a/n So here is your belated Christmas Present! So sorry it's sooo late! Hopefully it was worth the wait… xD Thanks again for the reviews! Always appreciated!
This chapter is called "Thoughts" because there are a lot of internal comments made by both Zuko and Katara in this chapter. There is also quite a bit of POV changes too, so a tiny bit of sequence recapping. An appropriate amount though. This is also the showdown of Azula and Zuko so it's a very action packed chapter. Some of the dialog and the fight I describe was inspired from Sozin's Comet parts 3 and 4 ("Into the Inferno" & "Avatar Aang"). Hope you have as much fun reading as I did writing!
Chapter 20 ~Thoughts~
-Zuko-
The sky was a beautiful orange, but he couldn't really appreciate it. His mind was too busy thinking. Katara and he were flying off on Appa towards the heart of the Fire Nation and Azula. If his face looked half as worried and anxious as he felt, it was no wonder Katara noticed.
"Zuko, don't worry." She said, making him turn to look at her, "We can take Azula." He sighed.
"It's not her I'm worried about." He replied. It was still felt a little weird for him to volunteer his inner thoughts to other people, but it was getting easier with her. "I'm worried about Aang. What if he doesn't have the guts to take out my father? What if he loses?" Whatever bits of the world left would be chaos. Her smile weakened.
"Aang won't lose. He's going to come back. He has to." She looked off into the distance, as if hoping to see the airbender. He followed her gaze, hardly comforted.
They continued to fly in silence. He used to this time to also think about what would happen after today. After today, his father would be dead. After today, his sister would be dead. After today, his Katara might be de- he couldn't even think the words. No. he thought angrily. Katara would survive this day. Now he just had to hope he would too… The thoughts, however depressing, were the worst of the worst. He had to remind himself that some wonderful new things could also happen after today. After today, he would be Fire Lord. It almost surprised him how simple the idea was. Not long ago he was the disgraced banished prince, now he was almost the Fire Lord. After today, would begin the real work of getting the Fire Nation back in line. After today, he was going to ask Katara to marry him. He hadn't really been planning on it, but it suddenly seemed so obvious a thing to ask. She was it. She was the one. The only one he would ever want by his side and one of the few people that truly loved him. He smiled at these happy thoughts, imagining what kind of wedding she'd want and stuff. His smile faded when Appa lowered out of the clouds and the plaza was approaching.
He could see Azula walking out of the building and kneeling on the steps in front of the Sage.
"We're almost there!" he hollered back to Katara. She nodded enthusiastically, pulling water from her two pouches. They were now close enough that Zuko could hear the proceedings.
"By decree of Phoenix King Ozai, I now crown you Fire Lord..." The fire sage suddenly paused and looked up. Azula's face twisted into a snarl as she looked up at him.
"What are you waiting for? Do it!" she yelled. Just then, Appa growled while he landed in the courtyard.
"Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today." Zuko called as he jumped off Appa, "I am."
"You're hilarious." Azula laughed. It was a cold laugh, cruel. Katara jumped off Appa to stand by him. He appreciated the gesture and her strength, but it also worried him.
"And you're going down!" she yelled. There must be a way to keep her safe… he thought. The Fire Sage was about to place the crown on Azula, but she signaled him to stop.
"Wait." She said, "You want to be Fire Lord? Fine. Let's settle this. Just you and me, Brother. The showdown that was always meant to be. Agni Kai!" I accept.
"You're on." He agreed. Katara instantly turned her head to look at him. Before he even looked over, he knew she was surprised. He saw Azula grin before turning towards his love.
"What are you doing?" she hissed, "She's playing you. She knows she can't take us both, so she's trying to separate us." Very true.
"I know. But I can take her this time." And I can keep you safe. She looked far from comforted.
"But even you admitted to your uncle that you would need help facing Azula." I know, I know, but please, let me do this.
"There's something off about her. I can't explain it but she's slipping." And she was, but even if there wasn't he'd still duel her alone before risking his Katara's life. "And this way, no one else has to get hurt." He admitted his true reason quietly. She nodded, but he could tell she still didn't like the idea.
-Katara-
She didn't like it. She didn't like Zuko going up against Azula on his own. It didn't matter how good Zuko was (and she knew he was a master) he could still get hurt. Yet she had agreed. For one of the reasons she loved him, but now hated him, was his stubbornness. They only had a last moment before he entered the arena.
"Stay here," he pleaded in a whisper, hurriedly. His amber eyes were searching hers. She framed his dear face with her hands.
"I will." She said, nodding solemnly, "Be careful."
"Of course." He said dismissively. What? Didn't the big dummy get it?
"I mean it." She gave him the stern face she usually reserved for Sokka. Zuko smiled a shy smile he reserved for her. The smile even twinkled in his warm eyes.
"I know. I will." His voice was gruff. He didn't seem worried about his imminent showdown with his crazy sister. He put his arms around her waist, leaned in, and kissed her. She melted just a little in his safe strong arms. All too soon, they parted. It was time. With a nod, he started walking away.
"Zuko," she called after him, he paused, and turned back to look at her, "I love you, so much."
"I loved you too," he smiled, "so much."
"You'll come back to me?"
"Always." The pit in her stomach grew as he turned and walked through the arch into the arena.
-Zuko-
A part of him wanted to turn back, into her arms, but he didn't. He had to face Azula before he or anyone could be at peace. The traditions of Agni Kai were strict. He turned with his back towards Azula and knelt. With a sad sigh, he mourned the loss of his sister. The thing prepping on the other end of the arena was not his sister. Even as children, she was ruthless, cunning, and better than he was; however, there were a few happy memories. It was the girl she could have been that he mourned. He knew he could have turned out very differently, but luckily, he was banished. Strange, but the banishment was the best thing to ever happen to him. Uncle's words ghosted back to him, 'you have always followed your own path.'
It was time. He stood up and turned around. Azula did the same.
"I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother." She sneered insincerely.
"No you're not." he replied, assuming his stance. And you're not my sister, anymore. She grinned a twisted grin and took up a stance as well. With a spin, she sent a blast of blue fire at him. He took a deep breath, bringing up his arms. Effortlessly, too flames appeared in his hands and he sent them at Azula. He could feel the power of the comet, strengthening his bending. His wall of fire collided with hers. With a jet of fire, she leaped up, and kicked a torrent of fire from her feet during her spin.
In the choreographic chaos that ensued, rooftops and anything else caught in the flames was on fire. They were each issuing one blast of flame after another. He let out a slight grunt as her feral counterattack pushed his footing back a step. Not today. A powerful blaze streamed out from his fists, taking Azula by surprise. She stopped, abruptly. He stopped, watching her carefully. She glanced behind her to see the building in flames. Apparently, she rather liked the structure and leaped at him, swinging her flames. Pfft. Just before he was hit, he thrust out his palms, creating his own wall of fire that slices through down her fire. She landed in a crouch, panting and gritting her teeth. Her face twisted in a hateful glare. With two large fireballs, he tried to end it. He read the fear in her eyes before she dodged the massive blast by rocketing away. Blue flames curled around him, but he kept them away. She flew at him again, dodging his volleys. A blue ring encircled him, so he called up a shield of fire. She was getting desperate. He could tell. Otherwise, she would have stopped before flying into his attack. With a thud, she fell and groaned. Her hunched form radiated anger. A grin flashed across his face. When she looked up, her stray hair only added to her madness.
"No lightning today? What's the matter?" he yelled at her, assuming his lightning redirection stance. "Afraid I'll redirect it?" He couldn't help but taunt her. He was winning! She had nothing.
"Oh, I'll show you lightning!" she spat. And her hands started gliding through the air, sparks flying from her fingertips. Wow. He thought. She was really slipping. Her stance was irregular and off, but he knew she could still pack a powerful punch. He inhaled and exhaled deeply, clearing his mind. He was now prepared to redirect whatever lightning she had up her fingertips today.
As her charge grew, she prepared to strike. Something was wrong though. Her eyes glanced at something over his shoulder as she completed the move and was moments away from delivering her charge. What the…? He followed her gaze to Katara. WHAT?
"NO!" he screamed. No. No. No.
-Katara-
He was amazing. It was both beautiful and horrible to watch. She had to hide behind a pillar during several large blasts, but all in all, it was going well. Even she could tell something was wrong with Azula. Her blasts, although powerful, were sloppy. Zuko clearly had the upper hand. Katara actually felt safe. Weird thought while witnessing her first Agni Kai. When she heard him taunt at her she grew concerned. This made her decide to enter the arena. He may need help at the very end. She thought, edging her way out.
She stood behind him as Azula twirled and waved her hands. After Zuko redirected the lightning, she could help him take Azula down. In her weakened state, it should be easy. Then the worst thing happened. The only thing Katara hadn't counted on. Azula noticed her.
The small grin that pulled at the corners of Azula's lips told Katara all she needed to know. Azula was going to aim at her. In retrospect, Katara realized, she should have known Azula would aim at her. What was I thinking? She scolded herself. Guess I was hoping she'd be honed in on Zuko and not see me…? It was hard to believe she had done something so foolish. She was completely defenseless. And moving didn't even seem like an option. What was the point?
The lightning coming at her was mesmerizing. It was beautiful and deadly. She couldn't look away.
"NO!" a distant voice screamed. Why did it sound so familiar…? The figure that the voice belonged to moved and dived in front of the deadly charge. How could she not recognize the voice and figure? Horror. What was he doing? He can't possibly be able to redirect the lightning in this state. No. No. No.
-Zuko-
What was I thinking? Oh yeah, save the girl I love from imminent lightning death. Hopefully, just maybe, I'll be able to redirect the lightning. He could read the smirk on Azula's face. She knew she had gotten him. Now was the moment of truth. He felt the surge as the electricity entered his body in his chest. His fingers tried to travel the path to redirect the lightning but the surge was too strong and he hit the ground.
The pain was shocking. It was beyond anything. The electricity remained in his body, trying to be absorbed. It attacked every nerve and every pain receptor in his body at once. He tried to curl up a little, anything to lessen the pain. Somehow, he managed to roll onto his back. He tried to hold off the pain and not cry out, but a groan escaped him. His arms curled to try to protect his already wounded chest. Everything hurt.
Someone was trying to run towards him. Friend or foe?
"Zuko!" The voice yelled in agony. Despite the protests and through the pain he opened his eyes briefly to see Katara. His Katara. How could she not recognize the voice and figure? Horror filled him. What was she doing? Azula must be nearby and probably getting ready to send blue death flames at them. Sure enough, flames erupt between them and he could hear someone laughing. Azula. He had to stop her. He had to protect his Katara. Come on! Get up! He yelled at himself. His arms moved a little and they pushed against the ground, trying to get him to his feet. But his chest screamed out in pain. He fell back down. Again, Katara tried to rush to his side, but again Azula launched fire between them. Her laughter filled his ears. Her maniacal laughter cut through the pain. His eyes were open again and he watched as Azula shot lightning that Katara only narrowly dodged. She's going to die! Get up! Now! He attempted again to get back up, but was too weak. This must be his punishment. He cannot get up and help, but can only watch as Azula shot more lightning bolts at his love. Tui or Yue he prayed please protect Katara. Please. The pain was overriding everything else. Yet, his eyes remained open. Able to watch. Yet, his brain managed to think through the pain. Joy.
-Katara-
His body rattled as the lightning tried to find a path out. It danced on the surface. She tried to run to him twice, but Azula kept blocking her path. He also tried to get up twice, but fell back down. Oh Zuko! There was nothing she could do right now. She had to face Azula. Azula was insane, laughing and screeching while throwing flames and lightning.
"I'd really rather our family physician look after Little Zuzu if you don't mind." She cackled, shooting lightning and fire at Katara from the roof of a building. Katara managed to dodge them all and hid behind a nearby column. Azula turned to look down at Zuko's still form, "Zuzu, you don't look so good!" she taunted before shooting at Katara again. Katara managed to roll out of the way. That's when she noticed the culverts. Water. She hurled the water at the roof, where Azula was. However, the snake wasn't there anymore. What the- Katara quickly learned Azula's whereabouts when the crazy lady came out from behind her flying with her fire jets. Thinking fast, Katara used the water to form a sort of ice slide to avoid the onslaught of blasts. Azula's fire was consuming her water and while running Katara tripped on a grate. Chains! I can chain her down! She just needed to draw Azula to her.
"There you are, filthy peasant!" Azula cried, stumbling towards her. "I saw how you looked at him." She sneered, gesturing with her head to Zuko. "Love is for fools. Love is a weakness. And I just proved that today." She grinned, preparing the lightning for her deathblow. Now! Katara manipulated the water to force Azula onto the grate beside her, bended the water up from below, and froze it. That was close! Breathing deeply, Katara melted the water around herself and began to chain Azula's hands to the grate. Once secure, she released all of the water. They both gasped for air, but Katara was the first to recover. She tightened the chains even more, making sure Azula couldn't get free.
"Zuko." She whispered. She ran towards his figure on the ground. Even from a distance, she could tell his wound was bad. As she got closer, she saw his burnt skin. Direct blow of lightning to the chest… Nothing she had learned about healing had prepared her for this. "Why did you save me? Why would you do that?" she asked frantically as the tears started to fall. Stupid boy!
"Sorry." he said his voice raspy. "Azula?" he tried to turn his head and look around.
"Don't worry about her." She gently pulled his head into her lap. "Zuko, stay with me!" she commanded, through her tears, "you promised you'd always love me! And that you'd come back to me! Don't leave now!" She never wanted to sound like some overdramatic random girl from the one Romance Scroll she read, but it couldn't be helped. What she felt was silly, dramatic, and very, very real. A world without Zuko seemed so horrible.
"Shhh…" he said soothingly and tried to reach up and touch her face. WHY ARE YOUCOMFORTING ME? YOU'RE THE ONE THAT'S DY- she couldn't bear to even think the words.
"Katara," he whispered.
"What?"
"Marry me?" She didn't know what to say, now. What were you supposed to say to your enemy turned friend turned love of your life after they saved your life, dying in your arms, and asked you to marry them?
"Why are you doing this?"
"Please…" he begged, "I want you to be mine before I d-"
"Shush. You're not going to die." She was going to save him. She had to save him. There is no other option she thought determinedly.
a/n So what did you think? Leave me a review and let me know! Thanks!