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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
- 32
- 33
- 34
Slow Heat
Chapter 33 – Long Days and Longer Nights
This is the last main chapter of Slow Heat, but not the end of this story – the epilogue and the alternate ending will follow. So glad you liked the last chapter, this one was really, really hard for me to write since it was so emotional! Please let me know what you thought – I LOVE REVIEWS! Nom nom nom!
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I heard the chains rattle as Azula struggled against them, flailing wildly and spitting out flame as she tried to free herself, Others would have ignored her, but despite my weakened state I could turn my head and look at her as Katara looked down at me, her hand stroking my forehead. I heard the footsteps of the Sages as they approached us, but still I stared at Azula. I tried to get up, and my legs twitched a bit but refused to obey. My heart was pounding, but her coolness had taken away the pain.
I looked up at Katara, but kept Azula in my periphery. Suddenly there was a flash of lightning, and the rusted chain snapped, letting Azula spring to her feet.
My mind was screaming Move! Move!, but my body refused to cooperate. It was sluggish from the shock I received, and I tried to reach out so I could at least shove her out of the way, but before I could, she was hit. She stared ahead for a moment, her gaze unfocused, her mouth parted in a sharp exhale. And then she slumped forward, the back of her shirt burnt away as Azula leaped in the air.
Agni damn you! I pushed Katara to the Head Sage.
“Make sure she's okay!” I growled as I snapped to my feet just before lightning hit the place where I had just lain prone. Bitch. I wasn't even surprised at these feelings. Her hair whipped out when she snapped her neck, sending droplets of water flying into my face. I did not stop, and went after her, feeling my limbs protest at the sudden activity. A fireball barely missed my head, sailing past my scar. I smelled singed hair but did not register it as I dodged her attempts, knowing that she would kill me at the first opportunity. Her eyes had that pure, wicked, maniacal gleam in them and if I wasn't working so hard to avoid her attacks, I'd have felt chilled from the malice I saw.
Long and elegantly manicured claws slashed less than an inch from my face, and I shot out with a fist covered in flame. I didn't make physical contact with my hand, but I heard her scream before she jerked back, writhing.
My eyes widened when I saw that much of her face was burnt. Only the right side of her face still had any smooth skin, and that eye remained unscathed but the other one... dear Agni. If my scar had looked bad before it healed, it was nothing compared to this. The entire left side of her face, and a bit of the right, was a ruin of scorched flesh. Her burnt lips drew back to reveal neat white teeth as she screamed, and her good eye darted around before focusing on me, promising revenge.
She came at me with an arcing fire-kick, but I managed to block it and grabbed hold of her foot before she shot another fireball at me. I had to let go to dodge, and we were Bending fire at one another, though Azula's movements had become more erratic, her moves less controlled. She was shooting fire and lightning at every opportunity, taking full advantage of Sozin's comet and its power augmentation.
The bursts of flame were peppered with screams of rage from a charred, twisted mouth, and suddenly she propelled herself in the air with a burst of flame. I leaped out of the way and darted along the corner of the veranda as I heard her land on the roof before a burst of lightning blew a hole through the shingles. I heard the sudden rattle of roof tiles coming loose before I saw a figure fall from the roof, a brief but sickening crack as she landed on the side of her head, her body flopping down like a rag-doll. I stood there for several long moments as several more roof tiles slid down, clacking around her body. Her remaining eye stared ahead blankly, her lips parted slightly.
I walked around her and rushed back to the Sages. They were somber-faced as they looked up at me. Katara lay on the stone, unmoving. I dropped down to feel her pulse, and my heart thudded hollowly as there was none.
“She... was dead before she came to my arms.” the Head Sage murmured, his head bowed.
No. No. It could not be. I grabbed her by her shoulders, shaking her gently. Her head lolled back. Dear Agni, no.
o0o0o0o
3 Days ASC
(Late September, 1101)
Avatar Aang
My heart pounded in anticipation as I walked up the steps to the Fire Palace. I had found a peaceful way to defeat Ozai. And I heard that Zuko beat Azula, so I'd be meeting the new Fire Lord. Over the last few days as I met with the White Lotus and then traveled back to Sozun with the captive Former Fire Lord and several of the Old Masters accompanying me. On the front plaza, I saw Hakoda, Sokka, and Toph. They looked surprised to see the former Fire Lord in chains, and Ozai scowled at them all.
I couldn't wait to see Katara again. I had thought for a long time on what I would do now. I hoped that seeing Zuko as Fire Lord would change her mind. After all, she couldn't want to be the Fire Lady, right? She would realize that he wasn't the right guy for her.
“How are Katara and the Fire Lord?” I asked. I heard an angry scoff behind me, but Hakoda said nothing. Sokka stared right ahead, and Toph kept walking. Weird.
“You'll see when we get to the Palace.” Sokka finally said. I could feel Ozai's angry stare at my back and the soft rattle of chains that limited his footsteps so he couldn't run or jump. Without his Bending, he couldn't break or melt them. I rubbed the back of my neck where I felt his gaze. I'd be glad to hand him over to Zuko and be done with that. I was gonna play it cool around him about Katara. And hopefully Zuko be too busy with Fire Lord duties to pay attention to her.
Zuko sat alone on his throne, a few Fire Sages and guards surrounding him.
“Your part in ending the War is much appreciated. The world is in your debt, Avatar Aang.” Zuko's face was calm as he stared down at me. Of course, neither of us could forget what had happened on Ember Island, and the silence was thick and uncomfortable.
“I am the Avatar. I was doing my job.” I replied neutrally.
“You still have a job to do. We have a long road ahead of us.”
“Of course. We've already discussed that. I trust we can work together.”
“But of course.” Zuko kept staring down at me, his hands on the armrests of the Dragon Throne. “I trust that you are tired from your journey. Guest quarters have been set up, and we are having a banquet tonight to honor your arrival.”
“Thank you, Lord Zuko.” Where was Katara? Why wasn't she here to greet me? Was she angry with me?
“You may go now. I will see you again tonight.”
I walked down the grand hallway with Sokka while Ozai was led away by Royal Guards.
“Where's Katara?” I asked. He did not answer, and I frowned, tugging his sleeve.
“She's not hurt, is she?” I demanded as we turned a corner.
“She was hurt.” Sokka finally said, and continued walking. Oh no! But I was the Avatar. Surely I could help her get better. I tried to not imagine what might have happened to her. I had learned, over the course of my travels, how cruel some people could be. Zuko and Katara had come here to deal with Azula...
“Azula, she hurt Katara?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Where's Azula?”
“She's been dealt with... accordingly. Zuko made sure she couldn't hurt anybody else.” Sokka's tone was hard. Well, that did make me feel just a bit better.
“Here's the guest rooms. Most of them are taken, but the one at the end is still empty, if you'd prefer to be alone.
“I'd like to see Katara.”
“Not yet.”
“How badly is she hurt?” What could Azula have done? I was feeling pretty upset. It was Zuko's job to protect her! I regretted leaving Ember Island, but I knew it had to be done – I had to face the Fire Lord while the others did their own part to end the War. Realistically, I couldn't have protected Katara while keeping Ozai from baking me to a crisp. But I could have kept her underground, in a earth shelter or something. Anything.
When Sokka did not say anything, I frowned.
“I want to see her now!”
“No. Trust me, you'll see her in a while. Now's just not the right time... okay?” Sokka stopped at the door leading to the room he had indicated. He pushed it open, revealing a nice-looking room with a large and comfortable bed. Momo jumped off my shoulder and scampered into the room, curling up on the blankets.
“Seems like Momo's tired from the trip. Iroh looked tired too.” Sokka said. I nodded slowly. We could have taken more time, but all of us just wanted to get back to Sozun, prepared just in case Azula was going to attack. But we were welcomed, and I was glad for that. I had had enough fighting, believe me!
“There's also a small bath in there. All of the guest rooms have them. And Zuko is giving us clothes to wear.” He motioned to his own plain red and black silk robe. “He's also taken the Kyoshians and all prisoners of war out of the dungeons. Anyone who needed medical attention has it. Right now we're just trying to assess the situation and see what needs to be done. Of course, we were waiting for you too. But take your time. We're waiting for everyone to be rested before we discuss matters.”
“I guess there's a lot of things to discuss and figure out, right?” I asked.
“Of course. But for now, just relax. You do look like you could use a nap. I could wake you up before supper.”
“Sounds fine.” I wanted to ask about Katara again, but sensed that I wouldn't get an answer right now. Sokka stared at me for a few moments, almost as if he had read my mind.
“You'll see her later tonight. For now, just rest. The War is over, and you've earned a nap. You do look beat.”
“I do feel tired.” I murmured, thinking of my battle with Ozai. He had been so insanely powerful. If it wasn't for all the hard work I did with Katara, Toph, and Zuko...
“I'll see you in a bit.”
“Sure.” I murmured. Sokka closed the door and I flopped down on the bed. It'd been far too long since I slept on something so soft, and I felt Momo crawl onto my back and curl up as I lay there on my stomach. Within moments, I was asleep.
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
I rose from my throne, barely noticing Uncle or the others. The confrontation with the Avatar over Katara was inevitable, but I had no desire to face it. Over the last three days I had to deal with the painful fact that she was dead. Never again would I feel her warm body snuggled up to mine, her hands stroking my body or face, her lips pressed against mine in loving kisses, her beautiful azure eyes twinkling with happiness as I gave her my attentions. She would not be there in the morning to cuddle with, and she wouldn't be there in the evenings to stroke my brow and let me forget fort a while my duties as Fire Lord.
Over the last three days, I had tried to fill my schedule as much as I could – not that that took great effort – by having meetings, going through the legal documents, seeing to the prisoners of war, and the like. From early in the morning to late at night I kept myself as distracted as possible. I had made the rounds of the infirmary, where Suki and her Kyoshians were recuperating from the abuses that Azula had put them through, along with several other Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe prisoners. With the people already here, I had been going back and forth, holding meetings and setting up peace treaties and trade agreements. I had issued an apology to Suki and her girls, as well as all the others. And I knew I would be making more because of what my father and sister had done.
With Hakoda and Sokka, I already negotiated trade and peace for the Southern Water Tribe. Chit Sang would receive a full pardon and reinstatement. The arrival of Bumi just now reminded me of my plans to sign Omashu back over to him, and I still had to negotiate peace and trade with him. Toph had already agreed to ally the Beifongs with me. It was my fullest intent to garner as many allies as I could, because already there were rumblings within the Court at my refusal to continue the War. After all, I was pardoning people they deemed as traitors, such as Uncle and Jeong Jeong. I would of course receive the support of the White Lotus, but there was little doubt that in the days to come, I would have to hear criticism from courtiers who truly believed in the superiority of Fire Nation above all else.
There was a room adjoining the throne room which served as an office, and an good private meeting place. It was a room designed for the Fire Lord's use for receiving smaller audiences. I retreated to it, knowing that Uncle would follow. I was tired of sitting in the throne room, and didn't wish to remain in it longer than absolutely necessary. When I was little, I had never imagined I might become Fire Lord. That had been for Uncle and Lu Ten.
I sat behind the desk, ignoring the yet-to-be-opened sealed documents that sat there on a prim black lacquered tray. Many a hour I had spent in here already, and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.
Uncle entered and closed the door behind himself. I waved to one of the seats. Usually, other chairs would not have been provided, so the Fire Lord's audience would have to stand. But I had several chairs brought in here, so I could discuss treaties and alliances in a more comfortable setting. It also helped put those I talked with at ease, so things could go more smoothly, all of us equals in our desire to end the war and cement peace for everyone.
He settled himself as he stared at me.
“Something's wrong.” Uncle said in his perceptive way, studying me as I sat there behind the large mahogany desk. I lowered my head, taking a deep breath.
“How was the battle with your sister?”
“I defeated her.” I replied plainly. I felt responsible for the deaths of both women. I hadn't been able to protect Katara, and the injury I had given Azula doubtless had led to her demise. No matter how much my logical mind argued, I blamed myself. I had been hurt, and it wasn't Katara's fault that Azula had managed to destroy her chains with lightning – they were weak and rusted in some links – and my body had still been reeling from Azula's attack so I hadn't been able to move it as quickly. Thus I hadn't been able to push Katara out of the way. And the burn to Azula's face had been self-defense. She was trying to kill me, for Agni's sake! The rational part of me argued these points over and over. Yet I still felt a heavy weight on my chest.
Sokka had been angry about his sister's death and had even screamed at me after he saw Katara's body. I had silently accepted his angry words, offering no resistance. I certainly didn't blame him for his anger and bore no resentment towards the heated words he had flung at me. I felt like screaming at people too. I wanted to scream at my sister, at the Sages, at my father, at Sozin, at anybody. But nothing would bring the woman I loved back to me. However busy I kept myself, however tired I was when I plopped down in my new bed, I still had to deal with the fact that she wasn't there next to me.
“What happened, Zuko?” Uncle asked gently, leaning forward. Oh, Agni. I didn't want to talk about it. But I found the words coming out of my mouth, of what had happened at the old plaza. He did not interrupt once, and listened to me intently even as I came to an end in my story. The silence in the air was thick, and I looked down at my hands.
“Oh, Zuko.”
I said nothing. I continued to stare down.
“Believe me, I know how you feel.”
Still, I said nothing. I didn't need comforting or pitying words.
“When my wife died, I actually considered suicide.” I heard him say. I looked up at him. I had never even thought that such an option was considered by my uncle. When my aunt died, Uncle had gone through the appropriate mourning period, but he had never discussed his feelings with me – or anybody else, as far as I knew.
“It is terrible, to know that you will never see that person again. To never feel the warmth of their body, or listen to their loving words, to lay there alone at night.” I saw the sadness in his eyes. “Nothing will ever replace her. She was a fine and wonderful mother and wife.”
“And aunt too.” I murmured, remembering her friendly words. She had died when I was rather young so there wasn't much I remembered about her, but it was all good.
“Indeed.” Uncle smiled faintly. This was the first time I had someone talk to me about what it was like losing a loved one. I know that Hakoda had lost his wife in a Fire Nation attack, but for the sake of simplicity, Sokka and I had agreed that it wasn't necessary for him to learn of our relationship, especially since Katara hadn't been of official betrothal age yet.
“Even now, I still love my wife dearly. I am content in the knowledge that I will see her again one day in the Spirit World.”
“That's not a comfort to me.” I replied, trying to not sound too sarcastic. Even though it felt good to talk to Uncle about a experience we had both gone through, it also hurt deeply. I was only seventeen. How many years ahead of me did I have left? How many years without Katara?
“I know, I know.” Uncle sighed. More silence hung in the air before I rung for a servant to bring us some tea. Mu uncle glanced at the documents I had yet to read.
“You have a lot of work ahead of you. But I am here to help you.”
“That's what I was counting on.” I murmured, relieved for a change of subject. “I've already discussed alliances and trade agreements with many people here. There's a lot to do.”
“As Fire Lord, there is always a lot to do, especially if you don't delegate responsibilities.”
“I don't intend to shove off my responsibilities onto others.”
“It's not about shirking responsibility, nephew. You're tired, and running the Nation takes a lot of work. You need to set up a trusted group of advisers who will help you handle the running of the nation. Otherwise you will run yourself ragged.” He stared at me for several moments, his eyes assessing, “Seems that you are already doing so. I know all of this provides a distraction. I was the same way after my wife died. But this cannot continue.”
“I want you on that council.”
“Of course.” He bowed his head slightly. “This is as important to me as it is to you.”
“Thank you.”
“You could have a monument set up here for Katara. By the lake would be a good spot.”
I sighed softly.
“I know it hurts, but it helped me to have a headstone for my wife. It's... something.”
“I know.” I lowered my head, hoping I would not need one for Mother. I had yet to discover her fate, and both relished and dreaded my inevitable meeting with my sire. I looked up as I heard a gentle knock on the door.
“It's Sokka. If you're busy, I'll come back later.”
“We'll talk some more later.” Uncle said as he downed the rest of his tea and rose from his seat. I nodded. He bowed out, and Sokka came in, bowing his head to Uncle.
“Aang's taking a nap now.” he murmured.
“Does he know?”
“All I would say was that she was hurt.”
“Thank you.” I said. He nodded, looking at home in his borrowed clothing. We were nearly the same size, and the servants had brought out all the appropriate clothing I would need from storage. I had no desire to wear my Ozai's clothing, so the only things of his I would be keeping were the royal and ceremonial robes that all Fire Lords wore. The only thing Sokka was missing was his Wang Fire beard. I would always remember this persona of Sokka's with fondness.
“I don't wanna be around when Aang finds out.” he murmured.
“Neither do I.”
“Let's have Toph do it.” he replied half-jokingly. I smiled – albeit it was just a tiny one – for the first time since my last morning with Katara.
“Tea smells good. Could I have some?”
“Of course.” I summoned a servant to bring some more tea and a clean cup. I was grateful for this quiet interlude amongst all the meetings and inspections I had to do. Last year, when I had encountered Sokka as he tried to attack me, wearing war-paint on his face, I had dismissed him outright as an idiot and a peasant. How far along I had come in my travels, especially when I had been part of the Avatar's group. This was the man who would have been my brother-in-law, if not for Azula.
“Dad and I will need to go back to the Tribe with our men.” Sokka said after he downed one cup and poured himself another.
“Of course. If you like, I could lend you one of my ships for the trip. You'd get food, materials, whatever else your Tribe might need. Consider it an... apology of making a mess of your village last year.”
“Throw in plenty of fire flakes for me, and we'll call it even.”
“Done.”
“There's one more thing.”
“Sure.” I sipped my tea.
“Dad and I will be taking Katara's body.”
I stared at him for several moments. I had been considering what to do with her body. I could have her cremated and interred in the royal tomb reserved for Queens, as if Katara was a Fire Lady. Better yet, I could have her interred in my tomb, and when my own time came...
But Sokka was right. As much as I didn't want to, I knew I had to let her go. And I would not argue with Hakoda and Sokka. She would be sent into the sea to join her ancestors. I nodded slightly before I took another sip of my tea.
o0o0o0o
Aang
My heart was pounding as I walked down the hallway with Sokka and Zuko. Katara hadn't been at dinner, and nobody had talked about her. I had never been in the Fire Palace before much less its infirmary, but I had a funny feeling that we weren't headed in that direction. There weren't many people bustling about this part of the Palace, and I tried to calm the fluttering I felt in my stomach. Perhaps the infirmary was just in a different place than I thought it would be, sure, it had to. Please, spirits, let her be okay. We had parted on shaky terms because of Zuko. I had been thinking about what I would say to Katara when I saw her again. Should I apologize or just play it cool? Try to talk to her about us again? Katara had always enjoyed the simpler pleasures in life. She had thought the Air Temples were beautiful.
Sure, the Fire Palace was nice, but it was overwhelming. Too much red everywhere, and I noticed a lot of dragons too. Why would Sozin want to destroy the dragons? Had he been so jealous of their power? I thought of the dragons Zuko and I had encountered, and knew that the Fire Nation would be in good hands, however angry I was with Zuko about Katara. I thought about what I had seen them do, and my own bids for Katara's attention. Hopefully Zuko was too busy to pay attention to her. I'd nurse her back to health and take care of her and she'd see how much I love her.
We passed a couple of guards before stopping at a modestly-sized door. It opened onto a cool and dark room, and I wrinkled my nose as I smelled incense. There were just a couple of lamps. The room was large and quiet, and I saw a single table with a white cloth draped across something on it. It looked like a... body.
“No.” I murmured, shaking my head. Zuko and Sokka were silent as they looked down. “No! I can't be... Sokka, you said she was hurt...”
“She was hurt. And died from it. Azula, she...”
I whipped around to glare at Zuko, barely hearing Sokka say that Azula had been responsible for Katara's death.
“You were with her! You were supposed to protect her!” I felt myself grow more angry and hysterical. Why had this happened? Why?
“I tried to save her...”
“Tried is not good enough! She's DEAD!”
Zuko stared back at me silently, his hands at his side, hidden under the long sleeves of his fancy robes. I felt the sudden urge to punch him in the face. How could he have let Katara die?
“Aang...” Sokka grabbed my arm. “I'm angry too, but it's not Zuko's fault. And he avenged her death. Azula will never hurt anyone again. Lashing out at Zuko will solve nothing.”
My hands balled up into fists, and I swallowed, biting back tears. I couldn't look at Zuko.
“Go away.” I muttered. “I need to be alone.”
They glanced at one another for several moments before Zuko nodded curtly. They walked out of the chamber as I approached the table. Her body was covered in a thin, gauzy layer of white silk, her features faintly visible. Carefully, I lifted the fabric down to her chest. Her hair was pulled back in a braid that was draped across her shoulder, tied with a ribbon of white silk. Her robe, trousers, and slippers were all white silk too. Her eyes were closed, and it looked as if she was sleeping. Up close, I could smell a bit of decay, but Katara looked so peaceful.
“Katara... I'm sorry for the way I acted. Maybe if I hadn't gone off like that, things would have been different and you'd still be alive. I should have been more sensible. I was stupid for fighting Zuko in front of you.” Only if I had been able to defeat Zuko in that angry spar. Would that have changed things? I remembered the chanting that had drawn me into the sea. There was no denying what I had learned from the lion-turtle. But... but if things were different. Somehow.
I sighed and sunk to the floor, letting the tears flow. I had lost my best friend. I'd never see her blue eyes twinkle at me as we had fun together, or feel her hand in mine.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
The cool air of the Imperial Dungeon was a welcome reprieve from the warm autumn evening. It was one small comfort for me as I made the visit I had been anticipating and dreading. I had no desire to talk with Aang, so I had quickly left him with Katara so he could mourn her on his own.
It was hard to imagine my sire stripped of his power. He had always been an impressive figure in my life, and his Firebending was rivaled by very few others, if at all. And here this man was, curled up against the wall of his cell, wearing prisoner clothing. His normally neat and well-groomed hair was now unkempt. He did not look up at me as I approached. One of the guards quickly procured a plain but comfortable enough stool for me to sit on. So I sat there, looking at this silent and huddled figure of my sire. Without his fancy robes, fire-comb, and his haughty and regal posture, the former Fire Lord had none of his previous glory. All I saw was an angry and resentful man.
Both of us sat there in silence for a while. Ozai did not stir, though I heard his quiet breathing. Finally, I decided to speak.
“Where's my mother?” I asked, point-blank. I was not going to waste my time with proper greetings or such. After all, I was now the Fire Lord and Ozai was stripped of all power – literally and figuratively. I was met with baleful silence.
“If you do not tell me, I will have to take more drastic measures. You think this cell is bad enough?” I asked. His clothes and mat were clean. He was given adequate and nutritious food. The single high window ensured proper ventilation. He was not abused by the guards. Yes, there was no silk sheets, rich and elegant food, or pretty maidens to please him, but things could be much worse, and I had no doubt that Ozai knew it. He wasn't stupid. Considering the enormity of his deeds – or misdeeds – he was pretty well off. I had no doubt that if he was dumped in the midst of Earth Kingdom peasants, he'd probably be torn to shreds.
“You should treat your father with more respect.” came his acidic reply.
“If you had treated me with more respect, perhaps this... entire course of events would have never happened.”
“So this is all my fault?”
“Much if it is.” I replied, unfazed. Sozin had started the war indeed, but if my sire hadn't decided to scar and banish me, who knew what might have happened. The Fire Nation might have had the victory that Sozin wanted. But it was useless to ponder all the what-ifs. If Katara hadn't woken Avatar Aang, if I hadn't spoken out in the War Room, if Uncle hadn't lost his son... it was interesting to consider what might have happened, but it was ultimately futile.
“What happened that night?” I asked. Toph was sitting outside the door, unseen by the Fire Lord, but she could 'see' him just fine, and I smiled faintly to myself. If it wasn't for Toph, I wouldn't have gotten the idea to develop my own ability to 'see'. And when I focused this ability on Ozai, his inner warmth was no greater than any other non-Firebender.
“You really want to know?”
Dear Agni, yes. Grandfather's death had been so sudden and mysterious. And Mother's disappearance...
“What do I get for telling you?”
“You dare ask this of the Fire Lord?” I asked imperiously. I might as well use my power. I had always been so intimidated by him, and now his very life rested in my hands. I could do with him as I pleased. I was no sadist, but I could show no softness in front of the man who had sired me. “I can assure you that if you dare to defy me, you will me moved to a place where you will never see sunlight again or hear another human voice.”
More silence, and I thought he would continue his defiance. I did not relish the thought of giving him a worse punishment, but I had to do what was necessary. I wanted to know the truth about what had happened that night. And I had to know what happened to Mother. It was one of these questions that had haunted me for many years. And I knew that Jeong Jeong would want to know the fate of his daughter.
“I suppose you have had these questions lurking around in your head for years.” he finally spoke. It was my turn to be silent, and I stared at him.
“I would still be the Fire Lord if not for fools like your uncle.” he growled. I sensed that he wanted to call me a fool, but since I was Fire Lord, he had to bite that back. I couldn't help but feel a bit smug in the fact that my sire was now subject to my will, rather than the other way around.
“Get to the point.” I replied firmly.
“And to think that you used to be afraid to speak this way to me before.”
“It wasn't fear, it was respect.” I replied. I had tried so hard to make him happy before, only I had been usually upstaged by my sister. Even though I had been the heir apparent, I had always had the nagging sensation that Azula would have loved nothing more than to take the throne for herself. And she would have, hadn't I challenged her to the Agni Kai. I still saw her charred face in my memories. What would Ozai say if he could see Azula? Hmm. Like Katara, she had been washed and put in white silk, though Katara had been placed in a far better room than my sister.
“I wanted to make you and the Nation proud. But my exile taught me the true meaning of honor.”
“So I suppose you want to thank me for the opportunity of being Fire Lord.” he replied dryly. I considered this briefly. Indeed, if I had not received my scar and been sentenced to exile...
“Answer my questions.” I replied firmly, refusing to be diverted from the subject.
“Your grandfather wanted to give you to Iroh.” he said simply. I furrowed my eyebrow, waiting for him to continue, but he fell silent. I felt my impatience rising, but maintained my calm.
“And?” I asked coolly. He slowly lifted his head to glare at me. I swallowed, acutely aware of the strong resemblance I had to my father. At least with my scar nobody would ever mistake me for him, I thought dryly.
“After Lu Ten died, my father wanted to give you to your Uncle for adoption so you would become his heir, not mine.” His tone was bitter. My eyes widened slightly. Grandfather had wanted me to inherit, but not my father? Even though he had died when I was only ten, I remembered him well. He was a mysterious and commanding figure, his expression often unreadable. Often I couldn't tell if he was happy or disappointed in me. He never said much in the way of praise or criticism, and it had seemed that Azula was his favored grandchild. But I remembered the harsh words he had thrown at my father when Azula and I had hidden behind the curtain.
Oh, how my sister had taken such pleasure in sneaking into my room and telling me that Grandfather wanted me dead! I couldn't believe that my own grandsire might be disappointed in me, but then, Azula was the prodigy. Grandfather had been a Firebending Master, and she had been such a prodigy. Hell, she was even named after him. Even though I denied her words, I had felt cold fear stabbing into my heart. And everything changed that night while I was sleeping. Grandfather and Mom were gone. My father was the Fire Lord; something that I never thought would happen, not with Uncle and Lu Ten in line for the throne.
I remained silent for several long moments, processing this. He could be lying, but at least later I could confer with Toph over his words. Had Grandfather truly wanted me to be his heir? Had he truly thought so much of me? What had he seen in me that was lacking in his own son or granddaughter?
“And what happened to him?” I finally asked.
“Did you think that I would allow such a thing to happen – my own son in line for the Dragon Throne while I was not?” he snarled. The venom in his words clarified Grandfather's fate. I wasn't going to ask how it happened, but I guessed poison. Otherwise the Sages would have noticed stab or puncture wounds on his body when he had been prepared for burial. Ozai's words made things a lot clearer. And the frightening thing was that I did not doubt for one moment that he was telling the truth. I was disgusted that my sire would perform such an... unfilial act, but thinking about things, I wasn't that surprised. Had Azula known?
“And Mother?” I asked. One more answer, and then I would know what had happened that night.
“I raged to her about my father's decision, but your mother would have none of it. She was willing to let Iroh have you, and found out about what I intended to do. She tried to stop me. But I would let nothing stand in my way.”
…No. He couldn't be serious, could he? His father and now his wife?
“If your mother had held her tongue, she would have been Fire Lady.” he added snidely. There was no regret in his tone. Had he ever loved my mother? I couldn't imagine killing Katara. The surge of emotion I felt was so powerful that it propelled me off my stool, and within a moment, I heard the former Fire Lord's surprised roar when the sleeve of his shirt burned. He waved frantically, trying to put it out by slapping his arm with his other hand. I stood there, staring at him coldly through the bars. Without his Firebending, he could not extinguish the flame quickly. I hated to admit it, but I took pleasure in his pain.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
After Ozai had the burn on his arm bandaged, he was given a clean shirt and placed in wrist and leg shackles.
“Where are you taking me?” he asked as he stared at me balefully. I could have had him punished for such insolence, but was not in the mood to deal with that right now.
“We're going to pay Azula a visit.” I replied. He raised an eyebrow, and I wondered if he knew that Azula was dead. I had ordered the guards to not speak to him, and a deaf-mute had been hired to bring him his food and other necessary items, so the prisoner could not try to manipulate his caretaker.
Our trip was silent but for the sound of footsteps from the heavy boots of my guards and the rattle of the chains that effectively kept my father from making a run for it. Even if he had been stripped of his Firebending, he was still skilled in the martial arts – something that was taught along with Firebending – and I would take no chances. The chain around his ankles allowed him to take comfortable steps, but he could not run. I did not look back as we walked down the path that led to the Palace, two guards in front of me leading the silent procession.
Even though the Sages had performed the proper rites for preparing the body, she was stored in one of the cells of the small dungeon kept under the Palace – a dungeon used for the immediate holding of special prisoners or Imperial relatives who had committed a crime, before they were sent to the Imperial Dungeon, the Boiling Rock, or their execution. The smell of decaying flesh bothered me, but I showed no reaction. A few incense sticks had been lit, but it didn't cover up every trace of the odor, leaving an unpleasant trace under the cloying scent of the incense. Azula had been placed in a plain white silk outfit like Katara, per funeral customs, and her burnt face was not visible under the thin white veil draped over her body.
I stopped in the main room of the dungeon, where two guards stood. They bowed to me, but I saw the surprise in their faces as they saw the former Fire Lord in his current attire, shackled hand and foot.
I had no desire to enter Azula's cell, so I stood to the side, turning around to face my father.
“She's in here.” I replied, gesturing to the open door. He stared at me for a long, baleful moment. When I was a child, I would have been kowed by that. Now, I merely stared back, my face expressionless. Had he ever imagined that I would regard him as such one day?
When he stepped in, I stood in the doorway so I could watch his reaction. The only sound I heard was the clinking of his chains as he slowly made his way across the short distance and then turned to the bench Azula was laid out on, his face visible in profile. I stared as he slowly lifted the drape from his daughter's face and pulled it down to her neck.
“What the hell?” he hissed as he saw what was left of her face.
“Quite ironic, isn't it?” I murmured. Compared to Azula, my scar was little more than a blemish.
“How did you defeat her?” he asked, still looking down at her.
“Believe it or not, my years in exile were beneficial.” I would not mention the dragons, “And I reached a clarity I had never attained before. I truly am a Firebending Master.” It was the honest truth. He slowly turned around, staring at me, his eyes cold and assessing before a faint smirk crept across her face.
“I had my hopes pinned on Azula. She was a prodigy and ruthless. Yet it is you who defeated her. The weakling, the traitor...”
I held up a hand, signaling the guards to stay back.
“You are both traitors to the Nation. The path Sozin set for us to follow would have led to our own destruction. He betrayed his own Nation when he sought to subjugate the other elements to his will.”
“The Fire Nation would have reigned gloriously.” he argued. His eyes gleamed fiercely. I held back a sigh, knowing there was no reason to argue with him further, at least for the time being. An idea occurred to me. I stepped back and closed the cell door. He could stew in there for a while and think about the consequences of his deeds.
I walked away, ignoring his angry scream when his fist pounded on the heavy metal door.
o0o0o0o
7 Days ASC
Avatar Aang
I sat in the garden next to the lake, Momo napping in my lap as I meditated. It was the first time all day that I had the opportunity to be alone. I stared out at the water, thinking about how much Katara would have enjoyed it here in the garden. It was so beautiful and peaceful out here, and I swallowed back the lump that had risen in my throat. I hadn't slept well the last four nights. How could I, when Katara haunted my thoughts? I fervently wished that things had been better on Ember Island. If I could have been more calm, if I hadn't challenged Zuko...
But all these what-ifs were useless. I'd never see her again. I avoided eye contact with Zuko at our meetings to discuss the fate of the nations, what Zuko and I would do to help maintain the peace, all that. I was polite and respectful to him – like I would anybody else – but that was it. It was hard enough to speak with him, or listen to him when he asked me a direct question. Sometimes I wish he hadn't joined our group at all. Other times I wish Azula had killed him instead of Katara. I knew that such thoughts were mean and selfish and very un-Avatar-like, but I couldn't help it. I was angry and sad.
“Why don't you sit down here, Suki.” I heard Sokka's voice, and turned my head to see them at the other side of the garden, where there was a bench near the water. Suki's posture was a little stiff, and I remembered learning that Azula had abused and tortured Suki and her girls. Both of them were dressed in comfortable Fire Nation clothing, though I could see a bit of bandage peeking out from the left sleeve of her robe. Neither of them seemed aware of my presence, but I had found a spot that was surrounded by trees and plants, making for a private little alcove. I remained quiet as Sokka sat down next to her. The way they looked at one another made my heart hurt.
Sokka treated her with tenderness, lightly wrapping an arm around her shoulders as she leaned against him. His lips pressed against her temple, and she smiled faintly, placing her hand on his knee.
I couldn't meditate anymore and got up, quickly walking out of the garden.
o0o0o0o
2 Weeks ASC
(Early October, 1101)
Fire Lord Zuko
It was a cloudy day, reflecting my mood as I gazed at Hakoda, Sokka, and the rest of the Water Tribe. Because the Fire Nation had destroyed all of their boats, I had given them one of the Fire Nation's ships, loaded with supplies as well as nice things, such as silk and satin, as well as spices.
Lieutenant Jee – one of the men who survived the Siege of the North – agreed to go with them, as well as a small group of Fire Nation men that I had let him choose. These men would teach the Water Tribe men how to maintain the ship as well as imparting their mechanical knowledge for other things, so that the Water Tribe could use and benefit from the education. There was also a Fire Nation physician – trained by the royal physician Sylid himself – to share Fire Nation medical knowledge and learn Water Tribe medicine so he could bring it back to us. I was optimistic about the sharing of information and techniques between our two nations.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw four servants carry a plain lacquered coffin towards the ship, and followed it with my eyes. When I returned my attention to Hakoda and Sokka, the older Water Tribe man was gazing at me with curiosity. I stared back levelly, hoping he hadn't read too much in my action.
We bowed to one another before he extended his hand. I took it, holding his hand tightly in a warrior's clasp. I did the same with Sokka.
“Before, I never imagined that I'd be allies with the Fire Lord himself.” Hakoda said as he looked at me. I bowed my head in respect. He had lost his wife and now his daughter to the Fire Nation. The bitter irony was not lost on me.
“I didn't imagine that my life would turn out this way.” I admitted in a rare moment of openness. “Very few people can imagine what they will go through.”
“Indeed.” I saw sadness in Hakoda's eyes, and sympathized with him fully, as well as Sokka. My mother and lover were dead. There was a cold comfort in speaking with men who felt the same pain I did.
o0o0o0o
One Month ASC
Fire Lord Zuko
The days were getting shorter, though not much cooler, and I stared out the window, seeing the lamps far below in the courtyard, servants and guards scurrying about and looking like ants from my vantage point. I had the entire royal apartment to myself; the same rooms that my Imperial ancestors had resided in ever since this Palace had been built. But in these large, grand rooms, I was alone. Sure, I could summon a servant or a guard to play a game with me or keep me company, but I wasn't that kind of person, and I had no desire to talk with anybody.
Slowly, I turned away from the window and stalked over to the large bed, settling down on the thick comforter. On the ceiling above the grand four-poster bed was a golden dragon, set in elaborate relief against the dark wood, with gold flames surrounding his body. I stared up at him sullenly. Of course I knew why he was up there – this was Agni, ancestor of the line of Fire Lords that preceded me. So when this Palace had been constructed, logic dictated that he should guard the Fire Lord's bedchamber. I remembered Katara's comments about how she could easily believe that I was Agni's descendant.
Why was Katara dead? I had meditated and prayed to Agni, and I had received no signal that I had made the wrong choice in choosing Katara as my mate. Water was Fire's opposite and balanced it out. Yet Agni had not seen fit to protect her against Azula. I groaned in frustration and climbed out of the bed.
As Fire Lord, this apartment belonged to me rightfully. Of course, all of my father's personal effects had been removed, and the rooms were at the moment mostly bare because I didn't want any of the paintings or decorations my father liked. We had different tastes in furniture as well, which was something I was thankful for. Several of Mother's chairs and other furniture now sat in the parlor, and I sat down in an armchair that she often sat in when I was cuddled up in her lap. During the day it was easy enough to distract myself with my duties as Fire Lord. But at nights, when I was alone, Katara's presence was still like a raw wound, painful and impossible to ignore. I could never forget her. I wouldn't.
With her, I felt complete. My soul felt at peace. Without her... I actually felt lost. In the lowest moments of my despair, I had actually contemplated suicide. But such an act was not honorable, and there were too many people – and a Nation – who depended on me. Not only that, but I was certain that if Katara had been at my side in these moments, she would scold me for even contemplating such a deed.
Oh, Katara. I longed to feel her body against mine, wrapped within my arms. I wanted to hear her voice reassuring me, feel her hands soothing me, see her smile brightening my day.
Even now, my eyes were dry despite the intense surge of emotions I felt, like a tidal wave crashing mercilessly on the shore. The surges of emotion I felt were always swift and powerful, searing through me much like deep burn. Fire and water, just like me and her.
My hand traveled to my upper stomach, where the burn Katara had healed lay under the silk. I remembered the soothing sensation as the water healed the injury my sister had inflicted on me, an injury that had been meant to kill me. And it had killed, if not me. If Azula were still alive, I had no doubt she would appreciate the irony of what her actions had triggered. I also wondered if she had known about Mother. I remembered the few moments when Mother would comment on her darker nature. 'What is wrong with that child?' was one. Was that why Mother cherished me so much? Azula could be rude to Mother at rare times when we were younger, ignoring or defying her commands and requests, or just talking back.
Thanks to my father and sister, I lost the only two women I love. Knowing that I wouldn't see either of them again was a bitter fact to swallow. There were times where I simply wanted to torture my father, just for what he had done. My fingers itched to burn his flesh again and hear him scream.
I took a cleansing breath, knowing it was no use to dwell on such thoughts. I'd much rather dwell on happier ones. Katara... Our walks and conversations. Our lovemaking. Our training sessions. My hand traveled to the scar on my hip. Even when she was gone, her mark would always remain. I recalled the events of that night and our conversation as clearly as if it had occurred but an hour ago. I would always remember that night, it had been one of the best in my entire life, and would remain so, no matter how old I became. Regardless of where she was, Katara was my one and only love, my soulmate. There would never be any other for me.
You and me. Forever. Katara...Come back to me, please.

o0o0o0o

Continued in the Epilogue
- 32
- 33
- 34
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