Daughter of time

Just a girl...

Move! Katara cries as Zuko sits staring at Mari for a long moment. He jumps out of the way as he watches her heal the girl in the water. Katara stops and carefully peels off the tunic leaving only a tattered under shirt on that exposes her chest ...she sets the soiled garments to the side before she begins water bending once more. After a long while she sits back on her heels watching the girl.

Katara? Zuko returns from checking on the others and hands his friend a cup of tea. She pushes it away and he sets the tea aside before she launches herself onto him....

She breaks away and cries what did they do to her?

What do you mean? Zuko asks

That wasn't just blood bending and malnourishment that...her body ...I can't explain it. Katara whispers.

Can't explain what? Zuko asks.

Behind them Mari is beginning to wake and weakly pushes herself up so she's sitting up.

The human body can't withstand what was done to her further her heart beat is really strange and - she turns as if sensing Mari's wakefulness. She goes over to the younger girl who allows herself to be hoisted to sit on the edge and her feet remain inside the pool. They both step back as a warm breeze dries herself and a moment later and a short flash she's sitting in a plain red tunic with her purple cloak which was on the far counter is around her shoulders.

How did -

What was....

But - Zuko shakes his head as if to clear it.

He sits next to Mari who eyes him warily.

How much did you hear? He asks softly.

Do-d-d-does ...it..matter? Mari asks before coughing violently.

Katara quickly grabs a glass bottle of water and helps the girl drink.

Mari nods once in thanks and Zuko says are you...?

Am I what? Mari asks looking at him her emerald eyes piercing.

Uh...well I don't know. He says.

Boys! Katara whispers shaking her head and she says you seem to have an abnormal heart beat.

Can you explain that?

Mari buries her head in her hands. Then she looks at both of them for a long moment.

She sighs trying to remember what her uncle told her before her skin begins to turn blue in panic.

Remember not every human will mistreat you.

That's what they tell me.

What did I tell you about them?

They're useful idiots.

That's my girl.

How will I know?

If you can trust them?

Look into their eyes. You have a gift Mari...look into their eyes and you'll either see truth or deception.

Finally she says y-you're r-rright.

Right? About what?

Zuko says his voice soft.

Mari looks down and he says

about your heart beat? He asks softly. Mari nods then she says

I..I supp-supposse it's

Mari holds up two fingers before taking another sip of drink.

Two? (Zuko) - hearts!? Katara says

Mari just nods looking down. Zuko goes over to her and he gently puts a hand on her chest feeling the first and then the second heartbeat.