#the water witch of biei village

[airiustide]

If I Could (I’d Kiss Your Fingers)

A Water Witch Tale

Summary: Taking place after Katara returns to the Fire Nation to stay with her new family, Zuko wants to give her a gift as a way to show how much she means to him. With Izumi's help, father and daughter pick out the perfect chocolates for Katara. Meanwhile, Katara works on something precious of her own. Part of the The Water Witch Tales 

A/N: I asked myself if I wanted to do a additional piece for The Water Witch of Biei Village or write a Valentine’s special fic? My brain: por que no los dos? I've wanted to write more about this zutara family since ending The Water Witch of Biei Village two years ago. My hearts been set on it and today was a perfect.

also posted on AO3

***

“Chocolates. Chocolates. We’re going to pick chocolates!” Izumi sang, skipping around several staff entering the Fire Lord’s study carrying gold trays of serve ware covered with lids. 

Zuko shoos them in, peering from left to right outside the study until the confectioner himself is the last to enter and Zuko can now close the door behind him. “Quickly, lay them there.” The Fire Lord points to the long table stationed in front of the open balcony doors. He grabs a hopping Izumi by the waist and swings her over his shoulders, eliciting a squeal. “Calm down, love. We’ll get to try them all, I promise.”

“Then we give to Mommy?” The four-year-old grins, panting from all the excitement. 

“Then we give them to Mommy.” Zuko confirms, reflecting his daughter’s smile. 

Zuko had been considering the perfect gift to give Katara after she had returned, after having forced the captain of the airship that was supposed to take her home to the rural lands of the Fire Nation countryside to turn around. It was a moment of joy and tears. Katara proclaimed Izumi her daughter without asking anything in return other than to care for the Fire Nation princess as her own. Any attempt at giving Katara jewels or expensive dresses were turned down. Katara’s humble rejection was sweet but was leaving Zuko a little deflected.

He wanted to impress her. The one kiss wasn’t enough and they talked little of it since then despite Katara’s return being well over a month ago. It was then that Izumi brought up how Katara had never eaten chocolates before, a discussion brought up while the waterbender did the nightly routine of brushing her daughter’s hair. 

It was then the idea sparked in Zuko’s head. Chocolates. No one could possibly turn down chocolates. A simple yet desirable candy.  

Once the trays are laid out, the confectioner snaps his fingers for his staff to remove the lids. Zuko lifts Izumi off his shoulders and sets her on her feet, the little girl’s bright gold eyes looking at the great display of chocolates laid before her in wonderment. “Wow.” She breathes.

“Only the best chocolates in the whole Fire Nation, your majesty. We’ve traveled all this way per your request from Ember Island. May I present my finest work.” The confectioner, Chou, bows. 

Zuko and Izumi approach, stopping at the first tray sitting at the left end of the table. 

“The first I’d like to present is a common treat. The bark is made from milk chocolate, quite sweet, I warn, but much lighter than the typical chocolate.” The confectioner explains.

Zuko breaks a piece for himself and Izumi to try. “Hmm.” The Fire Lord hums, finding his jaw lock from the overly sweet candy. “What do you think, princess?”

“It melts in my mouth!” Izumi exclaimed. “But too sweet.”

“Of course. This here, is a truffle.” Chou points to the second plate. “Though, today we’ll try many of these kinds of chocolates, this one’s a dark ganache blended with a touch of champagne.”

“Mmm.” Izumi sighs, popping the truffle in her mouth. “I like this one.”

“That’ll go in the yes pile then.” Zuko chuckled, nodding for one of the confectioner's staff to put the tray aside. 

The young Fire Lord had to admit, the amount of it all was too much. Some portions had to be given in small doses to prevent a stomach ache. Izumi was so eager to try them all that the first six or so trays resulted in tossing handfuls into her mouth. Not so much because she wanted to eat them all, but because it was so important to her that Katara had the best. 

Cordials, hazelnut, rum, caramel. It was all so delightful. It was not only a means to give a gift to share with someone they loved but the father/daughter time they had lost when Izumi had fallen ill was made up with a simple moment such as this. 

There was still more to go. Zuko deemed it unnecessary to try the rest when his daughter’s face became smeared with chocolate and her eyelids began to flutter. They had already settled on three flavors, some which will be boxed prettily for the master waterbender; passion fruit, mint, and champagne. 

“Good choice, your majesty.” Chou compliments. “The lady will surely be pleased.”

“Hmpf.” Zuko frowned. Chou would not be saying that if he knew that Zuko planned on gifting the chocolates to a waterbender. The Fire Lord was ashamed to admit that his people viewed waterbenders as conjurers of magic, they’re dwindling race created stereotypes and rumors far beyond what the truth actually beheld. “Do not worry, she will. Thank you for your journey to the capital. You will be highly compensated and even more in the future if Katara wishes for it.”

“Of course.” Chou bows, snapping his fingers for his staff to collect the leftovers and head out quickly.

“Someone’s sleepy.” Zuko turns to Izumi, sweeping her in his arms and cleaning the chocolate off her face with the sleeve of his royal robes. She had gained some weight since her lungs healed, no longer the tiny thin figure she once was when he had thought he was on the verge of losing her. 

“Mm...not sleepy, Daddy. I want to see Mommy.” The princess looks over at the neatly boxed chocolates sitting on the long table. She couldn’t sleep yet. She had carefully selected everything for her mother, Izumi wanted to give them to her now. 

“You will after a nap. Then, we will see Katara.” He coos, watching Izumi finally close her tired eyes as he holds her gently in his lap while he proceeds to sit in his cushioned pillow so that he could continue his work.

***

This is starting to feel like a distraction. When Kioko had shown up at Katara’s chambers that morning with an urgent request that required them to head to Caldera’s marketplace, the waterbender felt as though she had no choice but to oblige. She wished to see Izumi, if not for a little bit, before her and Kioko departed but the head healer demanded that they make haste.

“What, exactly, is it we’re looking for?” Katara questioned, looking around the busy streets with the older woman’s arm linked to hers. 

Guards surround them on all sides, a apparent perk the master waterebender wish didn’t come with officially adopting Izumi but Zuko would have it no other way. His argument, that people were against her legal adoption of Izumi albeit Katara knew the real reason- it meant Zuko was not willing to remarry. Every unmarried noblewoman and Zuko’s advisors made that clear with a single glare directed at her alone. It did not matter that Izumi was a living, healthy heir now. No, they needed more security than that, and marrying a Lady within the Fire Nation meant ensuring this. 

Kioko assured Katara that they were jealous nobodies that only dreamed of getting close to the Fire Lord if only to benefit from him. 

“Zuko would give you the world.” Kioko told her once, the two ladies held up in Katara’s room with wine and light chat. “He would bow to his knees for you, if you would permit him, and proclaim everything that is his, is yours.”

That came as a surprise to Katara, yet it made sense considering that she had healed Zuko’s daughter from certain death. She ignored that small whisper in her head that Kioko’s statement meant something deeper. The waterbender brushed it aside.

“I thought we might do some shopping. I haven’t seen my poor husband in months since his travels and I want to present him a gift when he returns next week.” Kioko answered her question.

“Are you not the gift, Kioko?” Katara smirked playfully.

“Oh my heavens. That is only between me and the captain I call husband.” Kioko winked. “We had missed our anniversary this last winter and I wanted to surprise him.”

“Sounds easy. What does he like?”

“Hmm, well, I was thinking I’d fashion up a new robe or maybe purchase new cuffs for his uniform. Oh, and while we’re here, why not get something nice for his majesty” Kioko said the last sentence so fast, Katara barely caught it.

“Zuko?” Katara whirled her head. “Oh. I guess I never did anything nice for him before. He did take me out that one time, after all.” A deep blush surfaced on her cheeks and Katara bit her bottom lip from smiling. She remembers where Zuko's hands were. His sultry voice and his low breath that tickled and teased her skin when he had openly flirted with her. The way his eyes glazed over when she had danced with him. 

Kioko raised an eyebrow at Katara’s sudden silence. 

“Yes.” The waterbender cleared her throat after noticing the head healer was staring at her. “A gift. I see no harm in buying one for him.” 

That’s what you believe. Kioko smiles, knowing full well Zuko was caught in Katara’s web and the poor girl had no idea what power she had over the Fire Lord. He loved her and she, likewise. The old woman hoped they’d realize it soon or else she would have to resort to locking them in the same room together, if it meant finally professing their feelings. 

The problem was, what does a Fire Lord like that he doesn’t already have? Yeah, Katara had enough to buy a pretty solid gift for someone of her status but Zuko was head of a nation. Katara didn’t have anything to her name that would remotely impress him. 

“Child, you’re thinking too hard.” Kioko interrupts her thoughts.

“Am I? I’m not exactly feeling confident here.” Katara panicked. “S-sorry I snapped like that. I don’t think anything here would be to Zuko’s liking.”

“That’s because you’re thinking of his status rather than what he is as a person. His majesty wasn’t as sheltered as you think. He’s traveled the world, he’s encountered struggle and defeat and when the tyrant, Lord Ozai, dies within the third year of Lord Zuko’s banishment and his daughter was seized for his death, Lord Zuko was called back to take his place as a mere child himself, marry, and raise a daughter on his own after his beloved’s death. He’s more humble than he lets on and we have the former general to thank for that.”

Iroh. Zuko often talked about him. “I know he’s like a father to Zuko. I didn’t mean to insult Zuko.”

“You did no such thing, dear. I wanted to remind you that his majesty is more than just a leader. He’s a man and a father first. Look to that when you go about searching for a gift for him.”

Katara halts, a large grin stretching on her lips. “I’ve got just the thing. Kioko, we need to stop at a few places.”

*** 

Where is she? Kioko refused to let Zuko visit Katara’s chambers, stating that the waterbender was busy and that she would meet them for dinner as soon as she was available. Izumi whined that she wanted to see Katara now and her impatience was starting to weigh on Zuko, who had to try and entertain his daughter as best he could until her mother arrived. They had taken dinner to his chambers this time, so that he and Izumi could give the present to Katara in peace. 

Zuko had asked that Kioko distract Katara while he and Izumi snuck in the confectioner and his staff, he had no idea that they would be gone well into midafternoon only for Katara to run back to her room and shut herself away with so much as a greeting. 

“What has Katara holed up in her room?” Zuko asked during dinner. 

“You’re majesty, I’m afraid this is an important time for Master Katara. She will see you and Princess Izumi as soon as she can.”

Something’s fishy. “You aren’t withholding anything from your Fire Lord, are you, Kioko?”

“You’re majesty.” Kioko feigned shock, resting a hand on her chest. “You would not use your position of power to pry personal information regarding your dear daughter’s mother from me, would you?”

Zuko’s good eye widened, his cheeks blushing profusely. “I- No. Of course not.” He grumbles, finding his food unappetizing because the anxiousness was eating at him. Izumi, the same, poked her steamed slug with a heavy sigh. Katara hadn’t gone a day without being next to her. Had they truly grown that attached?

The three are disturbed by the sound of the door opening and the master waterbender entering the room. “Late-” She pants, her wild hair loose over her shoulders and pieces of random fabric stuck to her dress. “Didn’t mean- I’m here now.” Katara smiles while she gains her composure.

“Mommy!” Izumi cried, jumping from her seat and rushing to her mother’s arms. “What took so long? I missed you.” Her voice trembled.

Katara felt guilty. Izumi had already been through enough when Katara left, she didn’t quite think through how a long separation might affect her again. “I’ve missed you too, love, and I’m here now.”

“Come here, come here. Daddy and I have something to show you.” Izumi pulls her mother along.

“Really now?”

Zuko grips the box in his lap, licking his lips to hide his nerves as Katara sat next him, her arm brushing his arm as she places Izumi on her lap. Agni, give me strength, he prays.

“What’s that you got there.” Katara leaned into him sideways, the box shaking in his hands. 

Why was he nervous all of a sudden? Zuko’s throat swelled up, his palms were sweaty. 

“Me and Daddy got you a gift!” Izumi replied.

“A gift? For me? Zuko, I thought-”

“I know.” He said, finally mustering the courage to speak. “But this is different. Please accept it, Izumi and I worked really hard to select them for you.”

They both gave her pleading eyes. Spirits, how can she resist such cute faces. “Okay. Can I open it?”

Zuko hands the box to her and Izumi claps excitedly as Katara pulls the ribbon and lifts the top half of the box to reveal something she’s never seen before. “What are these?”

“Chocolates!” Izumi giggled.

“They’re edible sweets made of cocoa.”

Katara eyes the pieces curiously. Unsure of where to start. “They’re all so different.” She comments.

“Here, Mommy, you’ll like this one.” Izumi picks out a passion fruit, lifting it to Katara’s mouth. 

Her eyes sparkle as she takes her first piece, her taste buds overtaken with a mix of passion fruit, chocolate and white chocolate. It’s decadent but the flavors are pleasant. “Spirits, that's delicious!”

“Hehe. See, I told you she’d like it, Daddy.”

“So this is what you two have been conspiring this whole time.” Katara teased the Fire Lord.

“We only wished to do something special.” Zuko explained sheepishly. 

“Well, this was certainly special.” Katara smiles.

“Why don’t you try the other flavors.” He suggests.

“Only if you guys eat them with me. This is certainly a lot.”

Katara pops one into Izumi’s mouth first. “Your turn.” She says to Zuko. 

His heart throbs in his ears. Before he could protest, Katara presses a piece of chocolate to his lips and he reluctantly opens, enclosing it in his mouth along with Katara’s index finger and his brain short circuits. As he chews the piece he can only assume is mint, refreshing much like Katara’s presence, her fingers still lingering on his lips; they’re gazes stayed only on each other. 

Zuko leans in slightly, drinking in Katara’s face as she bites the corner of her lip. She likes the look he’s giving her- heavy, glazed and adorning. She wants to see more of this, more of him looking like her just like this. “Do you want more?” She asks in a whisper.

“Well, this has been lovely.” Kioko announced, catching the Fire Lord and Master Waterbender off guard, shame written on their faces. “I’ll take my leave. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

It takes a while for the heat to die down in the room and the tension to fade before Katara tells Zuko she has something for him too. “For both you and Izumi, in fact.” She reaches for the pouch attached to her sash and opens it, fishing out two weaved bracelets with charms on them. “It’s not much but I thought of you two and I wanted to make something that would always be with you.”

“Pretty.” Izumi brightens. Katara ties the bracelet to her wrist, three little charms dangling from it; one of the moon, the second the symbol of the painted lady and the third a sparrowkeet. 

 Next was Zukos, which Katara delicately tied to his wrist as well. The first charm was of two dragons tangled in a dance, the second a replica of the carved stone on Katara’s necklace and the third the mask of the blue spirit. 

“It was all done at last minute, so it’s not perfect-”

“It’s more than perfect.” Zuko corrects. “Thank you, Katara.” He wraps an arm around her neck and brings her to him, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“Mine is perfect too, Mommy! I want to kiss you too.”

Katara laughs, puckering her lips and letting Izumi peck them. The waterbender then snatches Izumi to her chest, displaying kisses all over the little girl's face as Zuko does the same until she begs for her parents to stop in a fit of laughter. 

I love you. Zuko wants to say. The moment passes, he realizes, watching Katara rock Izumi in her arms with pure love in her eyes. He’ll tell her. Someday. 

[jaxsteamblog]

In one line, I love you. Part 6

Local weirdo continues to get way too involved in other people’s writing. More at 11.

Here is another missing scene, built off a line I love from a fic I love to show love to writers. It’s a little bit ~saucy~ with some innuendo based flirting.

Hey. I love you.

“Katara blushed, unable to respond to that.“

- The Water Witch of Biei Village by airiustide ( @airiustide )

---

There was a random burst of cold rain that should have brought her to her senses. But maybe it was the surprise of it all - no one had seen the dark clouds in the dark sky of the new moon - or maybe it was that whatever spell she had woven was cast so wide, it caught her up as well.

Zuko took her hand, forgetting that their cloaks had hoods, and they ran screaming like the other dancers from the open air pavilion. They ended up alone in an alcove and Zuko leaned against the door frame, his chest heaving from exertion. 

His face was turned to look back at the pavilion but he glanced over at her.

“What is it?” He asked, his voice breathy.

Katara shook her head, unable to begin.

“You’re soaked.” He said.

Before Katara could reply, he grabbed her and held her close.

“I wouldn’t want you to catch cold.” Zuko said.

Far from cold, Katara felt how warm the Fire Lord was.

The first time she had seen him being warm, it had shocked her. This time, it nearly struck her down.

“You’re trembling.” Zuko said.

“I’m afraid.” Katara replied softly.

“Of what?”

“Of what comes next.” 

“What do you mean? I won’t hurt you.”

“Oh Fire Lord, I think I might want you to.”

Zuko looked down at her, his brow raised with frank inquiry.

“I didn’t take you for that kind of woman.” He said smoothly and Katara blushed furiously. 

“I don’t mean literally.” Katara snapped.

Zuko smiled, sliding his hand along her jaw and she leaned into his touch as he cradled her cheek.

“So if you don’t fear pain, what’s scaring you so badly?” He asked.

“I.” Katara gasped as Zuko held her tightly, turning their bodies away as shouting revelers ran back into the street. A group passed, but all Katara could hear was Zuko’s heartbeat. 

“Sweet lovers!” A drunken man called out.

“Better not let her father find you.” Another added and the group erupted into laughter. 

“Come on.” Zuko said as he stepped away from her. “Let’s head back.”

Zuko held her hand as they moved through the streets. The wet stone was slick under their shoes and Katara stumbled a few times in the dark. Each time, Zuko grabbed her, holding her steady until she got her legs properly under her. 

“Not so light on your feet now.” He quipped and Katara brought up a splash of dirty street water onto his cloak. 

“I gave you a good enough show didn’t I?” She remarked.

“Sure, but I’d like to know what you can do in the dark.” Zuko shot back.

Her throat tightened and Katara was acutely aware of his hand holding hers. Of how nice and warm he was.

She rather liked this side of the Fire Lord.

[zutara-ao3-feed]

Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Katara/Zuko (Avatar), Katara & Zuko (Avatar) Characters: Zuko (Avatar), Katara (Avatar), Izumi (Avatar) Additional Tags: Family, Family Feels, Romance, Humor, Fluff Summary:

Katara is summoned to the Fire Nation Capital after being caught illegally residing in the Fire Nation, word of her healing powers reaching the palace. In exchange for her residency, and to avoid imprisonment, Katara is asked to heal someone of great importance.

This is the story of how the waterbending witch of Biei village fell for a pair of tiny, gold eyes. Her heart just might be in trouble.

[airiustide]

I wanted to draw something pertaining to my fics and the one that really came to mind was water witch: the part where they all spend Izumi’s birthday at the beach, and damn, do I miss this fic. 

[airiustide]

Hey!!! I know you’re probably not asking for commissions but could you please do a follow up for the witch katara fic 👉👈 🥺

no commissions necessary, anon! I’ve already added two additional one shots that follow up with the original one. chapter 2 celebrating Izumi’s birthday at ember island and chapter 3 of katara and zuko having another baby. 

thank you for reading and i’m so happy you enjoyed it!

here’s the link posted on AO3

[airiustide]

Fair Warning to my Heart

Chapter 3 of The Water Witch of Biei Village

Summary: The family gets ready for a new addition.  Katara wants to experience this moment with the people she loves. With Izumi and Zuko by her side, Katara knows she can get through anything.

A/N: Please note that some of Katara's birthing experience is based off my own. Everyone has their views on the right way to give birth, and I don't believe a single one of them are wrong, as long a you were happy with the results, so please don't comment if you disagree or possibly feel offended. This is the last chapter to this fic. Thank you all for the likes, comments and reblogs. I really enjoyed writing this.

Chapter 1 2

Chapter 3 posted on AO3

A nice bath did the trick. Katara relaxes with a contented sigh as she wraps a clean robe around herself and sits at the vanity, humming as she brushes her curly, long hair. The palace was quiet now that the day’s events ended.

Summer Solstice was a big thing in the Fire Nation. Across the nation towns, villages, and cities celebrated with their own versions of festivities. It was something Katara liked about the people here. They didn’t have these kinds of celebrations in the South Pole. Their withered, little village could hardly stand as it was before she was even born.

Izumi had her fill of fun today; squealing with excitement over the various venders lined up in the streets with food, gifts and trinkets. The fireworks were a favorite of both mother and daughter.

Zuko wouldn’t have it, at first. The two of them walking through the city alone. Katara convinced him with the promise that they would always stay with his guard during their visit to the city. She reluctantly agrees, wanting to spend this time with Izumi before the baby came.

They had discovered that Katara was pregnant not even half a year after Izumi’s fifth birthday. A result from a visit to the Northern Water Tribe. Zuko was needed to go over new trades. Katara begged him to take her so she could see the ice city for herself. It was breathtaking, nothing like the South Pole. Though, she didn’t care for their customs, the people were kind. Chief Arnook had asked if her and Zuko were married. They explained that the Fire Nation would not recognize a union between royalty and a commoner. Sad to hear that, Arnook proposed that they marry in the Northern Water Tribe; they would always recognize the couple as a union in their country.

There was no need to think it through; they loved each other, and they couldn’t help but jump on the opportunity.

Zuko thought she looked beautiful in a white water tribe parka and Katara thought he looked handsome in traditional water tribe attire; hair tied in a wolf’s tail, a single beaded braid tucked behind his ear.

They made love without precautions that night and neither cared.

Now she was mere weeks away from giving birth. With a request, she had sought the help of Yugoda and several other healers from the Northern Water Tribe to help aid in the birthing process along with Kioko.

Katara’s not at all startled when Zuko storms in the room. He sighs an aggravated growl and tosses his crown on the dresser.

“Long day?”

Zuko barely looks over his shoulder and nods. Katara sees that he’s favoring the left side of his neck where his shoulder meets and gets up, telling him to lie face down on the bed and relax. Zuko removes his armor and royal robes until he’s left in nothing but his boots and trousers, falling flat on the bed with a groan. “You’d think with summer solstice my advisors would go easy on me. Proposal after damn proposal, yet no one seemed to want to come to a compromise or even stick to one subject for that matter.” Zuko groans louder, Katara’s hands working his neck muscles. His limbs fall limp. “Why can’t my days be more like this?” He muffles in the pillow. “Just me, you, Izumi, the baby and your healing hands.”

Katara chortles, planting a kiss on the back of Zuko’s neck. “That kind of luxury doesn’t come with being a Fire Lord. But no one is more capable of handling this than you are, Zuko.”

“Mmm.” Zuko hums when she works through a rough knot in his left shoulder. “There’s a lot of thing I’m not capable of...you make that possible somehow, love.”

Katara shakes her head. “I’m just a healer.”

Zuko rolls on his back, pulling Katara on top of him. “You are more than just a healer. You are powerful, beautiful, and undeniably talented. You’re a true master of your element, a respected diplomat when the other ambassadors don’t know apples from Adam and an amazing partner and mother. I can’t see my life any better otherwise or the lives you’ve touched in this nation.”

Katara smiles ear to ear, cerulean eyes lit up for the man she loved. “You think too highly of me, Fire Lord Zuko.”

“On the contrary, Master Katara, I don’t think enough of you.” His hands slide up and down her arms and he kisses up her bicep to the crook of her neck. “Maybe I should build a shrine to prove a point.”

Katara rolls her eyes, sitting up, and smacks Zuko on the bottom to get him to lay back on his stomach again. “On your belly, your majesty.”

“Feisty.” Zuko teases. “That’s what I really like about you. Shouldn’t I be the one giving you a massage? You’re pretty far along, Kat.”

“This is actually a good distraction. I haven’t been able to sit still for days. I think this is what Yugoda calls the ‘nesting stage’.”

“You really think you’re that close?”

“Hmm...I don’t know, I’m still a few weeks away.”

“Don’t rely on estimations. She’ll come when she’s ready.”

“And how do you know it’s a girl?”

“Instinct.”

Yeah, where have I heard that before. Katara mentally remarks. “Izumi’s been curious about my pregnancy a lot lately. Today, she asked me where babies come from.”

Zuko’s eyes almost pop out of his head. “Please tell me you told her that a messenger hawk delivers them to parents who make wishes?”

“Really? That’s what you come up with?” Katara sighs. “I was honest. I told her babies are born in the belly of a mother as a result of two people in love. And that in some cases mothers have babies on their own due to certain circumstances but that doesn’t change how a mother loves her child. It was pretty deep, but I didn’t go into anything inappropriate.”

“And you believe somehow she understands that?”

“Children a more discerning than adults are led to believe. Give her some credit, Zuko.”

He sighs, knowing Katara was one-hundred percent right. “Of course, love.”

It’s not even dawn yet. A dull pain like an electric shock course across Katara’s abdomen. She sits up in bed, blinking twice, thinking maybe the pain was just a dream. She waits about fifteen- twenty minutes maybe- before she shrugs it off and sinks back into bed. Another pang hits her this time, harder. It lasts for maybe a minute before subsiding.

“Zuko.” She shakes his sleeping form. “Zuko. Get up. I think I’m in labor.”

Katara jumps when he jolts out of bed, frantically turning in circles. His long hair in a messy bun, eyes still glazed and red with sleep. “Yugoda!” he shouts, tripping on his feet, getting back up and running out of the room.

“Zuko! Your robe.” But it was too late. He already stumbled out the room with only his sleep trousers. Katara shakes her head. Her contractions were still far apart, so they could’ve taken the time to get to the birthing room.

Katara sighs, getting out of bed to gather some things. Kioko shows up to help, stating the Fire Lord is currently running the halls in search for the waterbending healer. Katara asks if he had any luck making it to the guest quarters. Kioko only laughs telling her Yugoda is preparing the room for her as they speak. The Fire Lord will learn that once he stops his panicked roaming.

“Should I wake the princess, madam?”

“No. let her sleep a little longer. It’s still early.”

Zuko’s already in the birthing room, being scolded by Yugoda for running around the palace indecent and that he should be setting an example considering his status. After taking an earful, Zuko accepts a tunic Katara brought along for him and the healers begin to undress Katara; dressing her in water tribe bindings for comfort and tying her hair in a loose bun.

“It is most unorthodox, your majesty.” Advisor Chu exclaimed in the Fire Lord’s study. Zuko was there to rush through some final things before heading back to the birthing room. Katara urged that it was okay since her contractions weren’t anywhere near close together. He remembers Mai and how many long hours it took to have Izumi. “For a man, especially of your stature, to be in the room as well as the princess, while she gives birth is barbaric.”

“You dare question the life choices of me and my family?” He wasn’t there for Mai. He’d be damn if he wasn’t for Katara. “Watch your tongue, Chu, that is my wife and the mother of my two children you are speaking of.”

But Chu doesn’t give up. “I’m just saying,” he argues, “since this waterbender has come along, she has been defiant of any and all of our traditions. This is profane! Do you not see what she is doing? Joining you in matrimony in a completely different country, even though the Fire Nation will never accept it? Having you participate in the birth-”

“I don’t need a documented parchment with a stamp of approval for Katara to be my wife. And I don’t need you telling me what’s best for my family and the decisions we make- as a family. You are entitled to your opinion, Chu, but in the end, this is mine. I give my life and duty for this country but when it comes to the people I love, that’s mine to do with what I please, and I don’t need your superficial advice to tell me otherwise.”

This wasn’t the first time something like this was brought up, and frankly, Zuko was tired of hearing it but he will be there for Katara and so will Izumi. This was their wish.

Zuko returns to the birthing room, refusing to give Chu another word. It was mid-morning by then and Izumi was already up and handing Katara a glass of water which she turned ice and crumbled, chewing since liquids wren’t allowed to be consumed while in labor.

“Daddy, look. I’m helping.” The six-year-old grinned happily.

“You all right?” Katara asked, sweat formed on her brow but Zuko could tell she was forcing herself from expressing the pain she was going though. Her problems came first.

“I’m fine. What can I do to help?”

“Her water broke about a couple hours ago but she’s dilating at a slow pace.” Yugoda informs. Katara whines, rocking her hips while standing and leans against the bed post.

“Shouldn’t she be lying down?” Zuko asks worriedly.

Yugoda laughs. “No wonder your woman go through such excruciating births. No. Unless baby and mother are in danger, it’s good for Katara to move as she pleases, in any position she’s comfortable with. I ran a bath for her just in case, there’s a mat on the floor by the bed, and my healers are prepared to aid in anything Katara needs.”

“W-what should I do?”

Yugoda pats his arm, chuckling at his confusion. “You just be there for your partner.”

Zuko can see the relief in Katara eyes as he took her into his arms. He holds her arms as she leans her forehead against his mid-chest, back bent and rocking side to side. Zuko joins her, allowing her to use him in any way she needed. Yugoda checks to see how mother and child is doing. She claims the baby’s head is facing sideways and that Katara would have to kneel on her hands and knees to reposition it. Zuko massages her back; long, low groans drawled out of Katara’s mouth, the contractions now moving to ten minutes apart.

Yugado checks again, the baby now in the right position. She reminds Katara to take deep, slow breaths through the contractions. Katara says the pain is worse in her back. Yugoda concludes that it most likely is back labor.

Hours go by. The healers are on stand by and Katara is now bent over the bed on her knees, Zuko rubbing her lower back with his thumbs. Izumi is lying in front of her, just awakening from a nap.

“Mommy.” Izumi whispers. A small hand touches Katara’s cheek and she smiles.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Are you hurting?”

“Mmm, only a little bit but I’ll be fine.”

“Oh...okay.” Izumi pauses, contemplating what she should say next. She knew her mother was going through some kind of pain and wanted to encourage her. She then strokes her mother’s hair; just like when Katara would when she was feeling down. “You’re doing a good job, Mommy.”

Katara laughs softly, a huge smile on her face. “Thank you, sweetie.” she reaches out to caress Izumi’s cheek. This was what she wanted since she first learned she was with child. These beautiful moments she could spend with her family. No noise, no stress- just her and her daughter and husband. “I feel so much better now.”

“I love you, mommy.”

Katara kisses Izumi on the forehead, a smile on her lips. “I love you too, Izumi.”

It’s well past midnight when the contractions are now just a few minutes apart. Izumi had fallen asleep again, Kioko holding her as everyone moves to the bathtub. They carefully help Katara in, Zuko sliding in behind her, both hands laid gently on her waist. Her groans get louder, the water at least soothes the some of the pain, but the pressure against her pelvis becomes too much. Through obscured hearing, the healers are telling her to push through every contraction. Everything around Katara is moving in slow motion, she could hardly make out her surroundings. When she remembers to push again, Katara dips her hands in the water, bringing them back up and a cry brings her back.

She brings the baby to her chest, gasping as the weight in her belly disappears. Katara immediately bursts out in tears. Zuko’s running his hands up and down her arms, praising her over and over, sobbing uncontrollably.

It’s a girl.

It was strange how instinct kicks in; bringing the child to her breast once she’s cleaned and placed back in Katara’s arms. An index finger traces down the infant’s round cheek and Katara can hardly believe she did this. 

Katara wakes up. Izumi is still asleep next to her, hues of sunlight stretched across the sheets from the bedroom window. Her eyes flicker to the balcony windows where Zuko is holding their newborn. He’s lit up, pressing their daughter to his cheek and speaking softly.

“Why aren’t you asleep? Did she keep you up?” Zuko looks at his wife and smiles. She had never seen him so at ease since the day she turned around on that airship and wrapped her arms around Izumi.

“No.” He whispers, coming to the bed and pulls up a chair next to her. “I couldn’t take my eyes off her.”

It’s only day one and he’s already at her whim. He won’t survive when he gives in so easily to their daughters. “Have you decided a name yet.”

“Yes…Kya.”

He remembered. Katara couldn’t believe he remembered. She’s so elated that she could hardly come up with the words. “Thank you, Zuko…I don’t know what to say.” She tears up.

“No. Thank you, Katara,” Zuko places a kiss on her forehead, coaxing her to lay back down to rest. “for giving me everything I could ever dream of.”

\

[airiustide]

Sunrise In The East

Chapter 2 of The Water Witch of Biei Village

Summary: It's Izumi 5th Birthday! Zuko takes the crown princess and Katara to Ember Island to celebrate. The family enjoys some time away from the hectic life of the Fire Nation palace but do repressing feelings between the Fire Lord and the Witch finally come to surface, or will they continue to swallow them.   

A/N: I had no plans of continuing this, then so many comments and questions had me wondering just how satisfactory the one shot felt. And when I myself reread it and just couldn't accept the previous ending, I knew I had to write a second part to this one shot. I hope it's what you guys were looking forward to! And thank you for the comments and notes. 

Chapter 2 also posted on: AO3 or FF.NET

“Mommy wake up.”

Tiny hands cupped Katara’s cheeks. She yawned loudly, pinching her eyes shut and smacked her lips. Cracking an eye open, her blurry vision caught Izumi grinning at her. “Get up, mommy, it’s my birthday.”

Katara purses her lips, hiding her growing smile and stifles a laugh. “Noooo.” She complained in a mock pout. “I’m soooo tired.” She grabbed the blanket and threw it over her head, muffling a complaint in the pillow.

Izumi giggles, shaking Katara still hidden beneath the blanket. “You can sleep tomorrow. Daddy says we’re going to the beach and that I can stay up as late as I want.”

“Oh, really?” Katara smirked, reaching a hand out to tickle Izumi’s foot.

“Hehe. Stop it, Mommy.”

“But how can you be the birthday girl if you haven’t had your birthday tickles yet?!” Katara pounces, dragging Izumi under the blankets with her and began tickling her sides. The little girl squeaked and laughed, kicking her feet and rolling around on the bed to get away. Katara joined Izumi in a laughing fit, dragging the princess back to her, displaying annoying kisses all over her chubby face.

The doors to Izumi’s bedroom opened and the girls stilled.

“Now I swore I heard laughter in here.” Zuko announced, arms crossed. Katara shushed Izumi, a single finger to her lips, signifying they should be quiet.

“You’re right, Lord Zuko.” Kioko, the palace’s head healed responded. “Where could it possibly be coming from?” The middle-aged woman rubbed her chin in amusement.

Izumi couldn’t hold back a snort, quickly covering her mouth with a gasp.

“There it was again.” Zuko said, coming around the side of the bed. “Well, I guess I must be imagining things. Oh well.” With a loud sigh, the Fire Lord fell backwards on the bed and landed carefully on top of the girls.

“Daddy!” Izumi’s muffled a protest. “What are you doing in my bed?”

Zuko laughed. Izumi crawled out of the blanket, jumping on her father’s chest. He grunted at the impact, propping himself on his forearm and held Izumi tight against his chest with his free arm. “Good morning, sweetie.” He kissed her forehead. His back arched forward with a slight crack, Katara shoving Zuko and forcing him to sit upright while she struggled to get out of the blanket. “Oh, morning, Katara.” A shy grin plastered on his face.

Katara slid across the bed, stopping to sit on the edge just a few inches next to Zuko. Her cheeks were painted pink. “Morning, Zuko.”

The tension was back. The undeniable yearning they held enclosed for one another flared like a backed-up canon. They hadn’t discussed their feelings or the kiss they had months prior. Katara thought it best to put her sole focus on Izumi. Even though closing the hole in her lungs was a success, there were still some minor healing sessions and exercises she required. Any healer could do that, but Izumi refused anyone but Katara. Katara herself was pretty sure Zuko had enough on his plate as it was and halting his daily life to take in the feelings of some lowly peasant was probably the last thing on his mind.

Even now, fighting the council over the fact that Katara was here, made her feel guilty as it was. They were not pleased that their Fire Lord was sheltering a waterbender in the royal palace and raising his heir at that. They could see the longing between the Fire Lord and the waterbender and has recently urged Zuko to take another wife, even though it was unnecessary considering the nation now had a healthy heir.

Rumors didn’t get by Katara. She knew this would happen one day, and she thought it the best. She loved Izumi too much to leave, but the day Zuko remarries is the day she would make her way back home. The idea was heart wrenching.

“We go to beach now, Daddy?” Izumi interrupted both their thoughts.

“‘Are we going to the beach’, Izumi. Remember your lessons.” Kioko corrected.

The little girl frowned, furrowing her brows and casting her eyes up at Katara. “Oh…” she pouted.

“But no worries.” Katara tapped Izumi’s nose with her index finger. “You’ll be a natural soon enough.”

They ate breakfast while servants packed their things for Ember Island. Katara was reluctant about having her things for the trip packed without her supervision. Zuko informed her that her own attire wasn’t suited for a place like Ember Island and would require something more comfortable in such a place where the sun exposure was too much. Katara mentally rolled her eyes, wondering just how much hotter it could be than here in the capital.

They set out via boat to the island, Kioko joining them. It was Katara’s idea. She was pretty close to the head healer and was very helpful when it came to Katara shifting into the palace life. Not that she was treated any differently than a mere servant by the other palace residence. Being friends with the Fire Lord and known as the crown princess mother did not gain her that much respect. It wasn't anything new to her. Kioko was nice and deserved to be part of this for everything she’s done to support the odd family.

Zuko wasn’t too thrilled by Kioko’s presence. Aside from celebrating Izumi’s birthday, he was hoping he’d have some alone time with the waterbender. He knew that rumors were going around of his advisors urging him to take a wife. He wasn’t interested and wanted Katara to know he wasn’t. If he could see anyone being by his side, it was her. Confessions wasn’t his strong suit. Mai was different. She was just...there. She had always been there. It was expected, and he didn’t have to try.

Katara was so much more different. She wasn’t prepared all her life to appease him. She had straightforward opinions and was blunt as hell. She wasn’t afraid to argue with him, especially in public- especially in public. While others thought it was absolutely demeaning to their Lord, some thought it was a nice change to see Zuko challenged, and from the looks of it, he enjoyed it more than he let on. At the same time, she was sweet and kind and compassionate. She was utterly supportive of Izumi and an honest friend to Zuko. He could see no other woman making him this happy and they weren't even a couple.

That kiss was all he could think about and he wanted more. More of her in his arms, of her blue eyes gazing at him, of the taste of her lips against his until they swelled from their hungry kiss.

Zuko unconsciously licked his lips at the memory.

“Nervous there, Fire Lord.” Katara teased, playfully brushing bumping his arm, Zuko’s blush spreading profusely.

“About what?” He chuckled.

Katara shrugged. “I don’t know, Izumi? She’s grown so fast. It’s been almost a year since I’ve known you two and it feels...so unreal, I guess. Probably more so for you.”

It did frighten Zuko how fast Izumi was growing up. One minute she was this premature infant hanging on the edge of life. Mai had gone into labor too soon, giving birth to a hardly developed baby girl and losing her life in the process. The tiny princess almost joined her but by some miracle, she had survived. Soon, she would grow up to be a beautiful young woman and a leader to this very country. Zuko could only hope that she has a smoother path than he ever did.

Ozai’s sudden death only months after his coronation shook the nation. Azula was never seen again after suspicions of her playing a role in Ozai’s death spread. She returned, some years after General Iroh turned down the crown to give to Zuko. She challenged him, only for her years of wondering the country in self-exile without a clue on how to survive properly without the support of royal luxury made her weak. She was knocked off her feet and immediately imprisoned. Being a previously banished prince did not sit well with many people either way. Death threats, assassination attempts, and riots felt never ending. It was with Izumi’s birth that things settled down.

“A part of me knows things will be fine, another part of me worries about her time to reign. I never had it easy, even after being crowned. Severing ties with the Earth Kingdom after the war’s end was what almost had me killed time and time again.”

Katara sighed. She remembered what the previous war did. It was explosive. The Earth Kingdom started it first, and in turn, the Fire Nation made allies with them to protect themselves. The Air Nomads scattered across the world hundreds of years ago. It was when Katara was a child that the last of her people were forced to abandon their home when trading between nations were disrupted and essentials became scarce. The ice caps were melting, animals started to wither. “The Earth Kingdom has done a lot of damage to the world. It’s people like you who choose to be different that’ll make it right.”

She took his hand in hers and shuddered at the warmth his hand held. He rubbed a callous thumb over her knuckles, returning the gesture in kind.

“Mommy, Daddy, look! We’re almost there.” Izumi cut between the two, pointing straight ahead in excitement.

They were escorted to the royal family’s vacation house once the boat docked. It was extravagant, holding numerous rooms. The beach could be seen from the back of the house, directly behind the dining room. Izumi was ecstatic showing Katara around the place. Leading her to every room in the large house. 

“This is where Nana Ursa stays when she comes to visit.” Izumi told Katara, opening the door to the former princess’s room. “And over here, is the bathroom. It’s huge! Oh, oh! And there’s a hot spring not far from the house that Daddy takes me to every year!”

Katara humored the little girl while their things were unpacked, and the servants began to make the family lunch. After they had eaten, they made their way to the beach first. Kioko stayed at the beach house, complaining that the two-hour journey to the island tired the poor woman out. Katara seemed disappointed. Zuko was relieved.

Katara took in the beach. It was beautiful. Living by the surrounding river towns most of her life didn’t give her the luxury of an ocean view. She could hardly remember what it looked like living in the South Pole. But one thing she remembered was the smell of the ocean.

“You like it?” Zuko asked from behind her as they watched the princess run towards the water.

Katara glanced over her shoulder, then went red, pressing her lips in a fine line. Zuko exposing his bare chest had rattled her confidence, and she had to keep her mouth shut to keep from stuttering. The top half of his long hair was tied in a topknot while the bottom laid over his right shoulder.  He looked good in swimwear. Really, really good.

“Come on, Mommy, do your waterbending!” Izumi called to her by the water.

With a prideful smirk, Katara unraveled her robe and ran to meet the princess by the beach. “Okay, first rule, you stay on the shore unless Daddy or I are holding your hand. Second, no running. And third, don’t open your eyes unless I say so. You ready, birthday girl.”

Izumi shut her eyes tight. “I’m ready, Mommy.”

“Okay.” Katara bent her knees slightly into a stance, bending the waves crashing on the sand. It lifted up and over their heads, trickling down droplets. “Open your eyes, love.”

Izumi’s gold eyes went wide. Her tiny hands lifting above her head to catch the droplets. She screamed and giggled, jumping up and down on the wet sand.

Zuko watched the scene, sitting on the beach blanket he laid out. Izumi had never lit up this much since the day she was born. All those moments he missed of her growing up because of his duties, he sometimes hated the weight of what came with being a Fire Lord and what he had to sacrifice. He at least had this, and this was something he’d always treasure.

Izumi wanted to demonstrate her fire bending and asked Katara to spar with her. Katara sat on the sand, only using basic waterbending as the princess used different firebending techniques. She was getting better. No doubt in Katara’s mind that Izumi would become a prodigy. Zuko chimed in a few instructions. When Izumi tried to form a high kick, she lost her footing and fell to her knees. She tried several times before frustration took over and she started to cry.

Zuko approached his daughter. “Izumi, what has your firebending lessons taught you?” He bent down, patting her back.

“Do not give up. Use breathing exercises to stay calm and don’t allow anger to get the best of you.” She replied, wiping her nose with a sniff.

Zuko patted her head. “Good girl.”

The princess tugged his arm. “Can you show me?’

Zuko snapped his head in Katara’s direction. She shrugged, giving him a smile. “I don’t mind. If I recall, we have yet to spar.”

The Fire lord seemed up to the challenge. Urging Izumi to sit on the beach blanket they brought, he faced Katara, readying his stance.

“Wait, hold on.” Katara said, removing her one-piece swimwear and leaving herself in just her bindings. Zuko gulped, not prepared for the amount of skin he’d see. At least in her civilian attire he could only imagine what her body looked like beneath, as perverted as that sounds, but his imagination didn’t hold a candle. From her toned stomach, to her curvaceous figure. Hell, even her upper bindings did little to hide the swell of her full breasts.

Agni help him, he was going to lose his first round to a waterbender. A very, very attractive waterbender.

“Try not to hold back, your majesty.” Katara taunted with a sly smirk.

“I can say the same about you, waterbender.” Zuko retorted, taking a deep inhale before igniting flames in his palms. Taking the first direct attack, the Fire Lord lifted a single leg, sending a ball of fire in her direction.

Katara called the water to her, using a stream to block the attack, before turning a complete three-sixty and sending it in Zuko’s direction. He kicked a flare up to the air, diminishing the water and leaving a cloud of steam in its wake.

She bent a larger stream of water, using it to surround her and creating eight tentacles in a defensive stance.

“Yay! Go, Mommy!” Izumi clapped from where she sat.

Zuko calculated that waterbenders preferred defensive methods, considering water required more concentration, and that they attack as soon as their opponent was distracted enough to take down. Her arms moved in a tranquil motion, her hips swaying as her wet hair clung to her brown skin. Zuko swore he’s never seen her do that during one of her training sessions before.

“I knew you wouldn’t make it as easy as I hoped.” Katara called, three of the tentacles swung icicles at him. He melted them before they even reached him several feet away.

“What would make you think otherwise?” He quipped, dodging another icicle.

“Hmm, I don’t know.” She feigned innocence. That’s when it hit Zuko. She’s purposely distracting him by stripping down to her bindings and it all became clear by her movements, which went from challenging to seductive. So, she was toying with him.

“You think I don’t see right through you.” He smirked.

“Why, whatever do you mean, Lord Zuko?” She puffed her cheeks out in a mock pout.

Cute. Zuko sarcastically commented to himself.

Tossing his crown to the side, Zuko exhaled a flame from between his lips and watched Katara quiver. He balled his hands into a fist, lifting them above his head and brought them back down, spreading fire from his hands and onto the sand, enclosing Katara into a circle and forcing her to retreat closer to him.

“Zuko.” She growled, trying to hang tight to the water tentacle, only to watch it vanish. “Zuko!” she gasped, running straight into his strong chest and looked up to see him grinning with triumph.

“I win.” He declared, puffing out the flames and snaking his arms around her waist to swing her around.

“Okay, Okay!” She yelled, kicking her feet. “You win.”

Izumi ran up to her parents giggling. “Do me. Do me!”

Zuko picked up the princess with his other arm, spinning both Katara and Izumi in circles until the waterbender called time out.

“Well, well, looks like I’m not too late for the celebration.”

“Uncle Iroh!” Izumi cried, jumping from her father’s arm and running to the former general.

“Ah! If it isn’t my favorite great niece!” He chuckled, picking the princess up and into his arms for a hug.

“I’m your only great niece, uncle.” Izumi laughed.

“So, you are, love. I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything private.” Iroh cleared his throat.

Katara slapped a hand over her mouth, realizing she was half naked and rushed to get her swimwear back on. Her face turned a shade of red she’s never had before.

“I didn’t think you were able to make it, Uncle.” Zuko said, joining his Uncle for a hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too, nephew. And who might this lovely water flower be?” Iroh asked, Katara joining them once she was dressed. He grasped her hand in both of his, kissing the top of it. Zuko’s brow twitched.

“Hi. I’m Katara. Zuko’s told me so much about you.” She introduced.

“Oh, yes, the healer my nephew has raved about.” Zuko glared at his uncle with an angry blush. “You are more beautiful than he’s described. And a wonderful personality, I hear. To take someone else’s child as your own is truly an honor.” Iroh smiled fondly at Zuko, who returned it.

They made their way back to the beach house, Iroh shooing the kitchen staff out so he could make tea for the family.

“This is a special brew among my patrons back in Ba Sing Se.” Iroh announced, placing a cup in front of Zuko, Katara and Izumi.

Katara sniffed it before taking a small sip. “Spirits, this is amazing!” she commented, taking a longer sip.

“I told you Uncle’s tea is like nothing you ever had.” Zuko said.

“So, I heard you own a shop in Ba Sing Se? Isn’t it difficult considering the ties the Fire Nation broke with the Earth Kingdom.” Katara asked, dabbing Izumi’s mouth with a handkerchief.

Iroh hummed. “Most would think that. But being the Earth King’s favorite tea maker does put me more in favor with the people there. Besides, not all Earth Kingdom citizens are that distraught by the severance. It is a time when all sides of the world should reflect on their faults before moving onto a better future. It was one of the reasons my nephew had taken my advice and worked to fix the conflictions within our nation before proceeding to make amends with the Earth Kingdom once again.”

Zuko set his tea down. “My great grandfather’s reign has shaken a lot of the trust the other nations had in us when allying with the Earth Kingdom and their evil ways. Ozai had bigger plans. Luckily, his life stopped short before such things could develop.” Zuko’s good eye widened. “I didn’t mean all Earth Kingdom-“

Iroh raised his hand to stop him. “My wife has been gone a long time, and I know what you meant, Lord Zuko.”

“You married an Earth Kingdom woman.” Katara arched a brow.

“It was an arranged marriage, bringing two great nations together. I had grown to love my wife dearly. Sadly, I had lost her to an illness after Lu Tan was born. Then, my son soon joined his mother later in life.”

“I’m so sorry.” Katara apologized.

“No need, dear. Besides, in the end some good came out of my teachings.” He looked at Zuko. “I’m glad that despite the challenge of being here, you chose to stay by Lord Zuko’s side and raise his lovely daughter.”

“I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.” Katara stated, hugging Izumi to her.

The rest of the evening ended with the family sitting by the fire on the beach after dinner was served and more time was spent playing in the ocean. Kioko joined them after a small nap. “Too bad I missed the fascinating spar between you and our Lord, Katara. General Iroh has filled me in. I bet it was pretty exciting.”

“Mommy was amazing!” Izumi squealed, mimicking some of Katara’s forms. “She’ll beat Daddy someday.” She jumped in Katara’s lap., wrapping her arms around her and resting her cheek against her chest while the waterbeder stroked her hair.

“I would’ve beaten him today if he didn’t cheat.” Katara turned to Kioko and Iroh, rocking Izumi side to side in her lap.

Zuko’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. “I didn’t cheat!” He blurted. “If I recall-“ Katara hushed him, jerking her head down, Izumi’s eyes fluttering. The princess groaned, snuggling up to her mother until her breathing steadied.

“Happy Birthday, love.” Zuko said, kissing Izumi’s cheeks. “I suppose it is time to turn in. This is the latest she’s ever been up.”

They all got up, Iroh putting the fire out with sand.

“If you all don’t mind, I’d like to stay here a bit longer.” Katara said, brushing sand from her lap.

Zuko’s throat closed up. He wanted to say he’d join her but couldn’t find the voice and ended up taking Izumi from her arms. His eyes followed her as she dragged her feet to the shore.

“Why don’t you stay as well, Lord Zuko.” Iroh winking at him and taking Izumi. “The moon sure is beautiful this evening.”

Taking the hint, Zuko watched as his uncle and Kioko carried Izumi back to the beach house. He swallowed his gnawing panic before following Katara to the ocean where she had her feet in the water up to her ankle.

“You feeling okay?” He croaked. Smooth Zuko.

Her ears perked up, looking over at the approaching Fire Lord then giving him a small smile. “Actually, I’m feeling pretty good today. This is the most fun I’ve had. I heard Ember Island was beautiful. But at night, it seems to take your breath away.”

Zuko looked up, finally seeing what Katara was referring to. The half moon reflected in the ocean water, the stars sparkling like diamonds in the sky. The cool breeze and the soothing sound of waves crashing on the beach gave off a sense of calmness and serenity.

“I’d like to say it reminds me of home.” Katara said. “But when I close my eyes, I just can’t see it.”

Zuko scratched the back of his head, nervous about how to respond. “Then what do you see?”

“I see Izumi.” She sighs. “And…I see you.” She looks at him with a contorted face of misgivings. She was throwing up a wall, Zuko could tell.

Throughout her stay, there had been too many hindrances to their progressing relationship. Zuko was fed up with tiptoeing around their feelings. It was obvious they held a connection that was hard to ignore, and it was high time they confront them, if not for their sakes, at least their daughter’s.

“And what do you see when you see us, Kat?” He pressed.

Katara wrapped her arms around herself and averted her eyes back to the ocean. “Home.”

That was all it took for Zuko to walk in front of her. To hug her, to let her arms slip around his neck and tug him closer. He pressed his lips to her shoulder, sending affectionate kisses across her collarbone and up her neck until he traced them to her jawline.

“Is this okay?” He asked his hot breath hitting her lips.

Katara laughed to his confusion. “Sorry. It’s just- Spirits, Zuko, I’m right here. You don’t need to act so modest. If I’m uncomfortable, believe me, I’ll let you know.”

Now that he had her permission, Zuko captured her mouth in a firm kiss. It set Katara’s soul on fire, her lips meeting his in a melting kiss that had her insides burning with an undeniable desire to feel every part of him, inside and out. And it was clear by the strong grip on her waist that Zuko was feeling the same.

Katara sighed, snuggling up to the warmth wrapped around her, Zuko making lazy circles at the base of her spine with his thumb. She hummed against his neck, pinching her eyes shut from the bright light of morning sun peeking in through the Fire Lord’s bedroom window.

Zuko smiled, burying his face in her curly hair. “Katara, it’s morning.” He rasped. “Izumi will be up soon.”

“Five more minutes.” She groaned. It wasn’t as easy for her to sleep at night as him and Izumi, nor was it easy to get up when the sun rose. Zuko had taken her to his room after they left the beach, holding each other in his bed until they fell asleep, forgetting to change into their night attire and slumbering in their swimwear.

The creaking of his bedroom door made Katara whine. “Too late.” Zuko laughed, flushing Katara to his chest.

Izumi ran in jumping onto the bed and crawled in between her parents, bouncing up and down until both Katara and Zuko got up. On their way to breakfast, Izumi noticed something different about her parents. Something good different. She stifled a giggle, covering her mouth with her hands as she watched her father brush her mother’s hair back and planted a kiss close to her ear.

[airiustide]

Hello! I hope you're having a great day! For the fanfiction-time based asks: Friday, January, and yesterday! Thank you!

Hi! 😊 I hope you’re having a wonderful day too 💕

friday: most self-indulgent fic you have ever posted?

The water witch of biei village. I love found family and something about Katara meeting a little girl and then deciding to love and raise her as her own always struck me. I was surprised by how well received it was because it was just a way to get those feelings I had about it out of my system. And so a one shot turned into 3 wonderful chapters

january: what was the first fic you posted this year?

Not so much posted as more of a continuation. I choose us started in November and it almost complete.

yesterday: favourite way to write angst?

Oh my 😅 I like to write my angst with continuous conflicts (when one issue is resolved another comes along) and just make it absolutely heart wrenching.

[airiustide]

writer ask game: 😂- a line that made you laugh out loud

This one gets me every time I think about it!

“But my mom says I look nothing like her because my dad can’t keep it in his pants. I don’t know what he has in his pants but I’m guessing it’s not good.” - kuzon from The Water Witch of Biei Village

Writer Ask Game

[airiustide]

The Water Witch of Biei Village

Katara is summoned to the Fire Nation Capital after being caught illegally residing in the Fire Nation, word of her healing powers reaching the palace. In exchange for her residency, and to avoid imprisonment, Katara is asked to heal someone of great importance.

This is the story of how the waterbending witch of Biei village fell for a pair of tiny, gold eyes. Her heart just might be in trouble.

A loud knock at the door startled the waterbender. Normally her patrons did not knock so aggressively but Katara assumed it must be urgent.

“Coming.” She called, standing up from the kitchen table to answer the knock.

Five Fire Nation Soldiers stood at attention, clad in armor, and poised. They barely looked at her before one pulled out a scroll that was secured in his belt. “Are you the witch, Katara?” He announced.

Katara frowned. She hated being called that. “I am the surrounding villages healer, Master Katara, yes.”

The soldier holding the scroll scoffed. “You have been summoned by his majesty, Fire Lord Zuko.” He basically shoved the scroll at her. “You are to come with us immediately.”

“Pardon?” The Fire Lord? What would he want with her? How did he even know about her?

The soldier sneered, contorting an expression that said he will not repeat himself. Katara sighed knowing she did not have a choice. No doubt they were aware of her living here illegally. “Is there a reason for my summons?” she asked.

“That is confidential until you are brought to the Fire Nation palace where further discussion will be held. We suggest you keep any inquires to yourself until then.”

Katara pursed her lips in aggravation. “Fine. Let me gather some of my things.” She snapped, slamming the front door. She angrily threw her clothes and other necessities and healing tools into a satchel. She didn’t take much, hoping her time away will be minimal. She was still a healer, despite the fact that everyone called her a witch.

Waterbenders were rare these days since the war ended many decades ago. Both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes were demolished, its people scattering across the world. Eventually tribespeople began to mix with other cultures and waterbenders were far and few between. Katara’s parents died when she was young. Her and her brother were left living in the streets. Hoping there was something better in the Fire Nation. Rumors around the Earth Kingdom slums were that the streets were made of gold. Naive, Katara and Sokka set out for the country via cargo ship.

They were disappointed to find that it was nothing like the rumors circulated. Twelve-year-old Sokka and ten-year-old Katara found themselves homeless in the streets once again. That is until they ran into Hama. She took the children in, claiming they were her sister’s grandchildren.

Two years ago, Hama passed and the children she raised into adulthood sold her inn and assets. While Sokka made up his mind to travel back in the Earth Kingdom with a fellow scholar and friend he had met in a nearby village, Katara found a quaint little place to live, making income through her healing, thanks to Hama’s teachings. It frightened the citizens at first but they came around when they sought medical treatment, and that’s how she earned the nickname: Witch.

Katara was stunned to find a large airship settled in the distance. How did she miss hearing that? The guards impatiently made way to the airship without giving the waterbender another look.

Making a loud huff, Katara swung the satchel over her shoulder and followed after them.

________________________________________

It took less than a day to arrive at the Fire Nation Capital. Katara’s jaw dropped at the sight. The Capital was large, larger than Ba Sing Se. It was settled in a vastly large volcano and was breathtaking. It was like the stories her and Sokka were told as children accept the streets weren’t paved in gold but the palace they landed near was beyond breathtaking.

“This way, witch.”

Katara grumbled under her breath, following the soldiers down the plank where a group of palace guards stood waiting by several rhinos that would escort her down Royal Plaza to the palace. She clung tight to her satchel when one of them offered to take it. They didn’t press her, but did help her on the back of one of the rhinos.

Katara watched as people dressed in expensive attire and fine jewelry passed by. Some stop to stare at her, and other shook their heads before moving on. She was used to it. It was something she encountered more often than she cared for.

Katara had never walked up so many flights of stair before. The stifling heat in the air didn’t make it easier either. Giving a sigh of relief once they entered the palace, Katara bent over, hands on her knees. At least the inside was a bit cooler.

“You must be the witch of Biei village.”

“Master Katara.” She hissed.

“Hmm. My apologies. I am Lady Kioko, the palace’s head doctor. You’re a lot younger than I thought. And you are the waterbender rumored to heal people in secret near the river villages?”

So much for her patients keeping a secret, Katara rolled her eyes. “I guess the jigs up.”

Kioko chuckled. “I’m afraid that’s not the case here, Lady Katara.”

“Please, just Katara.”

“I’m afraid the situation is more dire than your illegal residency. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you exactly what I mean.”

The air turned grim. Katara put two and two together. It most likely involved someone of great importance. She was lead through great halls with tall pillars and walls adorned with beautiful tapestries and expensive décor. She tried not to stare in awe but couldn’t help it when something extravagant caught her gaze.

They stopped at a set of large double doors. Katara’s eyes widened at the detailed carvings. This was defiantly someone of importance.

“Please be advised that anything taking place within this room is confidential. A word from your mouth will result in...consequences.”

“That serious, huh?” Katara tried to lighten the mood, much like her brother would, but only earned a scowl. So much for being friendly.

“Come, witch.”

Bitch. Katara hissed in her head.

Kioko and Katara walked through the doors, the guards on either side closing it quietly behind them. Katara wasn’t expecting much but this she wasn’t. Her heart dropped in her stomach and she clutch the front of her tunic. “Spirits.” She whispered.

Lying blue and sickly was a small girl of about four years old. Her eyelids with dark and purple and she was sweating profusely, the perspiration dripping from her brow. She clung to the edge of the silk red comforter, her small chest heaving and head lolling on the pillow.

“This is Princess Izumi.” Kioko explained. “She is the Fire Lord’s first born and heir. Two months ago, she had fallen ill. We had brought in our country’s best healers when nothing else worked and even then, we had come to no conclusion on how to heal her or what has caused her illness.”

Katara furrowed her brow. “And why involve me?”

“Why for your healing, of course.” Kioko pointed as though it was obvious. “A servant had come to us informing us of how you healed her brother. She was confident that you were the answer to our princess’s problem.”

“You’re not giving me a choice, are you?” Not that Katara would turn the child away.

“That is if you want to remain in your current home. We are willing to establish your residency here in the Fire Nation as well as an immense reward if you can cure the princess. If not, you will be imprisoned for trespassing on Fire Nation soil.”

Katara didn’t reply to the threat but instead, walked over to the girl who was panting heavily. Izumi whimpered when a hand touch her forehead. Katara brushed sweat drenched hair from her face. Pouring a water from a jug into a bowl, she sat down on the side of the bed and bent the water around both hands. She closed her eyes, carefully bringing her hands down to the princess’s small chest and stomach.

“What is the meaning of this?!” A stern voice interrupted.

“Lord Zuko,” Kioko exclaimed, bowing her head, “let me explain!”

“You brought that witch here against my orders.” Gold eyes stared accusingly at the waterbender who hadn’t a clue of what the hell was going on. “Get away from my daughter! I don’t want your filthy hands on her.”

Filthy! Fire Lord or not, she wasn’t going to let him bad mouth her to her face. “I’m far from what you’d consider filthy, your majesty, and I assure you, I’m more qualified for healing your daughter than the rest of your pompous staff.”

“Excuse me!” Kioko gasped in utter shock, her eyeglasses falling down her nose. “And what would a back-water country girl like you know?”

“In just the few minutes I managed to observe the princess before I was interrupted,” she gave the Fire Lord a quick glare. “I’ve learned that her lungs are failing.”

Kioko crossed her arms with a knowing smirk. “We know that. What we need to know is the cause and how to fix it.”

Katara’s face contorted, taking a deep breath before answering. “I’m not finished. Your majesty,” she turned to Zuko who bumped his shoulder into her when rushing to his daughter, “the princess had a hole in her lungs. One that has grown severe. It is likely that she has had it long before she became ill. It is infected which explains her rapid heartrate and shallow breathing.”

Zuko didn’t look at the woman explaining Izumi’s condition but did listen. So, she manage to come up with that in just few seconds. “What can we do?”

Katara bit her lip, unsure of how to explain it without being accused of what people really thought of her or possibly being imprisoned for sounding foolish. “My waterbending wouldn’t be enough to enclose the hole but it could heal the infection. The issue is, the hole could come back and with multiples at that if it is not closed up. Putting a band aid on this is not a good idea.”

“Then speak your mind, witch.” Zuko growled.

That did it. “Look. I was summoned. I’m here and I’m willing to help despite being forced and mistreated! I’m not one to turn my back on people who need me, but so help me La, I will leave if you continue to speak to me that way.”

“Do not raise your voice to me, witch!”

“Its Katara!”

“Mmm…daddy.”

They both stopped, snapping their heads in the princess’s direction. Gold eyes peered at the two, weak and weary, it tore at Katara’s heart and she regret raising her voice.

“I’m here, love.” Zuko ran back to her side, kissing her temple. Katara could see a tear surface at the pit of his eye. He was her father, of course he was frantic and of course after all the healers they’ve been through, it was hard to trust a stranger.

“I’m tired.” Izumi rasped. “It…hurts to talk…daddy.”

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Rest. I’ll close the curtains.” He kissed her forehead once again and went to close the chamber’s curtains to shut out the sunlight. Using his inner fire, Zuko lit a few candles. “Kioko, you are to stay here with Princess Izumi. Lady…” He turned to Katara.

“Katara, just Katara.”

Zuko approached her, his face thin and eyes swollen. Obviously, he received no rest himself. “Yes. Can we step out, please?”

They left Kioko to the princess and stepped out into the hall.

“If my Izumi has what you say she has, what can be done?”

“I can rid of the infection and close the wound permanently.”

“How long will that take?”

“I’m not sure. A few hours? Maybe all night.”

“All night.”

“I’m afraid my methods might be…taboo, but I assure you, I am able to fix it using that with your permission.”

“Anything.” Lord Zuko responded desperately.

“Bloodbending.”

________________________________________

The full moon didn’t come for another four nights, leaving the Fire Lord even more anxious. Katara had to advise him to be patient every time he showed to her guest chambers unable to sleep. Which in turn, left her with little sleep as well. Even with his bad attitude, she felt sorry for him. Izumi was his only child and he had lost is wife to childbirth years ago. Izumi was all the family he had and Katara empathized.

But that wasn’t enough for Katara to enjoy the Fire Lord’s company. He kept showing up when she was trying to relax, preparing herself for the healing that would most likely take all her strength, along with the moon, to cure the princess. He would babble on about his wife, Mai, and how he raised their daughter alone.

He told her stories of Izumi’s first words, and the first time she climbed on the mantle of the sage’s temple and swung on the Great Sage’s beard. Katara laughed along with him, thinking about how her and Sokka would get into loads of trouble, only to get scolded by Hama. She missed them. A lot.

“You’re not at all what I thought you were.” Zuko admitted the day before the full moon. “I apologize for that. I was being highly critical, questioning your motives because I had never met a waterbender, and stories of the few that are left in the world were never kind.”

“It’s okay.” Katara smiled. “That’s past us now. We just need Izumi to be healthy again.”

Katara managed to only a few hours of sleep. She arrived in Izumi’s room, advising everyone to leave her and the princess alone in peace. This will require all her concentration and she could feel the pull of the moon.

After kicking off her boots, she scooped the princess in her arms and laid her gently in the middle of the bed. Izumi stirred, her eyes narrowing up at Katara. “Mommy?” She coughed.

Katara’s stilled, willing herself not to burst into tears. She had never seen a child in this state before, and spirits help her if she’d never have to again, but this is what her occupation forced her to witness and she could never find it in herself not to help a child. “I’m here, sweetie.” Katara soothed, it seemed to help the girl relax again. “I’m here. Everything is going to be okay.” And she’ll make sure of this.

Katara crossed her legs, taking a deep inhale before exhaling and placed her hands on the girl’s chest. She closed her eyes, tingles numb her fingertips as she bent the blood in Izumi’s lungs.

________________________________________

It was dawn. Zuko paced back and forth in front of Izumi’s chamber doors and hadn’t stopped since Katara first entered her room. “Agni, please. Please.” Zuko bit the knuckle of his index finger hard enough to draw blood, the palate of iron didn’t bother him in the least. The guards posted in front of his daughter’s doors watched in concern as their Fire Lord shook uncontrollably.

He couldn’t take the wait a single minute more. It was dawn, she had to have finished. “Move.” Zuko told his guards and they opened the doors for him.

Zuko halted. Katara lifted her head to look at him, dark circles under her eyes and skin paler than normal. She dragged her legs off the bed, and stood up, her balance wavering. “Hmm.” Was all Katara managed to say. Blood dripped from her nostrils, and she fell forward hitting the floor with a thud.

________________________________________

The days had become brighter since Izumi’s been cured. Once Katara woke up from fainting she found Zuko at her bedside floor on his knees and bowing so low his forehead was pressed to the ground. After resting for a while, she was able to properly introduce herself to the princess, who took to the waterbender immediately.

She knew she was overstaying her welcome but every time she thought of heading home, Izumi’s radiant smile would come to mind and her heart would tug painfully.

Izumi clung to Katara like glue and Katara herself? Well the girl had her heart before she knew it. From morning until night when she wasn’t in lessons, Izumi had Katara’s undivided attention and the waterbender would concede to the princess’s whim.

“Why is that witch lady still here?” Izumi was asked one day while playing with one of the nobleman’s children in the garden’s. The Fire Lord having a light discussion with Kuzon’s father.

Izumi huffed, crossing her arms. “She’s not a witch lady, she’s Katara! And she’s here to be with me.” The princess corrected, pouting her lip.

“Yeah, but you’re better now, so she needs to go away.” Kuzon threw a rock into the pond, startling some turtleducks.

“Hey, that wasn’t nice! And Katara’s not going anywhere because she likes me, and I like her.”

“Psst. It’s whatever. She only likes you because you’re a princess. She has to. Everyone has to.”

Izumi bit back tears.

“What, is she trying to be your new mommy?”

The princess’s eyes went wide, pondering on that. “Can she be my mommy?”

Kuzon shrugged. “I know mommies hug you when you’re sad and tuck you in at night and kiss you and they always heal boo boos.”

“That’s Katara!”

“Well she looks nothing like you. But my mom says I look noting like her because my dad can’t keep it in his pants. I don’t know what he has in his pants but I’m guessing it’s not good.”

________________________________________

“You have been a tremendous help.” Kioko complimented Katara. They were on their way to the palace’s dining hall for lunch. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay? The palace could use a healer such as yourself and I know Lord Zuko would appreciate it.” She said with a knowing smirk.

Katara blushed, unable to respond to that. Her and Zuko had grown close over the months. In the beginning she took him for an aggressive tyrant who couldn’t control his anger, only to learn how kind and gentle and awkward he was. He was assertive in front of his people but with her and Izumi, he was carefree and sweet.

He even snuck her out of the palace in disguise one night and took her dancing in the city. It was enthralling, and she was pretty sure she had Zuko in a trance when she came off a little seductive in their dancing. His reddened cheeks and goofy smile was the highlight of her evening. But it was all a glimmer. Something that could never be and the bold feelings she felt that night with him disappeared in the morning. She had to leave. She had to get out before she got hurt. Or worst of all, before Izumi got hurt.

“No. I’m needed back home. But know, that if there’s anything else I can do, don’t hesitate to write me.” Katara grasped Kioko’s hand.

“Mommy!”

The two women turned in the direction of the childish squeal. Izumi ran down the hall towards Katara.

The waterbender’s heart stopped. Did she just call her ‘mommy’? Her eyes caught Zuko as he came up from behind Izumi. He was just as bewildered by the announcement as she was.

“H-hey, sweetie,” How will she explain this? “How was your day?”

Izumi beamed. “I got to play with the turtleducks! A-and Kuzon threw a rock at them and I told him that wasn’t nice!”

Katara lifted Izumi in her arms, “Good job.” She chuckled.

Izumi stroked Katara’s cheek, her gold eyes filled with joy and all Katara wanted to do was cry. “You’re pretty, mommy. More pretty than all the mommies in the world!”

Katara held the girl tight in her arms, burying her face in her hair. Please don’t do this, she begged. I can’t correct her. I can’t let her go.

Zuko rubbed Katara’s shoulder affectionately, noting the tears surfacing in her eyes. The dull ache in his heart was almost too much to bare. Katara’s time here has brought light into his and Izumi’s life and the thought of her leaving left him feeling numb. No matter how much he begged her to stay, Katara would claim how unreasonable that would be. She’d say there’s nothing here for her and it killed him. What about Izumi? What about him? Why was she so desperate to push them away?

“Come, Izumi, it’s time for your firebending lessons.” Zuko opened his arms to take his daughter.

“Will you come to my room and brush my hair again?” Izumi asked Katara.

“Of course, sweetie.”

________________________________________

Katara brushed her hair, starring sullenly at the vanity mirror. She had to leave. Tomorrow. Things had gotten out of hand and it was only going to get worse. Setting the brush down, Katara stroked her fingers through her long hair.

“Katara?”

She jumped in her seat. “Zuko? Sprits, why didn’t you knock?”

The Fire Lord looked down, realizing that Katara was in a light gown. “I did.”

“Oh…um…”

“Is, uh, is there anything else I can provide you with before your departure.” That’s not why he came. He just wanted to hear her voice, make sure she was still here where he wished her to be.

Kataara smiled, standing up from the vanity and wrapped the robe on the back of her chair around her person. “No, Zuko. Besides, I told you I’m only taking what I brought.”

“So, you’re still refusing the reward?”

“Izumi’s wellbeing is enough.” She smiled fondly.

“Then why are you leaving?”

Katara cringed, casting her eyes to the floor. “Zuko, don’t. I’ve told you-“

“That’s not a good enough excuse. You know how much she adores you.”

Katara pursed her lips, bringing her hands to her mouth. “Yes, and I’ll only hurt her the longer I stay. For spirits sake, she called me ‘mommy’. What will happen when you get married and I have to leave? That’s unfair to both of us.”

“Then I won’t get married.” Zuko blurted without thinking. “Then you’d never have to leave.” Just how childish could he be? He scolded himself.

Katara laughed despite herself. “You have to remarry, Zuko. It’ll not only benefit Izumi but your country. It’s best that I leave.” The sob left her lips before she could catch it.

Zuko immediately pulled her into his arms, brushing the fallen tears with his lips. She didn’t fight it. She didn’t want to. His lips were warm, and she found herself meeting them with her own.

________________________________________

“You write me, you hear?” Kioko brushed a tear from her eye. “And don’t hesitate to visit.”

“Of course, Kioko.” Katara promised, joining the woman in a hug.

The healers and servants she had gotten along with during her stay were all there to bid her goodbye. Zuko and Izumi weren’t there and for good reason. She wouldn’t be able to stand it. A guard helped Katara onto a rhino to be taken to the airship prepared to bring her home.

“Home.” Katara spoke aloud. When she said it, it didn’t feel right.

________________________________________

“Please, princess, we beg you, calm down.”

“I want my mommy!” Izumi sobbed and kicked, driving the others to keep their distance. They had never seen the princess so distraught. When she had asked for Katara, one of the servant informed her that the master waterbender had left for home.

Zuko rushed in the room when he had gotten word of his daughter’s tantrum. “What is going on?”

“F-Fire Lord Zuko, we tried to calm her, but she was having none of it.” One of the servants stammered.

Zuko lifted Izumi in his arms, his cheek pressed against hers, “Leave.” He demanded, the servants scattering out of the room. “Shush, sweetie. It’s okay.”

“Why? Why did Katara leave?”

Zuko stroked her hair, placing his lips on her brow. “She had to go home, love. She’s needed elsewhere. There are others who need her.”

“B-but I need her. Doesn’t mommy love me?”

This was breaking his heart more than he realized. “With all her heart.” Zuko replied. That was one thing he was sure of. A strange waterbender comes into their lives. who knew she could rattle them up like this. Zuko wishes he could take back all the bad things he thought about her in the beginning and start over. Maybe do something different so that their time together would’ve been easier. Because now he missed her so much.

“She’ll come back when she’s done, won’t she? She’ll come back because she loves me.”

“Of course, I will.”

Izumi gasped, looking over Zuko’s shoulder, kicking her feet for himt o let her down. “Mommy!” She cried.

Katara dropped her belongings and fell to her knees, scooping Izumi into her arms and swinging her around. She was halfway home before it all became too much, and she argued with the captain for a good hour before smacking him around a few times and forcing him to turn the airship around.

“You’re back.” Izumi giggled. “See, daddy, she came back.”

Zuko approached them, caressing his daughter’s cheek. “I see, love.” Turning to Katara, he pressed his forehead to hers, trying to hide his excitement. “I take it you just couldn’t stay away.”

Katara put a hand on his chest, and Zuko laid his over hers. “No. I couldn’t.”