Avatar the Last Airbender: Final Destination

Chapter 6: Zuko

Katara ran to Zuko and he embraced her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. She hadn't seen Zuko in three years.

"Sokka told me how much help was needed with this mission before you guys left the Western Air Temple. I brought in troops to help with the efforts," he replied.

Katara smiled. Zuko had changed so much. He wasn't that angry sixteen year old any more. He was a man. She thought back to the day he saved her from Azula. A brave man. She felt a warm feeling in her stomach.

"I'm glad you're here! Sit and have a cup of tea with me."

He smiled down at her. Zuko had missed her. She was Aang's girl, he knew that and would never try to jeopardize his friend's happiness. Something inside of him wished that she wasn't though. He didn't realize how much he truly liked Katara until he began his years without her there to help clear his head.

"So what have you been up to?" Katara asked breaking him away from his thoughts.

"Oh just the usual. Meetings everyday for the reconstruction process. It's been lonely. Mai and I separated two years ago. She couldn't handle how much time I had to spend away in war rooms as the Firelord," he said.

Katara felt bad for him. She knew how much he had loved Mai. She could relate to how Mai felt though. She'd love nothing more than to be with Aang but time didn't permit it.

"I'm sorry to hear that," she said.

"It's okay, we were growing apart anyways. I haven't really been looking for those kinds of relationships lately. The girls in the Fire Nation are all the same. They only want the title of Firelady," he sighed.

"How's your uncle doing?" She asked, changing the topic of their conversation.

"He's doing great actually! The Jasmine Dragon has prospered in the wealthy city. Everyone raves about his recipes and techniques!" Zuko bragged.

They both shared a smile and looked at the fire. Zuko thinking of all the recent meetings he had attended. Katara was thinking of Maya.

The two heard a cracking noise and looked up to see Aang approaching them with Maya in tow.

"Who's that?" Zuko whispered.

"Aang's new friend," Katara rolled her eyes.

Zuko noticed Katara's reaction and chuckled. She doesn't like this girl, he thought.
"Woah, Zuko, I didn't know you were here!" Aang said walking up to him and shaking his hand.

"Nice to see you, Aang. Who's your friend?" Zuko questioned.

"I'm Maya. Aang's girlfriend," she spoke for herself.

Katara looked absolutely dumbfounded. "I see you've given yourself a title," she spat.

Aang was taken aback. Katara never acted like this.

"Nice to meet you," Zuko said, taking the attention off of Katara.

Maya smirked at Katara. She knew she had the avatar's attention and she planned to keep it that way. The water bender wouldn't stand in her way. She wasn't even that good.

"Well it's getting late, I should be going," Zuko said.

"Yeah. Me too," Katara stood up. The two left for their respective tents.

"What's their problem?" Maya smiled at Aang.

"I have no idea," he responded.
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Three weeks passed by as the gang helped rebuild the once mighty village. Homes were being built and the river next to the town was being cleared of debris left by the Fire Nation.
Aang and Maya spent long hours away from everyone else in the woods. Often practicing their bending with one another but other times were spent sneaking kisses. Zuko and Katara worked together throughout the days to help build the town. They grew closer and their work showed their companionship well. Although Katara couldn't stand Maya, she found solace in Zuko. He would always talk for her when the girl was around so Katara could bite her tongue. A week before, Sokka and Suki had announced they were expecting and Katara couldn't have been happier for them. She often helped Suki perform simple tasks as to not strain herself. Katara usually found herself being the one to collect firewood.

One afternoon, she wandered into the woods to perform her daily chores. She thought about Aang and Maya. She was jealous there was no denying it. And the girl didn't like Katara either. She wanted to be with Aang but knew she couldn't right now. They were too focused on the reconstruction. What would Maya do when she realized she would have to travel with them to be with Aang? The thought of her traveling with them disgusted Katara. Then there was Zuko. He had become her best friend. Aang was the world's hero, but Zuko was her hero. Without him, she would be dead. Azula's lightning strike would have killed her that day. She didn't know what she would do when Zuko went back to the Fire Nation. If Maya was left here, it wouldn't be so bad. Aang would forget about her and the two of them could be close again.

Katara being over to pick up a stick she saw. These were the thoughts that plagued her in her alone time. She sighed. Destiny will take its place. She walked further on. She found another stick too. This one didn't look like it just fell there. It was in the middle of a clearing. Before she had time to react something hit her in the stomach. Hard. She fell to the ground holding the area and looked area to see who could have attacked her.

"See, I knew you weren't even that good."

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