Saturday, August 16, 2008
Attention!!!
Hey, I know it's only been like a day, but if you read anything, COMMENT ON IT!!!!! I want to know if I have any readers!
Happy Birthday Joe
Hey Zutarians! Do you know what Yesterday was? JOE JONAS'S BIRTHDAY!!!!! He is now NINETEEN YEARS OLD!!!! Hey, if you like Maximum Ride, check out Fang's blog! Yes, it's real. http://maximumride.blogspot.com/
A Broken Bond: Epilouge
EPILOGUE
Zuko and I now have four children named Ursae, Ironn, Kyana and Zara, and live together in the Fire Nation Palace. Sokka and Suki live on Kyoshi Island with their three children Yue, Koda and Merin, where Suki teaches the children of Kyoshi how to be Kyoshi Warriors. Aang and Toph have two children, Ari and Kuni. They live in the Southern Air Temple, training their two airbenders in their bending element. Believe it or not, Haru and Ty Lee were married, and have five children! Tina, Tommy, Terry, Tyla and Tori. They live on Kyoshi Island as well, Ty Lee working with Suki as the leaders of the Kyoshi Warriors, and Haru is giving earthbending lessons.
And we all lived happily ever after.
And we lived happily ever after.
THE END
A Broken Bond Part Eight
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.
A Broken Bond Part Seven
A Broken Bond Part Seven
Catch that Bride!
Katara
The next morning I set off for home. Aang and Toph flew me there on Appa, and I found my eyes searching the forest for Zuko. But then the land was gone and we were flying over the open ocean. When we landed, a cheer went up through the village. Kenai ran to me and swept me up in his arms, kissing my forehead. I fought the tears at the memory of a different pair of lips on my head; a pale, gentle pair that belonged to my once mortal enemy. “The Wedding will proceed tomorrow!” He announced to the villagers, and they all cheered. I tried to smile at them, but it was an empty smile. I told them I was tired from the trip, and I went to bed.
I cried myself to sleep that night.
Zuko
I found her canoe, right where she had stashed it in the cliffs. I decided I might go say hello to her brother, maybe go to the party after the wedding. I knew I just wanted to see her face again, but I was making up excuses for myself. I picked up the paddle and grimaced. It was going to be a long trip.
Katara
Morning came all too soon. Suki and Gran-Gran didn’t try to force me into their dresses this time, and I dressed alone. I pulled my mother’s dress on over my head, feeling the familiarity of it sooth my troubled soul for the moment at least. “Katara? Are you almost ready?” Suki poked her head in and smiled. “You look beautiful.” She said. I smiled at my sister-in-law, trying not to show that I was fighting back tears. I turned to the mirror and began to tie my hair up into a bun. But something stopped me, and I settled for a ponytail. Two strands hung loose, framing my face. And, I hoped, hiding it. My Father came in and took my arm, smiling happily. I smiled back, making it look as convincing as possible. We left the tent, and I felt my heart speed up. I scanned the crowd, praying he wasn’t there to see it.
Zuko
I got into the village, and was amazed. It could almost be called a city it had grown so much, nearly tripled in size. I had a blue cloak on, and I had it pulled down low over my eyes to hide their color. I kind of hid in a doorway, near enough to the wedding area (which was already set up and full of people, with Katara and Kenai standing up at the front) but far enough away that Katara wouldn’t see me.
I hoped.
Katara
“Kenai, do you take Katara to be your bride?” Kenai smiled at me, taking my hand in his. “I do.” He said, his pale grey eyes full of happiness. “Katara, do you take Kenai to be your husband?” I looked around, gazing back into the eyes that looked at me. And endless sea of blue, some light, some dark. Several pairs of light brown, one pair of emerald green. One set of misty green. Suddenly my eyes locked with a pair a color that wasn’t natural to the Water Tribes.
They were a brilliant, dancing color, like liquid gold. I felt my heart tremble, but then the eyes looked down, and the bond was broken. A cloaked figure raced out of a shadowy doorway, bowling over an old man with an armload of fish and scattering them everywhere. But the person ran on, not bothering to help the man pick up his fish. The wind blew his hood off his head, revealing a pale face, shaggy and unkempt black hair and a perfect face. “Zuko!” I breathed. Suddenly, several Water Tribe warriors dashed down from the protecting ice wall and charged after the fleeing boy. “Catch that intruder!” One shouted, and I saw spear and jawbone being lifted. “No!” I cried, but they didn’t hear me. Zuko dodged around them all, disappearing around a corner. “Katara? Do you take Kenai to be your husband?” The preacher was trying to regain order, but all eyes were turned in the direction of the commotion. “There! On the wall!” A voice cried, and all heads whipped around. I saw the cloak flapping, his hair whipping around his face in the wind. Suddenly his foot hit a patch of deadly black ice, slippery as sealskin, and his legs shot out from under him. In mute horror, I watched as he staggered before plummeting over the edge and disappearing from view.
Zuko
I don’t know why I ran. But I did, and soon enough, there were a bunch of guards on my tail. I ran to the wall, thinking there might be a servant’s passage to get out, or something to give me an escape route. There was nothing.
I ran onto the wall, and suddenly my foot slipped out from under me. ‘Bloody black ice.’ I thought as I tried to get my balance, but my arms wind-milled helplessly as I lost the fight with gravity and fell over the edge. I knew that the wall was at least fifty feet high; a fall nearly impossible to survive even if you weren’t falling headfirst.
So sad for me, I was falling headfirst.
I closed my eyes and waited for the impact, letting my mind wander to things I had forbidden it to. Mostly her. Her face, her scent, her smile, her touch, her voice, her laugh, even her tears. Then I hit the ice with crippling impact and lay there gasping for breath and begging unconsciousness to take me.
Katara
I forgot everything else and ran.
I don’t know what I thought I could do, but I couldn’t let him be found by guards or leopard seals or otter penguins. I had to find him, and I had to save him. “Katara! Come back!” Kenai called, but I just ran on. My ornamental slippers slowed me down, and I flung my shoes, shawl and sash in a chair. My now loose and free-flowing hair streamed as I raced for the wall. Guards already stood above, looking down and talking in loud and concerned voices. I bent the ice of the wall, creating a hole big enough for me to run through without hindrance. I’d fix it later. I saw his body, lying broken and still on the ice, and felt my heart crumble. I fell to my knees beside him, ignoring the stinging of the ice on my bare shins and feet. “No, Zuko, no!” I whispered, frantically looked for a pulse, praying to Yue and any other spirit who might care about me that he was ok. He was barely breathing, and it was slow and agonized. “No, Zuko, don’t die!” I heard feet pounding after me, but they didn’t matter. Nothing mattered anymore. Suddenly his eyes flickered open, and he looked at me. He moaned softly, crossing his arms across his chest, over the old scar from his battle with Azula. Joy pulsed through me. “Zuko! You’re alright!” I cried, resisting the urge to fling my arms around him. “Katara! What on earth are you doing? Are you crazy?!” Kenai appeared at my side, his pale grey eyes dark with disapproval. “Come on. He’s not worth it, he’ll be dead soon.” Rage welled up in me as he hauled me to my feet and began to pull me away. “If you think he’s not worth it, then you don’t know me.” I said softly. He stopped. “What? Of course I know you. And I know you won’t waste your time trying to save the un-savable. Just give up on him.” I felt the rage explode suddenly, and I wrenched my hand from his grasp. “No, Kenai, you don’t know me! If I had given up on people, nothing would be the way it is! If I had given up on Aang, the world would belong to Firelord Ozai right now! If we had given up on Toph, there would be no metal bender in the world! If I had given up on the little Fire Nation village on the river, then they would still be sick and filthy, living like animals. If I had given up on him, Zuko, prince of the Fire Nation, he would be nothing but a hollow shell in his palace.” I said, jerking my finger at the motionless figure behind us. “I don’t give up on people, Kenai. Apparently there is not going to be a wedding for me. At least not with you.” I said. He flinched back as if I had struck him, his grey eyes angry. “Katara, please. Is this worth giving up everything we’ve worked for?” I reached up and unclasped the lowest necklace on my neck. “I believe this is yours.” I held it out, the carving of a wave catching the fading sunlight and sending ripples of blue light across our faces. “I won’t take it.” He said. I closed my eyes and dropped the necklace on the ice with a hollow thud. I turned on my heel and knelt beside Zuko, hearing as the large footsteps of Kenai faded into the distance as he returned to tell everyone that his bride had run away.
Zuko
I felt the pain. That was the only thing in my mind, was the pain. Then I heard a voice. “No, Zuko, no!” It was an Angel spirit’s voice, calling out to me. But why did the spirit sound so sad? Angel spirits weren’t supposed to be sad. I opened my eyes unwillingly to ask why she sounded sad and regretted it immediately. I was most certainly not dead, the pain told me that much. But Katara was there, tears streaming down her face and anger in her eyes. I noticed that one of her necklaces was gone. Then there was a bright blue glow around me, and I closed my eyes, letting the warmth pull me in. Didn’t people say you got warm before you died? The pain was lessening, and I was beginning to spiral down into nothingness. I concluded that I was dying. But why was Katara still there? My brain wasn’t working right, and I wondered if she had jumped off the wall after me. I wondered if this was not Katara, but her mother, come to guide me through the Spirit World. But then there was something warm and wet on my chest, and I opened my eyes. The pain was mostly gone, reduced to a dull ache. The wet thing was Katara’s cheek, streaked with tears. She was sobbing, and I noticed that she was barefoot. Her feet were turning a nasty shade of blue. “Katara, where are your shoes?” I asked, and her head shot up as if I had pinched her. “Zuko?” She asked, and her voice was choked with tears. “I’m here. What’s wrong?” She suddenly burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably into her hands. I took her in my arms and stroked her hair, trying to calm her. “Shh. It’s alright. Just tell me what happened.” She looked up at me, her face stained with tears. “I’m not getting married, Zuko.” She said, and I realized why her neck seemed bare. “I’m sorry I’ve caused so much trouble.” I said sadly. She buried her head in my chest and started crying even harder. “You’re worth it. That’s the problem!” She laughed as she said it, but there was a tone of sadness in it. And she was still crying, and laughing at the same time. Strange effect, I’ll tell you. I just wrapped my arms around her and let her cry.
Katara
Nothing had ever sounded as good as his voice. I just sat there sobbing like an idiot, letting him stroke my hair and shush me. If I had had half my mind, I would have been either embarrassed or angry. But nothing mattered anymore. Nothing but me and him. When my sobs subsided, I looked up into his face. My neck felt cold and bare, and I searched for the chain that held my necklace from Zuko. I realized in a panic it wasn’t there. “My necklace you gave me is gone!” I cried, but he was smiling. “No it isn’t.” He reached into his shirt and pulled out two chains. One red and black, one white and blue. “This is yours.” He took off the red one and gently slipped it over my head. His hand stroked my cheek, gently wiping the tears away. His hand moved down my cheek to my chin and he tilted my head up. “Katara, do you regret burning that amulet as much as I do?” I nodded, feeling my heart skip at his touch. Then suddenly his eyes were right in front of mine, his cool lips pressed against mine. I stiffened at first, but then melted into his arms, deepening the kiss and returning it. When he let go of me, he was smiling, his golden eyes sparkling. “Well, I suppose its good you didn’t say ‘I do.’” He said, and I laughed weakly. “Come on, it’s time we get back.” We stood and walked back, hand in hand, to my home.
The next morning I set off for home. Aang and Toph flew me there on Appa, and I found my eyes searching the forest for Zuko. But then the land was gone and we were flying over the open ocean. When we landed, a cheer went up through the village. Kenai ran to me and swept me up in his arms, kissing my forehead. I fought the tears at the memory of a different pair of lips on my head; a pale, gentle pair that belonged to my once mortal enemy. “The Wedding will proceed tomorrow!” He announced to the villagers, and they all cheered. I tried to smile at them, but it was an empty smile. I told them I was tired from the trip, and I went to bed.
I cried myself to sleep that night.
Zuko
I found her canoe, right where she had stashed it in the cliffs. I decided I might go say hello to her brother, maybe go to the party after the wedding. I knew I just wanted to see her face again, but I was making up excuses for myself. I picked up the paddle and grimaced. It was going to be a long trip.
Katara
Morning came all too soon. Suki and Gran-Gran didn’t try to force me into their dresses this time, and I dressed alone. I pulled my mother’s dress on over my head, feeling the familiarity of it sooth my troubled soul for the moment at least. “Katara? Are you almost ready?” Suki poked her head in and smiled. “You look beautiful.” She said. I smiled at my sister-in-law, trying not to show that I was fighting back tears. I turned to the mirror and began to tie my hair up into a bun. But something stopped me, and I settled for a ponytail. Two strands hung loose, framing my face. And, I hoped, hiding it. My Father came in and took my arm, smiling happily. I smiled back, making it look as convincing as possible. We left the tent, and I felt my heart speed up. I scanned the crowd, praying he wasn’t there to see it.
Zuko
I got into the village, and was amazed. It could almost be called a city it had grown so much, nearly tripled in size. I had a blue cloak on, and I had it pulled down low over my eyes to hide their color. I kind of hid in a doorway, near enough to the wedding area (which was already set up and full of people, with Katara and Kenai standing up at the front) but far enough away that Katara wouldn’t see me.
I hoped.
Katara
“Kenai, do you take Katara to be your bride?” Kenai smiled at me, taking my hand in his. “I do.” He said, his pale grey eyes full of happiness. “Katara, do you take Kenai to be your husband?” I looked around, gazing back into the eyes that looked at me. And endless sea of blue, some light, some dark. Several pairs of light brown, one pair of emerald green. One set of misty green. Suddenly my eyes locked with a pair a color that wasn’t natural to the Water Tribes.
They were a brilliant, dancing color, like liquid gold. I felt my heart tremble, but then the eyes looked down, and the bond was broken. A cloaked figure raced out of a shadowy doorway, bowling over an old man with an armload of fish and scattering them everywhere. But the person ran on, not bothering to help the man pick up his fish. The wind blew his hood off his head, revealing a pale face, shaggy and unkempt black hair and a perfect face. “Zuko!” I breathed. Suddenly, several Water Tribe warriors dashed down from the protecting ice wall and charged after the fleeing boy. “Catch that intruder!” One shouted, and I saw spear and jawbone being lifted. “No!” I cried, but they didn’t hear me. Zuko dodged around them all, disappearing around a corner. “Katara? Do you take Kenai to be your husband?” The preacher was trying to regain order, but all eyes were turned in the direction of the commotion. “There! On the wall!” A voice cried, and all heads whipped around. I saw the cloak flapping, his hair whipping around his face in the wind. Suddenly his foot hit a patch of deadly black ice, slippery as sealskin, and his legs shot out from under him. In mute horror, I watched as he staggered before plummeting over the edge and disappearing from view.
Zuko
I don’t know why I ran. But I did, and soon enough, there were a bunch of guards on my tail. I ran to the wall, thinking there might be a servant’s passage to get out, or something to give me an escape route. There was nothing.
I ran onto the wall, and suddenly my foot slipped out from under me. ‘Bloody black ice.’ I thought as I tried to get my balance, but my arms wind-milled helplessly as I lost the fight with gravity and fell over the edge. I knew that the wall was at least fifty feet high; a fall nearly impossible to survive even if you weren’t falling headfirst.
So sad for me, I was falling headfirst.
I closed my eyes and waited for the impact, letting my mind wander to things I had forbidden it to. Mostly her. Her face, her scent, her smile, her touch, her voice, her laugh, even her tears. Then I hit the ice with crippling impact and lay there gasping for breath and begging unconsciousness to take me.
Katara
I forgot everything else and ran.
I don’t know what I thought I could do, but I couldn’t let him be found by guards or leopard seals or otter penguins. I had to find him, and I had to save him. “Katara! Come back!” Kenai called, but I just ran on. My ornamental slippers slowed me down, and I flung my shoes, shawl and sash in a chair. My now loose and free-flowing hair streamed as I raced for the wall. Guards already stood above, looking down and talking in loud and concerned voices. I bent the ice of the wall, creating a hole big enough for me to run through without hindrance. I’d fix it later. I saw his body, lying broken and still on the ice, and felt my heart crumble. I fell to my knees beside him, ignoring the stinging of the ice on my bare shins and feet. “No, Zuko, no!” I whispered, frantically looked for a pulse, praying to Yue and any other spirit who might care about me that he was ok. He was barely breathing, and it was slow and agonized. “No, Zuko, don’t die!” I heard feet pounding after me, but they didn’t matter. Nothing mattered anymore. Suddenly his eyes flickered open, and he looked at me. He moaned softly, crossing his arms across his chest, over the old scar from his battle with Azula. Joy pulsed through me. “Zuko! You’re alright!” I cried, resisting the urge to fling my arms around him. “Katara! What on earth are you doing? Are you crazy?!” Kenai appeared at my side, his pale grey eyes dark with disapproval. “Come on. He’s not worth it, he’ll be dead soon.” Rage welled up in me as he hauled me to my feet and began to pull me away. “If you think he’s not worth it, then you don’t know me.” I said softly. He stopped. “What? Of course I know you. And I know you won’t waste your time trying to save the un-savable. Just give up on him.” I felt the rage explode suddenly, and I wrenched my hand from his grasp. “No, Kenai, you don’t know me! If I had given up on people, nothing would be the way it is! If I had given up on Aang, the world would belong to Firelord Ozai right now! If we had given up on Toph, there would be no metal bender in the world! If I had given up on the little Fire Nation village on the river, then they would still be sick and filthy, living like animals. If I had given up on him, Zuko, prince of the Fire Nation, he would be nothing but a hollow shell in his palace.” I said, jerking my finger at the motionless figure behind us. “I don’t give up on people, Kenai. Apparently there is not going to be a wedding for me. At least not with you.” I said. He flinched back as if I had struck him, his grey eyes angry. “Katara, please. Is this worth giving up everything we’ve worked for?” I reached up and unclasped the lowest necklace on my neck. “I believe this is yours.” I held it out, the carving of a wave catching the fading sunlight and sending ripples of blue light across our faces. “I won’t take it.” He said. I closed my eyes and dropped the necklace on the ice with a hollow thud. I turned on my heel and knelt beside Zuko, hearing as the large footsteps of Kenai faded into the distance as he returned to tell everyone that his bride had run away.
Zuko
I felt the pain. That was the only thing in my mind, was the pain. Then I heard a voice. “No, Zuko, no!” It was an Angel spirit’s voice, calling out to me. But why did the spirit sound so sad? Angel spirits weren’t supposed to be sad. I opened my eyes unwillingly to ask why she sounded sad and regretted it immediately. I was most certainly not dead, the pain told me that much. But Katara was there, tears streaming down her face and anger in her eyes. I noticed that one of her necklaces was gone. Then there was a bright blue glow around me, and I closed my eyes, letting the warmth pull me in. Didn’t people say you got warm before you died? The pain was lessening, and I was beginning to spiral down into nothingness. I concluded that I was dying. But why was Katara still there? My brain wasn’t working right, and I wondered if she had jumped off the wall after me. I wondered if this was not Katara, but her mother, come to guide me through the Spirit World. But then there was something warm and wet on my chest, and I opened my eyes. The pain was mostly gone, reduced to a dull ache. The wet thing was Katara’s cheek, streaked with tears. She was sobbing, and I noticed that she was barefoot. Her feet were turning a nasty shade of blue. “Katara, where are your shoes?” I asked, and her head shot up as if I had pinched her. “Zuko?” She asked, and her voice was choked with tears. “I’m here. What’s wrong?” She suddenly burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably into her hands. I took her in my arms and stroked her hair, trying to calm her. “Shh. It’s alright. Just tell me what happened.” She looked up at me, her face stained with tears. “I’m not getting married, Zuko.” She said, and I realized why her neck seemed bare. “I’m sorry I’ve caused so much trouble.” I said sadly. She buried her head in my chest and started crying even harder. “You’re worth it. That’s the problem!” She laughed as she said it, but there was a tone of sadness in it. And she was still crying, and laughing at the same time. Strange effect, I’ll tell you. I just wrapped my arms around her and let her cry.
Katara
Nothing had ever sounded as good as his voice. I just sat there sobbing like an idiot, letting him stroke my hair and shush me. If I had had half my mind, I would have been either embarrassed or angry. But nothing mattered anymore. Nothing but me and him. When my sobs subsided, I looked up into his face. My neck felt cold and bare, and I searched for the chain that held my necklace from Zuko. I realized in a panic it wasn’t there. “My necklace you gave me is gone!” I cried, but he was smiling. “No it isn’t.” He reached into his shirt and pulled out two chains. One red and black, one white and blue. “This is yours.” He took off the red one and gently slipped it over my head. His hand stroked my cheek, gently wiping the tears away. His hand moved down my cheek to my chin and he tilted my head up. “Katara, do you regret burning that amulet as much as I do?” I nodded, feeling my heart skip at his touch. Then suddenly his eyes were right in front of mine, his cool lips pressed against mine. I stiffened at first, but then melted into his arms, deepening the kiss and returning it. When he let go of me, he was smiling, his golden eyes sparkling. “Well, I suppose its good you didn’t say ‘I do.’” He said, and I laughed weakly. “Come on, it’s time we get back.” We stood and walked back, hand in hand, to my home.
A Broken Bond Part Six
A Broken Bond Part Six
The Bond Breaks
Zuko
The climb up that stupid mountain just never got easier. When I thought we were finally near the top, it just turned out that there were more cliffs to scale. As of now I hate cliffs. When I hauled Katara up a particularly high and steep cliff, I was ready to drop down and sleep. “There it is!” She cried breathlessly, and I turned around. I had seen the temple before, but this time it seemed somewhat sinister. There was a small orange and yellow figure waving from a window in the entrance hall, and I recognized the bald head of the head monk, none other then Aang. Katara and I both started up the last hill, and I watched as she ran to the entrance and flung her arms around the little airbender. I felt a twinge of jealousy. Then a small black-haired teenager, maybe fifteen, came out of the door and hugged Katara. They both laughed in a sisterly way. Suddenly her misty green eyes lit up. “Hot Head! You came too!” She flung her arms around me before I could blink. I saw Aang’s eyes widen, and they became glued to the side of my face. “Wha-what happened to…..” He stammered. Katara grinned at him and made a swirly swish of water and sprayed it in his face. He blinked and spluttered. “You healed his scar?” He asked, awestruck. “She’s a miracle worker, I tell you.” I said, and Katara met my eyes. Hers were an endless depth of swirling blue water. “Let’s go inside. There’s a huge Porcupine-boar on the loose around here.” Aang said. Katara and I looked at each other again, and I chuckled. “Yeah, we kind of noticed.” I said sarcastically. Katara frowned and brushed a stray wisp of brown hair off her forehead. We followed Aang and Toph into the temple, closing the door behind us, also closing the door on any idea of turning back.
Katara
Aang’s reaction to the new, improved, scar-less Zuko was pretty funny. As I followed Aang’s light footsteps into the temple, I got the feeling I was being watched. I glanced behind me at Zuko, but he was chatting quietly with Toph, smiling his radiant smile as she made animated gestures. We entered a huge hall, with faded paintings of Air Nomads decorating the walls. A large, low stone table stretched down the hall, set in simple earthenware for two. “I’ll grab two more plates.” Aang said and disappeared into a side room. Toph sat down on a small mat by one of the places, and Zuko sat down across from her. I sat down next to Zuko, across the table from Aang’s place. When he put the plates in front of us I thought I saw a flicker of jealousy in his eyes as he looked at Zuko. “So, we have fruit pies, moon peaches, cherry-apples, aspara-carrots, etc.” I saw Zuko make a face as Aang’s back was turned, and stifled a laugh. Aang plopped a plate of fruits and vegetables down on the table, and Zuko’s expression made me burst out laughing. “Just eat it, it won’t kill you!” I said. He tentatively took a cherry-apple from the plate and bit into it. He blinked in surprise. “It’s good.” He said, and took another bite. I took a moon peach and a green looking thing I assumed was an aspara-carrot. Zuko took an aspara-carrot also, and bit a large chunk out of it. He blinked and swallowed, and I saw the shiver of revulsion. I almost choked on my moon peach, and Aang and Toph looked at us like we were crazy. After our interesting meal (during which Zuko found he had a liking for Moon Peaches) we started our trek to the top tower. The sun was going down slowly, and Zuko hadn’t spoken since we had eaten. “Are you alright?” I asked quietly, but he didn’t respond. When we got to the tower, it was as if I had jumped back in time. It was just as we had left it, right down to the small flowering plant on the windowsill. (Although it wasn’t so small anymore.) Zuko sat down, and as I watched the sun sent brilliant rays into the window, casting a golden glow over his face. I felt my heart skip as I gazed at him. He looked sad again, as if his face had suddenly aged to his full twenty years. Then the sun was gone, and we were alone in the darkness.
Zuko
I felt as if everything that had happened in the last two days was all for nothing. ‘I’m sorry I never told you.’ I thought, and I felt her move through the darkness and sit down on the bench next to me. I lit a small flame in my hand, and thought I saw tears shining on her cheeks. I reached up and rubbed her cheek, brushing the tears away. She looked the other way, pulling away from my hand. “I’m sorry.” I said softly. She pulled out a small amulet carved from grey coral from her pack. I put my flame to the sticks we had brought with us. Suddenly, lights broke out behind me, and we both whirled around. Shimmering greens, stunning blues, soft yellows, brilliant pinks, swirling purples, dancing oranges, and flaming reds appeared across the sky. “It’s time.”
Katara
I took a breath and held the amulet over the fire. My hand was shaking, and I wondered if I would miss and drop the amulet on the floor by accident. Zuko put his hand over mine, steadying me. I released it, and watched as it landed in the fire. It caught fire suddenly, letting off a burst of shimmering light, momentarily blinding me. When I opened my eyes, the lights were dimming beyond the window, and Zuko was gone. The door was open, and I could hear footsteps descending the stairs. I grabbed my pack and raced after him, but I knew I couldn’t catch up. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, the main doors were open, banging against the walls in a huge wind that had whipped up. I raced out, met by buffeting winds and pelting rain, barely able to keep my eyes open. “Zuko! Come back!” I cried, but the words were ripped from my throat and lost in the wind. “Zuko!” My cries lasted long into the night, until Aang came out and made me come back inside.
Zuko
I don’t know why I was running, but I did. I ran out into the night, ignoring the winds and Katara’s calls. I hid myself in our cave and huddled in a ball on Katara’s bench. I felt a small rough thing under my hand, and found the necklace I had given her lying in a heap on the side. I put it on over my other one, both hidden under my tunic, and went to sleep in the howling storm.
The climb up that stupid mountain just never got easier. When I thought we were finally near the top, it just turned out that there were more cliffs to scale. As of now I hate cliffs. When I hauled Katara up a particularly high and steep cliff, I was ready to drop down and sleep. “There it is!” She cried breathlessly, and I turned around. I had seen the temple before, but this time it seemed somewhat sinister. There was a small orange and yellow figure waving from a window in the entrance hall, and I recognized the bald head of the head monk, none other then Aang. Katara and I both started up the last hill, and I watched as she ran to the entrance and flung her arms around the little airbender. I felt a twinge of jealousy. Then a small black-haired teenager, maybe fifteen, came out of the door and hugged Katara. They both laughed in a sisterly way. Suddenly her misty green eyes lit up. “Hot Head! You came too!” She flung her arms around me before I could blink. I saw Aang’s eyes widen, and they became glued to the side of my face. “Wha-what happened to…..” He stammered. Katara grinned at him and made a swirly swish of water and sprayed it in his face. He blinked and spluttered. “You healed his scar?” He asked, awestruck. “She’s a miracle worker, I tell you.” I said, and Katara met my eyes. Hers were an endless depth of swirling blue water. “Let’s go inside. There’s a huge Porcupine-boar on the loose around here.” Aang said. Katara and I looked at each other again, and I chuckled. “Yeah, we kind of noticed.” I said sarcastically. Katara frowned and brushed a stray wisp of brown hair off her forehead. We followed Aang and Toph into the temple, closing the door behind us, also closing the door on any idea of turning back.
Katara
Aang’s reaction to the new, improved, scar-less Zuko was pretty funny. As I followed Aang’s light footsteps into the temple, I got the feeling I was being watched. I glanced behind me at Zuko, but he was chatting quietly with Toph, smiling his radiant smile as she made animated gestures. We entered a huge hall, with faded paintings of Air Nomads decorating the walls. A large, low stone table stretched down the hall, set in simple earthenware for two. “I’ll grab two more plates.” Aang said and disappeared into a side room. Toph sat down on a small mat by one of the places, and Zuko sat down across from her. I sat down next to Zuko, across the table from Aang’s place. When he put the plates in front of us I thought I saw a flicker of jealousy in his eyes as he looked at Zuko. “So, we have fruit pies, moon peaches, cherry-apples, aspara-carrots, etc.” I saw Zuko make a face as Aang’s back was turned, and stifled a laugh. Aang plopped a plate of fruits and vegetables down on the table, and Zuko’s expression made me burst out laughing. “Just eat it, it won’t kill you!” I said. He tentatively took a cherry-apple from the plate and bit into it. He blinked in surprise. “It’s good.” He said, and took another bite. I took a moon peach and a green looking thing I assumed was an aspara-carrot. Zuko took an aspara-carrot also, and bit a large chunk out of it. He blinked and swallowed, and I saw the shiver of revulsion. I almost choked on my moon peach, and Aang and Toph looked at us like we were crazy. After our interesting meal (during which Zuko found he had a liking for Moon Peaches) we started our trek to the top tower. The sun was going down slowly, and Zuko hadn’t spoken since we had eaten. “Are you alright?” I asked quietly, but he didn’t respond. When we got to the tower, it was as if I had jumped back in time. It was just as we had left it, right down to the small flowering plant on the windowsill. (Although it wasn’t so small anymore.) Zuko sat down, and as I watched the sun sent brilliant rays into the window, casting a golden glow over his face. I felt my heart skip as I gazed at him. He looked sad again, as if his face had suddenly aged to his full twenty years. Then the sun was gone, and we were alone in the darkness.
Zuko
I felt as if everything that had happened in the last two days was all for nothing. ‘I’m sorry I never told you.’ I thought, and I felt her move through the darkness and sit down on the bench next to me. I lit a small flame in my hand, and thought I saw tears shining on her cheeks. I reached up and rubbed her cheek, brushing the tears away. She looked the other way, pulling away from my hand. “I’m sorry.” I said softly. She pulled out a small amulet carved from grey coral from her pack. I put my flame to the sticks we had brought with us. Suddenly, lights broke out behind me, and we both whirled around. Shimmering greens, stunning blues, soft yellows, brilliant pinks, swirling purples, dancing oranges, and flaming reds appeared across the sky. “It’s time.”
Katara
I took a breath and held the amulet over the fire. My hand was shaking, and I wondered if I would miss and drop the amulet on the floor by accident. Zuko put his hand over mine, steadying me. I released it, and watched as it landed in the fire. It caught fire suddenly, letting off a burst of shimmering light, momentarily blinding me. When I opened my eyes, the lights were dimming beyond the window, and Zuko was gone. The door was open, and I could hear footsteps descending the stairs. I grabbed my pack and raced after him, but I knew I couldn’t catch up. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, the main doors were open, banging against the walls in a huge wind that had whipped up. I raced out, met by buffeting winds and pelting rain, barely able to keep my eyes open. “Zuko! Come back!” I cried, but the words were ripped from my throat and lost in the wind. “Zuko!” My cries lasted long into the night, until Aang came out and made me come back inside.
Zuko
I don’t know why I was running, but I did. I ran out into the night, ignoring the winds and Katara’s calls. I hid myself in our cave and huddled in a ball on Katara’s bench. I felt a small rough thing under my hand, and found the necklace I had given her lying in a heap on the side. I put it on over my other one, both hidden under my tunic, and went to sleep in the howling storm.
Friday, August 15, 2008
A Broken Bond Part Five
A Broken Bond Part Five
Danger in the Dark
Katara
I smelled cooking soup and sat up, blinking my eyes and feeling refreshed. “Good morning Sleeping Beauty.” A deep voice said, and I looked around. Zuko was leaning against the wall behind the fire, his gold eyes dancing in the flickering firelight. “Why do you have to call me that?” Zuko shrugged and crouched down, stirring the soup with a stick. Thunder rumbled outside, and I felt the wetness in the air. “It’s going to rain.” I said, and Zuko nodded. “Yes. And by the looks of it, it’s going to be a nasty one.” I stood up and immediately regretted it. My back and shoulder were stiff and sore, and I had an aching pain in my head as if I had been bashed against the sea shore. Then again, I had. “Katara, you’re a miracle worker, you know that?” I looked over at him, my eyebrow raised. “What makes you say that?” He stood up and stretched his leg, making the thin white scar stand out in the flickering firelight. “Oh, that. I have healed worse injuries then that.” I said, and my eyes moved to his scar subconsciously. His hand moved to it at the same moment, and I looked away. “You used the healing water on Aang back in Ba Sing Se.” He said. It wasn’t a question; it was a statement, as if he already knew I had. I nodded, and he sighed. “But I’ve gotten a lot better since I offered last.” I suggested, and he looked up. There was a shimmer of pain in his eyes that made me want to cry. “Do you really think it might work?” he asked, and for the first time I saw right down to the vulnerable, innocent little boy he used to be. “I don’t know, Zuko.” He looked down. I took the pot off the fire and spooned its contents into two bowls. Thunder rumbled, and I saw Zuko shiver. “What’s wrong? Are you cold?” He shook his head, getting the deep look he got when he knew something I didn’t. “Something’s coming, Katara. We’ve been lucky so far; lucky you found me in time to save me from hypothermia, lucky to escape the squid-shark, lucky not to be crushed by the wave, lucky you could heal my leg. Sooner or later our luck is going to run out.”
Zuko
I saw her shiver when I said that. “Why do you have to be such a pessimist?” I asked, and she gave me a look. “I’m a pessimist? What are you then?” I rolled my eyes and stood up. “Aren’t you going to let me try?” She asked, and I shrugged. “We don’t need any more distractions Katara. We have to get to the temple and break the bond before something worse happens.” My mind flashed to the monster chasing us through the dark forest. I looked out the cave entrance and shivered. The small bushes and tall trees outside looked suspiciously like the ones in my dream. Then I made a decision.
I sighed and knelt down beside her. “Very well.”
Katara
I took a deep breath and pulled out my water. He closed his eyes, and I gently reached out and touched his face. Then I closed my eyes as well, letting the healing take over. Then the water was gone. His face was pulled away from under my hand, and he disappeared. I sighed and looked after him. “Oh, Zuko.” I whispered.
Zuko
I ran, not wanting her to see me. I fell to my knees by the river, looking down into the rippling water. A strained looking boy looked back at me, but I gasped. His face was smooth, perfect. I felt tears stinging my eyes, but I fought them back with my grin. I stood up and went back to Katara.
Katara
I fell asleep, tired from the healing. I was so deeply asleep that I didn’t hear the intruder until he stepped on the bucket and had to turn and catch it. I leaped up. “Who are you!?” I demanded, holding my water whip to his face. “Katara, it’s me! You healed me! Thank you!” Zuko’s voice came from the boy’s mouth, and I grinned along with him. Then he picked me up in his arms and began top twirl me around. Suddenly there was a splash and a sputter, and the fire went out, plunging us into darkness.
Zuko
I was such an idiot! I was swinging Katara around, she knocked the bucket over, and we had no fire. I tried to light a new one, but the sticks were drenched from the rain. A firebender can only dry out so much. We sat in the dark, and I had the feeling Katara was watching me. I shook the feeling away and watched the rain trickle down the walls of the cave. I began to doze off, but something told me I should stay awake.
I was right. I heard a twig snap in the forest outside and leaped to the ready, but all I saw was pouring rain and shadows. A few minutes later, a snuffling noise made my skin crawl, and I blasted a fireball off into the night, but only shadows were visible. “Zuko, what’s wrong?” Katara came up behind me and whispered in my ear, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. “There’s something out there.” I said, and she shivered. “Sorry I put out the fire.” She said, and I chuckled. “I’m sorry I was dancing with you and made you put it out.” She smiled. “Don’t be. You’re a good dancer.” I turned and gave her a look. Suddenly there was a crack of lightning, and she squeaked like a frightened little mouse and grabbed my hand. But I didn’t notice. When the lightning had flashed, it had revealed a small hill covered in thick brown grass. There was only one problem with the hill theory.
The ‘hill’ hadn’t been there a minute ago.
Also, the ‘hill’ was moving.
Katara
When the lightning flashed I felt the old fear come back, and I instinctively grabbed Zuko’s hand. If he felt it, he didn’t mind because he stared out of the cave as if he was looking at something. He jerked back, his eyes wide with shock. “Get in the cave.” He hissed, and we scrambled away from the entrance. “What do you see?” I asked, and he put his hand over my mouth, backing me against the wall. “Katara, I need you to stay here no matter what happens.” I struggled against his hand, but he held firm. “Promise me.” I sighed and nodded. He took his hand away. “I promise Zuko.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead and darted out of the cave. I waited in the darkness for a sound of him, but there was nothing. Suddenly there was a heart-stopping howl, and the sound of pounding feet. I crept to the entrance where I could see out somewhat. Nothing was visible through the darkness, but the flashing lightning depicted a terrifying scene. Zuko was sprinting away through the forest, followed closely by a huge monster unlike anything I had ever seen. It had huge white tusks that gleamed in the harsh light of the lightning, and it had long quills like a porcupine. It was gaining on the running firebender quickly, and I saw him put on a desperate burst of speed. He reached a sheer sided cliff and stopped suddenly. The porcupine-boar charged madly at him, and he stood still, spreading his arms as if he was going to let the monster run him through. “ZUKO!” I screamed as the huge tusks plowed towards him. Suddenly he leaped up, using the tusks like a springboard and leaping over the monster like an acrobat. The monster continued running, and it fell over the cliff screaming madly. Zuko landed in the mud, somersaulted head over heels, and moved no more.
Zuko
I had a plan. Well, kind of. I wasn’t sure how I was going to fight a crazy porcupine-boar, but I knew I had to keep it away from Katara. Everything kind of fell into place. The thing fell off the cliff like I had planned it, and I fell down in exhaustion. I just lay there, feeling the rain patter on my back and head, just happy to be alive after facing the creature. But something nagged in the back of my mind. The dream came back, and I had the horrible feeling the monster would be back. I felt Katara’s pair of strong hands lift me up and sling my arm around her shoulder. I limped back to the cave, my previously injured leg throbbing. She let me down on my ledge and healed the wound from the boar’s tusk in my leg. Suddenly she logged off and punched my arm. “Hey! I just saved your life!” I said, and she crossed her arms. “Never, ever, ever do that again. You almost got yourself killed!” She cried, and I grinned. “Hey, I did do it for you.” She stopped her rant and frowned. “Fine, but still. Never do something that stupid again.”
Katara
We fell asleep to a gentle drizzle, the rain finally clearing up enough to see. When the sun came up, it hit us right in the faces. I opened my eyes and blinked groggily. Zuko rubbed his eyes and looked around, his face taking on a look of amazement. “My left eye can see again.” He said, and felt his left ear. “I can hear in my left ear.” He stood up and looked around our cave. Dust particles glowed golden in the noon sun, making our little cave seem like a beautiful cathedral. “Do you ever get the feeling that life is good?” Zuko asked softly, and I nodded. “Well, we better get going. The Winter Solstice is tonight, and we don’t want any more delays.” I sighed and packed up my things. “So, you’re sure you want to do this?” I asked hesitantly, and Zuko turned to look at me. “We’re not doing this for me. We’re doing this for you, Katara. I have nothing at all to gain by this except I can get married, which isn’t big on my ‘to-do’ list. You’re the one who needs to burn this so you can marry what’s-his-face.” I winced, and he shouldered his pack. “Come on. We need to get going.” I nodded and shouldered my own pack, heading out into the bright sunshine with a heavy heart.
I smelled cooking soup and sat up, blinking my eyes and feeling refreshed. “Good morning Sleeping Beauty.” A deep voice said, and I looked around. Zuko was leaning against the wall behind the fire, his gold eyes dancing in the flickering firelight. “Why do you have to call me that?” Zuko shrugged and crouched down, stirring the soup with a stick. Thunder rumbled outside, and I felt the wetness in the air. “It’s going to rain.” I said, and Zuko nodded. “Yes. And by the looks of it, it’s going to be a nasty one.” I stood up and immediately regretted it. My back and shoulder were stiff and sore, and I had an aching pain in my head as if I had been bashed against the sea shore. Then again, I had. “Katara, you’re a miracle worker, you know that?” I looked over at him, my eyebrow raised. “What makes you say that?” He stood up and stretched his leg, making the thin white scar stand out in the flickering firelight. “Oh, that. I have healed worse injuries then that.” I said, and my eyes moved to his scar subconsciously. His hand moved to it at the same moment, and I looked away. “You used the healing water on Aang back in Ba Sing Se.” He said. It wasn’t a question; it was a statement, as if he already knew I had. I nodded, and he sighed. “But I’ve gotten a lot better since I offered last.” I suggested, and he looked up. There was a shimmer of pain in his eyes that made me want to cry. “Do you really think it might work?” he asked, and for the first time I saw right down to the vulnerable, innocent little boy he used to be. “I don’t know, Zuko.” He looked down. I took the pot off the fire and spooned its contents into two bowls. Thunder rumbled, and I saw Zuko shiver. “What’s wrong? Are you cold?” He shook his head, getting the deep look he got when he knew something I didn’t. “Something’s coming, Katara. We’ve been lucky so far; lucky you found me in time to save me from hypothermia, lucky to escape the squid-shark, lucky not to be crushed by the wave, lucky you could heal my leg. Sooner or later our luck is going to run out.”
Zuko
I saw her shiver when I said that. “Why do you have to be such a pessimist?” I asked, and she gave me a look. “I’m a pessimist? What are you then?” I rolled my eyes and stood up. “Aren’t you going to let me try?” She asked, and I shrugged. “We don’t need any more distractions Katara. We have to get to the temple and break the bond before something worse happens.” My mind flashed to the monster chasing us through the dark forest. I looked out the cave entrance and shivered. The small bushes and tall trees outside looked suspiciously like the ones in my dream. Then I made a decision.
I sighed and knelt down beside her. “Very well.”
Katara
I took a deep breath and pulled out my water. He closed his eyes, and I gently reached out and touched his face. Then I closed my eyes as well, letting the healing take over. Then the water was gone. His face was pulled away from under my hand, and he disappeared. I sighed and looked after him. “Oh, Zuko.” I whispered.
Zuko
I ran, not wanting her to see me. I fell to my knees by the river, looking down into the rippling water. A strained looking boy looked back at me, but I gasped. His face was smooth, perfect. I felt tears stinging my eyes, but I fought them back with my grin. I stood up and went back to Katara.
Katara
I fell asleep, tired from the healing. I was so deeply asleep that I didn’t hear the intruder until he stepped on the bucket and had to turn and catch it. I leaped up. “Who are you!?” I demanded, holding my water whip to his face. “Katara, it’s me! You healed me! Thank you!” Zuko’s voice came from the boy’s mouth, and I grinned along with him. Then he picked me up in his arms and began top twirl me around. Suddenly there was a splash and a sputter, and the fire went out, plunging us into darkness.
Zuko
I was such an idiot! I was swinging Katara around, she knocked the bucket over, and we had no fire. I tried to light a new one, but the sticks were drenched from the rain. A firebender can only dry out so much. We sat in the dark, and I had the feeling Katara was watching me. I shook the feeling away and watched the rain trickle down the walls of the cave. I began to doze off, but something told me I should stay awake.
I was right. I heard a twig snap in the forest outside and leaped to the ready, but all I saw was pouring rain and shadows. A few minutes later, a snuffling noise made my skin crawl, and I blasted a fireball off into the night, but only shadows were visible. “Zuko, what’s wrong?” Katara came up behind me and whispered in my ear, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. “There’s something out there.” I said, and she shivered. “Sorry I put out the fire.” She said, and I chuckled. “I’m sorry I was dancing with you and made you put it out.” She smiled. “Don’t be. You’re a good dancer.” I turned and gave her a look. Suddenly there was a crack of lightning, and she squeaked like a frightened little mouse and grabbed my hand. But I didn’t notice. When the lightning had flashed, it had revealed a small hill covered in thick brown grass. There was only one problem with the hill theory.
The ‘hill’ hadn’t been there a minute ago.
Also, the ‘hill’ was moving.
Katara
When the lightning flashed I felt the old fear come back, and I instinctively grabbed Zuko’s hand. If he felt it, he didn’t mind because he stared out of the cave as if he was looking at something. He jerked back, his eyes wide with shock. “Get in the cave.” He hissed, and we scrambled away from the entrance. “What do you see?” I asked, and he put his hand over my mouth, backing me against the wall. “Katara, I need you to stay here no matter what happens.” I struggled against his hand, but he held firm. “Promise me.” I sighed and nodded. He took his hand away. “I promise Zuko.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead and darted out of the cave. I waited in the darkness for a sound of him, but there was nothing. Suddenly there was a heart-stopping howl, and the sound of pounding feet. I crept to the entrance where I could see out somewhat. Nothing was visible through the darkness, but the flashing lightning depicted a terrifying scene. Zuko was sprinting away through the forest, followed closely by a huge monster unlike anything I had ever seen. It had huge white tusks that gleamed in the harsh light of the lightning, and it had long quills like a porcupine. It was gaining on the running firebender quickly, and I saw him put on a desperate burst of speed. He reached a sheer sided cliff and stopped suddenly. The porcupine-boar charged madly at him, and he stood still, spreading his arms as if he was going to let the monster run him through. “ZUKO!” I screamed as the huge tusks plowed towards him. Suddenly he leaped up, using the tusks like a springboard and leaping over the monster like an acrobat. The monster continued running, and it fell over the cliff screaming madly. Zuko landed in the mud, somersaulted head over heels, and moved no more.
Zuko
I had a plan. Well, kind of. I wasn’t sure how I was going to fight a crazy porcupine-boar, but I knew I had to keep it away from Katara. Everything kind of fell into place. The thing fell off the cliff like I had planned it, and I fell down in exhaustion. I just lay there, feeling the rain patter on my back and head, just happy to be alive after facing the creature. But something nagged in the back of my mind. The dream came back, and I had the horrible feeling the monster would be back. I felt Katara’s pair of strong hands lift me up and sling my arm around her shoulder. I limped back to the cave, my previously injured leg throbbing. She let me down on my ledge and healed the wound from the boar’s tusk in my leg. Suddenly she logged off and punched my arm. “Hey! I just saved your life!” I said, and she crossed her arms. “Never, ever, ever do that again. You almost got yourself killed!” She cried, and I grinned. “Hey, I did do it for you.” She stopped her rant and frowned. “Fine, but still. Never do something that stupid again.”
Katara
We fell asleep to a gentle drizzle, the rain finally clearing up enough to see. When the sun came up, it hit us right in the faces. I opened my eyes and blinked groggily. Zuko rubbed his eyes and looked around, his face taking on a look of amazement. “My left eye can see again.” He said, and felt his left ear. “I can hear in my left ear.” He stood up and looked around our cave. Dust particles glowed golden in the noon sun, making our little cave seem like a beautiful cathedral. “Do you ever get the feeling that life is good?” Zuko asked softly, and I nodded. “Well, we better get going. The Winter Solstice is tonight, and we don’t want any more delays.” I sighed and packed up my things. “So, you’re sure you want to do this?” I asked hesitantly, and Zuko turned to look at me. “We’re not doing this for me. We’re doing this for you, Katara. I have nothing at all to gain by this except I can get married, which isn’t big on my ‘to-do’ list. You’re the one who needs to burn this so you can marry what’s-his-face.” I winced, and he shouldered his pack. “Come on. We need to get going.” I nodded and shouldered my own pack, heading out into the bright sunshine with a heavy heart.
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