Six Years Later - The Fire Nation
"Come on Zuko! Is that all you've got?!" The 12 year old exclaimed, teasing him. Katara had grown into a fine Firebender, as well as Zuko.
"No." Zuko smirked. The 14 year old took his stance.
"Begin." Iroh said. The two of them started circling, and Zuko made the first move. He blasted a fire ball at Katara, who made it disappear as she punched forward.
The two Firebenders unleashed a flurry of attacks, but they were evenly matched. After 10 minutes of hard fighting, they were drenched in sweat and panting.
"That's enough for today. You both did excellently." Iroh smiled, clapping.
"Thanks Uncle!" Zuko exclaimed. He and Katara shared a fist bump, and walked out of the practice ring.
"Let's go look at the turtle ducks!" Katara exclaimed, catching sight of them as they walked past the gardens.
"Why? I want to shower, I have to see my grandfather in a little while, and my father will be angry if I'm still in training clothes." Katara rolled her eyes.
"Come on, there's babies!" Katara laughed, grabbing Zuko's hand. Unlike so many times before, this felt different. Zuko's stomach started turning in knots. What the hell?
They stopped at the ponds, and Katara knelt down, holding her hand out. Zuko looked at her again, confused. He's looked at her so many times, why is it now that he's noticing how long and soft her hair is, or the way her training clothes fit her? And why is her smile making him feel lighter than air?
"Come on Zuko, kneel down with me!" Zuko chuckled and knelt down next to her. Katara suddenly became hyper-aware of him. Her heart started beating fast, and she felt butterflies in her stomach. She never noticed how handsome he was before then, his golden eyes burning like the sun, and the easy way he laughed.
"Zuko! Katara!" The two benders jumped. "Come on kids." It was Ursa, Zuko's mom. "Get cleaned up, it's almost time for your meeting with your grandfather."
"Yes mother." Zuko said. The two of them followed her back to the Royal Wing.
~
"I've called you all here because I need to ask something of you all." Fire Lord Azulon said. Zuko glanced around the room. His uncle, cousin, father, mother, sister, and Katara were all in the room, and they were all kneeing before Azulon.
"Yes father?" Uncle Iroh asked.
"Obviously the Earth Kingdom is in open rebellion," Azulon started. "I need a way to deal with them."
"Father," Iroh stood up. "Father, let me take Lu Ten and part of your army to Ba Sing Se's walls. We'll bring it crumbling down." Azulon looked over his oldest, pondering the thought.
"Very well General. You may take the 225th brigade, as well as the Phoenix Corps." Azulon said. "Show them no mercy." Iroh bowed to his father and left the room, Lu Ten close behind.
"Ozai, I need you to uphold Iroh's duties in his place. He is doing something great for this nation, and I expect you to support him."
"Yes, father."
"Dismissed." Ursa urged her family to get up and leave, before Azulon made any more decisions.
586 Days Later- The Fire Nation
"Hey Zuko!" The 14 year old exclaimed. Zuko looked up.
"What's up Katara?"
"You're birthday is in a couple days." She started. "And we should celebrate!" Zuko rolled his eyes.
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Steam: An Avatar Story
FanfictionWhat happens if Aang had died after the destruction of his people? What happens if Katara had been reborn as the Avatar? What happens when as a baby she was stolen, and taken to the Fire Nation to be raised among the Royal Family?
