Destiny is a Funny Thing (Zutara)

Sacrifice

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hello! I see myself updating this story often.  There are some twists I've planned early on that will hopefully make this story more three-dimensional and not just a story about Katara doting on Zuko in the palace the entire time (although wouldn't mind a story just about that either lol).

I do not own any of the avatar characters or stories. This may not and will not coincide with canon Avatar material seeing as there is a change from the beginning. 

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"There's got to be another option than sending my sister into the middle of fire nation territory," Sokka yelled as his hand hit the table that had various papers and makeshift plans to somehow keep the fire nation at bay. Katara's necklace clutched tightly in his hand. Their goodbye was bitter. Sokka thought about a myriad of ways to force Katara to stay. But at 18 she was on a ship heading straight for Lord Ozai. 

"Your sister is one of the strongest of us. She has trained under Master Pakku and surpassed him She is also an adult who would be potentially saving us from destruction."

"She's the only person I have left," Sokka said softly, holding onto himself tightly because if he let go, he might unravel completely. Arnook approached carefully, placing an arm on Sokka. 

"I've lost people I love too. But Katara is not signing her life away. She is strong, and she will return to us." 

Sokka wiped the tears from his eyes and looked down at the necklace she entrusted to him. "Look after this okay? I'll be back for it". Sokka stuffed the necklace in his pocket as he reluctantly nodded "She better". 

  Katara

I finally made it to the Fire Nation Royal Palace. Its muted brown and aggressive red seemed to taunt me, looking nothing like the blue and white that surrounded my home. I put my long brown hair up as I looked down at my red clothes. They were lighter than my usual water tribe attire but somehow felt heavier on my body. I was hired as a servant to the royal family under the name On Ji. Princess Azula was apparently throwing out more people than they could get, and that left the northern water tribe the opportunity to sneak me in. 

"You must be On Ji." I looked up to find an older woman with her hair up in two neat buns. She smiled at me. There was a singe of pity.

"I'm Okuye, one of the head workers here. I will show you around and teach you your daily duties." Okuye hesitated, "and you will be one of the fortunate servants who will be overseeing Lord Ozai's children. If they need anything, it is best to do it promptly and correctly, assuming you want a job that lasts longer than a week." 

Before I could respond Okuye shook her head and motioned me to follow her "This way". I followed Okuye around as I found my hands to be shaking. Lord Ozai's children? Not that they were children anymore, Azula was 18 and Zuko 20. I knew Azula was aggressive and has publicly harmed those who worked under her. I dug my nails into my palm to keep myself from screaming in frustration. It will be hard to find information out if I would not be close to Lord Ozai. But to expect answers right away is foolish. I just have to keep my head down and do what Azula and Zuko says, can't be too difficult, right? I listened intently to Okuye. I would be good at this job, because the alternative is failing my people. 

"Alright this is Azula's room, do you have any questions?" Okuye asked. 

"No, but if I do I will be sure to ask." I assured her. Okuye nodded and stepped back to leave her and I grabbed her hand gently. "Thank you. I appreciate you showing me everything."

 Okuye quickly moved her hand away "You will not be thanking me once you see what's in store for you." I frowned as Okuye briskly left. 

Just in time to Hear Azula yelp out in pain. "You STUPID girl" She screamed as Katara entered the door begrudgingly to see what could have happened. A young girl was crying at Azulas feet as Azula looked at her with pure rage. "You stabbed me. All I wanted was a nice tailored dress for my brother's birthday this weekend and instead, I get an assassination attempt?" 

The girl squealed in terror. "No, please, your highness. It was on accident. I just pricked you on your leg it will not happen again." 

Azula pulled the girl up to her feet, staring into her inflamed eyes from sobbing. "I would hope it doesn't. If it does, I will have you executed. Now go, I'm tired we will finish this tomorrow" The girl ran out as Azula seemed to sigh with satisfaction. She noticed me for the first time. "Who are you?" 

"I'm your new servant, your highness. I merely came to see if you were alright." I bowed awkwardly, trying to hide my contempt for how rude Azula has already shown herself to me. Azula approached and plucked a pin out of her dress and pointed it right at me playfully. "Another one already? I mean a good a time as any I need my towels double washed and my bed remade. Actually make a list of things that needs to be done and give it to the other girls." 

"How will I know what to do-" 

"Figure it out." 

Azula was now very close to me now, with the pin touching my neck, her hot breath somehow suffocating me. "Please don't disappoint me," Azula whispered. "I am tired of killing servants who do." I gulped. Satisfied, Azula motioned for me to leave, and I couldn't get out fast enough. I didn't know where I was going but I kept walking until no one was around me. I fell onto the floor, grasping at my neck, hoping it would help me breathe. As I took my hand away from my neck I looked at my hand and saw a speck of blood from the prick Azula gave me. I was angry. I couldn't defend myself, I couldn't use bending and was not allowed to speak out of turn. It has only been a few moments and I was already overwhelmed. 

"I told you you wouldn't be thanking me," A sympathetic voice from behind me said. I turned to see Okuye's extended hand. I looked up at her angrily. "How does anyone handle her! She enjoys harming people its sick." Okuye sighed and joined me on the floor. "She is our princess. I encourage you not to talk about her like that so directly again." I nodded. "But" Okuye continued "Know that it is rewarding in its own right to take care of the royal family. They have provided so much for us. They have kept us safe." Katara wanted to roll her eyes but instead kept her head down. The fire nation does not need to be kept "safe" its the other nations who need help. 

"Come" Okuye stood up and tugged at my clothes to follow her. "Its time you met the other child of Lord Ozai, Prince Zuko."