Chapter six:
Please wake up, Azula!
Azula was brought into the inn's infirmary and placed gently on the bed. Her blood stained the white sheets an angry scarlet and seeped through her clothing. "This is bad, really, really bad." Katara said, using her healing abilities to run her hands over the deep wound. Azula wasn't even conscious, she was completely knocked out.
The good thing was that she was still breathing, even if her breaths came in shallow and pained. Ty Lee stood by, hands clasped over her mouth. "Will she be okay?" "I don't know yet, the wounds are deep." "Wait, she has more than one wound?" "Yes, all in one area though." "Oh…" conversation was scarce and made things even more worrisome. "I'm going to message…no, I can't." Aang began, but remembered Zuko. "We can't send a letter to Ursa, right?" Aang shook his head sadly. "Come on Ty Lee, let's leave Katara and Azula." Ty Lee nodded, sad to go but knew it was for the best.
A whole afternoon passed and Azula's wounds were looking somewhat better. Katara would work on healing them each day until Azula was healthy enough to travel long distances. Azula slept soundly on the bed, her head was propped up slightly on two pillows. The moon shone brightly against the pitch black sky, littered by white hot flares of energy. The door to the infirmary opened enough for a slim girl to fit in and Ty Lee poked her head in, quickly sighting the sleeping 18 year old.
Ty Lee quietly and swiftly made her way to the side of Azula's bed, staring down at the peaceful expression on the porcelain skin. Ty Lee lightly sat on the bed, avoiding sitting on Azula she gently eased herself so that she was laying next to her. Ty Lee draped an arm over Azula's slim waist, carefully avoiding the bandaged area and snuggled a little closer, so close she could hear the steady rhythm of the older girls' heart. With this steady beat, Ty Lee drifted off into a heavy sleep.
Fire Nation Palace:
"What do you mean you 'couldn't catch her'?" Zuko demanded, turning to face the messenger guard. "Well, my lord, another person helped her…a waterbender…" "What do you mean a waterbender helped my sister? What did she look like?" Katara Zuko thought. "She was wearing blue and had dark skin, dark brown hair, and piercing blue eyes…and a necklace." "Ah, so it is her then…" "What my lord?" "Nothing!" Zuko snapped back. "Get out of here now! And if you fail one more time, your life is on the line!"
Secluded Fire Nation village:
Dawn broke the serenity of the early morning hours. Azula still hadn't woken yet and Katara found Ty Lee sleeping with her when she came for her daily healing session. Katara began unwrapping Azula's old bandages while running her water gloved hands over the wounds. Azula flinched at the contact and slowly opened her eyes.
"Katara…that hurts…"
"Azula! You're awake!" Katara exclaimed, breaking her water glove and subconsciously hugging the injured girl. Azula blushed when she realized she was only half clothed. "U-uh, Katara…you're on me…" Azula began, stuttering. Katara realized that she was practically straddling Azula. "Oh, uh…sorry, so sorry about that…I didn't realize…" Katara blushed as well, releasing Azula. "Right, well…I'll just finish changing your bandages and be on my way…" Katara began wrapping Azula's torso. "So…uh…we'll be here for a while then…"
"Yeah, your wounds are better though."
"Thanks to you, that is."
"Yeah, your welcome."
The awkward silence continued until Katara left the room, leaving Azula alone. What made me so…flustered? I certainly don't like her that way…do I? I know I did about Ty Lee…but her? Azula was deep in thought, in an internal debate over whether or not she actually liked Katara in 'that way'.