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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Kiss
of Fire Chapter Two – Meeting Of Old Souls
Amigaitut is Inuit for ‘plenty’ which I felt would be a good name for Miumi’s father, and An Mei is a Chinese name which I borrowed from one of my favorite movies, 'Joy Luck Club'. Kamas is just a made up name. As always, please enjoy and don't forget to leave a review!
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
The spirits had to be playing a cruel trick on me. Each nation had its own tale of doppelgangers – mirror or body doubles, or shadows given form, to haunt or torment people for various reasons.
Even though Katara had been dead for a long time, her memory had never faded. I had heard that over the years, the memories one has of a loved one blurs. After a while they become more of dreams and shadowed images then clear recollection. That was not the case for me. I remembered everything about the woman I loved and every memory of her remained sharp throughout the years, bringing me pleasure and pain.
Here, right before me she was as if I was reliving one of my memories. The moonglow on her face, the soft curve of her throat, the way her blue eyes seemed almost silver in the light and darkness. I remembered this moment well, when I had seen this so long ago I had moved closer, and she had welcomed my presence, letting me sit next to her.
My eyes moved from her face down her sleeve to her hand, which was resting slightly on the low wall. I wanted to reach out and touch that hand.
As if she sensed my thoughts, she slowly turned her head to stare at me silently for a few moments.
“It’s a beautiful night.” this woman whispered as if I was a friend. She did not seem startled that I was there, or uncomfortable by the fact that she was alone with me. The soft lilt of her voice sent shivers through me and I wondered again if she really was a doppelganger sent to torture me. It was Katara’s voice she spoke with. The same timbre, the same pitch, even if the accent was a bit different than those from the Southern Tribe. There was no mistaking it.
I wondered if I should just turn away before I fell under some sort of spell, but I remained where I was, drinking in the sight of her.
“May I watch the moon with you?” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, my face a mask of calm. She responded with a slow nod, her azure eyes filled with curiosity and interest. I took a couple of steps closer, coming within range so if I wanted to, I could reach and touch her. But I kept my hands to myself, folded under the sleeves of my robes.
Katara and I had often stargazed together during our short time together. It had been soothing for me to sit next to her, feeling her presence and bask in the silence, for we had not felt the need to fill each other’s ears with idle chatter.
It was several long moments before I spoke.
“What is your name?”
“Miumi…my lord.” she said, clearly unsure of how to address me as she was not actually my subject. I nodded, taking in the name. Beautiful Sea. It fit her nicely.
“That is a rather befitting name.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Miumi replied as she slowly turned her head to look up at me better, and I got a closer look at her. I drank in her features silently, my eyes locking with hers again and I felt my heart skip a beat. If this was indeed a body double, it was an exquisitely crafted one.
Can it really be you, Katara? I asked myself. If it were not... I would not know what to do. I had been through so much, lost so much. To have this dangled in front of me like a cruel joke would be too much for me to take.
I had looked into these eyes so often that I would never forget them. It was not simply that they were the same shade of blue. It was what lay behind them and I was struck with a haunting familiarity.
She stared into my eyes for a few moments before looking down.
“So…what brings you out here?” she asked demurely, “If I might inquire?”
“I do believe I am out here for the same reason you are.” I replied. Katara had always been more comfortable alone or with the people she was familiar with, rather than a large gathering of people she barely knew.
She paused for a moment before the barest of smiles crept across her lips.
“So…you are not one for parties or large gatherings?” she asked and I nodded. I could see curiosity in her eyes – she probably wondered why the Fire Lord did not like the crowds.
“It’s nicer out here anyway.” she added and I nodded again.
I was collected on the outside but inside the shiver was still passing through me. Her dulcet tones caressed me like the fingers of a lover. Katara’s voice, her eyes, that faint smile of hers…
I felt the urge to take her into my arms.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I could not help but wonder why he was out here, talking to me. The color of his eyes was stunning and out here they almost seemed to glow under the moonlight. I suddenly felt as if I might drown in them if I stared long enough.
I had looked at him briefly inside of the Palace but out here I could get a good look at him. He stood with an air around him that exuded calmness and self-confidence. There was the way he looked at me that told me that I could look at him as well, though manners told me to look down demurely after looking at him a bit.
I had of course heard the stories of him and Avatar Aang. He was painted richly as a hero for ending the tyranny that his ancestor started and he was…even more majestic looking in person than I had imagined.
Under the moonlight his skin looked almost white, and his hair gleamed like polished onyx. I knew that many women would envy the full head of lustrous hair he had as well as his smooth complexion. Unlike the other Fire Nation men I had seen, the Fire Lord chose to maintain a minimum of facial hair and I found myself glad for that. He had such regal features and I admired the smooth plane of his straight nose and the sharp firmness of his chin, which the shortly-trimmed chin-beard he wore did not detract from.
When I had first seen him, the first thing I had noticed was his scar. Now it was only a second thought to me. The stories I had heard told me that his father was responsible for the marring and I felt a tug in my heart to see it in person, for the stories had never made his scar sound so severe. I could only imagine the pain he had to endure when he received it and the healing process that came after. His left eye was only partially open and I knew that it would not go further than that.
Yet it did not make him look ugly. I do not know what other women think of when they see him, certainly some would think him marred or hideous, but that was the last thing to come to my mind. He was not handsome because of the scar – he was handsome despite it.
It almost seemed that there was a smile lurking somewhere behind these calm features of his.
I walked along the low wall, looking out at Omashu and the mountains beyond. The sounds of the party floated to the balcony and I wished I were at home, walking through the gardens or reading a book by the fire.
I could feel his gaze on me and wondered what I had done to gain his attention. I thought about his handsome features, especially his eyes. Even though I had never seen him before in my life, these golden eyes of his were familiar. His voice cut through the silence.
“If I may ask, can you bend?” he asked. I looked up at him though not directly into his eyes and nodded.
“Yes, my lord.” I replied and though he did not smile I sensed that he was pleased with my response.
“And how old are you?”
“Seventeen.”
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
Seventeen? That fit right in. Doing the math, I quickly figured that she was born almost a year after the battle that ended the war – and her life, depending on what her birthday was. The Avatar itself was always born around nine months after its last incarnation died. I wanted to ask what her birthday was, but I knew that asking her that was too personal of a question.
Knowing that she had kept her bending abilities, if this really was Katara, made me happy. Katara would…not be herself without Waterbending. How often had I watched her bend, her movements reflecting that of the element she was manipulating?
She was glancing at me curiously, and I knew it was because of the questions I had asked. I longed to ask more, but I knew it was not the best time. I remained calm even though my pulse was racing. How had this happened? As far as I knew, only the Avatar got to come back…and again and again.
My initial suspicion of a doppelganger was fading fast. There was no mistaking what I felt when I looked in her eyes. The girl was glancing down shyly now.
“Is something wrong?” I asked calmly. She blushed a little and shook her head and I felt a smile attempt to tug at my lips. The blush was so familiar and endearing to me.
“Are you sure? You…seem nervous.” I whispered.
“I…it’s just…well, I never expected that you...would want to talk with me, my lord.”
“And why is that?” I asked. She continued looking down shyly.
“You are the Fire Lord…and I…am no one of standing, really.” she said softly. I did wonder how she had come to be here in Omashu but I did not care if she had been reborn as a noblewoman or a peasant.
“You had to have some standing to make it into the party.” I said gently. She shook her head.
“My father is Amigaitut…” she said and I nodded. That name was distantly familiar to me and I managed to recall that he was a powerful businessman, one that specialized in trades and negotiations as she spoke.
“I am here only because of him. I am no one special.” she added modestly.
You are far more special than you think you are, I told her silently as I gazed at her.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I could feel his gaze on me. For some odd reason it made me feel warm inside. I had never felt this way when Enki or any other man had looked at me..
I stole a shy glance at him, my eyes meeting his for the briefest moment. His face was a mask of calm and he could have been thinking about politics or the weather for all that it looked like, but there was something in that gaze of his that sent a shiver up my back.
It almost felt as if a fire had been ignited deep inside of me. I tried to hold back the warmth that I felt on my cheeks and turned my face, fixing my gaze on the flowers.
“Um. Is…there something you needed?” I asked, although I had no idea what I could offer. He moved closer, and out of the corner of my eye I saw him draw his hand out of his sleeve and offer it to me. I slowly turned back to him and glanced at him curiously. His hand remained outstretched to me. I knew it would be rude to not take it, I tentatively raised my hand, resting it slightly on his palm.
His thumb slid lightly across the back of my hand. His flesh was so warm and I wondered if that was a trait common among Firebenders. I found myself enjoying this warmth very much and looked up to see his face. It held the same calm expression, but his eyes, they seemed radiant with the fire that burned in them.
His other hand raised itself, moving closer and closer. I was so entranced with his gaze that I did not realize what he was going to do until I felt his fingertips on my cheek.
I gasped softly, but did not flinch or pull away. His touch was so... nice, and I stood there, feeling his fingers slide along my skin. But I should not be enjoying this. I was being flirted with by the King of Omashu, and it would be wrong of me to accept the affection of another man…
“I should not…” I whispered, feeling a bit of alarm.
“Should not…what?” he asked in a voice as soft as mine.
“You touching me…it’s…not proper.”
“So sure of that?” the Fire Lord whispered as his fingers slid down my cheek, hovering near the corner of my lips.
“Ye...yes.” I whispered, although I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. His fingers hovered near my lips and I quickly looked down. They drew away and I was certain he could hear my heart pounding.
He raised his other hand, the one that held mine, and before I could stop him, his lips pressed against the back of mine. They lingered against my flesh before he lowered his hand slightly and I pulled up the courage to look up at him again.
“What is so special about me that I hold your attention?” I whispered, feeling my blush travel downwards, across my chest and down to my stomach. He did not respond right away and simply continued drinking me in with his eyes, his hand holding mine tightly as if he was afraid I would flee.
“Miumi!” I heard Enki call out and I quickly pulled my hand away. I turned around and took several steps away from the Fire Lord before the King of Omashu came into view.
“The entertainment's about to start. Come and sit with me!” Enki said, reaching for me. I nodded before turning back to the Fire Lord.
“It was nice speaking with you… my lord.” I said with a respectful bow. He inclined his head back to me, his eyes still fixed on mine.
Enki’s arm wrapped around my waist. The King of Omashu gave the Lord of the Fire Nation a stiff nod.
“You are more than welcome to come watch the entertainment.” Enki told him, although I sensed no warmth in his tone. The Fire Lord nodded slightly.
Enki tugged at my waist, leading me back inside.
o0o0o0k
Fire Lord Zuko
I fought back the urge to set that man on fire. I did not miss the cold formality in his tone. Yes, I did not care about having so-called friends, but it was wrong of him to hold against me what my screwed-up family did. Jealousy stirred deep within at the image of him with his arm wrapped around what was rightfully mine. I knew that even as she had tried to protest my attentions she had enjoyed them.
The entertainment bored me. I was fair about other cultures and tried to accept their differences. I tried to enjoy myself, but I found the dancing style and entertainment that Enki had arranged to be boring. It was lacking of the grace held in the dances of the Fire Nation or Water Tribes.
I stole subtle glances over at the King of Omashu and his companion. Enki did not even notice but the lady did. A couple of times, our eyes met and she would look away shyly.
I held back a smirk, sipping at my wine. The only thing at all pleasant about this party was the lady herself. Everything else was lackluster, even the wine that I drank. It was typical Earth Kingdom wine, more like ale or beer than the wine that was served in my Nation. I took a sparing sip here and there, and I had no appetite.
I simply wanted to get down to business and be back in familiar territory. I knew that my men felt the same way. Even though there were no more battles between the nations, my people were still treated with caution at times, and no one was overly eager to mingle with my men in a casual manner.
My eyes stole back towards the Waterbender and I had to keep myself from clenching a fist when the King whispered something into her ear, causing her to look down shyly and cover her face with her fan.
“Leave it to me, my lord.” the man at my right side whispered to me and I turned my head slightly to glance at him curiously.
“It will be my pleasure helping you get the lady away from him.” Kamas said with a sly whisper.
Warlord Kamas was one of the privileged few in my inner circle, and one of my most trusted men as well. He was in charge of security, and all the men that had come with me were handpicked by him before I approved them. He had a brilliant and astute mind, and he was the closest thing I had to a friend, especially after my uncle had passed on.
“And just how will you do that?” I challenged quietly, holding back an amused smirk.
“You shall see, my lord.”
The performance ended to my relief, and I set down my barely-touched goblet of the dry wine. But it was not the end of the night! I held back a groan. To excuse myself and leave early would be seen as rude.
Katara started to get up, but the King grinned and pulled her back. I clenched my jaw. Music started playing and I held back a groan as I saw people start to get up, and men coupled with women for what was apparently to be a dance. Some people did choose to sit back and Kamas quickly stood up, moving along the floor. To my surprise, he approached Katara.
Katara. She would always be Katara to me. It was who she was, no matter what name she had now.
I was unable to hear what he said to her. But, when she nodded and rose from her seat to Enki’s thinly veiled displeasure, I realized she had been asked to dance.
He held her hand delicately and even though she looked surprised to be asked from him, she did not show any hesitation. He was a true gentleman, holding onto her carefully, his face a mask of calm and his dark greenish gold eyes reflected his collected manner. There were no specific rules to the dance, and couples chose to dance however they pleased. Kamas slowly pulled her into the thick of the crowd, away from the King. To my amusement I saw a few women take this opportunity and descend onto him before he could chase after Kamas.
I watched as my Waterbender offered him a small but friendly smile, and Kamas smiled back at her pleasantly. If anything, he was always a gentleman and treated women with the utmost respect. I felt no stirring of jealousy when Kamas smiled at her and I waited patiently, watching as she moved along under his direction gracefully.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw where she was being led, and I watched her, my expression revealing nothing. Kamas continued dancing with her, leading her over to me in a subtle way and I rose from my seat.
“And I do believe that my time with you is up.” Kamas said kindly as his hands slid away from hers as mine reached out while the song changed to another.
Our eyes met as I pulled her closer, and she did not resist. A blush found its way back onto her cheeks and she looked lovely with that hint of rose on her features.
My steps were slow and measured, following no particular pattern, yet easy for her to follow. No words were exchanged, and we simply spoke with our eyes. How often had Katara and me done this, gazing into each other’s eyes as if all the answers were to be found in a long look?
I stole one glance at where Enki had been sitting before and noticed him not there. I merely shrugged and focused on my partner, concentrating on the feel of her hands in mine, and the closeness of her body. It seemed that an eternity passed between us and I felt her hands form a firmer grip around mine, as if she was as reluctant to let this end as I was.
“Miumi.” I heard someone call out in a quiet but firm tone as the song ended. I had to hold back the urge to set the owner of the voice on fire.
Reluctantly I relinquished my hold, biting my tongue as Enki shot me a thinly veiled glare, pulling the lady to himself.
I returned to my seat, keeping a eye on the lady as Enki danced with her. He kept her close, very close, and she looked somewhat discomfited.
“I see things went well.” Kamas whispered as I glanced back at him.
“Things will work out.” he continued with the utmost certainty, as if he could foresee what would happen with her or me, “she is a rather attractive young lady, and I know she would be perfect for you.”
“Oh? And how did you come to that conclusion?’ I asked as I glanced back over at the crowd.
“The way you two interacted was completely natural to me, my lord. Not to mention the way you two seemed to be able to communicate without even speaking. Shall I make a list of everything, my lord?’ Kamas asked with a hint of dry amusement.
I nodded silently. Kamas was incredibly astute at times, and I knew that when he made jokes it was never at my expense. After a while things wound down and I stifled a yawn.
Thank Agni.
I simply longed to go into a comfortable bed and get a good night’s sleep so I could tackle business. No doubt plenty of these people would continue to entertain themselves or each other well into the night. To my satisfaction, I saw my Waterbender leave with a Water Tribe man that was unmistakably her father, as well as a slim and middle-aged Earth Kingdom woman. At least she would not be entertainment for Enki.
Her eyes flicked over in my direction right before she exited and I nodded gently. I remembered the look in her eyes when Enki had taken her away from me to dance. When he pulled her away she had looked over her shoulder for a moment and I saw a glimmer of longing in her eyes.
My decision was made.
o0o0o0o
Katara
It was a warm and sunny day, perfect for being outside and practicing my Bending. I had gone to bed soon after the events of last night, thinking of golden eyes and a grip that was gentle yet firm.
Father was gone for the day to be at the summit. I could not help but wonder if he would speak with the Fire Lord himself. Would I see Zuko again?
It was late afternoon and I was in the gardens, working on my Waterbending near the pond. My feet were in the shallows, and I wore a loose tunic and pants that were tied around my knees. My stepmother was in the gardens, on her hands and knees and dressed in a fashion similar to mine. Her hair was pulled back in a coiled braid and the sun warmed her dark skin. She was sometimes mistaken as my real mother because of her dark hair and skin.
Even though An Mei was the wife of a man of good standing, she was not afraid to do hard work or get dirty. One of her passions was gardening, and she loved to dig around in the dirt, much to the amusement of my father. But her work produced bountiful fruits. We had a small orchard, and our gardens contained both flowers and food. An Mei was a Earthbender as well, so her gardens thrived under her attention and abilities. Right now she was weeding and as I worked on my bending, I watched her yank out unwelcome plants and toss them into a basket at her side.
I concentrated, bringing about several tendrils of water so that they resembled the waving arms of an octopus.
“An Mei!” I called out with a soft laugh, making the ‘arms’ of water wave at her as if in greeting. She looked up at me with a wide smile and chuckled softly.
“Let us see how fast you are with these extra arms, little Waterbender.” An Mei teased and raised several small clods of earth. I grinned and nodded.
A fist-sized lump of earth shot at me and I used one of the arms to whip at it, causing it to fall apart. Several shot out at the same time and I managed to block them all.
“Nicely done!” An Mei complimented as she directed several more of her attacks at me. I never had a Master teach me, but my father had been able to obtain scrolls so that I could instruct myself. They were no replacement for a true Master, but they were valuable to my education nonetheless.
My stepmother and I sparred for a bit before deciding to take a break and sit down for a snack and tea. We had no idea when Father would be back, so we were prepared to have supper on our own and save leftovers for him. Whenever he was away on business, we ate by ourselves.
That evening, after washing and changing into fresh robes, An Mei and I sat down for dinner. An Mei told the cook to set out Father’s usual place in case he did come home.
Almost as if on cue, right after the servants put out the food for us, he came home. We heard one of the servants greet him before he removed his boots and came into the dining room, taking his usual space at the head of the table.
“How was your day?” An Mei asked and he smiled at us both.
“It went rather well.” he nodded, and proceeded to tell us about his day and the goings on at the summit as we listened. Even as he told us what happened, I knew there was something he was not telling us. There was a certain way he looked at me that tugged at my curiosity.
I was patient. Father paused and started eating his food, and the conversation faded into a pleasant word here and there between bites. Even though the atmosphere was amicable, my father still seemed deep in thought and my stepmother shot a quick glance at me, confirming my feelings.
Dessert was brought about – sweet rice cakes stuffed with almonds and honey. I waited for him to reveal his thoughts as he slowly chewed on one of the confections. It seemed as if he was trying to avoid the subject.
Finally we all sat there for a few moments in silence before he turned to me.
“Miumi.” he said simply.
“Tell me what is wrong.” I whispered, “Give it to me. Have I done something wrong? Am I in any trouble?” I asked. I had no reason to think he was upset with me, but I had never seen him like this.
“Nothing of that sort, Miumi. I have always been proud of you.” he said simply. He was silent for a moment and An Mei looked at him anxiously.
“The Fire Lord spoke to me.” my father stated and we both looked at him curiously. What had the Fire Lord said that caused him to be like this?
“He wants you. He wants your hand in marriage.”
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Kiss of Fire