Painted Blue (A Zutara Fanfiction)

Ch. 6 Colony

"Yu- Dao was the first established Fire-Nation colony. Most of the Familes that live here immigrated over a century ago. Back then, Yu-Dao was just a miniscule village residing at the bottom of a valley.

With the help of the Earth Kingdom residents, they built this: the most prosperous metal working industry in the world. No other nation can match the quality of the tools and weapons produced by Yu-Dao, making it one of the wealthiest colonies in our world."

Zuko explained as he led the Avatar and his fiancé through the streets of the thriving colony. The firelord kept his head high and posture rigid as he walked, the air of regality around him still heavily present despite his worn-out appearance.

Katara looked around as they walked, taking note of all the children playing and the mixed families that huddled together as they walked by, anxiety present in their expressions. They didn't seem oppressed or scared of Zuko at all. On the contrary, the uncertainty in their eyes was directed...at them.

"My people are happy here. The harmony restoration movement is threatening their way of life. That's why I withdrew my support." Zuko admitted, turning to face them. For a second, his tired eyes locked with Katara's. As if the discourse he'd given was directed at her.

Aang scoffed, noticing that many Earth-Kingdom colonists were working service jobs in comparison to the Fire-Nation colonials. "It doesn't seem like the Earth-Kingdom residents are sharing in that wealth, equally." Katara chimed, taking the words straight out of Aang's mouth.

"It's not perfect, Katara, but I guarantee you that everybody in Yu-Dao is better off than they were a century ago. "That doesn't matter Zuko. By withdrawing from the HRM, you're going to incite another war."

Zuko furrowed his brows. "Doesn't -Aang. These colonies have been around for more than a century. They've been around longer than you! When I stationed my men here a week ago, I personally made the trip so I could enforce the HRM myself.

But then I got to know the citizens here..." he paused before looking in the direction of Mayor Morishita and his family. "I listened to their stories, got to know their history...and realized just how much the HRM would destroy."

Zuko turned back to the Avatar and his wife to-be, gaze resting on her. "I can't uproot these people; familes that have spent generations building their life and home here. It would be disrespectful to take that from them. I won't let you do it!"
He said definatively.

"Zuko. The nations need to be separate in order to achieve harmony. That would be impossible if one nation occupies the other." Aang protested. "Maybe...Yu-Dao could be an exception?" Katara suggested softly, unsure of how Aang would react.

"All the colonies should be an exception! They've all been around longer than you Aang!" The fire-lord protested. "What!? You've gotta be kidding me!" Aang shot back, visibly upset with the suggestion.

"In any case, it's obvious that Yu-Dao is different. Why don't we set up a meeting with the Earth King? I'm sure he'd be willing to listen and help us come up with a solution that can benefit everyone." Katara interceded, standing between her Fiancé and her friend. Aang stayed quiet.

"What do you think, Zuko? If we set up a meeting, will you be there too?" She asked the fire-bender, praying that he would accept. This might be the only way to avoid...

Katara didn't even finish the thought. She couldn't. She also understood what Zuko was saying, validating the belief she'd clutched onto the entire time; Zuko was doing this out of nobility. "I guess we can have a sit-down." He muttered, not fully convinced that those talks would work.

After taking their leave, Aang made sure to tell the freedom fighters to relax while he sought counsel from the Earth King. Reluctantly they agreed but only for a few days, adding an even greater sense of urgency to their mission.

"I'll stay with Toph to help her out with the academy while you guys go talk to the King. I can't handle any more of your lovey-doveyness, it's giving me the oogies!" Sokka protested, following Toph off the Bison. His terrified screams faded beneath Toph's gleeful ones as she Earth-bended them back to the ground.

Aang and Katara arrived at the Earth-Kingdom just before sunset. After being offered a place to sleep by a new tribe of acolytes, Katara excused herself for the night. She was certain Aang wouldn't mind, seeing how busy he was with his fan club when they'd first arrived.

After making sure the Avatar was asleep, Katara borrowed Appa for the second time that week, promising the intelligent bison treats in exchange for his silence and service.

It took a few hours to for them to make it back to the Fire-Nation. After leaving Appa in his safe spot, Katara infiltrated the castle using the same tunnel from the night before. The waterbender slipped inside unpercieved, her black outfit aiding her camouflage.

"Mai, I know I've fucked up. There's alot I've kept from you but you gotta understand. I did this for us; I love you!" Zuko's voice echoed through the great hall. Katara pressed her back against a piller, hiding in the darkness as she listened to the lovers quarrel.

"I know you've been secretly meeting with Ozai." She admitted, causing a shift in the Firelord's demeanor. "Who did you hear that from?" He demanded. Mai shrugged. "All that matters is that I didn't hear it from you." She chastised. "Look, I know I screwed up but-"

"But nothing Zuko. I know you care about me, but Lately I've realized that you love your secrets, more." Zuko's eyes widened. "What are you saying?" He asked, stepping down from his throne. "Goodbye, Fire-Lord Zuko." She told him with a sad bow before rising and making her way towards the exit.

"Mai, wait! I-I order you to come back!" His voice resonated but fell on deaf ears, the dark-haired maiden exiting before he could do anything. "Agghh! I'm so stupid why would I say that!?" Zuko growled to himself, the flames in the throne room surging to mirror his frustration.

Zuko stormed down the corridor, on his way to the study when movement caught his eye. At first he thought it was a trick of the light. A simple flicker from the burning lamps that lined the castle. From the periphery of his vision, however he noticed the figure follow him as he walked by.

Not again. No way was this assassin going to get his way. Feigning a left at the end of the hall, Zuko circled back around the pillar throwing off the persuant long enough for him to apprehend them. The figure froze when the Firelord subdued them with a vascular restraint. He didn't press too hard, immediately realizing he was dealing with a woman due to her petite stature and lithe silhouette.

"Thought I would be an easy target? Think again. Now tell me, who do you work for?" He growled, a flickering flame in his hand.

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(Thank you guys so much for reading! ^0^ I would like to take this time to remind everyone that this is an Alternative universe in which Katara ends up with Zuko.

I will do my best to stay as true to the comics as possible, but I will eventually be veering off in a diffrent direction in favor of creating a more credible and well developed plot for our protagonists.

I doubt this last bit is necessary, but just in case; no ship hate. You all can tell by the title that this is a Zutara fic. So please. No comments on how Kataang is better, yada yada. I wanna avoid arguments between my readers, so please be kind and respect each other's opinions! With that, I leave you my lovelies! Check out my instagram for more art on this adorable couple!

@kreativekreature9980

https://www.instagram.com/kreativekreature9980?igsh=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg==)