Chapter 17: Beauty and the Beast
It was the big night and Zuko was in his room getting ready for his dinner date with Katara. After taking a bath and a quick grooming, Zuko was now standing in front of the mirror while his coat rack servants dressed him in a new set of robes. Off on the side, Iroh sat giving his nephew encouragement and advice.
"Tonight is the night Zuko!" Iroh said confidently. "Tonight is the night that everything finally changes for the better! Isn't it exciting?"
"I…I don't know if I can do this." Zuko said nervously as the coat rack tied on his sash.
"Come now, you don't have time to be timid!" Iroh said gesturing to the rose. "You must be bold! Daring!"
"Bold…daring…" Zuko said to himself. However, the more he thought about it, the more nervous he got. "Oh man…"
"Come now nephew, don't get so anxious. Everything has been prepared." Iroh assured. "There will be music, romantic candle light…provided by Sokka of course." he said with a chuckle. "And when the moment is right, you will confess your love."
"Yes…I will-I will...no. No I can't!" Zuko said as he stared at his reflection. "It's…its too much!"
"You care for Katara don't you?" he asked.
"Of course I do. More then anything!" Zuko nodded.
"Well then you must tell her" Iroh assured. You don't want to wait till its too late."
"I know, I know. It just…" Zuko then paused. "What if she doesn't feel the same? What if I tell her how I feel and she laughs at me?"
"Don't be silly. She won't laugh." Iroh assured. "Besides I would think with all the time you've spent together, it would be obvious that she has similar feelings."
"But there are things about me she doesn't know. Things that might…put her off." Zuko then looked away and subconsciously touched his mask.
Getting the hint, Iroh hopped onto the chair beside him. "Actually I was thinking about that earlier and I had a thought. Maybe it's time for you to be honest with Katara. To take off your mask and show her the real you-"
"What? No!" Zuko shouted. "Are you crazy?"
"Come now Zuko-"
"Uncle No! I'm not going to ruin this night by showing her my hideous mug!"
"But Zuko, you cant go to a fancy dinner looking the way you do-"
"Oh of course, what was I thinking?" Zuko said sarcastically. "Hey while we're at it, why don't I just go to dinner in a bathing suit and show Katara my lovely tan!"
"Zuko-"
"I'm not doing it Uncle and that's final!" Zuko said as he crossed his arms and turned away from him.
Iroh sighed and looked wearily at his nephew. "She's going to find out sooner or later Zuko. You can't keep your real face a secret forever."
"I won't have to." Zuko said uncrossing his arms. "Once the spell is broken, I'll be back to normal and then I'll explain everything to her."
Iroh let out a sigh. "If that is what you wish. But nonetheless, I insist that you do me at least one courtesy."
"What's that?" Zuko asked.
"That you wear this." Iroh then gestured toward the night stand where a small package laid on top. Zuko picked up the package and tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a brand new mask.
"Where did you get this?" Zuko asked holding up the mask. It was similar to the Spirit mask he wore but instead of being the face of a ferocious blue demon, it was a normal looking red porcelain mask with gold lining on it, similar to the masks used at parties.
"I had the craftsmen make it for you to wear at dinner. I figured that even if you didn't want to show her your real face, you can a least show her a new one."
Zuko ran his fingers over the mask, noticing the smooth surface and detail. Setting it down, he turned his back on the servants and undid the back of his Spirit mask before carefully putting on his new mask. It fit like a glove and as he looked into the mirror, he had to admit it didn't look too bad on him. He still looked a little intimidating but in a more handsomish sort of way.
"Much better." Iroh said looking into the mirror. "Now you look more like a prince." Just then they heard a knock at the door and turned to see Suki stick her head in.
"Excuse me master?" Suki asked cautiously. "Just wanted to tell you that your lady is ready and waiting for you downstairs."
"Thanks Suki. I'll be right down." Zuko nodded. "Did you pick up that package from sewing room like I asked?"
"Yes I did." She then reached behind her and picked up a parcel wrapped in cloth.
"Excellent." he said taking the parcel and peeking into an opening. "Please send the seamstresses my regards."
"Yes your majesty." Suki said bowing as she exited the room.
"What's in the parcel?" Iroh asked curiously. "A gift for Katara?"
"Sort of. Just something I've been meaning to give her." Zuko said stuffing it into his pocket. "Well... I guess this is it."
"You'll be fine Zuko." Iroh said excitedly. " Now go get her!"
As he opened the door and walked into the hallway, Zuko could feel the blood rushing to his head as his pulse beat like crazy. This was it. No turning back now.
--
Down in the newly refurbished great hall, all the servants waited anxiously for their master and Katara to arrive. Sokka and Suki stood before a band of instruments who were ready to begin playing music at the couple's arrival, Aang rode atop the tea cart with Momo, TyLee was dancing/sweeping around the halls in excitement and Haru waited near the kitchen doors in excited anticipation.
Soon Katara emerged from the east wing hallway, looking absolutely radiant in her red and gold evening gown. Her hair was done up in a loose Fire Nation style knot and she wore matching gloves and necklace. She smiled back at Toph who stood behind in the doorway whispering 'good luck'. Taking a deep breath, Katara hitched up her dress and descended slowly down the stairs.
While she made her way down, Zuko emerged from the west wing hallway dressed in his royal Fire Nation robes. He instantly spotted Katara waiting for him below and felt his heart stop. He couldn't believe how enchantingly beautiful she looked in her evening gown. He could have stood there all night just staring at her had Iroh not nudge him forward. Never taking his eyes off the lovely waterbender, he started making his way down the stairs.
Looking upwards, Katara smiled happily as she spotted Zuko coming towards her. As he drew closer, she was surprised to see that not only had Zuko changed his outfit but he had changed his mask as well. He actually looked quite handsome. Less like a demon and more like a masked prince who was attending a costume ball. Looking over his attractive attire and toned physique, Katara felt her face grow warm and nervously folded her hands as he approached her.
"Wow...you look beautiful." Zuko said with baited breath.
"Thanks...so do you." Katara said as her cheeks reddened. "I mean, not beautiful but...well you know." She then stepped back and curtsied graciously before him. Smiling at the compliment, Zuko also stood back and bowed respectively to her. He then held out his arm, which she grasped onto and together they walked down the stairs to the dining room.
Seeing them coming, Sokka turned around to signal the band which began playing romantic music. Aang and Momo then rushed forward and with some difficulty, managed to pry open the doors for Zuko and Katara as they walked through. Iroh then emerged from the stairs and hopped onto the tea cart with Aang as it followed the couple into the dining room. While they sat down to eat, he began singing along to the band music.
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
For a while Katara and Zuko sat enjoying the delicious meal Haru had prepared. The chef was so excited about the dinner that he made all his signature dishes and enough food to feed an army. Once they were done, Katara rose from her seat and walked over to Zuko. "Dance with me?" she asked extending her hand.
"Oh..." Zuko said uncomfortably. "oh no...no I don't-"
"DANCE WITH HER!" Sokka and Suki whispered harshly from the side.
Seeing he had no choice, Zuko took her hand and let her lead him through the dining room and into the adjoining ballroom. Reaching the middle, Katara turned around and put her hand on Zuko's shoulder while holding up her other hand. Zuko stared blankly ahead before taking an awkward gulp. He had never danced before, much less with a partner, and was unsure of what he was supposed to do.
Seeing how nervous he was, Katara grasped his right hand and put it around her waist. Zuko blushed furiously as he felt his hand being pressed against her backside but Katara smiled serenely up at him, letting him know it was okay. She then took his other hand and slowly began to lead him in a waltz around the room.
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
As they continued dancing, Zuko was surprised to see that he actually wasn't doing too bad and started to get more confident. Then on impulse, he took the lead and carefully spun Katara around him. Katara was glad to see that Zuko took so well to dancing and let him lead her around the ballroom. The more they danced, the faster they went and soon Zuko was sweeping her off her feet.
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast
After slowing down to a waltz, Katara moved closer to Zuko then before and looked up at him happily. "That wasn't so bad was it?"
"No not at all." Zuko nodded in agreement. "Your a very good teacher...but then again, I already knew that..."
Katara blushed and smiled softly at him before gently laying her head against his chest. Zuko felt his stomach clench and his heart beating like crazy as a tremendous joy overtook him. Looking to the side, he saw Sokka, Suki, Iroh and Aang giving him thumbs-up and hopping up and down with excitement. Feeling happier then he ever had before, Zuko leaned his head against Katara's and let the sweet smell of her hair and perfume fill his senses.
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast
--
After a while, the music died down and Zuko and Katara slowly came to a halt. The servants watched as he held out his arm for Katara and lead her toward the outside balcony. They all waited till the glass doors closed before letting out a tremendous cheer.
"YEEEEESS!!" Sokka cheered. "We did it! HAHA!"
"You mean 'they' did it." Suki said with a smirk. Soon the rest of the servants emerged from their various hiding spots and began cheering as well.
"Oh man, I'm so happy I could kiss the next living thing I see!" Sokka declared. He then felt something tackle him and fell flat on his back as Momo began smothering him in fuzzy kisses. Everyone then laughed as Sokka sat up and pushed the footstool off his, wiping all the fuzzy threads off his face.
"Great job everyone!" Suki said. "Tonight was a total success! Now I believe we've all earned a good rest...and a swinging party being held in the kitchen!"
All the servants cheered with joy and quickly headed toward the kitchen to celebrate.
"Wow Suki, a loud obnoxious party being held in the kitchen without permission?" Sokka asked skeptically. "That doesn't seem like you."
"Normally no, but I believe that sometimes it's appropriate to 'loosen my gears and unwind'." She said with a smirk.
Sokka looked at her in amusement and nodded. "Touche. Glad to see your finally listening to me. Its nice to see a bit of the old Suki is coming back too."
"Well...luckily I have a great guy around to help remind me from time to time..." she said looking at him. Sokka looked around in confusion before pointing to himself. Suki nodded and both of them lightly blushed. "Hey Sokka, when we get into the kitchen...would you want to-"
"Hey Sokka!" Just then Ty Lee appeared behind Sokka and hopped onto his back. "I just heard about the party being held in the kitchen. How about you and me get started on that dance floor?"
"Oh um, sure Ty Lee." Sokka said awkwardly as he and the feather duster made their way to the kitchen. Suki frowned in disappointment and gradually followed after them.
"Wow, they really pulled it off didn't they Iroh?" Aang asked excitedly as he looked out onto the balcony.
"They sure did." Iroh said happily. "Okay Aang, I believe you've stayed up long enough. Off to bed now. I suggest that for tonight you use the china cabinet in the dining room."
"Aw but Iroh, the party..." Aang moaned before letting out a yawn. He then leaned affectionately against Iroh and hopped off the table toward the door. Before leaving, he glanced back toward the balcony at Zuko and Katara, hopeful that it wouldn't be long till he would be a real boy again.
--
Outside, it was a brisk clear night and all the stars were out along with the full moon. Zuko lead Katara over to a stone bench and they both sat down side by side.
As they both looked up at the bright clear sky, Zuko began to inch his hand closer to Katara's and carefully laid it on top of hers. Feeling his claws brush against her skin, Katara moved closer to Zuko and entwined her fingers with his. She then leaned against his shoulder and sighed happily. A huge smile formed on Zuko face and for a while they sat contently looking up at the stars.
Soon Zuko decided it was the time to break the ice. "Katara?" he asked timidly.
"Yes Zuko?" Katara asked looking up at him.
"Are you...happy here?" he asked hopefully.
"Oh yes." Katara said with a smile. "Everyone here has been so wonderful. Sokka and Suki, Iroh and Aang-"
"I meant, are you happy here...with me." Zuko asked nervously.
"Oh. Well of course I am." Katara said nodding happily.
"Good." Zuko said with relief. "I'm glad...cause there's something I've been wanting to tell you..."
"What is it?" Katara asked as she sat up to face him, a look of curiosity and anticipation in her eyes.
Instantly Zuko felt a huge knot form in his stomach. He knew what he wanted to say, but his throat seemed to have gone dry and the words weren't coming out.
Seeing her waiting for him to respond, Zuko began to fidget with his robes and felt a lump in one of his pockets. He then remembered her gift and reached into his pocket, pulling out the small parcel. "Here. I've been meaning to give this to you."
"Oh." Katara said looking a little disappointed. Taking the package, Katara curiously unwrapped it and gasped in disbelief. She then held up a heavily patched blue scarf that had the water tribe symbol on it. "I don't believe it...its the scarf I made for my dad! Where did you find it?"
"You left it in my room from before. I was going to give it back but I noticed it was ripped up in a lot of spots." he said pointing to the many patches. "So I had the seamstresses mend it for you."
"Oh Zuko thank you." Katara said gratefully and gave him a small kiss on the side of his cheek/mask. Zuko immediately feel his ears burn and touched the spot where she kissed him. As he watched Katara look admirably over the scarf, he knew now was the time to tell her.
"I'm glad I was able to make you happy... seeing you smile always makes me feel good inside. In fact just having you here manages to brighten up my day. If you weren't around, I don't know what I'd do...I guess what I'm trying to say Katara, is that I- "
As Zuko tried awkwardly to explain his feelings, he noticed that Katara wasn't paying attention and was instead looking down at the scarf. He also noticed a sudden sadness that appeared in her eyes which were now wet with unshed tears.
"What's wrong?" Zuko asked.
Looking up, Katara tried blinking away the tears that were forming and smiled unconvincingly. "I'm sorry, it's just that...looking at this scarf reminds me of my father and how much I miss him."
"Oh..." Zuko then put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"It's alright." Katara said wiping her eyes. "I just wish that I could see him again, even if it's only for a few moments."
Seeing how sad she was, Zuko instantly felt a wave of guilt overcome him. After all, it was his fault that she couldn't see her father. Just then an idea popped into his head. "Wait...there is a way."
"What?" Katara asked.
"Follow me." he then grabbed her hand and lead her back into the ballroom.
--
Up in the west wing, Zuko opened the door to his room and lead Katara inside. She was surprised to see how different the place looked. All the broken furniture and wall decorations were gone and replaced with new similar furniture. Everything was also dusted, scrubbed and swept and now shone as brightly as the ballroom. The only thing that look out of place was the rose on the mantel, which was wilting and had only a few petals left on it.
Leading her towards the bell jar, Zuko then picked up the silver mirror that lay next to it and held it up for Katara to see.
"Here. This mirror will show you anything. Anything you wish to see."
Looking into her reflection, Katara carefully took the mirror and held it at eye level. "I wish to see my father please."
Instantly the mirror flashed a bright green and Katara found herself looking into dark twisted forest. She then spotted Hakoda breaking through a thicket of branches as he stumbled forward onto the ground. Katara was shocked to see how terrible he looked, like he had gone days without food or water. His clothes and cape were torn and dirty and his face was full of cuts and bruises. He was clinging onto a bag which looked as if a large hole had been torn through it and reached inside, extracted a small canteen. Shakily, Hakoda held it up to his lips but no water came out. Letting out a violent cough, he dropped the canteen and lurched forward hugging his ribs as a strong wind whipped around him. Then with a gasp, he fell forward onto the ground.
"Dad!" Katara shouted in horror. "Oh no! Dad!"
"What is it?" Zuko asked as he looked into the reflection.
"He's sick! He must've tried coming back here and gotten lost in the woods." Katara said looking worriedly into the mirror. "I think he might be severely hurt!"
Seeing Hakoda laying battered and unconscious on the ground, Zuko knew that he wouldn't have long before the elements claimed him. Unfortunately the only chance anyone had of getting to him in time was if they rode on a flying bison. And the only one Zuko had access to could only be ridden by Katara.
"Can't believe he would go out on his own like this. He could be dying and there's no one around to help! If only I could-"
"-go to him."
Katara looked up at Zuko in surprise. "What did you say?"
"Go to him. Find your father before it's too late." Zuko said with a heavy heart. "Appa should be able to get there quickly and safely."
"You mean...your letting me go? I'm no longer a prisoner?" Katara asked.
Looking at the wilted rose and then at Katara, Zuko frowned and sadly averted his gaze as he made his heart-wrenching decision.
"You haven't been my prisoner in a long time Katara. I know now that I can't keep you for myself anymore. You're free to leave whenever you wish."
Immediately a great relief overcame Katara. "Oh thank you Zuko. Thank you! Don't worry dad." she said to the mirror. "I'm on my way right now. Just hang on."
Turning to leave, she realized she was still holding the mirror and walked back to Zuko. She held out the mirror for him to take but he pushed it back towards her. "Take it with you. So you'll always have a way to look back...and remember me."
"Zuko, I could never forget you" she said looking at him sympathetically. "It's not like I'll be gone forever. In fact, why don't you come with me?"
Zuko paused for a moment but then sadly looked away. "I can't. A creature like me doesn't...can't...belong outside these walls. Besides, your father might die at the mere sight of me. It's best that you go alone."
Hearing the sadness in his voice, Katara realized how hard it must be for him to let her go and put a comforting hand on his arm. "Thank you...for understanding how much he needs me." She then pulled Zuko into a hug, prompting him to tightly wrap his arms around her. How he wish he could keep her close to him forever. Katara also enjoyed feeling the warmth and protection of his arms around her and let him gently run his fingers through her hair before reluctantly pulling away. With one last glance, Katara turned around and walked out of the room.
For a while Zuko sat silently in his chair, staring at the spot where Katara had been. Soon he heard footsteps approach and sat up quickly thinking she had come back. Instead, he saw that it was only Suki and sat back down disappointed.
"Oh master, sorry to intrude but I just had to offer my congrats. I always knew you had it in you!" Suki said confidently. "So where'd Katara disappear to?"
Zuko looked away. "I let her go."
"Oh I see. Well hopefully she gets back-" Suki then paused as Zuko's words sank in. "Wait what!? You let her GO!?"
"Did I stutter?" Zuko asked irritably.
"But how could you do that!?" Suki asked in a panic tone. "Why now all of a sudden?"
"I had to." Zuko said as he continued to stare out the window.
"But, but master...why?" Suki asked trying to make sense of everything.
"Because..." Zuko watched as the rose lost another petal and sighed sadly. "I love her..."
--
"He did WHAT!!!!????" all the servants shouted.
"Yes...I'm afraid it's true..." Suki said sadly.
"She's going away?" Ty Lee asked in disbelief.
"But he was so close! We were so close!" Sokka shouted. "Why did he suddenly decided to let her go?"
"He didn't say exactly." Suki said. "Just that he had to...cause he loved her."
"Just think, after all this time...my nephew has finally learned to love." Iroh thought out loud.
"Wait, wait that's it then!" Sokka said in realization. "He's learned to love! That should break the spell right?"
"I'm afraid it's not enough." Iroh said sadly. "The spell says that she has to love him in return."
"And now...it's too late." Suki said despondently. Ty lee instantly burst into tears and tried crying onto Sokka's shoulder. Sokka angrily shook her off and stomped out the room while Suki followed from behind.
As a frowning Iroh emerge from the room, he spotted Aang and Momo hiding behind the door. "Aang? What are you doing up?"
"I heard everyone yelling. So it's true? Katara's leaving?" Aang asked anxiously.
Iroh sighed sadly. "I'm afraid its true. All our hopes and dreams for humanity...are over."
"But it can't be over!" Aang said desperately. "It can't Iroh! You always say never to give up hope!"
Iroh frowned "At this point, I doubt there is anything to be hopeful about."
"But you promised the spell would be broken!" Aang pleaded. "You promised!"
Iroh looked at Aang and shamefully turned away. "I'm sorry Aang. But...not all promises are meant to come true. There are some things that you just can't change..."
Aang looked on in disbelief as Iroh hopped down the hall and sat next to Momo who chirped sadly at his side. Thinking Iroh's words over in his mind, Aang narrowed his eyes in determination. "Not if I have anything to say about it. Momo, stay here." Making sure the coast was clear, Aang quickly hopped off toward the east wing.
--
Zuko had not moved from his spot since Suki left. He continued to sit by the rose just staring at his claws till he heard a loud growling noise. Standing up, he raced onto his balcony and looked down into the courtyard where Katara was preparing Appa for their journey to find her father. After a few minutes, Katara hopped onto his back and cracked the reigns causing Appa to fly upwards and over the iron gates.
Watching her go, Zuko could feel his heart grow heavy with pain and sadness. True he had done the right thing, but at what cost? Not only had he lost Katara, but he had lost his chance at humanity as well. Now the spell was never going to be broken and he would remain alone and unloved for the rest of his days. But it was the fact that he would never see Katara again that tore him apart. Although she said she'd come back, he knew that once she was back in her own home with her father and surrounded by normal people, she wouldn't want to leave again. Just thinking about it was more then he could bare.
No spell has been broken
No words have been spoken
No point anymore if she can't love me
No hope she would do so
No dream to pursue, so
I looked to myself, despise all the things I see
For I know that she
Cannot set me free
Let the world be done with me
Feeling the anguish overtake him, Zuko ripped off his new mask and threw it to the ground. He then launched fireball after fireball at it till it was a burning pile of ash. And even then, Zuko continued to firebend at the spot and all over the balcony, burning all the marble and stone gargoyles within range. Then in a final display of fury, Zuko let out a piercing yell and fire bending up toward the sky where the moon was.
"Is this what you wanted Yue!?" he shouted toward the sky. "To make me feel love and then take it away! Why don't you just stop torturing me already and finish me off!?"
Without waiting for an answer, Zuko turned and stormed back toward the mantel. He then glared angrily down at the wilted rose, the same accursed rose that bound him to the castle and his wretched form. As he raised his fiery claw to smash it, he caught sight of his reflection in the glass. Realizing he was stuck with that hideous face no matter what he did, Zuko put his arm back down and looked away in disgust. Shaking with rage and feelings of defeat, he then dropped to his knees and shamefully burying his face in his hands.
Had he been looking upwards, he would have seen Yue silhouetted against the moon with one small tear going down her cheek.
--
--
Poor Zuko :( poor everyone. What will become of them now? Stay tuned for next weeks chapter!
Also, I put up the pictures I took at Otakon. All 362 of them :P If anyone wants to take a look, theyr on my deviantart account: eframTrabbit.