Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

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

Chapter List
- 46
- 47
- 48
Kiss of Fire
Chapter 47 – The Avatar and the Fire Lord
o0o0o0o
Sokka
It was so weird to see my sister sit across the table from me. She looked so much like Mom it almost hurt my heart. I don't know how I managed to stay calm. I really don't. I mean, what is the appropriate reaction to having a beloved family member come back from the dead? How did Zuko feel when he had first seen her like this?
I stared at her for several long moments, and she stared back before smiling at me gently. I felt light-headed. Was I hallucinating? After Katara had died, I missed her so much. The absence of my sister left a hole in my heart that remained even after I married Suki. It was hard to deal with the fact that my little sister had been killed by Azula. I was relieved to hear that Zuko had brought his sister down, but to be honest, I would have liked to take a swing at that bitch myself.
I tore my eyes away from Katara and glanced at Suki. She gave me an encouraging smile. Still feeling light-headed, I looked back at Katara. She was beautiful, like Mom. She looked so wise. Distantly, I felt her hand on mine. It shook a little, but I did not pull away. This was my sister, however improbable the situation might seen.
“Are you okay?” I heard her ask. Or was that Suki? I wasn't sure. I opened my mouth, but I couldn't speak.
“Would you like me to leave you alone for a bit?” Katara asked gently. I blinked and glanced at her.
“It's okay. If the situation were reversed, I'd be bewildered too...”
“I'm not bewildered!” I started to protest. She squeezed my hand.
“Aang was the spiritual one. You were always the realist.”
She was right. I preferred dealing with things I could see and understand. And even though I could see her in front of me, I just couldn't understand how my sister came back. Aang had tried to explain to me all of that Spirit-world stuff about life-energy and all of that. I knew the gist of it, but I would never understand it the way he did.
I was so lost in my inner dialogue that I didn't realize she had risen from her seat until she squeezed my shoulders, standing behind me.
“I wasn't sure if I should come here.” she said softly. “I agonized over it before I left, wondering whether it would be best to leave you alone. I don't mean to cause any discomfort or...”
“I'm just surprised.” Who wouldn't be if their dead sister came back in the flesh?
“But you're not angry or...”
“No, no, no. I'm happy you're here. It's just...”
“Say no more. I'm going outside, okay? When you're ready to talk...”
I nodded slowly. It wasn't until she left the room that I realized my hands were shaking. I had seen a ghost, or something like one. How did this happen? I knew that all souls get reincarnated eventually – sometimes a spirit would linger in limbo for many years – but their memories were wiped clean and they could end up anywhere. A Firebender could end up being an Earth Kingdom non-bender. A man could come back as a woman, or vice-versa. That much I did understand of the Spirit World. I had no idea what I had been in past lives. All I was concerned with was this life, and enjoying it, taking care of my family and seeing the world and contributing to the peace, being the best person I could be.
But my sister had her memories, and she looked like she had before, only older. As far as I knew, that kind of reincarnation never happened. It was so weird seeing someone I thought dead for two decades right in front of me, talking to me, touching me, smiling at me.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I closed my eyes and tilted my face toward the sun as I leaned against the fence-post. Behind me, I could hear Hakoda and Yoshi sparring with wooden swords. After a while, I opened my eyes and turned around to watch them spar. I could not help but think of how Sokka and Zuko had sparred all these years ago. I felt more like Katara now than I did Miumi. Miumi almost seemed like another person, or even simply a character, a persona I had been forced to perform until I got my memories back. If Azula hadn't killed me, I would be Fire Lady Katara, not Fire Lady Miumi.
Things would have been so different. Zuko wouldn't have had Adi and Kuzon. How would the conflict between me, Aang, and Zuko have been resolved? Before Zuko found me and took me home with him, he had been a sullen and lonely man, distant from his son and the ones closest to him. If not for Azula, I would have been married to my beloved for two decades. That was not forever, but it was a long time.
I turned to the children.
“I'm going down to the pier. I'll be back in a while, tell your parents, okay?” I asked. They agreed. I took a deep breath of the chilly afternoon air, the brisk sensation helping me to clear my mind.
I stood on the pier, resting my hands against the side of the boat, feeling it sway gently with the waves. It'd been far too long since I had seen a Water Tribe craft. After we moved to Omashu, most of the ships I saw were Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom manufacture. I had been in the Fire Nation for what seemed like almost forever, immersed in my husband's culture. Being out here in Kyoshi, where no one knew I was Fire Lady, was liberating. I did not have to deal with the constant presence of servants and guards or a home that sprawled across the heart of a dormant volcano.
I remembered my childhood as Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. I had ridden in such boats with my father and other Tribesmen. Fishing and boating was generally not something girls did, but Dad had taken me anyway, and I loved these trips. I would use my Waterbending to try to catch fish, though back then I had not been too good at it due to having no Waterbending teacher. As Katara, I had grown up with hardship. Survival in the harsh climes of the South Pole and the antagonism of the Fire Nation had helped to shape my destiny.
I gasped when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
o0o0o0o
Sokka
After Katara was gone, I sat there quietly for a while, thinking about what had just happened. I felt overwhelmed, but I couldn't let that happen. I thought about how calm she had been, sitting there so regally. It was almost impossible that Zuko had found her after all these years. Was it mere coincidence? Should I be sitting here, debating all of that, or should I be with my sister? My heart told me what my brain couldn't.
My children told me where she was, so I went down to the pier we used for the Water Tribe craft. I saw her standing with her hand on a vessel, her head leaned against the wood. I quietly approached her, touching her shoulder. She gasped and jerked away, and I was quick to reassure her.
“Hey, Katara. It's okay. It's me.” I pulled her into a hug, and she quickly hugged me back, burying her face against my chest. I stood there for a few minutes, just holding her.
“Would you like to go on my boat?” I asked. She smiled and nodded.
Katara ran her hand along the railing, her eyes studying the floor. I stood there on the deck and watched as she did so, seeing the enjoyment on her face as she studied my craft. Course, I hadn't built it entirely by myself. Such a boat as this was more often than not a group effort. Dad and Bato and several other men had helped me with various stages of it.
“It's been too long since I saw a real Water Tribe boat.” she murmured as she looked up at the bow.
“This... life has been different for you, hasn't it?” I asked. She nodded.
“When I was young, I knew nothing. Once in a while, I would have dreams that I could barely remember, but that was it. I lived in Omashu for most of my life...”
“And Zuko snatched you up.” I murmured dryly.
“I don't blame him.” Katara shrugged faintly. “He is a good husband, just like he promised me all these years ago.”
All these years ago. It felt so unreal.
“What is it like being Fire Lady?”
“Oh, it was scary at first, especially because I didn't... remember.” She smiled faintly, almost sadly. “But what helped me was thinking of my element. It flows smoothly and runs deep, so I thought about that. There are parts of being Fire Lady that I actually enjoy. And in a way, it's exciting.”
“What about the luxury?” I asked. The times I came to the Fire Nation as Zuko's guest, I had always been treated lavishly, given a large, comfortable bed, servants, fine clothing, and the like. I could even get a foot rub or pedicure any time I wanted. And the food, don't even get me started! Kyoshi had excellent trade arrangements with the Fire Nation, giving us a bounty of exotic spices and food to liven up our island fare, but nothing compared to a meal at the Fire Lord's table, to be served by Sozun's best gourmet chefs.
“That's just the gravy.” Katara said with a wry smile. “Not that I don't enjoy what Zuko gives me. He certainly doesn't fail to provide or make me feel that he hasn't done his best to try to make me happy. And his son is wonderful. I really miss both of them right now.”
“I'm glad to hear that. I really am.” Zuko had promised me all these years ago that he would be the best husband he could be. If he hadn't, I wouldn't have given him permission to marry my sister. I did have the feeling that if I had said no, he would have married her anyway, because he had made it clear to me just how much he loved her.
“Suki told me what happened last summer, with Enki kidnapping the Fire Lady and Prince Kuzon. I was honestly shocked, though no more than when I heard he had finally taken a wife.”
“I understand.” She shrugged. “I am glad he took me. Otherwise, I could have ended up as a concubine for Enki.” I saw her shudder visibly. “Enough about me, hm? Why don't you tell me about yourself?”
“I guess there's not that much to say, since you already know. I married Suki and you've seen my kids. I teach people how to fight, like Piandao did. The Order of the White Lotus invited me to join them, so I did. I was also invited to be the next Chief of the Southern Tribe, but I felt that I could use my abilities better here and nominated someone else. You remember Akkikiktok?”
Katara stood there for a few moments, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she tried to remember him. Her eyes lit up and she nodded. Like me, Akkikiktok had been too young to join our Tribesmen when they went off to fight. He was just a couple of years younger than I. He had proven himself a capable administrator, even more as our village grew into a small city. Dad had agreed to mentor him, so it worked out for all of us.
“He's being mentored by Dad, and I've taught him how to fight. I just feel that this is the best place for me.”
“I know you wouldn't make such a decision without knowing it was the right one.” Katara replied with a faint smile.
“Hakoda really likes the South Pole. I know he will join them when he comes of age. He's a lot like Dad.”
“He looks just like you. It... brought back memories.” She leaned against the railing. “How are the others? Gran-Gran, Pakku, Dad...”
“Gran-Gran died two winters ago. I was told it was peaceful. Pakku's still down there, teaching Waterbenders. Dad married a few years after the War ended. Sada.” I saw her nod in recognition of that name. Sada had had a son a few years older than me, killed in a Fire Nation raid. On top of that, her husband had been killed in battle, so she was a woman who knew loss just as well as Dad. She was a good companion for Dad, and a respectful stepmother. We got along well, and she doted on my children when we had the occasional visit.
At first, it felt a little weird talking to her like this, but soon enough I relaxed, telling myself to act like it was normal. And in time, it did feel almost normal. I talked about the Southern Tribe and how it grew over the last twenty years and about people we both knew back then. I asked her questions about her life. She told me more about Kuzon, and how Zuko made sure she had training in martial arts and weapons along with her Bending. I asked about what happened last year with Enki and his attempted kidnapping.
Bit by bit, I became more relaxed about the situation as I talked with her. We stayed on the boat, the wind blowing in our hair as we looked out at the water, reminiscing about our lives.
After a while, we got off the boat, returning to the small beach and starting to walk uphill. I wanted to give her something to take back to Sozun, something that would remind her of me. I wish I had Mom's necklace, but when we took Katara's body back to the South Pole and prepared to send it out to sea, I noticed that it was missing.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder when I saw her shiver slightly. She looked a bit thin, as if she had been sick. Just what had happened before she came here, if she hadn't told Zuko where she was going?
o0o0o0o
Aang
How could I have been so stupid? What I said to her was just mean and terrible, and she didn't deserve it. It would have been so much easier to be angry at her if she had come here to spite me, but she hadn't been trying to hurt me all these years ago, and she came here to apologize to me. I was flattered that she had come all the way to Kyoshi, and then I had gone and said such a stupid and spiteful thing.
I couldn't help but feel jealous of her husband, whoever he might be. Did he love her like I did? Was there still a chance for me to convince her to stay with me? I'd even be willing to adopt her child or children if she had any. I huffed, knowing that the chance of her agreeing to stay with me was slim. It was true that part of me wished she had never come here, so I wouldn't have to deal with the pain of losing her again. But I was happy to see her again. And even though she didn't have to apologize to me, I was glad she did. It had been nearly impossible to focus after I caught her with Zuko.
But the Fire Lord and I had something in common – we both lost the woman we loved on that terrible day. How could I forget the anguish I went through when I saw her dead body? The fact that her murderer was also dead was a cold comfort. I would never hear her laugh, or see her smile, or gaze into her lovely blue eyes again.
Until now, I thought as I stared at Katara from my vantage point. She was sitting outside on the steps with Sokka as his children played in the yard. I couldn't help but envy Sokka and Suki.
I dropped down from the tree, going up the path that led to Sokka's gate. He was the first to notice, lifting his head to look at me. Katara quickly followed suit, a faint frown on her features as she recognized me.
“Hey, Aang! Come on in!” He waved at me. I hesitated as I looked at Katara before I opened the gate. The children greeted me, and I responded in kind, smiling at them brightly. When I looked back at Katara, she was still frowning, but I was relieved to notice that it wasn't a mean frown. After what I had said, I wouldn't have countered a glare if Katara decided to give me one.
“I hope you don't mind, but I came to talk with Katara.” I glanced at Sokka before turning to Katara. “Could we talk in private?” I asked softly. She stared at me for several moments, fiddling her fingers in her lap before nodding curtly.
She was clad in a parka that seemed familiar to me. I tried to place it, staring at the three thick white tails hanging down the front of it as we took a short walk along the path.
“Katara... I'm sorry for what I said. It's just... what you said surprised me, but it doesn't matter. I should not have said such a cruel thing, and I humbly apologize.”
Her gaze softened as she regarded me. “I suppose I can't blame you for being upset, but I'm happy you apologized. I forgive you. Please... I just want to enjoy my time here. With you and with my family.”
“Do you really have to leave?” I asked gently. She smiled sadly and nodded.
“I honestly want to stay longer. I enjoy it so much here, it's different than... where I come from.”
“Why is it so different?”
“I...” She sighed softly, glancing out at the ocean. “There are a lot of things. The climate. The locale. Even the way of life.”
“It can't be that different.” I said, trying to be cheerful.
“You'd be surprised.”
“Then tell me about it.”
“No.” She shook her head gently. “I... don't want to talk about it.” I saw sadness in her eyes.
“What's the matter? You know you can tell me anything.” I wondered about her reluctance to share details. Had she run away from an abusive man? Or a hostile situation? After all, she had come here by herself.
She looked down, twisting the tip of one of the tails on her parka and fiddling with it.
“I know you said you didn't want to talk about it before, but I can tell there's something wrong.”
“Please.” She sighed softly.
“Katara, you know I love you and will do anything for you. Whatever you need... please trust me.” I looked down at her, squeezing her shoulders gently. She blinked several times before I heard a soft sob, seeing tears on her cheeks. Without hesitation, I pulled her into my arms, hugging her tightly as she cried into my chest. I stroked her hair, whispering reassuring words.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I opened my eyes to see a hint of dawn through the window, a faint glimmering of blue edged with an almost imperceptible sheen of rosy gold. When I stirred, I shivered, silently cursing the bitterly cold snap that had settled in during the night. A warm lump at my side alerted me to the presence of my son.
My own father never would have considered allowing such a thing, but I acquiesced. And here Kuzon was, bundled in warm pajamas and a robe, curled up against my side. I smiled faintly before I carefully slid out of bed, tucking the thick comforter under his chin to make sure he remained toasty before I rekindled the dying embers in the fireplace. Normally, servants would do this, but I didn't like having them hovering around and always dismissed them from my apartment before going to bed. It was satisfying to draw upon my inner fire, and I closed my eyes as I felt the heat warm my fingers as I flexed them. I added a couple of pieces of wood as I threw in a few fresh lumps of coal.
I approached the window that faced the front of the ship, staring outside as the sky lightened, illuminating the barest hint of Kyoshi Island, its highest peak visible above the ocean.
What would I say when I saw Katara? I could not help but feel angry and hurt after her disappearance. I was worried about her safety, and it stung that she hadn't felt comfortable enough to tell me where she was going. At least I had figured it out. There was the slim chance that she might not be here, but I refused to consider it. I had carefully thought about all her options, where she might want to go, but I used her letter and the questions she had asked me before disappearing as clues. Everything pointed to her going to Kyoshi.
Agni, keep her safe, I silently prayed before I turned back to the bed, looking at my son. Keep my family safe.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I had such a hard time sleeping the night before. I lay there under Suki's comforters with Kaya curled up to my chest, staring at the wall as I considered what had happened between me and Aang. His obvious love and concern for me when he offered his help had just been so... overwhelming that I couldn't help but cry. I had been tempted to tell him about what had happened between Zuko and me and my miscarriage, but it wasn't hard to guess how Aang would react to such news. Aang wanted so badly to help me and keep me safe, and I almost felt as if I was taking advantage of him.
He had eaten supper with us, and we talked about our adventures back then, recalling funny moments like Sokka masquerading as Wang Fire, or my penguin-sledding with Aang. Inevitably, Zuko came up in the conversation, but Sokka remained silent about my marriage to him. Sokka was surprised when I told him that Aang didn't know, and he hadn't been too approving, but when I explained my reasoning, he agreed to remain mum about it and let me tell Aang on my own terms. I knew my brother wasn't too crazy about the idea, but I was glad he was supporting me.
Part of me wished that I had been totally honest with Aang. The moment of truth was inevitable, and I dreaded it. The anticipation and dread increased with each passing second, and at times I felt a tightness in my chest and stomach from the anxiety. In my moments of doubt, I wished I had never left Ember Island. But after the confusion I had felt for so long as my old memories tried to surface, and the trauma that had finally caused me to remember fully, I couldn't do nothing about it. How could I not go see Aang after remembering how hurt he had been?
I tried to sleep, but every time I did, I had fitful dreams filled with negative memories. I ached for Zuko, wishing for him to take me into his arms and comfort me. I focused on Kaya instead, stroking her hair and tucking the comforter under her chin. I remembered cuddling into my mother or father's arms when I was little, and now I understood how they felt, to hold a child in my arms and feel them snuggle against me, trusting and loving me.
The only thing I regretted was being unable to tell Sokka's children who I really was. I would love to have them know I was their aunt and have them call me that. 'Auntie Katara' did have a nice ring to it.
It was a relief when dawn came, slowly illuminating the room bit by bit. I carefully climbed off the mat, making sure to not wake Kaya as I pulled on some warm clothing and went to sit outside on the steps, watching the sun rise. Zuko usually woke up earlier than I did, but sometimes we would watch the sun rise, sitting and snuggling together as we did so. I allowed the changing colors of the sky to distract me, meditating as the sun climbed above the hills.
I was so lost in my contemplation that I wasn't immediately aware of the gentle shaking of my shoulder. Suki was looking down at me, her expression filled with urgency.
“What's wrong?” I asked.
“The Fire Lord will be here shortly.”
“What?” I quickly stood up, my heart pounding. Suki raised her arm, pointing in the direction of the merchant port. I couldn't see the harbor, but a plume of smoke was visible above the low hills. “Are you sure? I mean, it could be a regular Fire Nation merchant ship...”
“That's what I thought at first, but the harbor master confirmed it.”
I felt faint, and my hands trembled slightly.
“Sokka and I will talk to him. It'll be okay.” The concern was all too evident in her eyes as I felt her hands on my arms. “Come in and have some breakfast. The ship will dock soon, so we still have a bit of time.”
Numbly, I let her lead me into the house.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Over the last twenty years, Kyoshi Island had become a hub of trade between the Fire Nation and Water Tribes. While most of the island remained unchanged, the harbor was lined with sizable buildings and businesses. The island was by no means a huge trade center like Mentat or Ba Sing Se because of its very southern location, but that helped the island from becoming too populated. I saw a couple of smaller Fire Nation craft along with an Earth Kingdom ship and several Water Tribe craft, and it was almost comical how my own ship dwarfed them. I shivered as I pulled the collar of my fur-trimmed coat more tightly around my neck, watching patiently as the ramp lowered itself.
As I stood at the bow, I glanced at the shore, seeing the village leader with his hands folded behind his back. Several men stood with him, and a movement in the corner of my eye alerted me to the arrival of Sokka and Suki. It'd been nearly ten years since I saw them, and Sokka resembled his father more than before. Suki was dressed formally, though lacking her full Kyoshi Warrior garb, her face free of its white makeup. Both of them glanced up at me, and I nodded briefly in respect and acknowledgment before I went down the ramp.
The village elder was the first to greet me, per protocol. We exchanged polite words, going through all the proper things to say although inside, I was itching to demand my wife. The way Sokka and Suki glanced at me confirmed the fact that Katara was here. Thank Agni.
I assured the old man that he need not be concerned about my visit or do anything special for me. I emphasized the fact that he should simply conduct business as usual and that if I actually needed anything, I would ask him. I wished for this affair to be as quiet and quick as possible, wanting minimal attention and fuss. I dismissed him and his assistants before turning to Sokka and Suki.
“It's good to see you again.” I bowed my head politely to the couple. “But you know why I am here.”
“We do.” They glanced at one another for a moment.
“Good. Well, then. Where is she?”
“At our house.” Sokka answered.
“Hiding from me?” I asked dryly.
“No. We just... thought it would be best to talk to you first.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Is there a problem?” Was Katara sick or injured or...?
“No, no.” Suki quickly assured me. “It has been wonderful having her. The children enjoy her company.”
“...Do they know who she is?”
Sokka shook his head. “It would be confusing to explain it to them, so they just know her as Suki's friend.”
“Not as the Fire Lady?”
Suki shook her head. “No. She expressed a wish to... not be known for her royal status. She has been passing herself off as an ordinary citizen.”
“Very well.” I glanced around. Several onlookers were glancing at me curiously, but for the most part, we had reasonable privacy, given enough room so that our conversation was unheard by anyone else. Still, I had no desire to be standing out here. “I would appreciate you bringing her to me now.”
“Just like that?” Sokka asked dubiously.
“I don't want to stand out here and talk about it.”
“Then come to our house. We'll give you tea and breakfast.”
I stared at Suki. I wasn't angry with her for her offer, but I wished for the affair to be over as quickly as possible. As if sensing my thoughts, Sokka moved forward.
“I know Katara ran away from you and didn't tell you where she was going. I'm not sure why she wouldn't tell you, she didn't tell me either. Suki and I were planning to escort her back to Sozun, but...”
“Thank you.” I was relieved to know that at least Katara was safe with them.
“Is that your son?” Suki asked. I followed her gaze, seeing Kuzon peering at us from the bow of the ship, a guard at his side. I nodded as I looked back at her.
“He's cute.” She offered me a friendly smile. “Why don't the two of you come and join us? Katara tells me how much she misses the two of you.”
I hesitated. Should I just demand she be brought here, or accept Suki's invitation?
o0o0o0o
Aang
When I saw a plume of smoke above the hills, I simply assumed it was a merchant ship. But soon enough one of the village leader's assistants came to my gate. I was already outside, so I saw him right away. When he informed me that the Fire Lord was here – what the hell was Zuko doing in Kyoshi – I had hastened to the harbor, but I remained out of sight, wishing to assess the situation for myself before I approached Zuko. We had not seen one another for years. I was on civil terms with him, and I never hesitated to assist him in his peacekeeping efforts, but the fact that Katara was also here set off such alarm that it nearly took my breath away. I had to alert Katara, hide her away from Zuko...
Would Zuko try to take her from her husband? What would he do? I know he was married now, to a woman named Miumi. I had never met her and I had no idea how he felt about her. But if he saw Katara...
I went to the harbor, but stayed out of sight, watching as the village elder greeted the Fire Lord. I couldn't for the life of me imagine why he was here. We were not having a summit or any sort of convention. My eyes narrowed as I watched him speak with Sokka and Suki. What were they talking about? Were they telling him about Katara, or...?
I ran to their house using my Airbending, frantically knocking on their door. Katara opened it, her eyes widening as she saw me. I quickly entered and looked down at her, my heart pounding. I felt her hand on my arm.
“Aang, what's wrong?” she whispered. Sokka's children were looking at us with curiosity, and she gently shooed them away.
“Come with me!” I whispered. She shook her head.
“I can't leave the children... Aang, what's wrong?”
“Zuko's here.” I stared at her, waiting to see how she would react. Would she want to see him?
“I know.” she said softly.
“... You know?”
“Yes. Suki told me. She and Sokka went to talk to Zuko.” She let out a sigh, glancing away for a moment before returning her attention to me. “Aang... I have something to tell you.”
As she gazed at me, I felt my heart pounding again. Deep down inside, I had a sinking feeling, a premonition of what was to come. The tightness in my throat prevented me from speaking.
“Zuko is my husband.”
No. It was impossible. How could it be? “Zuko already has a wife...”
“I am the Fire Lady.” She stared at me levelly. I started to shake my head.
“How can that be?” I felt dizzy, and placed my hand on the wall to steady myself.
“In this life, I was given the name Miumi. Two years ago, I had a chance encounter with Zuko. He knew who I was right away even when I didn't remember him, and the rest, as they say is history.” She smiled at me sadly. “I should have told you earlier, but I just wanted to enjoy my time with you and not have you worry about Zuko...”
I was silent as I processed the information. Zuko had won... again. It wasn't fair. When Katara showed up in Kyoshi, I was so happy to see her again. I thought I would have a chance with her. I closed my eyes.
“Aang, I'm sorry.” I felt her hands on my shoulders. “You have a right to be angry or upset. Perhaps you might wish I had not come here, but I just had to.”
“It's not fair.” I murmured. I opened my eyes, looking down at her, seeing her apologetic expression.
“I'm sorry. I truly am.” She pulled me into her arms, and I did not resist. I buried my face against her shoulder, feeling her squeeze me tightly.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Kuzon trailed along at my side as I walked with Sokka and Suki. A few guards followed us, giving us a wide enough berth so we could continue conversing privately.
“I'll be honest. I'm not pleased with the fact that you weren't honest with Katara when you married her.” Sokka said as he glanced sideways at me. I shrugged.
“I didn't want her remembering what Azula did to her. When she did, it was a great shock to her. Believe me, I often thought about telling her. But I was afraid she might not believe me, so I simply brought her to Sozun and wooed her all over again.”
“Did it work?” my brother-in-law asked me dryly. I nodded.
“I have always treated her well. I have given her everything she could need or want. She is my honored wife and consort. She was scared at first, but I gave her time and showed her that I did care for her. Inside, she did remember. Somewhat. There were times where I suspected that she had a glimmer of her old memory. She would look at me as if she was trying to remember something, or ask me questions.”
“Why did she run away from you?” Sokka asked point-blank.
“If Katara did not want to tell you, then I won't.” He narrowed his eyes at me, and I stared back levelly. “I mean no disrespect, but that is between my wife and me. I can assure you, I never abused her. I love her more than anything.”
Suki touched Sokka's arm, shaking her head gently. I could not help but think of one time where Katara had done a similar thing with me, when I had been very angry with a nobleman. Her touch had helped to calm me down so that I was able to deal with the offender later and in a more efficient manner.
“This whole situation is weird.” Sokka muttered.
“It might be, but I got to be with her again, so I'm not complaining.” I replied calmly.
“I would be worried if you did.” he shot back.
“That's one thing I miss about our adventures together. Your dry wit.”
“I thought it was my sarcasm everybody loved.”
“That too.” Suki said with a smile. He smiled back at her, and it was clear how much they loved one another. I took this as an opportunity to change the subject.
“How's your family? You have two sons, if I remember correctly.”
“Now we have a daughter as well.” Suki replied brightly. I smiled at her.
“Congratulations.”
The house that Sokka led me to was modest-sized but comfortable, looking warm and inviting. The Palace was lavish, but it could be overwhelming at times, especially when I remembered the various living conditions I had experienced during my exile. Sokka opened the door, standing aside for me. I took a deep breath, pondering all the things I could say to Katara. I couldn't believe it, but I was actually nervous!
I stilled at the sight of my beloved Waterbender with the Avatar in her embrace, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. With a gesture of my hand, I motioned the guards to stay back.
“Mama!” Kuzon cried out, causing Aang and Katara's heads to snap in our direction. My son rushed across the room, his arms held out. My wife quickly pulled away from the Avatar and dropped to her knees, welcoming our son into her embrace as I stared at Aang.
- 46
- 47
- 48
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Kiss of Fire