Ch. 20

She awoke the next morning alone, Toph snoring and Suki sleeping soundly. She pushed the furs from her and she heard footsteps outside her door. Kanna shuffled in, her eyes landing on Katara sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Oh good, you're awake."

At her soft words, Suki rolled over and sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Kanna gave her a warm smile.

"Well, it's almost time for breakfast girls. It'll be in the meeting hall again. Be out there soon, alright?" And with that, Gran-Gran shuffled away again.

"We have to eat with everyone again?" Katara whined, looking to Suki for support.

"It's not that bad. After today, it'll all be over. Do you know who you're going to choose yet? Or are you going to let the tournament decide?"

Katara stood and walked over to the mirror to start brushing out her long hair. "Haru." She said looking at her reflection rather than Suki.

"Really?" She seemed surprised and that made Katara frown. "But… what about Zuko?" She hedged carefully.

"What about him? He cheated on me."

"But last night you said…"

"And last night I talked to Haru too. If he cheated on me once, who's to say he won't do that again." She sighed and put her brush down, turning to look at her friend with pleading eyes. "I deserve to be happy."

It was like she was asking permission. Suki stood and gave Katara a hug then held her at arm's length. "Of course you do. I'm sure you and Haru will be very happy together." She gave her a reassuring smile. Seeing as how that was out of the way, she turned to look at Toph still snoring on the floor. "Should we wake her just yet?"

Katara grinned. "Nah. She doesn't need any time to get ready and if we wake her up now she'll complain we're too slow."

Suki nodded in agreement and dressed. Suki decided to wear her traditional make up and Kyoshi warrior outfit, seeing as she was an ambassador from Kyoshi Island. She also helped Katara put on some make up and arrange her hair to drape artfully down her back. When they were done, they roused Toph.

"What?!" She snapped as Katara shook her arm.

"Breakfast is ready. Come on, it's in the meeting hall again."

"Ugh. Alright." She scratched her head, mussing her hair, patted her wrinkled clothes and dirt shifted from it, no idea where the dirt came from, but it was Toph after all. She pulled a heavy coat over her dirty clothes and stuffed her bare feet into her boots, grumbling. "As soon as we get to the arena, I'm taking these off. I don't want to miss a moment of the action. The floor is stone, right?"

"Yes. The seats and floor are stone and there'll be piles of snow and troughs of water and all manners of weapons along the wall."

"Good. Today's going to be a good day." Toph said satisfyingly rubbing her hands and spitting in the snow as they went outside, Sokka eagerly linking arms with Suki and Haru sidling up beside Katara. Aang and Hakoda and Sokka were all busily discussing the upcoming event as they made their way to breakfast. They sat in the middle of the table again, Chief Hakoda at the very center with Sokka on one side and Kanna on the other. Haru and Katara sat across from them with Toph on the other side of Katara and Aang next to Suki who was obviously next to Sokka. Hakoda stood and the room grew quiet once more.

"Good morning everyone. I hope you enjoy breakfast and get your fill, today is a big day. If you have been beaten, please make your way outside the arena where our healers will be stationed if necessary. If you are unable to leave, some of my men will be standing by to help you. Families you are welcome to follow your sons once they have left the competition. I'd like to thank you all for participating and wish each and every one of you luck." With that he sat down once more and the food was placed on the table and breakfast commenced.

Everyone was busy discussing the tournament soon to come and strategies. Katara was glad to be left alone. It seemed they had temporarily forgotten that the tournament was supposed to determine who Katara would marry; but she was fine with having the attention off of her for once. She sat back and enjoyed the food for the first time in a long time. She was famished now that she had made her decision and it was no longer laying heavily on her conscience.

"You look beautiful." Haru murmured into her ear and she blushed lightly.

"Thank you." She turned to look at him. "Be careful in there, okay?" Genuine concern shining in her eyes and he smiled reassuringly at her.

"I will and I'll win it just for you." He stared so deeply into her eyes it felt like he was ravishing her soul and the heat in his gaze made her blush and look away.

Zuko was absolutely livid in his seat down the table. He had seen the whispering and the closeness. He had been so sure that after yesterday, she would take him back. She had kissed him, she had watched him at dinner and blushed and now she was there, sitting next to him. His tea was steaming and boiling he was so furious.

"Zuko…?" Iroh asked concerned, glimpsing between his nephew and where his attention was focused.

"Don't." He whispered the venom clear in his tone. At that moment, Iroh was very grateful they were on the end of the table and everyone else seemed preoccupied.

"Zuko." He tried again. Burning golden eyes met his gaze.

"I'm not hungry." He threw down his napkin and stormed back to the cabin they shared. Such was his fury that the snow in his path and around him melted and steamed in the frigid morning air. Iroh was quick to follow. He may have been old, but he was still spry. As soon as the door slammed shut, Iroh was easing it open again.

"Zuko!" He caught his nephews shoulder and spun him around. "Tell me what is going on." He demanded.

"I thought I had her again, but I messed that up too!"
"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb Uncle. I know you know why she left. It was when Mai's father had that heart attack and Mai sought me out, kissed me and Katara saw it all!" He slumped heavily into a chair, rubbing his face miserably. "I thought I had convinced her, I thought she was going to forgive me…" He sounded so miserable; Iroh crouched next to him, placing a wizened hand on his shoulder. He looked up, peering through his dark hair. "Last night, I caught her after the performance. I told her everything and then I kissed her… I kissed her and she kissed me back." His head slumped again, hiding his view. "He showed up and there was a fight. I thought I had let an impression; thought I had another chance. Seeing her just now… she's made her choice." He buried his face in his hands again.

"Zuko…" His Uncle said softly. "Feelings that strong don't go away that fast. She responded to you, that tells me there's still a spot in her heart just for you. It's not over yet. There's still time." Iroh left his side and there was a rustling but Zuko didn't lift his head until a cool and familiar pressure sat in his lap. It was his broad swords and he looked from them to his Uncle with his sage-like smile. "There's still time." He said stroking his beard.

Zuko hefted the swords in his hands, feeling their weight, the balance. There was still a chance; there was hope.

Around noon, the stands were full and the first row was filled with all the dignitaries from all around the world. The opponents were standing along the wall, waiting for Hakoda to mark the beginning of the match. The arena had been strategically filled with mounds of rock, pools of water and a few spare weapons in case the ones each competitor who had their own weapons lost or broke their own.

Hakoda stood and addressed the men in the arena. "Let the battle, BEGIN!"

The stands cheered loudly as absolute chaos ensued below. Sokka was leaning over the railing, rallying the violence before him. Katara sat of the edge on her seat, watching Haru as he fought the men immediately surrounding him. He started off with hand to hand combat. One water tribe man met him head on and started swinging wildly; Haru leaned back out of his reach and ducked another blow only to catch the man in the jaw with a strong uppercut. It sent the man reeling, but he was back for more and Haru kicked him in the stomach and this time the man stayed down, lightly feeling his ribs. A couple of medics ran to him and supported his weight, carrying him out of the arena. As the fight continued more and more people left the stands to see how their competitor was fairing after being beaten.

Once the easier opponents had been defeated and removed, the real excitement started. This was the time the benders, weapon specialists and true martial artists thrived.

"Wow, look at Zuko go." Aang said in awe. Toph elbowed him in the ribs. "Uh… And Haru is doing awesome!"

Katara turned to see Zuko. A look of determination she had only seen a few times was on his face as he battled. He twirled his broad swords, deflecting ice daggers and rocks, shot flames as he kicked and punched towards his enemies and effectively evaded other attacks. She felt her stomach twist and she quickly turned back to Haru. He was equally as ferocious. He now held two stone poles, one in each hand, and he was fighting a man with a sword. He deflected the blows with his poles, glancing off the stone sending sparks. The other man reached out to kick him, but his leg was struck by the pole. He swung around; favoring his leg, but the thrusts of his sword became savage and desperate. Katara clutched at the cloth on her lap and worried it. Haru had to make his dodges and blocks faster. At one point, the sword grazed his arm and crimson stained his sleeve. Deciding to end this quickly, Haru stomped on the ground and the rock floor shot up and launched the swordsman high into the air to land in a crumpled heap.

He turned to find a water bender that had just defeated his most recent opponent and was rushing him. He hurled a stone pole at him and it struck the ground, but rather than deter him, the water bender grabbed it and with his momentum used it to swing out and kick at Haru. He raised his arms to block it and the force of the collision caused him to skid backwards. Haru spent no time recovering and ran back at him, a water whip was coming to meet him and he slid across the ground, raising his hands to bring the earth up to engulf and trap his legs. Furious the water bender threw attack after attack at him to which Haru raised a stone wall to block and when the attacks started to abate, he sent the wall to collide with the water bender, launching him out of his stone imprisonment and bouncing limply across the floor.

Haru barely had a chance to avoid a wall of flame as a wiry fire bender launched himself at him. This fire bender was fast, he avoided the rocks Haru launched at him and darted past him, slamming a fist into his stomach as he passed. Haru doubled for just a moment, but it provided the fire bender the opportunity he was looking for. He jumped and vaulted over Haru, grabbing his shoulders as he tumbled over and heaved him across the arena. Haru landed on his feet, sliding back until he found traction and approached the man again. Tired of the sly mans tricks, he encased himself in stone as the man peppered him with more strikes and even blasting him with fire.

Katara leaned forward, worried for Haru. Could this be the end? Suddenly the attacking fire bender was jerked by his shoulder and spun around to meet Haru's fist covered in a thin layer of stone and he flew skidding across the ground until he slid to a stop, lying motionless. Katara collapsed relieved.

"What happened?" She asked around her friends.

"I don't know." Suki answered, equally stunned.

"The rock shield was a decoy." Toph explained. She had been the only one to see the whole thing. "He tunneled underneath and popped up behind him and took him by surprise."

"Ohhh…" Sokka said, slamming a closed fist into his open palm as it suddenly made sense.

Haru wasn't taking his vow lightly. He was giving it his all as blood and sweat poured off him and he continued his seemingly ceaseless battle without any breaks. Iroh caught her eye and she followed his worried gaze to his nephew. Zuko had accrued a few injuries himself, but nothing seemed to slow him as he dispatched opponent after opponent, same as Haru. No, she thought, I can't keep comparing them. I chose Haru and he's going to win. Even if Zuko beats him, my heart belongs to Haru now.

The field and the audience was dwindling. Only a few remained and it was getting intense.

"Oh my God." Suki gasped as two men hit the ground at the same time, the only two who had been left standing before Haru and Zuko took them out. It was down to the two of them now and Katara wanted to leave, to call it off, but knew that would never happen. Instead she stared in fixed horror as each man stood tall, catching their breath, eyeing the other and slowly circling.

Haru reached to the ground and brought out two stone poles and held them in front of him while Zuko spun his swords experimentally in his hand before pointing them at Haru. At some unspoken cue they launched at each other, trading blows that could be heard from the stands. They were having a battle of strength, swords and poles locked, trying to throw the other off balance and Katara knew that though they were both strong, Haru had the advantage here and she saw Zuko recognize that as well.

Haru shoved and Zuko fell back and Haru followed him down to land a blow, but Zuko's leg swept out and knocked Haru's feet out from under him. They both recovered quickly and faced off again. Zuko, being an expert swordsman was able to disarm Haru of at least one of his polls and it clattered loudly across the arena. In an act of distraction, Haru launched his remaining poll at Zuko who had to deflect it with his sword but in the moment of distraction, Haru launched varying sized rocks at him. Zuko stumbled back, dodging them with a certain grace until one caught his leg and spun him just enough so the next slammed into his back, launching him bouncing across the ground.

In a desperate counter attack he threw one sword and then the other at the earth bender with surprising accuracy. Haru had to jump back to avoid the blades and granted Zuko his need reprieve. He started an offensive maneuver sending stream after stream of fire at him. Haru raised a wall to block the fire and soon big blasts of fireballs hit, making the wall weaken and jets of flame flow past the edges. Getting closer, Zuko used his momentum and placed one foot on the wall and vaulting over to send his attacks raining down on Haru. Haru in turn quickly stomped and threw a boulder at him and Zuko had to twist around in midair and use it to readjust his landing. Before his feet even hit the ground, a fiery jab found Haru's back.

An anguished cry of pain ripped from his throat and tore through Katara's heart. Things were so intense, both men she cared about, no matter how much she hated admitting it, we're being injured at the others hand. It was so hard to watch but she couldn't look away. Her brother and Toph weren't helping either with their gasps, cheering and continuous commentating. She watched as both men panted, breathing raged, clothes torn, singed and bloodied. It had to end soon, it just had to. She wasn't sure how much more they could take, or how much more she could.

Haru spun and caught Zuko in the jaw with an elbow and while he was finding his feet after landing a blow, and then stomped and a pillar shot up in the air, catching Zuko's torso and launching him into the air. He fell near one of his swords and clutched it tightly, squeezing his eyes shut against the pain. Haru in turn had turned to see where he had thrown the fire prince while holding his back and wincing. Mustering the last of their strength they composed themselves for one last clash.

They charged and their bodies met with monumental force and wrestled on the ground. It came to a standstill with Haru on the bottom with a sword pressed against his neck. Zuko wasn't doing much better because a boulder bigger than he was crushing him below. It was a struggle to breath with such a weight on him, but a thin line of blood was trickling down Haru's neck and neither looked like they were going to give in.

"Dad!" Katara rounded on her father. "You have to do something! They'll kill each other!"

Her father was staring wide eyed at the two men in the arena and turned to his daughter looking to him with terror in her eyes. He nodded in agreement. "It's a tie!" He cried, his voice echoing across the length of the arena but falling on deaf ears. Katara tugged on her father's sleeve in desperation, urging him to get them to stop. "The fight is over! It's a tie!" Still neither man broke from the fight or showed any indication they had heard him.

Katara jumped over the rail and started racing towards them.

"Katara!" Her father and brother called in unison.

She kept running, but called over her shoulder. "Aang! Do something!"

Aang jumped onto the rail, grasping his glider and swinging it, creating a strong wave of wind racing over Katara and into the two men. The blast was so strong it blew away the boulder and both benders bounced across the ground, each landing in an unmoving pile of limbs.

"No…" She whispered, urging herself forward even faster. She fell to her knees before him with a bruising force but ignored it as she rolled him onto his back. She bent and lowered her ear to his lips, and sighed in relief when she discovered he was breathing. "Wake up, wake up, wake up…" She chanted as she smoothed the blood dampened hair from his face. She summoned water from one of the nearby sources of water from the arena. It glowed blue in her palm before carefully running it over his body, healing the damage she could find. It was a long and worrying time before his eyes fluttered open.

"Oh Zuko." She sighed. "Thank the spirits." She said and she threw herself on him, holding him close.

"Katara?" He sat up slowly with her help and pulled back, brushing her loose hair behind her ear. "What happened?"

"I was worried. You and Haru were going to kill each other. Aang blasted you two apart. Are you okay?"

He wrapped his hand around hers and pulled it to his lips. "I am now."

Haru sat up with the aid of Suki. He rubbed his head groggily. "What happened?"

"It was a tie." Sokka said.

Haru looked around at all his friends surrounding him, but didn't see the face he was searching for. He looked across the arena and saw Katara encircled in Zuko's arms. "No it wasn't. He won."

Sarahplainntall here! What do you think? Epilogue? REVIEW!