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Slow Heat	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 77367 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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.

Chapter List
- 27
- 28
- 29
Slow Heat

Chapter 28 – The Ties that Bind
I hope you like my version of Ember Island Players. I started out liking the episode but was eventually disappointed with some parts. Like some of the other episodes, there were gaping plotholes. The playwright who wrote this for the Ember Island Players would not have been able to know all the things that were in the play.
-Combustion Man (Sokka said it was one of the scenes the rest of the guys missed when they were outside) Nobody knew that Zuko hired CM to go after the gang (eventually, the Gaang found out). Who else would know (and talk with the playwright?)
-Katara as Painted Lady (another missed scene that Sokka saw) Who would know that Katara was Painted Lady? Would these villagers tell the authorities that a Waterbender had saved them?
-Sokka's sword (another missing scene – too bad the writers were too lazy to actually parodies of the Season 3 episodes into the play) Who would tell the playwright? Piandao? No way. Piandao wouldn't blab.
-Jet and his death. Who would have told the playwright what happened under Lake Laogai? I doubt Longshot and Smellerbee would talk about what happened to Jet, and the Dai Li and Long Feng would be mum about it too.
-Sokka and Yue. Who saw Yue die and knew that Sokka loved her? Katara, Iroh, and Sokka. None of them would have talked to the playwright.
-The Zutara and Kataang. Would Katara, Aang, or Zuko have talked to the playwright about how they felt for one another? I mean, yes, the play made fun of it, but there's no way in hell that the playwright would have thought to parody the Zutara v Kataang because he never met the Aang Gang.
I know there's other things I didn't list here, but I'm sure you have your own mistakes of the Nickelodeon version of EIP that you noticed. So I decided to cut all the crap and make my version of EIP more coherent. Thank you SO much for the outpouring of reviews in the last chapter, I appreciate it so much! As a token of my gratitude, I concentrated my writing efforts on this chapter and put my other stories aside for that time so you could have another yummy chapter. Keep up the reviews, and I'll keep up the good work!
o0o0o0o
Katara
I was silent as I heard his heartfelt proclamation, and the rest of the world faded away. I no longer saw the flicker of the candle Zuko had lit, and I no longer heard the waves outside. There was only us, all alone in what seemed like eternity. His gaze burned all the way down to my core, and I was unable to speak for several moments. My response would most likely affect our relationship onwards.
Did I love him back? Yes, he was a thoughtful lover and a good listener as well as a person who used his words well. Being with him or even being near him made me feel peaceful. And when he looked at me... yet love was more than that. It was a bond that went far deeper.
My hand slid across the sheets before that and my left forearm gently hooked around his head, keeping it close to mine as I felt the slightly damp locks under my fingertips. His nose lightly touched my forehead, our gaze mere inches apart. I felt his lips very gently press against my temple.
“I love you too.” I replied softly. I heard a quiet sigh before he kissed my temple again. We were silent again for several long minutes before he wiggled around, loosely spooning me and draping an arm across my middle.
“I thought I would never know love. I didn't think anyone would ever.... care for me as a man. And then comes along this beautiful, smart, perfect girl...” he murmured.
“Oh, Zu. I'm far from perfect...” I replied, blushing.
“You're too good for me.”
“Never say that!” I whispered fiercely as I twisted over to face him. “Oh, Zuko. Never say such a thing. You're just right the way you are. Never doubt yourself, please.”
“You always know how to make me feel better.” He sighed softly before kissing my cheek.
“I'm not saying it just to make you feel better. I meant every word.” I replied, brushing his hair out of his face.
“Mmm. I know that.” He rolled over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling pensively. When I draped an arm across his stomach, he did not protest, and I wiggled a bit closer.
“Is something the matter?”
“I was just thinking of the story of Agni and his mate.” he whispered. “I... there's something that Agni did with his mate that... I'd like to do with you. I... no matter what happens, I'll always love you.”
“What did Agni do to his mate?” I asked softly as I idly traced a finger around his navel.
“He placed a mark on her, a mark that bound her to him forever, even after she had died. It was said that due to their bond, Agni was able to visit his lover in the Spirit World, and even find her after she had chosen to be reincarnated.”
“So his mate was mortal?” I asked with a bit of surprise, fully expecting the mate to be a dragon.
“Yes. With her, he sired the first Fire Lord. And so it has continued in an unbroken line for over two thousand years.” Zuko murmured softly. “Or so the legend goes.”
“Over two thousand?”
“Yes, in the earliest days of Fire Nation.”
“And according to this legend... you're a descendant of Agni.”
“So the legend goes.” he replied with a slightly dry tone. I gazed at his regal features and thought about how at times his amber eyes flared with energy and power.
“It's not a legend I'm going to dispute.” I retorted. He gazed down at me, and I stared back levelly.
“Really?” he murmured. I nodded once. He smiled faintly.
“So... this marking? How does it go? Like a a tattoo?”
“... No.”
“Then do you expect us to mark one another with brushes and ink?” I teased gently. He let out a low sigh. It was clear that he had thought carefully about this, and that he didn't expect me to jump right into whatever he wanted.
“I'll understand if you don't want to. I don't even expect you to. But... Agni marked his mate with fire.”
“... A burn?”
“I shouldn't have brought it up. It was a dumb idea.” he muttered, starting to roll over, facing away from me. I hooked my arm around his middle and rolled him back so that he faced me.
“Explain.”
“I figured that we could place a little mark on the other person. Somewhere no one else would see. And with your healing abilities, we'd be feeling better right after. But like I said, I don't expect you to. It was just a idea... I'd be as much yours too.”
I lay there quietly, thinking about what he said.
“I'm not a Firebender. I couldn't mark you.”
“But boiling water -”
“Boiling water?” I exclaimed softly, sitting up. “You'd subject yourself to pain?”
“Like I said, you're a healer. Look, you don't have to...”
“It's just unexpected to hear you say that after...” Gently, I touched his scar before he leaned his face into my hand.
“I wouldn't have thought about it if you didn't mean so much to me. And It'd mean a lot to me if we could share this. But I completely understand if you don't. My feelings won't be hurt.”
I looked away, turning around slightly and staring down at the sheets.
“Where would the marks be?” I asked.
“For you? Your breast or lower hip. As for me... it'd be the lower hip too.”
“Yeah, you have no breasts.” I replied, trying to add a bit of lightness to the situation. Sometimes Zuko could be so intense and serious that it was overwhelming.
“I think that'd be a odd sight, don't you?” he shot back. I turned back to him.
“Mmm. I rather like your chest just the way it is.” I placed my hand over his heart.
“You're not angry with me for asking that, are you?” he asked as he reached up, touching my cheek. I thought about his intent behind his suggestion, and what it would mean.
“Mmm. No.” I put my hand over his. “I understand where you're coming from. I understand that by asking for this... you're completely serious.”
“Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be? Plus, I wouldn't mind having a little reminder of you when I can't be at your side.”
I don't know what spurred me to say yes. Hormones? Passion? Teenage recklessness? Or something more?
“Let's do it.” I said quietly, my heart pounding with trepidation.
“Okay. To be fair, why don't you mark me first?”
He lay there, completely trusting as he made a good-sized flame with his fingers, rapidly heating the water that I had under my control. It honestly wasn't a lot of water – a small water whip less than three inches long – and it would be curved gracefully. He had described it to me – clearly a lot of thought went into this – and when he signaled his readiness, he extinguished the flame. The water was struggling to rise into steam form and I saw little bubbles rise in the whip.
“You sure?” I whispered. He nodded. I Bended the whip into the shape he had specified before bringing it down to the front of his right hip, just at the side of the line that formed where the torso met the leg, and above his pubic thatch.
He tensed and hissed in pain and I almost pulled the whip away, but he groaned and shook his head. After a few moments had passed, he nodded, and I lifted the whip, solidifying it into ice before I pressed it against the wound I had just made. With my healing abilities, I soothed away the pain and suppressed the blisters that would have formed if I wasn't there to take care of him.
The mark left on his beautiful and pale flesh was indeed attractive, the red mark flowing in a smooth line with a couple of curves to it, just like the twist and flow of water.
“You okay? It doesn't still hurt?”
“No... the pain's all gone.” Zuko sat up and looked down, running his finger along the mark.
“Even better than I imagined.” The pleasure in his voice left no doubt as to how satisfied he was with the deed.
“You have the mark of a Waterbender on you.” I smiled a little.
“Can't complain.” He brushed some hair out of his face before again touching the mark. “Well... it's my turn now.”
I swallowed, stiffening a little. I wasn't about to welch out of the deal, but I certainly didn't look forward to being burnt again. I remember all too well how Aang had accidentally burned my hands, and how much that had hurt.
“Have your water ready.” he whispered. I nodded, drawing some more water out of the cup next to the mat, forming it in a loose sphere in one hand as he stared down at me.
“Take a deep breath and let it out.” he whispered, placing one finger a mere inch above my left nipple. I did just as he asked, and just as I had let out my breath, the heat came, seeming to sear through my entire breast. A strangled cry rose from my throat, but he pressed his lips against mine to swallow my scream as he poked my hand with one finger, reminding me that I didn't have a road of pain and healing to deal with.
I whimpered and nodded, banishing the pain as I spread the water across the burn. After all the pain was gone, I looked down at my lover's handiwork. It wasn't as big as I had imagined it to be – almost as long as the first section of any of my fingers, and nearly as wide, in the shape of a flame. It honestly wasn't as bad or ugly as I imagined it could have been. The flesh actually now had that oddly smooth feeling as Zuko's scar, and he reached out to lightly touch it.
I blushed as he lightly pressed his lips to it.
“Well.” Zuko murmured as he looked up at me. I simply stared back quietly.
“Not gonna say something?”
“What do you want me to say?” I shot back softly. He shrugged. I said nothing more. I didn't know what I could say. You marked me, yay?
“Are you okay?” He placed his hands on my shoulders. I saw a slight frown of concern on his face, so I nodded quietly.
“You sure?”
“I'm fine, really. I just had a lot to absorb tonight.” I offered weakly.
“I guess that's fair. We can talk more in the morning. I can see you're tired.”
“After sneaking around like ninjas for most of the night, how could I not be tired?” I replied, glad for the change of subject.
“Well then, why don't you lay down.” I felt him rub the sides of my arms. Without another word I lay down, glad for the cool feeling of linen against my warm flesh.
“Good night, Zuko.” I murmured as he lay next to me.
“Good night, Katara. I love you.”
“Love you too, Zuko.” I smiled as I felt his arm drape across my side, his palm gently resting on my stomach.
o0o0o0o
Two Weeks, Three Days BSC
Zuko
I didn't wake up till shortly after sunrise, and I stirred around on the sheets before I realized I was naked. I had no recollection of making love with Katara last night, and it wasn't until I recalled our mission that I remembered what had happened afterwards. To make sure it wasn't a dream, I looked down and saw the mark, lightly touching it. The sinuous line was smooth, and I traced my finger along the curves.
I leaned over Katara, seeing the mark I had given her, and a small smile crept onto my face. I had indeed been thinking about it for a long time. It just seemed right, that we should do this for one another. It was a way to give me assurance for what I knew would be long and hard days ahead.
“Rise and shine.” I whispered as I nibbled along her ear. She murmured and wiggled slightly before going back to sleep.
“Come on, love. Sun's up and you have to go back to your room.”
“Don't want to.”
“I don't want it either. But you know the rules.”
“The nights don't last long enough.” she muttered. I laughed softly before I found her pajamas.
“Here, I'll dress you.” I replied. She didn't move for a moment, but then she rolled over onto her back and lifted her feet, letting me slide on the red silk shorts. I slid the soft material up her legs and up to her hips after she lifted her shapely rear end. She sat up and lifted her arms, and I slid the nightie down, watching as the material dropped down past her breasts, obscuring the mark. With these silk pajamas and her hair loose and rumpled, she made for an utterly sexy sight, and I wanted to pounce her to the mat and have my way with her. Well, there was always tonight...
She yawned and stretched her arms over her head before I helped her off the mat.
“Maybe I should help you with your pajamas too.” she teased as she opened her eyes.
“Go ahead.” I grinned. She smirked right back before picking up my pajama pants. Obligingly I lay back, lifting my legs as she slid them on. Before she pulled them all the way up, she paused to gently touch my new scar.
“Looks good on you.”
“Everything good?” I asked, wanting to make sure everything was cleared up – if there was anything to clear up.
“Yeah. Everything's great. I'm still a little overwhelmed by everything, but no complaints.” she replied before she tugged the pants the rest of the way up before tying the drawstring, leaving just a bit of my treasure trail visible.
“I'll see you at breakfast.” she murmured as she leaned over to place a kiss on my cheek.
“Want my help?”
“Why not. Come down in a while.”
“I'd rather have you for breakfast.” I teased. She giggled softly.
“Is that all you think about?”
“Of course not. But I do admit that I think about it quite a bit.” I grinned at her. She kissed my cheek again before I grabbed her to kiss her squarely on her lips. She moaned softly and melted into my embrace and I held her for a long while, just nuzzling and kissing her before I finally let go.
“See you in a bit.” I murmured. She smiled gently before she slid out the door, and I flopped back down on the sheets, enjoying the faint, lingering scent of my Waterbender that remained.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I walked the hallway, deciding to not go back to my room. I was too awake now. The sun rose so early now, and the hall and the large chamber at the end of the hallway were beautifully illuminated by this light. I went out to the balcony attached to this chamber, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. How lovely it would be to actually live here. I imagined what it might be like. There would be servants and guards around though, and I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere I was living in now. Honestly, this place was perfect for Zuko and me to continue our relationship discreetly. What would it be like, being here with Zuko as a proper royal couple? Such a thought was daunting.
“Good morning!” I heard Aang say, and gasped softly, not expecting anyone to come out with me. I turned around, seeing him standing there, shirtless and wearing a pair of red silk pajamas that had been rolled up to just below his knees, the baggy material making it obvious that there had been no pajamas in his size.
“Good morning, Aang.” I replied. His short dark hair was all mussed up, sticking out in little spikes everywhere. But no one looks cuter with messy hair than Zuko, an inner voice reminded me.
“Lovely view, isn't it?” he asked. Indeed it was. Next to Zuko, the view was the thing I loved most about this place. I saw his eyes drift from my face to my chest and then lower, and I wondered if something was wrong. But his expression was also slightly moony, and I blushed when I realized just what he was staring at.
For modesty, a robe had to be worn over these thin pajamas outside of the bedroom. We didn't change into them until we were ready to turn in, and the cool morning breeze had caused my nipples to poke against the material that covered my chest. And even though the pajamas were a bit too big for me, silk had a way of hugging my curves that I'd never seen in any other material.
Being ogled by a barely pubescent Avatar was a rather disconcerting experience, and I quickly turned away, my heart thudding heavily in my chest.
“I need to go make breakfast.” I whispered as I rushed past him, feeling his intent gaze.
o0o0o0o
Two Weeks, Two Days BSC (Night)
Zuko
I didn't really want to see the play, but admission had been cheap for Ember Island, and I had to see what was being said about us. We chose seats near an exit just in case – could never be too careful – and I wore my makeshift bandage.
“What do you think they'll say about us in the play?” Aang whispered, his steps slowing and causing the rest of our group to get ahead of us.”
“You can bet it won't be about us winning.” I murmured. We went inside, and I saw Aang quicken his step, intent on grabbing that empty seat next to my Waterbender. I moved quickly, slipping past him and claiming my place at Katara's side while Aang pouted.
“I wanted to sit there.”
“That seat's just as good.” I shrugged, waving to another empty seat. He plopped down next to me and I had to stop myself from shaking my head. The music started and the curtain lifted.
The play was a horrible and very inaccurate telling of the adventures of the Avatar and his friends. 'Iroh' was nothing more than a fat and silly man who liked cake too much. 'Zuko' was nothing but a whiny, angsty mess. 'Katara' was a plump and melodramatic bimbo. 'Sokka' had the worst jokes I had ever heard, and was completely lacking in my friend's sarcasm and dry humor.
And I almost laughed out loud when the 'Avatar' was played by a woman! On and on the play went for what seemed like eternity. Most of the 'facts' about us were either completely wrong, or utterly made-up. These characters were nothing like us in personality, and only loosely resembling us in costume. All of this dialog and scenes had been spun off of what little information was publicly available about us. What the hell was this crap?
Only the Fire Nation characters were portrayed with any seriousness or respect. Admiral Zhao was portrayed as a heroic war hero struggling against the Water Tribe barbarians only to be killed by their vengeful spirit. My father's imperialistic attitude was exaggerated, with mannerisms never seen in the real Fire Lord, but it was clear that the actor took his role seriously and was portraying Ozai the best he could. 'Azula' wasn't as subtle or sneaky as my sister, but she did admirably compared to the 'Avatar' and the actors in her group. I did laugh softly at the way that Mai and Ty Lee were portrayed, and wasn't sure if these characters were written that way because they were trying to portray their real-life counterparts the best they could, or if they were made that way because of the recent news of Mai and Ty Lee's betrayal. It really was hard to tell, and Katara started giggling too. Of course, the fact that Toph was portrayed by a man was also a source of amusement for the real Earthbender in question.
And dear Agni, the long-haired wig on my counterpart was utterly ridiculous.
“Thank Agni.” I muttered when the play broke to intermission. I wasn't eager to see how my turning against my sister would be portrayed.
“I'm hungry.” Sokka muttered.
“You know what, I am too. What do you say we get some fireflakes and spiced shrimp?” I asked.
“As long as we also get some lemonade or water to drink with that!”
“Of course.” We both laughed and wandered down the hall, and Toph came with us. I'd get some for Katara and Aang as well.
o0o0o0o
Aang
Katara looked so pretty standing there on the deck, staring out at the waves. I still blushed when I thought of how she looked in these silk pajamas and how her curves had showed. I felt kind of warm and funny in my stomach and between my legs at that sight.
“Hey.” I tried to be cool as I slid up to her side, leaning on the railing. Here, it was nice and relaxing. I liked the walk I had taken with Katara on the beach this morning. Or watching her surf on the waves with an ice-board. She was what kept me calm despite all the stress I had to deal with as the Avatar. She was such a great girl. In a few years I'd ask her to marry me. What girl wouldn't wanna marry an Avatar? Okay, marriage confused me a little. But I was sure I'd understand when I got older. Marriage made people happy, and I could spend every day with Katara.
“It's nice out here. Better than that play, anyway, right?” I asked. She shrugged.
“This is Fire Nation. You weren't expecting them to make us look good, did you?” she asked.
“Well, of course! But it's still dumb.”
“Never said it wasn't.” She was staring out at the bay. I rubbed the back of my head nervously.
“Look... the War's almost over, and I've been thinking.” It'd be great if we could stay together after the War. I could even go back to the South Pole with her if she wanted to visit her family. Whatever she wanted.
“Thinking about what?” She still wasn't looking at me. I leaned over the railing, trying to catch her eyes.
“Well, after the War people will want to settle down. I'm sure you'll want to go home and see your family and see how things are going, stuff like that.”
“Yes.” she murmured. I noticed that she was twisting her fingers together, as if she was looking for something to do.
“Is something wrong?”
“Mmm. No. I was just thinking. But go on with what you were saying.”
“You want to go back to the South Pole once the war's over, right? Well, I was thinking that I'd go with you. I don't have anywhere else to go now, and besides... I like being with you.” I blushed just a little.
“That's what friends are for.” she replied. I frowned a little.
“Well... yes, that's true... but...” How did I express myself the right way? I remembered the feel of her soft lips against mine in that brief amazing moment in the Cave of Two Lovers. Granted, I had to lean in and get the kiss, but a kiss was a kiss, and she hadn't acted mad about it.
“Look, what if I didn't want to go back to the South Pole right away?”
“Uh... well, wherever you wanted to go, I'd go too!” It'd be fun to explore the world with her. She turned to look at me, and I was surprised to notice that she didn't look too enthusiastic about it.
“You're the Avatar. You have responsibilities and duties... I won't stand in the way of them.”
“But... but you wouldn't! I mean, Avatars can have girlfriends too!” And be married and have children too... One day. Katara let out a sigh.
“Aang. I... don't know.” She looked away again.
“Why?”
“Because we're in the middle of a war. We have things to worry about. It's not the right time.”
“Well, when's the right time?” I asked. Why didn't she look happy about being with me? I thought she cared about me!
“Aang, I’m sorry but right now...I have a lot of things on my mind. Okay? I just can't. Please.”
“Come on, Katara. I want to be with you. I've always wanted us to be together.”
“I...”
I thought about the Cave of Two Lovers. I quickly moved, pressing my lips to hers. Suddenly, I was pushed away.
“What the hell, you didn't hear what Katara said?” I looked up to see Zuko, and he looked pretty angry. He was standing in front of Katara, and he placed his right hand on his hip, in the left was some snacks.
“I wasn't trying to hurt her, I just...” My heart was pounding. Where had Zuko just come from? And what business was this of his? I puffed out my chest.
“I was having a private conversation with her!”
“And if I wasn't here to rescue her from you?”
“Rescue?” I sputtered. Katara grabbed Zuko's arm.
“No fighting, please. Let's just go back inside, okay? Come on, guys.” She and Zuko exchanged a look, and I had no idea what it meant. But I didn't like it one bit.
“Katara, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” I blurted out, not wanting her to still worry or be angry with me. She stared at me for a moment before shrugging.
“Just forget about it.” She was still holding onto his arm as they turned away, and when we returned to the theater, I had no opportunity to grab the seat next to her. The play still sucked, and now I had upset Katara. I banged my head against the railing. I was such an idiot!
o0o0o0o
Katara
Zuko's turning against his sister was shown as a cowardly, lowly, wimpy deed, and he was portrayed as an utter failure as a person. Doubtless Azula had put her own spin on the story when the playwright had interviewed her for the play. The 'Zuko' character even said that he would never be as smart or strong as she was, so he had no chance at the throne and she could have it. I heard Zuko's groan of disgust and looked at him, his arms resting against the back of the bench in front of him and his head resting on his arms. I didn't blame him for disliking this part of the play. Zuko was nothing like the simpering sissy on stage, lamenting his misfortune of being the weaker sibling. I leaned over, draping my arm across his back and resting my head on his shoulder as I whispered into his ear.
“I know you're nothing like that. And when you're the Fire Lord, there will be much better plays about you.”
“Thanks.” I saw him smile a bit before the curtains fell, signaling the beginning of the third act. As I lifted my head, I saw Aang peering at me over Zuko's back, his arms crossed as he slumped against the back of his seat. I stared back at him for a moment before I lifted my arm off Zuko, sitting back and throwing a few fireflakes into my mouth.
Gently, I rubbed my foot against Zuko's, something that Aang definitely couldn't see. He pressed his foot back against mine before he sat back, relaxing a little and getting some fireflakes out of the bag he had put in my lap. We played it cool, not holding hands or anything else while we watched the rest of the play.
Of course, we hadn't been expecting the 'Avatar' to be victorious, but the play really sucked. Even Toph, who had been delighted with her counterpart, had to agree. Let's just hope the disastrous ending was only for the play.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Katara and I sat outside on the front steps after the others had turned in for the night. Through the path that led down to the beach, I could see the waves. The air was balmy, but cool, and it was nice sitting out here. We were both in our pajamas, though Katara had put on a robe, despite the warm weather.
“You don't need that robe.” I coaxed. “It's so warm.”
She shook her head. “Zuko... yesterday, when I was standing on the balcony, Aang woke up and came out of his room and saw me like that. I'm worried he might come out here again, after what happened tonight.”
“He's asleep now. This isn't morning.” I gently slid it off her shoulders, revealing her pretty arms. She smiled at me and sat back, her hands behind her. When I stroked her arms with my fingertips, she let out a soft, happy sigh. Outside, we felt more breeze than we did in the house, and I relaxed, continuing to touch her in a light, gentle way.
“Such an attentive lover you are.” she murmured.
“Why shouldn't I be?” I shot back. She chuckled softly before she leaned against me.
“Soon as I am Fire Lord, I'll have a proper play written about us.”
“I'm counting on it. Nothing private though, right?” she murmured.
“Of course not. They don't need to know that the Prince of the Fire Nation stole a Waterbender from the Avatar.” I teased.
“Will you tell anybody else about your family history?” she asked, referring to the letter that Uncle had left me with when he went to join the White Lotus. I had shared with her the knowledge that Uncle imparted on me, about my great-grandfather. It was interesting to know I had the blood of a former Avatar in my lineage. As soon as I became Fire Lord, I would go into the Dragon Bone Catacombs and see what else I could learn from my ancestors. And while I was down there, I might as well look at the other tombs. What other information might I find among my predecessors? It had been weird for me to know that in a past life, the Avatar had been part of my family tree.
“No. The play will be simple. Some secrets are better off not talked about.”
“Can't argue. Mmm.” She rested her head against my shoulder.
“I never asked you this, but just what was it that caused Sozin to decide to start the war? From what I understand, it had been peaceful.” she added. I nodded.
“That's what the rest of the world likes to think. That it was somehow all his fault. But back them, the Fire Nation was just a cluster of islands. We needed resources. And the Earth Kingdom saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of us. Charging us inflated prices for metals and other supplies... Roku had to step in and make sure that the deals were being done fairly, but Sozin never forgot the insults from the Earth Kingdoms. He built up a stockpile, using all the materials he bought to build up his army.” I explained. At that point in time, Roku was living on Crescent Island with his wife, apparently unaware of what Sozin was doing
“After Avatar Roku died, Sozin launched his assault. Now the Fire Nation has lands on the Great Continent, mines and wood and farmlands.” I paused, thinking of the polluted river and its miserable inhabitants. Nothing lasted forever, and without proper management, even the abundant resources we had tapped into would dry up.
“Of course, this progress has come at a price. It's one of the things I've been thinking about, a big priority on my to-do list.” The Fire Nation would definitely be keeping some of the land it had won on the Continent. And I was thinking the Water Tribes would find a bit of land on the Continent to he advantageous as well. It was not fair that the Earth Kingdoms had such a big continent all to themselves.
“There's a lot of things to think about, isn't there?” she murmured.
“I wish this night could last forever. Just you and me.” I replied. I would accept my responsibilities and do what I had to. But dear Agni, sometimes it was the simplest pleasures in life that gave one the most happiness, especially the feeling of the soft and warm body of the one I loved. I closed my eyes, listening to the waves as I draped an arm around Katara, feeling her wiggle closer. Only if these moments could last forever...
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Slow Heat