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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Slow Heat
Chapter 7 – On My Word
o0o0o0o
Zuko
2 Months, 30 Days BSC
(Late June, 1101)
I knew that Katara was upset with me, but I honestly had not been expecting her to attack me right here and then, in front of the King of Ba Sing Se.
Her eyes radiated fury as I felt her body on mine, and the fabric of my robe constricted around my neck as she grabbed the collar and shook it violently. The only times I had seen this kind of ferocity was when she and I dueled against each other with our bending. Doubtless, had she water at hand, she would have used it against me.
I was distantly aware of her shaking me, and my head snapped back and forth. My hands were bound behind my back with earth-bonds, so I was unable to defend myself as well as I could have. I lifted a leg, trying to push her away and that only seemed to make her angrier. The Earth King said nothing, not even calling his guards to separate the two of us.
I was actually awed by the rage I saw in Katara’s eyes, even though what I had done in the caverns had caused the unfortunate turn of events. She did not know what I knew, and she could only have interpreted my actions one way.
Her small fists pummeled my chest and shoulders as I gazed into her eyes, silently pleading with her even as I let her do with me as she wanted. But she continued her assault until the stone beneath us shook, and she was suddenly several feet away from me, separated from me by a clever little bit of Earthbending.
“I know you’re pissed off with him, Sugar Queen. But you can beat him up again later. We have important matters to take care of right now.” Toph stated calmly, her face turned in my direction. I stared back at her silently, inclining my head.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I tried to still the shaking in my hands as I resumed my seat. Usually, I wouldn’t just go off and pound someone, but what Zuko had done, the trust that he had betrayed, hurt me far deeper than I had realized. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes.
“I welcome you to my Kingdom.” the Earth King stated calmly. I opened my eyes, looking back at Iroh and Zuko. Even though I hated Zuko, I still trusted Iroh. I had spent too much time with him to think that he would simply betray us, like Zuko had. His past was full of pain and hard lessons, and I knew that he truly wanted to make things right. Besides, I would not have gotten out of the caverns in time if not for Iroh.
Pouncing on Zuko had made me feel better, if only for just a short while. How could he have done what he did? After what his sister had done? After what we had done for him? It was hard to remain calm with him nearby, my anger approaching the boiling point when I thought about all the things he had done. I barely registered the exchange of proper greetings between Iroh and the Earth King, but I managed to tear away from my thoughts as they started to speak of more serious business. The Earth King was not ignorant of what Iroh had done for me, for I had told him of what had happened in the caverns, and I had asked him to listen to Iroh.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I could feel the heat of Katara’s anger even at this distance. I actually found myself afraid to look into her eyes. I avoided my uncle’s gaze as well.
My head remained bowed as I listened to my uncle.
“Most honored King, I ask for mercy for my nephew and myself. We are not your enemies. We want to see the War end as much as you do, but we do not share my brother’s views on how this end should come about. The War has raged on for far too long, and it never should have started in the first place. I do not know what drove my grandfather, Sozin, to do what he did.”
“Yet, you led the attempted invasion of Ba Sing Se.”
“I was young and impressionable. I was raised in this War, and… there was lots of pressure for me to finish it, should my father not accomplish this task. Please understand, that all children are impressionable, and will swallow what you feed them. I was raised to believe that my Nation was superior, and I was never shown any evidence to the contrary. It was not until I left home that I started to see that what I had been taught was… mere propaganda.”
“Go on.” the Earth King said. I did not look up, but he sounded interested and thoughtful.
“I was already questioning what I had been taught when I came to your city. I wanted a clean victory. I had no desire for any sort of massacre or cruelty.”
“And what made you suddenly withdraw?”
Uncle was silent for several moments, and I glanced over at him.
“My son… he was with me in this campaign. He was killed here.”
There was silence in the room for several moments.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I didn’t know that Iroh had a son. He never spoke of this to me, nor had he told me why he pulled out of Ba Sing Se. All he had said was that the men were tired, and after 600 days, that was not hard to understand. I never imagined there might be any other reason. I stared at him, seeing a calm expression on his face. But his eyes told me of his pain.
I held back a soft sigh as I waited for the King to speak. I had suggested to him that Iroh’s military knowledge would be valuable for the Earth Kingdom to invade the Fire Nation, or defend itself against another attempted invasion.
“I am sorry about the loss of your son. But we can prevent more senseless deaths by bringing this War to an end. Tell me… are you willing to work with us on this?”
The aged General looked up at the King respectfully, before bowing his head slightly. He seemed very thoughtful.
“An alliance would be most advantageous to us. I would be glad to share my knowledge and work on strategies with you, or your generals, in exchange for a few things.”
“Things?” the King asked, stroking his chin.
“I am sure you will find them most reasonable. I am in no position to make outrageous demands, nor would I want to. But think about this. Should the Earth Kingdom invade the Fire Nation, do you think that the Nation’s people would respond too well to an Earth person being in charge of them?”
“I suppose not… like Ba Sing Se would not want a Fire Nation person in charge.”
“Exactly, your Majesty. I ask for the safety and welfare of my nephew and myself. I ask that I be placed in charge of the Fire Nation. They would respond better to me than an Earth Native in charge. Many of my own people tire of this war, and it will gladden them to have a Fire Lord who works for peace.”
“How do I know you will not turn on me once you are secured?” the King asked. I mentally congratulated him for thinking ahead. He truly was trying, and I knew he would be a good King.
“You have my word that I will not. I will be honest – there will be people from both sides who will want to continue fighting until the other side has been knocked down. Neither of our sides are perfect, but you have my word that I would deal with these people to the best of my abilities, and I would ask the same of you. “
Iroh was right. There would be many people with bitter feelings.
“I see your point.” the King stated thoughtfully as he leaned forward.
“Thank you. I am honored to be speaking with someone who is clearly intelligent, and fair-minded. It may take a while for true peace to come about, but it can be accomplished if we work together. I promise you, I will work out the best strategies for you, one that will minimize the casualties on both sides, but please remember that there will be people who do not want peace.”
“I shall.” the King replied with a nod, “Guards, take them away. Secure them, but make sure they are fed well and kept within a reasonable level of comfort. I must speak with my generals about this… new development.”
“Thank you for your audience, your Majesty.” Iroh said with a respectful bow before the guards led him and his nephew away.
Later, Toph and I walked back to our suite. The King had excused himself to meet with his generals, who had been freed from the Dai Li. He still had not decided what to do with Long Feng, and though I personally hated that man, he was still a valuable storehouse of information that the King would most likely need. There was only so much advice that I could offer the King, and Long Feng, to his credit, had been running the city smoothly.
“He was telling the truth.” Toph stated simply as the two of us entered the apartment.
“Long Feng? You already told me…”
“No, Iroh. He meant everything he said, but that didn’t surprise me.” she replied. I shrugged and nodded. I wasn’t all that surprised, really, and I was reassured to know that I had been right about one Fire Nation Prince, at least. And I had been stirred by his words.
“I would like to see him as Fire Lord.” I replied calmly before I went to check on Aang. He was sleeping again, but Sokka shrugged and nodded to tell me that he was well.
“I had him eat some more. We chatted a bit, before he decided to take a nap.” he explained, and I nodded in relief.
“How did it go out there?” he added and I hesitated.
“Just peachy.” Toph stated dryly, crossing her arms.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
The cell we were in was bigger and more comfortable, and the food that was slipped through the door smelled good. I ignored it and gave my share to my Uncle, who tried to insist that I eat it to keep up my energy.
I gave in and ate some of the noodles and dumplings, knowing he was simply concerned about me. After I finished eating, I leaned my head against the wall, staring at the riveted metal plates. Even in this light, I could tell that they didn’t have the same craftsmanship that Fire Nation metal had. With Firebending and smelting techniques, my people were able to take all the impurities out of the metal. It was why our metal was so strong, compared to theirs. And we never shared this secret with anyone else.
“Are you just going to be quiet for the rest of your life, Zuko? Have you nothing to say to me?” Uncle asked gently as he sat next to me, though he did not touch me. I closed my eyes and crossed my arms. What was there to say? The Avatar was dead and I had failed… yet again. Uncle had no reason to want to be with me. Yet he had asked the Earth King for my safety.
“You think there’s nothing to say, don’t you? You think that I hate you? That you are nothing but a failure? You are not responsible for what your sister did. She should have known better, but then, I suppose that it’s to late now for a new Avatar to do anything. But please, don’t shut yourself away, Zuko. You may be rash sometimes, but you had the right thing in mind. Pretending to side with Azula was the smart thing to do, it kept her from turning against you. Besides, I suspect that she would have killed Aang either way.”
I stared at him silently. He nodded slowly. I looked away and sighed before feeling his hand on my shoulder.
“If you truly do not feel like speaking, then don’t do so. But if you have something important to say, please do not hold it in.”
His hand slid off my shoulder after I looked away.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I was concerned about Aang. He seemed lethargic and I know that he had been through a lot – dying, or at least coming too close to it, but there was something in his eyes that told me more. That night, I remained at his side as Sokka and Toph slept in other rooms within the apartment. I looked down at him, gently stroking his head, telling him about what I had done today although I left out the part about Zuko and Iroh. I sensed that he was not fully alert, but that he took comfort in my voice, so I was glad to give it.
I lay next to him on the bed, letting him curl up to me as I held his hand. I sent out a silent prayer that Aang would become well again, and that this war would not prove the end of us all.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Uncle and I sat silently, several royal guards positioned close by. We – or at least my uncle – were here in the council room to discuss strategy with the generals of Ba Sing Se. I would have stayed behind, but Uncle insisted that I sit in and listen, for I could learn something valuable. For me, it merely reminded me of that fateful day in my father’s War Room.
This setting was no less intimidating. I remember, what seemed like another lifetime ago, when I had sat among the Fire Nation generals. I had been so young back then, so idealistic.
This time, I would not say anything. My hands were folded neatly in my lap and though my head was high and my shoulders squared, my eyes did not meet any of the generals. I let my Uncle do all the talking. I sensed that the generals were hiding some of their strategies. My uncle was hiding things as well, but this was our first meeting, and no general worth his salt would spill out all their knowledge at a time like this, when we were all getting a measure of each other.
I moved my eyes around the room, and was startled to see Katara. She must have come in after I did, and done it so quietly. She looked different bedecked in green, rather than her usual blue. I could not help but think that the color of her element suited her far better than this green, and then I wondered why I even bothered to notice.
I listened closely, taking in all of what was said. Uncle was a lot more talkative than I was, though he did not say overmuch. I could tell he was gauging the other men, and seeing what they thought should be done. And then I saw his wisdom in bringing me along. It gave me something other to do than agonize over the poor choices I had made as of late.
I glanced over at Katara a couple of times. She was quiet for the most part, but she did make a few contributions which I found surprising. Women usually were not allowed in such situations like this – even my own sister had been excluded from most such affairs.
Near the end of the meeting, she caught my gaze. I saw the anger wash over them. The coldness of her cerulean eyes made the Antarctic climes of the South Pole seem warm and inviting in comparison.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I saw them again at dinner. The Earth King wanted to talk to them again. He seemed especially interested in what Iroh had to say. I honestly did not mind Iroh’s company – after all, if Toph sensed he was telling the truth, I had no reason to not trust him – he had been a very good member of our group. But I had no desire to see the scarred visage of Zuko. I had associated him with evil, and that association had started to wear off after he joined our group. But his betrayal brought that association back in full force, and it was all I could do to not pummel him.
I barely heard anything that was said. Aang was not with us; he was safely ensconced in our apartment, dozing off. When I had left him, he was staring up at the ceiling. Even when awake, he seemed in a trance, and my concern grew with every passing moment. I was unable to shake him out of his trance.
It was all Zuko’s fault. I had been doing so well against Azula, and then he had stepped in. I glared at him from across the table as I put a small bite of rice in my mouth. He stared right back for a moment before quickly looking down at his plate.
Iroh talked with the King, making pleasant conversation. I remembered what he had revealed earlier, about his son dying here. I felt bad for him, but the dinner was filled with more light-hearted conversation, as if Iroh and the King wanted to steer away from unpleasant matters. Iroh asked curious and polite questions about Ba Sing Se, and the King answered just as pleasantly.
As the dinner wound down to a close, so did the banter. Iroh looked up at the King, bowing his head respectfully.
“I wonder, if my nephew and myself might be able to walk through the gardens? Feel free to have as many guards to our care. I assure you, I plot nothing against you, and simply wish to enjoy the gardens that I have heard so much of.”
“I don’t see why not. On one condition.”
“Yes, your highness?”
“I have just heard of your tea and how good it is. I would like to have some tomorrow morning, for breakfast. I want you to brew some for all of us, and for the generals tomorrow for the next meeting.”
Iroh beamed at this, as I expected. I had tried to learn how to brew tea from him, but he had such a way that none of us could understand.
“It would be my honor, your Highness.” the older man stated with respect, bowing his head. I smiled a little. I looked forward to having some of his tea again.
“Good!” the King said, his eyes alight almost like a little boy’s, at the promise of something new. I had to remind myself that he was indeed a little boy in some ways, due to the life that he led, though that was as much the fault of Long Feng and the Generals as it was his own. He had had all the information of war and other such unpleasant things hidden from him throughout his childhood and adolescence.
“I propose that we retire for the evening. I’m going to go and read, you all can do whatever you like. The inner gardens are open, if you want to take a walk before bed. I’ll see you all again tomorrow.”
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I sat on a stone bench that was obviously made from Earthbending, due to its intricate design. Uncle was oohing and ahhing over some of the flowers nearby and I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. The moon was just past its fullness, a thin sliver of its round body obscured in the darkness. This gave us plenty of light, though there were also lamps here and there. I had to admit, it was nice here. Though some of the flowers, as well as the décor were different, I was reminded of the gardens back in Sozun at the Palace. Mother loved the gardens, and I enjoyed walking with her.
I looked down at my feet, noting the plain black slippers I wore. My outfit as well as Uncle’s, were borrowed, brought to us by servants before supper. The clothes were silk, but in a plainer design, of green and gold, with black pants.
I let out a soft sigh, staring out at the sky and its scattering of stars. In my mind, I identified as many constellations as I could, drawing up my astronomy lessons from my youth. I had also done much of this during my exile on my ship, getting lost in the night sky and letting my mind wander. The stars never changed – no matter what went on in my life or the lives of others – and they would stay where they were. Thinking about that gave me a sense of peace.
Slowly, everything melted away. I found a brief moment of silence and solitude, where I felt truly at calm, and free of earthly concerns and the chaos that seemed to dictate my life.
I let out a slow breath, but my thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Uncle greeting Katara and her blind companion, who had apparently just come outside for a walk. Katara waved to Uncle, while Toph broke away, skipping over to him. She was obviously glad to see Uncle again outside of a formal setting.
I felt my body stiffen at the approach of the blue-eyed Waterbender. I remembered all too well the look of utter betrayal that was on her face in the catacombs, the total heartbreak that her eyes displayed that I knew even Toph could have seen, had she been there. I remembered that haunting gaze in my dreams of the last couple of nights. We had not exchanged a word since that fateful night, not even when she had pummeled me later.
She kept her distance as Toph and Uncle exchanged a few pleasant words. She was polite with Uncle, acknowledging his greeting and giving one of her own, in a warm tone that made it clear that only I was the subject of her pain and anger. Not once did she acknowledge me or even glance my way as I sat there on the bench. And she wandered off alone, leaving Toph and Uncle to chat. Perhaps she was trying to erase her pain by convincing herself that I didn’t exist.
I could not help but gaze after her, feeling the urge to try to fix things, to show her that my 'betrayal' had been but a ruse. I was not stupid enough to actually team up with my sister, and Uncle knew and understood that, thank Agni. That bit was a comfort to me, despite the consequence of my ruse, though it was but a small comfort.
The silence that hung in the air despite the chatting of my companions was near-deafening. It spoke of my actions and how she had perceived them, and the damage that had been done. If things were not settled, and settled soon, then the gap that had freshly sprung up between us might grow too vast to close.
Looking back up at the night sky, I felt the warmth of the stars, the ever-comforting glow they provided me even during my years in exile. Before I could stop myself, I slid off the bench and walked after her, my steps silent and measured.
“The stars are beautiful tonight.” I said softly. It seemed like such a silly thing to say at that moment, but I had to say something, anything. She continued walking – either she had not heard me, or was choosing to ignore me. I was certain that my uncle and Toph were watching us. I held back a sigh and continued to follow her. This had to be done. We were supposed to be working together to end the War, and it would do no good to have animosity in the ranks – what if a crucial moment came about, and she let her anger towards me affect her actions?
I pushed on, speaking in a slightly louder tone.
“It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?” I asked. I held back a groan – it wasn’t the most witty or elegant observation I had ever made – but I wasn’t one for such talk, as Uncle was. It sounded so stupid when it issued from my lips, and I wondered if she thought I was stupid too, if she didn’t already.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I stiffened, knowing what he was trying to do, but I was in no mood to deal with him. I felt like shit. Aang was no better than before, and still stared up at the ceiling blankly, without any real indication that he was too aware of his surroundings. I tried to hold his attention, by talking to him or holding his hand or feeding him, but his attention was very limited during the rare times that he was lucid. I had several more healing sessions with him, using my Bending to help his chi flow, to stimulate him and try to get his body going. This was all Zuko's fault!
I liked Uncle, but damned if I would trust his nephew ever again, after all the things he had done, before and after he joined our group. I continued walking, making it clear to him that I didn’t care about what he had to say. All I wanted was to be alone, and take my mind off Aang for a bit, by staring at the night sky or the flowers. Sokka was in the apartment, keeping an eye on Aang as he himself took a rest.
“I...I didn't betray you.” I heard him murmur softly, “I never sided with my sister.”
All lies, I thought to myself. As far as I was concerned, he should just remain locked up in the dungeons for the rest of his life. Because of him and his interference and betrayal, Azula had killed Aang. If not for my healing abilities and the oasis water – water that I had almost wasted on Zuko – the Avatar would without a doubt be dead at the moment. Stupid Zuko and his stupid scar, I thought to myself darkly. He deserves to have that scar for the rest of his life. Uncle could praise Zuko all he wanted, I didn’t care.
I continued to walk, going as quickly as I could. But his next words brought me to a stop.
“I never meant to hurt you.”
I never meant to hurt you? My fists clenched in rage as I remembered the events of the last few days. And before that. When he had come to my village and threatened my tribe. When he had captured me, and teased me with my mother’s necklace. When he and the black-haired woman with the Shirshu had captured my brother and I. And then… him siding with his sister, after she had tried to kill his uncle!
I whipped around to glare at him, surprised at how close he was to me. His steps had been so silent, but I quickly recovered from my brief surprise.
“Don't talk to me. Don't look at me. Leave me the hell alone!” I screamed at him.
“I won't until you listen to me!” Zuko said as he took a step closer to me, now almost within arm’s reach. His golden eyes blazed with something I could not read, and raw emotion between us flared like wildfire.
“Katara, I did not join forces with Azula!”
“I don’t want to hear it!” I shrieked. My relationship with Zuko had been stilted enough when we had been traveling as a group. It had taken a while for me to stop being so wary around him, and we had never spoken much to one another. He had always seemed rather secretive, and I could not help but wonder if he had been plotting against us all along. I felt water nearby, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the surface ripple sharply. I remember when I had bended unconsciously at the North Pole, in front of the council after I had been asked to apologize to Pakku.
“I trusted you, and you betrayed us, and Aang died because of YOU! So, go to hell!”
“I'm already there!” he shouted back, the nearly lanterns flaring brighter.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I would get my point across, no matter how angry the Waterbender was.
“And why would I trust Azula? She was sent to hunt Uncle and I down like we were common thieves or animals!”
“Then why even side with her?” Katara shouted back. Before I knew it, I was suddenly drenched with a rather large splash of water from the nearby fountain. It knocked me off my feet for a moment, but I managed to regain my balance, feeling rather ungainly for a moment as I struggled to not fall over.
I was for the most part soaked from head to feet, and my hair was plastered to my head. I stood with as much composure and dignity as I could, given my state. I was stunned for a few moments, unsure of what to say next, when another splash of water hit me, and it was delivered with more force than the first. I saw her come closer, Bending more water out of the fountain. Perhaps she would freeze me.
“Did you think I enjoyed seeing my sister kill the Avatar? Did you think I liked seeing that look in your eyes, that anger?” I managed to say. I narrowed the gap between ourselves, opening my robe so that my bare chest was revealed, “If you think I'm so evil... then cut me down here and now.”
I have no idea where I found the courage to challenge her like this. I felt almost the same way I had when I spoke out in my father’s War Room. I knew this was taking a risk. I doubted she would actually kill me, but I could see in her eyes her anger, and the capacity to hurt me.
“Yes, you did! I had Azula within my sights and grasp... and then you cut her free!” she railed at me, some of her water forming into an ice dagger, and the look in her eyes made the Arctic regions of the poles seem rather inviting in comparison.
I paused. Yes. If I had not cut my sister free, none of this would have happened. And a small part of me did not want to see her hurt, despite who she was. I had not wanted to fight my father, and I had always longed for a good relationship with him and my sister.
“She’s my sister. Would you want someone to harm your brother?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her, meeting her fierce glare.
“If he was as traitorous as you or your sister, yes.” she replied evenly, approaching slowly, with the ice-dagger firmly in hand, “Blood is indeed thicker than water – but it can only go so far.”
“You're lying.” I shook his head, “But if you really see me as a traitor and a monster, then finish me off. Use that dagger and push it deep into my heart... that is, if you think I even have one.”
Her hand shook slightly as she clutched the ice-dagger. I waited patiently.
“I’m not lying.” she whispered tremulously, “I once trusted you. But you betrayed that trust. I trust my brother, but if he betrayed me, I would hate him too.”
“No you wouldn't…” I challenged, “Because you know that, despite it all, Sokka is your family. And while you can love your relatives as easily as you can hate them, you could never turn your back on family.”
The ice dagger clattered to the stone pathway and before I knew it, she was running from me, her black and green robes billowing out behind her.
The glittering stars high above weren't nearly as important as fixing this situation. I would not allow Katara to retreat behind walls of ice like she tried before.
Without hesitation, I ran after her.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I heard him chasing after me, and pumped my legs harder, seeking any sort of refuge from him. I hated him and loathed him, I could not trust him – couldn't he damn well leave me alone? This garden was large and impressive, with several pavilions, a fountain, a few streams and ponds. Plenty of places to hide – if I could only distance myself from the arrogant exiled Prince enough.
I took a quickly look over my shoulder, and silently cursed to myself when I saw that he was slowly closing the gap between us. When I looked ahead again, I realized that I had just ran into a part of the garden where statues or pavilions were absent, giving me a lack of place to hide.
I ran across a bridge, whipping up my arm to cause water to come out and stop Zuko, even for just a few moments. A quick wave of heat told me that he had used his Firebending, and I felt him grab my arm. I yelled and tried to break free, but his grip was strong. I waved my other arm, to bring up more water to help me break free, but he whipped me around and stared down at me.
“I did not betray you.” he whispered, his skin looking almost white in the moonlight. His tone was so soft and serious. Was he truly sincere?
“I admit it. It was a moment of weakness. For family. She might be a bitch – but she’s my sister.”
“Your sister tried to kill your uncle, and you freed her!” I shrieked, trying to kick him. I felt the water in his clothes and hair, and concentrated on freezing it. I saw a layer of frost creep along the edges of his robe and up his sleeves. I felt satisfaction at seeing his face twitch slightly in realization and then discomfort.
“Don't try to defend yourself. I don't want to hear it – any of it.”
“Our family...” Zuko murmured, having a faintly wry expression on his face, “We have our issues.”
“Issues? Issues? Is that all you have to say?” I replied disdainfully, now glaring out at the pond as I tried to rip my arm free.
“If you were willing to listen, I would tell you...” Zuko took a deep breath. I squared my shoulders, setting my jaw.
“Look at me.” he commanded quietly. I slowly turned my head towards him, fixing him with the frostiest glare that I could muster. He stared back at me calmly, before raising his hand, lightly touching his scar. I had almost healed that scar… would he have sided with us if I had?
“Do you know how I got this?” he asked. How would I know? Zuko had never shared anything about himself to us, and while his uncle was more open and jolly, there were matters that the older man did not discuss. And I did not ask. Perhaps I should have.
“Of course I don't. You never shared anything with anyone when you were with us. You didn’t even enjoy being in our group.” I responded acidly. I saw him wince just slightly, before he gave me a small, bitter smirk.
“Let's just say that this was a parting gift from my father.” he responded, his voice filled with dark humor.
I was silent. How could I ever respond to such a thing? My father… he would never do such a terrible thing to Sokka or myself!
“I told you my family is...complex. Things aren't always as they seem.”
His hand slid away from my arm, but I still stood there. He gazed down at me, and I saw… sadness in his eyes?
“All I ask for is a chance. Let me prove myself to you. I never truly sided with Azula, I just didn't want her to send her Dai Li after us. It was supposed to be a ruse… though that ruse failed miserably.”
“More than.” I replied, not wanting to give him any quarter. He sighed and nodded.
“I’m not a traitor. Give me a chance.” he asked softly. If anything… he seemed to be almost begging. I sensed that this was a foreign concept to him. I blinked when I noticed that he had taken a step closer.
“Why should you care so much what I think of you? All I am to you is a peasant – something you've called me several times. Once this war is over, you and your uncle can sit on the Fire Nation throne happily and you'll never have to see me again.” I replied, looking out at the water again.
“And when I was calling you a peasant, I was merely an exiled Prince. And now, I'm considered a traitor to the Fire Nation. Yet, I have learned a lot about myself and about those around me.” Moving closer again, he sighed. “The seasons change, Waterbender... and so do people.”
I took a step backwards away from him, well aware of the way the moon shone on his bare chest. My heart was pounding.
“Give me a chance. Please.”
o0o0o0o
Zuko
This was the closest to pleading that I had ever done since that ill-fated Agni Kai years ago. The word ‘please’ sounded foreign, sliding off my tongue. Here I was – Prince of the Fire Nation, almost begging a Water Tribe peasant, a woman who I had battled with – for a chance to redeem myself.
“I ask you at least give me the opportunity to try to prove myself.”
I was aware of everything about her – the intense blue of her eyes, the color of her skin, her slightly messy hair, the way she stood there, stiff yet trembling, and I caught a faint musk that could only have come from the Waterbender. The breeze was wafting it over to me, and it was the faintest smell, but I could not help find it pleasing. Where had such a thought come from?
I was barely breathing. Slowly, I inhaled, waiting for her answer. I saw the light tremble of her hand as it rested on the stone railing of the bridge.
o0o0o0o
Katara
My heart was pounding, and I was almost certain that I might faint. Why should I feel this way? I was still angry with him, but at the same time… I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that the trust I had given him had not been misplaced. I was barely aware of my breath coming out slowly as I felt his gaze at me. I looked over at the water. What should I say?
He sounded so earnest in his request for my understanding. Yet I was afraid to trust him again, given the chance that he might betray us again. I felt his gaze on me, and I felt an odd warmth inside, as if he could Firebend with his stare.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I could only imagine the reaction of my father or sister if they could see me. Me, a Crown Prince of the Fire Nation – at least, formerly – borderline begging for the good faith of a peasant...and a Water Tribe peasant at that! Sozin must be spinning in his figurative grave at that moment – we weren’t buried, but cremated.
Yet, even from their first encounter, I had known that the blue-eyed girl was more than some peasant girl. She was one of the few people to stand up to me, to oppose me without fear or hesitation. It was that spark of flame, deep within her, that had earned my respect a long time ago, though I had not known until recently.
I waited, silently pleading for her to look at me, to respond, to do something.
“Yes or no?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Without a word, she turned away from me. But she did not flee. Her steps were calm and measured, her body slowly turning away from me as her fingers trailed along the railing. Why didn’t she say anything? I could not see her face, so I had no way of reading it.
I was silent as she moved away from me. I wanted to call out to her, to plead for an answer. I wanted to pull her back, I wanted to look into her eyes. I didn’t even notice my damp clothes as she meandered down the path, letting the shadows swallow her.
My one small comfort was that she had not said no.
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Slow Heat