A Broken Bond Part Eight
Another Wedding
Zuko
I felt happier then, walking with Katara’s small hand in mine then I had ever felt in my life. When we passed under the gates, we were met by some curious stares and whispers. Katara steered us away from the wedding area, and we stopped in front of a large house (made of ice, of course) and she looked around. “No one is watching us, it’s almost night.” I assured her. She nodded and led us into the house. It was large, and there were several tunnels leading off to other rooms. There was a clatter from up the stairs, and a fuzzy ball of fur landed on my head. I shook it off, and suddenly it flew away. It was a tiny brown flying lemur! “Oh, yeah! I forgot to tell you we found a female lemur. This little guy is Moe. Upstairs is Mia— she’s the mother— Momo, Mimi, Murray and Muzzy.” The tiny brown lemur screeched and nestled itself in her wavy brown locks. She smiled and stroked his fur. “You really like ‘M’ names, huh?” She laughed and nodded. “Come on, we have one more guest room in the back.” She led me down a tunnel and we came out in a hallway. There were three doors leading off, I presumed into rooms. “These two are taken by Toph and Aang. I hope you don’t mind.” I shrugged. “Just like the Western Air Temple, huh?” She looked down. “There is a difference. I’m not yelling at you anymore.” I smiled. “That is definitely a good difference.”
Katara
When the others got home that night, I was hiding. Long ago, I had carved out a little secret room in my wall, and that was where I was taking refuge. I knew Aang or Sokka would come up and find me there, but I wanted to put off that meeting for as long as possible. I fell asleep on my favorite blanket that my mother had given me when I was a baby. I was awoken by the sound of moving ice. Aang was standing in the secret doorway to my little room, his eyes sad. “Hi, Katara. Are you ok?” I buried my head in my pillow, not speaking. I felt him sit down beside me. “Do you want to talk about it?” I sighed and looked up. “There’s nothing to talk about, Aang. I realize now that the whole thing was a big mistake. I never really loved him, and now we’re both paying the price.” Aang gently took my hand. “Katara, you’re my best friend. You’ve always been my best friend. When we were younger, I thought that I loved you as more then a friend or a sister. But then I realized: that wasn’t what we wanted. Either of us. I realized that I did love you; as a sister and my best friend. I think that when we rush into anything, it may be a mistake.” I dropped my head to the blanket again. “Zuko’s in the downstairs guest room.” I said, my voice muffled. Aang sighed. “Yeah, we know.” Then he was gone and I was alone.
Zuko
I was staring at the ceiling, watching an icicle slowly melt as I blew small flame balls at it. Suddenly there were footsteps, and a girl with red-brown hair stuck her head in. I recognized her as Suki, the girl we had saved from the Boiling Rock. “Zuko?!” She cried, her eyes wide. I waved a hand. “Hey, Suki.” She came in and looked down at me. I was lying on the bed, hands crossed behind my head as a pillow. I saw her eyes glued to my face. “But…” She stammered, confused. “You’re scar is gone.” I nodded. “Katara is a miracle worker, you know. And she can heal a lot more then scars.” Suki darted out, and I rested my arm over my face. Soon there would be five people in the room. “Zuko! What are you doing in my house?” Sokka demanded. I let out a breath and sat up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. “You’re sister invited me. I was watching the ceremony, and then I got chased off by the guards. I fell off the wall.” Everyone was staring at my face. Aang and Suki had seen it, and Toph knew about it. But Sokka and Hakoda were shocked. “As I said, Katara is a miracle worker.” Sokka scratched his head. “Wait, you fell off a wall?” I shrugged. “Yes, the wall that surrounds the village.” Sokka made a strangled sound, and Suki gasped. “You fell off the wall?! That’s a fifty foot drop at least! You shouldn’t be alive!” She exclaimed. “Much less strutting around my house like a red peacock.” Sokka added. Aang made a coughing noise, and I thought he was muffling a laugh. “How?” Suki asked in wonder. “Katara.” I said simply. They all looked at each other knowingly. “So that’s why she ran off.” Hakoda concluded. “But why didn’t she come back?” Sokka looked like he had a headache from all the thinking. I looked away. “Because I don’t love Kenai.” Katara appeared at the door and walked in, her white wedding dress trailing behind her, her head high despite her tear stained cheeks. She stood in front of me and offered her hand. I took it, and we stood facing each other. “I love another.” She said softly. I put my arm around her waist, and we faced her family. They were looking on with varying expressions. Hakoda just stared at me with a disbelieving look. Sokka had already made as choking sound and now had the expression to match. Suki was smiling slightly. I thought I saw Toph take something out of Sokka’s pocket- coins?- and whisper, “I told you so, Snoozles.” Aang looked kind of sad, but he was smiling. “I suppose we’ll have to plan another wedding?” Suki asked, but she sounded delighted. “And this time we don’t have to use all blue. We can add in red, and some gold, maybe some black…….” She was already counting off arrangements to be made, ticking off fingers. When she ran out of fingers she began counting on Sokka’s. “This will be a wedding to remember.” Toph said, laughing.
One year later…
Katara
“Does my sister have to come?” Zuko complained, trying to distract Suki long enough to look around her and get a peek at his bride. The warrior spun him back around, shaking her finger at him. “You’re not following the rules. You can’t see her until the wedding!” I laughed. “Don’t push her, Zuko.” I called from the back of the room. “You know how she can get.” Suki laughed and gave her slightly round stomach a gentle pat. “Sokka has been avoiding me all week. It’s only been three months and he’s already afraid of me.” We laughed, and Zuko scowled. “Go get Aang and Sokka to help you get ready.” Suki scolded, and Zuko disappeared, still wearing his parka. Suki shut the door and came back to me. I admit, I felt beautiful. I was wearing the same dress, but we had made some adjustments. It now had a slit up the side from where it had ripped on my run to save Zuko, with little shells embroidered up the hem, and sleeves had been added. I thought looked like Yue’s spirit dress. My hair had grown even longer, and now it hung loose and wavy past my waist. Gran-Gran began rummaging around in a bag, and Toph grinned. “I can’t actually see what you look like, Katara, but you must look pretty hot. You should have heard the way that delivery boy’s heart sped up when he caught a peek at you.” I blushed. Suki and Toph were my bridesmaids, and they both looked beautiful. Gran-Gran had helped us all get ready, with no fighting between her and Suki this time. Toph’s sleek black hair was loose, and the light brushing of blue makeup combined with her form-fitting pale blue dress made her look absolutely beautiful. I don’t think she knew it, but Aang’s eyes had gone wide as he gawked at her when he looked in. Then Gran-Gran shooed him away. Suki was wearing a loose pale blue dress belted around her waist. She was only three months, but her stomach was already swelling a bit. Her hair had grown long, and she was wearing it loose as well. She was also dusted with a light powder of makeup. I was the only one not wearing it, and I had refused the brilliant blue eye shadow Gran-Gran had pulled out. I wanted this to be special. And besides, Zuko didn’t like it when I wore a lot of makeup, or really any at all. Gran-Gran fussed over our hair some more, then let it be. Then there was a light tap on the door. “As the Bride’s father, I have permission to come in.” a voice said. Gran-Gran opened the door, and Dad came in. He smiled at me. “You look even more beautiful then last time.” I laughed and hugged him. “Probably because I know what I’m doing this time.” He smiled. “I have a present from the groom. He apparently wasn’t allowed in, so he asked me to give this to you.” He took my hands and put them over my eyes. Then I felt a light pressure on my head. When I was allowed to open my eyes, I looked in the mirror and gasped. A beautifully made crown rested on my head. It was made of pure, clear crystal, carved into the shape of an elegant crown. It had gently sloping curves and a spire at the top, and it was set with tiny white jewels- diamonds?- and I felt my heart swell with happiness. I was almost afraid it would burst. “It’s beautiful.” I whispered. Dad smiled and stroked my cheek. “You grew up so fast. Last time I looked, you were a serious teenager forced to grow up too fast and floundering a bit in a grown up world. And now you’re a strong, beautiful woman. I’m so proud of you.” I ran into his arms, burying my face in his chest. “Thank you Dad.”
Zuko
I refused to let them cut my hair. It was albeit a bit unruly, but I liked it that way. And more importantly so did Katara. So Sokka and Aang finally gave up. Sokka and Aang were the best men. (Is it allowed to have two?) Suki was Katara’s maid of honor, and Toph was the flower girl, to her horror. But Katara had begged her, and she finally gave in. Besides, Katara had been the flower girl at Suki and Sokka’s wedding: now it was Toph’s turn. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt a thrill go through me; this was the day every prince dreamed of. Uncle had come all the way down, and Haru, Teo and The Duke were there. It was the day I was married to the woman I loved. I had waited twenty-one years for this. I heard a sound at the door, and I turned, the edge of my cape swishing the floor. I was dressed in a Fire Nation robe, one that had in all reality come out of my closet back home. I hadn’t wanted to get too fancy, but Katara had insisted I wear something that looked formal. Uncle was standing in the doorway, eyes crinkling as he smiled. “My nephew, love has made you blossom like a flower.” He said, and we embraced each other. We smiled at each other, and I realized there were tears in his eyes. “Uncle, what’s wrong?” I asked, concerned. He shook his head. “A smile used to be a rare gift, one you gave only so often. But now, you laugh and smile and shine like the sun itself.” I let myself disappear into his embrace. There was a hard pounding on the door, and Uncle released me, my hair even more disheveled then it had been. “We’re starting soon, Z-man.” Sokka said as the door opened, and I scowled. “I thought I told you that name was off limits, and that everyone was absolutely forbidden to call me that.” I said flatly. Sokka snorted. “Whatever you say, fire butt.” I scowled even deeper, sending Sokka and Uncle into whoops of laughter.
Katara
My breath was coming in short gasps, and I could feel the pounding of my heart roaring in my ears. Dad took my arm, and we stepped out into the brilliant sunlight. I was temporarily blinded, and when I opened my eyes I felt my heart swell, and the happiness finally overflowed. I felt tears begin to fall as I took in every face there. But unlike the last time, they were tears of joy, and when my eyes locked with Zuko’s I almost lost it and flung myself into his arms, sobbing. I took a deep breath and began my slow walk down the isle. I smiled at every face I saw, some familiar from my previous failed wedding and others new additions. When my father let go of my arm, I looked into Zuko’s eyes and felt as if I was spinning down the ice chutes again, flying so fast I was sure I was going to fall to pieces. “I do.” He said, and he took hold of my hand to steady me. “Katara, do you take Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation to be your husband?” I smiled, gazing into his eyes and letting them calm me. “I do.” I said with perfect certainty. Zuko pulled me into his arms and kissed me, and we were officially married.
I felt happier then, walking with Katara’s small hand in mine then I had ever felt in my life. When we passed under the gates, we were met by some curious stares and whispers. Katara steered us away from the wedding area, and we stopped in front of a large house (made of ice, of course) and she looked around. “No one is watching us, it’s almost night.” I assured her. She nodded and led us into the house. It was large, and there were several tunnels leading off to other rooms. There was a clatter from up the stairs, and a fuzzy ball of fur landed on my head. I shook it off, and suddenly it flew away. It was a tiny brown flying lemur! “Oh, yeah! I forgot to tell you we found a female lemur. This little guy is Moe. Upstairs is Mia— she’s the mother— Momo, Mimi, Murray and Muzzy.” The tiny brown lemur screeched and nestled itself in her wavy brown locks. She smiled and stroked his fur. “You really like ‘M’ names, huh?” She laughed and nodded. “Come on, we have one more guest room in the back.” She led me down a tunnel and we came out in a hallway. There were three doors leading off, I presumed into rooms. “These two are taken by Toph and Aang. I hope you don’t mind.” I shrugged. “Just like the Western Air Temple, huh?” She looked down. “There is a difference. I’m not yelling at you anymore.” I smiled. “That is definitely a good difference.”
Katara
When the others got home that night, I was hiding. Long ago, I had carved out a little secret room in my wall, and that was where I was taking refuge. I knew Aang or Sokka would come up and find me there, but I wanted to put off that meeting for as long as possible. I fell asleep on my favorite blanket that my mother had given me when I was a baby. I was awoken by the sound of moving ice. Aang was standing in the secret doorway to my little room, his eyes sad. “Hi, Katara. Are you ok?” I buried my head in my pillow, not speaking. I felt him sit down beside me. “Do you want to talk about it?” I sighed and looked up. “There’s nothing to talk about, Aang. I realize now that the whole thing was a big mistake. I never really loved him, and now we’re both paying the price.” Aang gently took my hand. “Katara, you’re my best friend. You’ve always been my best friend. When we were younger, I thought that I loved you as more then a friend or a sister. But then I realized: that wasn’t what we wanted. Either of us. I realized that I did love you; as a sister and my best friend. I think that when we rush into anything, it may be a mistake.” I dropped my head to the blanket again. “Zuko’s in the downstairs guest room.” I said, my voice muffled. Aang sighed. “Yeah, we know.” Then he was gone and I was alone.
Zuko
I was staring at the ceiling, watching an icicle slowly melt as I blew small flame balls at it. Suddenly there were footsteps, and a girl with red-brown hair stuck her head in. I recognized her as Suki, the girl we had saved from the Boiling Rock. “Zuko?!” She cried, her eyes wide. I waved a hand. “Hey, Suki.” She came in and looked down at me. I was lying on the bed, hands crossed behind my head as a pillow. I saw her eyes glued to my face. “But…” She stammered, confused. “You’re scar is gone.” I nodded. “Katara is a miracle worker, you know. And she can heal a lot more then scars.” Suki darted out, and I rested my arm over my face. Soon there would be five people in the room. “Zuko! What are you doing in my house?” Sokka demanded. I let out a breath and sat up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. “You’re sister invited me. I was watching the ceremony, and then I got chased off by the guards. I fell off the wall.” Everyone was staring at my face. Aang and Suki had seen it, and Toph knew about it. But Sokka and Hakoda were shocked. “As I said, Katara is a miracle worker.” Sokka scratched his head. “Wait, you fell off a wall?” I shrugged. “Yes, the wall that surrounds the village.” Sokka made a strangled sound, and Suki gasped. “You fell off the wall?! That’s a fifty foot drop at least! You shouldn’t be alive!” She exclaimed. “Much less strutting around my house like a red peacock.” Sokka added. Aang made a coughing noise, and I thought he was muffling a laugh. “How?” Suki asked in wonder. “Katara.” I said simply. They all looked at each other knowingly. “So that’s why she ran off.” Hakoda concluded. “But why didn’t she come back?” Sokka looked like he had a headache from all the thinking. I looked away. “Because I don’t love Kenai.” Katara appeared at the door and walked in, her white wedding dress trailing behind her, her head high despite her tear stained cheeks. She stood in front of me and offered her hand. I took it, and we stood facing each other. “I love another.” She said softly. I put my arm around her waist, and we faced her family. They were looking on with varying expressions. Hakoda just stared at me with a disbelieving look. Sokka had already made as choking sound and now had the expression to match. Suki was smiling slightly. I thought I saw Toph take something out of Sokka’s pocket- coins?- and whisper, “I told you so, Snoozles.” Aang looked kind of sad, but he was smiling. “I suppose we’ll have to plan another wedding?” Suki asked, but she sounded delighted. “And this time we don’t have to use all blue. We can add in red, and some gold, maybe some black…….” She was already counting off arrangements to be made, ticking off fingers. When she ran out of fingers she began counting on Sokka’s. “This will be a wedding to remember.” Toph said, laughing.
One year later…
Katara
“Does my sister have to come?” Zuko complained, trying to distract Suki long enough to look around her and get a peek at his bride. The warrior spun him back around, shaking her finger at him. “You’re not following the rules. You can’t see her until the wedding!” I laughed. “Don’t push her, Zuko.” I called from the back of the room. “You know how she can get.” Suki laughed and gave her slightly round stomach a gentle pat. “Sokka has been avoiding me all week. It’s only been three months and he’s already afraid of me.” We laughed, and Zuko scowled. “Go get Aang and Sokka to help you get ready.” Suki scolded, and Zuko disappeared, still wearing his parka. Suki shut the door and came back to me. I admit, I felt beautiful. I was wearing the same dress, but we had made some adjustments. It now had a slit up the side from where it had ripped on my run to save Zuko, with little shells embroidered up the hem, and sleeves had been added. I thought looked like Yue’s spirit dress. My hair had grown even longer, and now it hung loose and wavy past my waist. Gran-Gran began rummaging around in a bag, and Toph grinned. “I can’t actually see what you look like, Katara, but you must look pretty hot. You should have heard the way that delivery boy’s heart sped up when he caught a peek at you.” I blushed. Suki and Toph were my bridesmaids, and they both looked beautiful. Gran-Gran had helped us all get ready, with no fighting between her and Suki this time. Toph’s sleek black hair was loose, and the light brushing of blue makeup combined with her form-fitting pale blue dress made her look absolutely beautiful. I don’t think she knew it, but Aang’s eyes had gone wide as he gawked at her when he looked in. Then Gran-Gran shooed him away. Suki was wearing a loose pale blue dress belted around her waist. She was only three months, but her stomach was already swelling a bit. Her hair had grown long, and she was wearing it loose as well. She was also dusted with a light powder of makeup. I was the only one not wearing it, and I had refused the brilliant blue eye shadow Gran-Gran had pulled out. I wanted this to be special. And besides, Zuko didn’t like it when I wore a lot of makeup, or really any at all. Gran-Gran fussed over our hair some more, then let it be. Then there was a light tap on the door. “As the Bride’s father, I have permission to come in.” a voice said. Gran-Gran opened the door, and Dad came in. He smiled at me. “You look even more beautiful then last time.” I laughed and hugged him. “Probably because I know what I’m doing this time.” He smiled. “I have a present from the groom. He apparently wasn’t allowed in, so he asked me to give this to you.” He took my hands and put them over my eyes. Then I felt a light pressure on my head. When I was allowed to open my eyes, I looked in the mirror and gasped. A beautifully made crown rested on my head. It was made of pure, clear crystal, carved into the shape of an elegant crown. It had gently sloping curves and a spire at the top, and it was set with tiny white jewels- diamonds?- and I felt my heart swell with happiness. I was almost afraid it would burst. “It’s beautiful.” I whispered. Dad smiled and stroked my cheek. “You grew up so fast. Last time I looked, you were a serious teenager forced to grow up too fast and floundering a bit in a grown up world. And now you’re a strong, beautiful woman. I’m so proud of you.” I ran into his arms, burying my face in his chest. “Thank you Dad.”
Zuko
I refused to let them cut my hair. It was albeit a bit unruly, but I liked it that way. And more importantly so did Katara. So Sokka and Aang finally gave up. Sokka and Aang were the best men. (Is it allowed to have two?) Suki was Katara’s maid of honor, and Toph was the flower girl, to her horror. But Katara had begged her, and she finally gave in. Besides, Katara had been the flower girl at Suki and Sokka’s wedding: now it was Toph’s turn. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt a thrill go through me; this was the day every prince dreamed of. Uncle had come all the way down, and Haru, Teo and The Duke were there. It was the day I was married to the woman I loved. I had waited twenty-one years for this. I heard a sound at the door, and I turned, the edge of my cape swishing the floor. I was dressed in a Fire Nation robe, one that had in all reality come out of my closet back home. I hadn’t wanted to get too fancy, but Katara had insisted I wear something that looked formal. Uncle was standing in the doorway, eyes crinkling as he smiled. “My nephew, love has made you blossom like a flower.” He said, and we embraced each other. We smiled at each other, and I realized there were tears in his eyes. “Uncle, what’s wrong?” I asked, concerned. He shook his head. “A smile used to be a rare gift, one you gave only so often. But now, you laugh and smile and shine like the sun itself.” I let myself disappear into his embrace. There was a hard pounding on the door, and Uncle released me, my hair even more disheveled then it had been. “We’re starting soon, Z-man.” Sokka said as the door opened, and I scowled. “I thought I told you that name was off limits, and that everyone was absolutely forbidden to call me that.” I said flatly. Sokka snorted. “Whatever you say, fire butt.” I scowled even deeper, sending Sokka and Uncle into whoops of laughter.
Katara
My breath was coming in short gasps, and I could feel the pounding of my heart roaring in my ears. Dad took my arm, and we stepped out into the brilliant sunlight. I was temporarily blinded, and when I opened my eyes I felt my heart swell, and the happiness finally overflowed. I felt tears begin to fall as I took in every face there. But unlike the last time, they were tears of joy, and when my eyes locked with Zuko’s I almost lost it and flung myself into his arms, sobbing. I took a deep breath and began my slow walk down the isle. I smiled at every face I saw, some familiar from my previous failed wedding and others new additions. When my father let go of my arm, I looked into Zuko’s eyes and felt as if I was spinning down the ice chutes again, flying so fast I was sure I was going to fall to pieces. “I do.” He said, and he took hold of my hand to steady me. “Katara, do you take Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation to be your husband?” I smiled, gazing into his eyes and letting them calm me. “I do.” I said with perfect certainty. Zuko pulled me into his arms and kissed me, and we were officially married.
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