Sorry this took so long; I had a major case of writer's block…I mean, I knew what direction I wanted to go in, but I just had to sort the little things out first. Well, sorry again for the delay…

Chapter Three: Whispered Prophesy

"Two lovers cross'd, hearts melted,

a single night to them awaits

should love remain, there brings an end

to a ruler of sun and of fire

"Sun and moon, warmth and cold

together bring joy and love,

but with a price heavy to bear."

"Uncle! What happened?"

Katara groaned as Zuko's voice entered her muddied thoughts. That horrid prophesy was playing in her head again, as it always did when she closed her eyes.

"Do not worry so much, Lord Zuko. It appears Miss Katara was a bit…distressed."

"Distressed!? She fainted, Uncle!"

Katara groaned again, louder this time, and gingerly sat up, rubbing her head.

"See, Nephew? Miss Katara is perfectly fine." Iroh turned eager eyes on Katara. "Aren't you, my dear?"

The confused waterbender nodded, trying not to meet Zuko's curious eyes. "Of course," she whispered hoarsely.

"That's not the point, Uncle," Zuko protested, turning back to Iroh. "The question is why she fainted!"

Iroh sniffed and calmly poured a cup of tea. "You must calm down, Lord Zuko. You seem rather tense." He smiled and handed the cup to his nephew. "Have some tea."

Zuko stared at his Uncle for a moment and then sighed, taking a seat and reaching for the tea. He knew it was easier to go along with his Uncle than try and rant any more. Iroh was hardly ever ruffled, especially not when there was tea to be had.

Katara frowned and stood. She bowed in their direction, faintly remembering manners were important. "Sorry," she interrupted, "but I should get back." She glanced away quickly, not wanting them to begin discussing marriage again. As quickly as she could, she hurried from the tent, setting a fast pace towards the village.

Back in the tent, Iroh pinned Zuko with a hard stare, one silver eye-brow raised as if to say, "go do something." Sighing, the Fire Lord rose and ran out after Katara, knowing somehow that if he didn't do this, he would never get her back.

"Katara!"

The waterbender heard Zuko and quickened her pace. She didn't want him to come after her. Everything was painful and confusing as it was; she didn't want to leave again.

"Katara!" Zuko put on a burst of speed and caught up with Katara. With a swift movement, he grabbed her arm and spun her to face him. "Katara, what's wrong?" he asked angrily. "Why won't you let me in?"

She looked away, her sapphire eyes downcast. Maybe if she simply didn't say anything, he would go away. Maybe if she didn't dare to hope, she wouldn't be hurt. Maybe, just maybe, she could stop the inevitable.

Zuko let out a frustrated sigh and raked a hand through his disheveled hair. "What's wrong?" This time his voice was quieter, gentler. "I know you must be surprised…"

"Surprised?" Katara let out a brittle laugh. "Zuko, I'm confused. I thought we both made our feelings clear the last time we saw each other." She shook her head. "Why would you choose me to be your bride when there are so many others who would be all-too-willing to become the Fire Lord's wife?"

Zuko was shocked at the confusion and sincerity in her voice. It was obvious she didn't understand. But how could that be? He still loved her; he would always love her. Why place himself in a loveless marriage when he could have her? And why did he get the feeling that she didn't want to marry him?

"What do you mean 'we both made our feelings clear?' Nothing is clear. Katara, you know how I feel, you have to!" He stepped back and looked into her eyes. "I spent the last four years searching for you everywhere. You haunted my dreams. Why don't you want to marry me?"

Katara fell silent for a moment, a cloud passing over her brilliant eyes. "I never said I didn't want to marry you," she whispered quietly. Zuko moved forward but she sidestepped him and looked up, her eyes hardening. "But Zuko, what we had was not love. It was a crush, nothing more." She slowly shook her head. "And I will not marry you."

She turned and walked away. That had been hard, but she couldn't marry Zuko. Already, too many things had happened between them. And, should they continue, the world would be in danger from something she couldn't even fathom. No. She had Sunil and Mitsuko. That would have to be enough.

Katara walked away from him and Zuko almost let her go. Almost. He spun her towards him again, hid golden eyes determined. "What do you mean, Katara?"

But she kept quiet and glanced behind her, as if looking for an escape. That was when he saw the silver chain hidden beneath her parka. Frowning, he quickly took hold of it and pulled it out from under her coat. And his heart stilled. Katara snatched it back and stuffed it back into her parka. But it was too late. Zuko had already seen it.

He closed his eyes as pain lanced his heart. He remembered that necklace all too well…

Zuko smiled at the sight of her. He drew her into a tight hug, savoring the feel of her. "Katara." She pulled away and he smiled down at her. She was so beautiful.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver necklace. On it hung a sapphire pendant, as blue as her eyes. Zuko took hold of her hand and poured the necklace onto her palm. "This is for you," he whispered. "A necklace to match your beauty."

He took a deep breath. "Look at me, Katara." When she didn't, Zuko gently turned her face and kissed her. When he drew back, Zuko captured her eyes with his. "Look into my eyes, Katara, and tell me that you feel nothing."

As she looked into his incredibly golden eyes, Katara knew she could never say it. She still loved him; she would always love him. Nothing had changed that. But they could never be together. Never.

Katara tore her gaze from his and whispered, "I can't." Without another word, she broke from his grasp and ran away, her dark braid flying out behind her. This time, Zuko let her go. He had seen the pain in her eyes and knew that something was wrong. She still loved him--he knew it--but somehow Katara felt she couldn't marry him. And he was determined to find out why.

As he walked back to his camp, Zuko smiled. And Katara would marry him. Now that he knew she still loved him, he wasn't above pulling out the dirtiest tricks to get her.

sorry it's short...again...but i hoped you liked it. now! i believe everyone knows the drill: please review!