Book 4 Air
Chapter 11 Chosen
As the crowd became more impatient, Aang noticed someone on the balcony. It was Katara's father talking to Zuko.
"Hey Katara isn't that your father?" Aang asked at he pointed.
Katara looked up, "Yea, it is…" Katara said in wonder.
"What do you think he's saying?" Suki questioned.
"He's probably giving Zuko some tips for the ladies." Sokka said with a sly-ish smirk.
Suki rolled her eyes, "As if…" Suki said as she crossed her arms.
Katara was concerned. She continued to stare, trying to read his father's lips and Zuko's facial expressions. In the slightly moment, the Lord's eyes widen at what seemed to be disbelief.
'What's going on?' Katara wondered as the sudden sound of drums echoed on the stage. The crowd grew excited, hoping for the ceremony to finally start. Then Hakoda left the balcony, entering in through the red curtains. Katara's eyes brow firmed downward as she made up her mind.
"I'm going to find dad." Katara said.
"What?" Sokka asked.
"Katara wait!" Aang called out as Katara pushed through the people.
'What if something happened…I need to know.' Thought Katara as she exited out of the crowd and ran up to the main door into the theater room. Rushing in she bumped into her father.
"Katara…" Hakoda said in a light surprise.
"Dad…What did you tell Zuko?" Katara frantically asked as she clenched her heart.
"Well, I was planning on talking to you before I say anything about what I've told Zuko." Hakoda said as he scratched the back of his head.
"What?" Katara said in an almost confused tone.
"Come with me Katara…" Hakoda said as he placed his hand on his daughter's back and lead her to a small lounge area to sit down.
Once they were seated, Hakoda gave his daughter a serious look. "Katara, let me ask you something…How far would you go to bring peace to our world?" The Water Tribe Chief asked.
"I would do anything…" Katara said honestly and quickly, she then paused as her eyes narrowed sadly. "Although it is Aang's job...Lately I've felt like I've been nothing but a burden to everyone…" the waterbender said as she lowered her head.
Hakoda rested his hands on Katara's shoulders, "You are not a burden, you are a blessing." Hakoda said.
Katara looked up at her father and smiled lightly.
"The reason I asked you such a question is that I've received news…News that can be an opportunity for you to take charge and full-fill your dreams. And to help bring peace to the world." Hakoda said with a firm voice.
"And what is it? What news, Dad?" asked Katara.
"Turns out, you have a hidden royal bloodline within you Katara. From your grandmother's side. She was the Northern Water Tribe Princess." Hakoda said with a faint smile.
"Wha…What! Are you serious?" Katara said stunned.
"Yes…and there is something else. And I couldn't refuse their decision." Hakoda said as he tried to think of the right words to say.
"You are to marry the Fire Lord to restore order between the nations. Doing so may also have the Earth Kingdom respond in a more positive manner. If knowing our two nations can find peace." Hakoda said calmly.
Katara was in shock, as if knowing she had royal blood in her was surprising enough, but now she'll have to marry Zuko!?
"No! I won't! I can't! Why can't Zuko marry one of the girls from the Maiden-Match Ceremony? That's why they're there right? Or was it all show?" Katara said flustered and angry.
"Listen Katara…You have to, for the sake of your people and Fire Lord Zuko's. The Earth Kingdom's general has said that the rebellion could start a new war…We are desperate to find any solution..." Hakoda said as he pleaded with his daughter.
"But you said it may affect the Earth Kingdom in a good way…What if it doesn't? What point will it prove to marry him?" Katara said as her cheeks tinted red with anger.
"Katara…" a soft raspy voice called out.
The waterbender turned her head, it was her grandmother. Kanna sat next to Katara and took her grand-daughter's hand lightly holding it.
"We understand this may be confusing and shocking for you. But unfortunately you don't have a choice." Kanna said as her words laced with wisdom.
"But…Gran-Gran…If I marry Zuko…I'll have to bare his children…He's…He's my friend it would be just too weird." Katara said, begging not to do this.
"And you won't have too…" Kanna said with a light smile.
"Uh? What do you mean?" Katara questioned.
"We've thought of a plan, if you can hold off the 'wedding night' for as long as possible." Hakoda said.
"And in the mean time, Fire Lord Zuko can easily talk to the generals into authorizing the peace treaty. Thus gain back any necessary feedback." Kanna continued.
"You both can then sign against the marriage." Hakoda finished.
"You mean…divorce Zuko?" Katara said softly.
"Yes." Kanna said.
"But still….why me? Why not a nobleman's daughter or someone else?" Katara asked wanting a direct answer.
"A nobleman's daughter is the second choice when no other royal blood from either nation is represented." Kanna said.
"It would have been Princess Yue if not you." Hakoda said.
"You have been chosen, Katara…" Kanna said with a deep admiration in her voice.
Katara lightly pouted, she still didn't like the idea of marrying Zuko. It would be like cheating on Aang, which she didn't want to do.
Yet she had no choice. Even though she knew deep down she truly would do anything to help, it was part of her nature in doing so. She made up her mind.
"Alright…I'll do it…I'll marry the Fire Lord." Katara said as she looked at her father.
I hope this wasn't too confusing…Luckily I pleased everyone's inner Zutaraian fan girl-ness. Teehee…Anyways please review and tell me what you thought of this chapter. And stay tune for the next one-it will be a real blast!
