Chapter Text
Katara felt like she was waking up from a long slumber, one of those that grace you once in a lifetime, where your muscles feel stiff after lying motionless for a long time and yet your mind indulgently asks for some more time. This was funny considering she didn’t remember sleeping for more than 2 hours in day because while healing Aang. As her consciousness returned slowly, she heard a murmuring sound.
It was a man's voice, a very deep raspy voice which murmured, "Come back to us, Katara. Come back to me." And was he holding her hand in a gentle grip? She slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the sudden light and then..... It was all red.
A man with long dark hair done in a messy top knot sat next to her bed, holding her hand. His face was downcast and he was wearing an all red ensemble except the blue ribbon tied around his wrist.
She suddenly felt a deep seated ache in her temples and she couldn't hide her cry of pain. The man immediately sat up straight and she recognised the scar. Zuko! She immediately snatched her hand away and tried to sense the nearest source of water which was a surprisingly big bowl of water right next to her bed.
With the reflexes of a Tiger Shark, she held an icicle at his throat. Katara growled, " Where am I? Where's my brother and Aang?"
Zuko opened his mouth to say something but his voice didn't seem to work. His eyebrow had shot up and his golden eye had widened with shock . Before Katara could repeat her demand, Zuko said in a very strangled voice," Katara, Sokka is in the Fire library with Suki and Aang is on his way here from Cranefish town. And before you ask, Toph is in Gaoling and your dad and Gran Gran are in Southern water tribe and Uncle Iroh is in Ba Sing Se." Zuko had answered her question in very practised tone like he was used to answering this question on a daily basis which was absurd. He couldn't have known about her nightmares and her habit of listing down where each of her loved ones were.
"And why should I believe you ..you traitor, you liar ! Azula wouldn't have killed Aang if you hadn't turned on us, you coward." She remembered in time that they had to show Fire Nation that Aang was dead.
"Wait ....you think the crystal catacomb happened... How old do you think you are, Katara ?"
"I am almost 15...and stop calling me Katara! What happened to calling me water tribe peasant, huh?"
"Katara, believe me, I am not your enemy...I am your fia..friend. Look around, do you think we keep enemies in such chambers? The war ended 8 years ago...."
Zuko’s hurried awkward speech and her rising confusion was interrupted by the doors opening and an old lady striding in.
"Firelord Zuko, I asked you to summon me as soon as the patient was conscious! The guards must have heard her shouting from the door. Lady Katara, how are you....put down that water, young lady! No bending till you are up on your feet. Lady Katara, you were in an accident just 6 days ago. “
While Katara was taking in this old woman’s tirade, Zuko suddenly spoke in a very controlled tone, “Healer Min, Katara thinks it’s 8 years ago.”
“What do you mean?” The healer looked visibly more worried than angry now.
“Yes. She thinks that my sister killed the Avatar and that war is still going on.” Zuko emphasised the last line, “You said she may be confused, not that she will lose her memory!” His shout made Katara put her guard up again.
Zuko pressed his the heels of palms to his eyes (Was he crying?), then pinched the bridge of his nose and asked the guards to summon Ambassador Sokka and Lady Suki immediately.
Katara wondered if this was some kind of fire nation torture trick. She tried to run to the doors but immediately felt very dizzy again.
A “Sorry” in a familiar shrill voice was all the warning she got.
Suddenly she was chi blocked. Before she could feel the inevitable hard marble floor, she was cushioned in some one’s arms and the smell of jasmine.
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Notes:
I have a busy job but will try to update at least once in 10 days. I know the pain of your favourite fanfiction not being updated for years(Looking at you Fates Deferred)
Chapter 2: Chapter Two: Orange
Chapter Text
When Katara woke up again, the room was dark. She could acertain the outline of another broad shouldered man sitting next to her. Before she could attack, the man shouted, “Tui’s gills, you are awake, Katara !” She immediately felt her body relaxing because those blue eyes were as familiar to her as her own. Sokka was safe and alive !
She gave him a tight hug and murmured thanks to Yui for bringing her brother to her in this unfamiliar situation. Sokka seemed bigger than she remembered. He was dressed in Water Tribe fashion but the clothes seemed to be of better quality and he wore multiple blue beads in hair which had grown longer. His face was more angular and his gaze calmer yet still mirthful. Still this man was her goofy older brother.
“Sokka, I had this horrible dream where Zuko was holding my hand and he was Firelord. I was in this red room...” She trailed off, now recognising the red room. She really was in a Fire Nation room.
“Katara, it’s alright. We are as safe as we would be at our village in the Southern Water Tribe. Or maybe not..Dad said there was a wild polar bear dog loose in some of the settlements.”
Sokka paused his rambling and asked her to ask him all her questions. She hugged him again and said,”l believe you about the safe part since you have your boomerang with you.” And just like that both siblings were giggling like children that they no longer were.
Sokka told her about their failed invasion, the end of the war, how Aang had taken Ozai’s bending, how Zuko had redeemed himself...this time permanently by teaching Aang firebending and freeing dad and Suki from prison. Apparently they had dueled Azula together while Suki, Toph and Sokka had sabotaged the airships on the day of the Sozin’s comet.
Sokka left out a lot of details on purpose. Some details could be jarring to her mind and Sokka imagined anything involving their ninja revenge field trip and the lightening incident would be pretty shocking to say the least. Even though Katara often accused him of having the emotional capacity of a Penguin Fish, he definitely understood that these events were deeply personal to Zuko and Katara and it would be better coming from Zuko.
Katara felt gobsmacked to be honest. It was a lot of information and she sensed many many gaps in the story but she asked only one question, “So Zuko is the Firelord now and our friend ?”
“Well, he’s my best friend, my bro but he is your fia....friend forever too. You guys are practically buddies, such buddies, braiding eachother's hair and painting nails.”
“Sokka !” Katara interrupted, “So Zuko said Aang is coming back soon.”
“Yes ! He is. He is coming back in a day or two. He left as soon as he heard of your accident.”
Katara suddenly gasped. She realised that she never asked about the accident. Sokka was about to ask her about her reaction when they heard a knock. Great, Katara thought, it was the Firelord, their friend ! Katara’s inner Toph said.
Zuko peeked in and looked at them, shuffling his feet with his eyes downcast, uncharacteristically sheepish, different from his usual growly face. He looked pale as he said, “Would you like to join me for supper or would you like to have food delivered here? “
Katara took a second to realise that the question was directed to her. “Umm.. this room would be preferable.”
“Okay.” Was it just her or did he seem disappointed? While she realised that he apparently viewed her as a friend even though she was sure she didn’t paint his nails, Sokka, she couldn't be expected to smile and laugh with him after the last memory she had was of his betrayal.
Sokka jumped up and said, “I am going to get you some comfort food.” This was clearly a ploy to talk to Zuko alone. Seeing her hesitant expression, he pulled Zuko outside along with him and added softly ,”I will be back in half an hour. Mean while Healer Ming will come to check on your condition. Don’t skewer any one while I am gone.”
Chapter Text
Katara found herself alone for the first time she had regained consciousness. She took this time to explore her room/prison.
To her surprise, it wasn't all red like she had originally thought it to be. One whole wall was painted white and blue with water tribe symbols for bravery, trust and wise carved on them. Fur Pelts from home hung on the walls.
There was a painting on the wall...it was them..Aang, Toph, Sokka, Suki and even Zuko looking just the way they did in that crazy year with happy grins on their faces. Well, every one was grinning except Zuko who had a small shy smile on his face. She didn't even know his usually angry features could contort that way. Aang had his arms around Sokka's and her shoulders. Sokka in turn had his arm around Suki's waist. Zuko stood next to her with Toph sitting on his shoulders with a maniacal grin. Despite her feelings about Zuko, Katara was surprised when a tear escaped and ran down her cheek. It was gratifying to see her found family so happy and at peace.
Below the painting was a intricately carved wooden and metal cupboard. The first drawer had a pile of documents, some about taxes, "Ursa Women's Rights Initiative" and some recent ones about "Iroh's Home for the Lost Youths". Before she was even more overwhelmed, she shut that drawer quickly. The next drawer had a letter box made from shell and coral with intricate work which marked it as an authentic Water Tribe article. She would have to remember to read them later to jog her memories. The other walls were painted in colours of the sun set- red, yellow, purple.
Her room had a single large window which was at least 7 feet in height. She opened the doors to the balcony and immediately, moonlight flooded the room. Today it was a full moon. The constellations seemed so different from the night sky at home. Her room had a view of a pond and a beautiful garden. Something told her she had requested this..to be close to water in some way and being able to see the moon from her room. Because logic dictated that any firebender would want a window facing east, letting in as much sun as possible. She saw another small door but it seemed locked. Another mystery in her own room...
There was a personal bath adjoining her chamber and there she spotted a familiar woman. Mom ! But no, she realised with a jolt that it was a mirror and that woman was her. She didn't look all that different from her memory of her mother at first glance. It was when she stared longer that the differences became apparent. She was taller with almost negligible baby fat in her cheeks. Her hair was in a Firenation hairstyle but had come loose. But she still had her hair loopies and blue beads. She had a bruise on her right temple and she wore a thin, blue shift which was quite figure hugging, to be honest. She blushed in embarassment at the thought that she had been so scantily dressed in front of Zuko, whether he was friend or foe. Surprisingly, her normally over-protective brother had not said a word about it. Any further thoughts along that direction halted when she saw her mother's necklace or more accurately, her mother's necklace secured with a vermillion red ribbon instead of the usual navy blue she had used since childhood. Every minute, she was faced with a new mystery that threatened to worsen her already pounding headache.
Her musings were interrupted with a sharp knock at the door. Healer Ming entered the room with a tray of instruments and potions. She reminded Katara of Gran Gran in her appearance and Pakku in her temperament. She lit the lamps in the room with precision and did a few memory tests, orientation tests etc. After making sure her body was physically alright, she told Ming about her sudden headache when she had woken up. It had been after seeing the dark blue ribbon on Zuko's hand. Ming frowned and 'Hmmm'ed like it confirmed something for her.
Then she said,"I will write to Yugoda at once with my suspicions."
"How do you know Yugoda?"
"Actually, you were the one who introduced us at one of your healing conferences. Now we are good friends, the three of us."
"Oh ! I didn't realise I would be so interested in healing. I wasn't during the war because I thought I needed to be a warrior to protect everyone. I looked down on the women in the Healing huts at the Northern Tribe. I only realised it was a mistake after Aang almost died and I needed to heal him."
"Yes, I am aware of that, Katara." she said with a kind smile and a wink ,"A very wise young woman once told me that the world needed healers and teachers more than it needed warriors now. So after the war, she helped set up many healing schools and annual healing conferences where there is a melting pot of healing ideologies for the benefit of the people."
Katara felt inspired. She said in admiration, "She seems to be very wise, Healer Ming."
With a significant look in her direction, she emphasized, "Yes, you are a very enterprising young lady."
Sokka came just as the healer wrapped up her bag of tools. She instructed them not to bring up any suddenly alarming news or facts from present Katara's life till Yugoda replied to her. She also left complicated instructions for a special herbal tea which was good for the brain's blood supply. Sokka laughed, "Yeah, we are definitely leaving the tea making business to Zuko." Katara was quickly tiring of the casual mentions of Zuko, made in a friendly tone.
"I will send your lady in waiting, Jae with some remedies and speak to the Firelord. He's been worried sick." Before she could ask why everything had to be reported to his esteemed FuryLord and why he had to make her medicinal tea, some one else knocked at the door.
Suki entered the room with a tray of food and a smile on her face. She was in her traditional Kyoshi garb but her face was free of the makeup. She had grown more beautiful with age with the quiet aura of strength and "Mess with me at your own peril" vibe that always accompanied her. Katara had always liked Suki, especially after she successfully beat the patriarchy out of her brother. She had been very upset when they received news about her imprisonment at the hands of the Princess. But to see Suki again in flesh smiling at her while taking a seat next to Sokka, their hands intertwined was a sight for sore eyes.
"Bleeding Hog Monkeys Katara! You scared the shit out of us. I mean I know you seem to have lost your memories but no worries. We'll help you and you will be the ass kicking Water Tribe Ambassador and Boss Lady in no time."
Katara saw how optimistic Suki or even her usually cynical brother were trying to act. But she noticed the tightness around their eyes and the smiles that didn't quite reach their eyes which held many mysteries. Some good like the projects she seemed to be developing while some unclassified like Zuko. Still she nodded and with a small smile, said, " Then it's a good thing I have you two to tell everything, don't I?"
Notes:
So perhaps the only thing I will borrow from the comics : Kyoshi warriers being a specialised agency which served as bodyguards for important figures like our boy Zuko who work for world peace.
And as much as I love Sukka, I can't imagine how they would leave their respective commitments and settle in one place. Their relationship is very reminiscent of modern relationships where both partners are career oriented and find it difficult to compromise their ideals. Perhaps that's why Bryke never mentioned Suki in the Korra verse because even they couldn't sort it out. (Just ignore my rambling). What do you guys think ? Let me know in comments.
Chapter Text
"So, you are 23 years old. You have been living in the Fire Nation since 4 years now." Even the first two pieces of information Sokka provides are a big shock to her even though they are as basic as it gets.
Sokka tells her how she had forgiven Zuko during the war and so now she was the Southern Water Tribe ambassador as well as in the Fire Lord's council of advisors.
Katara immediately felt guilty for missing her duties since a week even though she knew it wasn't her fault.
"Turn that frown upside down, Sis. Don't worry. You have the great Sokka as your replacement since a month." Sokka said puffing his chest.
"I thought I have been injured only since a week . Then why ...?"
Sokka immediately freezes up and stumbles over his words,"Because...you are...on a vacation." She could see Suki roll her eyes with exasperation. Even a memory less Katara knew that was a lie.
Sokka and Suki exchanged furtive looks and seemed to decide something which only Sokka looked sure about. Sokka apologized, "Sorry about that, you have been really busy, Katara with...some other international affairs."
Suki interrupted,"Yes, Kyoshi warriors now serve as official bodyguards for very high profile international events."
"And what is the high profile international event you are here for now?" Katara asked out of curiosity.
Suki who usually had a great Pai Sho face, looked like she had swallowed a bull frog. Maybe her brother's lack of tact had rubbed off on her after so many years or it was part of the big secret they were hiding from her. Yes, she knew they were hiding something big from her. It was obvious. She felt very irritated about being coddled. Was this how people felt about her mothering? No, she was always honest, except with Aang because how much more could she traumatise that poor boy.
Katara grimaced and before she could shout at her blockhead brother and her friend for feeding her bull pig, Suki distracted her by describing her public health projects and all the changes Zuko had brought to the Fire Nation with and without their help. How they were now a peaceful nation committee to scientific and public health innovations in tandem with other nations. How Zuko had put in a lot of his personal wealth to help restore the old Air Temples and Aang's quest for the new Air Nation.
Suki and Sokka spoke of Zuko with genuine warmth. Oh they tried to this it but she could see how much they loved him. In every conversation, Zuko was the elephant rhino in the room.
Katara felt like she was being forced to swallow a swamp juice. She decided that she would talk to Zuko herself once before she came to any final conclusions. She knew she was being stubborn about this but she had had less a day to learn about a life she had lived for 8 years and how it was drastically different than her wildest imaginations at 15. Zuko might be a saint who was supposedly doing everything right but all she could imagine was his snarling face and how much he had terrorized her. A part of her remembered how he had found common ground with her over their mothers and how she had been tempted to heal his scar with the Spirit Oasis Water before everything went to hell. That was one of the reasons why she was being so disbelieving about Zuko's change of heart. Because in truth, she knew that the person she was most angry at was herself, for almost using the water for Zuko when it had ended up saving Aang and by default, the world.
Looking at her discomfited expression, Suki immediately changed the topic to Sokka and her long engagement. Katara was overjoyed that her brother's first crush was now his fiancee. Even their banter hadn't changed much.
"This idiot couldn't shut his air hole when I proposed to him. Toph, Aang and you laughed so much. Only Zuko managed to control his laughter."
"That's because I had my own 10 step plan ready, just scheduled a day later."
"That's what this bozo says every time."
"But I am your bozo for life right?"
Suki gave him a quick kiss and Sokka, the dork, melted visibly. While Katara was just getting over the oogies these two were radiating, Suki turned to her, "We have been engaged for 4 years, Katara but we still haven't been able to decide where to settle down after marriage," Katara realised this might have been a recurrent topic of contention between the couple. Suki continued in a heated manner,"Sokka, Katara also has her commitment to the tribe, still she managed reach a compromise with her.." Sokka suddenly shut her up with a palm to her mouth.
Katara couldn't hold it in anymore. She immediately got to her feet and shouted,"Sokka, enough is enough. Swear it by mom, am I also engaged? To a man from Fire Nation?"
Sokka held up his palms in a gesture of peace and said, " Katara, you are engaged to a man from the Firenation. You both love each other almost to a sickening degree and yes, dad and gran gran know him. He's just .....indisposed at the moment and very far away. I will tell your everything soon. But like Healer Ming said, it's better if you remember by yourself instead of receiving shocks to your memory. You trust me right ?"
Katara nodded reluctantly. She had many questions: Who was she engaged to? How could Sokka be so casual about the Fire Nation? How could her husband to be not be at her side?
She suddenly clutched her head in pain and vague half formed images and voices filled her mind, each too fast to decipher.
A red ribbon replacing the blue.
Her hands delicately tying the ribbon around a man's wrist.
Should I consider this my lady's favour?
A man's voice explaining the tradition of a lady giving her favour to her lover in a swordsman's duel in his favourite play
This will have to do till your ring arrives on the next ship.
A man's and a woman's laughter echoing together...
Katara felt tired to her very bones and she just wanted to sleep till this weird cactus juice dream was over. Maybe when she woke up the world would make sense to her again
Notes:
I know I know, Our boy Zuko will hopefully be there in person in the next chapter.
Chapter 5: Interlude: Sokka
Notes:
Since we have been seeing the world through an amnesiac Katara's eyes, I will be writing small interludes from other important characters' perspective to give a clear image of the post war world I imagine.
The first interlude is by our favourite Boomerang boy, Sokka pronounced with an okka.
Chapter Text
Sokka considered Zuko to be his best buddy (other than Aang and Toph for course, Sokka didn’t want a rock-avalanche to bury him in his sleep and Aang could still give horribly cute 'Otter Penguin' eyes at 21). From the moment they had escaped the Boiling Rock, he knew they would stand by each other till the end of the line.
In the past, Zuko had relentlessly chased them across the world to capture their other mutual friend. Then he had helped him rescue his father and his wife-to-be. He had saved his sister from Azula's crazy blue lightning. Even in the initial post war days, they had saved eachother's lives many times since Zuko couldn’t go a month without an attempted assassination and Sokka was always getting involved in some hair-brained scheme that Toph or Aang cooked up. There were people with half their history who were best friends. So it was inevitable that Zuko was going to be Sokka's bro for life.
Zuko just got him, they shared many interests like swordsmanship, protecting people and a love for his family. But they had even more differences. While he liked goofing off, Zuko often remained at the task. Sokka was a planner and Zuko was a do-er. Give Sokka a day and he could invent a new way for travelling like hot air balloons while it would Zuko half this time to break into practically any place and return unscathed. Sokka was a non-bender genius while Zuko was a firebending master who also excelled at Dao Swords. It was almost unfair and he had complained about this loudly enough that Toph had pelted him with rocks and teased him about his man crush on “Sparky”.
There was a time before Zuko's engagement went public that people were actually confused which Water tribe sibling he was courting. Even his father had taken Zuko aside and scared the living day lights out of the Firelord himself. Sokka remembers his father thundering, "What are your intentions with my children, young man?" Zuko’s forehead had been beaded with sweat even in the Water Tribe frigid weather while Katara, his evil sister, had almost busted a gut after laughing so hard. It had also been memorable since their father usually never raised his voice in front of Zuko. Even without being a ware of the whole royal saga of abuse, Hakoda knew a traumatised teenager when he saw one. Besides he loved Zuko like a son. He had often seen him write letters to the young Firelord asking after his health and to take it easy and ask for help. But what sealed the deal was Zuko’s invite to him to inaugurate the “Kya School of Healing." Sokka could count on one hand how many times he had seen his father crying. Hakoda had hugged Zuko with years in his eyes and given him his approval to court Katara: “Son, I know Katara would drown us if she realised that I was giving you permission to court her since she is her own woman and no one’s property. But if the two of you manage to surpass the hundreds of challenges your way, then I believe we can go ice dodging one day.” Zuko’s face had gone from varying degrees of shock to finally acceptance.
That night, Zuko and Sokka had decided to procrastinate about certain like decisions with some fire whiskey. Sokka wanted his advice about proposing to Suki and Zuko, the lightweight that he was, had already started to cry, ”He called me ‘son’, Sokka. You are so lucky to have a father like him. I thought he didn’t like me, you know.”
Sokka snorted,” And I told you that was only because he thought you were a player who was juggling with his children’s emotions. Besides, I can’t believe he offered to let you go ice dodging… it’s a rite of passage for all Water Tribe men. He practically considers you family now.”
Zuko hadn’t stopped blubbering, “That’s….Thank you.” He tried to give a Fire Nation style bow and immediately fell over. He continued, “ How does your father know about my feelings for your sister? We haven't even gone on our first date. I thought only Toph and you had deduced it. And I am sure you told Suki. But Mai and Ty Lee keep embarrassing me in front of Katara. Even Azula had threatened to leave Ember Island and kill me with her bare hands if I put a water bender on the throne. And Uncle has been teasing me about Katara since the war. Wait…does practically everyone know?”
Sokka guffawed and slapped a hand on his shoulder, “Zuko, my friend, my oblivious bro, my favourite jerk bender, everyone knows. I wouldn't bet on my sister though. She is almost as dense as you in these matters. She wasn't sure Aang liked her till he kissed her on the day of the Black Sun.”
Soon enough, Zuko and Katara had started dating. Sokka knew they made a good pair and he trusted Zuko to treat his sister respectfully but he had often worried about their future and how emotionally wrecked both of them would be if it ended. But of course they had proven him wrong and he couldn’t be happier.
Unlike other Firelords who married on Summer Solstice, Zuko and Katara had decided to get married on the next Vernal Equinox with equal lengths for day and night, symbolising their union. Sokka had taken over her responsibilities as the Southern Water Tribe Ambassador while Katara focused on the preparations for the ceremony, “Fire Lady” lessons and her pending public welfare projects. Zuko knew Katara would hate to have an ostentatious ceremony so he compromised by helping her complete a project close to her heart, The “Iroh House for Lost Youth” before the wedding. So the next few months saw him sitting at meetings negotiating trade agreements while counting down days till he could be in Suki's arms.
One week ago, Sokka had been right next to Katara, when she suddenly had excused herself from that meeting about the international wedding guests, looking green and before she had reached the door, she had fainted right into Zuko’s arms. Katara had been unresponsive since then. The strict Healer lady … Ming had pronounced her to be in a coma with no estimation of her recovery. Sokka had broken down into huge heaving sobs in Suki’s arms. Zuko had disappeared into his rooms and locked all entrances. After he didn't resurface for many hours, Sokka had taken it up on himself to write to his dad, Aang and Toph. He gave Hawkie and his new messenger hawk, Sumi, extra treats for the extra long distances they had to fly.
While Sokka had spent the week of Katara's coma in complete devastation and anxiety, he knew Zuko was somehow feeling worse. His friend had shed most of his bad traits except one: he often blamed himself for all the wrong in the world (Thanks a lot Poop Lord Ozai for the traumatic childhood). Katara often tried her best to snap Zuko out of his self blame spirals but the recent events had caused a relapse with no Katara to water whip or talk him out of this episode.
He had received anxious replies to his letters- all had left from their respective posts and were on their way. He knew Aang would arrive the earliest because of Appa and despite Sokka's sceptism about spirit Mumbo Jumbo, he had hoped Aang would have some answers.
Zuko and he often alternately sat next to Katara, holding her hand and talking to her. She remained almost lifeless and deathly pale. Suki and even Mai or Ty Lee often visited.
While not the one in the sick bed, Zuko was listless. He didn't sleep, practiced fire bending katas late in the night, barely ate or even spoke to anyone except his ministers when they asked him questions. Every hour he didn’t spend in the court, he spent next to Katara. Sokka and Suki both tried to talk to him but he either ignored them or lashed out like a cornered armadillo lion.
But his stubborn sister refused to open her eyes.
Sokka felt like he had been hit on his head by his own boomerang and didn't know what to do. But he at least had Suki for some comfort. Zuko didn't seem to want anyone.
Chapter Text
When Katara opened her eyes again, she didn't feel the same amount of trepidation as yesterday. She was greeted by a young girl who was placing a tray next to her desk.
She was pretty like a porcelain doll with hazel eyes and short dark hair. She spoke with her eyes downcast but her accent was that of Upper Caldera. Katara didn’t know how she could decipher that difference. “Hello Master Katara, I am Jae. I am your personal maid since the last 2 months. I have been told about your condition but don’t worry, I am the only servant who knows. Firelord Zuko has requested your presence to administer your medicinal tea. I told him I could prepare in but he was adamant. I have prepared your bath full of eucalyptus and bath salts ….. it was so calming that I myself fell asleep. I also put out your clothes. I have selected a light blue outfit because it might be familiar in your state. I noticed you aren’t wearing your necklace, Master. And….”
Katara was getting dizzy just listening to this girl talking faster than a Rabaroo. She had to interrupt,” Never thought I’ll meet anyone who talks more than Sokka. Don’t worry Jae. I have not forgotten how to dress myself.” Katara meant it in good humour but Jae suddenly looked upset. She bowed deeply and left in a hurry after giving her directions to Zuko’s chambers.
Katara was alone at last. No mysterious Firelords, annoying brothers or secretive friends to befuddle her. She decided to not wear her necklace after her bath. The necklace which had been a reminder of home, now caused uncertainty now due to its new nature. Maybe Zuko would let slip her husband's name. She put up her hair in her old traditional water tribe hair style.
Zuko’s chambers were very near her own. He must have instructed the guards because they didn’t even move to block her way. He stood against a table in front of a window and his scarred side was facing her. Her mind went back to the moment when she had touched that scar and it brought a rush of anger and shame again. She took deep breaths to calm down. This was Zuko , someone her brother and friend loved. He had not fucked up his second chance.
At last, he looked at her and smiled at her shyly just like in the painting. His silhouette was illuminated by the sun and his amber eyes glowed golden. Zuko's hair was in a neat top knot with some beads braided into his hair. His face had clearly matured with high cheekbones and a very square jaw line. And he had definitely filled out his lanky frame and his fire lord regalia just emphasized his broad shoulders. If he had been anyone else, she might have attributed the palpitations in her chest to attraction. Seeing him holding a cup of tea towards her brought that characteristic sharp pain which she associated with her memory loss…she had a feeling that she had drunk tea with Zuko in this room many times. She didn’t know how to feel about that. But she supposed she should be grateful to him for taking out the time from his busy Firelord schedule to prepare her medicinal tea.
“Hi ..Zuko..... I was told to come here for…umm..t..tea,” Katara babbled nervously. Zuko grimaced but gently said,” Your tea is ready. How is your headache ?”. It was then she noticed an elaborate tea making set on the table. "Thank You. It’s not as bad as yesterday," she replied with a tinge of embarrassment at the memory of their interaction yesterday when she had just gained consciousness. She tried to swim back to safer waters, “So....are your tea making skills one of the reasons why you were working at that tea shop in Ba sing Se?”. Zuko looked surprised,”I ...yeah..no. My uncle, he is fond of tea and well he taught me his secrets because well…once I called it hot leaf juice and he was more offended than the time they took a way his Crown Prince title.” Then he mimicked his uncle, “Zuukooo, how can a member of my family say that? After Lu Ten, you are like a son to me. You must be the one to carry on our Tea Ceremony Traditions”
Katara found the story and their relationship sweet and she would have voiced that thought if not for the constant buzzing in her head and feeling of wrongness about sitting comfortably talking to the son of their enemy and the brother of her best friend's almost killer. The medicinal tea was bitter and she almost spat it out. The silence had reached suffocating levels.
Zuko suddenly spoke, “Umm we haven't revealed your amnesia to anyone except your family, Aang, Toph and Uncle Iroh. Mai and Ty Lee also know. You are a very important figure in the Fire Nation and it would create unnecessary confusion for a condition that is temporary.” It seemed like he desperately hoped that it was temporary. Katara didn’t feel too strongly either way.
“So you and I….we are friends now. And I heard I am part of your Council. You must have ruffled many feathers with that appointment.”
Zuko smirked mischievously,”That, Kat, is an understatement.” Zuko hadn’t realised he had called her by a nickname. He enthusiastically told her about the two healing schools she had helped to open up in SWT and one in the fire nation combining healing principles of all 4 nations. That she had planned to open more in the earth kingdom as well. She had stayed for 2 years post war in her village helping rebuild while visiting Aang,Toph and Zuko whenever she could. Then she had helped in the formation for the Crane Fish Town from the remaining Fire Nation Earth Kingdom colonies. Katara almost forgot that it was Zuko she was talking to. She asked him many questions but Zuko answered them all with a patience age didn’t know he had. Katara hadn't imagined in her wildest dreams that Zuko would share her enthusiasm for public welfare or that he could speak of her tribe without a taunt and a sneer.
“You have a better resume than most of those old geezers. I cleared out most of my father’s old council. I retained a few of them since they are old fashioned but powerful. In the end, they want nothing but good for the people. Don’t worry, you have won over everyone that matters now.”
Katara tried to finish the remaining tea. She now had plenty on new information to stew over. But one fact remained: Zuko was defying every thought, feeling that she had for him.
Suddenly her world was filled with pink and she almost dropped the empty cup. To her complete surprise, it was Ty Lee, the bubbly chi blocking girl who was one of Azula's minions and had a crush on Sokka for some unfathomable reason. She kept a friendly arm around Katara’s shoulders.
"Katara ! We are so sorry for not being there when you fell sick, aren't we, Mai?," It was only then that Katara noticed the gloomy girl with the knives in the far corner of the room. Ty Lee continued, “I did think your aura felt a bit grey last week but I assumed it was just you stressing about the big day. Anyway, you'll forgive me for chi blocking you when you woke up right. We didn't want to stress you, sweetie."
Katara didn't think she could be any more stressed than she already was. She apparently had some big day and she was close enough to Ty Lee and Mai of all the people be called sweetie and be told about her amnesia.
Katara almost didn't know what to say. She thanked Ty Lee for her concern out of sheer politeness. Noticing her discomfort, Zuko pinched the bridge on his nose and chided TyLee, looking a bit like his old self,” Ty Lee, you are overwhelming Kat!” Again with that nick name. Katara had to massage her temples.
You are cold aren't you ?
"Nnnoooo," She could feel his body shivering as she hugged his back. He continued with his teeth chattering," You know I once survived swimming in the Northern Water Tribe..Kat..Kat..Katara"
Peals of laughter and kisses warm enough to chase away the coldest Gail of the South.
A feeling of home as he gives her a piggy back ride and runs in the snow towards the nearest igloo.
When she came back to herself, Zuko had one hand on her forehead as if checking for fever and one on her shoulder. Ty Lee was muttering something about her muddled chi and that gloomy girl, Mai almost looked worried too. But more than anything, Zuko's proximity was overwhelming her senses.
She got up suddenly, bid Zuko and others an awkward farewell and almost ran out of his chambers eager to go to Healer Ming.
"Katara," a dry voice called to her. It was Mai. She had followed her and Katara hadn't even heard her foot steps. Katara remembered her being some kind of ninja. "I know you don't have your memories apparently" Katara bristles at the implied insult. "But while you figure out your feelings, I'll say this one thing. I was Zuko's girlfriend for a year. And I still love him, just not the same way. Do you know why we broke up? Sure, if you ask Ty Lee, it was because she was the one I was meant to be with but the truth is, it's difficult to be with some one whose chest is marked by permanent proof his sacrifice for another girl, if you know what I mean."
Flashes of blue fire and orange fire
Oppressive heat and the bright comet in the sky
I ll show you lightning !
Confused. Discomfited. Baffled. Befuddled. So many words and they still couldn't cover what Katara felt at that moment.
Her body automatically led her to the Healer’s Room like a muscle memory. She must have visited this place often.
To her utter relief, Healer Ming was there, grinding some herbs and whistling some folk song. She didn’t look surprised to see her. “Healer Ming, I think my memories are coming back but every time I remember something, it just evaporates away. I get severe headaches every time I see something I must have felt strongly about. My head is ready to burst open” The healer looked more grim than usual.
The healer replied, “Katara, there is something you all should know. Yugoda and I both think you were poisoned."
Notes:
That discomfort about being called "sweetie" is my subtle dig at the comics for those horrible nicknames Kataang had for eachother. There were so many good ways to write a first love kind of relationship and these comics were not it.
Chapter 7: Chapter Six: Indigo
Summary:
Zuko choked on nothing at the end of her rant. He recovered from his coughing fit and said,” Look Katara, I can't claim to understand what you are feeling. I never had the amount of empathy you did. Sokka is just worried and he’s right to be. I mean, can you imagine your reaction if you realised Sokka was being chronically poisoned? I request you to trust me. Let me be your friend. Let me help you be whoever you want to be.”
Katara’s traitorous heart skipped a beat at this simple proclamation. She changed the topic,” So did you follow me to stop me from going out like Sokka?
Zuko replied truthfully,” No. I am just here to make sure you don't lose your way.”
Chapter Text
Healer Ming had gathered Sokka, Suki and for some reason Zuko. While Zuko might not be her enemy, she didn't want him to know her personal medical history. But Sokka whispered to her discreetly that Zuko could help them figure out the poisoning weasel snake’s identity.
Ming explained that she seemed to have been poisoned slowly over a long time with small amounts of heavy metal powder to avoid detection through smell or taste. She explained, “ This is also why Katara didn’t have any classic symptoms till the levels of the poison were sufficiently high. Katara, I confess you had visited me about headaches, tingling sensations in your limbs and nausea in the week before you fainted in the Council room but I didn’t think it would be so….When I examined you later, you did seem paler and your nails seemed brittle. I apologise for my mistake.” She bowed low in apology.
Katara immediately said,” No, Healer Ming. Please don’t blame yourself. Even I am supposedly an excellent healer and yet, I couldn’t diagnose myself. Anyway we should discuss treatment options now and if my memory can’t come back, then what?” She looked at her friends gauging their reactions.
Sokka looked angry enough to punch someone, a reaction reminiscent of their childhood when she got hurt while fishing. Suki just hugged Katara tightly with tears in her eyes. Zuko looked grim with fists clenched tightly in his lap. Then he spoke in an emotionless tone, she never expected from him, “I’ll inform my uncle about this. He might have some ideas about any dissenters wishing harm on Katara.” With that said, Zuko abruptly stood up and walked out of her chambers.
Healer Ming finally said,” Yugoda and I are discussing the way best course of action for this. Meanwhile Master Beifong can help us confirm our diagnosis when she arrives.”
Katara thought mentally chuckling to herself how much Toph would like this title more than Lady Beifong. She asked curiously, “Toph is that good now ?”
Sokka gave her a weak smile. He replied with none on his usual mirth,”What did you expect? That girl invented metal bending in a few hours for captivity. Imagine what 8 years must have done to her metal bending. She runs a metal bending academy now. Even our boy Aang is now proficient at it.” Then Sokka too gave her hug and left with Suki and the healer in tow.
Katara wondered why anyone would want to harm her. Surely she could imagine herself making enemies as she ascended the ranks in the Fire Nation but according to Sokka, she had been here for 5 years on and off and was even getting married to one of their own.
She had been an important political figure and a pioneer of sorts. Katara didn’t know how to be this woman. During the year of the Sozin’s comet, Katara had been focused on surviving and helping Aang. She had received very few quiet moments where she could make plans for the future and not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine herself as this powerful woman in the Fire Nation. As best, she had wished to return to her tribe and reunite with her father. In the most secret corners for her heart, she wanted to confront her mother’s killer. Still whoever this person was, her friends and family seemed to be proud of her. Besides she knew one thing had not changed- Katara still would never turn her back on people who needed her.
So she was motivated to go on instead on being helpless without memories. After the initial onslaught of new information, Katara felt into a routine. She woke up, had breakfast with Jae who was good at filling up awkward silences, then went to Zuko's for her tea which was followed by the meditation prescribed by her healer to trigger any memories. She took long walks around the palace, re-acquainting herself with its nooks and corners with Sokka, Suki and occasionally even Ty Lee . But not Mai though. Asking anyone about what she meant about some mark on Zuko's body because of her felt too embarrassing. Zuko himself was too busy throughout the day to indulge her. In whatever glimpses of his schedule she could manage, he rose with the sun, practiced fire bending katas till late morning and sat in a dozen meetings followed by being shut in his study with mountains of paperwork. Just 3 days of this routine made Katara want to strangle someone. Especially certain pecular things like most servants and officials greeting her with deep bows. Was that levels of respect customary for all ambassadors or because for her war hero status? She didn’t think so as Sokka didn’t get the same reaction.
She decided it was high time she learned who this 23 year old Katara was. She started by going through the papers in her desk. Some projects she knew about, thanks to daily tea sessions with Zuko who spoke of them with great zeal. Some projects seemed like half formed ideas. Somehow she couldn't find her shell letter box she had admired that day. Even Jae had no idea about its existence.
She requested Zuko to let her observe his Council meetings from a secret window. Those Council meetings were no joke. Bleeding Hog Monkeys! Zuko only had to suggest a mildly altruistic idea before the portly Minister for Finance, Lord Zhang or Governor Ukano ( who she later identified as Mai’s father who still held a grudge against Zuko for breaking up with Mai) to interrupt with a “Actually FireLord Zuko..” Of course, Zuko had many supporters too and he presided over the sessions with common sense and fairness. She noticed how often Zuko pinched his bridge of his nose and she chided herself for finding it almost cute now. When she asked Sokka about the meetings, he laughed,” Toph and I have a drinking game about it. It's called Actually Firelord because that’s how they always start. Of course Aang doesn't drink but he made up a Council Meeting Bingo.”
Katara almost felt affronted on Zuko's behalf. As immature and unstable she had found him in the past, she almost pitied him for having to deal with ministers always looking to line their own pockets or enforce their own bigotry. Whose dumb decision was it to make a 16 years old traumatized teenager the Firelord even if he was relatively levelheaded now.
When she expressed this to Suki, she clutched her stomach and laughed loudly enough to scare away a few birds. “Katara, you said the exact same thing to me.. 5 years ago, I think?”
She hadn't regained any more memories to her utter despair. She continued to learn the names of other Council members with Suki and Sokka's help. Zuko was too polite to give her the dirt on them but his face often gave away his true feelings about them. She couldn’t believe that she had imagined Zuko as some cunning devil in the past when he couldn’t even keep a good Pai Sho face.
She met Serak, the Northern Water Tribe ambassador. He was tall proud man in his early thirties. While he wasn't a fan of Han, Katara found him to be a Water Tribe through. He had just started to express how unhappy he was about her marrying into the fire nation when Sokka dragged her away.
Sokka said he was handling her Ambassador duties and advised her against filling her Council seat for she might make a mistake and alert everyone to her condition. However many Council members did come to inquire after her health. The general consensus was a bad bout of food poisoning. However Sokka drove them all away after a minute or two to avoid suspicions. She wished to talk more with them to ascertain if any of them could have poisoned her.
Katara was so frustrated about being treated like a porcelain doll, she almost water bend at Sokka. She refused to speak to him and was cold to even Suki. Though they seemed to be the only true allies she had, Katara was almost as frustrated as she had been at the Northern Water Tribe when Pakku had refused to teach her.
While the temperatures were high in the palace, the Fire Nation received its first burst of the Mango Blossom rains like a long awaited sigh. Zuko had mentioned them when she had complained about the heat. Katara longed to go outside. The rain washed over the parched earth and petrichor rose in waves, earthy and nostalgic. The trees seemed greener within minutes, their leaves gleaming with fresh droplets. She found a red cloak in her wardrobe to avoid sticking out and snuck out through the window.
She had almost reached one of the exits of the palace when she felt like she was being followed. Out of an unknown impulse, Katara lifted her arms and bend the very rain around her. The droplets stopped falling on her, swirling and suspending in midair. The rain formed a quiet, moving barrier, a storm held at bay by her sheer will. “Come out now whoever you are unless you want to drown.” She quietly threatened the stalker. Silence.
Suddenly she bent the water into sharp tendrils ready to strike the culprit who gazed her in….awe ? He removed his black face cloth to reveal the scarred but handsome visage of the Firelord. He laughed even with dozens of icicles an inch a way from his face. “Wow Katara, it never fails to amaze me how powerful you are. I haven’t seen that move since the Southern Raiders.” As if sensing he had spoken something he shouldn’t have, Zuko bits his lower lip but that was enough for Katara to have an episode and lose control of the water.
Her mother Kya confronting that dreadful Firebender while she hid in fear
“Is it your turn to have a little field trip with Zuko?”
“She lied to me! She was protecting the last waterbender!”
“Me.”
The rain in stasis around her like her personal umbrella ready to serve Yon Rha what he deserved.
“But I didn’t forgive him. I’ll never forgive him.”
The last vestiges on resentment being washed away as she hugged Zuko….”But I am ready to forgive you.”
Katara regained her senses to find herself being supported by Zuko’s arm. Her post episode headache was present too but somewhat less in severity. She somehow remembered one name: Yon Rha.
“ Did you and I go on some murder field trip to kill some one called Yon Rha?”
Zuko looked shocked and then he gave her the biggest smile she had seen on him. He hugged her while Katara froze, wondering if this was an appropriate reaction to being asked if they had murdered someone. Also Zuko smelt strongly of jasmine which was another inappropriate observation.
“You remember everything Katara ! We have to tell everyone…..”
Katara should have been happy but all she felt was nausea at the thought of killing some old man. “No, I just remember his name and I feel furious when I think of him. Zuko, please can you just tell me what happened. To hell with the healer’s orders.”
Hetook her hand gently and led her to a nearby bench hidden by shadows. Unexpectedly, Zuko was a good story teller. He told her how he had been desperate for her trust and friendship after betraying her in the Crystal Catacombs. How they had travelled to a remote Fire Nation village after Zuko had solid clues to her mother’s killer. When Katara finally faced him, he was not the fearsome monster she might have imagined—just a frail, scared old man. Zuko remembered the storm in her eyes—years of pain, loss, and unresolved rage all bubbling to the surface. He hadn’t interfered because he knew what she needed. Yon Rha had begged for mercy, cowardly blaming her mother for his actions. In the end, she choose not to kill him—not out of mercy for him, but to free herself from the cycle of vengeance.
Katara was silently crying by the time Zuko had finished the story. He too looked tear eyed. She squeezed his hand in understanding.
“I don’t remember all of this. Just snippets and I have 8 years of memories to catch up on. I can’t believe this ! Even in the worst illness, I shouldn’t forget about this. I am so angry and even more angry, I am guilty because I am not the Katara you guys know. This revolutionary water bending healer who is your Minister for Reforms and in love with some firenation guy who cannot be bothered to even send a letter to his fiancee…”
Zuko choked on nothing at the end of her rant. He recovered from hiscoughing fit and said,” Look Katara, I can't claim to understand what you are feeling. I never had the amount of empathy you did. Sokka is just worried and he’s right to be. I mean, can you imagine your reaction if you realised Sokka was being chronically poisoned? I request you to trust me. Let me be your friend. Let me help you be whoever you want to be.”
Katara’s traitorous heart skipped a beat at this simple proclamation. She changed the topic,” So did you follow me to stop me from going out like Sokka?
Zuko replied truthfully,” No. I am just here to make sure you don't lose your way.” Katara realised that Zuko had a talent of saying simple things which seemed very meaningful in retrospect. “Katara, I promise to take you to the Kia Healing School just outside Caldera if you return with me instead on getting sick in the rain.” Katara shook his hand in agreement.
She could see herself being friends with this Zuko. Now the only major mystery was the identity of her fiancee and before she could ask Zuko about him, she noticed a familiar fluffy white shape in the sky.
Aang was here.