A/N: Shucks, guys. I'm really feelin' the love now. Seriously, it's YOU GUYS that keep this story alive; otherwise I might be tempted to let it die. Reading all your reviews makes my heart happy – and YES even disapproving ones. I love hearing all of your opinions and takes on the story – you are ALL helping me become a better writer.
In response to reviews from Chapter 23:
Zutara fan: Hi there awesome author! Sorry I only posted my review today..I discovered your story only yesterday and it made me stay awake until 3 in the morning. Please continue writing because I am so obsessed with your work! I am a diehard Zutara fan, and I thought that he pairing of katara and ozai was kind of outrageous at first but after reading all your 23 chapters, I have learned to love it and I want more! So please don't stop! You are a very excellent writer and reading your stories make me happy. Thanks !
= = = Aww, thank you for such kind words! It makes me so happy to hear you loved it so much to stay up till 3am reading! It's encouragement like this that makes me want to keep writing! And keep writing I shall :) Thank you for reviewing!
guest: really? no kiss? I like the way you describe the effect that have one to the other.
= = = Haha sorry to disappoint! But I'll make it up to you later, I promise ;-) Thank you for reviewing!
TPizzle50GK: Oh. My. Gosh. That was like so amazing! I literally skipped homework just to read this whole thing. Anyways, I totally ship Ozai and Katara now and i really want them to get away from Zuko (Which is a big surprise because I'm like a 100% Zutara fan). I just feel as if Zuko and the gang turned into the bad guy now. Also, at the beginning I was like, I have no idea where you are going with this. This is stupid there is no way Katara will fall for Ozai nor want to be with him in the end. There's no way Ozai will be able to get away. And now, I'm like I want them together, I want them to get away. As long as Genshi get's out of Zuko's and Sokka's clutches alive, that's all I really care about at the moment. So please, please update soon. It will kill me if you won't. I literally dropped everything just to read this, so maybe you could possible drop everything to upload a chapter just for me? :) You don't have to but it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for writing such an amazing fanfiction. I never thought that one could be so good with this kind of plot. So thank you.
= = = Wow, you read this whole thing in lieu of homework? *tisk tisk* ;-) Just kidding, I'm SO glad you liked it that much. I'm a humongous Zutara fan myself, but I can't deny Ozai's sexiness. I just had to write a story exploring the possibility of him and our favorite waterbender, even though I am still loyal to Zuzu :)
So do you like Genshi, and that's why you hope she escapes Zuko and Sokka's clutches? If you like her, I'm glad I was able to create an appealing original character! Thanks so much for reviewing and I hope you keep reading. I really don't want to be responsible for your death so I will definitely try to update soon. Haha :)
SerenaPotterSailorMoon: I've been reading this story non stop and I absolutely love it! KataraxOzai is a unique and cool ship I might add. I can't wait until the next chapter, please update soon!
= = = Thank you! I've had a lot of fun exploring the possibilities of this ship and bringing them to life here. So glad you like it and I hope you keep reading.
TPizzle50GK (Chapter 19): Okay my favorite chapter so far! It totally reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. "There was a touch of something that had never been there before. Tenderness?" Just that line made me think of Beauty and the Beast. That one song she sings, i cant remember what its called but one line keeps playing over and over in my head! "There's something sweet. And almost kind. But he was mean, of course and unrefined! But now he's dear and so unsure. I can't believe i didn't see it there before." Or it goes something like that, but that was my immediate reaction and I just had to share that.
= = = HA! That's funny, I didn't even think about that but now that you mentioned it, it does remind me of that! That's totally my favorite Disney movie too. LOVE Beauty and the Beast :)
JuiceKingBlah: OMG! I love this chapter! Darn it! They were so close in kissing! :3 X) *Pushy Ozai's and Katara's head together* NOW KISS! MOAR!
= = = Haha I know! It was SO hard not just write a full-blown make-out scene right there XD Don't worry, I have plans… beautiful plans ;-) *wink wink nudge nudge*
ArrayePL: So Katara fell for Ozai and is now trying to change him? I feel sorry for Zuzu now. Thanks for updates.
= = = I wouldn't say she's necessarily trying to change him (in MY opinion), but that she's more trying to understand what's driven him to be such a terrible person today and hopefully show him that it doesn't have to be this way. But yes, in a way, I suppose she's subconsciously trying to change him. I feel bad for Zuko too. Poor guy. His girlfriend's involved with his Dad… I have a feeling he might need therapy after this, haha.
Guest: I really enjoy your writing, you're very talented, I'm just not a big fan of the direction of the story now. I was thinking it would just be hints of katara and ozai but it's pretty much a full fledged turn of feelings, and not just on katara's side, ozai too which, for me, would never in a million years happen. I just don't like katara/ozai pairing, and so far that's 95% of the story. Since I've read this far I will finish it because I want to see how you end it...I'm just waiting for them to finally find them.
= = = Hello, "Guest"… if that is your real name ;-) Thank you for the compliment on my writing, that means a lot. I really understand why you might not like where the story's going – it's not for everyone, I'm sure. When I began this story, I knew it was mostly going to revolve around Katara and Ozai and the progression of their relationship. HOWEVER, that does NOT mean I intend to end the story with Katara/Ozai (I can't really say either way since I don't want any spoilers). I do hope you'll keep reading to see how it ends, but I won't be offended if it's just not your thing. I appreciate your feedback and really value what you have to say. So thank you.
Foreverisanawfullylongtime: Hi! Sorry for not reviewing on the previous chapter but I'm making it up to you right now. I LOVE the KataraxOzai scenes you have! I do hope they're going to kiss soon though because the others are not far behind. Please keep the updates going at this rate, I :ll be looking forward to the next!
= = = I accept your peace offering in the form of this review :) So glad you're enjoying the story, and THANK YOU for telling me so. And don't worry. Like I told JuiceKingBlah, as far as them actually kissing, I have plans… beautiful plans ;-) *wink wink nudge nudge*
tmariem: I just read this story in one sitting and I'm so glad I did. I can't wait to see where you take this. Update soon :)
= = =Wow, one sitting. That's a commitment at this point in the game. Thank you for reading and reviewing! I will update as soon as possible!
Katara's foot slipped on a patch of old rotten leaves. She lost her balance on the mountain's steep incline and fell down hard to the cold, unyielding ground. Groaning, she tried to stand when Ozai reached back and grasped her hand to help her up. Their eyes met for an unsettled moment and then silently he started forward again.
He had not spoken a word to her since they began their grueling ascent. That was hours ago. She wished she could know what was going through his mind. Was he angry about the moment they shared back in the cave? Perhaps to him it had been nothing more than a mistake in the face of death, one that shamed him now. But had it been more than that to her?
The trees were naked and shivering in the cold. Winter had finally taken all it had come for. Her heart felt parched, worn out, like the forest surrounding them; it seemed so fitting now to dress the world in brown and grey. Katara struggled to put a name to her feelings for him. It wasn't love, not really. But she could not ignore the way her heart electrified every time their eyes met. And she couldn't help but wonder if she could have loved him, could have saved him from himself in a different time, a different life.
The twisted, knobby fingers of the tree branches bit into the blue of the cloudless sky, snatching handfuls of the sun and scattering it. But despite the sun's pale golden rays, the air was deceivingly cold and growing colder with every step up the mountain. As they climbed higher, the forest grew thicker and darker. The barren maples and oaks began mingling with evergreen. A wintry breeze nipped her face, bringing with it the sweet tang of pine needles.
"The sun will be gone soon," Ozai finally said, but he didn't turn around. She wondered if he was speaking more to himself than to her. "We should find shelter, start a fire."
Katara remained silent. For no particular reason, the faces of her friends flickered in her mind. It felt like a lifetime ago that they had been together. She wondered if she would even know them anymore. Or maybe it was they who wouldn't know her. She wasn't sure she did anymore.
What would they say if they knew that just hours ago she had almost kissed their former worst nightmare? That would make for some interesting dinner conversation. She could just see the expression on Sokka's face, hear the disgust in his voice. Please tell me this is some sick joke. Just a sick, horrible joke. Do you realize he's as old as dad? Suki would just stare at her in shock. Toph would probably threaten to beat some sense into her. Aang… well, she wasn't sure about Aang anymore.
And Zuko. What would he say? After he finished puking his guts out, that is. She wanted to feel regret. She wanted to feel as though she had betrayed him. But it had been three months and not so much as a sign of him. If he was looking for her, he wasn't trying very hard. Why should she care what he would think now?
She decided she didn't. And as Ozai slowed to a halt before a giant hollowed out tree stump, she straightened and breathed deeply of the mountain air. No matter how things were with Ozai now, it would pass. She had made her choice. She was staying.
"We need firewood," he said, turning to her. "You work on that and I'll set up camp." He said no more than he needed to before getting to work pulling their gear from their satchels. Taking her cue, she wandered off in search of kindling.
Dusk was yawning across the ochre sky. The forest seemed strangely quiet. There were no sign of animals, no rustling in the dry undergrowth. The winter birds were silent, seemingly absent. Even the snap of twigs under her feet sounded wrong, dulled. As the light began to fade and new shadows emerged around her, Katara felt a sudden chill and the hair lift on the back of her neck. A wave of unease crashed over her that she could not explain. She felt dangerously exposed, vulnerable, like she was being watched.
From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw someone standing next to a nearby tree. She turned quickly. Nothing was there. She stared at the spot for a moment and tried to shake the feeling. She was being silly. Her imagination always had a tendency to run amuck if she was not careful. Her shoulders relaxed and she let out a long breath. She gathered up an armful of dried out logs and trudged back to their campsite.
Ozai was laying out their padded thermal sleeping bags inside the enormous shell of the ancient tree trunk. Katara dropped the logs into a pile and, before long, had a cozy, crackling fire blazing. The warmth of the flames beneath her cold hands calmed her nerves. A good night's sleep and she would feel better in the morning.
Grabbing her satchel, she moved behind a nearby tree and pulled out her old clothes. She made sure she was sufficiently hidden before she began to change. The frosty air stung at her naked skin. She shivered at the renewed warmth she felt as she pulled on her familiar clothing. Grimacing at the risqué satin garment she had been wearing, Katara stuffed it down to the bottom of her bag with force. Good riddance.
.:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:.
Her dreams were restless that night. She dreamed of faceless people, dark shapes on the edge of her vision, leaning over her, tearing her in every direction at once. There was blood-stained snow. A baby. It was her baby. She cried out and tried to run to the wailing infant but her feet slogged in the snow like thick mud. Before she could reach it, the baby stopped crying and looked straight at her. Its face was empty and devoid of emotion. As it began sinking into the snow it donned a devilish grin, shaking its head back and forth violently. And then it was swallowed beneath the surface. The snow melted into a raging sea and Katara was thrashed amidst the waves. She saw Aang there, standing over her. She reached out frantically for him to save her, but he just stood there. The scowl on his face twisted into an evil smile as he watched her succumb to the angry sea.
Katara gasped awake, shivering and drenched with cold sweat. The tired remains of the fire smoldered in a weak glow, seemingly smothered by the engulfing blackness around them. She had never seen the night so dark. Beside her, Ozai was snoring quietly, oblivious to her disturbance. She scooched her sleeping bag closer to him and prayed feverishly for morning to come.
Zuko's head was pounding with the intensity of a small earthquake as Genshi wrenched her hands from his temples. Her face was white, eyes wide in fear.
"No," she whispered. "No, we can't." Her tone was growing frantic.
"We can't what, Genshi?" Zuko questioned, massaging his temples. "What are you talking about?"
"They've gone into the mountains. The Bashou Mountains."
"Okay…" Zuko's eyes shifted in doubt to the others. "So let's go after them."
"No!" she screamed.
They all flinched simultaneously at her outburst, exchanging confused glances.
"And why not?" Zuko finally asked.
"Haven't you heard the stories? The legends?" Genshi snorted and shook her head. "The only way you'll take me there is if you drag my lifeless body."
"Don't tempt me," Sokka spat. Suki's elbow made contact with his ribs and he let out a muffled oomph.
"You don't understand! There is an evil in the forests of those mountains that does not rest. We cannot go in there."
"Please!" Sokka scoffed. "We all know this one's crazy as a loon. And she's superstitious. She'd believe anything. No way am I letting her dictate this decision."
The group cast wary glances at each other. Sokka glared at the conjurer with black fury. "We're going after them and you're coming with us, if we have to tie you down and drag you like Aang."
Genshi's mouth fell open. "I don't believe this… You're kidnapping me? I've been helping you of my own free will!"
"Not anymore, you're not." All eyes turned to Zuko. He straightened and squared his jaw. "I am the Fire Lord of the Fire Nation, and as such you are under obligation to obey my orders." He paused to let his threat sink in. "We are going after them and you will show us the way. Now move out!"
She blinked, her eyes widening in dread. "But, my lord…"
"I said, move out," he growled. His forceful gaze bore into her, unyielding.
Genshi's eyes fell to her feet as her shoulders sagged in reluctant submission. "Yes, my lord," she whispered, defeated.
Katara awoke, sore and groggy from a restless sleep, to find Ozai nursing a newly wrought fire. Dawn had just barely touched the darkness. He looked tired. His face was tight, his eyes rimmed with red.
"You're up early," she yawned, sitting up.
He raked a stick along the glowing logs. "Couldn't sleep."
Katara's eyebrows lifted. "That makes two of us."
He cast her a short, sidelong glance and turned back to the fire.
"Did unusually disturbing dreams keep you up too?" she asked, half joking.
Ozai blinked and looked at her then. Her smile faded. She could tell by his expression that she'd struck a nerve.
"Wait… really?" Her stomach quivered. That was odd. Something just did not seem right. "This is gonna sound kinda crazy," she began cautiously, "but… I think there's something wrong with these mountains. Last night I kept feeling like we were being watched."
"You're right, that does sound crazy," he huffed, belittling her.
"No, really. While I was gathering firewood, I got this terrible feeling out of nowhere. I thought I saw someone watching me. But when I looked, they were gone."
"That's because there was nothing there to begin with."
She sighed. "Okay… then how do explain us both having awful dreams? That's a pretty strange coincidence."
"Stranger things have happened." He gestured with his hand as though to wave off the idea. "Our minds are just trying to sort through that ordeal with those… things… in the cavern. It'll pass."
Katara looked away in thought. Maybe he was right. Why was she suddenly so superstitious? That wasn't like her. She felt embarrassed for sounding so silly when the words of their strange spirit rescuer echoed in her mind.
"These mountains are known for their treachery."
She felt a pang of unease and narrowed her eyes at Ozai. "What do you know of these mountains? You told that spirit that you had heard the stories. What stories?"
Ozai frowned and glanced away. "It doesn't matter," he mumbled. "They're just stories."
"I want to know. Tell me."
He rolled his eyes and grumbled something under his breath. "The stories say that, long ago, these mountains were a burial ground of sorts where people would abandon their elderly or infirm citizens, and sometimes unwanted babies, when they could no longer care for them. Those left here would undoubtedly die a slow, agonizing death."
Katara's stomach lurched. "That is sickening!" she croaked out. "How could anyone–"
"Understandably, some chose instead to take their own lives," Ozai cut her off, "but not before placing a curse on the trees as a last jab at their traitorous loved ones. The curse was meant to inflict misery on any who entered the mountains."
Katara could not speak. Her mouth hung open, brows knit it a pained grimace, waiting in horror for him to continue.
"The barbaric practice of abandonment was eventually stopped, but by then these mountains were so known for death that often people who had planned their own suicide thought of it as the perfect place to die. Legend says that more than a thousand people have since come here to do just that. The forests are supposedly possessed by the tormented souls who took their lives here and the curses placed on the trees by those left to die without a choice. And many who have since ventured into the mountains for other reasons, whether curiosity or necessity, were never seen again. The forest is said to prey on the minds of unwary travelers, turning them around and making them lose their way. Too much time amidst the trees causes delusions, hallucinations, confusion… you get the idea."
The dismay must have been painted on her face because he rolled his eyes at her again. "Like I said," he reiterated, sounding annoyed, "they're just stories. Fabricated nonsense. It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that the perilous terrain of the mountains is the culprit, not some ludicrous, imaginary tree phantoms."
She bit her lip and looked away. What he said made sense of course. She was the logical type, the one who normally poked fun at such superstition. So then why couldn't she shake the feeling that something was not right?
"Made-up stories or not, I don't like this place. There's something off about it. You have to admit it's strange that I got that creepy feeling before you even told me. And the dreams–"
"Forget about the dreams. They're just dreams," he retorted. "And I don't like this any better than you do, but here we are. The more time you waste arguing with me, the longer we'll be here. As long as we're careful and navigate properly, we'll be fine."
Katara sighed. "I hope you're right," she mumbled.
Moments passed in silence. Stripes of pink and orange were beginning to streak the sky through the tangle of branches above. Finally Ozai stood and kicked out the fire, packing up his belongings and stuffing them in his satchel. Katara rolled up her sleeping bag tightly and shoved it in her bag.
"If we're lucky," he said, turning to her, "we'll scale the mountain and down the other side in three days, five tops. As long as we keep moving and don't stop except to eat and rest. It won't be easy but we'll survive and be out before long."
Katara nodded and fell into step behind him. Her breath hitched in her throat as the hair prickled on her scalp. There was that feeling again. Like eyes following her from somewhere behind. She looked over her shoulder and scanned their surroundings. There was nothing but a desolate sea of trees, practically devoid of life. Certainly nothing following them as far as she could see. She hesitated a moment and then turned back around, climbing higher into the unwelcoming mountains.