Cause I, I go insane
Crazy sometimes
Tryin' to keep you from losing your mind
The world's best healers were summoned from around the world when a baby's hand along with a note were found in Princess Azula's bedroom.
With help from her brother, Sokka, Katara managed to answer the call of the fire lord. The siblings found themselves outside of the palace within two days of receiving the notice aboard Appa. The palace was sullen, as expected when they arrived. The royal family, absent the fire lord's sister, were assembled in the throne room dressed in the mourning colors of white. Spotting her husband's surprised face, Katara hurried to his side. After greeting him with a warm hug, Katara made an attempt to kiss his cheek, at which he jerked away.
"Not now, Katara," said the Avatar sternly, shooting her a disgusted look.
The mother of three made an embarrassed face. Guess it was a rotten time to show endearment with the memorial service only an hour away. She had to admit, it was difficult to not show how much she missed her heroic husband when he was gone for weeks or months at a time to serve the world. Though she understood his duties, she wished that they weren't so often and long.
"Daddy!" Screamed Kya and Bumi, hurrying to wrap their legs around their father, making Aang's face melt into a warm smile. The only one missing was Tenzin, whom Katara had left with Gran Gran until they returned.
Katara rubbed his face as a tear fell. She loved how sensitive her husband was with even his enemies. Azula had attempted to kill him and was actually the only person known to come so close to accomplishing the feat, yet here he was mourning the loss of the woman's child. He was a wonderful man. Katara was thankful she had realized it before any other woman did. Sighing, she apologized, leaving her husband and children to join Sokka in greeting the royal family.
The news of the princess's newborn's demise was devastating. Even with their history, she never would have wished such heartbreak on her nemesis.
Fire Lord Zuko greeted her with a strong hug and pitiful smile that Katara returned.
"How is Azula, Zuko?" Asked Katara, readily. "I wanted to help if-"
"She's had a lot of help," Aang interrupted her suddenly by her side with Bumi and Kya hanging from his shoulders.
The waterbender understood. She figured that she would be the last person Azula would want help from. War or not, the woman still expressed open disdain whenever they were forced to see one another. Zuko looked between the two before turning to Sokka.
"Hey, Buddy," he greeted extending his arm for a handshake, at which Sokka took. "I'll need your help in the investigation. Think you guys could stay awhile?"
"No problem," agreed Sokka with a nod. "I miss the meat around here anyway," he added with a chuckle.
Zuko smirked. "Well, guess it's time. You guys can sit with us at the pyre. You're considered family here".
Nothing else was said as the group followed the fire lord and his family. Ursa and Mai took respective seats at the fire lord's right behind the empty, tiny pyre. The baby had not been introduced to the nation, so the ceremony was a small, intimate affair. Katara looked about for Azula when she took her seat with Aang, her brother and the kids to Zuko's left.
It was half-way through the ceremony that Azula finally showed her face. She looked terrible for only the second time that Katara had known her. Eyes low and make-up almost non-existent, it seemed as though the princess had just risen from the grave herself to attend the ceremony. The waterbender's sensitive heart lurched for the young woman. She could not imagine losing any of her children. Just the thought made her shiver. She turned to Aang, who stared at the pyre with unreadable eyes. He must have been thinking the same as he seemed almost numb, not noticing when she grasped his hand.
He must be thinking the same. She concluded, rubbing his hand and laying her head on his shoulder. She sighed, glad that it was not them in such a position. Looking to Zuko as he spoke, she wondered what the fire lord was thinking. Whoever was bold enough to assassinate the baby had done it in the royal palace, thought to be the safest place in the world. Leaving only a tiny hand behind...the thought made her sick.
"The burden of the crown". Zuko had told them once. Katara praised the gods that she did not need to worry about such things. Her husband's position did put them in some danger, but not nearly as much as being a royal member of The Fire Nation, obviously.
Katara attempted to make eye-contact with Azula, who looked at the pyre with glazed eyes. The mother in her wanted to comfort the woman. Finally, she noticed Azula's golden eyes cut in her direction, low and dangerous. The waterbender recognized the look.
"Something's off about her...I can't explain it, but she's slipping". Katara sent a sympathetic look her direction, at which she looked away.
Luckily, the ceremony was quickly over. As tradition has it, the small group of close, elite friends and distant relatives of the royal family were led to a repast in the dining commons. Oddly, Aang took off for spirits-knew-where, saying that he needed to think. Katara did not question him about, though she planned to talk to him about his obvious pent-up feelings. He had been increasingly short with her lately and she was growing worried.
Her relationship issues were put on the backburner when she saw the princess looking as though she was attempting to disappear in a corner, away from the rest of the attendees.
Here goes nothing. Katara thought. She could not leave without expressing her condolences to the woman as a mother, herself.
The princess released a large puff of smoke from a cigar when the waterbender neared her. Katara batted it away. "I'm sorry," she said, softly. Azula's eyes narrowed. Taking a deep breath, she added, "My Gran-Gran once said-"
Azula scoffed, disgusted, waving for her to go away. "No one cares what your Gran-Gran says," Katara's teeth nearly broke from her effort to be sensitive to the...bitch. Azula picked up a golden goblet. "Could you be a dear and fetch me more wine?" Snatching the goblet, Katara could not believe this woman.
Clenching the goblet with both hands, Katara managed a look of pity. "You loved your child. That's your one redeeming quality," she said, attempting to keep the contempt out of her voice. "You're strong, Azula".
Azula arched an eyebrow. "He died without uttering a word". At this, the princess snickered, "Listen, Peasant, the more people you love, the weaker you are. You'll do things for them that you know you shouldn't do. You'll act the fool to make them happy, to keep them safe. Love no one but your children." Katara nodded, retreating as Azula's eyes seemed to smolder. Her gaze was unrelenting.
ATLA belongs to Bryke. If you recognized the quotes, you have probably watched Game of Thrones. Hope you enjoyed! QTZ
