Sokka: Are you sure it’s okay to bring Katara to meetings? I know you’re “together” and all, but she can be opinionated, and I know the Fire Nation- progressive as they are- still don’t look kindly on women who speak out.

Zuko: *Chuckles* on the contrary. She did exactly what this council needed to get things on track. Things have actually been relatively peaceful since she started joining 😇

Sokka: … Okay?

Meanwhile, in a meeting…

Cannot let these tags waste away in the nether

So glad someone saw these 😂

Guys..

The original script adds so much context for a lot of scenes, but this one?

Zuko didn’t just start sleeping next to Katara because he wanted to be close to her. He also wanted to be close enough to protect her from another ambush and bomb attack.

And Katara could sleep with a smile on her face because she knew Zuko would be there to protect her. Zuko gave her the opportunity to sleep without being alert 100% of the time for the first time in probably forever…

I’m not okay 😭

ATLA Between The Scenes: Game Night

Toph: So, what should we play tonight? It’s your turn to pick, Spice King.

Zuko: Uhhh, I guess we could play truth or dar-

Sokka: Oh hell no!

Suki: Not a chance.

Sokka: After last time?!?!

Zuko: What?

Toph: I thought last time was great 😇

Sokka: Of course you would!

Toph: 𓁹‿𓁹

Aang: Uh, I’m lost. What happened last time? I fell asleep before I could join…

Sokka: Oh, allow me to enlighten you! Last time, Toph thought it would be hilarious to dare Zuko and Katara to kiss-

Toph: It totally was-

Sokka: I had to watch my best friend shove his tongue down my sisters throat!

Zuko: Oh, c’mon it wasn’t that bad 🙄

Katara: Yeah, Sokka, grow up. It’s not like you and Suki were any better.

Suki: We all had to leave because Zuko decided to pull you on his lap and take things way too far.

Sokka: My eyes have yet to recover from the trauma!

Aang: Wait...they did what? Katara!

Katara: Shrugging Well, it was Truth or Dare. If I refused the dare, I'd have to accept the consequences.

Zuko: Yeah...and the consequence was to drink some concoction that Toph mixed up and dipped Sokka's sock in. Shudder Yeah, no thanks.

Toph: Clearing her throat Actually, that consequence wasn't in play until afterwards, when Sokka wanted to bail on eating a bug from Momo's fur.

Sokka: Talk about a rock and a hard place.

Suki: Toph's right, though. That was a few turns after your dare. Toph barely got the words out before you took the game from 'family friendly' to 'no kids under 13'.

Toph: So I guess it was a good thing you went to bed early, Twinkle toes.

Toph: Now that I think about it, it was actually the opposite on your turn…

Flashback

Toph: Zuko, I dare you to kiss Katara.

Katara: *Squeaks* What?!

Zuko: Don’t worry Katara, you don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with-

Katara: No, I have to. It’s the rules.

Suki: You really don’t-

Katara: No. Rules are rules, there’s no backing out.

Sokka: We just said you don’t have to!

Zuko: You know, Katara’s right. Rules are rules.

Suki: The rules were not to do anything anyone was uncomfortable with-

Zuko: *Checks breath* Damn, it sucks we have to do this.

Katara: *Putting on lip gloss* Yeah, no other option.

ATLA Between The Scenes: Game Night

Toph: So, what should we play tonight? It’s your turn to pick, Spice King.

Zuko: Uhhh, I guess we could play truth or dar-

Sokka: Oh hell no!

Suki: Not a chance.

Sokka: After last time?!?!

Zuko: What?

Toph: I thought last time was great 😇

Sokka: Of course you would!

Toph: 𓁹‿𓁹

Aang: Uh, I’m lost. What happened last time? I fell asleep before I could join…

Sokka: Oh, allow me to enlighten you! Last time, Toph thought it would be hilarious to dare Zuko and Katara to kiss-

Toph: It totally was-

Sokka: I had to watch my best friend shove his tongue down my sisters throat!

Zuko: Oh, c’mon it wasn’t that bad 🙄

Katara: Yeah, Sokka, grow up. It’s not like you and Suki were any better.

Suki: We all had to leave because Zuko decided to pull you on his lap and take things way too far.

Sokka: My eyes have yet to recover from the trauma!

Katara: *Posts a selfie on instagram*

Meanwhile, in Zuko’s Car…

Zuko: *Opens Instagram* Purrrr

Lu Ten who just wanted a ride: Ummm…

Zuko: …

Lu Ten: …

Zuko: Never speak of this again-

Lu Ten: Yeah, not happening.

✨Let Katara Kill Yon Rha✨

Fuck the docile, innocent, gentle female character archetype! Let women be angry!

Let’s stop this narrative of “forgiveness is the only way” and “killing will only poison yourself and make you just as bad as them.” This rule seems to only apply to women, and that needs to change.

Ones personal experience is not singular, and just because someone else may feel darkness from killing their oppressor doesn’t mean the other person will.

Let women define justice on their own terms, without unwanted male interference.

@southsidestory ✨✨✨✨

We should make a petition for Katara to murder Yon Rha in the live action show. Get thousands of signatures and send that shit to Netflix. Make our voices heard!! lmao

Seriously though, all of the above is amazing and I couldn't agree more. Tired of women being told we're deficient if we can't forgive violence against us, then applying that shitty logic to fictional characters.

We don't owe our perpetrators forgiveness (we don't owe them anything!) and I won't apologize for wanting Katara to freeze her mother's murderer solid and then shatter him into a million human ice cubes. Hell, if she wanted to sink the Southern Raiders' boat to the bottom of the ocean and skate over their watery graves I'd applaud her!

Yes, I am an angry victim of abuse, and yes I'd love to see fictional girls merc their oppressors and perpetrators. Sorrynotsorry

^^^ This.

This entire post is mainly about how Katara was denied her agency in this episode when Aang decided to force his ideals on her. However it also is about women and other marginalized groups being “encouraged” to submit to the boots on our necks and be content with our abusers continue to live life like nothing ever happened.

The southern raiders always felt incomplete to me because it didn’t feel like Katara actually got closure with Yon Rha. I started to think this way during the final scene with Katara looking sad in the sunset. Where it was implied that she probably regretted not killing him.

My suspicions were only confirmed when she said she'd never forgive him and questioned her choice openly to Aang—asking herself if she didn’t go through with it because she wasn’t strong enough to, or strong enough not to.

And that’s doubt. Doubt, which 100% comes from Aang forcing his idealistic image of her. Those moments of doubt told me that it was likely her character did want to kill him, or at one point felt it was the right thing to do, but the writers (Bryke) thought it would make her character imperfect. Therefore her decision feels hollow when the narrative forced us to believe it was Aang’s influence that led her to make the “right” decision.

This episode shouldn’t have revolved around Zuko's forgiveness or Aang’s morals but Katara's closure. In many ways it did accomplish that, but that one scene with Aang before she and Zuko left and the scene at the end undermined that.

I would’ve been absolutely fine with Katara’s decision not to kill Yon Rha- happy even- because there is no one way to find closure or get justice. But it wasn’t really framed as her decision, it was forced on her by Aang, and the narrative Bryke chose to go with.

This episode had the opportunity to be a completely Katara-centric episode which could’ve still led to a deeper understanding of Zuko and his struggles through their shared grief. The episode should've been framed as her forgiveness of Zuko being a byproduct of her decisions, not someone else's.

That said, this episode is by far the most Katara-centric episode in the entire series and still one of my favorites, but this is the one way I think it fell short, especially with post canon material emphasizing that her decision was the result of Aang’s advice and not her own moral compass.

However, I can admit I am biased as someone who is a survivor of abuse and who is- to this day- encouraged to forgive my abuser or at the very least let it go. But he doesn’t deserve my forgiveness or complacency.

Being told that my anger means he still “has power over me” isn’t helpful at all. All that does is tell survivors that our anger still gives our abusers the right to re-victimize us every time their actions have influenced our decisions and that our progress isn’t as valid as we think it is

Women and other marginalized groups being insisted to be silent allows there to be a lack of accountability towards our oppressors and the current systems in place make it nearly impossible to get justice through legal means if you are not white and or rich.

This is a case of post-canon material retroactively changing what was portrayed.

TSR never undermined Katara’s agency, but went out of its way to portray her decisions as her own. The biggest blunder of the episode is that it’s never made explicit how wrongly Aang acted, which has left Bryke leeway to reconstruct reality. But it’s Bryke, over and over and over, trying to convince us that Katara acted the way she did because of Aang’s influence.

Meanwhile, Katara herself clearly showed during TSR that she disregarded that advice. She never cites Aang as influencing her decision. She clearly says she doesn’t know why she didn’t kill Yon Rha (which unlinks her choices from Aang’s advice) and even more clearly states that she will never forgive Yon Rha (explicitly against Aang’s advice). Katara’s choices were entirely self-informed.

I respectfully disagree.

The episode ends with Zuko telling Aang, “you were right about what Katara needed.”

Like what?!?! What was Aang right about? He did nothing! It was Zuko’s idea was to help Katara find closure by finding her mother’s murderer, not Aang. It was Katara who decided to take Zuko up on his offer.

Zuko was the only one who knew what Katara needed because on his own experience with loss and his experience confronting the person who took his mother away from him. What did Aang do?

Aang had nothing to do with that decision. Aang actively tried to stop her. And in doing so, he compared Katara to her dead ex-lover and the murder of her mother to the time his pet went missing. He only relented when he realized there was no stopping her. But until that moment, he tried everything in his power to prevent Katara from leaving.

That line was 100% shoehorned in my Bryke to make it look like Aang was why Katara found closure and not Zuko or herself. It was added to make it another one of Aang’s episodes where he saves the day with his monk wisdom. Zuko would’ve never said that after what Aang said before they left, especially after what Katara said mere moments earlier when she said Aang of her doubts.

The only thing that redeems that statement is Zuko’s subsequent question about how Aang will deal with his father, introducing Zuko’s doubts about Aang’s ability to do his job.

Escape Continued

First installment

Mai was not unfamiliar with the feeling of anger. It’s not as though she wasn’t prepared for Zuko to throw her out. But she wasn’t expecting it either. That left her with resorting to her second plan, her messy plan. 

Mai knew her father would take the bait; he always hated Zuko’s plans of peace and tolerance for other nations. But he also wasn’t the brightest of men either. Before She and Zuko got back together, she found out he was behind the handful of times the New Ozai Society attempted to assassinate Zuko. And as such, she also knew he was the reason they failed. 

But that was fine. He wasn’t needed for anything significant; he just needed to start a rumor. The rumor of the water tribe peasant and her plans to take over the fire nation’s pride by spreading her legs. 

“Messenger?” Mai called to the worker at the messenger hawk counter. 

“Yes my lady?” He asked respectfully. 

Mai smirked. The messenger at the desk was a younger boy, but intelligent enough to see she was nobility. He would do. 

“I need you to send this to someone important.” Mai prefaced. “you won’t need a hawk, he lives nearby but he prefers to have messages delivered in person.” Mai smiled before discretely sliding over a heavy bag of gold coins. “would you be able to help me?”

The boy’s eyes widened at the nicely sized bag. Smirking, Mai knew she had him in her clutches. Someone in his position had to be poor. He immediately nodded, reaching for the money until he felt sharp nails digging into his shoulder.

“Don’t make me regret this,” she said, her grip getting tighter. The boy squirmed, clearly in pain. He knew this was a threat and he knew better than to mess this up. He quickly nodded.

“I won’t, milady.” She nodded, accepting his reply.

She gave him a small piece of paper with her home address on it.

“Here,” she shoved the piece of paper in his small hand, “deliver this message to my father. Slide it through the small hole in the door.”

She watched the boy nod once more before he grabbed his belongings and left. Mai sighed.

It wasn’t like her to be this impatient. She couldn’t stop the slight tremble in her slender fingertips as she dug her long black nails into her palms. She remembered something her mother told her awhile back that instantly calmed her.

“All good things come to those who wait.”

And the rest, she mused, would follow.

Ukano saw his tenuous grasp on his future slipping through his fingers, even as he tightened his grip on the letter in his hands. The engagement was off. His daughter would be coming home.

Mai hadn’t gone into detail what had led to this sudden rift, but there were hints. One of Zuko’s friends arrived looking for a place to stay, them Zuko had disappeared with her several times over the course of the following weeks. That Ukano remembered, and he knew the friend to be the waterbender who was claimed to be so benevolent and beautiful. Zuko had come back after his last disappearance and broken off the engagement with Ukano’s daughter. The rest the irate father could guess at. He had often wished to be a firebender, but now the desire was all consuming. He would have challenged the Fire Lord to an Agni Kai and given him a scar to match the other before he incinerated the honorless whelp and took the throne for himself!

Ukano wasn’t a firebender, though. And Agni Kais had been banned immediately following the war. He would have to handle this situation more delicately. It would take much care. First, though, there was his daughter to consider. Michi would go to the palace and comfort their daughter the way only a mother could in situations like this. In the meantime, Ukano had plans to make.

Aang stood in stunned silence, as his own bison rebelled against him. Appa simply refused to budge, and had for the last six hours. Aang was growing increasingly desperate. He absolutely had to reach Katara before she arrived at the capital. Once she knew the truth about the whole Avatar spirit situation, she would see she was fated to be with him. Together they could be the most powerful Avatar the world had ever seen. Enforcing balance would be a cinch! Katara just had to see reason first, and Appa needed to stop being so spirits-damned stubborn. What was  the point of being the Avatar if nobody would listen to what he had to say?

Zuko was watching as Katara slept curled up in Druk’s warmth. Shortly after the confrontation with Aang, the sunset and Druk needed to find a place to rest. Zuko could tell his dragon was running low on energy after using all his strength and speed to find Katara. 

They ended up in one of the Fire Nation’s smaller islands and made camp in an abandoned cavern lit by glowing crystals. Druk looked very happy to see Katara. His purrs rumbled against the cavern walls while Katara’s breathing remained even and peaceful. 

It was late into the night before Katara yawned in the comfort of Druks tail. “Where are we?”

“We’re on a smaller island a little farther off from the main island chain. It’s a more secluded island and small enough that someone flying from a high distance wouldn’t be able to spot it. You’re safe here.

“Hmmm.” Katara mused. “You know, your friend makes a lovely blanket.”

Druk hummed approvingly.

“Don’t tell him that,” Zuko teased. “Or he’ll have an even bigger ego than before.”

Katara laughed. “So… what now?” Katara’s face lit up with sudden horror. “Wait- how long have we been gone? Won’t people be looking-

Zuko waves his hands placatingly. “Don’t worry. Minister Hao is taking care of things during my leave.”

Katara huffed. “At least you have someone competent to look after your duties unlike last time.”

Zuko groaned. “Don’t remind me.” The last time he left in a rush for an emergency, Zuko left Sokka in charge. Aside from changing the national holiday of his great-great-grandfather Sozin’s birthday to “National meat day,” no actual harm was done. But Zuko did have a lot of explaining to his citizens, who never thought such a decree would be given.

“You’re thinking about it aren’t you?” Katara smirked.

“National meat day?” Zuko asked. “Katara, as stupid as it is, I at least thought your brother would come up with a more creative name than just “national meat day.” 

“You’re lucky Suki was there. If she wasn’t, he was gonna name it “national Sozin can suck on these-” 

“I know. I know,” Zuko groaned. 

“And this is coming from the man who hasn’t changed it back and it’s been… how long?”

“Three years.” Zuko admitted shyly. “To be completely fair, It wasn’t that bad of a decision… People enjoy the free food.”

“Don’t tell Sokka that.” Katara teased. “If you do, he’ll never let you live it down.”

“I wasn’t planning on it….” Zuko frowned. “Speaking of Sokka. If you don’t mind sharing, why didn’t you go to him after the breakup? I guess it makes sense you wouldn’t because Aang would find-”

“It wasn’t just that.” Katara admitted. “I mean- okay- yes, That was definitely part of it. But I had more to think about than just myself. After Aang blew up. I had to consider not only Sokka’s safety, but his family. I know he and Suki would’ve taken me in. But, Yue just said her first words, and they shouldn’t have to worry about protecting their daughter and me from a volatile avatar.” 

Zuko nodded. “I understand that. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep-”

“You didn’t!” Katara assured him. “You have been absolutely wonderful through this entire thing… I’m the one who should be sorry for intruding on your life and your relationship-”

Zuko scoffed. “Don’t need to worry about that anymore.” 

Katara froze. Her heart felt like it was on fire. “What do you mean? What happened-”

“She broke our deal,” Zuko explained. “She helped Aang find you after she promised she wouldn’t, and in doing so…” Zuko hesitated. He didn’t want her to feel like it was her fault.

“Let me guess,” Katara added. “She implied we were more than friendly and he threw a tantrum?”

Zuko winced. “Yeah… No one was killed, thank Agni. But they could have been and all out of spite. She almost had my people killed.”

A tense silence followed. Zuko could see the guilt on Katara’s face. He knew she would blame herself. But he also knew that she wouldn’t say it out loud. 

Zuko sighed. “It isn’t your fault you know.”

Katara frowned. “It’s hard not to feel like it… If I never came to you, your people wouldn’t have suffered-”

“Katara, my people love you. If you were around the last time there was an emergency, I would’ve chosen you to take my place instead of Sokka. 

“Don’t patronize me. Sokka may be an idiot at times, but he’s at least got formal leadership experience as next in line for chiefdom.”

“You are more capable than anyone to lead. Half of the time when you visit, I think my people are more supportive of my policies because you’re the one presenting them.” 

“Now that’s ridiculous.” Katara blushed.

“Not in the slightest.” Zuko insisted. “I barely get time to leave the palace without a mask, let alone talk to my own people.”

Katara’s blush deepened.

“You, however,” Zuko continued, “you have a perspective of the world I’ll never get. You’ve been everywhere, helping everyone. You know what the people need. You aren’t afraid to speak your mind, and you aren’t afraid to tell my council when they’re wrong. You’re… amazing….”

Zuko didn’t know when he and Katara got so close, but he swore he could count every eyelash on her face, and she was moving closer.

They were now toe to toe, waiting for the other to make the first move. Katara almost stopped breathing. She’d wanted this for so long that part of her thought this was a dream. She pinched her thigh softly, informing her that no, this was not a dream and everything happening right now was real.

She stood on the tips of her toes and pressed her lips softly to his. He had never felt such softness in his life. Her lips were warm, beckoning him to continue. Zuko wrapped his arms around her waist as she placed hers behind his head. They were both in the moment, reveling in the touch and taste of one another until Katara pulled away.

“W-wow, that —”

“— was good.”

××××××××

Mai had been sitting for awhile, examining her shuriken, before hearing the door open. It was her mother.

“Mai, are you alright? Your father —”

“I’m fine. Everything is going according to plan.”

Her mother’s eyebrows slightly rose up at that. Her husband had told her the exact opposite.

“What plan?”

Mai rolled her eyes, “He should’ve already told you. If he has the letter, then it’s written in there.”

Ukano didn’t share much with Michi, but she trusted that what her daughter was saying was true.

She pulled up a chair next to her daughter. “I want you to tell me exactly what you have planned.”

Mai almost laughed at the concern her mother affected, but said nothing. She continued playing with her shuriken for a few more silent minutes. It was really quite silly of Michi to think she would divulge any more of her plan than strictly necessary, and her mother had no crucial role to play. Mai distributed information on a need-to-know basis; it was what had made her so successful at plotting. The best kept secrets are the ones never shared, after all.

Michi was reaching her breaking point. Mai might be all grown up, but she ought to have some respect for her family; honor demanded it. All she was asking for was to be told what was going on. It was not an unreasonable request, especially since the political future of the Fire Nation might very well hinge on her daughter’s plans!

“Mai,” she repeated, voice shaking slightly, “what are you and your father playing at?”

“We are ushering the Fire Nation into a new era of glory,” Mai answered evenly. “Best dust off your court manners, Mother. You might be needing them soon.”

Minister Hao might be the newest member of Zuko’s council, but he had something the others didn’t, perspective. Before the war ended, Hao temporarily worked as a servant in the governor’s estate in Omaha. Governor Ukano was a horrible person to serve, but Hao’s family needed the money, so he had to take it. It was a stressful job, but not all bad when he looked back at what he had learned. 

Hao learned about Ukano’s love for the Fire Nation and his pride in Fire Lord Ozai. He also learned about Ukano’s weaknesses in his army. This information helped Hao build an army of his own and lead a successful revolt against Ukano’s guard. 

Thus, when Hao found himself offered a position in the highest court in the Fire Nation under Fire Lord Zuko, you could imagine his surprise when he saw the Fire Lord was in a relationship with Ukano’s daughter. 

At first, Hao was worried Mai would recognize him, but he soon learned she never looked servants in the eye. He didn’t trust her, and he made sure to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. His fears were sadly proven to be right. 

Hao heard the argument between Mai and Zuko before Zuko ended the relationship for good. It was too easy, Hao noted. The way Mai seemed to shrug off the breakup and the ease in which she held herself as she left the central courtyard left him weary. Weary enough to follow her as she left the messenger Hawk stand and went to an abandoned building in the Caldera. 

What he saw frightened him. A man hidden beneath his cloak arrived with a scroll that looked to bear the seal of the imperial court. What was she planning?

“Were you followed?” the stranger asked.

Mai rolled her eyes. “please. you really think so lowly of me? I’m not an idiot.”

“Can never be too careful, my lady.”

Mai opened the scroll and smirked. “This will do perfectly. Send my regards to Madam Lin.”

“You can thank her by following through with your end of the deal. speaking of deals” the man held out his hand expectantly.

Mai huffed and took out a bag of gold coins. “Feel free to count it, but I’m sure this will more than suffice for your troubles. I added some extra for your discretion.”

“You don’t have to worry about my ‘discretion.’” The man growled.

“Like you said,” Mai said. “You can never be too careful.”

Hao was disturbed by the communication, but at least now he had a place to start. He had a name, Madam Lin.

The air between Katara and Zuko was tense, but not uncomfortable. She had one of his hands and was idly tracing the lines on his palm. Zuko sat still, as if afraid of spooking her. Katara bit back a smile. She had kissed him first, but he was still convinced she didn’t mean it.

“You left before I could say anything,” she told him.

“Huh?” Zuko’s nose wrinkled in confusion.

“On Ember Island, you dropped that bomb on me and you left before I could react.’ Katara tried to look stern, but her lips twitched up in an inevitable smile. “You said you loved me.”

“Oh.” Zuko’s face bloomed into a spectacular blush. “Well, not those exact words, but that was the gist.”

“Zuko?” He looked up and met her eyes. Katara released his hand and brought her hands to cup his chin. Then she kissed him, slow and lingering. “Thank you.”

The sun had long since set. Katara caught a couple of fish, and Zuko cooked them. Druk went off to hunt on his own, leaving the pair on the rocky beach.

“You’ve been gone for a while,” Katara noted.

“Like I said, Hao can handle it,” Zuko shrugged carelessly.

“Zuko-”

“I’ll head back soon,” he promised. “As soon as I get you someplace safe. What about the Foggy Swamp?”

“Zuko, I can’t ask you to take more time for me. You have people counting on you.”

“You’re the only one that matters right now.”

“We both know that’s not true. The world needs Fire Lord Zuko.”

“Katara, Aang put you in a cage! If I hadn’t found you-”

“I know.” Katara laced her fingers through his and sighed. “What a mess!” Zuko lifted their hand and kissed the back of Katara’s hand quickly.

“I’ll take you to the Foggy Swamp at first light,” he said. “Then I’ll go back to Caldera and see what damage needs to be undone. I’ll reach out to the others, too. Aang is way out of line, and we need to do something. ”

“Toph’s going to have some words for him,” Katara chuckled mirthlessly.

“Hopefully words carved in stone.”

Back at the palace, Mai was waiting. That was all she seemed to do these days, waiting. Wait for the messenger, wait for her father, wait for the right time, wait, wait, wait, wait. To be quite frank, she was sick to death of waiting. She just needed to be patient for a little while longer…

Once the new Fire Lord was installed, everything would fall into place. Mai would have all the power she needed. After all, whoever she put on the throne would feel obligated to marry her out of gratitude, and the position of Fire Lady came with a hefty amount of influence. The only position more influential would be being with the Avatar. Zuko’s waterbender was an idiot, giving up a spot like that simply because she didn’t love the Avatar the way he wanted her to. She could have shaped the world if she stayed. Alas, the waterbender had to go after what wasn’t hers.

Mai might not love Zuko, per se, but she definitely felt quite possessive over him. He was hers, and he’d thrown away a very smart political match for the stupid ice peasant. If he had even a little imagination, he could have had both, but Zuko was not known for being politically smart. At least, not Mai’s brand of politically smart…

“Mai-dear!” Mai flinched at the sound of her mother’s voice. Michi always said her daughter’s name as if she had been given the name Mai-dear at birth. Michi entered the study followed closely by a maid carrying a tray of far too many sweets for any one- or even three people to consume in one sitting.

“What’s this?” Mai arched one delicate eyebrow at the pile of pastries and sweet tea. Michi settled on a chair across from Mai and motioned for the maid to set the tray on the desk.

“You’ve been in here for hours, and I though you could use a break and some food.”

“Food?” Mai looked pointedly at a tart piled high with whipped cream.

“When I was your age and I went through a bad break up, your grandmother would sit with me and brush my hair and we’d pig out on junk food until we were sick. Nothing cures a broken heart like plum cakes!”

“My heart isn’t broken, Mother.” Mai wished that Michi hadn’t left her brother Tom Tom home with his nanny. Being on the receiving end of her motherly instincts was an unnecessary aggravation. How she had been born of such a silly woman, Mai would never understand.

Before Mai could send her mother away, there was a knock at the door. Hao didn’t wait for permission to enter. Mai noted that with slight sneer.

“Forgive the intrusion my ladies,” he said insincerely. “I had word from Fire Lord Zuko that you would be leaving and may need some assistance.” Mai bristled inwardly, but kept a placid look on her face.

“How dare you!” Michi snapped. “This has been my daughter’s home for three years! She will leave when she’s good and ready. Leave, before I have you punished for your impertinence.” Hao looked amused rather than cowed.

“I have been entrusted with keeping the palace running in his majesty’s absence,” he said. “I understand this is a trying time for all involved in the…unfortunate development. Please know that I’m always here to help. Always.

That sounded like a warning. Mai smiled pleasantly, a sight that had sent lesser men running.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Thank you.

Druk swept over the vast ocean of greenery looking for a place to land. The Foggy Swamp was as mysterious and other worldly as she remembered all those years ago. Katara felt something call out to her, similar to the tide’s calls but different somehow.

“There.” She pointed to the enormous banyan-grove tree towering over the canopy.

Zuko nodded and urged Druk towards the tree. The dragon slipped through the tangled vines and landed on a massive branch. Zuko looked around, even more on edge, as he helped Katara down. He has heard strange rumors of the swamp ranging from wandering souls to rouge spirits. Although Zuko knew Katara can handle herself, he did not like the idea of leaving her alone in this place.

“As soon as I’m done in Caldera …” He trailed off when he caught a glimpse of some sort of swamp creature watching them. “Watch out!”  

Zuko shot a fire blast into the shadows. Vines immediately wrapped around his arm as the swamp creature came into full view. Druk snarled preparing to attack.

“Wait stop!” Katara jumped in front of them with her arms up. “It’s Huu, the waterbender guardian of the swamp!”

The vines on the creature parted slightly revealing an elderly man.

“Greetings Master Katara, Firelord Zuko, and Druk.” He smiled brightly as the vines released Zuko. “It’s good to see you again.”

“How do you know who we are?” Zuko questioned.

It wasn’t much of a stretch for the guardian to pick up general news from neighboring Earth Kingdom towns, but that doesn’t explain how he knew Druk’s name.

“The ancient banyan-grove tree connects all spirits.”

Zuko raised his brow. Maybe the rumors weren’t too far off.

“Guardian Huu, is it alright if I stayed here for a bit? It won’t be long.”

“Of course, Master Katara. Anything for kin. I’ll tell the boys to cook up a real feast.”

Katara flashed him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

Huu returned to the vines and slipped down the trunk with Druk carefully watching his every move. Zuko ran his hand through his hair as his mind raced. He didn’t want to leave Katara no matter how badly he needed to. Sensing his hesitance, Katara squeezed his hand.

“Go make sure Caldera’s still in one piece. I’ll be fine.”

“I know.” Zuko sighed deeply then kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back soon. We’ll figure out where to go from there.”

He mounted Druk and took off. Katara watched them rise into the sky until they were nothing but a spec in the clouds.

~*~

She laid wide awake staring at the ceiling. Even after the sparing with the swamp benders and gorging on surprisingly tasty fly-beetles, sleep evaded her. So much was on her mind, yet deep down, she knew that was not was preventing rest. Fed up, Katara slipped out the hut and made her way to the banyan-grove tree.

It had been calling out to her ever since they arrived. Katara remembered how Aang used it to find Appa and Momo when they first visited in the swamp. She did not want to risk alerting Aang through the tree’s roots but that was before she ran out of distractions. There was no ignoring the call now.

After taking a deep breath, Katara steeled herself then placed a hand on one of the giant roots. A bright blue light ran across the roots causing the world around her to distort and fade in and out. Katara saw a figure fading in and out dressed in heavy Water Tribe furs.

“Dad?”

“No, Katara.” He removed the polar bear-dog headdress.

“Avatar Kuruk? What are you doing here?” Katara asked confused.

“The spirits sent us.” Kysohi appeared behind her, flickering like Kuruk. “They said it’s time.”

“I thought only the Avatar could be visited by past Avatars.”

“That is true.” Roku said. “This is a rather… unique situation.”

“I don’t follow.”

Yang Chen took her free hand and spoke gently. “We have something important to tell you.”

~*~

After hours of prodding and begging, Aang finally got Appa to move from his spot. But it was too late. Katara and Zuko were long gone. Aang fumed. Normally when he was this upset, he’d be in the Avatar State but all he could mustered were strong winds and a splitting headache. He had to find Katara fast. Once she knew the truth and she’ll see reason and reunite with him. Then balance would be restored.

Aang clutched his aching head as another wave hit. Amidst the pain, he could barely make out glimpses of the spirit world as it flickered between the natural world. But it wasn’t the night sky where he was now. Aang saw thick vegetation, vines, and massive roots. It seemed so familiar.

“The Foggy Swamp!” he gasped.  

That’s where she was.

“Hang on Appa.” Aang steered reins and headed east. “I know where to go now.”  

“That’s impossible- I can’t-” Katara heaved.

“Calm down, child,” Yang Chen said softly. “Sit down and take some deep breaths. You’re shaking.”

Katara nodded as she sat down and heaved a shaky sigh.

“It’s impossible.” She said, softer than before.

Yang Chen gave Kyoshi and Kuruk and sympathetic look. “You know deep down it isn’t.”

Katara wanted to cry. Everything she’d been suppressing for years started to make all too much sense. It made her head spin.

“You’re remembering now, aren’t you?” Kuruk asked solemnly.

Katara nodded with unshed tears.

The night of Katara’s sixteenth birthday changed everything for her. She woke up in the middle of the night with a sudden rush of overwhelming energy and came to find her room covered in ice, with all four walls bearing the symbol of each element. She thought it was a dream and fell back asleep. But when she woke up the second time in the morning, it was still there, shining just as brightly and as frozen as before.

But this time, there was more; in the center of the ceiling lay a depiction of Tui and La circling over where she slept with eyes that seemed to follow her every move. She was too frightened to dwell on it, so she did what any panicked sixteen-year-old would. She gathered all the ice, melted it, and threw it out her window before anyone else could see it.

That was the first of many strange events in her life that followed that day. The next event followed when her temper got the best of her in Yu Dao. Segregationists started harassing mixed families, and one unlucky member found himself the target of Katara’s wrath.

But, that time was different. Instead of merely her voice rising, the water around her seemed to rise everywhere and follow her fury like never before. She didn’t realize it until the man before her turned white before fainting.

Katara was confused until she turned to see the large swirl of ice behind her, spinning like a wheel before coming to an immediate halt, when she saw her hands moving of their own accord.

Other times she swore she could hear voices when there weren’t any, but now at the foggy swamp, Katara recognized those voices as the avatars staring at her with a mix of sympathy and pride.

“When Aang defeated Ozai,” Yang Chen started. “It was his job to restart his journey to control the avatar state. But when he failed-”

“Refused.” Kyoshi corrected.

Yang Chen sighed. “When he refused, Aang neglected his duty as the avatar to do what is best for all people and not only himself.”

“What are you saying?” Katara had a feeling about what they were going to say but wanted to hear it from them.

“What we’re saying,” Kuruk started. “We’re saying that after the events of yesterday, it has been made clear that Aang is no longer worthy of his powers and title-”

“But more importantly,” Kyoshi interjected. “That you are.”

Zuko had it all planned. He would pop into Caldera and meet with Hao and his uncle. Then once he had made sure that the country was running smoothly he’d reach out to Sokka and the others and get them to the Fire Nation as soon as possible to figure out what to do about Aang, and then finally, he would go back for Katara and get her someplace safe. Preferably someplace he could get to easily.

His plans very seldom worked out, however. As soon as Zuko slid down from Druk’s back, Hao rushed into the courtyard to meet him.

“Fire Lord Zuko,” Hao greeted him with a respectful, but hurried bow. “I am sure you want to rest after your trip, but your uncle, General Iroh requires your presence urgently.”

Something was wrong. Zuko felt a pit in his stomach. He didn’t know what exactly was wrong yet, but as Hao led him to Iroh’s apartment, he had a sinking feeling that it would take much longer than he’d hoped to gather his friends and get back to Katara.

“Nephew,” Iroh rushed to the door and pulled Zuko into a bruising hug. “I am so glad you have returned safely. Minister Hao has been keeping me apprised of some disturbing rumors around the palace.”

“If it’s about Aang, I already know,” Zuko said grimly. “I’m already working on-”

“I’m afraid that’s not the issue, my lord,” Hao interrupted. “I have some worrying news…about Lady Mai.

It started with a whisper.

Ukano was a man known for his power and influence amongst nobility, as well as his knack for being sneaky. He had been busy, plotting against the Fire Lord so that his daughter could eventually take the throne. Zuko was too weak, and a weak Fire Lord meant a weak Fire Nation.

And all it took was a whisper.

He had paid his servants handsomely for spreading the rumors about the waterbender. About how she had left the Avatar for the Fire Lord and how Zuko left his daughter for the ice peasant. She was a whore, someone to not trust in the slightest.

One servant is all it took for the word to spread. Ukano sent his contact within the palace to let his daughter know, a smirk gracing his lips.

××××

Mai received word of her father’s doing, unclenching her fingers from her tight grasp. She had to admit that she was a tad worried it wouldn’t work out, but she had to trust her skills. And she had to put more trust in her father.

“Mai-dear, did something happen?”

Oh. Right. Her mother was still here.

Mai cleared her throat, “Father has been busy doing something for me. I just received word that it’s been effective thus far.” Michi beamed.

“Well, that’s good news! Perhaps — ”

Suddenly the door bursted open, and Mai’s eyes widened slightly.

It was Zuko, with Minister Hao in tow.

“I thought I told you to leave!”

Before she could say anything, Michi shot up from her seat, furious.

“Zuko, that's—”

He corrected her with lightning speed, “That’s Fire Lord Zuko to you!”

Michi stood, meeting his gaze. There was something hard in her expression but he couldn’t pinpoint what.

“Are you sure about that?” Zuko flinched.

“It was you.” He sneered. “You were the one behind the assassination attempts!”

Mai shook her head almost amused. “Honestly Zuko. Do you really think my mother could pull off something like that?”

“Governor Ukano is certainly capable.” Hao narrowed his eyes at Mai. “As are you.”

“How absurd!” Michi fumed. “First you barge into my home demanding us to leave, then your servant accuses us of treason?!”

“That’s exactly what is happening.” Zuko said pointedly. “Guards, arrest these two for trespassing and treason!”

Nobody moved.

“Guards, I said arrest them!”

Zuko tighten his fists and stood back to back with Hao as the guards surrounded them.

Mai smirked.

“Like she said, are you sure about that?”

~*~

Iroh never considered himself a worrier except when his dear nephew was involved. Once he was informed about the troublesome rumors spread around the palace, he updated the remaining members of the White Lotus to be on guard. Iroh knew it would only be a matter of time before the nobles loyal to Ozai made their move. A reigning Fire Lord having a secret affair with a Water Tribeswoman was just the excuse they were after.

After draining another cup of chamomile tea for his nerves, Iroh glanced out the window for any sign of Zuko or Minster Hao. He soon spotted two figures hurryingly making their way down the street while careful to stay in the shadows. Iroh quickly went downstairs to his tea shop and ushered them inside.

“Were you followed?”

“A squad is on their way now.” Hao answered while cradling his injured arm. Broken most likely.  

“Governor Ukano was behind the attacks! The guards turned against us and Mai…” Zuko clutched his head. “Why didn’t I see this sooner?!”

“Nephew, don’t blame yourself.” Iroh opened a trap door behind the counter. “Go. Minster Hao and I will hold them off.”

“Forget it! I’m not leaving you two.” Zuko said firmly.  

“Fire Lord Zuko,” Hao spoke up. “While investigating Lady Mai, I heard her mention a Madam Lin. I believe she has a major role in the coup.”

“Madam Lin?” Zuko repeated. He’d definitely heard that name before.

“Time is of the essence. The insurrectionists will merely arrest us but kill you on sight.” Iroh led him to the trap door. “I’ve already contacted the White Lotus, but you must leave immediately!”

“Very well, Uncle.”

Zuko gave him a brief hug and thanked Minster Hao who nodded in return. He then ducked into the trap door which led to an underground tunnel. Zuko took off running without bothering to summon a flame to light the way.

Like Koh he was going to abandon his people to save his own skin! He had an idea how to find Madam Lin, but first he needed to make a quick stop. Zuko gritted his teeth. As much as it pained him, Katara was going to have to wait a bit longer.

At least she was safe.

All Katara could think was that it was horribly selfish of her to be worrying about how this would affect her whatever with Zuko. She couldn’t think of any Avatar in history that pursued a relationship with a world leader, and deep down she knew that if or more likely when she had to choose, that she would have no choice but to put the world first. Knowing that Zuko would support her whatever she chose only made it more painful.

But spirits, the world never stopped demanding things of her. First she had to teach Aang to waterbend and keep their group together during the war. After the war, Aang and the world seemed to think she owed him a romantic relationship, and now she was the Avatar?  The world really did like to make her miserable, it seemed.

Somewhere in the far corners of her mind she wondered what Aang thought of this, if he knew of this. If he knew and kept it hidden from her, then he better thank all his lucky stars that she had better self control than he did, or else she might bloodbend him into his third century.

Katara sank down to her knees and let herself cry. Everything was just so much

Chapter 3

End of Thread 2.

Escape Continued

First installment

Mai was not unfamiliar with the feeling of anger. It's not as though she wasn't prepared for Zuko to throw her out. But she wasn't expecting it either. That left her with resorting to her second plan, her messy plan. 

Mai knew her father would take the bait; he always hated Zuko's plans of peace and tolerance for other nations. But he also wasn't the brightest of men either. Before She and Zuko got back together, she found out he was behind the handful of times the New Ozai Society attempted to assassinate Zuko. And as such, she also knew he was the reason they failed. 

But that was fine. He wasn't needed for anything significant; he just needed to start a rumor. The rumor of the water tribe peasant and her plans to take over the fire nation's pride by spreading her legs. 

"Messenger?" Mai called to the worker at the messenger hawk counter. 

"Yes my lady?" He asked respectfully. 

Mai smirked. The messenger at the desk was a younger boy, but intelligent enough to see she was nobility. He would do. 

"I need you to send this to someone important." Mai prefaced. "you won't need a hawk, he lives nearby but he prefers to have messages delivered in person." Mai smiled before discretely sliding over a heavy bag of gold coins. "would you be able to help me?"

Escape

Mai: Why are you always looking at that scar?

Zuko: What?

Mai: The one on your chest. It doesn’t cause you pain- at least not physically. And every time you do, you smile. Why?

Zuko: It’s important-

Mai: Stop lying to me!

Zuko: I don’t understand-

Mai: The scar isn’t important. She is, isn’t she?

Zuko: I-

Mai: *Rolls her eyes* At least look me in the eyes.

Zuko: … *Sighs* She’s my friend Mai… Of course she’s important to me.

Mai: I don’t see why you care about her so much. She’s just a peasant. And I don’t know why you so easily offered her a place to stay here.

Zuko: She needed safety!

Mai: From her boyfriend? So what he had a temper tantrum-

Zuko: He could’ve killed her!

Mai: She doesn’t need to be here. If you won’t kick her out, I’ll just tell Aang where she is-

Zuko: Don’t. You. Dare. If you tell him she’s here, he’ll just guilt her into forgiving him.

Mai: She should forgive him. It’s not like anyone else would love a Southern Water Tribe peasant anyway-

Zuko: *Warning* Tell him where she is, and I’ll consider it an act of treason.

Mai: …

Zuko: *Realizes* What did you do?

Mai: *Smirks* I had to keep you distracted long enough for her to leave the capital. I doubt she’ll come back now that she thinks you were the one who sent him her location.

Zuko: How could you, Mai?

Mai: Pretty easily, it turns out. A few well placed letters, a quiet word of warning, and she scampered off like a frightened little rabiroo.

Zuko: Why? Why would you do that to her? She has never been anything my but-

Mai: Please spare me the righteous indignation. Was I supposed to sit by and watch my boyfriend pine over another woman and do nothing?

Zuko: I am not pining for her! Katara has never done anything to come between us! But if you think I’m marrying you after this-

Mai: Oh, I think you will. You see, Zuko, I was not the only person who noticed your little crush on the water peasant. Several members of your council saw it, and they want to put an end to it. They have spoken to me and they agree that the best thing for the succession is for you to marry a suitable woman as quickly as possible, and in a rare show of common sense, they have decided that I am most suited.

Zuko: They can’t make me marry you. I am the Fire Lord.

Mai: Yes you are! And if you want to stay the Fire Lord, you had better start sending out those wedding invites. Honey.

Zuko: No. If they want me to marry a Fire Nation woman, then I will, but it won’t be you.

Mai: I thought you might say that. That is why I have a little insurance.

Zuko: What do you mean?

Mai: Do you know where your little friend ran off to? I do

Zuko: What are you going to do with this information-

Mai: I have instructed a close confidant of mine to send a letter to the avatar of her whereabouts if you make me leave.

Zuko, gritting his teeth: What do you want?

Mai: Simple, once you formally announce our engagement, I’ll instruct my contact to destroy the letter. But if you don’t, I’ll make sure there’s nowhere she can hide where the avatar can’t find her. She’ll be living in terror the rest of her life, and it will all be because of you.

Zuko, Begging: Mai, please don’t do this. Hurt me? Fine. But she’s done nothing to deserve this. I’ll do anything.

Mai: Send the invitations. We’re done here.

It wasn’t as hard as he’d feared to find Katara, though it occurred to Zuko to be concerned at the ease. Katara didn’t seem surprised at the Blue Spirits sudden appearance at her window.

Katara: That took longer than I expected. What kept you?

Zuko: Y-you know who I am?

Katara: snorting How long did you expect Aang to sit on that? I’ll give him this, he did wait until you’d been with is for a few days.

Zuko: Oh…. Listen, Katara, I didn’t tell Aang where you were. I swear I would never-

Katara: I know it wasn’t you, Zuko.

Zuko: I didn’t- Wait, you know?

Katara: The letter I saw wasn’t stiff enough to he your writing. Your letters always read like you’re expecting to be graded.

Zuko: I-what? No, forget it. If you knew I didn’t send the letter, why didn’t you say anything? You just left.

Katara: Because Aang really is coming and it was better if you didn’t know where I was.

Zuko: throwing his hands up. Um… Bad news.

Sure enough Katara was right. Less than a week after they last saw each other, Aang arrived on his door step begging for his help.

“You have to help me. She’s my forever girl. She doesn’t know what she wants. If I just talk to her I’m sure I can convince her-”

Zuko groaned. “I don’t know where she is Aang.” It wasn’t technically a lie. He didn’t know where she was right now. But that didn’t mean he didn’t know how to find her.

Aang looked desperate. “But you’re the Fire lord! Can’t you use your resources? You can send a search party-”

“I’m not gonna send a search party and waste valuable resources on someone who isn’t truly missing.” Zuko was having a hard time keeping his voice level. “It’s like you said. She left. She wasn’t forced to. She left willingly and doesn’t want to be found. I’m not gonna force someone to show themselves when they aren’t in danger.”

“You don’t know if she’s not in danger though! She’s all alone with no one to protect her.”

Zuko was certain if he didn’t master his element, the room would be on fire. “She can protect herself. She never needed to protecting Aang.” Except from you. He almost added but held his tongue.

“I’m desperate.”

Clearly. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I have a responsibility to my people and,” his voice shook, “a wedding to prepare for. I can’t add this onto my list of pressing issues. Especially since this issue isn’t really pressing or even an issue to anyone but you.”

Aang looked genuinely surprised he wasn’t getting his way. “First Jun, and now you. What are you keeping from me? Why are you keeping her from me-”

Jun? Did he really… “You asked Jun to hunt her down like a lost pet?” Zuko barely held the anger in his voice.

“We’ll clearly it didn’t work, she refused to help me.” Aang snarled. “Just like you are now. I thought we were friends.”

Aang was fuming. Zuko had offered him a room, but Aang was afraid if he stayed he’d reduce the palace to rubble. He stormed out towards the paddock where he’d left Appa. He’d find someplace to sleep for the night, then the next day, he’d get up early to continue his search. Katara was close. He was sure of it. He would find her. Make her see reason. Then..

He reached into his pocket and ran his thumb over the polished metal disk. Katara had told him she didn’t want it, but Aang knew it was just cold feet.

“Avatar Aang.” Aang let out an undignified yelp and spun around. Mai seemed to materialize from the shadow of the stables. There was a smirk on her face that sent a shiver down his spine.

“Oh, um…hi, Mai,” Aang greeted her.

“Are you leaving so soon?” She asked.

“Yeah. I was looking for-”

“I’m aware.”

“I got Zuko’s letter, and he said she was here, but just now-”

“He didn’t send the letter, ” Mai told him. “I sent it.”

“You?” Aang blinked in surprise. Mai sighed and shook her head.

“She was here and Zuko was never going to say. He can be so selfish that way. He thinks I don’t know…”

“Know what?” Aang asked in concern.

“Please understand, Avatar Aang, I don’t believe Zuko would cheat, but the way he looked at her…”

“The way he looked at who?” The concern was abruptly gone from Aang’s voice. His eyes narrowed sharply. Suspiciously.

“Katara,” Mai said sadly. “I could tell they were…a distraction to each other.”

“Distraction?” Aang repeated, outraged. “Did he touch her?”

“I couldn’t say,” Mai dropped her heand and shook it slowly. “I don’t think so, but they spent so much time together. I love Zuko. And that is why I wrote to you. You and your waterbender need to get back together. If she and Zuko are apart, they can both think clearly. And everything will be as it should.”

“I want to,’ Aang said. “I’ve been looking everywhere for Katara, but I don’t know where she is.” The corner of Mai’s lips curled up into a sharp smile.

“I think I can help you.”

“He thinks I don’t know, but once he figured out I sent the letter he squirreled her away to the country to keep her from you. He’s moved her several times, and I might be able to predict where she’ll be next.”  Might as well put that network of spies she’d built up over the years to good use. Even Zuko’s intelligence network was ineffective compared to hers, and he was the Fire Lord.

“Why can’t you tell me where she is now?” Aang asked, sounding more like a petulant child than the keeper of world peace.

“She’s currently in transit, and I won’t know for sure where she is until she reaches her destination. She left the estate just last night - I got word of it right after Zuko returned from an ‘outing.’“ Mai stressed the last word, playing the part of the scorned lover.

“He knows where she is? He lied to me!”

A windstorm kicked up out of nowhere, and Aang’s eyes and tattos began to glow an unearthly white.

Katara was staying in the beach house at Ember Island. She knew Aang was coming. It was obvious he’d try to come to the Fire Nation eventually. Still, the fact it took him this long, just proved how little he cared to listen to her. Every fight they had revolved around building a home with roots. And soon those fights evolved into fights about the last time she felt truly at home and how it no longer was in the South.

At first she agreed but didn’t know why. Aang was convinced it was because her home was with him. But one day it just slipped out. Another fight about “home” and the words “Fire Nation” escaped her before she could hardly believe it herself.

It didn’t take long for her to realize it wasn’t the Fire Nation she saw as home. It was was him, Zuko. Home is where the heart is and after the north started to force their ideals on her homeland, her heart could no longer truly belong there.

“Katara?” Zuko whispered.

Katara’s shoulders relaxed at his voice. Of course he’d find her here. Not like she was hiding from him anyway. She wasn’t exactly subtle when she said she needed to ‘soak up the sun by the waves.’ Unlike Aang, Zuko always knew how to listen.

Zuko coughed lightly. She still had yet to say anything. “I’m here Zuko. Why are you?”

“I came to warn you-“

“No need, I know he’s here. I told you he would be.”

“Are you okay?”

That made her laugh. “Of course not. I’m running away from my ex boyfriend who refuses to accept our break up. And now I have you running around worrying about me when you should be focusing on your wedding.”

“Don’t remind me.” Zuko said bitterly.

Katara raised a brow at that. “What do you mean by that?”

“Forget it. It’s no big deal”

“You are many things Zuko, but a liar isn’t one of them… What’s going on? What do they have on you?”

Zuko sighed, “You…”

“What are you talking about?” Katara asked warily.

“I have to marry Mai. It’s the only way to keep you safe”

“What?” Katara’s voice cracked at his admission. “B-but… you said yourself you didn’t send the location-“

“She did Katara”

Katara froze, suddenly everything made a lot more sense… All this time she thought it was a radical Ozai supporter. But Mai make so much sense- too much sense. Mai must’ve found out about her feelings for Zuko. La, this is such a mess…

Zuko huffed before continuing. “And Mai didn’t just have your location at the time. She has a sample of your scent so that he could find you anywhere! Don’t you see…”

“How did she-“

“You’re right.” Zuko cut in. “I’m not a liar and I don’t break my promises. I promised to keep you safe and if this is the only way-“

“Buffalo-Bull shit! I will not let my problems leave you unhappy. You deserve love Zuko-“

“It doesn’t matter who I marry if it isn’t you!” Zuko’s eyes widened once he realized what he said.

Katara was equally shocked as the weight of his words crashed down on her. “Zuko…”

“Katara, please,” Zuko was quick to grab her hands in both a plea and a promise. “I gave up on marrying for love a long time ago. So please, be happy and find the love you deserve. You don’t owe me anything. You don’t owe me your affections, you don’t owe me your freedom. You owe yourself happiness. Don’t let my feelings stand in the way of that.”

Zuko loved her. Katara always knew he did, but she thought it was platonic. This was a whole new revelation entirely. It left her giddy and elated even as the small voice on her head reminded her that he was engaged and soon to be lost to her forever.

Zuko loved her, and it was all Katara could focus on after he left with a promise to return as soon as he could. The thought followed Katara through her day as she made her meals and trained by the seaside. It followed her to the market and on her meandering walk to the hot springs. It was no wonder then that she was too distracted to notice the odd shadow that passed overhead until Appa landed in front of her. Until Aang slid from the saddle. She had hardly called upbthe first tendrils of water before the air was suddenly forced from her lungs and the world went black…

Aang scooped her up gently and placed her in the saddle. With a quick “yip yip” to Appa, they were on their way. He would take her to the air temples, where she would finally see sense. And if she wouldn’t, the air temple wasn’t too far from Ba Sing Se. Surely there were some old Dai Li members there who still remembered their persuasion techniques…

Zuko was rushing back to the capital. He didn’t have time to think about what had happened between him and Katara… or really what didn’t happen. He left quickly before she could respond to his wayward confession with a promise to return soon,… you know… like an idiot. He had no idea if she even wanted to him to return after that. The last thing she needed was another person’s feelings to worry about when she was already dealing with the consequences of another’s. Yes, he was stupid, but he didn’t have time to dwell on that. It didn’t matter anyway. He promised to keep her safe, and now he had only one option to do so… Marry Mai.

~0-

The palace was a mess when he returned, there were no storms that frequented the capital, but he doubted this was the result of natural causes. The statues of his grandfather and great grandfather were either beheaded or collapsed… no love was lost there. But there was no telling the damage on the inside. Or worse, who was hurt. The first person that came to mind was his father. Had he escaped?

No, Zuko reasoned. If he had, he was certain he would’ve heard about it from someone. And he was sure the capital wouldn’t be as calm as it seemed now. He rushed inside.

“My lord! You’re here; thank the spirits! When we couldn’t find you, we sent a search party-”

“What happened, Hao?” Zuko interrupted.

Hao’s face hardened, “the avatar had an episode.”

“Damn it!” Zuko cursed. Hao was one of his newest council members. He was also his most trusted. He came from Yu Dao with his husband and adopted daughter Ming. He was also the first addition to his council since the last regime. He was only seven years Zuko’s senior with eyes from the fire nation but all other features of the earth kingdom. “How many were injured? Any-” Zuko swallowed, “any killed-”

“No, your majesty.” Hao placated. “Thankfully, no one was killed, but we have around seventeen injured… It’s times like these. I wish princess Katara were still in the castle; she would’ve been able to heal them.”

Zuko may be slow, but he wasn’t completely stupid. Hao was not subtle in his favor of Katara’s presence. She was one of the few people who treated him kindly. She was also the first one to ask about his husband and play with his daughter. “Any children?”

“Four,” Hao remarked sadly. “But they are expected to make a speedy recovery. They’re in the infirmary being cared for by the best healers as we speak. Oh, and Lady Mai is also fine.” Hao mentioned it as an afterthought.

Hao also wasn’t subtle in his dislike of Mai… he didn’t blame him. “Thank you for the report. Anything else?”

That made Hao look nervous.

“Hao?” Zuko asked with a warning.

“The avatar left shortly after… he said he was on his way to find-”

Zuko didn’t need to hear the rest. He stormed into his home, paying no mind to the shocked looks on people’s faces and hasty bows and greetings.

“Where is she?!” Zuko screamed. It wasn’t hard to know who he was looking for.

“Lady Mai is in the spa-“ a servant answered.

Zuko ran. He was going to kill her.

~0~

“Zuko-”

“What. Did. You. Do?”

“What are you-”

“The palace is in chaos, Mai! What the fuck do you think I’m talking about?! What did you do? What did you tell Aang?”

Mai’s face quickly shifted from shock to a mask of indifference. “I guess he got impatient with the lack of help-”

“Don’t you dare act like you didn’t cause this.”

Mai glared. “All I did was tell him she wasn’t here… not anymore at least-”

“You did what?”

“Will you relax? He probably just went to get some air to cool off-”

“Do you have any idea of the danger you just put-”

“Oh Agni, if you say Katara, I’m going to gag-”

“I’m not just talking about Katara! Look around you! What kind of queen puts the lives of innocent people in danger for a grudge? Did you even think about the people in the palace? Have you even visited-”

“Don’t you start talking about putting people in danger! You were the one who put yourself and this country in danger when you decided to jump in front of comet powered lighting bolt for a filthy peasant!”

“If I were you, I would consider yourself lucky, Mai. If you were in her place that day, I doubt I would have reacted as fast.” Zuko said darkly. “Get out of my sight. If you are found anywhere near the palace walls, I will have you arrested for trespassing.”

Mai froze in shock.

Zuko started to leave but paused. “And in case it wasn’t clear, this engagement and our relationship is over.”

Mai’s face paled, and then flushed with rage. Then an eerie calm settled over her. She almost smiled, dropping into an elegant curtsy.

“Well then, your majesty,” she said. “Consider my walking papers delivered.” She spun on her heel and left Zuko staring after her. She paused and tilted her head in his direction. “I do hope the Avatar enjoys his trip to Ember Island. I know that it always calms my nerves when I’m feeling wound up.”

Zuko’s eyes widened as the implication dawned on him.

“You didn’t,” he gasped. Mai only smiled and continued to her apartments.

She was up to something, Zuko knew. She had given in far too quickly. But it would have to wait. Now he had to get to Katara before Aang did something stupid. He ran into the courtyard and let out a shrill whistle. A moment later, a large dark shadow passed overhead. Druk landed in front of Zuko with a plume of smoke.

Katara woke up mid-flight, suddenly finding herself in Appa’s saddle, hundreds of feet in the air. Her first thought was to give Aang a piece of her mind right there and then, but she figured it probably wasn’t the best idea to provoke the volatile Avatar in midair. She could handle herself perfectly fine, but she’d really rather not deal with one of his superpowered temper tantrums without her water handy. She decided it was probably in her best interests if Aang didn’t know she was awake, so she kept perfectly still and closed her eyes, listening for any clues as to where they might be headed.

There was a small forgotten Air Temple on an island due south of Ember Island. Aang himself had only been there a handful of times, and only once after waking from the iceberg. No one else would even think to look for him there. He set Appa down on the cliffside, stirring up the scent of stargazer jasmine from the wild field that had sprung up over the decades. It was where he had imagined bringing Katara on their honeymoon. In his dreams, she had been much happier than she was at that moment.

“Take me back, Aang,” she demanded. She glowered at him dangerously.

“I just wanted to talk,” Aang insisted. “You wouldn’t give me the chance to talk you anywhere else, so I-”

“So you kidnapped me?” Katara shouted. “Aang, do you understand how insane this is?”

“I was desperate!” Aang argued. “You kept running away from me and I don’t understand why!”

“Why?” Katara tangled her fingers in her hair and clenched the roots in frustration. “Because when I told you I wanted to break up, you nearly killed me with one of your super tantrums! We have nothing to talk about!”

“You can’t just end us out of nowhere!” Aang felt heat rush to his cheeks and his hands curled into fists. “I was upset!”

“Oh,” Katara scoffed. “Well that excuses everything! Aang, you are the Avatar! You’re not supposed to lose control because you’re upset.”

“I know that! That’s why I need you-!”

“No!” Katara cut him off and slid off of Appa’s saddle. “You’re not putting this on me! You’re the Avatar. Controlling your power is your responsibility, not mine!”

“I can learn to control it!” Aang jumped out of the saddle and landed in front of Katara. She took a few hurried steps backward. Aang slowed his approach, as if he were trying to calm a wild animal. “I will learn to control it. I know I need to. And when I do, we can get back together.”

“Aang, I’m not going to date you again!” Katara scrambled to widen the distance and moved behind a boulder. “At this point, I don’t even want to be your friend anymore! What is wrong with you?”

“With me?” Aang shook his head in confusion. “Katara, you…you’re my forever girl. We’re destiny. Since the moment I woke in your arms, I knew, I knew we were going to be together. You’ve always been mine. You’re just…just confused.”

“I am not confused. I am not yours! I am angry! Take me back to Ember Island right now!” Aang stumbled back and gasped as if he had been slapped.

“You don’t mean that,” he sounded near tears. “You just need some time to think. This is all Zuko’s fault, but now that you’re free of him-”

“Zuko?” Katara repeated incredulously. “What makes you think he had anything to do with this?”

“I spoke to Mai,” Aang’s face darkened with a scowl. “She told me how close you two had gotten. She was worried you two were cheating. So you see, I’m doing what’s best for everyone! And once you’ve had a chance to clear your head, you’ll see why I had to do this. It’s not just about us, or Zuko and Mai. What do you think the world would say if it got out that the Fire Lord and my girlfriend were having an affair?”

Katara’s rage boiled over. She reached out for any water she could find. It wasn’t much, the old fountain was dry and the ocean was nearly a mile beneath her, but there was a stream, and there was a field of flowers. Aang gasped in horror as the field of white and purple flowers turned withered and brown. Katara sent a column of water crashing into Aang and knocked him off of his feet. Then she bent stong vines around his limbs and torso and ran dor the only escape she could see.

“Appa! We have to go, boy.” She scrambled up the bison’s side, and had just grasped at the saddle when a rush of wind swept her up and sent her crashing to the ground. The wind was knocked out of her lungs, and she could only stare as Aang approached her, apologetically. He knocked the scorched remains of the vines grow his body and helped Katara sit up. She pushed his hands away and half crawled away from him. She found herself in an alcove with Aang blocking the only exit.

“Let me go!” She demanded. Aanf shook his head sadly.

“I’m doing this for your own good.”

“What are you-” Katara was cut off by Aang stomping. The ground shook and a stone lattice rose up and covered the entry. Katara rushed over and shook it. It didn’t budge.

“No…” Katara stared at Aang in horror. “You can’t do this!” Aang was already backing away, Stull shaking his head sadly.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “You have plenty of water, and I’ll be back with food, but for right now, this is the best place for you.”

“Aang, you can’t leave me here,” Katara shouted. “Appa! Appa, help!” The bison groaned and walked towards Katara’s cage, but Aang grabbed his reins and stopped him.

“No, boy,” he said, leaping onto Appa’s back. “It’s OK. She’s safe.”

“Aang, no-”

“Yip yip”

Zuko was going as fast as he could to reach ember island. He and Druk Shared a bond and could tell that Druk shared his anxiety.

Upon reaching the outer village on Ember island, Zuko asked Druk to fly lower so he could scout the area for any sign of Katara. What he saw made his heart drop. Below him, people were in a frenzy. Stalls were in shambles with produce and food scattered everywhere. He already knew what had happened but tried to cling on to hope he might be wrong.

Druk landed gently, and Zuko dismounted quickly so he could ask the people what had happened.

Upon arrival, people in the square bowed, but when he asked what happened, the villagers quickly told him what he feared, the avatar was here.

Zuko wasted no time and ran to his vacation home with Druk flying not far behind. Zuko prayed Katara was still there, and Aang just took her back to the house to “talk.” But no luck. Zuko wasn’t surprised to see she wasn’t there, but it didn’t ease his fears any less. No matter. He couldn’t dwell on these feelings. He had to find her.

With no time to lose, Zuko grabbed the first article of clothing he could find with her scent. After all, her stuff was still there.

~0~0~0~0~

Aang was panicking. He didn’t think Katara would act like this. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

His head was hurting, but he needed to fight it. Now wasn’t the time for… But it was too late; before he could reach the bed roll on Appa’s saddle, his body collapsed, and he awoke in the spirit world surrounded by his past lives. They were angry with him.

“What are you doing?” Kyoshi started.

“You nearly destroyed the fire nation palace.” Roku quickly interjected

“People are hurt.” Yang Chen’s voice silenced the room. “Aang, you know why we’re here.”

Aang was still in shock. He didn’t call for an audience. But he didn’t the last time either. And he thought he was doing everything right to prevent this from happening-

“You kidnapped someone.” Kuruk bellowed. “You kidnapped Katara. Why?”

“She wouldn’t see reason-”

“She broke up with you!” Kuruk interrupted. “She doesn’t have to see your version of reason to do so.”

“I know,” Aang assured him. “But she can’t just do that! She’s my for-”

“Aang,” Kyoshi was scarily calm. “Does this have anything to do with what we told you last time we all gathered here?”

Aang winced at the memory…

Three months ago…

Aang had just exited the avatar state after Katara calmed him down. His head was pounding, and he needed a rest. Why did Katara have to fight him on this? Yu Dao was better off separate… Ugh, he needed to sleep…

A strange sound of weary silence woke Aang. The kind of silence only found in the- wait! Aang opened his eyes. What was he doing in the spirit world?!?!

“What-”

“Silence!” Kyoshi commanded.

“Aang sit down; it’s time we have a talk.” Yang Chen said sweetly. A sharp contrast to Kyoshi’s harsh demeanor.

Aang did as he was told. “What’s going on?”

Kyoshi huffed. “You can’t keep losing control like this.”

“I know. I’m working on it-”

“No, you’re not! You’re using Katara’s pow-”

Yang Chen jumped and covered Kyoshi’s mouth with her hand. “Shhh!”

Kyoshi’s eyes widened with the realization of what she had almost revealed.

Aang was confused, “What were you about to say?”

“Nothing!” Yang Chen assured.

Kyoshi coughed, and Yang Chen released her mouth from her hand with an apologetic look.

“I deserve to know.” Aang insisted.

“Ladies. It’s time.” Roku said as he materialized with Kuruk behind him out of nowhere.

Kuruk is quiet as usual. But his face was stern with determination. A circle of his past lives quickly surrounded Aang. Whatever he was about to be told, he was confident we wouldn’t like it.

“Long ago,” Kyoshi began, “when you were frozen. The spirits were concerned with the power of the avatar laying dormant.”

“the world needed an avatar,” Roku continued. “the world needed balance.”

Yang Chen went on, “so the spirits came up with a plan.”

Kuruk finally spoke, “and their plan was Katara.”

Aang frowned. “I don’t understand…”

Kyoshi sighed. “Why do you think she’s the only one who can calm you down from the avatar state?”

“How do you think she was able to free you?” Roku added.

Aang’s eyes lit up. “Because she’s my forever girl! I knew it! Our love is destined-”

“No Aang.” Yang Chen said sadly.

“It’s because she was meant to take your place,” Kuruk said.

Aang was shocked but remained silent as the avatars continued.

“As we were saying,” Kyoshi said. “The spirits knew the world needed balance.

“they hoped humans would see reason and stop endless fighting,” Roku added.

“But as the war continued, the spirits got desperate.” Yang Chen continued.

Kuruk was next. “So they named a successor.”

“Katara,” Kyoshi said simply.

Roku sighed. “The spirits named her as the next in line.”

“And If by her 16th birthday you didn’t awaken,” Yang Chen grimaced before continuing. “You would die, and she would take on the mantle.”

“The spirits have observed your use of the avatar powers,” Kuruk Bellowed. “They are now considering whether or not you are worthy of them.

“So,” Aang faltered. “What are you saying?”

Yang Chen frowned. “What we’re saying is-”

“Your destiny wasn’t to be with Katara, Aang’,” Kyoshi stated. “your destiny was to die.”

Present…

“No!” Aang whined. “She’s my forever girl-”

Yang Chen growled. “You can’t just keep her around against her will!”

“She isn’t!” Aang said desperately. “She’s just confused-”

“She said herself she’s not!” Kuruk shouted. “We told you about her succession in hopes you’d understand the need to control your emotions! So you would understand that you couldn’t use her as a crutch the rest of your life!”

“Aang,” Kyoshi warned. “There’s never been two avatar linked people alive at the same time before.”

“The spirits are angry,” Roku added.

“Your powers are weakening.” Yang Chen began.

“And hers are growing,” Kuruk said.

“Kuruk,” Aang tried, “your forever girl got taken from you! Why don’t you understand what I’m feeling? You would have torn the world apart to rescue Ummi! All I’m doing is rescuing Katara from herself!”

“Don’t you dare compare Katara leaving you with Ummi being taken by Koh!” Kuruk hollered, his rage nearly palpable. “Avatar Aang, you of all people should know the difference between leaving and being taken. After all, wasn’t that the choice you made a hundred years ago? To leave, rather than to be taken from your home?” he admonsihed.

“Aang, if you continue down this path there will be serious consequences for the entire world. If you continue to misuse your and Katara’s powers, the Hundred Year War will look like a picnic in the face of what will come.” Yang Chen warned Aang, sterner than he’d ever seen.

“You are upsetting the balance of things, Aang. The Avatar is supposed to help keep the balance and you are disrupting it. This is your last warning.” Kyoshi folded her arms. “Goodbye, Avatar Aang. Choose wisely.”

Druk was a young dragon yet, but he wad already a promising tracker. Even Jun and her shirshu would be hard pressed to find fault with the dragon. Still, it was taking a maddeningly long time to find Katara. Aang had taken her to one of the thousands of tiny islands that made up the Fire Nation archipelago, and even with Druk pinpointing which island before Aang realized Zuko was close would be difficult.

Beneath him, Zuko felt more than heard the low rumble of warning from Druk before a large white dot appeared on the horizon. It was Appa. Zuko’s stomach clenched anxiously, but as Appa approach, Zuko realized he wasn’t carrying Aang. His saddle was empty and no one held his reins. Appa swooped around and drew level to Druk. He let out a series of rumbling groans and nudged the dragon’s head gently, then he turned and slowly headed towards one of the islands.

“Follow him, Druk,” Zuko said. Appa glanced back to make sure they were there and after a few minutes, he made his descent. Appa guided them to field of desiccated flowers on a cliff. It took Zuko a moment to realize, but they were on top of a small air temple. He recognized some of the structures on the cliffs. If he and Druk had approached from lower, he knew he would have seen the bulk of the temple beneath the cliff. Appa groaned for Zuko’s attention and pointed his head towards a lattice alcove. Zuko frowned. He’d never seen that particular design on an air temple. Then he realized something was stirring inside.

“Katara?” He called uncertainly.

“Zuko!” Katara reached an arm through the lattice and waved it wildly.

“Katara! What on earth-?” He rushed over and cling to the cage, peering into the dark.

“He’s lost his mind, Zuko!” Katara sobbed. “He wants to keep me in here until I change my mind about him.”

“Is there a lock, or an opening?”

“No. He bent this out of stone. I tried to get out all night, but all I could see was a few cracks. I think it’s not that strong, but I can’t break it, and I don’t have enough water to force it.” It was then that Zuko noticed Katara’s bruised and bloodied knuckles, a testament to the long hours Katara had spent trying to free herself. He breathed out an ominous plume of smoke and ember. Avatar or not, he wad going to beat Aang to a pulp for this.

“Hang on,” he said. “I’ll get you out of here. Dryk, come on boy. I need your help.”

Zuko had a few lengths of strong rope. One end he tied to Druk, and the other he looped through the lattice.

“Where are the cracks?” He asked. Katara directed him to the place where the lattice had given way slightly to her pummeling. Zuko secured the rope quickly and signaled for Druk to pull them. Druk did. Nothing happened. Undeterred, Zuko had Druk keep trying until the dragon was straining and the ropes began to let out small, foreboding popping noises. The lattice didn’t move. Katara began pushing desperately against the stone. Then, suddenly, it gave way with a crash and a plume of dust. Before it settled, Katara had rushed out of her prison into Zuko’s surprised, but willing embrace

“You came!”

“Of course.”

“How did you find me?’

I had help.” Zuko gestured at Druk and Appa.

‘Thanks, boys.“ Katara sagged into Zukos arms. It had been less than a full day, but she’d hardly slept and hadn’t had food or drink since before Aang’s intrusion on Ember Island.

“Katara?” Zuko’s voice was tinged with concern. Katara quaked in his arms. He did his b est to assess any more damage to her.

“I’m ok,” she assured him. “I’m just drained. I have to end this with him, or one of us won’t survive.” Zuko’s hold tightened and Katara felt his temperature spike.

“I’m with you,” he said.

Katara felt the sudden urge to kiss him. No, she couldn’t do that. Not yet, at least. She took in his worried expression and sighed. She didn’t understand how she had let this happened. She had no idea Aang was like this. Wait, she thought. She remembered all those times where he’d lash out at her, and expected her to make him feel better. She shook her head silently, cursing herself for not seeing it sooner. Zuko noticed and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, you okay?”

No, she wasn’t okay. Far from it. She tried to hold in her tears and be strong for once, but she was so tired of being strong. For herself, for those around her. She’d had enough.

Zuko noticed and immediately brushed the tears from her face. When had she started crying?

“Come here,” he said, wrapping his arms around her, “it’s okay to cry.”

And cry she did.

The wind picked up ominously. It was the only warning before Aang landed in the field. He took in the sight of Katara in Zuko’s arms and his face went red with rage.

“So it’s true then,” he said stonily. “There’s something going on between you two? This is why you won’t take me back?” Katara pulled away from Zuko, her tears still drying on her cheeks.

“I won’t take you back because I don’t want you back!” she hissed through her teeth. “You and I are finished. You need to find a way to deal with that. And you need to leave me alone, forever.”

“Wait, Katara, I need to tell you-”

“Nothing!” Zuko said. He put an arm around Katara protectively, and guided her back towards Druk. “She’s told you everything she needs to, and now we’re leaving, and you will stop bothering her. You’re lucky I don’t have you arrested for what you did on Fire Nation soil. But you listen to me, I don’t care if you’re the Avatar. You pull another stunt like this, I’ll have you brought up on charges in an international court. I’m sure Cheif Hakoda would just love to hear what’s going to be done to ensure his daughter’s safety.” Katara and Zuko climbed onto Druk’s back hastily. Aang ran forward, but Zuko stopped him with a blast of fire.

“You don’t understand,” Aang pleaded. “Katara, I have to tell you-”

“We’re done talking, Aang.” Katara glared at Aang coldly. Then with a powerful thrust of wings, Druk launched himself and his passengers into the air. They were gone in moments.

“Appa, we have to go after them!” Aang turned to his friend, but the flying bison let out a low unhappy grumble. Then he turned his back and flopped onto the ground. It would take a while for Aang to compel him from that spot. Long enough for Katara and Zuko to get somewhere safe and hopefully not a place where Aang would think to check anytime soon.

To be continued…

Escape Continued

Escape

Mai: Why are you always looking at that scar?

Zuko: What?

Mai: The one on your chest. It doesn’t cause you pain- at least not physically. And every time you do, you smile. Why?

Zuko: It’s important-

Mai: Stop lying to me!

Zuko: I don’t understand-

Mai: The scar isn’t important. She is, isn’t she?

Zuko: I-

Mai: *Rolls her eyes* At least look me in the eyes.

Zuko: … *Sighs* She’s my friend Mai… Of course she’s important to me.

Mai: I don’t see why you care about her so much. She’s just a peasant. And I don’t know why you so easily offered her a place to stay here.

Zuko: She needed safety!

Mai: From her boyfriend? So what he had a temper tantrum-

Zuko: He could’ve killed her!

Mai: She doesn’t need to be here. If you won’t kick her out, I’ll just tell Aang where she is-

Zuko: Don’t. You. Dare. If you tell him she’s here, he’ll just guilt her into forgiving him.

Mai: She should forgive him. It’s not like anyone else would love a Southern Water Tribe peasant anyway-

Zuko: *Warning* Tell him where she is, and I’ll consider it an act of treason.

Mai: …

Zuko: *Realizes* What did you do?

Mai: *Smirks* I had to keep you distracted long enough for her to leave the capital. I doubt she’ll come back now that she thinks you were the one who sent him her location.

Zuko: How could you, Mai?

Mai: Pretty easily, it turns out. A few well placed letters, a quiet word of warning, and she scampered off like a frightened little rabiroo.

Zuko: Why? Why would you do that to her? She has never been anything my but-

Mai: Please spare me the righteous indignation. Was I supposed to sit by and watch my boyfriend pine over another woman and do nothing?

Zuko: I am not pining for her! Katara has never done anything to come between us! But if you think I’m marrying you after this-

Mai: Oh, I think you will. You see, Zuko, I was not the only person who noticed your little crush on the water peasant. Several members of your council saw it, and they want to put an end to it. They have spoken to me and they agree that the best thing for the succession is for you to marry a suitable woman as quickly as possible, and in a rare show of common sense, they have decided that I am most suited.

Zuko: They can’t make me marry you. I am the Fire Lord.

Mai: Yes you are! And if you want to stay the Fire Lord, you had better start sending out those wedding invites. Honey.

Zuko: No. If they want me to marry a Fire Nation woman, then I will, but it won’t be you.

Mai: I thought you might say that. That is why I have a little insurance.

Zuko: What do you mean?

Mai: Do you know where your little friend ran off to? I do

Zuko: What are you going to do with this information-

Mai: I have instructed a close confidant of mine to send a letter to the avatar of her whereabouts if you make me leave.

Zuko, gritting his teeth: What do you want?

Mai: Simple, once you formally announce our engagement, I’ll instruct my contact to destroy the letter. But if you don’t, I’ll make sure there’s nowhere she can hide where the avatar can’t find her. She’ll be living in terror the rest of her life, and it will all be because of you.

Zuko, Begging: Mai, please don’t do this. Hurt me? Fine. But she’s done nothing to deserve this. I’ll do anything.

Mai: Send the invitations. We’re done here.

It wasn’t as hard as he’d feared to find Katara, though it occurred to Zuko to be concerned at the ease. Katara didn’t seem surprised at the Blue Spirits sudden appearance at her window.

Katara: That took longer than I expected. What kept you?

Zuko: Y-you know who I am?

Katara: snorting How long did you expect Aang to sit on that? I’ll give him this, he did wait until you’d been with is for a few days.

Zuko: Oh…. Listen, Katara, I didn’t tell Aang where you were. I swear I would never-

Katara: I know it wasn’t you, Zuko.

Zuko: I didn’t- Wait, you know?

Katara: The letter I saw wasn’t stiff enough to he your writing. Your letters always read like you’re expecting to be graded.

Zuko: I-what? No, forget it. If you knew I didn’t send the letter, why didn’t you say anything? You just left.

Katara: Because Aang really is coming and it was better if you didn’t know where I was.

Zuko: throwing his hands up. Um… Bad news.

Sure enough Katara was right. Less than a week after they last saw each other, Aang arrived on his door step begging for his help.

“You have to help me. She’s my forever girl. She doesn’t know what she wants. If I just talk to her I’m sure I can convince her-”

Zuko groaned. “I don’t know where she is Aang.” It wasn’t technically a lie. He didn’t know where she was right now. But that didn’t mean he didn’t know how to find her.

Aang looked desperate. “But you’re the Fire lord! Can’t you use your resources? You can send a search party-”

“I’m not gonna send a search party and waste valuable resources on someone who isn’t truly missing.” Zuko was having a hard time keeping his voice level. “It’s like you said. She left. She wasn’t forced to. She left willingly and doesn’t want to be found. I’m not gonna force someone to show themselves when they aren’t in danger.”

“You don’t know if she’s not in danger though! She’s all alone with no one to protect her.”

Zuko was certain if he didn’t master his element, the room would be on fire. “She can protect herself. She never needed to protecting Aang.” Except from you. He almost added but held his tongue.

“I’m desperate.”

Clearly. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I have a responsibility to my people and,” his voice shook, “a wedding to prepare for. I can’t add this onto my list of pressing issues. Especially since this issue isn’t really pressing or even an issue to anyone but you.”

Aang looked genuinely surprised he wasn’t getting his way. “First Jun, and now you. What are you keeping from me? Why are you keeping her from me-”

Jun? Did he really… “You asked Jun to hunt her down like a lost pet?” Zuko barely held the anger in his voice.

“We’ll clearly it didn’t work, she refused to help me.” Aang snarled. “Just like you are now. I thought we were friends.”

Aang was fuming. Zuko had offered him a room, but Aang was afraid if he stayed he’d reduce the palace to rubble. He stormed out towards the paddock where he’d left Appa. He’d find someplace to sleep for the night, then the next day, he’d get up early to continue his search. Katara was close. He was sure of it. He would find her. Make her see reason. Then..

He reached into his pocket and ran his thumb over the polished metal disk. Katara had told him she didn’t want it, but Aang knew it was just cold feet.

“Avatar Aang.” Aang let out an undignified yelp and spun around. Mai seemed to materialize from the shadow of the stables. There was a smirk on her face that sent a shiver down his spine.

“Oh, um…hi, Mai,” Aang greeted her.

“Are you leaving so soon?” She asked.

“Yeah. I was looking for-”

“I’m aware.”

“I got Zuko’s letter, and he said she was here, but just now-”

“He didn’t send the letter, ” Mai told him. “I sent it.”

“You?” Aang blinked in surprise. Mai sighed and shook her head.

“She was here and Zuko was never going to say. He can be so selfish that way. He thinks I don’t know…”

“Know what?” Aang asked in concern.

“Please understand, Avatar Aang, I don’t believe Zuko would cheat, but the way he looked at her…”

“The way he looked at who?” The concern was abruptly gone from Aang’s voice. His eyes narrowed sharply. Suspiciously.

“Katara,” Mai said sadly. “I could tell they were…a distraction to each other.”

“Distraction?” Aang repeated, outraged. “Did he touch her?”

“I couldn’t say,” Mai dropped her heand and shook it slowly. “I don’t think so, but they spent so much time together. I love Zuko. And that is why I wrote to you. You and your waterbender need to get back together. If she and Zuko are apart, they can both think clearly. And everything will be as it should.”

“I want to,’ Aang said. “I’ve been looking everywhere for Katara, but I don’t know where she is.” The corner of Mai’s lips curled up into a sharp smile.

“I think I can help you.”

“He thinks I don’t know, but once he figured out I sent the letter he squirreled her away to the country to keep her from you. He’s moved her several times, and I might be able to predict where she’ll be next.”  Might as well put that network of spies she’d built up over the years to good use. Even Zuko’s intelligence network was ineffective compared to hers, and he was the Fire Lord.

“Why can’t you tell me where she is now?” Aang asked, sounding more like a petulant child than the keeper of world peace.

“She’s currently in transit, and I won’t know for sure where she is until she reaches her destination. She left the estate just last night - I got word of it right after Zuko returned from an ‘outing.’“ Mai stressed the last word, playing the part of the scorned lover.

“He knows where she is? He lied to me!”

A windstorm kicked up out of nowhere, and Aang’s eyes and tattos began to glow an unearthly white.

Katara was staying in the beach house at Ember Island. She knew Aang was coming. It was obvious he’d try to come to the Fire Nation eventually. Still, the fact it took him this long, just proved how little he cared to listen to her. Every fight they had revolved around building a home with roots. And soon those fights evolved into fights about the last time she felt truly at home and how it no longer was in the South.

At first she agreed but didn’t know why. Aang was convinced it was because her home was with him. But one day it just slipped out. Another fight about “home” and the words “Fire Nation” escaped her before she could hardly believe it herself.

It didn’t take long for her to realize it wasn’t the Fire Nation she saw as home. It was was him, Zuko. Home is where the heart is and after the north started to force their ideals on her homeland, her heart could no longer truly belong there.

“Katara?” Zuko whispered.

Katara’s shoulders relaxed at his voice. Of course he’d find her here. Not like she was hiding from him anyway. She wasn’t exactly subtle when she said she needed to ‘soak up the sun by the waves.’ Unlike Aang, Zuko always knew how to listen.

Zuko coughed lightly. She still had yet to say anything. “I’m here Zuko. Why are you?”

“I came to warn you-“

“No need, I know he’s here. I told you he would be.”

“Are you okay?”

That made her laugh. “Of course not. I’m running away from my ex boyfriend who refuses to accept our break up. And now I have you running around worrying about me when you should be focusing on your wedding.”

“Don’t remind me.” Zuko said bitterly.

Katara raised a brow at that. “What do you mean by that?”

“Forget it. It’s no big deal”

“You are many things Zuko, but a liar isn’t one of them… What’s going on? What do they have on you?”

Zuko sighed, “You…”

“What are you talking about?” Katara asked warily.

“I have to marry Mai. It’s the only way to keep you safe”

“What?” Katara’s voice cracked at his admission. “B-but… you said yourself you didn’t send the location-“

“She did Katara”

Katara froze, suddenly everything made a lot more sense… All this time she thought it was a radical Ozai supporter. But Mai make so much sense- too much sense. Mai must’ve found out about her feelings for Zuko. La, this is such a mess…

Zuko huffed before continuing. “And Mai didn’t just have your location at the time. She has a sample of your scent so that he could find you anywhere! Don’t you see…”

“How did she-“

“You’re right.” Zuko cut in. “I’m not a liar and I don’t break my promises. I promised to keep you safe and if this is the only way-“

“Buffalo-Bull shit! I will not let my problems leave you unhappy. You deserve love Zuko-“

“It doesn’t matter who I marry if it isn’t you!” Zuko’s eyes widened once he realized what he said.

Katara was equally shocked as the weight of his words crashed down on her. “Zuko…”

“Katara, please,” Zuko was quick to grab her hands in both a plea and a promise. “I gave up on marrying for love a long time ago. So please, be happy and find the love you deserve. You don’t owe me anything. You don’t owe me your affections, you don’t owe me your freedom. You owe yourself happiness. Don’t let my feelings stand in the way of that.”

Zuko loved her. Katara always knew he did, but she thought it was platonic. This was a whole new revelation entirely. It left her giddy and elated even as the small voice on her head reminded her that he was engaged and soon to be lost to her forever.

Zuko loved her, and it was all Katara could focus on after he left with a promise to return as soon as he could. The thought followed Katara through her day as she made her meals and trained by the seaside. It followed her to the market and on her meandering walk to the hot springs. It was no wonder then that she was too distracted to notice the odd shadow that passed overhead until Appa landed in front of her. Until Aang slid from the saddle. She had hardly called upbthe first tendrils of water before the air was suddenly forced from her lungs and the world went black…

Aang scooped her up gently and placed her in the saddle. With a quick “yip yip” to Appa, they were on their way. He would take her to the air temples, where she would finally see sense. And if she wouldn’t, the air temple wasn’t too far from Ba Sing Se. Surely there were some old Dai Li members there who still remembered their persuasion techniques…

Zuko was rushing back to the capital. He didn’t have time to think about what had happened between him and Katara… or really what didn’t happen. He left quickly before she could respond to his wayward confession with a promise to return soon,… you know… like an idiot. He had no idea if she even wanted to him to return after that. The last thing she needed was another person’s feelings to worry about when she was already dealing with the consequences of another’s. Yes, he was stupid, but he didn’t have time to dwell on that. It didn’t matter anyway. He promised to keep her safe, and now he had only one option to do so… Marry Mai.

~0-

The palace was a mess when he returned, there were no storms that frequented the capital, but he doubted this was the result of natural causes. The statues of his grandfather and great grandfather were either beheaded or collapsed… no love was lost there. But there was no telling the damage on the inside. Or worse, who was hurt. The first person that came to mind was his father. Had he escaped?

No, Zuko reasoned. If he had, he was certain he would’ve heard about it from someone. And he was sure the capital wouldn’t be as calm as it seemed now. He rushed inside.

“My lord! You’re here; thank the spirits! When we couldn’t find you, we sent a search party-”

“What happened, Hao?” Zuko interrupted.

Hao’s face hardened, “the avatar had an episode.”

“Damn it!” Zuko cursed. Hao was one of his newest council members. He was also his most trusted. He came from Yu Dao with his husband and adopted daughter Ming. He was also the first addition to his council since the last regime. He was only seven years Zuko’s senior with eyes from the fire nation but all other features of the earth kingdom. “How many were injured? Any-” Zuko swallowed, “any killed-”

“No, your majesty.” Hao placated. “Thankfully, no one was killed, but we have around seventeen injured… It’s times like these. I wish princess Katara were still in the castle; she would’ve been able to heal them.”

Zuko may be slow, but he wasn’t completely stupid. Hao was not subtle in his favor of Katara’s presence. She was one of the few people who treated him kindly. She was also the first one to ask about his husband and play with his daughter. “Any children?”

“Four,” Hao remarked sadly. “But they are expected to make a speedy recovery. They’re in the infirmary being cared for by the best healers as we speak. Oh, and Lady Mai is also fine.” Hao mentioned it as an afterthought.

Hao also wasn’t subtle in his dislike of Mai… he didn’t blame him. “Thank you for the report. Anything else?”

That made Hao look nervous.

“Hao?” Zuko asked with a warning.

“The avatar left shortly after… he said he was on his way to find-”

Zuko didn’t need to hear the rest. He stormed into his home, paying no mind to the shocked looks on people’s faces and hasty bows and greetings.

“Where is she?!” Zuko screamed. It wasn’t hard to know who he was looking for.

“Lady Mai is in the spa-“ a servant answered.

Zuko ran. He was going to kill her.

~0~

“Zuko-”

“What. Did. You. Do?”

“What are you-”

“The palace is in chaos, Mai! What the fuck do you think I’m talking about?! What did you do? What did you tell Aang?”

Mai’s face quickly shifted from shock to a mask of indifference. “I guess he got impatient with the lack of help-”

“Don’t you dare act like you didn’t cause this.”

Mai glared. “All I did was tell him she wasn’t here… not anymore at least-”

“You did what?”

“Will you relax? He probably just went to get some air to cool off-”

“Do you have any idea of the danger you just put-”

“Oh Agni, if you say Katara, I’m going to gag-”

“I’m not just talking about Katara! Look around you! What kind of queen puts the lives of innocent people in danger for a grudge? Did you even think about the people in the palace? Have you even visited-”

“Don’t you start talking about putting people in danger! You were the one who put yourself and this country in danger when you decided to jump in front of comet powered lighting bolt for a filthy peasant!”

“If I were you, I would consider yourself lucky, Mai. If you were in her place that day, I doubt I would have reacted as fast.” Zuko said darkly. “Get out of my sight. If you are found anywhere near the palace walls, I will have you arrested for trespassing.”

Mai froze in shock.

Zuko started to leave but paused. “And in case it wasn’t clear, this engagement and our relationship is over.”

Mai’s face paled, and then flushed with rage. Then an eerie calm settled over her. She almost smiled, dropping into an elegant curtsy.

“Well then, your majesty,” she said. “Consider my walking papers delivered.” She spun on her heel and left Zuko staring after her. She paused and tilted her head in his direction. “I do hope the Avatar enjoys his trip to Ember Island. I know that it always calms my nerves when I’m feeling wound up.”

Zuko’s eyes widened as the implication dawned on him.

“You didn’t,” he gasped. Mai only smiled and continued to her apartments.

She was up to something, Zuko knew. She had given in far too quickly. But it would have to wait. Now he had to get to Katara before Aang did something stupid. He ran into the courtyard and let out a shrill whistle. A moment later, a large dark shadow passed overhead. Druk landed in front of Zuko with a plume of smoke.

Katara woke up mid-flight, suddenly finding herself in Appa’s saddle, hundreds of feet in the air. Her first thought was to give Aang a piece of her mind right there and then, but she figured it probably wasn’t the best idea to provoke the volatile Avatar in midair. She could handle herself perfectly fine, but she’d really rather not deal with one of his superpowered temper tantrums without her water handy. She decided it was probably in her best interests if Aang didn’t know she was awake, so she kept perfectly still and closed her eyes, listening for any clues as to where they might be headed.

There was a small forgotten Air Temple on an island due south of Ember Island. Aang himself had only been there a handful of times, and only once after waking from the iceberg. No one else would even think to look for him there. He set Appa down on the cliffside, stirring up the scent of stargazer jasmine from the wild field that had sprung up over the decades. It was where he had imagined bringing Katara on their honeymoon. In his dreams, she had been much happier than she was at that moment.

“Take me back, Aang,” she demanded. She glowered at him dangerously.

“I just wanted to talk,” Aang insisted. “You wouldn’t give me the chance to talk you anywhere else, so I-”

“So you kidnapped me?” Katara shouted. “Aang, do you understand how insane this is?”

“I was desperate!” Aang argued. “You kept running away from me and I don’t understand why!”

“Why?” Katara tangled her fingers in her hair and clenched the roots in frustration. “Because when I told you I wanted to break up, you nearly killed me with one of your super tantrums! We have nothing to talk about!”

“You can’t just end us out of nowhere!” Aang felt heat rush to his cheeks and his hands curled into fists. “I was upset!”

“Oh,” Katara scoffed. “Well that excuses everything! Aang, you are the Avatar! You’re not supposed to lose control because you’re upset.”

“I know that! That’s why I need you-!”

“No!” Katara cut him off and slid off of Appa’s saddle. “You’re not putting this on me! You’re the Avatar. Controlling your power is your responsibility, not mine!”

“I can learn to control it!” Aang jumped out of the saddle and landed in front of Katara. She took a few hurried steps backward. Aang slowed his approach, as if he were trying to calm a wild animal. “I will learn to control it. I know I need to. And when I do, we can get back together.”

“Aang, I’m not going to date you again!” Katara scrambled to widen the distance and moved behind a boulder. “At this point, I don’t even want to be your friend anymore! What is wrong with you?”

“With me?” Aang shook his head in confusion. “Katara, you…you’re my forever girl. We’re destiny. Since the moment I woke in your arms, I knew, I knew we were going to be together. You’ve always been mine. You’re just…just confused.”

“I am not confused. I am not yours! I am angry! Take me back to Ember Island right now!” Aang stumbled back and gasped as if he had been slapped.

“You don’t mean that,” he sounded near tears. “You just need some time to think. This is all Zuko’s fault, but now that you’re free of him-”

“Zuko?” Katara repeated incredulously. “What makes you think he had anything to do with this?”

“I spoke to Mai,” Aang’s face darkened with a scowl. “She told me how close you two had gotten. She was worried you two were cheating. So you see, I’m doing what’s best for everyone! And once you’ve had a chance to clear your head, you’ll see why I had to do this. It’s not just about us, or Zuko and Mai. What do you think the world would say if it got out that the Fire Lord and my girlfriend were having an affair?”

Katara’s rage boiled over. She reached out for any water she could find. It wasn’t much, the old fountain was dry and the ocean was nearly a mile beneath her, but there was a stream, and there was a field of flowers. Aang gasped in horror as the field of white and purple flowers turned withered and brown. Katara sent a column of water crashing into Aang and knocked him off of his feet. Then she bent stong vines around his limbs and torso and ran dor the only escape she could see.

“Appa! We have to go, boy.” She scrambled up the bison’s side, and had just grasped at the saddle when a rush of wind swept her up and sent her crashing to the ground. The wind was knocked out of her lungs, and she could only stare as Aang approached her, apologetically. He knocked the scorched remains of the vines grow his body and helped Katara sit up. She pushed his hands away and half crawled away from him. She found herself in an alcove with Aang blocking the only exit.

“Let me go!” She demanded. Aanf shook his head sadly.

“I’m doing this for your own good.”

“What are you-” Katara was cut off by Aang stomping. The ground shook and a stone lattice rose up and covered the entry. Katara rushed over and shook it. It didn’t budge.

“No…” Katara stared at Aang in horror. “You can’t do this!” Aang was already backing away, Stull shaking his head sadly.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “You have plenty of water, and I’ll be back with food, but for right now, this is the best place for you.”

“Aang, you can’t leave me here,” Katara shouted. “Appa! Appa, help!” The bison groaned and walked towards Katara’s cage, but Aang grabbed his reins and stopped him.

“No, boy,” he said, leaping onto Appa’s back. “It’s OK. She’s safe.”

“Aang, no-”

“Yip yip”

Zuko was going as fast as he could to reach ember island. He and Druk Shared a bond and could tell that Druk shared his anxiety.

Upon reaching the outer village on Ember island, Zuko asked Druk to fly lower so he could scout the area for any sign of Katara. What he saw made his heart drop. Below him, people were in a frenzy. Stalls were in shambles with produce and food scattered everywhere. He already knew what had happened but tried to cling on to hope he might be wrong.

Druk landed gently, and Zuko dismounted quickly so he could ask the people what had happened.

Upon arrival, people in the square bowed, but when he asked what happened, the villagers quickly told him what he feared, the avatar was here.

Zuko wasted no time and ran to his vacation home with Druk flying not far behind. Zuko prayed Katara was still there, and Aang just took her back to the house to “talk.” But no luck. Zuko wasn’t surprised to see she wasn’t there, but it didn’t ease his fears any less. No matter. He couldn’t dwell on these feelings. He had to find her.

With no time to lose, Zuko grabbed the first article of clothing he could find with her scent. After all, her stuff was still there.

~0~0~0~0~

Aang was panicking. He didn’t think Katara would act like this. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

His head was hurting, but he needed to fight it. Now wasn’t the time for… But it was too late; before he could reach the bed roll on Appa’s saddle, his body collapsed, and he awoke in the spirit world surrounded by his past lives. They were angry with him.

“What are you doing?” Kyoshi started.

“You nearly destroyed the fire nation palace.” Roku quickly interjected

“People are hurt.” Yang Chen’s voice silenced the room. “Aang, you know why we’re here.”

Aang was still in shock. He didn’t call for an audience. But he didn’t the last time either. And he thought he was doing everything right to prevent this from happening-

“You kidnapped someone.” Kuruk bellowed. “You kidnapped Katara. Why?”

“She wouldn’t see reason-”

“She broke up with you!” Kuruk interrupted. “She doesn’t have to see your version of reason to do so.”

“I know,” Aang assured him. “But she can’t just do that! She’s my for-”

“Aang,” Kyoshi was scarily calm. “Does this have anything to do with what we told you last time we all gathered here?”

Aang winced at the memory…

Three months ago…

Aang had just exited the avatar state after Katara calmed him down. His head was pounding, and he needed a rest. Why did Katara have to fight him on this? Yu Dao was better off separate… Ugh, he needed to sleep…

A strange sound of weary silence woke Aang. The kind of silence only found in the- wait! Aang opened his eyes. What was he doing in the spirit world?!?!

“What-”

“Silence!” Kyoshi commanded.

“Aang sit down; it’s time we have a talk.” Yang Chen said sweetly. A sharp contrast to Kyoshi’s harsh demeanor.

Aang did as he was told. “What’s going on?”

Kyoshi huffed. “You can’t keep losing control like this.”

“I know. I’m working on it-”

“No, you’re not! You’re using Katara’s pow-”

Yang Chen jumped and covered Kyoshi’s mouth with her hand. “Shhh!”

Kyoshi’s eyes widened with the realization of what she had almost revealed.

Aang was confused, “What were you about to say?”

“Nothing!” Yang Chen assured.

Kyoshi coughed, and Yang Chen released her mouth from her hand with an apologetic look.

“I deserve to know.” Aang insisted.

“Ladies. It’s time.” Roku said as he materialized with Kuruk behind him out of nowhere.

Kuruk is quiet as usual. But his face was stern with determination. A circle of his past lives quickly surrounded Aang. Whatever he was about to be told, he was confident we wouldn’t like it.

“Long ago,” Kyoshi began, “when you were frozen. The spirits were concerned with the power of the avatar laying dormant.”

“the world needed an avatar,” Roku continued. “the world needed balance.”

Yang Chen went on, “so the spirits came up with a plan.”

Kuruk finally spoke, “and their plan was Katara.”

Aang frowned. “I don’t understand…”

Kyoshi sighed. “Why do you think she’s the only one who can calm you down from the avatar state?”

“How do you think she was able to free you?” Roku added.

Aang’s eyes lit up. “Because she’s my forever girl! I knew it! Our love is destined-”

“No Aang.” Yang Chen said sadly.

“It’s because she was meant to take your place,” Kuruk said.

Aang was shocked but remained silent as the avatars continued.

“As we were saying,” Kyoshi said. “The spirits knew the world needed balance.

“they hoped humans would see reason and stop endless fighting,” Roku added.

“But as the war continued, the spirits got desperate.” Yang Chen continued.

Kuruk was next. “So they named a successor.”

“Katara,” Kyoshi said simply.

Roku sighed. “The spirits named her as the next in line.”

“And If by her 16th birthday you didn’t awaken,” Yang Chen grimaced before continuing. “You would die, and she would take on the mantle.”

“The spirits have observed your use of the avatar powers,” Kuruk Bellowed. “They are now considering whether or not you are worthy of them.

“So,” Aang faltered. “What are you saying?”

Yang Chen frowned. “What we’re saying is-”

“Your destiny wasn’t to be with Katara, Aang’,” Kyoshi stated. “your destiny was to die.”

Present…

“No!” Aang whined. “She’s my forever girl-”

Yang Chen growled. “You can’t just keep her around against her will!”

“She isn’t!” Aang said desperately. “She’s just confused-”

“She said herself she’s not!” Kuruk shouted. “We told you about her succession in hopes you’d understand the need to control your emotions! So you would understand that you couldn’t use her as a crutch the rest of your life!”

“Aang,” Kyoshi warned. “There’s never been two avatar linked people alive at the same time before.”

“The spirits are angry,” Roku added.

“Your powers are weakening.” Yang Chen began.

“And hers are growing,” Kuruk said.

“Kuruk,” Aang tried, “your forever girl got taken from you! Why don’t you understand what I’m feeling? You would have torn the world apart to rescue Ummi! All I’m doing is rescuing Katara from herself!”

“Don’t you dare compare Katara leaving you with Ummi being taken by Koh!” Kuruk hollered, his rage nearly palpable. “Avatar Aang, you of all people should know the difference between leaving and being taken. After all, wasn’t that the choice you made a hundred years ago? To leave, rather than to be taken from your home?” he admonsihed.

“Aang, if you continue down this path there will be serious consequences for the entire world. If you continue to misuse your and Katara’s powers, the Hundred Year War will look like a picnic in the face of what will come.” Yang Chen warned Aang, sterner than he’d ever seen.

“You are upsetting the balance of things, Aang. The Avatar is supposed to help keep the balance and you are disrupting it. This is your last warning.” Kyoshi folded her arms. “Goodbye, Avatar Aang. Choose wisely.”

Druk was a young dragon yet, but he wad already a promising tracker. Even Jun and her shirshu would be hard pressed to find fault with the dragon. Still, it was taking a maddeningly long time to find Katara. Aang had taken her to one of the thousands of tiny islands that made up the Fire Nation archipelago, and even with Druk pinpointing which island before Aang realized Zuko was close would be difficult.

Beneath him, Zuko felt more than heard the low rumble of warning from Druk before a large white dot appeared on the horizon. It was Appa. Zuko’s stomach clenched anxiously, but as Appa approach, Zuko realized he wasn’t carrying Aang. His saddle was empty and no one held his reins. Appa swooped around and drew level to Druk. He let out a series of rumbling groans and nudged the dragon’s head gently, then he turned and slowly headed towards one of the islands.

“Follow him, Druk,” Zuko said. Appa glanced back to make sure they were there and after a few minutes, he made his descent. Appa guided them to field of desiccated flowers on a cliff. It took Zuko a moment to realize, but they were on top of a small air temple. He recognized some of the structures on the cliffs. If he and Druk had approached from lower, he knew he would have seen the bulk of the temple beneath the cliff. Appa groaned for Zuko’s attention and pointed his head towards a lattice alcove. Zuko frowned. He’d never seen that particular design on an air temple. Then he realized something was stirring inside.

“Katara?” He called uncertainly.

“Zuko!” Katara reached an arm through the lattice and waved it wildly.

“Katara! What on earth-?” He rushed over and cling to the cage, peering into the dark.

“He’s lost his mind, Zuko!” Katara sobbed. “He wants to keep me in here until I change my mind about him.”

“Is there a lock, or an opening?”

“No. He bent this out of stone. I tried to get out all night, but all I could see was a few cracks. I think it’s not that strong, but I can’t break it, and I don’t have enough water to force it.” It was then that Zuko noticed Katara’s bruised and bloodied knuckles, a testament to the long hours Katara had spent trying to free herself. He breathed out an ominous plume of smoke and ember. Avatar or not, he wad going to beat Aang to a pulp for this.

“Hang on,” he said. “I’ll get you out of here. Dryk, come on boy. I need your help.”

Zuko had a few lengths of strong rope. One end he tied to Druk, and the other he looped through the lattice.

“Where are the cracks?” He asked. Katara directed him to the place where the lattice had given way slightly to her pummeling. Zuko secured the rope quickly and signaled for Druk to pull them. Druk did. Nothing happened. Undeterred, Zuko had Druk keep trying until the dragon was straining and the ropes began to let out small, foreboding popping noises. The lattice didn’t move. Katara began pushing desperately against the stone. Then, suddenly, it gave way with a crash and a plume of dust. Before it settled, Katara had rushed out of her prison into Zuko’s surprised, but willing embrace

“You came!”

“Of course.”

“How did you find me?’

I had help.” Zuko gestured at Druk and Appa.

‘Thanks, boys.“ Katara sagged into Zukos arms. It had been less than a full day, but she’d hardly slept and hadn’t had food or drink since before Aang’s intrusion on Ember Island.

“Katara?” Zuko’s voice was tinged with concern. Katara quaked in his arms. He did his b est to assess any more damage to her.

“I’m ok,” she assured him. “I’m just drained. I have to end this with him, or one of us won’t survive.” Zuko’s hold tightened and Katara felt his temperature spike.

“I’m with you,” he said.

Katara felt the sudden urge to kiss him. No, she couldn’t do that. Not yet, at least. She took in his worried expression and sighed. She didn’t understand how she had let this happened. She had no idea Aang was like this. Wait, she thought. She remembered all those times where he’d lash out at her, and expected her to make him feel better. She shook her head silently, cursing herself for not seeing it sooner. Zuko noticed and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, you okay?”

No, she wasn’t okay. Far from it. She tried to hold in her tears and be strong for once, but she was so tired of being strong. For herself, for those around her. She’d had enough.

Zuko noticed and immediately brushed the tears from her face. When had she started crying?

“Come here,” he said, wrapping his arms around her, “it’s okay to cry.”

And cry she did.

The wind picked up ominously. It was the only warning before Aang landed in the field. He took in the sight of Katara in Zuko’s arms and his face went red with rage.

“So it’s true then,” he said stonily. “There’s something going on between you two? This is why you won’t take me back?” Katara pulled away from Zuko, her tears still drying on her cheeks.

“I won’t take you back because I don’t want you back!” she hissed through her teeth. “You and I are finished. You need to find a way to deal with that. And you need to leave me alone, forever.”

“Wait, Katara, I need to tell you-”

“Nothing!” Zuko said. He put an arm around Katara protectively, and guided her back towards Druk. “She’s told you everything she needs to, and now we’re leaving, and you will stop bothering her. You’re lucky I don’t have you arrested for what you did on Fire Nation soil. But you listen to me, I don’t care if you’re the Avatar. You pull another stunt like this, I’ll have you brought up on charges in an international court. I’m sure Cheif Hakoda would just love to hear what’s going to be done to ensure his daughter’s safety.” Katara and Zuko climbed onto Druk’s back hastily. Aang ran forward, but Zuko stopped him with a blast of fire.

“You don’t understand,” Aang pleaded. “Katara, I have to tell you-”

“We’re done talking, Aang.” Katara glared at Aang coldly. Then with a powerful thrust of wings, Druk launched himself and his passengers into the air. They were gone in moments.

“Appa, we have to go after them!” Aang turned to his friend, but the flying bison let out a low unhappy grumble. Then he turned his back and flopped onto the ground. It would take a while for Aang to compel him from that spot. Long enough for Katara and Zuko to get somewhere safe and hopefully not a place where Aang would think to check anytime soon.

To be continued…

Zuko: Hey beautiful-

Katara: No.

Zuko: I didn’t even-

Katara: I can hear the small meows in your pocket. We can’t have anymore pets. The castle is turning into a petting zoo, and Minister Hao is allergic!

Zuko: He can just go into another room…

Katara: We already have Chai, Oolong, Jasmine, Matcha, and Chamomile. We don’t need anymore cats. Not to mention *pulls out cat* Matcha tried to eat Sencha yesterday!

Zuko: She wasn’t supposed to be around the turtle-ducks yet! Who let her out?

Katara: Hao! Because his airways were closing from Matcha’s attempts to cuddle in his office!

Incomplete; Not Broken

Zuko and Katara start the series as incomplete people yet to become whole. They aren’t broken; they’re works in progress. By the end of the series, they have reached their potential, which would not have been possible without the influence of one another. Overall, Zuko and Katara’s arcs rely on each other to become whole.

While some may interpret Zuko and Katara as “broken,” that’s not how they end up, and sometimes broken people complete each other because their broken parts end up being what they're missing.

Post Canon Taang Fic Idea

Summary: Toph’s lack of sight leads Aang to discover his people are still alive but hidden in the most secluded parts of the world. A story that reveals how opposing elements can come together to find one another in the most unlikely ways. Lending a whole new meaning to the phrase “opposites attract.”

Synopsis: Toph and Aang are traveling together but Toph suddenly goes still and gasps blurting out “twinkle toes!” Aang immediately rushes to her side but before he can ask what’s wrong, she grabs his arm as if to anchor herself to the earth. Aang is now really starting to panic. He’s never seen Toph so shocked or at a loss for words.

Honestly, after the shit Aang pulled at the ember island players, I 100% would’ve supported the episode ending with Aang walking in on Zuko and Katara making out.

Ever since I read @the-badger-mole perspective on Ursa, I cannot stop thinking of it and when I read scenes in most Zutara stories where Zuko's relationship with his mother is all sunshine and daisies from the moment of reconnecting, I cringe. Its like, either way you cut it, Ursa doesn't come off in a good light. Yes, she escaped a bad situation but also left her kids...then she didn't look for them and willing had her memories erased and got another face? Like...da fuck?

It makes me think of The Parent Trap and that one and only Mariah Carey movie, where at the end she goes to her mother. Like, at no point after mom got sober did she go look for her daughter? Or in TPT, as kids, it was cool but looking back on it? These two idiots separated their identical twins and then essentially pretended the other child didn't exist AND let the kid they did have think their other parent was dead? (cause seriously? How else did these kids not ask about the other parent if the implication wasn't that the parent dead?)

But yeah, after reading that, I just can't. Like, im sorry but if I was Zuko, idk man...but also, because of who Zuko is, I can definitely see him forgiving her easily because she is his mom but I love stories where its not easy, where he doesn't make it easy, that show him (rightfully) expressing some anger/resentment over her ditching them...like Katara did with her father...and omg another parallel. Is it any wonder i full on believe these two were destined/meant to be?

I 100% agree. I hate the canon storyline they gave Ursa in the comics. It completely contradicts what we are shown in the series.

Therefore, I created an alternative storyline that could be easily implemented in the comic storyline only it would make things a lot better, in my opinion, and not just a cop-out “I made myself forget my children and changed my face.”

Instead, my idea would be that Ursa left and intended to go back to save her children, but before she could, she found out she was pregnant with Kiyi. This would add a whole other layer to her character and add a lot more depth to her motives and story because it open all these questions for the readers/viewers.

It’s no longer “whit didn’t she just come back and try to save her kids?” Instead, it’s a question of the implications of her returning to save her kids. Realistically she would have to consider the risk of losing another child and not just the child she carried but her already living children- especially Zuko.

If you think about it, the only reason Zuko is alive is that logically a leader needs an heir and a spare with Ursa being pregnant, which changes everything and puts Zuko in more danger than before. And if she did try to take her kids with her, Ozai would 100% use every resource to track her down and when he does? He finds out he has another heir on the way anyway, which just puts Zuko back in danger which is the whole reason she left in the first place.

This, of course, is not something Zuko would realize right away too. So naturally, his emotions would be all over the place. He wouldn’t be rational in his initial thoughts. Instead, the first thing he’d ask would be something along the lines of “why did she get a childhood when I didn’t?” And that would also go the same for Azula.

Overall, I feel like this simple change of Kiyi’s parentage would’ve made things a lot more exciting, but this is Ari’s 5 am thoughts, so I’m typing all these thoughts on my phone half asleep.

If anyone wants more on this canon divergence storyline idea, feel free to ask, reblog, and or add on with your theories/concepts.