Zuko's arm and turned, all but dragging him with her.
"Excuse me, Lady Katara, but your cabin is in the other direction," Zhao said.
"But I thought the deck is just on the other side of the door?"
Zhao laughed. "Yes, it is, but your cabin is on the other side of the ship, like all the other residential quarters. I didn't get a chance to show it to you yet."
Katara stiffened, and tightened her hand on Zuko's arm. He wanted her to stay on the ship? No! She didn't want to. That would mean being separated from Iroh and Zuko, who she had grudgingly come to like. That would mean no more midnight training sessions. And she liked Zuko's crew, they all treated her with respect, but also as if she was just another person they could joke with. The crew on this ship seemed much too formal. And Zhao…the idea of having to stay with him gave her creepy-crawly chills up and down her spine.
Zuko sensed her discomfort, and turned to face Zhao. "I believe she would be happier on my ship. She's already familiar with it, no need to make her move."
Zhao's gave him a thin smile. "Well, she has yet to see the accommodations that have been prepared for her. And the whole reason behind my escorting her would be foolish if I could not keep an eye on her, would it not?"
"I believe Katara should have the final say," Iroh said, getting up from his seat. "After all, she's the one with the decision."
Zhao looked at her. "Yes, she is. She can decide after I have shown her to her quarters."
Katara wanted to argue, because she was absolutely positive that there was no way she would ever want to remain on this ship, but how could she say no? 'That's quite alright, but I refuse to be around you? You creep me out and I want to leave?'
She reluctantly nodded to Zhao and released Zuko. "This way," the Commander said, leading her towards a door. Iroh and Zuko moved to follow, but just as Katara stepped through it Zhao turned to them and said, "I'll send in the captain so you can all discuss the journey plans. He'll be down in a moment."
Zuko stared as Zhao closed the door in their faces. He turned to his uncle, who looked surprised. "Can you believe that?" Zuko demanded. "That disrespectful jerk just dismissed us!"
"Easy, Zuko, no need to get all riled up."
"I don't like any of this," Zuko continued, crossing his arms. "Zhao's acting strange. I've never seen him pay any attention to someone who wasn't Fire Nation Military. So why is he being so nice to her?"
Iroh shrugged and returned to the table, adding some more food to his plate. "Who knows? Perhaps he is just being a proper gentleman."
"All of a sudden, just like that? And he wants Katara to stay on his ship? Why?"
"The warship is safer," Iroh offered.
"From what?" Zuko paced back and forth. "We're sailing in waters controlled by our Navy. There's no danger! And his warship is slow," he complained, "much slower than mine. Why would he be assigned to escort her? It's as if he wants to slow everything down!"
"Not him, Zuko," Iroh said, turning his attention from his plate for a moment. "Remember that he was ordered to this."
Zuko fell silent, processing that. After a moment he shook his head. "That doesn't change that Katara clearly didn't want to go with him. I don't like the idea of leaving her alone with him. I'm going to find them."
"Zuko, don't go causing trouble!" Iroh protested, but his nephew was already out the door.
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"Here we are," Zhao said, swinging open a door and motioning for Katara to step inside. She ducked into the room and looked around.
She couldn't deny that it was larger than her cabin on Zuko's ship, which if she had laid on the floor lengthwise she would probably be able to touch the walls with her toes and fingertips. This was at least twice as large. The bed was bigger too, and there was a dresser and table on the other side. The decorative framing of the furniture seemed very out of place to Katara, it looked like they belonged more in a wealthy family's bedroom than a cabin inside a warship. She fingered the sheets on the bed and found that they were silk.
This room certainly was built for comfort. So why, then, did she feel so uncomfortable?
Maybe it was because Zhao was standing in the doorway, watching her closely as she surveyed the room. "How do you like it?" he asked.
"It's lovely," Katara said, honestly. Just not for her. "But I think—"
"You're going to enjoy it here," Zhao said, speaking right over her. He walked into the room and dropped a hand on her shoulder. "Anything you want I can provide for you."
Katara had the ridiculous urge to bite his hand, and the image of that craziness helped her tap down her anger. But he was pushing it with the touchy feely. She had just met him today and he was completely comfortable with putting himself in her personal space. It was time to end this before she lost her temper. "Yes, well, lucky me, I don't really want for much. Now—"
"That can't be true," Zhao said with a laugh. "You can tell me. My job description is keeping you happy."
Katara forced a quick smile and stepped away, with the pretense of examining the mirror that was above the table. While she pretended to be interested in her hair, she watched as Zhao's face darkened for a moment, then he seemed to think of something. He took a breath and stepped behind her so he was right over her shoulder in their reflections. "To be honest, Lady Katara, I wasn't all that excited when I found out I was ordered to escort you. In fact, I was quiet annoyed. I thought I would be babysitting."
Katara blinked. He seemed to have dropped this act he was playing with all day, and had decided to show her his true colors. She remained silent and merely watched him in the mirror as he continued speaking.
"But when I met you today, I was surprised. You're nothing like what I expected. While you're young, you're very smart. I thought that I would be saddled with an entitled brat…but I met an insightful woman instead."
Katara was confused by his sudden change in attitude and his compliments. She rose an eyebrow at him. "You noticed that all today? I hardly spoke a word."
Zhao chuckled. "Yes, well, that wasn't your fault." He met her gaze in the mirror. "I have a bad habit of talking too much when I'm in the presence of a beautiful woman."
He let that hang in the air, looking right at her. Katara didn't know what to say and dropped her gaze.
"It's true what I said earlier, Katara. If you want something, let me know. You pointed out that we don't really know each other, but I already know that I like you." He paused, seeming to consider something. Hesitantly he said, "I'm a powerful man, Katara. And I don't like what you've been forced into. Having to give up everything, practically become a living sacrifice."
Again silence fell, and Katara kept her mouth firmly shut. She didn't like where this was going.
"Should you ask it…I could take you away from all this."
"What?" Katara burst out. She spun around to face him. "What are you talking about?"
Encouraged by her reaction, Zhao said, "I'm one of the few men in the world strong enough to oppose the Fire Lord. There's no way you want this arranged marriage with him."
Katara stared at him. He was speaking openly of treason! "You would start a war with him? Over me?" she scoffed.
Zhao shrugged. "Perhaps I wouldn't have to fight. There could be an accident on our journey, you could disappear. I would keep you safe, provide for you."
"Why?" Katara asked, completely baffled by the sudden turn in conversation.
Zhao stepped closer so they were nearly touching. "I told you, Lady Katara. I like you. I don't want to see you get crushed under Ozai's presence. I want to get to know you better, see you blossom."
As understanding came to her, Katara's brow creased. "You want me to break the marriage with Ozai so I can marry you?"
Zhao shook his head. "No, of course not. Nothing as constraining as marriage." He reached out and put a hand on her arm. "I can take care of you, if you let me."
A cold anger erupted in her as she looked at him. He assumed she would be his—his concubine? Mistress? Whatever he wanted to call it, Katara was pretty sure she knew what he was getting at. Trade her future with the Fire Lord so she could be Zhao's kept pet.
The only thing that kept her from slapping him was a voice in her head ordering she be cautious. Zhao was clearly unhinged, if he was suggesting this. And she had no water on her. She couldn't sense any nearby through all the metal of the ship. Being trapped inside this cabin with a master firebender was not an ideal situation. Things could get ugly very fast if she upset him.
"I could never abandon my position, Commander," she said quietly, keeping her head down so he couldn't see her expression. Her mind was racing. How did she extract herself from this situation and get back to Iroh and Zuko? She tried to step towards the door, but Zhao took hold of her other arm.
"Katara, there's no need to be afraid. I'll keep you safe."
Katara shuddered when he ran his hands up and down her arms. She tried to disguise it as shaking her head. "That's not what I'm worried about. My people would surely be punished if I were to disappear."
"Why should you have to suffer for them? If you come with me, I can give you a happy life. Give me what I desire and you would never want for another thing again."
Before Katara could stop herself, she shoved him off her. "You think I would trade myself for that?" she demanded. "You're disgusting!"
She knew she had made a huge mistake as Zhao regained his balance and turned to glare at her. She went to dart to the door, but Zhao grabbed her and shoved her against the table, a hand on her throat. She let out a strangled cry as he pressed her against the wall, trying to kick her legs as they hung in the air over the table edge.
"How dare you," Zhao growled, right up close to her face. "Do you have any idea what I am offering you?"
She spat on him. Zhao backhanded her across the face, making her yelp, and then shoved her back against the wall. She shoulder hit the mirror and it fell, first hitting the table and then crashing to the floor, shattering. "You filthy witch! I'll kill you for that disrespect!"
Katara got her knees up to her chest and kicked Zhao away. She jumped down to the floor and crouched, reaching under the table. The mirror, Katara thought desperately. If she got a hold of a piece…
Zhao got a fistful of her hair and tossed her to the ground, getting on top of her. With a snarl, Katara slashed across his face, razor sharp shard cutting her fingers even as it sliced into his cheek. Zhao yelled and reared back, a hand to his face. Katara rolled over and started scrambling for the door.
Zhao tackled her, knocking the wind out of her as he pinned her down. "Get off me!" Katara shrieked, fighting him as best he could, but he was too heavy and too strong.
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Zuko couldn't shake that something was wrong as he rushed through the corridors. He had gotten turned around and lost in this damn monster of a ship before he managed to find the residential quarters, and he had this awful feeling in his gut. He needed to find Katara, now.
Iroh panted after him, not amused. "Zuko, we don't need to go stepping on the Commander's toes. This is his ship and we need to listen to him. We should return to the mess and wait for the captain like Zhao asked."
"Uncle—" Zuko snapped, exasperated, "I just don't—"
He stopped as he heard a crash coming from down the corridor. Both of them turned towards the noise. "What was that?" Iroh murmured, frowning.
The crash was followed by a scream. Iroh and Zuko both ran, but Zuko easily outpaced his uncle, immediately recognizing the voice.
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The door smashed open and Katara had the briefest vision of red as Zuko jumped over her, slamming his knee directly into Zhao's chin. Zhao stumbled back as Zuko knelt down beside Katara. He helped her up and as she coughed harshly, rubbing her throat.
"It isn't what you think!" Zhao said quickly, backing away. "She—she tried to seduce me! Offered me her body if I would take her away—"
"You're lying!" Zuko snarled, standing over Katara.
Iroh helped her stand while he looked around the room, taking in the smashed mirror and the wound on Zhao's face. She clung to his arms as she gasped in air, throat sore and bruised. She turned to Zhao.
"You lying bastard!" she yelled. "You tried to kill me!"
"I didn't!" Zhao insisted, drawing himself up and trying to regain some form of decorum. "She's just trying to trick you, like she did me! Don't trust her, she's only a whore trying to save her own skin!"
Flame splashed against the wall right where Zhao's head was before he ducked. Zuko stood glaring at the Commander, prepared to strike again. "Call her that again," he seethed. "I dare you."
"He offered to get me out of the arranged marriage if I agreed to sleep with him," Katara said, glaring at Zhao and shaking with fury, never having been more angry in her life. The man was lucky she had no water. She wouldn't have shown him any mercy for what he had tried to do…and he wouldn't be recognizable once she was done with him.
Iroh looked from Katara to Zhao. "What do you have to say for yourself, Commander?" he asked quietly.
"I would never turn against the Fire Lord!" Zhao protested. "I'm telling you the truth, she was trying to seduce me!"
"The blood on your face and the bruises on her neck say otherwise," Zuko said through gritted teeth. He would like nothing more than to disintegrate the man right then and there, but knew his uncle would stop him.
Zhao scowled, having nothing to say to that.
"I want him arrested," Katara said. "I want him to be put on public trial so everyone knows what a traitor and a scumbag he is."
"You can't arrest me," Zhao snorted.
"I would like to kill you," Katara said. She stepped out of Iroh's arms and looked right at him, eyes icy. "But I feel that taking the life of a Fire Nation Commander would not please my future husband. Instead, I'm going to toss you at his feet, chained and bound and marked as a traitor, as a wedding present."
"I would like to see you try," Zhao said, sneering at her. "You would never be able to lay a finger on me."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Iroh said, ignoring the Commander.
Zuko shook his head. "He insulted Katara's honor and tried to humiliate her. Being put in front of my father in a month isn't enough. He needs to pay now."
"That isn't your decision to make," Iroh said. "The Fire Lord will be the one to decide his punishment."
"Fine then," Zuko said, lowering his hands. "Then I challenge Commander Zhao to an Agni Kai. And when I beat him in front of his crew, then I will be satisfied."
Zhao rose an eyebrow, smirking. "Think you can fight me, boy? Then I accept your challenge. We'll see what happens when you try to take me without your uncle behind you."
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Ugh, I really didn't like writing this chapter. I've had this entire idea in my head for a while now, so I thought it wouldn't be difficult, but when I tried to write it I began to see giant holes in my logic and everything felt awkward. I've been set on this for so long though, and I had already set it up in the previous chapter, so I had to stick with it.
I really don't like Zhao, mainly because I couldn't get a feel for his voice. In this chapter, he's being entirely fake until the end, so I struggled with his personality and character. He's trying to impress Katara, but I reasoned in my head that Zhao isn't the greatest with women. I figured he's been more interested in his job as a soldier than dealing with them, which is why he tried to make her like him all at once instead of slowly trying to win her over.
I don't approve of Katara being such a damsel in distress, because she is so strong and fierce, but I figured that I really needed to give Zuko a huge jolt to make him realize that he wants Katara.
As always, please let me know what you think. I feel like such a mean author when I don't update often, and I thank everyone who has stuck with this since its beginning.