Steam: An Avatar Story

Chapter 21

The next few weeks passed in a blur. Katara rose early to train with Pakku, then she made time to see Beck when he had his break from doing whatever he did for his uncle and they ate lunch. After, it was back to practicing with Pakku, and then dinner and sleep, only to do it all again the next day. Ren continued to grow.

She barely said more than a civil good morning and good night to Zuko. Her brother and Suki were also subjected to short, albeit more friendly, exchanges. She stopped caring who she saw Zuko with, and hadn't dreamed of him since that night three weeks ago.

One such morning she awoke with a yawn, stretching her arms above her head. She went about this part of her life as if it'd become a routine. Wake, eat, train, break, train, eat, sleep. Katara breathed out, relaxing herself from the Waterbending stance she had been attempting to perfect that day. Pakku nodded, pleased with her progress.

"We're done for the day. Go home and rest Katara, you deserve it." Katara nodded, thanking him as she strode away. Ren was somewhere with Suki or Sokka, so Katara had to walk back to the house.

Zuko sat on the couch, staring at the flames. She should've been back by now, she's always back by now. Sokka and Suki weren't worried, they think she's with Beck. Zuko didn't agree. He had a bad feeling that twisted his stomach and made him clench his jaw.

He could hardly stand the last few weeks, her near-silence around him continuing to fray the bond that connected them. Eventually it would snap, and Zuko wouldn't care anymore.

"Sokka," Zuko growled a little while later, once the sun had set completely. "Something's wrong, I know it. Katara wouldn't have stayed away so long without letting someone know." To his credit, Sokka finally looked serious, as did Suki.

"I know, it's strange," he muttered, palming a hunting knife. "Come on, let's go see if we can find her." Zuko grabbed his dual dao swords he had managed to strap on his back before they left the Fire Nation and proceeded to the front door. He pulled it open, and took in the sight of Beck's hand raised in a fist, as if he were about to knock. "Shit," Zuko pushed passed Beck, almost knocking him flat on his ass as he sprinted for the training grounds.

He didn't wait to see if they followed. The only thought on his mind was Katara. What happened to her, where did she go? He made it to the training grounds about ten minutes later, breath rasping in and out. He looked around fervently. What happened? He needed a clue. A clue! He spotted a familiar grey head coming out of the council chamber.

"Master Pakku!" He yelled, striding for the Waterbender. Pakku stopped, raising an eyebrow. "Katara-when was the last time you saw her?" His eyes widened slightly.

"Hours ago, when I sent her home for the day." Pakku replied, eyes still wide.

"Fuck!" Zuko roared. Pakku flinched, turning questioning eyes to Zuko. "She didn't come home, she's gone." His voice broke. "I need to find her." Pakku's eyes narrowed and iced over, fury twisting up his features.

"She went that way, let's go," he growled, nodding towards the city. Zuko nodded, following the Master Bender towards the direction Katara went.

They met up with Beck, Suki, and Sokka. Zuko explained the situation and they all cursed. He sent Beck and Sokka searching one direction, Pakku in another, then Suki and he continued down the alleyway that was in front of them.

Suki looked down as her foot splashed in water. The hole was the shape of a footprint. She glanced back up at the Firebender, who had heat waves rippling off his back. He hadn't spoken a word since explaining to them what happened.

"Zuko," Suki pleaded. "Zuko, you need to calm down, you're melting the ice. They'll find you."

"I don't care," Zuko snapped, not turning to look at her.