A/N: Avatar and the characters created by it are in no way owned by me. Though, I'm prone to taking some artistic license with them, oops.
So, school sucks and I've been avoiding homework like the plague. As such, you have this chapter. Which could honestly use a little more work but I was stuck on the end of this for probably three weeks, so I'm leaving it as is. And it's 4,000 words.
I'm not going to apologize for it. But, take note, it's not as exciting as I'd hoped.
Every morning since I'd been freed from the iceberg, I'd made a point to remind myself what I was thankful for. Waking up after 100 years of sleep, missing all that I had, left me in a dark place and it was a way for me to cope. Early on, I was thankful to be alive and thankful that Appa was safe. and I was thankful for the water tribe's generosity. Later, I was thankful for the White Lotus and their hand in maintaining a semblance of peace in my absence. When peace finally came, I was thankful for that. There were a lot of things I've been thankful for and I've reminded myself of all of them in the moments between sleep and consciousness in the early morning.
This morning, as sleep slowly left me and I attempted to blow through the list, the only thing I could think to be thankful for was the mess of brown hair that rested under my chin, the tan arms wrapped around my middle, and the warm breath meeting my chest as Katara slept nestled in the shelter of my arms.
We'd fallen asleep with our hands intertwined and woke with our limbs intertwined, I couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped, making her shift against me, groaning irritably. As much as I wanted to stay, I was supposed to meet Zuko for a morning spar, he'd said last night he wanted to discuss something with me privately. Though, given how early it was and how late he and Mai slipped into the gardens, for some reason I doubted he was awake yet.
Unfortunately, just as I made the decision to stay in bed, the door swung open, Azula standing in the door way with an apple in her mouth. "Do you—" she spotted Katara and sighed. "Do you two have any idea what time it is? The party starts in seven hours and you're still in bed? Zuko's waiting for you, Aang." She crossed the room, snatching my clothes from the chair they were folded on and threw them at me. "And you, Katara, were supposed to be up hours ago to eat breakfast with my mother and me."
Katara sat up, scowling. "No one informed me of that," she replied, standing slowly.
"Yes, well, if you'd made yourself more available, you'd have gotten a verbal message. Instead we left a letter on the table in your room. Since you're not sleeping in there, obviously you didn't see it." Azula rolled her eyes, turning away. "Come along, little water bender. There's much to do and you're already hours behind. I'll be back in ten minutes; I expect you to be ready."
She was gone just as quick as she came and Katara didn't look pleased. "She treats me like I'm the princess."
I laughed, shaking my head. "To an extent you are a princess." The words were out of my mouth before I could even think to stop them.
She tilted her head as she gathered up her clothes, raising a brow. "Oh?"
I cleared my throat. "Well, yeah, your dad is the chief of the Southern Water Tribe."
"Being the daughter of a chieftain does not make me a princess."
I knew that, but being the girlfriend of the Avatar made her a person of importance. But, I wasn't about to say that. I refused to assume she was, it'd barely been a week since we'd left the South, and I didn't expect her to jump from one relationship to another. So, I shrugged. "There's a princess in the North, I'm sure she assumed there was a princess in the South."
Katara's eyes narrowed slightly before she mimicked my shrug and crossed the hall to dress.
"Earth to Aang!" Zuko's fingers snapped in front of my face as my eyes refocused on the task at hand, which wasn't much. We'd finished sparring minutes ago and now sat in the grass, cross-legged, talking aimlessly, which is likely why I zoned out.
"What?" I shook my head, rubbing my eyes with one hand as I groaned. "Sorry."
"Thinking about Katara?" Zuko asked with a knowing grin. "I heard about the compromising situation Azula walked in on."
Compromising? What exactly was she saying? "You should have paid more attention when you and Mai ran into the garden last night, you might have noticed it was already occupied."
Zuko's grin reached wider, and he had a look of pride in his eye as he slapped me on my shoulder causing a red mark to appear on the skin almost immediately. "Look at you, finally behaving like the rest of us miscreants. Did you finish what you started in your room?"
It took several moments to register what he said and even longer to comprehend his meaning. A look of horror flashed across my face and I shook my head violently. "We did not, and I wouldn't tell you anyway. It'd be disrespectful to her to brag about it."
He let out a huff of a laugh, rolling his eyes. Fire Nation people were less conservative with their views on sex, and the nomadic lifestyle of the air benders seldom meant settling down and having a family, that why many of us were raised in the temples. Even then, we didn't discuss anything that pertained to sex. Spirits, we hardly learned anything about what happened to our bodies when we grew up. At least, I didn't think we did. I left before I'd mine began to change and therefore didn't have any questions that needed answering. Even still, I'd have figured it out, just as I had here.
"If you insist," he finally said. "Anyway, none of that matters. You still haven't given me an answer."
"To what?"
His hand collided with my shoulder again and I groaned, rubbing it gently. "You must be really rubbish at keeping the peace if you can't pay attention to a simple conversation," he snapped. "I asked you if you'd be my best man at my wedding."
Oops. No wonder he slapped me, I think I might have slapped me, too if I'd missed something as big as that. "Of course," I replied with a smile. "I'd be happy to be there, Zuko. Are you asking anyone else?"
He nodded. "Lu Ten is going to share the role with you, just like Azula and Ty Lee are sharing the role of Maid of Honor."
Iroh's son acted as role model to Zuko from a young age, though he wasn't around much anymore since he'd taken the role as ambassador to the Northern Water Tribe. "Too bad he's missing your engagement party," I sighed, lying back into the grass.
With a small nod Zuko laid back, too "It is, but he'll be here for the important part. Father suspects they'll be home in a little over a week, Uncle Iroh is eager to see him, it's been nearly a year and a half since he last visited."
Journeying to either of the poles was no easy task, but it wasn't impossible. A year and a half seemed like a large gap, even for that distance. I bit down on my cheek as I contemplated this information, and what it could possibly mean. "Really? Why so long?"
The prince shrugged. "He says he's too busy. Father's call to action is the only time he's been given no other choi…" He flipped onto his stomach, glaring at me. "You suspect something, don't you?"
"What?" I practically sprang upright. "No!"
He tilted his head, eyes still narrowed.
Letting out an exasperated breath, I relented. "I think something about that seems strange, alright? Traveling that far only takes a week or so, taking a month out of the year to travel and see his family shouldn't be that difficult, especially if the north is being secretive! I doubt they had much to share with him or for him to act like a diplomat, so I don't see why he had to stay away."
He flattened out on the grass, closing his eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly, keeping his temper in check with each breath. "I'm sure there was a reason, Aang."
"Maybe, but it still doesn't seem right."
Zuko's shoulders sagged, and he stood up. "I need to get ready, Aang. I'll see you tonight."
"Zuko…"
He held up a hand, waving me off. "It's fine, Aang. I understand why you're concerned. Katara was threatened yesterday, and you're worried. You'll jump to any conclusion trying to find a way to protect her, as I would for Mai."
He was right. I was digging for someone to blame for all of this; yesterday it was Azula, today it was Lu Ten. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend."
Zuko's hand braced my shoulder, a small smile on his face. "Don't worry about it, Aang. We'll find the spy and deal with them, you know how Azula is. Once she's set to a task there is no force in the world that will stop her."
The thought should have comforted me. But, for some reason, it left an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I knew she was capable, but I was so turned around that I didn't know who I could trust anymore.
That night, Zuko and I stood with his parents just behind the doors leading to the courtyard, waiting patiently for Mai, Azula, Ty Lee, and Katara to arrive before we stepped out as the royal family. My joining them was a formality, and while I'd have preferred to already be outside, I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't skip a beat when Katara came into the room, looking as amazing as she always does, perhaps even more.
Her dress was water tribe colors; a feat I didn't think they were going to be able to accomplish in so little time. The sleeveless top stopped about an inch above her navel and her skirt rested snug on her hips, hugging their curve and billowing out as the fabric traveled down her thighs. Her waist was decorated with a gold chain that dangled down the front of her skirt and various bracelets and cuffs adorned her arms. It was simple, as there wasn't time for intricacy, but she looked beautiful.
"Aang, close your mouth before we start aiming fire flakes for it," Azula laughed, pushing my jaw back into place as she passed, looking ever so satisfied with herself.
Katara's laugh filled the room, and the familiar warmth that filled my chest when she was near returned, rising up my neck and pooling into my cheeks. "You look beautiful, Katara," I managed, and she smiled, gently placing a hand on mine and whispering her thanks.
I wish I could say I remembered what happened next, but, truth be told, my eyes were fixated on Katara for most of the next few minutes. I was seated outside before I even realized what was happening, between Zuko and Katara at a long table hosting the wedding party and the rest of them royal family.
Dinner was served almost immediately, a vegetarian plate made for me, and Zuko and Ozai both made a toast toward the end, Zuko professing his devotion to Mai and announcing the date of the wedding as well as the wedding party. Ozai's speech was much more moving.
Silence fell as he stood, always a dominating presence. He cleared his throat, holding up a goblet of wine in his hand as he looked to his son. "My people," he began, "Today marks the beginning of the end of my rule. My son, Prince Zuko, has, finally, chosen a bride after several years of giving chase," he chuckled, pausing as he once again gazed upon the couple. "Zuko, in Mai, you have found what I found in your mother many years ago. You've found love and compassion, honesty and trust. I believe you two are a wonderful match and in the future you'll make wonderful parents. But, as with any relationship, there will be hard times in which you are faced with choices you never saw coming. As long as you make them together, I promise, you will live a long and prosperous life leading the Fire Nation. I could not be happier for you, my son. You've made me, so proud."
Zuko's eyes shined, perhaps with tears. "Thank you, Father."
Ozai's smile widened. "To Mai and Zuko," he boomed.
The guests echoed his claim and man downed their cup in one gulp. Meanwhile, I took a small slip and cringed at the bitterness. Alcohol was never a drink I drank liberally, always small sips here and there, dumping it in potted plants as stealthily as I could. Once, when I was here to master firebending, Azula had managed to convince me to try more than I am willing to admit. The next morning, I awoke in the garden with a throbbing headache and lacking a shirt. I hadn't remembered anything from the night before and I swore it would never happen again.
"Who is that, Aang?" Katara asked a short while later, pointing to a man that was approaching the table. His smile looked pleasing but his eyes looked calculative, leaving an unsettling feeling in my stomach as he leaned against the table, one hand on his hip.
"I hear congratulations are in order…"
My eyes narrowed, instinct taking over. Not only were his words disrespectful, but the way he carried himself among the royal family was not that of a respectful subject, but of someone who thought himself superior.
"Admiral Zhao!" Ozai exclaimed, oblivious to any form of disrespect being silently displayed. I found it odd, the Fire Nation people firmly believed in showing respect to their leaders and Ozai would quell such insolence instantly. Why didn't he now? "What a surprise! Aren't you stationed in the Earth Kingdom?"
If possible, my eyes narrowed even more. The Fire Nation was sent to help rebuild the Earth Kingdom under strict supervision and that was nearly ten years ago. Zhao and other fire nation people should have been long gone from the continent and the colonies.
Zhao smiled. "I'm on leave, King Kuei sends his regards, however. He's very pleased with the reconstructions efforts you're having my division help with along the Serpent's Pass. It's much safer now that we've been patrolling the waters. The sea serpent might be finally dealt away with."
Serpant's Pass was a deadly lake used by refugees during the war to get into Ba Sing Se, now it was hardly used to get to the city, since it was considered to be too dangerous to warrant continuous passages. There were other ways into the city now that the Fire Nation wasn't feebly attempting to lay siege to it. Why was were firebenders patrolling the waters? And, why were they hunting the sea serpent? Didn't they know the potential catastrophe that could result?! It protected the waters just outside the city, for all they knew it was spirit stuff!
"Wonderful," Ozai replied, gesturing me over. I slowly joined them, the unease in my stomach hardly settling. "Zhao, this is Avatar Aang. I'm sure he'd be most interested in what you have to say about your progress in the Earth Kingdom."
I smiled politely, bowing in greeting with my hands folded before me. "It's an honor to meet you, Admiral." I straightened, certain my eye was twitching as I held his gaze. He didn't return the formal gesture, merely staring at me, his eyes calculating.
Slowly, his eyes shifted to Katara, who had followed me to the Fire Lord's side. "It's a pleasure to meet the Avatar and his girlfriend. I trust you are enjoying your stay?"
Ozai's interest in the conversation dissipated as Ursa whispered in his ear, slowly tugging him away and toward the dance floor.
I nodded, my chest tightening as we were left alone with the admiral. "I've always enjoyed myself in the Fire Nation, Fire Lord Ozai and his family have always made me feel welcome."
Katara's smile never wavered. "They've been very generous to us, and I am enjoying my time spent with the family."
"Really?" Zhao inquired, leaning a little closer. "I heard you had a rather frightening day yesterday."
Her smiled turned taught, and her grip on my arm tightened. "Surprising, maybe," she replied, a challenge in her voice. "But I'll not be frightened by a coward who can't send his threats in person."
"I see." He shifted in his stance, purposefully attempting to tower of Katara. "Is that why you stayed with him last night?"
I forced myself between them, my chest a mere inch from his. "How Katara and I spend our nights is none of your business, Zhao. You are out of line."
He took a step back, his face as neutral as ever. "My apologies, Avatar; I meant no offense." Neither of us replied, although I did note that his apology wasn't directed at Katara. "Enjoy your evening," he added as he stepped away, disappearing into the sea of tables to socialize with other guests.
Katara leaned against my back, her cheek resting against my shoulder blade as her hand found mine and her other slipped around my waist. "Aang…you don't think…"
Zhao's words were a threat, that much I knew. His knowledge of what happened last night was meant to unsettle, and, if I was honest, it was unsettling. But I wasn't going to let that stop myself and Katara from enjoying this night. Too many things had been happening the last few years for it to be marred by his intimidation tactics.
With a sigh, I turned to face her, meeting her worried blue eyes as they looked up at me. Despite the blatant worry, her eyes still looked at determined as ever. "We'll worry about it later, Katara. Let's enjoy ourselves for now. Maybe even try some of that wine Azula's been hoarding..."
A few hours—and at least three glasses of wine—later, Ursa, Ozai, and many of the older guests had retired for the evening, meaning the music had picked up its pace, and the younger guests were spinning around the dance floor, either by themselves, in a group, or with a partner. Zuko and Mai were in the center, twisting around each other and leading the traditional Fire Nation dances as they were done, though, as the night wore on and more of the parents slipped away, formality was tossed aside and the lewder behavior commenced, chaos reining under the full moon.
Katara ebbed on the side of the dance floor as the night began, her eyes finding to the admiral as he drifted through the guests. Despite the Fire Lord and Lady retiring, he remained, a constant presence that made the water bender uneasy, even with the amount of wine coursing through her veins. She seemed hardly affected by it, meanwhile I was feeling slightly disoriented, enough to know that I wasn't sober anymore but I wasn't quite drunk yet.
Still, it was enough to let loose.
Zhao finally left, and Katara moved to follow him through the maze of tables. With a frown, I escaped my place on the dance floor beside Azula and Ty Lee and followed after her, grabbing her wrist as soon as I neared. "Katara, no."
"Let go of me, Aang." She tugged but her wrist was firmly secured in my grip. I wasn't going to let her do something foolish.
I shook my head. "What are you doing? Following him?" She said nothing, so I assumed that was her plan. "And then what? What if he led you into a trap? You're barely learning how to defend yourself with water bending, you can't take on a fire bending master. You'll get hurt, or worse."
She sighed, glancing in Zhao's direction before finally nodding, and letting me lead her back to the festivities.
"Thank you," I breathed, my shoulders relaxing as I gently tugged her back toward the party.
She let me pull her onto the dance floor, swaying slightly, though her attention was still on the direction Zhao had left. With a sigh, I lifted her chin. "Katara," I exhaled, my thumb tracing gently along her skin. "We'll worry about it later. Take a break for now, have fun. Enjoy yourself."
She shook her head. "I don't think I can, Aang. I'm sorry, I think I'm going to go to bed." She pulled away and pushed past me, and even in my slightly hazy state, I knew better than to leave her be. I didn't think for a moment that she'd stay out of trouble.
So, naturally, I followed her. Much to her irritation.
"I don't need a babysitter, Aang," she snapped as she stormed into the palace. "Go, have fun with your friends. I won't stop you."
"Katara…"
"No! Aang," she cried, coming to a sudden halt and turning toward me. "You heard what he said. He knows something. He could be working with the North!"
"Or he could have an informant in the castle." My hands found hers, and my thumbs stroked the rough, weathered skin they found. "We don't know, sweetheart. And you told Ozai you wouldn't investigate."
Her fierce eyes softened briefly before the fire returned. "I know, I said I wouldn't. But I'm telling Azula about him first thing tomorrow, and then I'm offering my help."
I sighed, slowly nodding. "If you think that's what's best, fine. But, please, Katara, don't do anything that's going to get you hurt. If you attack Zhao, the Ozai is going to be obligated by his people to hold you accountable, and that'll lead to an all out war between the Southern tribe and the Fire Nation. We're playing a game of politics now, Katara. Each move needs to be calculated and well thought out. Not something made on an impulse!" Id tried to remain calm, I really had. But her recklessness was eating at me. This wasn't like her at all.
My words were met with silence, and her gaze drifted toward a window overlooking the courtyard. She slowly moved toward it, leaning against the frame as her arms crossed over her middle. "Maybe I was being impulsive," she finally murmured. "Following him would have gotten me in trouble, you're right about that. But I can't do nothing."
Below us, music filled the courtyard and party guests could be seen engaging in all kinds of behavior, Azula and Ty Lee were sneaking off and Zuko and Mai were still in the middle of the dance floor. Each couple was oblivious to our absence.
Hurried footsteps interrupted my response and a servant sped into the hall. "Avatar Aang," she gasped, out of breath. "Your presence is requested in the throne room immediately."
I frowned. "Why?"
"A visitor from the Water Nation has arrived."
"Sokka?" Katara gasped.
The servant shook her head. "No, Sangok of the Northern Water Tribe,"
What?
I swallowed and nodded. "I'll be there shortly," I replied and the woman took her leave.
"Aang," Katara's hand gripped my forearm. "If they're already here, what does that mean for Sokka?"
DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUN. On that note, I have quite the treat for you next chapter!
Reviews are like Snickers Ice Cream bars after an awful midterm.
xoxo,
Em
