Time and Time Again

Chapter 19: Roll With It

Katara watched the sunlight bounce off the stream. It was almost surreal. A terrible war was ravenging the rest of the world, yet here she was, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility. Would it really be that bad? To give up and live out the rest of my days on this island? To be surrouned by serenity? To forget about war and death and pain and loss? I'm one girl. Surely the world doesn't need my help to end a war that's been going on for generations. A brief image of Aang and Sokka laughing flashed through Katara's sighed.No, I have a duty. My brother and Aang are probably worried sick. I can't leave them.

"Katara?" A voice called. Surprised Katara jumped a little and broke the mesmerizing spell of the stream.

"You know, you could announce yourself every once in a while. Or do you enjoy scaring people? You are Fire Nation, after all." Katara replied before slowly turning to face Zuko. A thin layer of hair was starting to appear on his stupid bald head, making his stupid pony tail look even more stupid. Stupid-head. Katara added silently.

"I was wondering if you and ...er...Jet? Jet, had talked about the proposal I made." Zuko said, feeling incredibly awkward.

"As a matter of fact, we did. Thanks, but no thanks."

"What? Really? No?" Zuko's heart sank, there was no way he could survive on the island entirely alone, much as he wished he could.

"Yes, really. Look Zuko, a few kind words are not enough to forgive all of the wrongs you have done to us."

"I haven't done anything to this 'Jet'!"

"Not Jet! Me, Aang, and Sokka! You've chased us halfway around the world, you burned Kyoshi village, attacked my village, and let's not forget that bit with the pirates that led to this whole mess!"

"It's not like I had a choice!"

"You could have chosen not to try to capture the only hope for the world! How about that? You could have chosen some other job. You're a prince, I'm sure there's plenty of other things you could have done! Like lead an army or something."

"No, I couldn't have chosen anything! I didn't choose to be in charge of the Avatar's capture! But what would you know? You're so secluded in that little Water Tribe village of yours, so ignorant of the rest of the world." Zuko could feel his anger building, he tried to force it down, but every word the peasant spat added more wood to the fire. She was being completely unreasonable! He had come with the best of intentions, he had admited to his faults, he, a prince, had apologized to a Water Tribe peasant!

"Do you know why our village is so small and secluded? Hmm? Do you know who's fault that is? The Southern Water Tribe used to be a thriving city, very much like the Northern Tribe! It flourished before the Fire Nation's insatiable hunger drove them to attack us! Now, we're lucky if we have twenty families. Our houses are igloos and our men are all in the war! We are a city of women and children, yet you come down with your war barge and attack yet more! You threatened my Gran-Gran! She's old, what threat is she to you?" Years and years of anger poured from Katara's mouth.

"Katara?" Jet called, snapping twigs and crunching leaves indicating that he was coming their way. Katara blushed furiously for a moment, remembering how she had awoken that morning to find him sleeping with her. Zuko caught the blush and felt a small spark of anger, but quickly put it out. Jet reached the clearing, "I thought I hear-" he stopped short when he saw Zuko. His posture stiffened as he measured up Zuko with his eyes. Zuko gave him look for look.

"Katara," Jet called without taking his eyes off Zuko, "who is your...friend?"

"Zuko." She answered, still angry at the prince.