Katara & Zuko: Water & Fire

Chapter 21

Katara's POV:

After being jolted awake by a knocking sound, Katara heard someone yelling on the other side of the door.

"Wake up love-birds!"

She recognized Sokka's voice and groaned, not wanting to move from her comfortable position. It was warm in bed, especially with Zuko behind her and his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

"Go away, Sokka," Zuko replied groggily. It sounded like he just woke up, too.

Katara laughed and scooted backwards closer to Zuko, pressing her body into his. Zuko responded by holding her tighter in his embrace.

"I'm serious, you two. We can't find Azula," Sokka told them in a worried tone.

Zuko sighed. "That sister of mine is such a pain." He rolled away from Katara and called out to Sokka, "I'll help you look for her."

Katara arose and dangled her feet over the side of the bed. "I'll help, too."

A little while later, they found Sokka and Suki in the kitchen eating breakfast, so Zuko and Katara sat down at the table to join them.

"There's something you should know about Azula," Zuko began.

Sokka looked up mid-chew with a mouth full of food.

"What?" Suki asked.

"She is seeing people who aren't there," Katara explained.

Sokka spit out his food loudly. "WHAT?! When did that start?!?"

"I first noticed it last night, but it could have been going on for a while. She's been acting off since the Agni Kai," Zuko explained.

"Great, just great. Your sister has gone crazy and we don't know where she went," Sokka vented.

Zuko sighed.

"I think I can guess," Katara said. The three of them looked at her expectantly. "She mentioned her mother last night. Maybe she went to see her alone."

"That would make sense. We need to go to Omashu," Suki reasoned.

"It is where we were planning to go. Let's head out Team Find Azula!"

"Sokka, I don't think we need a team name," Katara commented.

"Hey if you don't like it, I'll think of another one," Sokka responded unperturbed.

After breakfast, the group set out on their mission to find Azula and her mother. They walked back to where the bridge was still being rebuilt to Omashu.

"The bridge isn't ready to cross, but how about we take the secret passageway we used last time?" Katara suggested.

"The sewer? Sure, why not? My clothes could always smell worse," Sokka complained.

"Ok, lead the way Smelly," Suki joked.

The group headed down to a circular opening that Sokka lifted the lid off. "Ladies first."

"Thanks Sokka," Suki smiled and began walking through.

Katara and Zuko followed suit, with Sokka joining the three of them after closing the lid. They trudged through the mud and muck until finally reaching the top.

Katara pushed open the barrier and stepped out into the sunlight, which now seemed bright after the dark passage.

The rest of the group tentatively emerged from the sewer. Sokka was dripping with mud again.

"Stop! Who are you?"