Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

Zuko's Betrayal	By : CaptATKirk Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Katara/Zuko Views: 9220 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- 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
- 8
- 9
- 10
A Big thanks to my editor. Also with the Maryland Renaissance Festival starting ( and me working it ) my updates are going to be so far behind. ( Chel I will do my darndest.)
Chapter 10 Crime and Punishment.
((( Iroh )))
“ Iroh she has told him our secret!” I hear Ursa’s desperate whisper in the air and prepare myself for the storm to come. Lan was told who Zuko’s father is and she was told that only I should tell him . . . when the time was right. It seems Lan had other ideas.
“ Uncle! I need to talk to you!” My nephew screams from the entrance. I didn’t expect the storm this soon.
“ Oh shit! Angry boy sounds like he has entered into Livid Man!” June sings as she sits down with a fresh pot of tea and an extra plate for Dinner.
“ He isn’t the only one.” I mumble as she sits next to me.” Come in Nephew.”
“ Uncle what . . . ” He stops whatever rant he was going to go on when he sees June and I sitting down for Dinner.” I’m sorry Uncle it can wait . . . ” He begins to back up slowly.
“ No, Zuko come sit.” I motion to him and he sits on the other side of me. He does sit down and June being the exceptional woman she is fills his plate and hands it to him. He mumbles a thank you to her I believe before looking at her and trying to form an apology.
“ From the looks of you I would say you were ridden hard and put away wet!” I know June was only kidding but if looks could kill. June looks up from her plate and sees it. The face that wants to kill her for putting a name to the ugly game that was played. ” Ouch! Sorry Zuko. I was just . . . ”
“ I know. You didn’t mean anything June.” He waves it off and picks up his chopsticks just pushing his roast duck around his plate. He won’t eat until whatever she has said is either denied or confirmed.
“ So you two fought and decided to throw mud as it was!?” I look to my nephew . . . my son and from his head hung I have guessed correctly. I have no doubt that Zuko had said something to make her resort to that but to go against Ursa’s wishes . . . that is something she and I will have a nice chat about!” Why don’t you start by telling me what was done and said that has lead you fuming to our door?”
After much prodding badgering and leading him finally relates most of the tale of coming out of the spirit world and having a desire he had to quench no matter the circumstances. I could guess that much. Zuko craved his wife . . . , she was there . . . nature took over. No real surprise there. Then he relates truthfully the words that were exchanged. He tells what he said about her father and stops.
“ Zuko . . . to say what you did about her father . . . ” I can only shake my head. I know what that was about. It was to see who could hurt whom the most. It started when Lan made love to him and kicked him out. Then he wanted to hurt her back and it snowballed out of control. It wasn’t about her Father. It was all about her.
“ I know Uncle! I was sorry for it as soon as I said it and before I could even apologize . . . ” He stops and looks pained. I know what was said next or at least along the line of but I want him to ask. I want Zuko to feel he still has some control over his life.” She told me to ask you who my father really is. Uncle please tell me . . . she was just . . . saying anything to . . . hurt me? ”
“ Zuko she has used a truth to cause you pain.” I look to June who nods her head to me solemnly.
I have told her the truth once as a slip and June has kept it to herself all this time. Lan has known for a long time and for her to do this . . . now . . . the way she did . . . but I will deal with her later. I see the little boy I once knew before me who was so lost when Ozai burned him and then like now I do not know what to do to make his hurt go away.
“ Does my Father know . . . that I am not his? Does he know I am yours!?” I did not want this to happen . . . not like this at any rate. I had a picture of being back home with Zuko on the throne and Lan by his side. I had a picture of many grandchildren running at my feet and then slowly telling him. This is far from that happy picture.
“ No. You weren’t a healthy baby and he figured that it was because you were born too early. Ursa and I passed you off as his to save her and you. If your father had known what. She and I . . . ”
“ Did you love my Mother?” He looks at me and I see that he has always had his doubts. Ozai was not exactly the best husband in the world to Ursa . . . not until Azula was born at any rate. Zuko knows the cruelty in Ozai. My poor son has felt it first hand.
“ More then I can tell you!” He nods his head slowly and I keep going.
I have held this in for so long and to finally be able to tell him everything it feels like a great relief. I have been carrying this for too long. I tell him how I met Ursa first after my Iris had died trying to bring our daughter into this world . . . but even that was not to be so. Iris and our daughter died and all I had left in the world was Lu Ten. Ursa was raised to be Ozai’s wife but I was the one who had to see her and bring Ozai’s gifts to her. The more I met with her the more I loved her not only for her beauty but her mind. Soon I would find any excuse to see her and found that she loved me as well. When her marriage was finalized and the day drew nearer I was going insane. Here was the woman that my heart chose and she would be held before me and I would not be able to touch her. A few weeks before her wedding she asked me to visit her one last time and I did. I did not know what she had in mind . . .
“ One thing lead to another and nine months later you were born. To this day I do not know how she convinced Ozai, or what she did to make him believe she was a virgin but she did. We swore to never tell you and never to speak of it out loud until . . . well the time was right. I had hoped to tell you when this war was over and you and Lan had reconciled. The war has a better chance of ending before Lan will reconcile . . . so it seems.”
“ Zuko?” June takes his hand and he doesn’t look at her but grips her hand tight.” Zuko you have a right to be angry and you have every right not to want to talk about it but it may help to get it out now. I’ve watched Lan bottle it and spiral down hill. I can’t let it happen-”
“ I’m not angry. Mother was never really happy being a wife to . . . Father. I’m just angry at that . . . ” He takes his hand back from June and balls it into a fist. They turn white as a physical manifestation of him stopping himself and biting back every nasty thing he would like to say about Lan. I don’t need something like this to happen anymore. It ends now in some way shape or form. I am more angry at Lan but for Zuko to say such a thing about her father . . .
“ June my love would you be so kind as to get my daughter- in-law and bring her here. Tell her she has no choice in the matter!” June jumps and leaves to do as I asked. I know it sounded as if I am angry at her but I am far from it. I will make it up to her tonight. She has been dying for a bubble bath. Time for me to deliver it to her. Hmm maybe a present of a girl with us tonight . . .
“ Uncle please don’t. She only retaliated . . . ”
“ That’s no excuse Zuko.” I am snapping left and right tonight. “ Lan is my student as well as my adopted daughter and as her teacher it is my duty to her to show her . . . and you the error of your ways.” He looks at me perplexed. They are both going to get a piece of my mind today.
Soon June has returned with Lan. At least Lan looks ashamed of what she has done. Good as well as she should. I wave her to sit by Zuko and June finds another plate and cup for tea. Just as she did for Zuko, June fills a plate up and the tea cup before setting it before Lan. It’s time I did this. I have had enough! Aang, Katara, Toph . . . all of us have had enough!
((( June )))
“ Lan I have no words to express how angry and disappointed I am in you right now!” Iroh started out calm and he is just building up steam and it’s going to get worse and she is just sitting there taking it.” For you to do what you did and say what you said after you were asked not to is UNFORGIVABLE! IF ANYONE HAD HEARD YOU EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE TO PROTECT ZU-”
“ Iroh I think they can hear you in the South Pole right now.” I grab his hand and he closes his eyes controlling his anger the best he can. She did not even try to defend herself. He is screaming at her and out of respect and guilt she is just taking it.
“ You’re right June.” He opens his eyes and looks at Lan with something I have never seen in Iroh’s eyes . . . pure hate!” Your honorable father taught you much better then this! Yes I know what Zuko said and yes he was wrong but you did not have to add to that wrong! You may be my adopted daughter and well . . . the obvious but even Azula has better manners then you!”
“ Yes Uncle Iroh.” She says softly into her plate. She flinched at the part about her father and Azula but she let him say it all. She looks at me and there is nothing I can do. I look at Zuko and he is biting his tongue to keep from asking his Uncle to stop and leave her be but he won’t. Deep down Zuko wants to see someone else who isn’t afraid to get in Lan’s face to make her stop running.
“ Lan you screwed the pooch on this one. I agree with Iroh.” I shake my head and go back to eating the roast duck he fixed and damn is it good. Still needs more Orange sauce . . . I keep telling him this but he doesn’t listen to me.” You did the crime girl. Now do the time.”
“ Zuko you don’t get off that easy either! Jiang was close to me like a brother! He didn’t betray his country any more then I did! For you to say that is inconceivable! I know I have taught you better then that as well! You two are acting worse then spoiled children!” I can see his face getting redder and redder. He stops to cool off and come back down to Iroh mode. Once he collects himself, he begins something else.” Zuko I want you to apologize to Lan and Lan when he is finished I want you to apologize to him as well. Later in your dreams Lan you can apologize to Lady Ursa!”
“ Lan I didn’t mean to say your father was a traitor. Your father was a great man and did everything for his country and his family. For me to say otherwise was wrong and I ask for your forgiveness.” He looks at her but she does not look at him. She merely nods her head and keeps her eyes on her plate before going into her apology.
“ I am sorry that I said what I did. It was not for me to say. If this has caused you and your Uncle any strain I apologize and ask for your . . . ” She stops here and looks at Iroh who is ready to choke her at a moments notice. She straightens up and doesn’t look complacent anymore. In fact she looks defiant as she usually does. She is only sorry she was busted. ” I am sorry.”
“ Lan! I want you to mean it! You have to be sorry for the pain you inflicted. It was low of both of you to attack each others father! Now mean it!” He slams his hand down on the table and we all jump.
“ I am sorry and I hope you will ‘forgive’ me.” She looks contrite enough but she isn’t sorry at all for it. Zuko nods his head to her and is about to take her hand when she snatches it away and folds them up under the table.
“ Good now that is over with its time to give you two a real piece of my mind! If you two were younger I would bend you both over my knee! You two are acting worse then those that which you both despise! I have taught you both better than this! “
“ Yes Uncle Iroh.” They both nod and say in unison. Lan and Zuko are looking at him and waiting for the final word.
“ Lan get this threw your head. You and Zuko were married and still are according to Fire Nation Laws. I know in the Water Tribe that if you do not share Zuko’s bed for a year and a day you can go before the chiefs and ask for an annulment, but you can’t do that for a year and a day from this date. If that is what you plan to do so be it. If you can’t forgive or forget what Zuko did with Katara and your mind cannot wrap around the fact that he dose not love her . . . well that is your choice.”
“ Yes Uncle Iroh.” She mumbles.
“ Zuko if you feel you have to keep fighting an up hill battle then so be it! If you feel that Lan is worth it to keep killing yourself over I won’t stop you!” Here he points his chopstick at his nephew accentuating every syllable.” Just remember there are other women out there who actually want to share your bed and other things as well.”
Zuko is ready to protest but one motion from Iroh shuts his mouth faster and harder then a steel trap. That last sentence was not made for him . . . it was made for Lan and we both saw her head turn away. I however saw the single tear that slid down her cheek and her bitting her lip to keep from crying out. It was a test to see if she still cared . . . and she does. I look to Iroh and using my napkin wipe my right eye. He nods his head.
“ Well are you done Lazy or is there anything else you need to say?” I ask pertly as I look around the different dishes for the noodles.
“ I have one last thing. Like I said, you have children together. I expect that when this little girl is born that you two will have the decency to be civil at the very least to each other in her presence as well as mine!”
“ Yes Uncle Iroh!” Once again they say it as one and look only at their plates.
“ I also expect that since you told Zuko he could be apart of his children’s lives you let him feel the baby kick and help you when you need it young Lady!”
“ Yes Uncle Iroh.” She whispers and I can see another tear fall down her face. She is trying to hide it and would have . . . but I have been around Iroh and her long enough to know what to look for. He looks at Lan who has gone back into a defiant look. He has struck her heart with his words and she hates him for it. Iroh looks at me to keep himself calm.
“ June if you would be so kind to take Zuko outside for a moment.” He turns back to look at her and calm has gone by the way side. She is sitting straight as a board as if she is daring him to . . . I don’t know hit her or something!” I don’t believe my student has learned her lesson still!”
I motion Angry boy with my head and leave Lan to her fate. I can’t help her out of this one and the worse part is I don’t even think she wants me to.
((( Iroh )))
I wait for June and Zuko to leave before tearing into this defiant little upstart in front of me. I love her as if she were my own daughter but right now I want to slap her so badly I have to grip the table to keep from doing it.
“ Young Lady if you weren’t who you are and pregnant I would punish you with the . . . ” I am so angry with her I pull the first thing I can think of out of my head.” The . . . the Trial of a hundred days!”
“ I understand Uncle Iroh.” She flinches and shrinks down into herself
She knows I mean it with that punishment. It is the worst punishment any solider could receive. To be stood in the middle of the camp naked and anyone who wants to do anything short of death to her could. Now that I have made my point of how . . . angry I am at her it is time to sink in some more lessons.
” You are my student and screwing up everyone with this pettiness. Neglecting your duty to family, friends and your people. You shut out the spirts who wish to help you not mention the disrespect you show to Ursa. Toph is hurt daily by you. Sokka as well . . . I am not even going to get into Katara and Aang. It’s amazing you have any friends at all!”
“ What?” The look she is giving me I can’t believe. She is actually looking at me like I am speaking a different language.
“ Did you honestly think that only Zuko is being effected by all of this!? Did you honestly think you were only tormenting him!? Did you honestly think you were only hurting my son with this!?”
“ Actually yes!” She slams her hands down on the table and is daring to stare me down. She is brave I will give her that but lately she is as stupid as Zhao.” I don’t see who or what?”
“ Let’s begin with Toph and Sokka shall we. They have stood by you for what four years now and you kick them out of your army.”
“ I didn’t want them to get hurt.” She tells me softly.
“ Now they won’t even speak to each other because of you! They fight constantly! Toph is moody because you won’t even be with her . . . Sokka gets the brunt end and doesn’t even understand why Toph is that way. They start arguing over nothing and now look at them! They can’t even be in the same room together!” I heard her but I have to make this point.
“ I will make it up to them . . . somehow.”
“ They aren’t the only ones. Aang and Katara-“
“ Aang Katara and I have made our peace . . . well Aang and I have. Katara and I just have peace.” She shrugs the last away. Well it’s a start. Women will bond and heal at the strangest times over the strangest things.
“ Last but not least Zuko. I-“
“ Look what he did to me! Look at what choice was taken from me! Aang and Zuko made the choice for Katara and I! Her-“
“ I am not finished and I understand but that is no excuse for what your insanity has caused! Look how you abandoned your children to save others. You don’t think that when they grow older it will not hurt them you were not there!? Look at your cousin the Moon. She has been trying to talk to you for years! I know you have been dealt many blows Lan and you have your problems but right now you are the problem I can fix!”
“ So I am a bad mother now! I am a sorry excuse for a leader now is that it!” She shoves her plate away and tries to stare me down again!She has jumped out of her seat and the chair is flung back” I didn’t hear you or anyone else complaining the other day when -“
“ I am not finished and you will not speak unless I tell you to any more!” I do the same causing the table to shake.
“ Ah.” Her mouth shuts as fast as it opened.
“ In many ways this is my fault. I should have made you listen long before this and in that way I am to blame. But it ends now. I correct my fault here and now by telling you this. Zuko and Katara did not ever intend to hurt you. Unfortunately we sometimes hurt the ones we love most not meaning to. I speak from experience.” I calm my voice down and stop circling her like a predatory animal.” Now you will not do what you have been Lan. You will stop running and you will be civil around us all. You will keep silent if you have nothing better to say. Is that clear!?”
“ Yes Uncle Iroh.” At least she looks defeated now. I hope the lesson has sunk in.
“ Now get out of my sight and think about it . . . while you’re at it send me my son!” I wave her away and look for my chopsticks that have some how ended up half way across the room.
((( Zuko )))
“ Uncle Iroh wants to see you.” No I hate you. Just that. She looks beaten and whatever Uncle has had to say he has been driven it deep into her.
“ Lan.” I want to apologize but she will not let me.
“ Don’t.” At least she didn’t snap.
I look to June who waves her head and silently enters. I wait and collect what is left of me. My Uncle is really my Father. My mind is still adjusting to it. Do I call him Father now or still Uncle. I let the breath out that I have been holding between my teeth and enter taking my place by my Fathers side. June is righting a few things here and there that was upset during Uncle and Lan’s talk.
“ Uncle.”
“ Zuko I know you are frustrated but you walked right into that. In all your years have you learned nothing from me!? “ I know he believes that he has failed because I did walk right into that with my eyes wide-open but it is not his failing it is mine. When it comes to Lan I have a blindfold on me. I still see her as the woman I put on a pedestal. She has jumped off of it and taken up the mantle of other things.
“ Uncle I-“
“ I know I know, but for you to walk into her trap like that? You had an opportunity for reconciliation and you fucked it up.” He is just as frustrated as I am.
“ What was I supposed to do? “ I could rant and rave but it will not work. Uncle isn’t my problem. My wife is. She is right though . . . Aang and I stole the choice away from her and Katara. Once again the blame is on Aang and me.
“ Zuko you could have walked away. When she fell asleep you should have left. Yes I know you were tired so you should have left in the morning. She would have seen you leave and I believe called you back. Once she called you back well . . . I think you can guess the rest.”
“ How Uncle! You said it yourself the war has a better chance of ending before Lan and I will ever be together again!” I cradle my head in my hands and breath. I have never been incredibly smart. I have been clever and crafty but I seem to be a little lost right now.
“ Zuko there are other options.” I can hear the sigh of frustration. I was always an impatient leaner. I have been called hopeless at times.
“ What options are left to me?” I look to my Uncle . . . Father . . . Guardian . . . I just look to him now. I have never been one with women like he has.
“ The woman you spend the night with does not have to be her.” He shrugs it off and I don’t know weather to laugh . . . or what. I don’t think taking someone else into my bed while trying to reconcile with my wife is going to help me much right now.
“ Has June accidently knocked your brains out by fucking you so much??!” June’s tea has come out through her nose. I know I shouldn’t have said that or be ready to laugh right now but it is better then the alternative.
“ Women can affect a man in many ways.” He laughs and looks at June. She is bitting back her laughter and I must look as strange as I feel because soon she is laughing so hard that tears are coming out of her eyes. I thought laughter had died around here. I smile and shake my head. I have to. It feels better to look at it from their eyes. Mine are still dulled.
“ But your not supposed to lose your mind over them. Your not supposed to hurt this much just because they refuse to let you be apart of their lives.”
“ Women improve with age Zuko.” He smiles to June holding her hand.
“ Women don’t get better with age . . . they’re still crazy!”
“ Zuko it’s not you. Right now it is Lan. She has to work it all out in her heart. Her head is doing fine it’s the heart she feels you have trampled on that will not let it go.” June tells me as she looks around for something. I have never seen such a thin woman pack away as much food as she does.
“ I trampled on her heart!? Look what she just-“
“ I know what she just did to yours and that is why you’re here now!” Uncle yells at me before looking away and stroking his beard. I know that look. That is the look that he has an idea that I will not like . . . but he is going to tell me anyway.” You need to be away from her for a while.”
“ I was for too many years and-“
“ She needs to be reminded of what she is missing.” June looks to Iroh and nods. I believe they share a brain . . . or they have been together for so long . . . Lan and I were like that once. Now fate makes Lan and I suffer. “ She still loves you Zuko.”
“ She has a funny way of showing it.”
“ You aren’t doing much better either.” June snaps back at me.
“ I suggest that you go with Sokka and help the water benders at the Harbor. Lan because of her condition cannot go to the front lines any more.” He looks to June before looking at me.
“ Well she shouldn’t at any rate.” June grumbles trying to get Uncle to relinquish the noodles. I can’t be around them any more today. They are a painful reminder of what I don’t have right now.
“ The prospect of death is better then what I have to deal with now.” I put down my napkin and stand to leave. Two is company three is a crowd.
“ Help more with the others. The work will keep your mind off of her.”
“ Yes Uncle.” I am ready to leave and my feet begin to move when Uncle has one more thing to tell me.
“ Zuko I am sorry that this was kept from you.” I look to My Uncle who has always looked old but now more so. All of us have put more frown lines onto him. Some . . . in truth most of them are caused by Lan and I.” Your Mother and I did it to protect you. Everything that we have ever done has been to protect you. I ask that you keep the deception up for now.” Just thinking of my mother has brought my Uncle to his knees.
I nod my head in assent because I do not trust my voice not to break.
I have always in the back of my mind thought that my Father hated me. In the back of my mind I have always wondered if I could not do all that he wanted of me because I wasn’t his. I would sit in my room at night and look at the ceiling wondering if I was switched at birth. My Mother always seemed to know because there she was to tell me how my Father loved me and that because he was a Fire Lord it was not easy for him to show it. I will not be like my Father. I will love my children and show it. I will give my children everything I never received from my Father . . . well the man I believed was my Father.
“ Zuko everyone has two dragons that fight it out within them. One is love and one is hate.” I look at June and I know Uncle is really beginning to rub off on her. She is beginning to sound like him . . . but then again she would know.
“ Why is the hate one winning within her!?” I stop and look at June. I know my voice broke but she is family. She is the sister I never had.
“ Because that is the one, she chooses to feed. Don’t feed your hate Zuko.” She looks at me with her deep dark eyes and smiles sadly at me.
“ Soon . . . very soon she will not be able to feed it any more.” Uncle gives me the same look.” The question is, can you wait that long?”
“ That is the question . . . isn’t it.” When our child is born, she will not have any room in her heart for hate. I can wait. I can wait. I can wait.
“ Yes my son it is . . . and it is one I think you have already answered yourself before it was put to you.”
TBC
- 8
- 9
- 10
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

Zuko's Betrayal