a/n So I know I haven't updated in a while, but I hope this SUPER LONG chapter makes up for that. Hopefully the massiveness of this chapter won't deter you and it doesn't come back to bite me in the ass and make you think "Ugh! This chapter is never going to end!" and shake your weary heads. I knew where I wanted to go with this chapter, but didn't think it'd take me so long to get there… oops(?). I really wanted to post this chapter last night, but I was waaay too tired (well, I'm still tired, but now I have coffee flooding my system).

In this chapter we finally hear what Ozai has to say, deal with some reoccurring demons (that sounds way more sci-fi and awesome than I mean), and see the communication/commitment between Katara and Zuko as they move forward.

Chapter 26 ~Answers~

-Katara-

Her eyes opened because she sensed something was missing. She rolled over and found the bed empty. Where was he? It looked like he had never come to bed at all. Then she realized where he went. Ozai. He had gone to see his father. She knew he didn't want her to come with, but this was awfully sneaky. She slid out of bed and went to his wardrobe. Inside, she found some black robes that she slid on over her red silky nightdress. She wasn't exactly sure how she'd find the prison, but that didn't stop her.

-Zuko-

He stared into Ozai's eyes, trying to read every clue his face might give away. Zuko jumped back went Ozai started laughing. What?
"Ha!" Ozai laughed. The sound bounced off the walls, echoing. He threw his head back and gave into the sinister laugh.
"Tell me." Zuko growled.
"Why would I do that? What do I gain?" he asked, smirking.
"Because-" Ozai didn't let him finish.
"Do you think I don't know why you're asking? News travels fast, my son."
"You are no father of mine." Zuko spat, his knuckles white as he clenched his fist. Ozai chuckled.
"Surely, you cannot deny the resemblance? Well, minus the…" Ozai gestured to the left side of his face.
"I am nothing like you."
"If you say so." There was a horrible glint in Ozai's eyes, "Now, I suppose I should congratulate you, but what's there to celebrate? It will never happen. You will never get her blessing."
"Why? Why do you say that?"
"Because I am the only one who knows what really happened and like I said…" Ozai's voice drifted off.
"You won't tell me."
"That's right! If I am to truly rot in here, what do I have to lose?" Zuko grit his teeth.
"You will tell me or-"
"Or what, Fire Lord Zuko? Are you going to kill me? That's a little dark for you. What would the Avatar say? He spared my life."
"He shouldn't have. I think Aang would forgive me." I think.
"Is that really how you want to start your new role as Fire Lord, murdering your defenseless father in his lowly prison cell? That won't look good to anyone, especially not your Water Tribe peasant." If Zuko was mad before, he was furious now. How dare he speak about his Katara like that! Ozai grinned, knowing he had struck a nerve.
"She. Is. Not. A. Peasant." He seethed. Technically, she was like the princess of the Southern Tribe, but that wasn't even really the point.
"Oh! I suppose you're right! She's a princess!" Ozai's expression lit up, "So this is a heartless political move! Wow, Zuko, I didn't know you had it in you."
"It's not like that."
"Then what is it like?" Ozai asked, "You don't actually think you're in love with her?" his eyebrows raised skeptically, "People like us don't fall in love."
"We are nothing alike!" Zuko was steaming he was so mad.
"Regardless," Ozai said dismissively, "Love is a weakness." Then his face twisted into a grin, "Just look where love got your mother. Banished. And for what? Trying to protect you! Her worthless failure of a son that is only alive today because of her treason, her stupidity, and her love." Zuko didn't say anything, afraid his triumph would be exposed in his voice. "Well, what do you have to say to that?" Ozai asked finally. Zuko just glared at him, turned, and left. He could still hear Ozai calling after him. "You may wear the robes and crown, but you will never be the Fire Lord! You are still the banished-disgraced-disrespectful prince." Zuko didn't look back. He walked out of the prison with long strides. He couldn't help but grin slightly. Ozai had let himself slip, lost in his tirade. Zuko had done it. He had gotten all the information he could probably get out of that wretched man. Now at least he knew his mother was out there. Somewhere.

-Katara-

Now she really wished she studied Sokka's palace maps more carefully now. She was going in circles. Agni! She had managed to find the turtleduck courtyard. She sat on the bench looking up at the moon. It was so beautiful and bright. Something moved in the corner of her eye and she heard footsteps. She glanced over to see Zuko's head, bobbing along in the corridor around the courtyard. As fast as she could she dashed off the bench and hid behind a pillar. His footsteps stopped.
"Who's there?" he called out. She remained quiet and crept closer to him. "Come out!" She peeked around the corner. He was looking around, his arms up in a defensive stance. His back was turned so she came out of hiding and casually leaned against the wall.
"Lovely night for a stroll." she said, breaking the silence. He whipped around and a blast of fire came flying from his fists towards her. She hadn't expected him to react like that. "Whoa!" she brought her arms up in an X and ducked her head to try to protect herself.
"Oh Agni!" she heard him yell as he rushed to her, "Oh no! Oh, Katara!" Her (well actually they were his) black robes were on fire. "Katara! I'm so sorry!" She quickly hurled herself onto the ground to try to smother the flames.

It wasn't as bad as it seemed. The flames went out relatively easily, but she lay on the ground out of breath and aching.
"Katara? Katara!" Zuko said, turning her over gently. She looked into his eyes and saw terror. The fall had knocked the wind out of her, but she realized she needed to tell him she was okay.
"I'm fine, Zuko," she gasped, "Really." His body sagged a little, but tensed again.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you," his eyes and voice full of anguish.
"It's okay, I'm fine," she said as he helped her to her feet. "Ah!" she was surprised with the pain that shot up her arm. Apparently, some of the fire had touched her and the robes were scorched to her skin in some parts. Agni!
"Katara!" he quickly let go of her arms. The moon gave off a faint light so it was hard to see the burns.
"It's fine, Zuko," she winced a little, trying to roll the sleeves back.
"It. Is. Not. Fine." He ground through his teeth. She glanced up to see his fists in balls and a look of disgust on his face.
"It'll be fine. It wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have surprised you like that."
"I fail to see how this isn't my fault." He growled his voice full of self-hatred. She sighed. She knew he wasn't going to forgive himself until she was healed.
"Okay, Zuko." She said, rolling her eyes. She turned to go into the courtyard and to the pond.

-Zuko-

What had he done? He was so surprised…he didn't know it was her. How could he ever think things would work out between them? She just didn't seem to get what a retched person he was. She brushed off his attempts to apologize, making him feel worse. He wasn't sure what to do. He felt like clawing out his heart to stop the immense pain he was feeling. He desperately wanted to hold her to him, but he couldn't trust himself.
"Where are you going?" he asked as she walked away.
"Pond." She replied. Her voice was clipped her tone irritated. She should be mad at me. Finally, she was starting to have the right reaction. He followed her at a safe distance to the pond. The moon light was more direct here and he could see the angry red skin fused with black fabric. She lay down on the grass and lowered her arms into the water. Soon, the water glowed, illuminating her face. He watched her grimace smooth. You did that he barked at himself. A moment later, the water stopped glowing and she withdrew her arms from the water.
"See?" she asked, showing him her forearms, water dripping onto the grass, "All better." He could almost believe her hopeful smile. Almost.
"It's not 'all better.'" He said, staring at her arms. The red was very faint and if it wasn't for the scorched robes, he could almost believe he hadn't hurt her. Almost.
"Zuko, look at me." She ordered, brusquely. He looked up reluctantly, slowly. Her eyes were firm, demanding.
"I am fine," she said adamantly.
"I…" he started uncertainty.
"Oh for the love of Agni!" she yelled, throwing her hands up in the air. "We are not going through this again. You can't keep apologizing. I won't live that way." Her eyes stared him down, challenging him. She had given him an ultimatum and he realized that he had to let this one go. He hated himself for giving in, but he needed her in his life...so he nodded, sorrowfully. He understood what she was asking for and he was selfishly agreeing. This time.

-Katara-

He had never professed to be very good with words, but there were some beautiful occasions… She had found that his body language said a lot about him. His face was probably the most difficult to read though, he could keep it very guarded if he wanted to. In the silence that followed, she analyzed his body language. His face was passive, giving away nothing, so she took in his posture. He stood too far away with his hands gripping the sides of his robes. His blank mask cracked for a moment and she could see the anxiety underneath. Obviously, she didn't want him to feel guilty about accidentally burning her, but he still seemed to be struggling. She wondered idly if there would always be this, if he would always be afraid to hurt her. She hoped not. She hoped they would get to a place where they could trust each other explicitly.
"Do you trust me?" she asked.
"Of course," he replied immediately, "with my life." He paused before asking, "Do you trust me?" She did. It surprised her slightly that she was able to trust him as much as she did. She had been hurt so much in life, building up ice walls to shut people out, suspicious of people's intentions. Yet, she trusted him.
"Yes, Zuko." She saw the corners of his lips twitch as she said his name. Then his face grew dark.
"Did you ever think that maybe you shouldn't?" his hands were back in fists by his sides. She couldn't help it; she rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, Zuko!" she said frustrated, "Where is this coming from? I thought we were good. I thought we moved passed this." Suddenly she didn't see Zuko the Fire Lord, but Zuko the small angry and afraid child. "Ozai." she whispered. Zuko nodded.
"How could I ever be… good? Just look at my family! They're crazy! Evil! Insane! Twisted! I am going to burn and destroy every good thing in my life, including you." Her heart went out to him. His mask had fallen away completely, leaving him exposed.
"No, Zuko. You're wrong." She took two steps towards him. He took one-step back, putting his arms out.
"Katara. Don't." She stopped. He was rejecting her. No. He was protecting her? It all seemed so confusing. There was only one thing she was sure of: she loved him. And she had learned that you never give up loved ones.
"Let's just go to bed," she suggested, "I'm tired." She held out her hand to him. Would he take it?

-Zuko-

It would only be a matter of time until he seriously hurt her. Beyond fixing. Just like he was, beyond help. Maybe he should just cut ties with her. Leave her alone to have a happy life without him. The thought crushed his heart, reminding him that at least he did have a heart. Ozai and he were different there, at least.

She held out her hand for him. He suddenly felt so tired. Exhausted. He hadn't ever even gone to bed. What should he do? He knew he loved her. He would always love her. It wasn't very long ago that he was so full of hope. Now he felt reality crushing down on him.
"Zuko," her voice was soft, compelling him to meet her gaze, "Please?" She almost seemed close to tears. Why? He forgot about everything else; he had to comfort her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug. Agni she felt good. He buried his head in her beautiful, delicious hair.
"Katara…" he breathed her name, hugging her closer. How could he have ever thought, even for a moment, that he could let her go? That he could live without her?
"I love you, Zuko," she murmured into his shoulder. He gripped her even tighter.
"I love you too, Katara." He whispered, "My Katara. My beautiful Katara."
"Stay with me?" she asked, almost begging. He sighed. He knew he couldn't stay away if he tried and he didn't want to try.
"Yes."
"Good." she sniffed and nuzzled into him.

They stood like that, wrapped in each other's arms for a while. He could hear bugs chirping around them and feel her breath against his neck.
"What are you thinking?" he whispered quietly. She slowly extracted herself from his grasp and looked up at him.
"What are you thinking?" she countered. He smiled slightly.
"I asked you first."
"And you'll answer first too."
"Fine," he surrendered. But did he really want to tell her what he was thinking? Yes. Honesty. "I'm afraid I will turn into my father." He whispered. He didn't quite know what her reaction would be, but he was shocked by what she said.
"Zuko, do you honestly think I would ever let you turn into your father?" she asked, hands resting on her hips. Relief coursed through his system.
"No," a smile spread across his face, "I know you wouldn't." He didn't have to go through any of this alone, ever. She would keep him grounded. They would protect each other.

-Katara-

"Exactly," she smiled up at him. Glad he finally understood. His fears were unfounded. He was nothing like his father or sister. Maybe he was like his mother…? She didn't really want to ask him what he had learned from Ozai just yet.
"Agni, you're strong, Katara," Zuko said, grabbing her hands and holding them tightly. "Taking on a person like me… With my throne and my family…" he shook his head in disbelief, "I love you."
"I love you too, Zuko." She beamed up at him, "You have to know you are worth it. You are an amazing person. Today you brought hope and joy to so many people. I am so proud of you."
"I…I don't know what to say." He confessed.
"Then don't say anything," she gave his hands a tug, "Come. It's late. Let's go to bed." He nodded and they walked out of the courtyard.

What had Ozai told him? What happened to Ursa? Was she… alive? Would she-
"It's this way," he said, nodding towards a corridor and interrupting her thoughts.
"What?" she asked distractedly.
"My chambers are this way."
"Oh,"
"Yeah…" he paused; she could tell he wanted to say something else. "They were uhm… it's the room I had growing up."
"Oh," she repeated softly. Back when he was a boy, growing up in this grand place with his sister, father, and mother…
"You never answered my question."
"What question?"
"The 'what are you thinking' question," he said.
"Well…right now I was wondering what Ozai told you."
"Oh."
"But we don't have to talk about it right now if you don't want to." She said quickly, wanting to reassure Zuko that they didn't need to deal with all of that tonight.
"Oh, well…" he sighed, rubbing his eyes, "might as well." They had reached the doors to his room and he pushed one open.
"No…you're exhausted." she wanted answers to her many questions, but she knew he needed rest. There was already a little wobble to his step. She guided him to his side of the bed. "Sit," she instructed. He sat, swaying slightly. She leaned over to remove his hairpiece. It was different to see him with it up like that. Not bad, but she definitely liked it better down, shaggy. "Arms up." He complied and she undid the ties to his upper robes, removing the shoulder pads. A few of the front clasps were tricky and she grew frustrated.
"I can get it," he mumbled and staggered to his feet. While he undid the clasps, she took off the black robe she was wearing. His heavy robes fell off his shoulders and onto the floor.
"I'll get it," she said, bending down to retrieve the beautiful garment. She turned to lay it carefully over a chair on the side.
"Thank you," he mumbled. She turned back with a smile on her face. He was watching her through half-lidded eyes, standing in just his pants. He was too cute, child-like.
"No problem," she replied and went over to pull the covers back for him. "I like taking care of you." That's what two people did in a loving relationship; they took care of each other. He nodded and sat down on the bed, swinging his legs under the sheets.
"I like…taking care of you too…" he murmured as she walked around to slide into bed next to him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer. "I'm…so tired though…"
"It's okay," she assured, inhaling his wonderful scent. "Sleep now." His breathing became regular and his steady heartbeat lulled her to sleep.

-Zuko-

The world seemed to spin slightly and her voice seemed so far away and distant. Finally, he was lying down and the spinning stopped. With her next to him, he fell into an exhausted sleep. It had been a while since he'd felt so utterly drained, both physically and mentally. His dreams were distorted she was saying something, maybe? It didn't feel like he was asleep long before he woke up.

It was still early. Faint light trickled through the closed curtains. Katara's warm lovely body was still snuggled against him. He turned his head carefully to look at her. Her head was tucked so he couldn't see her face. She was still so beautiful. He pressed a kiss gently on her hair. She mumbled something and burrowed her head further into his bare chest. A soft chuckle escaped his lips.
"Meh," she groaned and turned her head to look at him. Her hair was rumpled and half covered her face. He smiled and reached across with his free right hand to brush some of the hair out of her eyes.
"Morning," he grinned. She was too cute, all mussed up and sleepy.
"It's too early." She complained. Now he felt kind of bad for waking her up. The only reason they were both up so late last night was because of him.
"Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"It's okay," and she snuggled closer. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, I was so tired."
"Better now, though?"
"Definitely," he was wide awake now, "I was pretty out of it by the time we got into the room."
"Yeah, I had to help you undress, like a small child." So that's why he wasn't wearing his sleep pants.
"Oh, sorry about that," he apologized. She looked surprised.
"No, it was fine. I like taking care of you." Her words sounded familiar. Had she said them last night?
"I like taking care of you too." Then he added, "When you let me…" She laughed and used her hand to smack him playfully, making him laugh too.
"You said the same thing last night."
"I did? Yeah, I did. What else did we talk about last night?" She bit her lip, thinking. What did he say? Something stupid probably.
"You asked what I was thinking," he nodded to himself, the memories becoming clear, "And I said I was wondering what Ozai told you… You wanted to discuss it right then, but I could tell you were insanely tired, so we went to bed instead." Right. That. Ozai. He shifted slightly, sitting up a little more to see her better.
"Do you want to know now?" he asked.
"Uhm, sure." She shrugged, "If you want to tell me."
"Of course I want to tell you, Katara. This is our future we're talking about." Our future that was controlled by Ozai, but not anymore. He hoped.
"Okay, so what did Ozai tell you?" she asked, "Did he answer your questions?" Zuko grinned slightly.
"Sort of," he said evasively, grinning as he recalled Ozai's tantrum.
"What?" she asked excitedly, smiling too but in confusion, "Come on, spill! I wish I had been there."
"No," He shook his head, his smile disappearing, remembering the nasty things his father had said.
"I tried to follow you," she admitted.
"Oh?" So that's why she was out in the courtyard. He would have been angry that she tried to follow him, but he realized he would have done the same thing to her, "I guessed as much, but… you knew I wanted to go see him alone."
"Yeah, but I didn't know you'd leave to see him tonight. I woke up and you were gone. It was easy to guess where you went, but I don't know where the prison is exactly… So I just ended up out there, sitting on the bench when I saw you coming…"
"I see." Then he had burned her.
"So…" she tried distracting him, "What happened?"
"Well," he tried to smile, pushing aside the darkness, "He knew why I had come. Then he started ranting about… well about you actually. About how I couldn't love you and how love was a weakness and-"
"You know that's not true right?" she asked, interrupting him and staring at him intently. He smiled a genuine smile.
"Yeah, I know."
"Good. So then what?"
"Well, then he brought up my mother. He said," Zuko paused, closing his eyes and looking up in concentration, trying to remember Ozai's exact phrasing, "'Just look where love got your mother, banished and for what?, trying to protect you! Her worthless failure of a son that is only alive today because of her treason, her stupidity, and her love.'" Zuko couldn't help but grin, because Ozai had slipped up, big time. Ozai had given away any leverage he had and accidentally answered Zuko's question. When he looked down at Katara his smile disappeared. She was horrified.

a/n Congrats, you made it to the end of the chapter! Dang, this one was long... What are your thoughts on that?
Ha! Ozai messed up!... but his words caused our Zu Zu to doubt himself... I think Katara reassured him pretty well though. (See what I said about reoccurring demons [Zuko's self abhorrence]?) Like I said, I really wanted to capture their level of commitment to each other. Anyways, I really hope you liked this chapter and I would love to read what you thought about it in a review! :)