Chapter Five: Forming a Bond
Katara woke in her bed, not remembering how she got there. She was still fully clothed, minus her boots. She was surprised to find her wig off and her hair down. She stretched and looked for Zuko. She was surprised to find him up. His bed was empty, and she sat up with a yawn.
She went to get out of bed and froze. Something had hold of her hair. Slowly, she turned her head to the left to see Zuko with his hand entangled in her hair. She felt her heart speed up in her chest, as she attempted to untangle her hair from his hand. She almost had it when his hand gripped hers tightly.
"Ouch! Zuko! Let go of my hand! You're crushing it!" she whimpered.
His eyes shot open and he sat up quickly. "S-sorry." he yawned.
"Why are you in my bed?" she grumped as she untangled the knots in her hair.
"I must have passed out after I untied your hair. I carried you here after you fell asleep in the cave." he said tiredly.
"You... you carried me?" she blushed.
A knock on the door had them freezing. Zuko got up to answer the door, making sure Katara was covered completely hiding her dark skin.
"Yes?" he said opening the door a crack.
"I'm sorry to bother the Lady this early in the morning, but there has been a fire late last night. It destroyed a nobleman's home killing everyone in it." the man said.
"And why is this the Lady's problem?" Zuko groused.
"She is needed in front of the elders for questioning." the man replied.
"I'll wake her. We'll be down in the lobby in an hour." Zuko said shutting the door. "Did you hear?"
She was already getting out of bed and digging through her bags. "Pick out a dress while I clean up." she said rushing into the bathroom.
Zuko dug through the bag and pulled out a black dress lined in gold. The under dress was red satin. He tilted his head as he looked at it. He'd seen a dress similar to this once, and he wondered how she managed to get so many dresses. The bathroom door opened, and she rushed out in her under clothes.
"Did you pick a dress?" she said sitting down at her vanity. She put white powder on her face and neck hiding her dark skin. She twisted her hair up in a quick bun. "Well?" She turned to see him staring at her. "Zuko?"
He shook his head. "Here." he handed her the dress. "I never knew how you got yourself so pale. It's kind of neat."
She raised an eyebrow as she took the dress and pulled it on. "You're very un-Zuko like today." She smirked into the mirror. "Can you tie this for me? I have to fix my hair."
He tied the dress up as she sat down to brush her hair out into an elaborate twist. He handed her a clip to hold it in place, as he watched. She leaned forward to start putting her eye make up on.
She looked at him through her mirror and bit back a smile. "Didn't you ever see someone put make up on?" she mused as she dipped her brush into lip paint.
He shook his head. "Who would I have watched? My mother never did her own make up. And I'd rather not watch Azula."
"Hmm." she smiled into the mirror as she finished. "Well, do I look presentable?" she stood up and spun.
He tilted his head as he stood. "You should have two strands..." he pulled two long strands down on each side of her face. "There, now you're fire nation. I always wondered how you hid your blue eyes." he mused as he looked at her eyes. "They almost look gray."
She noticed how close they were and froze. "Erm... thank you." she said clearing her throat. "We should go. You know they'll blame me since I'm a foreigner."
He held his arm out for her to take, but stopped. "If they decide to search our room while we're out..."
She smiled. "I already have that taken care of." she said as she stood on her vanity. "Hand me my bag from last night and our weapons. Oh, and my ... other person."
He smirked. "You mean my brother?" he handed everything to her as she lifted a panel in the ceiling hiding everything. "Alright, ready?"
He helped her down and they left the room. "It's a shame I have to miss breakfast because some peasant's house burnt down." She complained loudly.
Zuko bit his lip to keep from laughing. "I know M' Lady." he lowered his voice so only she could hear. "You really have this role down pat."
She raised her chin. "Of course I do Li." she glanced to the men standing in the lobby. "Well gentlemen, Li woke me up and told me what happened. I hope you realize I had to miss breakfast."
"She's not a pleasant person if she misses a meal or is rudely awoken." Zuko added.
She turned her head slowly. "Thank you Li." she warned. "Now, let's get this over with. I still have a friend I need to visit and then I'm on my way."
The men lead her out into the city. All the while whispering and glancing back at her. Her grip tightened on Zuko's arm, but that was the only thing showing her nervousness. He waited until the men were facing forward to whisper to her.
"Two slipped in when we left." he hissed. "Are you alright?"
"Li, go over and grab me one of those lovely apples." she ordered.
He looked at her and bowed his head. As he reached the apple stand he noticed Shin Le standing in the shade. He nodded to the boy.
"Good morning Shin Le, Lady Rivlyn sent me to get her an apple." he smiled. "She is still intent on stopping by later."
Shin Le nodded his head. "Shame about the Han family." he warned. "They think the lady has something to do with it. When they searched her inn room and found it empty and all it looked bad." Zuko felt his stomach drop. "Too bad the innkeeper is a drunk and didn't see the two of you leave, or remember that you told him you were coming to my place."
Zuko smirked. "If I had known the inn keeper was so incompetent I would have told the Lady to except your offer. It was quite a rude awakening this morning. And the Lady is cranky." he replied. "I best get back to her."
As he caught up with her he whispered the story to her as she ate the apple. In truth, she didn't want the apple it was just a ploy. She had seen Shin Lae, and figured the men wouldn't think anything of her sending her guard to fetch an apple.
"Lady Rivlyn," one of the men smiled sadly. "Only you are allowed in. Your guard will have to stay out here."
"Excuse me?" Zuko sneered. "I'm not about to tell her father that his daughter was left to fend for herself."
Katara placed a hand on his shoulder. "Li, I'll be fine. Why don't you find us some breakfast." She allowed the men to escort her in. "Do not touch me. Li is very temperamental. I don't want any commoner's germs on my clothes anyway."
Zuko, despite his anger at her leaving him behind, couldn't help but smirk at her comment. She must have picked it up from him and his crazy sister.
Hakoda was growing annoyed. Ever since Katara and Sokka arrived and left, he'd been dealing with nothing but marriage offers for Katara. He shook his head again as the flap to his tent opened, but sighed as he saw Bato.
"So, what are we up to?" he smirked.
"Twenty." Hakoda mumbled. "That's just our nation. There's also two boys from the earth nation that asked. Plus, I have the feeling the Avatar will ask. I saw how he looks at her. If Sokka wasn't with them, she'd have stayed behind."
Bato let out a bark of laughter. "Now we just need a fire nation boy to ask."
Hakoda froze. "He'd have to be powerful." he smiled remembering how bullheaded she was. "That girl is stubborn and refuses to give in once she's got an idea in her head. Not to mention, she's a master water bender. Every boy that asked gets told the same thing. They not only have to ask me, but they have to ask Pakku."
Bato gasped. "You're evil! Katara will never marry!"
Hakoda let out a pleased sigh. "I know." Bato sent him a knowing look. He'd do the same thing for his daughter.
Katara sat in the chair before the elders. She watched as they sent the men out that retrieved her. Now she was sitting in front of two old men and two old women.
"We have called you here today, Lady Rivlyn, to find out where you were last night." an old man in red called.
She looked at each of the elders. The one in red was definitely a fire bender. The woman next to him was in blue, and Katara felt shock run through her, a water bender. The man next to her resembled Aang and the woman next to him was in green robes. All four elements were represented in these four people.
She tilted her chin up. "I see one of you from each nation." she commented. "I'm glad to see the four nations co existing so well."
"Very perceptive for a noble." The earth bender shot.
Katara picked at her nails in a bored manner. "Are you blaming me for the death of Han and his three sons?" she asked ruefully.
The water bender raised an eyebrow. "Han had four sons."
"No, he doesn't." Katara smiled. "Lu, son of Han, renounced his family last night as he aided the two that burnt the house down."
The air bender leaned forward. "Do you know the penalty for killing a nobleman and his family?"
Katara stood angrily. "Do you know what was going on in that house?"
The elders leaned back in shock. "No. He was always a respectable noble." The fire bender said uneasily. The others stared at him.
"Let me enlighten you as to what respectable stands for then in your eyes." she snarled. "He had twenty six young girls he was training to be call girls. His sons Tin, Tokk, and Link would search the earth kingdom and bring back orphans. Three of them were being used for sexual pleasures. There was a nine year old air bender getting beat daily for being an air bender. The oldest, Min, was chained to Tin's bed to be his personal sex toy. The other two got passed around like rag dolls. Is that respectable enough or do you want more?"
The elders were silent. "Do you seriously want to accuse me of doing such a thing?" she asked sternly.
"We know it was you who did it, Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. Water bending master and teacher to the Avatar." The fire bender stated. "Do you deny such an act?"
She straightened her back and lifted her chin. "I would do it again if it meant saving those innocent children." she said proudly. "You of the White Lotus would know that wouldn't you."
The air bender shook his head. "I told you this girl was smart."
The water bender rose. "We hold nothing against you or Prince Zuko. We have been watching him for years, but it's impossible to get a good glimpse when they're so good at hiding. All the towns on this island are run by Lotus members. As long as you keep up what you're doing we will keep it silent from Ozai."
Katara bowed her head. "I know you are capable of sending messages to Iroh. I also know he is the one teaching Aang. Is there anyway I could send a few letters?"
The earth bender handed her paper and brush. "Take your time."
"We heard you're after Yun as well." The fire bender mused.
She nodded. "Yes, what do you know of him?" she continued writing.
"Yun is a single man and the youngest of his line. He was disowned, so you wouldn't really be stealing from the line. The tavern, he weaseled his way into a widow's will and got it instead of her only son." The water bender replied. "The son is Xin Lu. He works as an artisan. He pretends the tavern was never run by six generations of his line, but we know it bothers him."
"So, instead of a petty thief like we thought, he's a swindler?" she mused as she finished her letters. "Are the towns people upset about Han's demise?"
"On the contrary." The air bender smirked. "No one liked him or his sons, save Lu."
"Lu was always a nice boy. I'm glad he helped save those girls." The water bender sighed.
"Well, he'll need help getting them food. He still has all his servants, but he'll need tutors for the girls. The oldest are only fifteen and the youngest are five."
"It will be done." The fire bender smiled. "We thank you and future Fire Lord Zuko."
"Now, I hear the lovely tones of a hotheaded prince outside the door as we speak." The earth bender snickered. "Seems he's quite fond of you Princess Katara."
"Please, I'm no princess." Katara said handing the letters to the closest elder. "I better go calm him down before he burns someone."
She stepped outside the hall to find Zuko pinned against a wall. She smiled to herself as she walked over to the guards.
"May I inquire as to why my body guard is pinned to the wall?" she cooed.
The two guards holding him let go and stood bashfully. Zuko brushed himself off and walked over to Katara.
"He was trying to get into the meeting hall, m'lady." the shorter guard said shyly.
"He's only doing his job." She sneered. "No need to be so ruff with him. I'm sure if you were in charge of protecting someone worth more than your life, you'd do the same."
"We apologize Lady Rivlyn." The taller guard blushed. "You're right. We'd do the same."
She took Zuko's arm. "Li, did you get us breakfast?"
He searched her face for any stress before nodding. "Yes, I have it in the room."
"Let's go then. We still have friends to meet." she ordered. They headed towards the inn, no matter how many times he tried to get information out of her, she ignored. He gave up until they reached the inn. Uncle always said women were crazy.
Ty Lee sat down warily next to Sokka. She knew he'd been grouchy since Iroh's first letter. He avoided everyone except for at meals. Even the avatar was wary of him.
"Sokka?" she said quietly.
He glanced up from his boomerang he was sharpening. "Hello Ty Lee."
"I noticed you've been acting differently since Iroh received that letter." Ty Lee smiled sadly.
"She left us. I was supposed to protect her. She gets herself into trouble all the time." he sighed. "God knows what trouble she's in now, and I'm not there to help her."
"She has Zuko with her."
Sokka growled. "Yeah, like I trust him. He hurt her before. Who knows what she'll be like when she comes back."
"He hurt her?" she frowned. "If I knew that I wouldn't have left him with her. I just didn't want her to be alone."
He spent the next few hours telling her all the time Zuko was involved in their travels. That's how Iroh, Aang, and Toph found them.
They had moved onto another town, closer to the Western Air had been moving through towns attempting to help those in need. The town they were in now was oddly colored.
"What's with all the bright colors?" Katara whispered.
Zuko shrugged. "I don't know. I wasn't allowed out of the palace as a child."
She nodded sadly. "There's an Inn. Why don't you go find a place to eat later, Li."
"Of course Lady Rivlyn." he said playing his role perfectly.
Katara stepped into to the brightly colored inn. "Hello?"
A hyper woman popped up from under the counter. "OH! Heavens me! You startled me!" She sat the feather duster down on the counter. "What can I do for you?"
"I need a room for the night." She replied.
"Of course. Is it just you?" Zuko chose that moment to walk in. "Oh, I see. Room thirteen. Breakfast is at eight. If you need anything, Jom will get it. Enjoy your stay."
Katara smiled as she took the key. "Come on Li. I'm tired. Did you find a place to have dinner?"
"Yes. A small diner on the corner." he yawned as she put the key in the lock.
"Goo... what in the world."
He poked his head around the door. "This ... it's a honeymoon suit." he gawked.
"Well, whatever. I'm tired." she said walking into the room and dropping face first onto the mattress. "Mmmm... untie this stupid corset!" she mumbled into the pillow.
He shut the door and crossed the room kneeling down on the bed beside her to untie the corset. "I assume that woman thought we we married."
Katara turned her head slightly so she could speak. "New town, new roles. So, perhaps the brothers won't be prowling the night. Maybe this time the spirits will take care of it." She yawned.
"I'll sleep on the floor." He yawned as he pulled the corset off. "Night, dear." He smirked.
He went to get up and her arm shot up pulling him back onto the bed. "Darling, if they come in to check on us it's best if the happy couple is in the same bed. Besides, I need you in top condition and sleeping on the floor won't help."
He raised an eyebrow. "But... your brother will kill me if he finds out."
"Then he won't find out." she mumbled. "Now, shut up, lay down, and go to sleep."
Iroh was quite surprised when more than one letter arrived. He fished his out and read it quickly.
"Southern Noble Woman knows she's being watched by the White Lotus. Past few weeks, Twins have brought justice to the island. Weeding out the theives to feed the poor. Should be arriving in the next two to three weeks at their final destination."
He smiled at the letter as he thought of all the good his nephew was doing for his nation. He only hoped when it came down to it, he'd stick to his current path. He saw the teens all sitting around a fountain and smiled joyously.
"Sifu Hot-man? Is it time for my lesson?" Aang beamed.
Iroh shook his head. "I believe we'll skip today. Take time to relax, read some letters..."
"Letters?" Sokka mused. "We don't know anyone to send us letters."
Iroh handed each teen letters, and was surprised to find one for himself. He glanced at Toph and saw her holding the letter in disdain.
"I'll read it for you Miss Toph." He whispered. "In fact, why don't we all read them aloud?" No one wanted to go first. "I'll start."
He sat down and opened his letter. "General Iroh, I was quite surprised to be paired with your hotheaded nephew. Though we've had our difficulties, he has proven to be a valuable companion. We look forward to seeing you all in the next few weeks. I know a young man who is beating himself up for your forgiveness, even if he thinks he's hiding it." Iroh smiled sadly. "Ty Lee, why don't you go next?"
Ty Lee opened her letter and scanned through it quickly. There was a lot she couldn't read out loud. "Pinky, I know I should be cursing you for leaving me with this arrogant snotty prince. But so far, he's proven useful. By day he play's my body guard slash servant. I need to know about your family. I've been telling everyone you are my cousin. Help Toph keep those boys in line." She smiled her usual cheery smile. "Aang?"
"I'm sorry I left you all. It needed to be done. You all depended on me too much. I needed to clear my head. I'm making a difference here on the island. And with Zuko's help, I believe we may have a bigger force than expected. You'll be pleased to know, you are not the last airbender. I worry about you constantly. If your training is going well. Please, listen to Toph. She's not as blind as you all think." he had tears in his eyes. "How did she know about the avatar state?"
Toph rolled her sightless eyes. "When you were hurt you talked in your sleep. She knew she was holding you back from entering the avatar state. You have to..."
"Don't say it." Aang sighed. "I know. Sokka you want to read yours?"
Sokka scowled down at the letter. "Why? So she can tell me she loves me and she's sorry."
Aang and Iroh stared at him. Toph stomped her foot and encased him in the ground. "Snoozles, whether you like it or not, you will listen to your letter. Someone read it. I'll hold his mouth shut."
Aang bent down to pick up the letter and frowned. "I can't read this. It's in another language. Iroh?" Iroh shook his head. "Ty Lee?"
She took it and spun it around sideways, upside down, right side up. "I can't read it. It's a sibling thing." she smiled looking to Sokka. "I think she meant this to be private. It must be important if she spent time to write in this form."
Iroh opened Toph's letter and smiled. "Miss Toph, I believe you can read this."
She took the letter and ran her hands over it. "Whoo! Way to go Sugar Queen!" she ran her hands over the brail and smirked as she read it. She stopped halfway through and turned her sightless eyes to Ty Lee. "Girl talk! NOW!"
"Hey! What about me?" Sokka shrieked at their retreating backs.
"I didn't know you were a lady, Sokka." Aang chuckled.
Sokka's face contorted in rage. "I meant to get me out of here!"
Aang released Sokka allowing him to grab his letter and storm off. Iroh and Aang allowed a knowing look to pass between them before they started a Pia Sho game.
The diner was just as brightly decorated as the rest of the town. Katara sighed as she sipped her wine. Zuko seemed extremely distracted.
"Li, what's wrong?" she whispered.
"Everyone is watching us." he hissed as he pulled on the high collar of his new robes. "Where did you get these clothes?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you care about people watching you?" But she was just as unnerved. "And the robes, they were my brothers."
Zuko had to bite back and comment. "Oh. Where's our food?" He groused.
He was surprised when the waitress popped out the door at his question. "Sorry for the wait sir and lady. Our cook was being difficult." she pleaded.
"It's fine." Katara smiled. She noticed Zuko had been sweating since he started sipping his wine. "Are you alright dear?" She cut into her meat and held it up to her face acting as if to cool it. "You look a little pale."
"I'm fine." he tried to sound convincing. "It's a little hot in here."
She noticed how his hand shook as he lifted his fork to his mouth. "No!" she smacked the food out of his hand. "Are you allergic to something?"
He stared at her in horror. "Hemlock."
She jumped up and stormed into the kitchen. "What was in the whine?" she bellowed. It was then she realized, there were no fire benders in this town.
"It's... hemlock whine." the cook smirked. "Poisonous to all fire benders. I take it you're just fire nation."
Her eyes widened in horror. "What is wrong with you! Not all fire benders are bad!"
She ran out and grabbed Zuko. He couldn't stand, so she hoisted him over her shoulder. Everyone in the diner stood back in astonishment as she carried a man twice her size out into the street. But as she stepped out of the door she turned angrily.
"The Painted Lady will smite you for this. Even if you're not fire nation, you've harmed one of her kin." she warned. Everyone in the diner swallowed the bile that rose on its own account as they watcher her storm off to the Inn.
Katara was pissed as she kicked the inn door open. "I need water and lots of it!"
Jom jumped and ran to get water. "I'll be up in a minute Lady Rivlyn." He called.
She open the door with some difficulty and lay Zuko on the bed. She cut the shirt away to find his chest covered in angry red hives. She moved her hands focusing on the wine in his stomach, but stopped as she heard Jom running up the steps.
"Lady Rivlyn," he panted. "Your water! What happened?"
"The people in the diner poisoned my husband." she snarled. "I need a trash can. I'm going to force the poison out. What do you know about hemlock?"
Jom gasped. "It's a fast working poison. Even if you get it out of his stomach, it spreads to the blood fast."
"Shut the door and lock it. What you see here is to be kept quiet." she ordered.
With wide eyes he did as he was told and pulled a trash can over. She found the poison in his stomach and forced it up and out through his throat into the trash can. She took water and encased her hands to find how far the poison spread. She growled when she found it getting close to his heart.
"Hand me that knife." she snarled.
Jom watched in amazed horror as she cut a deep gash across his chest. Zuko let out a painful groan. She looked up quickly and placed a bloody hand on his cheek.
"Shh. It'll be over soon." she cooed. "Jom hold his arms down, just in case."
She pulled the poison from his blood and managed to keep most of his blood inside. Sensing with her hands she smiled as she realized she'd managed to get all the poison. She sighed in relief as she sealed the wound she'd caused in order to get the poison.
Jom watched as she wiped the sweat from her brow after healing him. "He'll be asleep for a few hours. Is there anyway you could send food up in a few hours?"
Jom let go of Zuko. "Of course. I'm sorry about the town's people. They've been forcing any fire benders out of the town. It's only the earth benders that do it. My family is fire nation, and I am a bender. They've left us alone mostly."
She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Who is the spirit they worship? And is it just adults they attack?"
Jom looked down. "They killed my cousin's daughter when they found out she was a bender. She was five. They worship the Painted lady believe it or not. They heard how she destroyed a fire nation factory and they think she's from another nation since she attacked the fire benders. That's when they started attacking."
"Jom, I need to go out later tonight." she interrupted. "Could you sit with him?"
"Of course. I'll go get you dinner." he bowed.
Katara sighed as she dug through her other bag that she kept her "brother" disguise in. She smiled as she found her Painted Lady costume. Sokka always called her a pack rat. She frowned as she saw Zuko groan in his sleep.
"Zuko..." she whispered as she felt his forehead.
"Mmm."
"How are you feeling?"
"Like my chest was sliced opened and I bled to death." he croaked. "Why am I still alive? Hemlock kills within minutes. How did I get here?"
She smiled weakly. "I carried you. Jom is bringing food, and you're going back to sleep."
He stared at her determined face. "What are you going to do? You didn't seriously carry me did you?"
"Would you rather be dead? I couldn't bend the poison or your blood out in front of these people." she warned. A knock on the door made her freeze. "Come in."
"Ah, Jom told me about what happened today. Is he alright?" an old woman smiled as she sat down a tray of food.
Katara saw the lotus pin in her hair. "Madam, send word to the Dragon of my husbands illness. Please assure him I got all the poison and my husband should be well by morning."
The lady opened her palms and bowed. "Of course Princess Katara. I have something for you as well. It came with urgency this morning from your brother."
She took the letter and package. "Thank you. Would you return at sundown? I have something I need to do."
"What!" Zuko snapped. "You're not going out there alone! This town is messed up. No offense, ma'am."
She whirled around. "You, princess, are in no condition to tell me what to do. If you have forgotten, I can use you as my own personal puppet. I could make you dance naked through the streets."
Zuko paled. "FINE! But don't expect me to explain to your brother why you're not with me." he pouted.
Katara bowed to the woman and picked up the soup. She sat down on the bed next to him on the bed. "Open. You need your strength."
He turned his head away childishly. "No."
She sighed and used her free hand to turn his head to her. "Zuko, I don't want to force you to open your mouth. Please, just eat. I promise I won't get hurt."
He stared at her angrily. "I'm not your child. I can feed myself." he pouted. "If you want to go running around a town that tried to kill me, fine."
She put the spoon down. "Fine. When I come out of the bathroom, all that food better be gone." she sighed.
He watched her go. He wasn't really mad at her, more mad at himself. All those years with his uncle, he should have smelled the hemlock before he even swallowed. She was just so damn bossy. He picked up the spoon and realized his hands were too shakey to bring it to his mouth. He sighed as he dropped it back into the soup.
"Kaaattttaaaarrraaaa!" he whined. "I'm sorry!"
The bathroom door opened and she poked her head out. He jumped in surprise at her painted face. She had a large cloak covering her slim figure, and her hair was down. She smiled at him, the red paint on her face enhanced her bright azure eyes.
"What in the world?" he said in shock.
She came out and sat on the bed, picking up the spoon. "Open please." she cooed.
He didn't even realize the food was gone. He was too busy staring at the red paint and blue eyes. He was brought back to reality when she held a napkin up to his face.
"Is there a problem?" she smirked as she wiped the corner of his mouth.
"No." He smiled. "You're the one that saved that village on the river."
She blushed. "I didn't realize people would hear about it." she said quietly. "Those people were dying."
He brought his hand up to her face. "Not many know about it. Ty Lee told me about it. I always wanted to witness the Painted Lady at work. I suppose I have in a way."
She smiled. "Go to sleep Zuko. We'll leave this town in the morning. I want to show those scum bags they won't kill my husband." she ended in determination.
He yawned and let her push him back onto the bed. "Wait! I ..."
She glanced at him and noticed the blush creep into his face. "Oh. I'll help you to the bathroom, but you're on your own inside." she blushed just as bright as the red paint on her face.
"I wonder how Ty Lee's doing in her circus." Azula mused.
Mai glanced over from her book. "Probably jumping about on the high wires." she sighed. "Why?"
"I just wonder if she really went back to the circus." the princess smirked.
"What if she didn't?" Mai said hiding her worry.
"Then we'll find out where she went."
The diner was full of rowdy drunks. Katara pulled out some of her new inventions. Sokka wasn't the only one with brains in her family. She sat on the roof and dropped two of her pellets down the open sky lights. Smoke and gusts of wind filled the room, and she could hear the drunks panicking inside.
She dropped down through the sky light and blocked the door locking it and freezing the outside. She froze the windows shut and created a mist outside coating the whole town. When the smoke cleared, she watched from the rafters as the drunks scrambled around.
"That woman said the painted lady would smite us!" one was whimpering like a baby.
"Don't be silly. She was just angry because we killed her husband." A woman said in a shaky voice.
"No." everyone froze and looked around for the voice. "The cowering baby was right. I have come to bring justice."
She waved her hands and everyone was on their knees. She concentrated on the mist outside. It surrounded her as she lowered herself to the floor with it, keeping enough around her figure to hide her features.
"We only followed what you teach. You destroyed those fire benders on the river." A man mumbled.
"I did no such thing." she growled. "I destroyed a factory polluting the river, killing off innocent people! I help all who need me. Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe and Air Nomads! What you do is disgraceful! Who is it who killed the five year old child!"
A quiet sob came from the back. "I...I did." A woman cried. "I never wanted to!"
"Sil! Shut up!" a man to her right growled.
Katara froze everyone to the ground except the man and woman. She brought them to their feet in front of her. "The life of an innocent child was taken because of your foolishness! Do you repent?"
The woman broke down into hysterics. "Yes! She was my son's friend." she blubbered.
"Sil! Shut up!" the man growled.
Katara snapped her head to gaze at the man. She watched him recoil as he caught sight of her bright eyes. "You will lose something dear to you very soon. You refuse to repent, I am taking something you love like you took from that family."
The man felt hot tears sting his eyes. "Please, not my son."
Katara forced them back to their knees and froze them. "Who poisoned the nobleman today?"
"I DID! And I'd do it again!" a snide remark came from her left. A girl about her age was smiling.
Katara twisted her hands so the girl writhed in pain as she was pulled to her feet. Everyone around them cringed at her screams. When the girl was done screaming she was facing Katara.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Katara cooed. "To feel your insides destroying themselves. To feel your blood running backwards. That's what he felt when the poison went through his blood. That's what that five year old child felt as she cried out to her mother to make it stop!" she said dangerously. Doing the same to everyone in the room as she had done to the girl.
The screams and cries could be heard the whole way to the inn. Zuko woke with a start and rolled out of bed rubbing sleep from his eyes. He glanced out the window to see what was going on. He saw many people at their windows and a man standing outside the inn staring down the street.
Zuko grabbed his shoes. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." came a voice from the shadows.
He spun. "Why not? She could be in trouble!"
The woman lit a candle. "She is the painted lady. She is bringing justice to those who destroyed many lives. If you interfere I have a feeling you will receive the same."
He growled. "I won't interfere! I just want to make sure she's safe." He grabbed his blue spirit mask and crawled out the window. The woman sighed as she started her letter again.
Zuko stared down into the diner through the sky lights and cringed at the screams. He saw a figure covered in mist hovering a few feet above everyone else writhing on the floor.
"Your judgment is passed. You will repent or lose something you hold dear." came a powerful voice. She called the mist to her and as she did, the ice melted away from each person. "I will be watching you."
Zuko watched as she dropped something from her sleeve and the room filled with smoke and wind. She crawled back out of the sky light and dropped another contraption down. A blast of fire shot out of the sky light and she dropped a large red crystal through the dying flames.
He heard gasps and sobs inside as they realized this was a true spirit they had angered. She turned her tired eyes to him, catching him off guard.
"Take me home Blue Spirit. I'll deal with you in the morning." she passed out with her last word. He scooped her up and ran along the roof tops and slipped into the room unnoticed.
"I see it was a good thing I didn't stop you then, Prince Zuko." the woman smiled.
"I am no Prince." He said quietly as he lay Katara down and went to the bathroom for water. "I am just a lost soul." He pulled off his mask as he bent down to wipe the paint from her face. "Crazy, stubborn, brilliant water bender!" He choked out as he wiped the last of it away.
The woman put her hand on his shoulder. "We're all lost son." she muttered. "Get some rest."
He pulled the heavy cloak away from her and and packed it away with her hat before crawling into bed. He sat propped up on his elbow staring at her in admiration. 'Shin Lae was right, you know.' he whispered before falling asleep.
Morning came all to soon for the young benders. But the knock on the door was persistent, and Zuko rolled out of bed angrily.
"What?" He snapped opening the door a crack. "My wife is asleep!"
"Oh," the young woman who gave them the room blushed. "I was checking if you wanted breakfast."
Zuko glanced back at the sleeping Katara. "I'll be down..."
"No no! I already have it here." she smiled. "My grandmother made it. She said you had allergies to something you ate yesterday." She tried to push the door open more, but Zuko held firm.
"Just... leave it in the hall please." He glanced over his shoulder again. "I'll get it once you leave."
The girl had a look of understanding on her face as she blushed brightly. "I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't even... yes of course."
Zuko stared after her in confusion. "Odd." he said as he pulled the food cart in.
"What's odd?" Katara yawned.
"That girl. I told her I'd get the cart once she left and she got all weird and blushed." He shook his head as he lifted the lids off the platters. Katara started to giggle, causing him to look up. "What?"
She took a deep breath. "Did you answer the door like that?" she snickered.
He looked down at his bare chest and loose pants and blushed. "Yeah, why? I checked to make sure you were covered while she was there in case she tried to peek in."
Katara burst out laughing. "Zuuuko." she smiled getting up to look at the food. "She thought I was naked."
He stared at her and felt a blush creep onto his face. He would never figure this girl out. One minute she was trying to rip him to pieces, and the next she was giggling like a ninny. Why would she be naked... he had to stop himself from thinking further along the lines to stop the images.
"But why?" he said picking up a plate and sitting on the bed next to her.
She stopped halfway to her mouth. "Are you kidding me? Surely you've had girlfriends." she bit into the piece of mango.
He frowned. "I've had one. I still..."
Her face lit up. "Who?"
He watched her closely. "Mai..."
Katara's face grew dark and she turned back to her meal. "The girl thought we had sex Zuko." she said with no emotion. "Do you like papaya?"
He sighed. "Yes. Do you like mangoes?" he grimaced at her change of subject. 'Back to square one again.'
"Yes, I'll trade you for your mangoes." she said pushing the greenish fruit onto his plate and taking his mangoes squares. "What are these red things?"
He looked up. "Strawberries. Wait a damn minute." he snapped causing her to freeze. "Why did she think that?"
She stared at him in shock. "Didn't you ever get the talk?" when he frowned she bit her lip. "I can't give it to you. It's ... given to you by a family member. Sokka gave me mine." she blushed furiously. She slapped her forehead and dug out the letter he'd sent.
Zuko was confused. What was 'the talk' she mentioned? Had his uncle given it to him and he didn't listen? He knew about sex, of course, but what made that girl think... oh. He blushed. He glanced over at the insane water bender to find her crying.
"What's wrong?" he said setting his plate down and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
She dropped the letter and ran to the bathroom, locking herself in. He didn't want to be nosy, but if she wouldn't talk. He stared at the writing, unable to read it. She walked out as he was placing it on the nightstand.
"Could you read it?" she sniffed and when he shook his head she grabbed it. "Dear Kata, I'm glad you're making a difference. I've come to realize you're not a little girl anymore. It hurts what you did, but I love you. Here is something to remember me by while you're away. Use it well. With all my love, Sokka. P.S. Tell Zuko no touching!" She sniffed a little as she picked up the package, but handed it to Zuko. "You open it."
"Are you sure?" he raised an eyebrow and opened it when she nodded. "Fans? And..."
Her eyes grew wide. "No! I can't believe he'd separate with these!" she grabbed the robes and armor running into the bathroom again.
He waited patiently until she came back out. "I know those robes! I... I burnt down their village." he said shamefully.
She smiled sadly. "It was rebuilt, and looks better. Want to see how they move?" he nodded and she went through all the stances she'd watched Sokka doing. "Sokka's much better. These will come in handy." she smirked.
"It looked like you were dancing." he said in awe. "I thought the Kyoshi Warriors were women?"
She giggled. "They are. Sokka begged them to teach him after they kicked his butt. Now he goes around learning as many fighting techniques as possible. He even worked bending stances in to throw people off."
Zuko was astonished to hear this. "I should give him more credit. I always though he was an idiotic oaf." he said apologetically.
She smirked. "Oh, he is. That is, he wants people to think that." She said slipping out of the Kyoshi armor. "Actually, he's extremely intelligent. We met up with an inventor, and spent so much time helping to invent a way to find a gas leak. And of course, he helped design the war balloons that the fire nation almost got."
"Wait. You're brother invented those! What do you mean almost?" he gaped.
She frowned. "They have them?"
"War Minister Chin found a wrecked one and brought it back. They only have maybe twenty."
She paled. "Oh no. I need to get word to Sokka." She sat down at the vanity quickly and started putting on her makeup. "Could you pick me out a dress. I have a new set of robes for you as well."
He turned away from her worried expression as he dug through the bags. He pulled out a red dress trimmed in black, and found his robes to match them. He went up behind her as she was applying her make up and started brushing through the long curls.
"What..." she froze.
"I'm helping you out. Believe it or I used to re-braid Ty Lee and Mai's hair when Azula got mad at them and ripped out their ribbons." he smiled sadly.
Katara glance up at him in the mirror. "Did you love her? Mai I mean."
He twisted her hair into a tight fire nation bun. "I thought I did." He sighed. "She's too corrupted though. What Azula says, she does. I should have known better. I always knew Ty Lee would be the one to break away from her."
Katara sat still as he put clips in her hair, before leaning forward to put on her eye makeup. "What if Mai breaks away from Azula? Would you take her back?"
He stared pulling on his robes and poked his head out of the bathroom. "No." was all he said before disappearing again.
"Why not? She's fire nation, and she's not a peasant." Katara said applying her lip paint.
He walked out of the bathroom messing with his buttons. "She wouldn't make a good fire lady. No fire nation woman would anymore. They're all too submissive." he growled and gave up on the buttons. "Please." he pouted to her.
She smirked and walked over to fix the buttons. "There you are Fire Lord Zuko."
He smacked her lightly on the cheek. "Stop, or I'll call you Princess Katara!" he smirked evilly. "I wonder how the town liked their visitor last night." She blushed, Sokka and the war balloons forgotten. Chances are, the White lotus knew already.
A/N: I'd like to know if it's worth putting anymore chapters up. Could someone let me know if the story is any good or not? I know I changed how Katara really is in the seasons, but I wanted to see how she would be with an attitude. Let me know please.