Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ One Day ❯ Healing ( Chapter 4 )

This is not an original work. All credit goes to the creators!!

 

 

 

A week had past since there last encounter with Azula, and while every one pressed on and worried more about what was to come in the future Katara couldn't help but worry about whether Zuko had managed to escape from his sister and her friends.

“Are you alright Katara? You've been kind of out of it for a while”. Aang came and sat near Katara.

“Were running a little low on food so tomorrow when we find a village to replenish our supplies why don't you take a break? Walk around do some window shopping”.

Katara gave Aang a half hearted smile.

“Thanks Aang. I think I'm going to take a walk and maybe practice some water bending”.

“Just don't go too far. It's getting dark and you don't want to get lost”.

Katara waved her hand as she made her way through the trees.

“And where is she going”? Sokka had some concern in his voice.

“She'll be fine, she has some thing on her mind, let's leave her alone until she's ready to talk about it”. Aang and Sokka both turned back toward camp where Toph Momo

And Oppa waited for them.

Katara walked a while till she reached a narrow part of the river; she took a deep breath and began her water bending. As twig light approached the water became a Shimmering gold color. She lost herself in making the water dance higher and higher. A twig cracking from across the river broke her concentration. She took a battle stance ready to strike.

“Who's out there”? She called out into the dim trees on the other side. Prince Zuko Stepped out of the Shadows.

“I was only watching you, nothing more. I thought it was very pretty”.

Katara heaved a small sigh of relief.

“He's ok”. She thought to herself. But then she noticed as he moved forward he had to support himself on the trees. Katara let down her stance and moved closer to the edge of the river.

“What's wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?

Zuko stepped back into the shadows unaware he had reveled himself so much.

“It doesn't have anything to do with you.” Zuko turned to walk away but Katara turning a section of the river to ice followed after him. He hadn't gotten far from the river bank when she reached out and garbed his wrist. He Jerked around pulling his arm away and then winced at the pain he further caused in his side. He put a hand on the wound that was not visible through his shirt and gave every thing away to Katara.

“You did get hurt the other day didn't you”?

“Please don't concern yourself with me. Have you forgotten who I am? I'm after your friend. Aren't you afraid im going to hurt you”?

“But you helped me back then when I was sick. You could have left me alone but you helped me. I think I could at least return the favor”. Katara helped Zuko to a clear spot near the river. Katara helped him to remove his shirt and the bandages covering the wound. It was a deep puncture in his side. Katara lightly touched it with her finger tips, and Zuko unconsciously pulled away. But it wasn't from the pain.

“How did this happen”? There was concern in Kataras Voice.

“Azulas friend Mai Lee caught me with a blade while Uncle Iroh and I were trying to flee. I'm not even sure myself how we got away. I blacked out from pain and exhaustion.

Katara began her work with a solemn look on her face. It took a bit longer than she thought, but she had never treated a wound that was so deep. By the time she had finished the sun had set and it was already dark. Zuko sat up and put his hand on his side where the wound used to be.

“That was Amazing”. Zuko grabbed his shirt and began to dress himself. Katara looked into the star filled sky and then back at Zuko.

“So what are you going to do now”? Katara had a sad expression on her face. Zuko who was sitting across from Katara moved a bit closer.

“Don't worry we will leave here tomorrow. You helped me tonight, I wouldn't attack your camp tonight because of that. I can't guarantee that next time we meet it will be this pleasant. But tonight I can promise you safety”. There was a long silence and the two just sat near each other. Finally Zuko spoke.

“If I told you why I was trying to capture the Avatar, I wonder what you would think of me”. Katara was wearing a puzzled expression and looked hard at Zuko. Zuko taking the initiative leaned closer to Katara. Katara feeling all her fear for this man disappear leaned a little towards him and slowly closed her eyes. But before they could anything happened Katara heard Sokka Call for her from close by in the woods. Katara opened her eyes and looked toward the woods.

“You have to go if they see you Aang will take it the wrong way”. Zuko had no intentions of leaving before finishing what he had started and when Katara turned back to him he touched his lips to hers. He pulled away and touched her face.

“Thank you”. Zuko stood and disappeared into the Darkness of the trees. Katara was left alone sitting on the edge of the river. She was a little stunned and she pressed her fingers to her lips.

“Katara, Why are you over there. Sokka called from the other side of the river.

“Ah. Um..A bird was hurt so I came over here to help him”.

“Well hurry up and get your butt back over here we have a long way to go tomorrow”! Katara stood and walked back toward camp.

“A bird huh”. Prince Zuko stood hidden in the trees watching as Katara returned to her brother's side. Sure now that she would arrive back at her camp safely Zuko turned and headed back toward his own where Iroh was waiting for him.

“I went into the woods this evening to find you because I was worried”. Zuko looked toward his uncle.

“You are also no longer walking with pain”.

“You saw didn't you”? Zuko asked his uncle feeling a bit embarrassed and angry.

“Yes I saw every thing, but I am eager to see what happens next. You moved toward her first. I wonder what this means to you. Have you fallen in love with the young Girl who helps the Avatar? And if so you must have quite a few things on your mind”. Zuko heaved a heavy sigh.

“I'm going to sleep. In a few days we will continue to search for the Avatar. I need to regain my strength”. Iroh looked at his nephew with concern.

“I just wonder if this is what you really want”. Zuko lay for a long time after his uncle's last words, and thought about Katara and his father. His thoughts kept running in his head until finally his eyes shut and he fell asleep.

 

More to come soon