Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The pond was just as Zuko remembered. Large with stones around the rim and a great tree on the other side. The turtle ducks swam happily and without care. The clear water reflects his smaller, unscarred features. He lifted his hand and touched the smooth skin around his left eye. A dream? Was it all just a terrible dream? Footsteps, light as the wind approached. Zuko doesn’t turn his head as the figure comes to stand near to him; his gaze still focused on his watery reflection. He lowers down to a knee and reaches up again to touch the left side of his face. Something disturbed the still pond as a ripple rode over Zuko’s reflection. And then, for a moment, it changes. His youthful face is replaced by an all too familiar blue and white mask. He jumps back with a gasp. “Zuko?” Warm soft hands perch themselves on his small shoulders steadying his slightly shaking form.

Zuko’s head whips to the figure behind him, “M...Mom?” Ursa gives her son a small smile as he turns to her fully, hands never leaving his shoulders. Zuko takes in a deep breath, and then another before pushing himself into his mothers’ embrace, “Mom!”

Ursa’s arms wrap securely round her crying son as he clung tightly to her. “My Zuko. My beautiful boy.”

“I-I missed you so much,” Zuko chokes out.

Ursa smiles as she, so gently, lifts her son’s head and looks into his tear-filled eyes, “I am always with you. No matter how impossibly far I am.” Her hand lightly caresses his face and the simple gesture is so gentle that it has Zuko breaking down into more sobs. Ursa just holds her son close as she whispers soothing words to him.

After what could have been hours, Zuko’s crying finally comes to an end. The two sit by the pond in a comfortable silence as the sun casted an orange glow across the sky. Zuko sighs as the peaceful surrounding washes over him, wishing this moment would last forever. Ursa shifts for a moment before settling again, “Look.”

Zuko turns his head only to be met with, what could only be, a mask being placed on him. Quickly the warmth he felt faded as a cold wind rushed through. Zuko removes the mask to see that his surroundings had changed drastically. What was once the beloved palace pond covered in the light of the fading sun was now a foggy swamp encased by tall trees. The only light source being that of the shining full moon above. There is something oddly familiar about this place, but Zuko couldn’t say what. He turns the mask in his hands. Zuko’s eyes widen as the Blue Spirit mask stares back at him. Freezing water rushed around him, nearly throwing Zuko off balance. The mask falls from his hands, sinking into the murky water, as he regains his footing in the waist deep pool.

“Mom?” Zuko says as he looks to where his mother once was only to see she was gone. “Mom? Mom!” He shouted. Zuko waded through the water as he frantically looked around the area for his mother. But Ursa was nowhere to be seen. Zuko was alone once again. He screamed into the night. The freezing water soaked into his clothing until it reached his bones.

Ripples appeared as the water began to pull Zuko back. He fights against it to failing results. Then he feels hands on his shoulder and the water stops trying to drag him back. Quickly Zuko turns to face the person behind him hoping it to be his mother. Ursa is not there. Who is there is that of a towering figure wearing the Blue Spirit mask. Or perhaps it was the spirit itself. Whatever the truth Zuko doesn’t move; or he tried to and found he couldn’t. The spirit's hand lifts and perches on the right side of his face. The touch is that of ice. The hand then moves down to his neck and Zuko starts to panic as it lightly wraps around his throat. The hold is firm enough to keep him in place, but not enough to feel suffocating. The figure leans down and whispers in a deep, raspy voice, “Wake up,” before shoving the young prince into the murky water below.

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Zuko shoots up from his sleeping mat with a gasp. A hand goes to grip the damp clothing over his chest as he heaves in deep, unsteady breath after another. Once calmed and fully awake does Zuko have a glance at his surroundings. He was in a forest grove with the final light of the campfire dying out. Right, he was off on his own and found this little opening in the thick forest to settle for the night. Had it not been for the sudden dream this could have been his most restful night yet. Something warm runs down his cheeks. With the swipe of a hand does Zuko realize that he was crying. He rubs his eyes, ignoring the difference in skin texture on his left side.

After a moment Zuko stands and begins packing his few belongings and destroys the remainder of the campfire. He chooses to head deeper into the forest in hopes of making himself tired enough again to get a few more hours of rest. The moon above guides his path through the uneven trek. Zuko does his best to not think about the dream, or the heavy weight of the Blue Spirit mask on his side. He selfishly wishes his uncle was there; Iroh always knew the best way to calm him after these kinds of dreams. Zuko pushes thoughts about this uncle to the back of his mind. He long since made his choice, the wrong one at that, and as a result he lost the only person in the world who loved him unconditionally. He doesn’t deserve to wish for someone who has every right to never forgive him.

A root trips him and has Zuko stumbling forward. It takes a bit of effort to regain his footing as his overwhelming emotions and remaining drowsiness still grips him. Zuko supports himself on a nearby tree and shakes the offending ankle and checks it. Thankfully undamaged Zuko sighs as he rubs a hand down his face. The moon shines brighter here thanks to the reflection of the large pond before him. Some might call it a coincidence, or irony, but to Zuko it felt more like a slap in the face. The last thing he needed was a random pond in the middle of a forest after his nightmare. The annoyance only lasted for a moment before exhaustion began to settle in once again. Zuko grumbles as he rests his belongings against a tree a few feet from the water's edge. Once he settles sleep tugs at his consciousness. His eyes began to droop shut, and just as darkness was about to engulf him once again a splash stopped it. Zuko shoots forward, eyes widening at the sudden sound, sword in hand. He scans the area only to see a figure in the center of the pond. A white veil pool around their form keeps Zuko from identifying the sudden arrival.

“Hello?” Zuko calls out to the strange figure as he gets to his feet; still gripping his sword. The figure doesn’t pay mind to the exiled prince. Zuko walks enough so his shoes are now touching the water. “Hey!” He shouts a little louder. This is what gets the figure to turn slightly. Their head is bowed and the nearly shining veil keeps their face a mystery, but Zuko knows they’re looking at him.

An arm rises from the water and reaches out to him. Something in him wants to move towards the figure. He doesn’t even realize he’s reaching back until his own arm is in his vision. The figure’s head lifts slightly and Zuko swears he sees a small smile underneath the veil. His heart stings at the sight. That smile was so familiar, but he couldn’t say how or where or who. Zuko doesn’t get time to think about it as the water ripples around the pond and without warning the figure is dragged under with a short, high pitch scream.

Zuko doesn’t think as he throws himself into the cool water. Horror and fear drives him down and deeper under the dark water. The shining light of the veil guides him down. The figure looks to him and reaches out in his direction. The long dark hair and flowing light green and cream dress outlines the figure of the distressed girl. Zuko swims faster, pushes harder, and ignores the burning in his chest as his lungs scream for air. He doesn’t stop until he reaches the girl and pulls her to him. Until she is securely in his arms. Until his feeble attempt at fire bending under water at whatever is pulling her down stops, vanishes, and releases. Only then does Zuko stop. His lungs unable to bear the pain, he coughs and water finds its way in. The desperation to save the girl has his body sore and useless to attempt to swim back to the surface. He coughs again letting more water in as his grip on the girl begins to loosen. Zuko’s vision becomes blurry as he slowly slips into the darkness.

A glow shines in his vision. The strange girl he attempted to save, whose face looks so familiar his heart stings again, looks down at him. “My wonderful warrior. Oh how I have missed you. I have waited for you for so long. Time is not on our side. Please, my love, come and find me,” her voice is light and ethereal and comforting as Zuko’s eyes close shut.

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Warmth covers his face as Zuko slowly opens his eyes to the bright morning sun. He coughs for a moment before moving to sit. He was still in the forest by the pond he had found. Unsteadily Zuko gets to his feet and wipes the mud from his damp clothing.
‘Mud?’ Zuko thinks to himself. ‘Why are my clothes wet?’ It’s then that he notices the small trail between where he woke and the pond; as if he was dragged from water and placed there. The insanity from the night’s endeavor comes crashing forth. The veiled girl in the river, Zuko’s attempt to save her, the crypted message she left him with as he nearly drowned in the process. “Hello?!” Zuko shouts wondering if his unknown savior or the mysterious girl was still in the area. A moment, then another, and another and still no one comes forth.
Zuko shakes his head and finishes cleaning himself down before turning to walk to where he left his bag and other items. The first step he takes has him stepping on something too smooth, and too weak to be a rock. Looking down, Zuko is met with the mask of the Blue Spirit. An item he most certainly left behind with the rest of his things. Slowly he picks up the mask and examines it. Other then the strange warmth, which was probably the result from the rising sun, it looked normal. Zuko sighs as he wipes the dirt from the object and walks his way over to his belongings; ready to finally leave this strange forest and put that terrible night behind him.

Chapter Text

Water has always been a comfort for Katara. Whether she was submerged in the element or controlling it or simply stepping her bare feet into the shallows, it didn’t matter. The element was her in all its beautiful destructive glory. So one night, a few days after dealing with Hama, Katara had carefully snuck away from camp. She walks until she comes across a small stream. Katara removed her shoes, placing them to the side, and stepped into the water. It was cool and that was enough to remind her of home. A place Katara missed deeply and hopes that she’ll be able to see again. Her mind wanders to the memory of her grandmother, then the village, then her father, until finally her mother. And Katara wonders what her family, her mother, would think about what she’s become. She begins to tear at the possibilities. At the horror and disappointment.

Katara doesn’t register the water slowly flowing up from of the river until it has coiled itself securely around her. There was always something so comforting about having her element wrapped around her. For the first time in days did Katara feel secure and safe; and that is what makes her start to break down even more. She feels the water spread and spread until it had cocooned her entire form leaving only her face exposed. The pressure slightly increases and it leads to the young water bender sobbing even harder. Despite the coolness of the water there is something so warm and comforting about it. It’s as if she is being hugged by something she couldn’t see, but always felt was there.

Only when her crying had begun to cease did the water pull slowly away and back to its original source. Katara wipes her eyes while she takes some calming breaths. Once she was ready, Katara steps out of the stream, places her shoes back on, and makes her way back to camp hoping no one had woken in her absence.
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Zuko knew the man who killed her mother, or at the very least knew how to track him down. Katara still didn’t trust the ex-prince; what happened in Ba Sing Se was still prevalent in her mind. A part of her thought he was bluffing. It was only last night that she had mentioned an impossible task of bringing her mother back in exchange for forgiveness. There was no coincidence between the two events. So instead of responding to the proposition Katara walked off and found a small pool away from the camp. There she practiced her bending within the water itself as her mind wondered.

She thought of the journey up till now. The beginnings in the Southern Water tribe, dealings in the Earth kingdoms, to the north and now in the Fire Nation. Katara thought of her friends, her family, every single person she met along the way; the good and bad and those in between. She thought of Aang, and Sokka, and Toph, and Suki; of how far all of them have grown since they first met, and smiles. Pride washes over her as the memories play in her mind. Katara thinks of herself. Of the small little water bender too young and weak and scared to protect the people most important to her. Of the water bending master she had grown to be.

She thinks of Zuko. Of the exiled prince who hunted them, desperate to capture her friend. But then Katara thinks of Ba Sing Se and her heart stings. The betrayal is always the first memory to rise and then it gets clouded with rage and pain. Katara pushes past it and remembers Zuko’s words about his mother and the look on his face. He understood her pain in ways others couldn’t. Which is why he came to her with the offer, because he felt the same anger as she did. The same fire for vengeance. And Katara realizes, if she knew anything about the people who took Zuko’s mother she would tell him and want to help in whatever way possible.

The water she bends falls back into the pond at the conclusion she comes to. Katara wanted revenge and Zuko was willing to help her get it. Something pulls at her heart at the odd familiarity of the act. That same thing urges her to trust him one more time. To let the fire prince prove himself to be worthy of her forgiveness. So, Katara walks back to camp, finds Zuko, and takes him up on the offer. She ignores the calm warmth that washes over her as they walk together to Appa.
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Water had always been a comfort for Katara. It didn’t matter what form it took. A pond in the middle of a forest, the freezing ocean that surrounded her tribe, the small streams that scattered themselves around the fire nation, or even the rain itself. Water was comfort and safety and power. So when the rain poured down after successfully tracking down the man who killed her mother, only to then release him moments after the encounter, did Katara feel little comfort.

The rain was heavy as the two benders trekked their way back to where they left Appa. Katara held the lead as Zuko followed a few steps behind. So many thoughts raced through her mind as the rage and pain that had become a normality to feel began to fade with every step. Katara felt no sympathy for Yon Rha and was actually happy that he got a taste of the fear she felt all those years ago. Yet even that did little to fill the hollowness in her. A hollowness that was soon filled with disgust at the fact that she blood bended again. Katara pushes those feelings aside and thinks of her mother. Kya’s smiling face flashes in her mind. It makes her stop in her tracks as more memories of her mother came forth. It ends on the day Kya died and with that Katara falls to her knees. She hugs herself as the weight of her memories and actions take over where her rage once was and cries.

The rain pelts down on her and she feels nothing. So Katara tries and wills the water to cover her, embrace her in some way as it always had. She cares not for her raging emotions, or the fact that the water is turning into ice on her very skin and clothes. The cold, once comforting, only just reminded Katara of home; of her grandmother, her brother, her father, and then back to her mother. She cries harder and harder as more ice forms.

It takes a moment for Katara to register the warm presence next to her. It takes another to realize that there are arms wrapped lightly around her shaking form. Zuko doesn’t speak as he holds her. Katara knows he’s probably as surprised as she is by the gesture. Katara also knows that if she pushes him away Zuko will oblige. She doesn’t though. Instead she leans into the hold, one that feels all too familiar, and continues to cry. Zuko takes the sign and tightens the hold; secure but loose enough for Katara to break away if she so chooses. It is this that has a new set of tears rolling down her face. Despite every venomous word Katara spat back. Despite all the hostility and anger pointed his way; Zuko still decided to comfort her.

“It’s okay,” Zuko whispered. “It’s going to be okay.”

Katara doesn’t forgive Yon Rha. She doesn’t believe she ever will. Katara does forgive Zuko and solidifies it with a hug. When they land in camp she seeks out Sokka and for the first time in years they speak about their mother. Katara tells him all she can remember about her and Sokka smiles. Before the end of the night she apologizes for what she said before Zuko and her left. Sokka loved their mother and grieved her just as much as Katara and it was horrible for her to claim he didn’t. Sokka, obviously, forgives her and like that a weight is lifted from her shoulders. They bid each other a good night and departed for their respective tents.
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That night Katara dreams of a swamp. It was not the first time she had visited this place. The moonlight filters in through the opening above the tall trees. The first thing Katara notices is the cream dress she was now wearing. It was long and hung loosely on her form. The next item was the small veil that hung from the straw hat atop her head. Katara walks across the thick vine to the center. There she finds a stone slumped against a tree. It is unmarked, but Katara can tell that it was a grave; or at the very least a marking for one. Gently she picks up the object sat atop the stone. The greenery had long since covered it. Katara wipes some of the vines and moss away to reveal a mask. Time had worn away the original colors of it, but there was something familiar about it that made her heart pangs at the sight of it. She hugs the mask close before placing it back on the stone.

Katara begins to make her way back over the large vine. Once she’s half way the world shakes. Then the vine rumbles and pulls out from under her. The suddenness leaves Katara with no time to bend her way to safety and plunges into the murky water below. Katara regains her senses quickly and starts swimming up, but something wasn’t right. The more she pushed up the more it seemed that the water pushed her down. Her own element was fighting against her. Katara pushes down the panic rising in her gut and attempts to bend a bubble around her. It works long enough for her to get a proper breath of air before the bubble is broken.

Then, when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, Katara felt something wrap around her ankles. She could barely make out the vines below as they slowly tugged her down. Katara changes objectives as she leans down and attempts to control the vines into releasing her. When they don’t relent Katara makes another temporary air bubble before attempting to freeze water around the plants. She had hoped but wasn’t surprised when that failed as well. Katara creates another air bubble; this one lasts a little longer than the previous ones. She knew that there were two options now. Either continue with the bubbles and stall the inevitable or just succumb to the element. Water has always been a comfort for Katara and she finds it only fitting that she would one day return it. She tries one more time at freeing herself before giving up at the futile attempts.

Then Katara feels a disturbance in the water. Frantically she looks around and notices another figure swimming towards her. Katara reaches out a hand; one that the figure quickly reaches and grabs. They attempt to pull her up to no success. She tugs the person down and creates a quick bubble.

They both gasp. “The vines have me trapped!” Katara is able to get out before the bubble bursts. The masked figure just stares at her and Katara is met with all too familiar amber eyes. Quickly another bubble is formed, “Zuko?!” The bubble pops before he can respond, but he nods.

The world rumbles again and the two instinctively hold tight to each other in the unsteady current. Once the water eases Katara makes another bubble that lasts barely five seconds. It’s enough for Zuko to gain enough breath to pull out a sword from his back and lean down to cut the vines trapping her. Thankfully it works and the two begin their assent to the surface. The water still fights them, but Katara, with newly found vigor, pushes back.

Katara breaks the surface with a gasp. She coughs and takes in deep gulps of fresh air. “That was too close. Thanks Zu…” She stops mid sentence when she realizes Zuko is not there. Katara’s heart sinks at the realization as she dives back under the water. He’s there in the same spot as she was just as Katara feared. She doesn’t hesitate to begin her descent to him. However instead of the water pushing her down this time it pushes her up. Katara fights it and continues to slowly make her way down to her trapped friend. Zuko sees her, panic evident in his eyes, and tries to swim towards her. He doesn’t make it an inch before something tugs him back down. Katara only quickens her pace reaching out for Zuko’s outstretched hand.

Once their fingers brush something shoots out of the darkness and latches onto the fire bender fully dragging him underneath. Katara freezes as Koh the Face Stealer stares blankly back at her. The spirit lunges at her as Katara raises her arms to protect herself. Koh’s painful screams have her cautioning a glance. Below the spirit is that of another figure with a glowing blue aura around them. Their weapon sunk deeply into the spirit’s side as a second one impaled a bit higher. Koh screams again as the weapons are dragged through his body. Koh lunges again for her but stops as a blinding light shines brightly behind her. The underwater vines wrap quickly and tightly around the offending spirit and pull him away and down deeper into the depths.

Katara barely takes a second to regain herself when she sees Zuko laying motionless at the bottom. She begins to move towards him only to be stopped by a hand around her arm. Katara looks back at the person who just saved her life and nearly coughs out the remaining air she was holding. The Painted Lady only shook her head at the young water bender before pulling her up towards the surface. Katara fights against her and pushes her way towards Zuko. Arms wrap around her midsection and pull her close. The glowing blue figure, who Katara assumes is some other spirit, gently picks Zuko up, choosing to stand at the bottom of the pool. Katara fights harder as she realizes that she is moving upwards and away from her friend.

“No Zuko!” She shouts as she breaks the waters surface. Once vines had emerged from the forest edge and covered the pool did the Painted Lady release her. Katara tries to bend the vines away but they don’t budge. She attempts to pull water from the surrounding greenery to no avail. “No, no, no!” Katara shouts as she results to clawing at the offending vines. She looks to the spirit floating before her, “Please let me though! My friend is still down there! He’ll drown!” If Zuko hadn’t already, she thinks.

“It is of no use. He has long since been marked for death,” the Painted lady speaks.

“What?” Katara responds as she stops trying to rip the vines.

The Painted Lady lowers her head with a mournful frown, “You cannot save him. We have tried before and have failed again and again.” More spirits shine behind the trees, “The boy will die and you will be there to see what we all have witnessed.”

“No,” Katara speaks resolutely as she stands. “I have lost enough to this cursed war and I refuse to lose any more.” She stares down the spirit daring it to speak against her. “We’ve come too far to die now. My friends, my family and I are going to make it out of this alive!”
The Painted Lady sighs as she floats down till she’s only a foot away. She lifts a hand and places it on Katara's head, “We will see.” Light engulfs them and the swamp fades aways.

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Katara awakens with a gasp. A dream; or more specifically a nightmare. It takes time for Katara to slow her racing heart. Once calmed and breathing properly does she decide to exit her tent. The sun was just coming over the horizon signifying the new day. Katara brushes down her bed head and takes a small walk away from camp. She doesn’t get far as she notices a figure sitting off in the distance. Katara heads towards them and once close enough realizes that it’s Zuko. A sense of relief washes over her at the sight of the fire bender.

As if sensing her presence Zuko turns his head to her. Katara swears she sees something in the amber eye, but it vanishes before she can say what it was. Zuko smiles, “Good morning Katara.”

She feels her heart skip at the sight. Ignoring it Katara goes to sit near him. “Morning Zuko,” she responds with a small smile of her own. Katara ignores the shine in his eyes or the relaxation of his shoulders.

The two sat in silence as they watched the sun slowly ascend into the sky. Katara takes one more look at her companion and for a second she sees another. A face that is older, hair longer, and shining amber eyes now replaced with ocean blue. The figure turns to meet her gaze and Katara takes note of the large claw scar on the left side of his face and how the left eye seemed duller than the right.

“Katara?” She blinks and Zuko is before her again. A look of worry written on his face, “Are you okay?”

Katara blinks again before clearing her throat, “Yes, I am. Sorry about that.” She turns her gaze back to the sky. Zuko doesn’t push it and the silent peace returns. ‘He will not die. I won't let him,’ Katara thinks as she makes the unsaid promise.

Chapter Text

Sleep came easier since Zuko had officially joined the group. Minus the occasional strange death nightmares he’s been increasingly having, Zuko still makes it through the night without waking. However tonight was different. The Ember Island play had left a sour taste in his mouth. To see all his past transgressions, that he is doing everything in his power to make up for, slapped back in his face stung more and more with each scene. Zuko tossed and turned in his bed before finally giving up and leaving his room. Perhaps some fresh air and training will do his restless mind some good.

Zuko spends an hour in the training grounds before deciding he had enough. He leans against a pillar as he catches his breath. The training had succeeded at exhausting his body, but not his mind. Zuko closed his eyes as he did his best to focus on the sounds surrounding him. The light dance of the wind, the rustling of the grass, and the sound of crickets grounded the young prince and brought a semblance of peace to him.

Zuko feels the icy presence before he sees it. He tracks it and then shoots. His adversary dodges the attack and pulls forth his own weapon. Zuko’s eyes opened as he faced the spirit before him, “What do you want?”

“Just making sure you’re not slacking off,” the Blue Spirit says, raising his sword at the young prince.

“I don’t know why you can’t just leave me alone,” Zuko says, rather annoyed with the spirit’s constant presence as he takes a few steps forward.

“Please. I thought you liked having me around,” Zuko’s expression doesn’t change. The spirit sighs, “I’m not here to fight Little Flame. I’ve actually come to give you a heads up on something.”

Zuko crossed his arms, “I don’t have time for your mind games tonight.”

“No games, Flame.”

“Then out with it so I can go back to bed.”

“The comet will soon be upon us. The beginning of the end. The Fire Lord’s clock is running out and so is yours.”

Zuko raises an eyebrow, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I hope you have no regrets by the time it all starts.”

Zuko glares harder at the spirit, “I told you I’m not up for your mind games tonight. Either tell me what you mean or leave me alone.”

“Death is coming for you Little Flame and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Our time is running out. The gears are already turning; ready to start the next cycle.” Zuko’s eyes widen as the words settle. “It’s sad really. You have been my favorite one so far. To see your string get cut so soon,” the spirit sighs. “You best start writing some letters or praying to whatever deity you believe in for a quick death. It’s the least the universe could do for you.” The Blue Spirit shrugs, “Up to you kid,” and vanishes into the aether.

Zuko doesn’t move; he can’t. The words fully register in his mind and the weight brings him to his knees. No one truly ever wants to receive the news that they were dying. It left nothing but dread. Yet, to hear that he was going to die during the comet, to know that he won't be seeing the end of the war, felt even worse. There were still so many things he needed to do. So many apologies he had to give, and now they would never happen.

Zuko clenches his hands tightly before rising to his feet. If sleep avoided him before then it certainly will continue too in this state. So Zuko walks. He doesn’t know where he’s going, he just knows he needs to be moving. Zuko makes it all the way down to the beach. The sight of the water already brings a sense of ease to his chaotic mind. He breathes in the salty air before continuing his trek down the coast. A few minutes later he hears hurried footsteps coming from behind. Zuko halts his pace and quickly turns around to see Katara jogging her way over. She stops a few feet away and gives him an off look.

“Evening,” Zuko says, trying to make his voice sound normal.

“Can’t sleep either?”

“Just a lot on my mind,” he responds, turning back around and starting his pace again.

“Hey!” Katara grabs onto his wrist, “Don’t shut me out like that. I know something is wrong. You can tell me.”

Those words feel all too familiar; yet Zuko can’t think of how as he feels her grip tighten slightly. It’s comforting and it gives Zuko the strength to shake off some of the stress he felt, “It’s nothing important. Just nightmares is all.” He doesn’t look at her. He knows that if he did she’d see right through the lie.

Katara releases him and it takes all his willpower to not reach back to her. She walks in front of him blocking his straightforward path. Katara examines him from head to toe, but Zuko avoids her eyes by continuing to look at the ocean. A hand rises to cup his right cheek and moves his gaze from the water to the girl before him, “Zuko, please.” Her voice is low and soft and her touch is so warm and gentle he unknowingly leans into it desperate for the connection. She looks at him with such care and worry that his resolve begins to shatter.

He wants to tell her the truth so terribly it feels as if the world is splitting in two. Zuko wants to talk about the nightmares, about the spirit that’s been haunting him for years, and about the news of his impending death just so he didn’t have to bear it alone. The weight is near suffocating and it feels as though he is drowning once again. But before the words have a chance to form Zuko looks into those wonderful oceanic eyes. They had always shined so brightly, but now they seemed duller; like a storm on the sea. Something was troubling her, keeping her from the comfort of sleep as well. So Zuko takes in a deep breath, reluctantly removes himself from her hand, bites the inside of his cheek, and swallows down the torrent within him. Katara has her own problems to deal with and the last thing he wanted was to add to them. “Just, walk with me,” Zuko strains out as he ignores the cool wind brushing pass. Katara only nods as the two make their way down the coast.

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It was about an hour later that the pair decided to stop and take a seat in the sand as they watched the sea. There was about a foot or two between them as they basked in each other’s presence.

“It’s so quiet tonight,” Katara speaks, breaking the long silence that had settled between them. Zuko only hums, “Like not just the island. I don’t know why but it just feels as if the world itself has fallen silent just for tonight.”

Zuko looks at her then back out to the water, “Yeah, I guess it does. Like the calm before a storm.”

Katara sighs, “A storm that will be coming very soon.” She pulls her knees close and drags a finger across the sand.

“You have a lot on your mind. Not just the upcoming battle,” Zuko says, turning his gaze to her. Katara just mumbles a small ‘yeah’ before burying her face in her arms. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She turns her head to him, “Only if you tell me what’s going on in that pretty head of yours.”

Zuko snickers, “Aw, you think I’m pretty.”

Katara’s eyes widened as a small bit of color crept on her face. She composes herself quickly, “I will admit that the longer hair fits you better then the ponytail.”

It was Zuko’s turn to blush, making the water bender laugh at his wide-eyed expression. Zuko quickly follows and for a single blissful moment it feels as if the weight of the world wasn’t resting upon their shoulders. It felt so natural to laugh with Katara and be in her presence. He could go as far and say it felt right to do so.

“I’m just really confused about a few things right now, and with the fight with the Fire Lord dawning upon us it just makes things even more stressful,” Katara says once they had both regained their composure.

Zuko gives her a puzzled look, “What are you so confused about?”

“It’s nothing important. It’s kind of ridiculous even considering the stakes we’re facing,” she says, fiddling with her fingers.

Zuko frowns as he takes notice of the darker markings decorating Katara’s hands. Gently, absentmindedly, he reaches out and takes one in his hand. He didn’t need much light to know exactly what he was looking at. What he was feeling. The scars were a bit smoother than his own, “When did this happen?” Zuko softly questions. He thinks back to all their encounters. These scars felt all too familiar and a part of him is begging that he didn’t do this. That he didn’t become him.

“A long time ago. It was earlier in our travels when we went looking for a fire bending teacher for Aang. It was an accident in the end. I don’t blame Aang for it,” Katara says it so casually. Zuko could only imagine the look he had at the revelation. Katara looks away from him, slowly taking her hand back, “I was able to learn that I had healing powers from it. So it wasn’t all that bad.”

“Still,” Zuko pauses for a second trying to find the right words, “what if you hadn’t discovered that ability?”

Katara lifted her hands, “Then I think I would have managed. I’m resilient like that. Besides, it was just an accident,” she emphasizes on the word ‘was’.

Zuko clears his throat, “Sorry.”

“You apologize a lot,” Katara teases. He shifts a bit, “Everything’s good between us now so stop worrying,” she says placing a hand on his shoulder.

Zuko smiles as he places one of his own atop hers and lightly squeezes it, “You’re avoiding the original question.”

Katara gives him an exasperated sigh as she removes her hand, “It’s Aang.” Zuko tilts his head in confusion, “Well it’s more about my feelings for him.”

“Oh,” Zuko says a bit uncomfortably. “Just so you know, romance is not my strong suit.”

Katara chuckles at that, “I assumed as much, but you are good at listening.” Zuko nodded as he readjusted himself into a more comfortable position. “Ever since we have been in the Fire Nation I’ve been questioning a lot of things. About the war, about the types of people we’ve met, and especially about myself and my feelings. I know that before I could say for certain that I did have feelings for Aang. And I know that I still do, but I can tell that it’s different somehow.” Katara traces in the sand again, taking a moment to pull her next words together, “And then he kissed me back at the theater and…”

“Wait a second. He kissed you?”

“Yes, during intermission, but that isn’t the point.”

“I’m sorry,” Zuko holds his hands up in surrender. “Just caught me off guard. I guess I kinda thought you two were already together in some way.”

“What? No!” Katara catches herself. “Aang and I are not together. We are friends who like each other.”

“Then what’s the issue?”

“The issue is that now I’m starting to realize that…” She pauses.

Zuko places a hand back on her shoulder urging her to continue. He knows that she’s scared to speak whatever truth is coming. Scared that it will be made manifest if she does. “Aang isn’t here and I have no plans on telling him or anyone.”

Katara takes a deep breath, “That I don’t think I like him like that anymore.” Her hands clench into the sand, “A part of me thinks it’s true, but another says that it’s because of all the stress of the upcoming battle. I just don’t know anymore.” Katara hugs herself, “And if I don’t feel that way anymore then how do I tell him? I don’t want to hurt him. I don’t want to risk our friendship, but I don’t know what else to do. All roads lead to one or both of us getting hurt in the end.”

The silence weighs heavy on the two as the confession floats through the night sky. “I’m not good at romance. I’m even worse at helping people talk through their feelings; mine included,” Katara doesn’t laugh, or chuckle, or really do anything other than staring down at the sand. “But, is it okay if I say something?” He waits for her to look at him. She gives a slight nod, “If you don’t feel the same as Aang, if your feelings at all have changed, then that is okay. Katara you are not the same person you were back at the Southern Pole. You yourself have changed. And even I know that Aang would never hold it against you if you rejected him. He will be upset for a while, but that is a natural response for people. It isn’t in his nature to hold grudges. He cares about you too much to do that.”

“I know that. It is more so the fact that if my feelings have truly changed, then how do I tell Aang without hurting him?”

He squeezes her shoulder, “That’s the thing Katara, you can’t. Aang is going to be hurt no matter what you say. The only way to avoid hurting him is by hurting yourself and lying,” she frowns at him. “Katara, take it from me that lying to Aang will only hurt him more. That delaying it will only make the pain worse.” She groans, “However, you should wait until after Ozai’s defeat to do so. We want to make sure his head is as clear for that fight. And it gives you more time to sort out your feelings.” Katara nods and another bout of silence weighs heavy on them. “What is it that you want to do after the war, Katara?”

“What?” She meets his gaze.

“You never mentioned what you wanted to do after the war. Being with Aang would only be the first in the grand of things. What about after? The world has been at war for one-hundred years and it will take a long time for it to recover. So putting aside the whole relationship part, have you thought about what you want to do when it’s all over?”

“What I want to do?” Katara just stares at him, realization shown in her eyes. She hadn’t given a real thought as to what she’d do after Ozai’s defeat.

“Maybe by figuring out what you want to do in the end will help bring some clarity to your current dilemma.” Zuko removes his hand and leans back a bit. “Aang is the Avatar. Defeating my father is only the start of things that need to be done.”

Katara’s eyes widened at whatever thought or realization just crossed her mind. She takes in a shaky breath, “But what if the others don’t agree?”

“Katara, it is your life and no one gets to tell you how you should live it. We all fought to end this war. Once it’s over everyone will be going their own way.” Zuko took a second to think, “Tell me, when was the last time you listened to someone who told you ‘no’?”

Katara stares at him for a second. Then she stands; taking in the salty air as she rises. She shines so beautifully in the moonlight that Zuko feels hypnotized by the sight of her. She looks down at him with a new vigor. The smile she gives has his heart skipping a beat and Zuko prays it isn’t showing on his face. “Thank you Zuko.” She reaches a scarred hand to him, “Come on. Let’s start walking back.”

Zuko takes the offered assistance, and even once he gets to his feet Katara doesn’t let go. Instead she drags him along with a new stride in her step. Her grip is firm but not crushing. Her hand fits so perfectly into his. Cautiously, he squeezes her hand, and without hesitating she squeezes back. Zuko couldn’t explain why being around Katara caused him to feel such peace. Or why her touch was enough to break down the walls he had built up.

“I wasn’t lying when I said that it was just nightmares,” Zuko started without thinking. Katara stops in her tracks and turns back to him. Her gaze signals him to continue, hands still entwined, “For years I’ve always had strange dreams. Ones I could never truly make sense of. They did come to a stop about a year into my exile, but slowly began to pick up again after meeting Aang the first time,” he releases a breath. “However, recently they have gotten worse.”

“In what ways?” Katara questions.

“It was when I was traveling by myself; sometime after Ba Sing Se,” Katara looked as though she was going to say something, but decided not to and waited for Zuko to finish. “It’s going to sound insane, but some nights I dream of dying.” He looks out to the ocean, “Drowning specifically.” Katara’s hold on his hand tightens almost painfully, “I try not to think too much into it, but with everything going on. With my father’s defeat hanging on the horizon; I’m starting to wonder if maybe this is some kind of omen of what’s to come.” He doesn’t say more. Doesn’t mention the Blue Spirit. Definitely doesn’t mention the fact that Katara herself had appeared in his more recent dreams. It is the closest thing to the truth that anyone will ever hear. A part of him feeling a bit relieved now that someone else knows.

“You are not going to die,” Katara said through gritted teeth. Zuko’s eyes shoot to her and take note of the (angry? No, determined? Maybe?) expression. Her shining eyes are lined with the unshed tears she was trying so desperately to keep from falling. Wonderful ocean blue meets slightly panicked amber, “You are making it to the end of this war alive and nothing is going to stop me from making sure of that.”

Zuko loses all the words he was about to speak. Never did he think that such a promise, such an oath would ever be made to him. His heart stings. Earlier, he might have just easily accepted the proclamation of his upcoming demise. It had scared him for a bit, but death had always trailed him in some shape. In the end Zuko saw it only fitting that he would meet it on the final day of the war. But it hurt looking at the water bender before him who was willing to make it her mission to make sure he survives to the coming sunrise. The sting in his heart grows and his breaths start to come in shorter.

So Zuko tugs Katara to him and hugs her. She latches onto his back so tightly as if she was afraid he would disappear before her. He feels her tears seep into his shirt and it feels like another blow to his heart. Zuko held her tighter as he tried his best to fight his own tears building in his eyes. He fails and decides to hide his face on her right shoulder. Katara pulls back slightly to reach an arm behind his head holding the now weeping fire bender closer. An eternity could have passed and Zuko would not have cared. For in that singular moment all his fears, all his doubts, all his pain faded away. His heart, his soul sings a symphony of joy and relief. If given the opportunity, Zuko would stay there till the end of time if it meant that he never had to let her go.

Katara pulls back; keeping a firm grip on his arm and moving her other hand to cup his face. Her thumb rubs over the tear streaks, “I wont lose you.”

‘Not again,’ Zuko hears the words echo in his mind. He raises a hand, slowly, cautiously, to her face and cradles her. Katara nuzzles his hand, short and quick. He takes another moment to study each wonderful feature of her face before carefully bringing their foreheads together. They both let out shaky breaths at the contact. “Neither will I lose you.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

They don’t talk about that night afterwards. However, it had become noticeable to some members of their group that something between the two benders had changed. But no one said a word, and for that Zuko was grateful. In training they moved in sync; almost as if they had been fighting together their whole life.

Zuko is there for her when Aang runs off. Katara is there for him when he hesitates to see his uncle. When Iroh tells him he won't be taking the throne, choosing Katara to aid him in taking down Azula was the only option. As they fly through the air to the palace Katara places a hand on his shoulder and assures him that everything would be okay. Despite the uneasy feeling building in his gut, Zuko agrees.

Chapter Text

There were few things that remained consistent in Katara’s life since leaving the South Pole. One, the boiling anger that she had felt ever since her mothers’ death. This anger continued to remain by her side like an old friend. Before now Katara could say that she had put her anger to rest after her confrontation with Yon Rha. That, at the very least, it was finally satisfied. Oh, how wrong she had been.

Azula screamed as the tendril of water slammed her on the ground. “This isn’t possible!” The fire princess yelled as she unsteadily got to her feet. “You are just some lowlife, water peasant! There is no way you can dare stand up to me!”

Katara doesn’t respond as she pulls the water around her and shoots icicle after icicle at the fire bender before she could properly gain her bearings. Azula is just fast enough to dodge the first few icicles and use her bending to melt the remainder. She fires back a large blast, buying her time to move out of Katara’s sight. Azula heaves in breath after breath as she tries to wrap her head around her current predicament. Katara doesn't wait a second more as water wraps around Azula’s ankle pulling her from her hiding spot.

Azula shoots fire at the offending tendril releasing herself. Fire erupts around the princess. Katara takes a moment to look back at the unmoving prince behind her. A circle of ice formed around him protecting him from the offending flames. She feels the fire move around her. She doesn’t flinch as Azula comes into her sight. Katara raises an arm making a wall of water quickly erupt catching the fire princess. Another movement has the element throwing Azula off to the side making her land heavily on the metal grates of the floor. Katara breathes as she dives into the ancient power that had awakened and pulls it forth. The plants of the palace heed her call quickly expanding out to tether the princess to the ground. Ice forms around the greenery protecting it from the surrounding fire.

Azula struggles with little success as Katara slowly makes her way to her. She looked into the glowing blue eyes of the girl before her, “What the hell are you?!” Large spears of ice formed behind Katara as she continued to her slow steps to the trapped princess. Azula screams as literal fire spewed from her lips. Katara doesn’t flinch. With the flick of her wrist water covered and froze over Azula’s mouth.

Something deep within the water bender smiled at the fear shown through the fire princesses eyes. There was always a satisfaction at watching those who thought themselves all high and mighty fall and quiver in the exact same fear that those beneath them felt. There was only three feet of distance between the two benders. ‘Finish it,’ a voice spoke within Katara’s mind. ‘Make her pay for all those she’d hurt. Make her suffer for taking him away from us once again!’ The burning inferno of rage swirled again as Katara’s gaze slowly turned to the unmoving body of the exiled prince. Azula followed her gaze, eyes widening before looking back at the water bender. Anger, fear, and realization shown through amber eyes. Finally, Azula saw the reason for her miserable downfall was her own fault.

Katara raised an arm. The ice spears rose with the action as they pointed to the target below. “Never again,” the voice that spoke from Katara’s mouth wasn’t hers. It was older, wiser, angrier as it has always been.

Azula shuts her eyes as Katara’s arm swipes down sending the icicles straight to her. Azula feels nothing; not even pain. When she dares to open her eyes she is met with the large ice mere centimeters from her face. She looks to the water bender and sees her form shake. Katara’s eyes are no longer on her. Instead her gaze is back over Zuko's body. Azula watches and after an agonizing long moment, Zuko shifts. It’s so subtle that both girls believe it a trick of the eye. But then Zuko moves again and that has the spears of ice falling to the ground.
Katara’s eyes no longer glowed. She heaves in a breath, and then another, and another as control is regained. The voice screams at her to finish what was started, but Katara pushes it back and bolts her way over to her friend. She cares not for the stinging sensation on her face, or the severe ache in her joints, or the complete exhaustion spreading through her body.
Katara’s legs give out just as she reaches Zuko. Quickly she turns the prince over. The damage was horrid. The scent of burned flesh pierced through the thick air nearly making Katara gag. Zuko groans and that is what gives Katara a semblance of relief. He was still alive. She still had a chance. She calls upon her remaining strength to cover her hands with water and pushed forth her healing. The voice in her mind tells her not to. Tells her that this is it; this is what fate had designed and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Katara chooses to block it out.

Death was not a foreign concept for Katara. She had known it from a tender age and it loomed over her since. An unwanted companion she would call it. Death had taken so much from her. Many members of her tribe, the southern water benders who came before her, and most importantly her mother. She would not let it claim another person she cared for.
Katara’s face began to sting as she pulled forth more and more power. The voice in her mind, the one that she now recognized as belonging to the Painted Lady, tells her to stop. She has no energy left and if she continues then it would be Katara who will be lost. She tells the pestering spirit to quiet. She had promised that Zuko would not die today and refuses to fail now. The spirits’ presence becomes more prevalent in her mind and body. It will gain control again if something isn’t done. So Katara reaches and grabs onto the ancient power brimming in her soul. She forces it forth and into her hands. The spirit fights but Katara does not falter, does not yield as she pushes the power into her healing.

There is a searing pain flowing through her body as the power begins to fade back into the depths of her soul. Katara heaves in air through sore lungs and pays little attention to the stinging sensation outlining her face as she watches the boy before her. An eternity could have passed and Katara could not have known. Time only began to move again as Zuko gasped in his first breath. Zuko takes in more heaving gulps of air before finally calming and staring up at the girl before him.

“Thank you, Katara,” voice low and rough.

Tears spill from Katara’s eyes as she finally breathes for the first time since the start of the fight. “I should be thanking you,” the words are too simple to truly encapsulate her feelings. Gently she wraps an arm under Zuko raising the prince into a tight embrace as she sobbed into his shoulder; her other hand resting on the back of his head. Zuko uses his free hand to tightly grip onto her and the gesture just makes Katara sob harder.

They remain in the embrace until she calms. “What happened?” Zuko questions looking at his trapped sister and then at Katara's bloody face. Gently he reaches a hand to her and attempts wipe away some of the blood.

Katara flinches at the contact. Her face stung like it hadn’t before. Zuko pulls back and places his hands on her shoulders, “It’s a long and complicated story.” She manages a smile, “I’ll tell you later.” Zuko only nods.

What happens next feels like a blur to Katara. Slowly they both rise to their feet with assistance from each other. She stumbles for a second but Zuko steadies her, pulling her into his side for support. Palace guards and attendings emerge. Zuko is labeled the winner of the Agni Kai and thus regained his place as proper heir to the throne. Katara remembers releasing Azula from her binds so the guards could properly take her away. That was the last coherent thing she remembers before finally her body and consciousness give out.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Katara awakens in a room she does not recognize. It is simple with dark red walls and gold trim on every piece of furniture. The bed she lays in is softer than any she had felt before and it makes her want to slip back into sleep. Just as she was about to, slight movements from the left side of her bed drew her attention. Katara turned her head to see a mop of black hair leaning over her bed. It didn’t take her long to realize that the sleeping figure was Zuko. Slowly, Katara shifted herself enough to reach a hand to the boy. Her fingers ran gently through the soft dark locks. Zuko turned his head enough for Katara to see his restful face. She can’t pinpoint a time she’s ever seen the prince so peaceful.

After a few minutes Zuko slowly stirs awake. Katara pulled her hand back as the young prince began to sit up. Their eyes met and any exhaustion that Zuko was still coming out of was swiftly gone. “Katara!” He’s hugging her before she has time to process. Zuko seems to regain himself as he swiftly pulls back, “Sorry. I’m just glad you’re awake.”

He still looked tired. Katara opens her mouth to speak but ends up in a coughing fit instead. She hadn’t even noticed how dry her throat was. Zuko removed himself from the bed and went to grab a pitcher and poured what Katara sensed was water into a small cup. Once he’s back by her side Zuko carefully helps her sit up and places the plush pillows behind her for support. He retakes the cup and hesitates before holding it out for her. Katara lifts a far too shaky hand to the object. The water within the cup begins to rise making Katara drop her already weak arm. She meets Zuko’s worried gaze and nods. Zuko is gentle as he reaches and holds her head forward and brings the cup to her lips.

Katara downs the whole glass finally feeling a little bit like herself. She clears her throat, “What happened?”

Zuko places the cup on the bedside table before sitting back on the bed not bothering to look at her. “After you released Azula from the bindings you just collapsed. Scared me half to death,” Zuko dryly chuckles at the last part. “The healers said you just over exerted yourself. I still ordered them to do what was needed to make sure you lived.”

“You thought I was going to die?”

Zuko inhaled deeply, “I was fading in and out of consciousness out there; teetering on the line between life and death. But I felt the energy in the area and…” Zuko catches himself. He breathes, clenches and unclenches his hands before continuing. “I don’t know what you did to save my life. I do know that whatever you did added with your fight with Azula. Which I am so sorry you had to do; that was supposed to be my responsibility. Took a lot out of you and I didn’t want to take the chance.”

“Zuko,” Katara said as sternly as she could. She reaches a hand to him. Zuko sighs as he turns himself to her and takes it. Her grip isn’t as firm as she’d like it to be but the message is delivered as Zuko visibly relaxes. “It’s okay. I’m just glad that you’re alive,” she gives a light squeeze.

Zuko squeezes back, “That we both are alive.” His smile warms her, making Katara sink a bit more into the pillows. Zuko looks down at their joined hands and that’s when Katara sees the bandages wrapped around his chest. “It’s sore, but the healers say that it is only temporary. And though the wound will…is healed,” he corrected, “there will be a scar.”
Katara frowns, “I’m sorry. I wish I could have done more.”

“Katara you have done more for me then my own family has in my entire life.”

“Still. If I had reacted faster then you wouldn't have gotten hurt.”

Zuko squeezed her hand, “I have many regrets in my life Katara, but saving you,” he cups her cheek with his available hand, “will never be one of them.” His thumb rubs away the stray tear that freed itself, “And I would make the same choice a hundred times over if it means that you will be safe.”

Something deep within Katara cracks and tells her his words are true. She retrieve her hand back to unsteadily begin to push herself up. Zuko looks like he wants to stop her but doesn’t. Instead he reaches his hands out to support her. Katara takes the opportunity to pull herself close enough to embrace him. Zuko freezes for only a moment before wrapping his arms securely around her. Katara melts into his warmth as she focuses on the sound of his beating heart. It tethers her to the reality that he is alive.

“I attached a note to Appa’s horn and sent him off to find the others. It’s been a while since then, but things have gone quiet,” Zuko tells her after a while. Katara hums at the new information. “While you were asleep the strangest thing happened.”

“What?”

“The world became red for a moment before shining blue.”

“That’s…”

“Odd?” Zuko chuckled. “I think that’s an understatement,” gently he rested his chin on top of her head. “Something tells me Aang was the reason behind that.”

“That would be the most logical explanation.”

A long silence surrounds them before Zuko decides to speak again. “Mai and Ty Lee were found in an underground cell.”

Katara pulled back to look the prince in the eyes, “I thought they were on Azula’s side.”

“Back on the Boiling Rock Mai actually helped us escape. Ty Lee might have had a hand in it somehow as well, but it might have been after we escaped. Azula is a far less forgiving person then I am.”

‘Is she even capable of such a thing?’ Katara thought. “And you’re sure they aren’t a risk?”

“Is it strange to say that even after everything I still have some faith in them? Well, mainly Mai.”

Katara shook her head and sighed, “No. It makes sense. She helped you. And I know she’s important to you as well.” Her arms begin to retract from around his waist.

Zuko takes one of her scarred hands in his. Slowly he lifts it to his lips. Katara sucks in a breath at the contact. “You’re important to me,” Zuko says just above a whisper.
When he releases her Katara doesn’t let the limb fall. Instead she reaches and cups the scarred side of his face. Zuko leans into the touch just as he did that night on the beach. He nuzzles the hand making the water bender smile. Katara’s other hand goes to rest on the exposed bandages. A sharp breath is taken by the prince, but before Katara could retract Zuko places a hand atop hers. His other hand, once wrapped around her waist, moves to the center of her back. Cautiously he presses and brings her closer. Their foreheads touch. Ocean blue meets warm amber. Their noses brush.

The doors to Katara’s room burst open, startling the two teens. “Zuko!” Iroh half shouts as he regains his breath.

The two quickly separate; Zuko nearly tripping over himself as he got to his feet. “Uncle!” He says trying to compose himself and make it look like he didn’t almost kiss one of his friends. Iroh just smiles at him. Once Zuko is close enough the older man tightly embraces his nephew. “It is good to see you uncle,” Zuko said as the two separated. “Did everything go well for you and the rest of the White Lotus?”

Iroh laughed, “Of course! They didn’t even stand a chance against us.” His gaze moved to Katara, “And is it good to see you as well my girl.”

Katara returned the smile, “You as well sir.”

Iroh looked over his nephew, eyes landing on the exposed bandages, “The palace speaks about your victory over Azula. How about I make some tea and you two can tell me all about it?” Zuko looks to Katara and then back at Iroh. The older man sighs but keeps his smile, “Or we can speak later about it.” Zuko opens his mouth to speak but Iroh just places a hand on shoulder, “It eases my heart to see you alive my son. We will have time to recount our tales later.” The older man heads for the door, “Sorry for the interruption,” and quickly exits the room leaving the two benders with burning red faces.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Zuko departs moments after his uncle. They don’t speak about what had almost happened between them. Attending come and go. Some just checked in on her, others bringing food, and even a healer came to evaluate her. Hours go by before Zuko decides to return. “You have some visitors,” he says with a grin.

Aang is the first to enter the room and quickly runs to her. The hug is tight and short. “We came as soon as we got the message. Are you okay?”

“Aang breathe. I’m fine,” Katara assures him. He sighs as a light blush rises on his cheeks. Katara takes note that the sight doesn’t make her heart skip anymore. The affection she has is there, but not the thrill or shyness that was always prevalent.

Toph is next to enter, “We are alive!” She shouts before planting face first into the soft mattress.

This elicits a full laugh out of the water bender, “Yes we are. It’s good to see you too, Toph.” The other girl just holds her thumb up.

Suki and Sokka are the last to enter. Sokka leaned heavily on his girlfriend and that’s when Katara takes note of her brothers’ bandaged leg. Before she knows it Katara is on her feet and rushing over to the duo. Suki lets go when Katara is close enough letting the two siblings tightly embrace.

“What did you do?” Katara questioned gesturing to his injured leg once they separated.

Sokka beamed at her, “Oh, do I have a story for you.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Nighttime falls over the palace quickly after their reunion. Aang is the only one to remain after the rest of the group departed for some well deserved rest.

“I’m happy that you found a solution that ensured the best outcome for everyone,” Katara tells him.

“Honestly, I’m just glad it’s finally over.”

“You and I both. It’s kind of crazy to think the war is over.”

“But it is. And we are the ones who ended it.”

Katara nods as she turned her gaze to the full moon peaking out the window. Cool fingers rest lightly on her chin slowly turning her head back to the boy before her, “Aang?”

“Did you know that the markings on your face look just like the make-up you put on when you acted as the Painted Lady?”

“What are you talking about Aang? There aren’t any markings…” Katara’s fingers brush over slightly raised skin now present on her cheek. “How?” And then it clicks. The voice in her head, the searing pain she felt on her face during her fight with Azula that she only partly remembers. “Oh,” she whispers.

“What happened Katara?”

She regains herself. “Nothing that you need to worry about,” she tells him keeping her voice light.

Aang frowns, “Katara you know you can tell me anything right?” She nods, “Look, I know things have been weird between us since the theater, and I am sorry about that but-”

“Aang,” Katara cuts him off. She takes in a long deep breath. The universe had granted her the opportunity and she takes it. “We need to talk about us.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The late afternoon sun caressed over Katara’s face. A cool breeze waded its way past and into the tea shop behind her. The people of Ba Sing Se meandered about. Some are still cleaning out the remaining traces of the fire nation occupation that shortly held their city. Others assisted in rebuilding or renovating shops, homes, and streets. Children ran through the street with their new found freedom. Peace; this is what true peace felt like. Katara closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh afternoon air. It was over and they had won.

Footsteps sound from behind, but she doesn’t need to look back to know who it is. “What are you thinking about?” Zuko asks her.

“About how peaceful it is.” Katara brushes a piece of hair behind her ear, “Looking back on my first visit here I now see the facade so many people lived in. On the outside, Ba Sing Se was this haven of safety. A place that Ozai had yet to taint. The people believed themselves untouchable. But that was never true. Because now look at them.” She gestures out to the earth kingdom citizens, “Now they walk and act and run and behave in a way that only people who know that they have their whole lives ahead of them could.” She turns her gaze to him, “And now we can as well.”

Zuko just smiles at her. “It is good to see that at least my father’s actions weren’t enough to destroy these people.”

Katara nods, “They were the lucky ones.” She thinks back to all of the settlements passed on their journey. Of all the towns she never got to see. Of all the travelers they met, all looking for a better life elsewhere. Katara hopes that they found what they were looking for.

“I’ll miss this,” Zuko says, turning his gaze back to their little group. Katara gives him a puzzled look. “I’m Fire Lord now. I don’t want to think about what my schedule is going to look like for the next year,” he sighs, “It’s going to be a long time before we are all able to hang out like this again.”

Katara frowns, turning her gaze to her hands. She traces along the raised lines that decorated them. The memory of that day feels like an entire lifetime ago. “I’m sure after a month or so things would have calmed enough for us to indulge in these simple pleasures.”

Zuko chuckled, “Spend a few days in the Fire nation palace and you’re already talking like an advisor with twenty years under his belt.”

Katara rolls her eyes. “Very funny,” she smirks at him.

A light pink appears on the newly crowned Fire Lords’ face. Zuko leans against the stone railing, “So, what happens now?”

Katara straightens herself, “I think it’s time for me to return home for a while.”

“Really? Didn’t expect that.”

“I’ve been feeling homesick for a long time now. I want to see everyone. I want to hug my GranGran.” Katara smiles, “I miss the snow and ice even.”

Zuko’s eyes softened as he looked to the horizon, “Are you not going to continue traveling with Aang?”

Katara closes her eyes as a long breath is released from her nose, “We talked the night we won. It was a long overdue conversation that led us to some…revelations.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of revelations?”

“The big one being that we both want different things in life. And, well, different lives in general. We’re still friends and I am still going to do what I can to be there for him. It will just be different from now on.”

“I’m glad things worked out.” Zuko slightly frowns, “Mai and I also had a long talk.”
His voice was low and sadder then Katara had heard it, “Oh. How did it go?”

“We broke up. For good this time.”

Katara’s eyes widened, “Wait. Were you guys still together when you joined us?”

Zuko looks at her. Katara watches him register exactly what she was thinking. “No no no no! We were still broken up! I broke up with her when I left the fire nation to come help Aang.” Zuko nervously combed a hand through his hair, “We had a small talk at the Boiling Rock but, considering the situation, it wasn’t the right time to talk about that stuff and she was still extremely mad at me.” He swallowed a breath, taking a moment to compose himself. “It’s over between the two of us, has been for a while, and that’s what I’m trying to say.”

Katara slowly nodded her head, “Okay.” An awkward pause settles between them. “And how do you feel about it?”

“Honestly? Deep down I know I made the right choice. But...” He pauses. “We’ve known each other since childhood and I know that, even if she did not show it out right, this hurt her.”

Katara placed a hand on his shoulder, “I understand.” She thinks for a moment, “But someone once told me that these types of things are never easy.” That brings a smile to his face, “She’ll be alright Zuko.”

“I know. Thank you Katara.” Carefully he took her hand and, just as he did the night of their victory, raised it to his lips and placed a soft kiss upon her scarred fingers. “I will miss you.”
Katara’s gaze softened, “We’ll see each other again soon. I promise.”

Zuko grinned, “Take your time. I don’t mind waiting

Chapter Text

3 years later…

The full moon shined brightly upon the masked figured as he carefully walked through the sleeping town incased within the swamp. How long had it been since he’d stepped foot in this area? A few centuries? Maybe more. Yet his feet still moved and guided him. He reaches the edge of the boardwalk and looks out to the expanse of swamp with nothing but the moon as his torch. A ripple disturbed the calm mass below him. He kneels as another ripple cascades to him. Removing a glove the figure places the tips of his fingers in the water. A moment passes before another disturbance is felt. He grips it, feels, and tracks the water's movement. There! He shoots his gaze northwest and there he sees it. A stretch of moonlight. He focuses his gaze and sees the movement within the light itself. He stands and runs.

He reaches the end of another boardwalk and jumps. The large root that was no more than twenty feet from him rises and stretches to meet him. He nearly misses making it so his feet hit the dark water below. Remaining undeterred he heaves himself onto the root and continues his sprint. An all too familiar path opens for him. The once solid ground now substituted with vines stretched just enough to walk upon, but still wobble at the pressure. He narrowly dodges the tree branch that swings down. The swamp comes alive for him and the masked man can’t help but laugh in pure bliss as the memories of this little game come flooding in like the tide. Another branch is dodged, a vine is jumped over, a smaller root is stumbled upon, but still his pace does not falter.

A curtain of vines enters his view and only when he’s a few paces from them does he slow; until he completely halts before them. A soft voice caresses his ears. The sound of a lullaby from so long ago rings from beyond the curtain. Something deep within his soul eases at the sound. He straightens himself, pats down the black and blue grabs, and adjusts the mask upon his face. With a final breath he gently pushes the vines aside and steps forward.

The space is one he’s seen a thousand times before. The trees and plants create that of a dome shape with only an opening that left room to see the full moon above. A single large root acts that of a bridge leading to the other side. Below fish and other creatures sleep within the depths. At the end of the “bridge” is the source of the voice. Dressed in a long cream dress that only illuminated her more in the moonlight. A straw hat with a white veil crowned her head. She sings in a language he never had the chance to learn, but he never did care much for the lyrics anyway. Just hearing her voice, calm and powerful as the ocean, was more than enough to soothe his crowded mind and now his tormented soul.

The song comes to an end when he’s only mere feet from her. She knows he’s there. She had asked him to meet her here, this sanctuary that became their secret spot. He had answered the call as he always had. His breath hitches when wondrous amber eyes meet his ocean blue. How many centuries has it been since their last goodbye that wasn’t supposed to be? Her face, the original, had slowly started to become a blur with each passing life. Yet, now that he sees it again he chides himself for nearly forgetting it. He wants to reach out and touch her. To hold her face in his hands once again. To feel her arms wrapped around him as she sings another lullaby in the tongue he doesn’t understand and let her power wash away his burdens and pain if only for a moment. But he doesn’t. The guilt rips and eats away at what is left of his heart. He had failed her and as a result she has suffered for it. It was selfishness that brought him here. He wanted to see her one last time before he let this current life consume him entirely. He does not deserve her. He never did and he was foolish enough to believe otherwise.

“You came.”

“Always and forever. Even if the day comes that you grow tired of me. I will always be there.”

The smile she gives is small but warm, “How could I ever grow tired of you?” She steps towards him and takes his hand in a firm hold, “You are still mine as I am still yours. Are you not?”

The vulnerability in her voice breaks him more, “Even after all the pain that I caused you?”

Her other hand reaches up and cups the cheek hidden under the blue mask, “Seeing you, even if it was at the end, was what kept me going. As long as I was able to see you, to hold you, then all the pain was worth it.” His hand finally raises to wipe away the stray tears that had fallen from her eyes. She leans into his touch before he could pull away. She takes a shuddering breath, “I feel so foolish.”

“If anyone here is a fool it’s me. You tried.”

“But I almost gave up.” More tears make their way down her face, “Seeing you die time and time again took its toll. I had thought that such things would not affect me, but when it comes to you I am proven wrong.” She retracts from him entirely, “Had it not been for the stubbornness of this girl then it all would have started again. Had she not broken from my grasp you would have…” A sob breaks her sentence.

In one movement he has his arms wrapped tightly around her. “I do not blame you. Had our positions been switched I believe I would have lost myself long ago. More so then now.” A hiccup escapes her, “You say you gave up, but I saw you. You loosened your grip, you let the girl access a facet of your power herself in order to save my boy. To save me.” He turns her face to him, “You say it was stubbornness, but it was actually determination. The same that you once had.” He leans forward, lightly lifts the mask, and places a soft kiss on her temple. “I am here. This is real. We are finally together once again.”

She smiles up at him. Bright and wonderful as it always has been. And finally they embrace. Her arms around his neck and his around her waist. To souls finally reunited.

“I have many regrets. But you have never been one of them. If given the choice I would follow you into the dark once again. A thousand times over.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Zuko and Katara walked along the dark stretch of road. The swamp long behind them. “I heard rumors of a mysterious lady in white traveling around from town to town helping the citizens in their relief efforts.”

Katara smiles, “It isn’t that big a deal.”

Zuko comes to a stop, “Going around the world and lending a hand to different towns in need isn’t a big deal?”

“Correction, it’s not something to make a big deal of.” Katara smiles, “I’m just following my heart. Helping people has always been something I did. So, in all honesty, it’s not so different then when we were first traveling. And it makes me happy.”

Hesitantly Zuko reaches for her hand. “It makes me happy to hear that,” he says when she doesn’t pull away. They continue on their way hand in hand.

“It’s really good to see you again. It has been what? Five months since we last met?”

“Something like that.”

“You know a part of me was surprised you showed up. The invite was odd enough. Meet me at this random town located in the Fire Nation. Oh and by the way it’s in a swamp,” Katara chuckles.

“Katara you could ask me to meet you in the coldest parts of the North Pole or even at the edge of a volcano and I would still go.” He halts their steps, turning to fully look at the water bender before him, “I would go to the edge of the earth or into the deepest depths of the Spirit World if you asked that of me.”

Katara sucks in a deep breath, “And what if I said I never wanted to see you again?”

Something cracks within the fire benders heart. To live a life without Katara by his side was fine. But to cease to have her there at all felt like a never ending nightmare. One he would live if she truly wished it. His hand falls from hers, “If that is what you want then it will be. But do know that even in that reality I will always be there when you need me. Even if you're not the one who calls, I'll come running.”

“What if it cost you? What if you had to choose…”

“You,” he cuts her off. “If ever a time comes and it’s either me or you, I will always choose you. Consequences be damned.”

He speaks with such conviction that it almost has Katara stepping back. She doesn’t. Instead she steps forward and takes both his hands in hers, “And what if that is something I don’t want? What if I made the choice for us? For you?”

The smile Zuko gives her is small but sincere. The moonlight frames his face enough to show the bright amber of his eyes. Eyes full of, what she now has figured out, love. For her and only her. “Then I could only hope that you will forgive. There wouldn’t be a choice to make because I would always have the answer.” He takes back one of his hands and places it on his chest. Right where the scar was, “And it has nothing to do with him or her.” He rests his forehead against hers and lightly nuzzles it. Tension ebbs out of them both at the affection, “But what I have felt, what I have known for a very long time.”

Katara’s hand slowly rises to rest upon his right cheek. Zuko sighs at the touch. Slowly she traces his features before moving down his neck and finally finding place on his shoulder. In parallel, the hand on his chest moves to rest carefully on her waist. Katara pulls back just enough to make Zuko look at her. He smiles as her other hand leaves his and delicately places it against his scar. Her fingers trace around the damaged skin. Eventually they find their way into his hair. Together they moved. Until their lips unite; soft and careful and gentle. They part for only a second before starting again. Stronger and more desperate this time. Her arms wrap tightly around his neck and his around her waist and shoulders. They cling so desperately to each other. Both terrified of letting the other go. Both fearful of losing each other.

They part again for breath, but refuse to let go. Tears are in their eyes; some already falling. Featherlight kisses are peppered between the two. When ocean blue meets deep amber they smile. Zuko cups the side of her face; thumb lightly rubbing the markings that seared themselves there on that fateful day, “You’re beautiful.”

Katara flushes even more than she already is. She grips his wrist and turns to kiss his hand. Her eyes meet his again. There is a storm brewing within them, “You are not allowed to leave me.”

Zuko sighs, fondly, “If that is what you wish then so be it.”

And there, as the light of dawn peaks over the horizon, they seal the new promise. Together till the end. Always and forever.