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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
- 31
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Slow Heat
Chapter 32 – The Dying of the Light
The poem below is one of my favorites, and was perfect for the Old Masters/White Lotus members. But it also applies to everyone else, and with Sozin's Comet, it seemed even more appropriate. As always, feedback is welcome.
o0o0o0o

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas, 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night'
o0o0o0o
2 Days BSC
(Mid-Late September, 1101)
Zuko
The comet wasn't yet visible, but the sky had taken on a slight red tint. I could feel it, like a faint tugging at my loins. My dreams had been full of fire, heat, and a Waterbender. She was an oasis amidst the blaze. And I was glad that she was coming with me to defeat Azula. It seemed almost unbelievable that I had come to this point. Where had all the time gone? It seemed like only yesterday that my father had burned my face and exiled me.
“May Agni be with you.” Uncle said as he hugged me fiercely. I nodded.
“May Agni keep us all safe.” If Agni still watched over his Nation, then I hoped he would keep us safe. This War had gone on long enough. I climbed on top of Appa, sitting next to Katara as we looked down at the rest of the group. Katara waved to the small group standing in front of Appa before I took the reins, giving him the familiar command of 'Yip-yip'.
o0o0o0o
Iroh
When I had been a young Prince, Zuko's age, I would have never imagined that my life would turn out like this. I had lost a wife and son, and had my right to the throne taken away from my father right before he died – at least, according to my brother. I had gone with my nephew in exile, knowing he needed me. And now here I was, ready to defend the last stronghold of the Earth Kingdom as my brother led his army How ironic, considering that I had nearly conquered Ba Sing Se myself.
I wondered if Lu Ten was watching me now. What must he think of the current affairs of the Royal Family?
“Don't look so sad. They'll be fine.” Jun had her hand on my shoulder, and I smiled at her.
o0o0o0o
Night Before BSC
Zuko
Katara was silent as she unwrapped some pepper-cake for dinner, and she barely touched her food. We had spent the day traveling, and were now camped on a small island not too far from the Capitol island. The trees gave us cover, and it would take but a couple of hours to make it to the Palace on Appa's back. I ate a large bite of the spicy bread as Katara picked at the crumbs of the small piece she cut for herself.
“Is that all you're eating?” I asked as I poured some cool fruit juice for us. Katara and I would have to be careful of what we ate – and drank – tomorrow so we weren't weighed down or uncomfortably full, so I was going to have a big supper tonight. We had plenty of food from Uncle, who must have had the same idea I did.
“I'm just not hungry.” she huffed softly, looking at the fire. I frowned and scooted over to her.
“I know you're feeling nervous, but we need to eat tonight.”
“I know.” she snapped. Ooh. Touchy.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing.” Katara muttered, staring into the fire. Slowly, I placed a hand on her back. She did not protest. I started rubbing it in a slow circle, hearing a quiet sigh. I continued, rubbing more firmly, and heard a soft groan of relief, though I still felt tension in her core. I closed my eyes, concentrating on feeling the heat in her body and noticing that there was a hot lump of angry heat in her lower stomach, a knot of throbbing energy.
“Your stomach hurts?” I asked. “Should I make some more tea?”
“It's not that.” she huffed.
“But... I...”
“It's my stupid moon-time. I just had to get it right before the final battle!” she raged quietly, her voice fierce.
Oh. I remembered the times she had been especially prickly before, and nodded slowly. I remember Mother not feeling well once in a while, remaining in her apartments a couple of days out of each month. As a male, I was not privy to female secrets, but I understood that it was a unpleasant time for them, and that it was wise for a man to give such females space. Azula had been just twelve when I had been exiled, and I silently thanked Agni that I hadn't been around to be subjected to whatever rages she would doubtlessly have had.
But I saw a way to alleviate her suffering.
“Tara... would you lay down and let me hold you?” I asked gently.
“You wanna lay with me?” she asked, sounding surprised.
“Is there a reason I shouldn't?” I countered. Katara had always kept herself clean, hadn't she? And being a Waterbender...
“I'll take anything that'll help me feel even just a little better.” she shot back. She lay down, curled up loosely, and I spooned up to her, wrapping my arm around her middle and placing my hand where I felt that tight knot of heat and chi. Closing my eyes, I concentrated, feeling soothing heat leave my hand, and focused on dispersing the tight knot. Mentally, I broke the knot and led the heat to travel smoothly through her body, the heat from my hand soothing away the ache. Katara's breath came out in a slow exhale, and I felt her body relax.
“Zuko, you're amazing.” Her whisper was full of appreciation.
“I know.” I replied in a mock prideful tone, and she giggled softly.
“But seriously, thank you.”
“You're welcome.”
“Now I'm hungry.” Katara replied. I smiled.
That night, I held her, soothing her as she curled up against me, her face filled with gratitude and comfort as I shared my heat.
o0o0o0o
Morning BSC
Katara
With Zuko soothing away my aches, I woke up well-rested. How wonderful it had been to receive a new advantage of Zuko's Bending. If not for him, I'd have been curled up all night, praying for my pains to go away. And on such a important day, I needed to be alert.
I was hungry, but mindful of Zuko's admonition the night before, cooked just enough vegetables and pepper-cake to make a light meal for both of us, adding some fruit to it. He looked handsome laying there shirtless, his toned muscles flexing and bunching as he stirred awake and stretched. We ate silently, keyed up and excited about what would happen today. I was a bundle of nerves, and had to meditate with Zuko to calm down.
I barely felt the air against my face as Appa flew across the ocean to our final destination. Even though we were in full stealth mode so we could avoid people, the Palace City was eerily silent.
“There's always been a lot more activity than this. Servants doing errands, guards doing their rounds, workers in the gardens or building things...” Zuko murmured as we slid through the little City, approaching the Palace. There were a few more servants here, and a pair of young women scurried past our hiding spot behind a pillar, muttering about my sister.
“Azula's becoming Fire Lord today. I shudder to think of what will happen when the Fire Lord dies and she's the one in charge.” I heard one say as she paused to shift the bags she carried.
“At least the War will be over.” the other one replied.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
My sister was being crowned Fire Lord? Kamas had brought a valuable amount of intelligence with him, but this was not among them. Must have been a recent development, then. How smug and excited my sister must be. She was only fifteen, and she would become Fire Lord! I doubt that even in her wildest dreams would my sister have thought that this would happen so early.
You must be enjoying yourself, Azula. But not for long. I knew exactly where to go. I remembered the fight we had in the canyon at the Western Air Temple. I was confident that I could handle myself against my sister.
“By decree of Phoenix King Ozai, I now crown you Fire Lord.” I recognized the voice of the head of the Fire Sages, and peeked around the pillar to see Azula kneeling at the top of the plaza steps. What a... quiet ceremony it was. Why wasn't Azula in front of a throng of courtiers and citizens, celebrating what was doubtless one of her proudest moments? The only people I saw were Azula and the Sages, and I saw the glint of the fire-shaped diadem in his hands, just inches above her head. He glanced down at her before looking up, and she looked over her shoulder at him.
“What are you waiting for? Do it!” she hissed impatiently. I moved within sight.
“Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today. I am.” I stated loudly. All of the Sages looked at me with shock. Azula started laughing.
“You're hilarious, Zu-zu.”
“And you're going down!” Katara replied as she moved to my side.
“Wait. You want to be Fire Lord‌? Fine. Let’s settle this. Just you and me, brother. The showdown that was always meant to be. Agni Kai!” she declared. Oh, I was more than ready...
“You're on.” I growled.
“You sure?” Katara asked with some concern.
“I'll be fine, There’s something off about her, I can’t explain it but she’s slipping. And this way, no one else has to get hurt.” I thought of her defeat at Ba Sing Se, and the news of her sending Mai and Ty Lee to prison. What had she been through since she returned home in defeat? Did it have something to do with this private ceremony?
“I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother.” Azula said as we faced one another.
“No, you're not.” I replied. She didn't bother to reply, and I noticed that her stance was just a bit awkward. Where was her coolness, her grace and poise?
We battled amidst a swirl of blue and orange flame. Despite all the impressive moves my sister performed – moves I would have been jealous of a long time ago – she wasn't up to her usual game. I struck her with a powerful burst of flame, seeing her roll across the stone, her hair coming undone as she struggled to her feet, baring her teeth at me like a feral animal. I saw the index and middle fingers on each hand come together, just as they always did before she created lightning. And this time, I would be ready. Thanks to the dragons, Katara's encouragement and our meditation and discussion about Bending, I had figured out my own way to form lightning. But none came from my sister, and she looked even angrier than before.
“What? No lightning?” I could not resist this taunt, seeing the look of frustration on her face. No wonder she looked so pissed off. I was right. There was something wrong with her and she lacked the focus she needed to pull off the most advanced technique known to Firebenders.
“Oh, I'll show you lightning!” she screamed. Wow. I'd never seen her scream like that, her cheeks red with frustration. Her movements were more dramatic and irregular, and I took my stance, seeing a spark fly from her fingers. Of course I had spoken too soon. But I was still confident. As the lightning arced around her, I knew I would be able to absorb it. What a long way I had come from the frustrated, angry, scarred kid who had been sent into exile for trying to do the right thing after years of living under his sister's shadow.
And then the lightning came. But not at me.
Without thinking, I threw myself in front of it, not feeling disgust until later when I was able to assess my memories of this day at my leisure.
Agni preserve me.
o0o0o0o
Katara
“Zuko!” I screamed, barely registering that he had risked his own life for me as I rushed to his twitching form, hearing his soft groan as he clutched his chest. But before I could reach him, a bolt of lightning struck the ground in front of me, and I snapped back. I had nearly been killed! As much as I loved Zuko and wanted to see to his well-being, I would be no good if that bitch killed me first...
“I’d really rather our family physician look after little Zu-zu if you don’t mind!” She leaped into the air, a thick band of fire arcing at me. I darted behind a pillar, leading her onto a chase, hearing lightning strike one of pillars not far from where I was. I moved to another pillar just before the one I had previously hidden behind was suddenly shattered by a powerful burst of lightning.
Crazy bitch, if she kept doing that the roof could collapse on us both! This had to end quickly so I could attend to Zuko. I looked down, seeing a barred wooden floor, water beneath it. Zuko had told me about how such channels were built to bring water to various parts of the Palace grounds for gardening or cleaning. Some were covered, but others remained open for easy access and maintenance. Perfect, just perfect. I had been about to use the water in my flasks, but there was no way I was going to turn up this opportunity...
“There you are, you filthy peasant!” Azula was wild-eyed, her hair a mess, her lips twisted halfway between a grin and a sneer. I darted again, hiding behind one pillar after another as I caused the water in the channel to splash up, distracting her. And then I noticed the chains looped around a handle on a service door that led down to the channel. Oh, perfect.
Another pillar shattered before I moved into action, having it all planned in my mind. With expert flicks of my wrists and arms, all the water that was currently down there came up through the wooden slats, engulfing Azula and rendering her unable to move. She glared at me hatefully, trying to get out of the water that surrounded her, her mouth opening and quickly closing. I was so tempted to leave her in there and let her drown. But I wasn't a killer, not like she was, and Zuko would certainly want her to answer to justice.
I felt her try to pull away as I wrapped the chains around her hands, and knew she was becoming panicked at being unable to breathe. But only when she was firmly secured to the wooden grating did I let the water flow back down through the slats. And then I rushed back to Zuko.
He was still shuddering and having a hard time breathing, and I realized that if he wasn't attended to, he might have a seizure or some kind of attack.
“Zuko.” I whispered, rolling him over onto his back, a water-glove already on my hand. The water spread out onto his chest, causing him to moan softly.
“It's okay, Zuko. I'm here.” I whispered, hoping he heard and understood me. His entire body tensed as the water soaked into his wound, repairing the bloodied and blistered flesh and the damage underneath, making sure there was no internal damage. His breathing became more even, and he relaxed before he opened his eyes.
“Tara...” he said softly, raising a shaky hand to cup my cheek. I smiled and nodded.
“Zu.” I whispered, trying to not cry as I looked down at him.
“I love you.”
“Love you too.” I replied softly, my stomach hurting at the intense emotion I felt. I had nearly lost Zuko. I touched the now-faint mark on his stomach and sighed softly. The Fire Sages had remained where they were – cowards, why hadn't they rushed to Zuko while Azula and I were fighting – but they now started to come down the steps. I glared at the head of the Fire Sages, not bothering to hide my contempt. He seemed about to say something when we heard the crackling of something, and his head jerked up suddenly, gazing past my shoulder, a look of fear on his face. Zuko struggled to sit up and as he did, he looked past me as well, his eyes widening.
“Katara!” I heard him hiss.
What the...
Before I could turn around, I felt something strike my back, literally knocking the wind out of me before everything went black.
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Slow Heat