Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar
Okay, I got a decent amount of reviews, some bad and some good. I want to reply to a few.
Critic (): Okay, you left a sharp comment, so forgive me if I leave a sharp reply. You say you're a critic, so shouldn't you be critiquing my writing, and not my attitude? The point of putting in the scenes if I reach a review goal isn't to be pushy, it's because I put in what the reader wants. And if you've ever posted a story, you'd know that you can check your stats and see how many people read it. If not enough readers like my work, then what's the point of posting their scenes? I may have an attitude problem, but apparently so do you. Reviews like yours discourage my passion for writing.
Duchess of Discourse- Sorry, sorry, sorry! He's a tiny bit of a softy in this one, but don't worry, he blames the alcohol!! He isn't really a mushy guy, I swear! But he isn't ferociously soft, just a little bit. Teeny, tiny bit, so sorry!
And for all you other reviewers who like my work, I apologize for not posting the dance scene. It was actually mainly because I needed to introduce new characters. I probably should have mentioned that, but I was also disappointed at the lack of support and comments. I know that a lot of you review, and I thank you and would hug you if I could do it over the internet. Just to express my thanks, I'm going to post a dance scene anyway and an super-long chapter, even though I didn't get to my goal.
Zuko lay on his back, frowning at the ceiling. His hair growing longer with every passing day, he was considering pulling it back again. After all, he wasn't an outcast anymore, right? But in his heart, he ached with the memory of his banishment. He knew that, no matter what, he would never feel accepted. Ursa's face flashed into his mind, and he closed his eyes tightly. He didn't want to remember his mother. He didn't want to become Ozai. Was he?
His door opened, and a shy-looking servant girl scuttled in. Zuko sat up and gave her an annoyed look. She flushed and stared at her small feet.
"His majesty Iroh requests your presence," she stuttered, backing out quickly and bowing so low that her pigtails nearly touched the floor. Zuko fought a laugh, but wondered why he felt like laughing. With a sigh, he fell backwards onto the thick mattresses again. He was the Fire Lord. Why wasn't it as rewarding as it seemed?
Katara stood in the large ballroom, still awed by its size. Madam Ulia and the other fifty or so girls looked unfazed. They had lived here for many years.
"Now, girls, this is an important night. Fire Lord Zuko is of marrying age," said Madam Ulia, and a giggle broke through the girls. Katara fought the overwhelming urge to roll her eyes. Didn't they realize he was a sadistic warmonger? Inside, Katara knew that he had a compassionate side, she had seen that when Iroh was injured, but she still held a grudge over the imprisonment of her friends, who she still couldn't find. Madam Ulia growled and glared.
"...and so, we must be at our best. You are all to bathe at least twice a day, and use the expensive shampoo to your liking. One dance will be prepared, and the rest will be spent with the men at the feast. Dance your best, because you will be chosen by an admirer. The Fire Lord will choose first, and it will proceed according to ranking. But, if you are not chosen, it doesn't matter, Partners may be switched," finished Madam Ulia, and Katara saw Rin snap her fan open and wave it towards her perfect face, smiling prettily. Katara wanted to water-whip that smile right off her face.
"Now, the dance is called 'Chasing the Goddess,' and one of you will be the Goddess. Of course, the Goddess will be the one chosen by the Fire Lord, and the others will be her humble nymph servants. The dance is fast and confusing, and only the most experienced dancer can keep up. That is why the Katsu dancers, you all, will perform it, while the Katsuo dancers, the children, will open the act."
Madam Ulia signaled to the small group of men and women holding foreign instruments that Katara had never seen before. They struck up a tune so fast and exciting that Katara was actually itching to dance. Madam Ulia and several other women demonstrated the moves, while the girls watched. Soon, the girls joined in, mirroring the women's motions carefully and scrupulously. Katara noticed Rin dancing easily, with a bored expression on her smug face. Katara burned, and she was instantly determined to be the better dancer.
She set her feet, watching the dancers. Moving her arms slowly in the proper motion, she mimicked them, making sure that her stance and movements were right before speeding up. Twisting and swaying, the dance grew violent as the beat quickened. Panting, Katara leapt and spun as quickly as she could, trying to keep up with the music. To her joy, she saw that everyone was in tune, dancing together, and it looked magnificent. Madam Ulia and the other women had stopped dancing to observe the girls, and Katara noticed the woman's eyes on her. Katara concentrated and danced as perfectly as possible, her arms and waist moving in a smooth, flowing rhythm that echoed to the rest of her body. She found the dance easy after a moment, and moved more lightly and gracefully than she could ever remember. Out of the corner of her eye, Katara saw Rin struggling to catch the Madam's attention, moving rapidly to be quicker than Katara.
Finally, to Katara's ultimate satisfaction, she saw Rin slip and fall, landing hard on her wrist. Everyone turned as she cried out in pain. Katara felt a little guilty, but that vanished as Rin cast a look of loathing at her. Madam Ulia went over and helped her up. To Katara's surprise, she began to scold Rin.
"You had better practice until you never fall again. If you fall at the feast, or anytime in between now and then, you will be expelled from the Katsu dancers," she hissed, and Rin flinched. She held her wrist tenderly as she walked slowly towards the Hospital wing, but as she passed Katara, she gave her a ferocious bump with her shoulder.
"If my wrist is broken, I'll break you," she whispered fiercely, and Katara was shocked into silence. Madam Ulia ignored Rin and turned to the rest of the class.
"This section of dance is not for the weak or foolish. We do not compete against each other; the only competition is for the Fire Lord's eye, and you will not catch it if you fall. Class dismissed."
Katara entered the bath halls, breathing in the sweet-smelling steam. She decided against going to the marbe tub again as Yuri and Hana passed, glaring death at her. Katara looked around and found a meduim-sized empty bath.
She started walking over when she felt a small tap on her shoulder. Katara jumped and whipped around, only to see the small girl from the day before. She was really quite petite, and her gray eyes looked enormous on her small face. Katara smiled.
"Suzu, good to see you," she said, and Suzu looked and her feet and grinned shyly. She seemed proud to know Katara, becuase other girls cast envious looks in her direction.
"They said you made Rin fall," she said immediately, her eyes darting up to see the truth in Katara's blue eyes. Katara gaped, but shrugged uncomfortably.
"Well, I guess, but I wouldn't really call it..." she tried to say, but Suzu cut her off.
"I asked if I could be your servant when they assigned us to the dancers, I did, and they said yes. I hope you don't mind," she blurted, blushing red. Katara blinked, speechless, but smiled.
"I would love that, come on," she said, leading her to the tubs. Katara stripped down to her underclothes and walked up the steps, dipping one foot into the hot water. Looking back, she saw Suzu trying to carry an armload of shampoos, lotions, and gels. Katara rushed over and took some from her arms.
"You don't have to carry this, why don't you join me?" insisted Katara, and Suzu's eyes widened.
"You? In...in there?" she stuttered, pointing towards the bath. Katara smiled and nodded, but Suzu shook her head.
"I...I can't, we're not allowed to bathe in here," she said, ducking her head. Katara laughed.
"Fine, we'll say you're keeping me company, and I insisted on it, now come on," she said, and Suzu pulled her shirt over her head.
The hot water seemed to loosen Suzu's tongue. She was relaxed and chatting within five minutes of entering the tub. Leaning back, she was telling Katara about her family.
"And my brother is in training for the war, even though he's only sixteen. He's a firebender, so they let him in earlier, I guess. My sister is fourteen, she's only a year older than me, but she can't firebend," continued Suzu, her eyes closed. Katara sat up.
"Wait...Suzu, can you firebend?" asked Katara staring at her friend. Suzu opened her eyes and nodded slowly, shrugging.
"I'm no good, nothing like my brother, and definitely nothing like Rin. She scares me, she's so good," whispered Suzu, looking around as if Rin would pop out of a corner. Katara laughed.
"I've fought better firebenders than Rin," she said distractedly, her mind flying to Zuko and Azula. Suddenly realizing what she said, she clapped a hand over her mouth as Suzu stared at her.
"Fought? Who?" she asked, and Katara opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Swallowing, she tried again.
"...well...you know...just some boys from my old middle school, they were...um...extrordinarily good..." stuttered Katara, pretending to be busy scrubbing her hair. Suzu furrowed her brow, but didn't say anything.
Azula pulled the hood over her head, her brown-gold eyes searching for guards. She walked quietly towards the heavy gold doors, smiling to herself. The guards were snoring loudly, as a result of the wine barrel she had left inconspicuously by the door with a note that it was to be thrown away because it wasn't pure enough. Of course, she knew that these guards here were heavy drinkers, and would fall for it. Laughing to herself, she opened the doors.
It was almost too dark to see. The rocks created obstacles that she easily sidestepped. The figure in the cell raised its head and stood. It came to the bars cautiously, trying to see through the blackness. Azula snapped a flame to her fingers. Once the boy saw her, he leapt back.
"Azula!"
"Sokka, isn't it?" she said softly, pulling her hood down. Her eyes gleamed cunningly, but her expression was gentle. Sokka glared at her.
"What do you want?" he demanded, and she sighed.
"I want to help you. I know where your friends are," she bluffed, but he seemed to believe her. He approached the dark, cold bars menacingly.
"Where are they?" he demanded, his nose inches from hers. She smiled sweetly.
"But how do I know you'll help me?" she asked, and Sokka narrowed his eyes.
"What is it exactly that you want?" he asked, and she grinned.
"I want Zuko dead," she whispered, and Sokka's eyes widened.
"You want the throne!" exclaimed Sokka, but Azula shook her head.
"No, I don't wish to rule," she lied, "Iroh will take the throne. But Zuko...he's going to kill me, you have to help me." She widened her eyes, and managed a tear. She didn't want her face to get all puffy. Sokka's expression softened.
"We can't trust you," he said, but Azula could hear his voice weakening. Hook, line, and sinker.
"Well, I trust you," she said, and she turned and left. Azula smiled wickedly as the silence behind her grew.
Katara had never felt so tired in her life. For weeks she had practiced, and when she wasn't practicing, she was visiting Toph or searching for Sokka and Aang. So far, the mission was useless. Aang and Sokka were nowhere to be found, and until she found them, it was too dangerous to break Toph out. Katara had settled with bringing her hot tea to drink and giving her extra underclothes that she could wear without getting caught. If the guards found out that Toph was getting visitors...Katara shuddered.
The dance was imprinted eternally in Katara's mind. She knew the steps, the rhythm, exactly how fast she should go to match the others, where to go when changing places. Katara knew that if she lived to a thousand, she would never forget this dance. Madam Ulia said that the one who danced best at the feast would be declared the Junior instructor. Katara was determined to get that position, and her determination was doubly matched by Rin.
Apparently, Rin hadn't broken her wrist, because she still came to practice, but she still shot Katara horrible looks whenever possible. Katara was so used to them that she didn't notice them anymore. On the last day of practice before the feast, Madam Ulia beckoned them close to speak.
"One of you may be chosen for the next Fire Lady. Fire Lady Ursa was married through a treaty, but if you reach Fire Lord Zuko before he is arranged into a marriage, you have a good chance," said Madam Ulia, and the Rin trio giggled girlishly. Katara's blood boiled.
"I don't know why she talks like he's going to marry anybody but me. I'm the best dancer, I'm the best bender, and I'm from a distinguished family. Not to mention I'm the prettiest," said Rin as the girls left the ballroom. Katara snorted.
"Why would you want to marry him anyway?" she said loudly from behind them, and Rin, Hana, and Yuri turned to stare disbelievingly at her. Rin started laughing.
"Are you kidding me? Number one, he's Fire Lord. Number two, he's good-looking. Number three, HE"S FIRE LORD!" she exclaimed, throwing up her hands. Katara put a hand to her mouth and bit her thumb, trying not to laugh. Rin stared at her confusedly until Katara burst out laughing and pointed behind her. Turning slowly, Rin saw Zuko standing behind her, eyebrows raised. She instantly reddened.
"I...I...you..." she stuttered, and Zuko blinked. She shut her mouth and ducked her head as Katara struggled to stifle her giggling. She knew that she shouldn't draw his attention, but couldn't stop. He looked like he was about to say something, but bowed instead.
"Ladies," he said seriously, and Katara bowed back politely. Rin did an ungraceful flop, still recovering from her humiliation. As soon as he passed, she reached out to push Katara. Yelping, Katara stumbled to keep her balance.
"Way to go, Ara, I hope you're happy!" yelled Rin, her face flushed. She marched off with Yuri and Hana, both shooting dagger looks at her. Katara was still laughing. Yes, she was quite happy.
Katara didn't feel nervous at all as she applied her makeup. She made sure that she chose the palest colors possible, trying to lighten her skin tone. She ended up looking like a dark-skinned Fire Nation citizen instead of a dark-skinned Water Nation citizen. The difference was actually colossal. If she was in her Water Tribe, she would probably be attacked for looking like a firebender. Her lips, though, she painted darkly to make her skin even lighter. Her eyes were accented with silver, to decrease the blue color. She hoped they looked more gray, a common eye color in the Fire Nation. Her hair was accented with black, to darken it. One of the servants in the bathing area had done it for her, and the effect was amazing. Toph hadn't recognized her that day. Her hair was in a thick, wavy bun that traveled from the top-back of her head to the base of her neck. Red pins held it steady.
Katara blushed deep red when she saw her clothes. They were reddish gold, and beautiul, but left little to the imagination. They looked more like bathing garments, save the gauzy veils that floated from her waist to her legs. A matching veil was fitted to her face, short and covering from her nose to the bottom of her neck. Katara spent the first ten minutes in it trying to cover heself up, but forgot about her clothes after a while. Her fingernails and toenails had been painted and filed for the occasion, and were an alluring shade of red. Katara hadn't felt this pretty since the day she spent in Ba Sing Se with Toph at the day spa.
Suzu smiled as she tied the veil behind Katara's ears. She was proud of her friend. Katara fingered a lock of fine hair uneasily, but Suzu slapped her hand away to keep her from messing it up. She had fixed her hair, and it had taken her almost an hour to get it perfect and steady enough that Katara could dance the night away. Suzu blushed. Maybe that handsome busboy would ask her to dance tonight. After all, she looked much better since she met Ara. Ara had insisted that she bathe at least once a day, and it wasn't so suspicious if she was with Ara. Ara had also done her hair in a pretty bun, so it was out and away from her face. Shyly, she tucked a strand behind her ear.
Katara stood in position behind the curtain, not nervous in the least. She was not here to impress, she was here to find her friends. Rin was fidgeting, and Hana and Yuri looked like they would burst into hysterical tears at any moment. Most of the others just looked sick. Katara knew that it was because this could be the night that decided their future. If they were lucky, a General or Admiral would like them and marry them to sons. If they were unlucky, an old butcher or a servant could try to marry them themselves. If they were extremely, unbelievably lucky, they could be the next Fire Lady.
The dark red curtains pulled open with a rush of air, and Katara was instantly sick to her stomach.
The room was the largest she had ever seen in her entire life, including any she had seen in the palace. It was filled, wall to wall, with men, women, and a few children. Pigmy Pumas stalked under the tables, growling and picking up morsels of food, their necks adorned with studded collars. Katara felt dizzy. Everyone was staring, there were even men and women on balconies staring. Everywhere, red and gold exploded into color, blinding her with their brightness. Massive pillars and windows and curtains made Katara feel tiny and insignificant, but the hundreds of people staring at her brought her straight back to earth.
When the music started, Katara actually felt relieved. Here was something warm and familiar, something she knew. Now she understood why Madam Ulia made them dance to this over and over, even after it had been eternally branded into their minds and bodies. It was sturdy and recognizable, the only thing she could depend on in this room of exquisite magnificence. Katara began to dance.
Her eyes half-closed, Katara followed the slow tune, the part of the story where the goddess meanders through the forest, traveling with her nymphs. But the nymphs are cunning, and are jealous of the goddess. While the goddess sleeps, they sleep also, but cast a spell over themselves so they all look exactly like her. Katara knew that this was where the real dancing began. They fell gracefully to the floor, cuddled into themselves as they cast their spells. All was silent.
Suddenly, the music exploded into a fast and furious tune. The goddess was awake, and enraged by the trickery. Now, her beloved Prince could never recognize her. She runs for her life as the nymohs attack her, determined to kill her. Katara leapt in perfect symphony with the other girls, trying to be the goddess. Or was she a simple nymph?
The chase was horribly violent and merciless. Girls fell to the floor, gracefully and beautifully, of course, as they struggled to find out which one the goddess was. In their frenzy of confusion, the nymphs kill each other by mistake. Katara and Rin were the last ones dancing, and Katara could see the hatred in Rin's eyes. Suddenly, Rin broke the routine and lunged at Katara, but making it look like a dance. Katara gasped and backed up, but Rin leapt and aimed a flying kick at her. Her foot slammed into Katara's stomach, and all the breath rushed out of her as she fell backwards. As she hit the floor, though, Katara gritted her teeth and grabbed Rin's slim waist, rolling over backwards and flinging Rin face-first into the floor. Rin cried out, but stuck out her arms and landed smoothly. Neither broke the rhythm, and both were on the floor. They lay still, dead, waiting.
In the final part of the story, the Prince finds the dead beauties, but knows that his touch can awaken the goddess. However, the clever nymphs' spell allows him to touch one, and one only. He knows who his lover is, though, and finds her instantly. The girls lay, breathless, for their prince to find them. The Fire Lord would always choose the goddess, usually his wife if she played. But Zuko wasn't married. Katara shuddered and hoped severely that he would pass her. They waited in silence.
Zuko sat stiffly, all eyes now on him. He wished more than anything that he didn't have to pick a girl. All of the Katsu dancers were beautiful, of course, but he wanted more than that. He wasn't even ready to get married yet, but here they all were, waiting for his proposal. He wondered if he, as Fire Lord, would ever get to make his own decisions.
If he picked a girl, he would have to break her hopes and dreams. If he didn't pick one, he would be called a bad sport and too serious a leader. If he picked a girl, he would crush her emotionally. If he was known as a cruel tyrant, he would probably be crushed physically. He sighed and stood.
Katara could hear him walking towards the stage. It was an awfully long walk, and anticipation grew. Katara could taste it. She was hoping with all her might that he would miss her, that he wouldn't see her. She hoped that he would choose someone else, anyone but her...or Rin, for that matter. An empress like Rin would be terrible.
She heard the sound of metal on metal. He was walking up the stairs. Her breath caught in her throat as he neared. She didn't dare open her eyes, for fear of catching his. She needed to lay low, to stay unnoticed until she could find her friends. The footsteps drew closer as he carefully inspected the other girls, strewn across the floor glamourously. Katara saw Rin, out of the corner of her eye, suck in her already flat stomach as much as possible and raise her chest slightly off the floor. Katara's blood boiled, but she didn't dare compete. She only waited silently.
She suddenly heard his feet right by her face. She flinched and swallowed, hoping he didn't notice. She prayed to all the spirits that she would only be spared, that he would leave her and take anyone, even Rin. All she wanted to do was find her friends. The feet lingered, and Katara fought desperately against the urge to open her eyes. Finally, panting and near tears, she opened her eyes slightly.
Almost gasping, she saw Zuko looking directly into her eyes. Her eyes widened, and a moment seemed to be an eternity. She was right about to force her eyes shut again when he moved. A sob caught in her throat as he held out a hand to her proudly.
Katara fought the urge to turn him away. If she turned down the Fire Lord, it would be suspicious beyond belief, and she could be expelled from the palace as a non-supporter of the Fire Lord. Struggling to keep her face from crumpling, she reached up and gently laid her slender hand in his larger, stronger one. As soon as she made contact, the crowd cheered and she felt cold, though his hand was unexpectedly warm. She felt like crying because, even though she didn't mean it or want it, she was holding tenderly the hand of the man who was causing so much suffering for her friends.
Rising with the grace of a queen, she stood by him, and the only good thing she could possibly get out of the situation was the fact that he hadn't even looked at Rin.
He led her down the stairs and onto the tile floor. The Admirals picked out a dancer each to interrogate, and the Generals picked next. The list went down the ranking, until finally the servants chose the few that were left. Katara was disappointed to see that Rin had been chosen by an important Admiral.
A slower song started up, and Katara cursed him and every other spirit that existed when he placed a hand gently on her waist. She hated herself more when she lifted her hand and rested it on his broad shoulder. She couldn't help but notice he was much taller than Sokka or Aang, and his eyes looked like molten gold. When she realized that she was staring, she flushed and looked away.
They danced slowly, and she avoided his eyes the entire time. She noticed that he was trying to catch her eyes while she avoided them. It became a fierce tussel. She stared angrily at his chest armor, and he failed to catch her eyes because she was shorter than him. Finally, he moved directly to the questions.
"So what's your name?" he asked, and Katara didn't answer for a second.
"Ara," she said grudgingly. He didn't answer for a few moments. Then, he said something that completely threw her off.
"You don't like me, do you," he said softly, and Katara finally met his eyes. They showed frustration and regret, and she felt her heart soften just a little.
"...well...it's not all you," she said, "it's what you do." He thought about that for a moment.
"What do I do?"
"The war."
"Hey, I think I get enough insults and criticism over the war from my officials, I don't need it from you."
"If you're criticized so much, then why don't you stop it?"
"I can't, things wouldn't be the same. I've lived through war my entire life, learning about it and studying techniques. If I stop it, I could be dethroned."
"If you don't stop it, more will die."
"What makes you think that if I stop it, someone else won't start it again?"
"Well, at least people would live. Every day, so many die, even from the Fi-our nation!"
"I KNOW THAT!"
Suddenly, Katara noticed that everything was silent. They had forgotten that there were other people in the area, and had ended up yelling. Zuko ran a hand through his hair nervously. Grabbing Katara's hand, he pulled out onto a balcony that was raised over the bay. The talk started again as they left.
For a few minutes, they stood in silence, leaning over the balcony. They watched the glittering water, and an almost-full moon lit the night sky. Zuko glanced over at her. Katara was on his left, and noticed that, when you couldn't see the scar, he was actually very handsome. Hating herself, she tore her eyes away. Suddenly, he spoke.
"I like you. I'm not sure why, but I do." Katara stared at him, but he was watching the water. Suddenly, she felt very, very pretty.
"Well, I don't like you," she said softly, telling herself that it was true. He looked over at her.
"I know. That's why you're different." He reached and plucked a single red rose from the vine that twirled along the balcony, and placed it, almost shyly, into her elegant bun. It matched her clothes perfectly. She smiled timidly, but then realized what she was doing. Gasping, she backed away as he stared at her, confused.
"I...I have to go," she said, and she turned and ran. She could hear him calling her, but didn't listen. Furious at herself and ashamed of the blush that had crept across her cheeks, she fled.
Zuko lay in bed, furious with himself. Why did he do that? He didn't mean to do that. He didn't like her! She was just another girl, destined to lead a mediocre and boring life. She wasn't his Fire Lady. He shouldn't have given her that rose. He blamed the moon that lit the sky in a most romantic way, the stars that made her eyes shine just so. He blamed the joy of watching her dance, the lights and the exquisite love that surrounded the court at all times. He blamed the alcohol in the drinks, the light dizziness of dancing with a beautiful girl. She was mean and horrible and cruel...kind of like him. Zuko frowned. He shouldn't have given her that rose. She didn't deserve it.
...Well...I guess that it technically wasn't a big dance scene for Zuko and Katara...but I'll have more, I swear!! This one just seemed to fit so well, I couldn't change it. Anyway, you know you liked the 'Chasing the Goddess' dance, admit it, it was awesome. I just mixed the story of the dance with the actual dancing to make it more intense. I totally made that story up myself, and if one like it exists, then I haven't read it yet. So, anyway, review!!