Where There is Fire

[silverlily]

Part One: Hot Guy in the Woods
Just kidding!
Part One: Close Call

Katara woke up with a chill running down her back. "Oh not again," she groaned. The fire had gone out, and she could nearly feel her fingers turning to ice. Half asleep she pushed off her sleeping bag and headed into the woods to get some wood to burn. "This is just one of the many reasons why Aang should learn fire bending," she muttered to herself. She did not know what time it was, but figured that by the way Toph was curled in a ball and Sokka had his head bent nearly backward, she had some time to finish the task.

Seeing as how it had rained earlier in the day, Katara had some trouble finding firewood, but she kept looking. She went deeper and deeper in to the forest, but never made a turn so she would't get lost. Suddenly, a creature darted past, tearing off Katara's bag. She whipped around. It was a howler wolf! And where there was one howler wolf, there were...well more. Trying to figure out a plan, she spoke aloud, "Okay...there's a hungry wolf right in front of me. What do I do? Umm. Hey girl. Nice girl." The howler wolf took a bite where her leg had been seconds before she jumped back, kicking it in the head. It let out a long hollow howl. "Okay. That's it," and with that, Katara singled out a tree and ran. She dug her fingers into the trunk and scraped her heels but she could only get half way up. The shapes of three more howlers were visible from the corner of her strained eyes.

They jumped and snarled, baring their teeth. They yelped and clawed, gouging her calves. A set of teeth took hold of Katara's dress and tore her from her life line. Just as one was about to plunge its canines into her throat (yes that's what I said) the whole world lit up, and she felt a heat like no other. "Hey!" she heard from a distance. It was the deep voice of one angry son of a shoemaker. She got out of the fetal position she was in, and shot to her feet. Where had the voice come from?

Without waiting to find out, Katara drew some water from the surrounding puddles. She slashed a wolf across the face, resulting in a snarl. The howlers withdrew, clearly out of their element, and Katara was left with her savior.

She quickly brushed off her dress, and headed over to the man. He was a firebender, she knew that. But he had just saved her life. "Thank you so much," she exclaimed, looking towards the guy's face. " I could have---" but her voice broke off.

It was Zuko.

Kachow!!! Hope you all like it so far. I would really like some feedback, so hit me with what you got! Thanks!
~Silverlily

[silverlily]

It only looks long because of the spacing. I hope you like it!

Part 2: Self Defense
"What are you doing here?" Katara asked with an edge of ice. "Probably followed us all the way up here, didn't you?"

Zuko's only reply was, "It's Katara right? " It was returned with a glare. "Umm...yes, I have been tracking your group, but only because I need to teach Aang firebending. Nothing else matters now."

"Ha! As much as I'd like to believe that, and forget about all the happy times we were almost KILLED BY YOU, I have to go. Don't even think about following me Zuko." Soon after, Katara realized that she did not know which way the camp was. What had Gran-Gran said about getting lost? Oh yeah, she said stay where you are. Well that obviously was not an option. Katara was not going to stay with Zuko for the night.

Zuko tilted his head and smiled. "Your strive for independence and respect is clouding your judgment. You have already been attacked by a group of howlers. There are worse things in the dark."

He was walking away, and Katara jogged to keep up. "What are you trying to say?"

"Well the responsible thing for any man to do would be to offer you safety for the night." Katara noticed that he had taken her to his camp. " You get the tent, I get the warm, comfy, insect ridden ground by the fire. It's a win-win. I will not do anything to harm you, because whether you believe me or not, I am going to train the Avatar, and show you that I have changed. You in?"

Katara hated Zuko. She hated the fire nation, period. She considered the possibility that this hate was, in fact, clouding her judgment. She could handle whatever Zuko threw at her, and decided that the devil she knew was better that the devil she didn't. "Fine," she said nonchalantly, walking over to him. "I'll trust you for one day out of my whole life. By the way, why do you need to teach Aang? I could understand wanting to teach him, but not needing to."

"That's a personal decision, and I don't need to prove myself to anyone, so don't ask me again," and realizing that he did need to prove himself to Katara if he was ever going to get close to the Avatar, he added, "I'll tell you when you need to know. The sun will be up in five hours, so you better get to sleep. If you get scared, just let me know."

"Why would I come running to you? I can handle myself Prince," she spat.

"Yeah, I know. I was just trying to be nice. It comes hard to me, you know that." He looked at Katara, hoping she would get the joke, but she didn't even smirk. "Ok then...Night." Zuko awkwardly lay on the ground and closed his eyes. Katara couldn't help but look over him. He didn't have a shirt on, not that that affected her views of him in any way. She convinced herself that she was just getting a lay of the land, like any good opponent. She was scanning him for weak spots, and his abs were defiantly not weak. Ok. That's good to know. I won't aim for his perfect six pack if I ever need to fight him. She glanced at his face and noticed he was looking at her. He raised an eyebrow and after giving an embarrassed smile, she went into his tent. Well this is exactly what I would expect from a fire nation prince thought Katara. Everything was folded or in a neat pile. The tent was rust colored, the sleeping bag was red, not to mention the most comfortable one she had ever had. She closed her eyes and fell asleep instantly.

An hour later:
Someone was looming next to Katara, reaching for something by her head. Her eyes shot open and she kicked the intruder in the face, driving him out of the tent. Katara ran her hand along Zuko's belongings. This is Zuko's tent. There has to be a knife somewhere. And seconds later, she found one, right by the sleeping bag. She dove out of the tent. The assailant was still on the ground, holding his face in pain. With her free hand, Katara flicked water up, out of the ground and slashed the man across the stomach. She took hold of his throat and was about to slay the repulsive snake of a being, when he said, "Hold it. Stop! STOP!" She had never heard someone yell so loud, apart from the time Sokka had taken 20 minutes aiming at a stock moose, and missed. She looked into the person's face, and confirmed that it was Zuko.

"Let me explain." His eyes shifted to the knife and whispered," How did you get that?" When it moved closer to his jugular, he gulped and said, " I needed something from the tent. Sorry I scared you."

"Let's quit the games Zuko. Tell me what you were really doing, and you'll live to see the sun come up."

"That's the truth, what did you think I was in there for?" When Katara's face didn't soften, it clicked. "How could you even think that! I'm not a monster Katara. I have a heart! I lost my mother just like you. I have a sister for G-d's sake. I would never think about hurting someone like that!"

Katara almost felt sorry for him, but couldn't help but ask, "So why did you come in anyway?"

"Blame it on bodily functions, "Zuko said with a grin, "I'm so sorry Katara." He looked in her eyes, and she couldn't turn her head. They curved down, and were firm and sure. His eyelashes were longer than hers, but she found that oddly appealing. The edges of his iris were dark brown, and changed to amber at the center. Katara wanted to melt, and felt bad about the blood that was flowing out of the perfect abdomen she had been admiring earlier that night.

More is on the way! I hope to hear from you, and it means a lot to me that you even read this. Wishing you a Zutacular day/night,
~Silverlily

[Zutaraisdestiny]

you should write more. its really good and interesting.

[silverlily]

Thank you Zutaraisdestiny! Warm fuzzies all up in here!

Part 3: Free Fall
Katara lowered the knife and gave Zuko a questioning look. "I believe you Zuko. Sorry about that," she said nodding in the direction of his wound. I could fix it she wanted to say, but didn't want to touch him. Well, she did want to touch him, but knew she couldn't. The barrier between the fire nation and the water tribe was just strong enough to stop her from reaching out to him. Are these stupid teenage hormones stronger than my loyalty? No way. He'll heal on his own.

"No sweat. It'll be another scar to add to the collection." A weak smile flashed across Zuko's face and he headed to his tent. He rummaged around and came back out a minute later. He was holding a jar of light blue gel. "Have a seat Katara, we need to talk." He sat down and patted the earth next to him. Katara plopped down four feet away. Zuko unscrewed the cap of the jar and scooped out the mixture with his hand. It smelled of mint and something tangy and sharp. He smeared it onto his jagged skin and hissed, jaws clenching. Nope, still not going to help him Katara told herself. She watched as crimson blood welled under the gel.

"So, it looks like we are going to have to find the Avatar together," said Zuko. Katara smacked her palm to her forehead. She groaned. Now I have to bring Zuko to Aang. I can’t just leave him. Wait, how did that happen? But Katara didn’t have time to figure out that answer because now Zuko was looking at her, waiting for an answer to a question he had just asked. “Well…do you?” he repeated, his golden eyes resting on hers.

“What?”
“Do you love him?”
“WHO?” Katara gasped.
“Your father. Weren’t you listening?”
“Oh. Yes, of course I love him. Why?”
Zuko sighed and ran his hands through his onyx hair. “Well I don’t really have that connection with my father. That’s pretty much the reason I have to help the Avatar. I’m disgusted with the way my dad has led the fire nation. I have to make it right. Now you know." He paused. "Will you please come with me? I know we would both be better off traveling with each other than separately.”

“I guess I have to, don’t I? It’s about time a member of fire nation royalty got some sense.” She took Zuko’s hand and gave it a squeeze. He blushed, but Katara didn’t see, much to his relief.

After a snack of rindey berries, they packed up camp. Zuko refused to give Katara anything to carry, which made Katara feel as useless as her former hatred for him. After a while of awkwardly walking side by side, Katara managed to think up the most brilliant bit of conversation ever. “So tell me about yourself Mr. Mystery.”

“Well, after you Ms. Optimistic Happy Face.”

Katara let out a laugh. “It’s funny how we’ve made up characteristics for each other. You always call Aang ‘The Avatar,’ like he’s some great being.”

“Well he is, isn’t he? Anyway, it would just be weird calling him Aang. I don’t even know him, and I’ve hated him for too long.” Zuko smirked.

At that second an arrow shot through the trees and struck him in the side.
“NO!” cried Katara as he fell to the ground. She reached for his hand and came down with him. She noticed the arrow had the fire nation insignia on the tail.


Bet you didn't see that coming! I hope you guys caught the cool/deep connection I made with the red blood (fire) and the blue gel (water). HEHE!!! I'm just being silly. But anyway, I'm planning on about two more instalments, so stay tuned!
Thanks a ton!

~Silverlily

[Zutaraisdestiny]

Dont let Zuko die!! (it seems like he gets hurt too much... he should have an extra sense or something for these things by now) Zuko and Katara should have ended up together... i dont see air and water making rainbows!!!

[silverlily]

Thank you for the comments from Disathairne (whose comment got deleted because of the server switch issue) and Zutaraisdestiny. They really made my day. Thanks for reading to all you Avatards, too!

Part 4: Unleashed
Katara scanned the area the arrow had come from. There was not a soul in sight. The attacker could have been in any of the surrounding trees. “Who’s out there?” she shouted. When no voice was heard, she quickly drew water from a nearby creek and moved her arms in strong, sure circles. A thick glistening globe of ice formed around herself and Zuko.

“No Katara! You have to leave. They couldn’t be far,” Zuko urged Katara. She shushed him.

“Be quiet Zuko. I’m a healer. I won’t run away like a coward,” she said fiercely. “Lie down.” She kneeled by his side and tore the arrow out of his side. Zuko cried out in pain.
“Couldn’t you be gentler? Damn!”

“It had to come out somehow. We need to hurry. Quiet!” ordered Katara. She unbuttoned his shirt and gently peeled it from his wound. It was almost impossible to see where the arrow had pierced him. With a flick of her wrist, the blood around his gash rose into the air. She threw it to the ground. New blood instantly came from the injury. She lay her hand on his left side, right below the ribs. She closed her eyes and exhaled.

Zuko realized that Katara was the only person he wanted with him when he died. Not because she was a healer, or because she would clear his name with the Avatar. It was because she was the strongest, truest, most beautiful soul he had ever known. Anyone he had ever met would never have stopped to help him in an ambush, except for Uncle of course. He glanced at Katara and smiled. Then he felt a warm, tingling sensation deep in his side. It was like the caress of soothing tea going down his throat, but where the arrow had struck. “There you go. We can’t have the Fire Nation prince in less than perfect shape, can we,” Katara said with a smile.

She started to take her hand away from him, but Zuko softly pulled her fingers to his lips and kissed them. Their eyes locked. He placed his other hand behind her neck and slowly brought her lips down to his. Her silky hair fell around his face, and it was like they were in their own world. Freedom coursed through their veins. Katara had no responsibilities. She didn’t have to think about anyone but herself and Zuko. She gently traced his scar with her fingertips, and Zuko pulled her closer. He had no one to prove his worth to. He could just be himself, and Katara was fine with that.

The muffled sound of thunder was heard from the world outside. Their sanctuary was destroyed and shards of ice flew all around them. Katara and Zuko separated and jumped up, alert and ready for anything.

Azula’s eyes widened at the sight of Katara. “Oh. Hello brother. Sorry to interrupt, but I need to cut your life short. I tried to be nice with the arrow, but it looks like I’m going to have to get a bit messy. Anyway, Dad never specified the state to bring you back in. Bye now.” A smile crept onto her face. She pointed her index finger and middle finger at him, with the rest of her hand in a fist. Her other arm stretched out behind her.

“You can’t hurt him!” yelled Katara, striking Azula in the chest with a blast of water. Fire flew from Zuko’s fists, but she was too fast and it missed her.

“A peasant and a traitor fighting side by side. You both have no right to live!” Azulla screeched. She positioned her body for another lightning bolt. The thought of blood bending ran across Katara’s mind. She could picture Azula’s body in a crumpled mass bound to the ground. It would be so easy. Katara tensed her muscles, her fingers turned to claws. She smirked.

I could just leave it at that and let you think up an ending yourself… but I’m too excited and am going to give you the ending soon. Can’t wait to see The Last Airbender!!!!!

~Silverlily

[Zutaraisdestiny]

yes please! (ending soon) )

[silverlily]

FYI, it isn't the last installment. Sorry for the fake out! I didn't have time to finish it today, but I will as soon as I can. Hope you like it!

Part 5: Essence

"Don't do it," whispered Zuko. Katara gave him a confused sideways glance. "I've been tracking your group for a while. I heard about your visit with Hama. Don't be like her. You're better than that. Even I know that it's wrong, and I'm the epitome of a troubled teen."

Katara didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cringe. "Fine. But we'll get out of this my way." Katara turned her body back to Azula. Her voice carried across the void dividing them. "I'm going to give you one chance to stop this Azula. We both know that no one has to get hurt today."

"Someone will have to settle this eventually. Why not now?" Azula humored.

"Well, in case you didn't notice, you're up against your brother. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Katara asked.

"It means it's time for him to die, just like mother." With that, a display of lightning blasted from her hands, but they quickly disintegrated into the air. She fell to the ground in a fluttering heap, her eyes rolling to the back of her head.

Zuko and Katara ran to her. Once they were at her side, Zuko kneeled down to examine the damage. "I swear, I didn't do anything," said Katara. She hadn't meant to bloodbend, but did she? She couldn't remember. All she saw was a helpless girl on the ground. Tears were coming from Azula's fluttering eyes, and her hair had fallen in a halo around her face. Her warrior's outfit looked pitiful and out of place.

Zuko heard murmuring coming from his sister, and concentrated on what she was trying to say. "Sh..she looved you. Whatt bout...me?"

"She loved you too Azula. I know it," responded Zuko. His head was spinning. How was it that a second ago he hated her with all his being, and now he felt that he was losing a part of his soul because she was leaving him? Don't focus on the hate. She is your sister. Just say goodbye. She will find peace now.

Zuko didn't know where the voice came from, but he knew it was right. Azula would not be filled with hate any more. "I love you too Azula," he whispered. "Just like she did."

3 days later...

Zuko and Katara walked hand in hand. Their spirits darkened, their heads bend down. They had made a pyre, and said their prayers. Zuko just assumed that Azula had lost it, her soul had been through a lot. Katara didn't know what to think.


I know it's kind of sad, but don't be too down in the dumps.
~Silverlily

[Zutaraisdestiny]

i dont get it... what happened exactly? did she just plain out die by herself of insanity or did katara accidentally bloodbend her to death or something?

[silverlily]

We shall find out in the next part!

[Zutaraisdestiny]

so... when is the next part?

[silverlily]

I'm sorry for the wait! Life takes up so much of my time! I hope you guys like the last part to my story

Part 6: Safe

"What happened?" asked Fire Lord Ozai.

"She is dead. Luckily she waited to eat the hog monkey I had laced until a few minutes before she stumbled across the banished prince. He has no idea what happened to her," responded Mui ,Ozai's correspondent.

"Very nicely done. This is working out perfectly. Soon, I will be the Phoenix King, as well as the greatest Fire Lord the world has ever known!" Ozai slowly stood up and walked the long hall to his room. He slid a tiny drawing out from his table. "It looks like this is just a lie now. On to bigger and better things for my nation and myself." He watched as the portrait of his little Zuko and Azula burned to a crisp.
________________________________________________________________________________
Later in the woods...

"This makes no sense! How could we be going in a circle?!" cried Zuko with exasperation.

"Let's see. Maybe we should stop and rest," suggested Katara, trying to calm Zuko. She plopped down and squeezed the bridge of her nose. They were getting nowhere. How long had it been since she had last seen the gaang? A month?

Zuko took her hand within his. "Sorry about that. I'm just...I don't know." He gazed at Katara. The weariness on his face made him look years older.

Katara lay her other hand on his face, and they just sat like that for a while, getting lost in each other's eyes and thoughts.

"We'll get through this Zuko. We'll help Aang restore balance to the nations, and we'll regain your honor." Katara ran a hand through Zuko's hair and drew him in for a kiss. Their lips met and they both knew that everything would be fine.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The Gaang...

"Do you smell anything Apa?" asked Aang with bursting anticipation. Apa gave a gruff grunt. "Aw man... Katara could be anywhere by now!"

"She's fine twinkle toes. I just found a bead from her bracelet. It looks like she went this way," said Toph, leading the way.

"All I know is that if my little sister is strong enough to survive this long without seal jerky, she is a better worrier than me," commented Sokka.

"Ah-ha! Just a little further guys," Toph exclaimed. She sprinted around a bend, Aang and Sokka close behind.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Back to Zuko and Katara...

Katara leaned her head on Zuko's shoulder. She felt so safe. She let out a giggle at how things had changed from the time she entered the woods. "What are you laughing at?" Zuko teasingly rolled on top of her and kissed her cheek. He instantly stopped when he noticed the look on Katara's face. She was scared stiff. "I didn't mean anything. Sorry I scared you," Zuko said shyly, helping her up.

"It's not that Zuko. Umm... look behind you." Katara's cheeks flushed red.

Aang, Sokka, and Toph were standing not 10 feet away, all eyes on the two of them. Every jaw was slackened, and even Apa looked surprised.

"Well, it looks like someone has some explaining to do," Sokka managed to sputter.

[kataangsukkathetoph]

wow this is good...i im not a zutara fan (in fact i hate it), but this is soo good, i can stand to read it...sorry for the the zutara hatred, but please write more

[silverlily]

Thank you so much kataangsukkathetoph! I'm glad you liked it even though it's zutara based. It means a lot to me that you gave it a chance.

I'm thinking of another story but it doesn't involve Katara or Mai. Hmmmm...

[kataangsukkathetoph]

oh please do!!! ur a really good writer i would love to read it

[silverlily]

Oh my goodness! That is so nice of you! Thanks a million kataangsukkathetoph!

[kataangsukkathetoph]

happy to encourage good writers and i no my name is long (a bad desicion from me, that i now wish i can change ) so if u want u can just call me kataang for short or something

[silverlily]

Ok. How about Taco? I like the ring to that! JK!

[Zutaraisdestiny]

Ahhh... good old Sokka...

[silverlily]

Did you like it Zutaraisdestiny?

[silverlily]

That's totally understandable zukofan1213. Thanks for reading!

[Riptide3]

THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Riptide3]

HOW COULD THIS BE OVER????? IT'S TOO GOOD TO BE OVER!!! WHY, SILVERLILY, WHY??!!??!!

[silverlily]

I feel like that was the best way to end the story Riptide3. I'm sorry it caused you so much stress!
I'm also planning on writing another story, but not for another few weeks.

On a personal note, I'm a very "to-myself" kind of person, and your feedback means the world to me.

Thanks for your entries!

[Riptide3]

I completely understand that kind of thing, having to end it. I'm actually quite used to it, as it happens frequently on the nick.com message boards. I go on the Avatar- Fan FIction one. Please tell me when your new one is out and what it's called (If you get it up).

I LLOOOVVVEEE ZUTARA!!!