Flameheart | Zuko

TWENTY-SEVEN

The music echoed through the endless walls of the palace that for once wasn't silent. The rhythm was compelling, urging the young woman to sway and start dancing, even though it was faint. Despite her inner wish, she remained still as she leaned against the railing, her eyes downcast. The material of her dress swayed in the breeze of the wind and she shivered slightly. She rubbed her arms before reaching up and letting her hair loose, enjoying the warmth it provided as it fell down her back like a curtain. She let out a small sigh. The feast she had abandoned a while ago and the music failed to carry the festive mood to her as well.

Zuko had wasted no time once they got back to go to his family to ensure they were alright after making sure healers had tended to her. When he had gotten back, he had found Homura in her room, sitting on her bed, thinking. She had smiled when he had gotten inside and as he had taken the spot beside her, she had kissed him and all of his worries regarding her thoughts had evaporated. She had asked about his family and he had told her how Kiyi had yet to stop crying and that she was absolutely terrified, and how his mother felt guilty she had been the bait for him. Homura had listened without saying a word and then she had assured him his family would be better with time and his mother shouldn't feel guilty for the situation.

Zuko had left a while later, telling her he would speak to the people about what had taken place and then there would be a feast. He wanted her there in both occassions, and she had promised she would be present. She had kept that promise. She had stood a few steps behind him, beside Ty Lee and Mai as he had spoken, listening closely. It was made clear during his speech and the people's reactions they believed in Zuko and liked the way he ruled the country. The thought her own mother could have caused him serious harm hadn't let her rest all day.

Even during the feast, she hadn't managed to rid herself of her guilt. She had put on a facade for everyone and when Ty Lee had asked her to dance, she had obeyed, dancing as if nothing was in her mind, attempting to shut her thoughts out. It hadn't worked, and Zuko's compliments afterwards hadn't brought her as much joy as they usually would. She had left the feast early, claiming fatigue from the earlier fight. No one had questioned her. No one had come to check up on her.

Standing against the railing of her balcony, Homura couldn't help but realise how similar this situation was to the situation with Shu's family. Her mother had almost killed Zuko and his family, and this time as well she would have been witness to such a cruel act. Her life had been going just the way she wanted it to, and then, her mother had had to show up once more and spread havoc.

She knew it wasn't her fault her mother had done all she did but she felt responsible for it. It was almost unthinkable for her to look Ursa in the eye again after all her mother had put her through and now her relief Zuko didn't hate her for who her parents were had worn out, she couldn't help but find it hard to face him again. How could she, when a person of her own blood had almost killed his little sister? She was related to a woman who wouldn't have hesitated to kill him if she had the chance, and to stand by his side and smile at him and kiss him as if her mother hadn't attempted to murder him would be impossible. She felt as if she had betrayed him, and in a way, she had.

When she had gotten to the Fire Nation, she had come as a Kyoshi warrior. Everyone knew her as the orphan who had left Ba Sing Se to join the warriors and live a better life. In the end, it had come out her mother was alive, she was her host's enemy, her father had been his nemesis, she was actually born in the Fire Nation and all she had ever told anyone was a lie. She had betrayed his trust, and even if he had forgiven her without question because in a way, he had gotten through a similar situation, she couldn't forgive herself. Not when Chiaki had caused him so much worry.

Homura couldn't face him. Not after what had happened today. But her decision still wasn't easy. She loved the Fire Nation capital, being in the city had been a dream she had hoped would come true ever since she had left to go to Ba Sing Se with her mother and she really liked Zuko and didn't want to leave him just yet. Still, it seemed like she didn't have a choice. It would be better if Zuko got to move on without her.