Book 4 Air

Chapter 13 Awkward

Entering into the huge room decorated with curtains covered with different shades of red and golden rims along the walls. Katara sighed, grateful for finally getting away from those crowds of people. Katara and Zuko stood there in the room. Lost in their own thoughts. Katara sighed; she felt the awkwardness shift into an uncomfortable silence. She turned her head and looked at the Fire Lord.

"Um…" Katara wanted to ask him how he felt about all this. However, she simply couldn't bring herself to ask him. She, oddly enough, was somewhat afraid of the answer.

Zuko seemed to be thinking deeply. Katara's eyes then drifted to the side as she saw dim lights that flickered along the center of the table. The candle wax slowly melting over the edge as it carried a faint scent of orchids. She rubbed her arm lightly, thinking of what she can say.

Before she could respond a loud knock on the door interrupted her. The two teens turned their heads to the sound.


Her golden eyes slowly narrowed as she watched the green scenery below. Shifting downward Mai's eyes looked at the stone floors beneath her feet. Distinguishing the different textures along the marble ground. She was bored as usual, yet something inside her ached. Her emotions flooded with sadness and anger, as she clenched her heart. It's been nearly two days since she left the Fire Nation, now living in an Earth Kingdom village far away from home.

'I guess it's for the best…' Mai thought as she brushed her fingers along the dining table made of oak wood and scraps of bent metal.

The girl narrowed her eyes recalling that night.

"Mai…" Zuko said, his voice laced with guilt and bitterness.

"It's alright…It was bound to happen…Besides…You're doing this to save your country." Mai said stoically.

Zuko's eyes widen, remembering their last serious talk during the escape from the Boiling Rock prison.

"And…Even now I still don't want to hurt you, you must know that…" Zuko said with empathy as he took his girlfriend's hand.

Mai looked up at him, her eyes glistened softly. "I know Zuko…That's why it's probably best it should end this way…For the both of us…" Mai said as she pulled away, distancing herself from Zuko.

Zuko gripped his hand into a fist, "Why! Why are you so distant? I mean don't you even care? It feels like we just got back to together only to be torn away once more?!" Zuko exclaimed as he nearly pulled his hair out.

"Zuko, I'm just trying to be realistic here…My family's history was not a loyal one…Who knows, what if I was scheming with Azula?" Mai said sarcastically.

"How can you joke at a time like this?" Zuko cried out.

Mai's lips curved into a small sad smile, "I guess being more "joyful" isn't my style uh?" Mai said in a hopeless tone.

"Mai…" Zuko said dearly.

The two stared into each other's eyes. Glistening in both love and sadness. They were not destined to be together...There was nothing they could do to change it, the decision was final. It was law.

"We probably wouldn't have worked out anyway." Mai said slightly mused, trying to control her own emotions.

"What?" Zuko cried out, as his lips thinned against his mouth and his eyes stared into her golden orbs searching for false truth.

"Zuko, do you really think your father would have wanted you to be with me? I was a mere tool to distract you from his true intentions…When it came down to it you would have been in an arranged marriage anyways…It wouldn't have been to me either way..." Mai said honestly.

"You don't know that." Zuko said with a frown.

"I don't…but it feels easier to think that way." Mai responded softly.

The Fire Lord's eyes soften as he walked over and cupped Mai's cheek, leaning in her kissed her lightly. She didn't react to his tender touch. She tensed, trying so hard to hold back her feelings-so in the end it would be easier to let go.

'I can't get hurt again…I won't…'

Small droplets hit the table as Mai stood in shock of the tears that flowed down her face. Lightly touching the wetness against her cheeks. She never once thought she would cry, at least over something so stupid. Yes…'stupid'…Her feelings were stupid; her love for Zuko was stupid. A mere childhood crush forever meant to be just that. Even if, she experienced more than she could have ever have hoped for…She will never forget him…Her perfect prince. Her Zuko…


"Fire Lord Zuko?" called out a young guard as he entered the room.

Looking over he saw Zuko along with Katara.

"Ah, it seems you've already acquaint the waterbender." The young guard said, unaware of their previous encounters.

"Yes, is there something that you acquire with Miss Katara?" Zuko asked purposely correcting the guard's mistake in formal titles.

"Ah, yes…The councils-wish to see the water- er…I mean Miss Katara at the Inn." The guard said as he caught his error bowing with apologizes.

"Very well…Katara you remember Ember's Island correct?" Zuko asked the waterbender.

"Yes." Katara said quickly.

"Well near my families old summer home, there is an Inn where the councils live. They will be giving you the proper tasks." Zuko said as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"Tasks?" Katara questioned.

"Yes, they wish to meet you now." The guard said as he bowed again.

Zuko walked over to Katara, he placed his hands over her shoulders. "You'll do fine…" Zuko said in a soft whisper as he then pulled away.

"Take Miss Katara, Kaun. I will return to my chambers for the night." Zuko said as he started to leave the room.

Katara turned to Zuko confused and unsure. "Zu-

"Come on Miss Katara. You don't want to keep the councils waiting…" Kaun said as he hastily moved Katara to the carriage waiting outside.

'Zuko…' Katara thought as she looked back.


Yay...I finally updated.

I figure everyone was wondering what happened to Mai. And to make some things clear she had to leave the Fire Nation in order from facing any unfortunate punishments due to her disloyalies to both the saftey of the people and country. Zuko did the final act of love by saving her. Aww...ehhh… (Cough-cough) Honestly I do not like the Maiko pairing. Mai's too boring, but then again she does have feelings and emotions she just doesn't show them due to her personal family issues and such... (quote: The Beach: quote) So yea…I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Just wait for what Li and Lo have in store for Katara!