Chapter 45 - Katara and Zuko

Hello Drinor here, if you like to read the chapters earlier, just head over to Patreon and search 'Drinor' Write 'www.Patreon.com/Drinor' in the WebsearchThe Following 7 Chapters are already avaliable for PatronsChapter 46 (A Memory of Joy), Chapter 47 (Avatar Group Reunion), Chapter 48 (Korra, The Avatar), Chapter 49 (A Sad Smile), Chapter 50 (Learning Bloodbending), Chapter 51 (Naruto's Trial), and Chapter 52 (PAIN) are already available for Patrons."Tenzin, I'm right here," Katara answered the transmitter. With the receiver pressed against her ear, she immersed herself in the conversation, her eyes fixated on the distant horizon. Meanwhile, her heart pulsating with anticipation, Kya stood beside her mother, her patience testing the boundaries of time itself. A minute felt like an eternity as the seconds slipped away. With each passing moment, Kya's eyes were drawn to the subtle transformation of her mother's complexion, a ghostly pallor emerging like an ethereal specter. Concerned tendrils of worry curled around her thoughts, leaving her pondering the enigmatic contents of Tenzin's words whispered through the telephone line."Tenzin," Katara spoke with solemnity, her voice weighted with the gravity of her words, "we will be there by tomorrow morning," With a sense of urgency, she swiftly ended the call, her weathered countenance now displaying an ashen hue, betraying the weight of her distress. In response, Kya immediately rose from her seat, her eyes fixated on her mother.With a tinge of desperation in her voice, Kya anxiously implored her mother, her eyes filled with worry, fearing the worst. "Mother, did something happen to Naruto?" she pleaded, her voice tinged with fear and hope, desperately yearning for reassuring words."Kya," Katara said with sudden sadness in her old voice; Kya felt her own heart beating faster from concern, hoping nothing had happened to her son."Naruto is in the Iron Prison," Katara whispered with solemnity, her voice carrying a weight that pierced through the air. The moment those words danced upon the winds and found their way to Kya's delicate ears, a turbulent whirlwind of emotions seized her being, leaving her in a state of profound disbelief.In the depths of her soul, an ominous presence slithered, coiling around her like a malignant serpent, its venomous touch sending shivers down her spine. With a sudden loss of strength, her legs buckled beneath her, surrendering to the overwhelming gravity of the revelation. It was as though a thunderous tempest raged within her chest, threatening to rupture her heart from its fragile confines. The haunting echo of the words reverberated in her mind like an incessant tolling bell, each chime a painful reminder of the cruel fate that had befallen Naruto. Tears of anguish welled up in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks in an uncontrollable torrent before she even had a chance to comprehend their presence. The searing ache in her heart intensified, akin to an inferno roaring within, as if an invisible hand clutched it tightly, refusing to release its grip."Naruto is in prison!" The words escaped Kya's lips in a hushed murmur, trembling with a mixture of concern and helplessness as if she hoped that by keeping her voice low, the reality of the situation would somehow dissipate. Naruto, her beloved son, her precious boy, now found himself confined within the unforgiving walls of a prison, the notorious 'Iron Prison' that housed only the most treacherous and menacing individuals society had to offer.It was a place where hope seemed to wither away, where freedom was nothing more than a distant memory, and where survival meant facing the darkest depths of human nature. As Kya grappled with the gravity of the situation, her heart ached with a myriad of emotions, a mother's love mingling with desperate determination to find a way to free her son.An instant, an electrifying surge of energy coursed through Kya's veins, akin to the unstoppable blaze of a wildfire that engulfed an ancient forest, revitalizing her weary body. With a newfound vigor, she effortlessly rose to her feet, her determination radiating from every pore. Swiftly pivoting on her heels, she directed her gaze towards her mother, her visage contorted with a potent mix of anger and determination. The flames of fury danced in her eyes as if urging her to take immediate action. At that very moment, a daring thought took hold of Kya's mind, tempting her to steal a ship and reach the Republic City at the earliest possible opportunity."Kya, please," Katara pleaded with a mixture of desperation and concern, her voice tinged with anxiety as she tried to diffuse the rising tension. "We need to think this through carefully-" "There's No Calming Down. I Will Break Him out of the Prison myself if I have to." Still, before Katara could finish her sentence, her daughter's outburst shattered the air like a thunderclap, reverberating through the room with an intensity that sent shivers down their spines. Kya's voice boomed like a resounding horn, causing every droplet of water within and beyond the confines of their house to tremble in response, as if they, too, were held captive by the raw power of Kya's fury. At that moment, it was clear that there was no room for calmness or rationality. Determination burned fiercely in Kya's eyes as she made a solemn vow, her words slicing through the charged atmosphere like a sharpened blade.Kya was about to march towards the door and push it open the door when Katara used her water bending to quickly freeze the entire door, not allowing Kya to walk out. Kya quickly turned to face her mother, ready to demand that she unfreeze the door."Kya, I understand your anger. Don't think for a moment that I'm not hurt by what happened to my grandson," Katara's voice resonated with a mixture of understanding and empathy, her words laced with a profound sense of comprehension for her daughter's anger. There was no doubt in Kya's mind that despite being hurt herself, her mother truly comprehended the depth of her emotions. As Katara spoke, Kya couldn't help but notice a glimmer of unshed tears forming in her mother's eyes, like tiny droplets of unspoken sorrow. An intriguing contrast emerged between the two women, as Kya, overwhelmed by her own anguish, found solace in the release of tears, while Katara, a pillar of strength, refused to let her own emotions spill over, determined to remain resolute."He is my grandson, don't think for a moment that I think differently of him, to me, he is no different than Jinora, and all my other grandchildren. Same was for Aang, but breaking him out of Prison won't fix anything," Katara spoke grimly, showing that despite the lack of tears, she felt sorrow for what happened to Naruto.With a resolute voice, Kya vehemently declared, "I won't allow my precious boy to rot in the prison as if he is some monster!" Tears cascaded down her cheeks as her words echoed through the room, their salty trails tracing the contours of her anguished expression. In a fleeting moment, reminiscent of a vivid lightning bolt, Kya's mind conjured an image of Naruto as a newborn, his innocent visage searing itself into her memory. A surge of emotions churned within her, causing her stomach to twist and turn while her legs trembled with the weight of her burdened heart. In that vulnerable moment, she couldn't help but recall the excruciating pain she had endured long ago, wondering if she would have persevered had Naruto not entered her life, infusing it with a radiant light that pierced through the darkness of her existence like a blazing fire illuminating an unfathomable abyss.' "M-Mother, where's my son? Where's Akiun?" Kya's voice trembled with a mix of anxiety and weariness as she struggled to form the words. Her once vibrant eyes were now clouded with exhaustion, her body feeling as heavy as a solid block of stone. Despite the overwhelming fatigue that threatened to consume her, Kya summoned every ounce of strength she had left to inquire about the whereabouts of her precious newborn. With a flicker of hope, she had woken up, anticipating the sight of her little one peacefully slumbering in the lovingly crafted crib her father had made. Yet, to her dismay and growing unease, her tiny bundle of joy was nowhere to be found, leaving Kya's heart gripped with an overwhelming sense of dread that sent shivers down her spine."Kya, please, don't-" "Where's My Son?" Kya cried out, interrupting her mother, her voice filled with anguish and desperation, demanding answers. Her frail body struggled against the weight of illness as she fought to rise from her bed, a Herculean task that seemed insurmountable. Every muscle in her body ached, protesting against the mere thought of movement, yet her determination burned fiercely within her, refusing to be extinguished.Katara, filled with a heavy heart, inched closer to her precious daughter, her mind bracing for the devastating words she was about to utter, fully aware of the shattering impact they would have. With great care, Katara whispered, "Akni didn't make it," her voice quivering with anguish. As those words escaped her lips, a dreadful gasp escaped Kya's mouth, her astonishment mingling with sheer horror, an indelible image etched into her soul. Before Katara could intervene, Kya abruptly rose from her bed, propelled by a desperate urgency, abandoning the confines of the room. In an instant, her despair-stricken gaze fixated upon her beloved baby boy, swathed in pristine white sheets, a chilling testimony to his untimely departure. Overwhelmed by inconsolable grief, Kya crumpled to her knees, her anguished cries echoing through the surrounding miles, a mournful symphony that pierced the air. 'Gasping for breath, Kya's world crumbled around her as she collapsed onto her knees, the weight of her shattered heart an unbearable burden. Memories of that fateful, cursed day flooded her mind, causing her tears to cascade down her face like a gentle rain, each droplet finding its final resting place on the worn wooden floor. In the midst of her anguish, a comforting presence enveloped her, a gentle hand tenderly resting upon her trembling shoulder, attempting to provide solace in the face of overwhelming grief.With tears welling up in her eyes and desperation consuming her, Kya looked into her mother's eyes, her voice trembling as she pleaded, "I can't Lose him, mother. He's everything to me," As she spoke, she could feel her heart pounding against her chest as if it were trying to escape the confines of her body. The overwhelming dread of her son's life hanging in the balance spread through her veins like a venomous poison, threatening to suffocate her with every breath.She was willing to go to unimaginable lengths, even if it meant resorting to the darkest of arts, to protect and save him from the clutches of a merciless fate. The notion of her son languishing in the cold, unforgiving walls of a prison cell was inconceivable; she vowed to shatter those walls, dismantle any barrier between her and her beloved child, regardless of the cost.With a voice filled with conviction and warmth, Katara looked deeply into her daughter's eyes and made a promise that would resonate through their souls. "We won't allow it, I promise you. Korra is the avatar, she will never allow Naruto to be executed," she declared, her hand gently resting on Kya's shoulder, grounding her in their shared determination.Katara's heartfelt words brought a flicker of gratitude to Kya's eyes, a glimmer of hope amidst the storm that threatened their dear friend, Naruto. Though there was a lingering fear in her heart, Kya knew deep down that she had to reach him, to stand by his side when he needed her the most. She would not waver, even if it meant facing her own demise. With unwavering resolve, she whispered to herself, "I will be there for him, no matter the cost.""Mother, why is Naruto in the Iron Prison?" Kya questioned, shuttering slightly at the thought of her beloved son in the largest and most secure Prison in the Elemental Nations.Katara let out a weary sigh before telling her daughter everything, how Korra and Naruto were ambushed by Amon and Tarrlok, how Tarrlok had stabbed Asami from behind, causing Naruto to lose control, and for his dark power to take control over his body, resulting in many deaths, over two hundred wounded, and corollary damage, and on top of all, Naruto in his rage had used a bomb that when it exploded it completely illuminated the night sky as if a second sun had suddenly appeared.The waves of the explosion had caused hundreds of small houses to break down and need repairing; many witnesses had also reported having hearing problems, many even having burn marks around their bodies despite the explosion being far away.After hearing everything, all Kya could think of was Naruto and how guilty he must feel about all the suffering caused by his losing control. Kya knew what kind of a man her son was; she knew he would blame himself for something that wasn't his fault. With that thought in her mind, Kya knew she needed to get to the Republic City as soon as possible."I need to get to the Republic City," Kya declared, her voice laced with determination. Her resolute tone left no room for objections or delays; she had no intention of idly waiting in anticipation. However, before Katara could interject and inform Kya that their journey was already planned for the following morning, their ears were suddenly enveloped by the unmistakable symphony of an approaching behemoth.Katara and Kya quickly get out of their home just in time to see a majestic long-necked dragon materialize in the vast expanse of the cerulean sky, its colossal figure casting an imposing silhouette against the radiant sun. The sheer grandeur of this awe-inspiring creature compelled Kya and Katara to shield their eyes, squinting in futile attempts to discern the dragon's identity gracefully descending upon them.Gasping in utter astonishment and bewilderment, Katara exclaimed in a voice tinged with both surprise and confusion, her eyes widening in disbelief, "T-That's Zuko!!" Meanwhile, Kya narrowed her gaze until her vision sharpened, revealing the unmistakable sight of Zuko astride his majestic, scarlet dragon, skillfully clutching the reins, their bond evident in every synchronized movement they made.Katara and Kya instinctively took several cautious steps backward as the magnificent long-necked dragon gracefully descended from the heavens, its colossal presence casting an ethereal shadow over their humble abode. With a mighty flap of its wings, the dragon unleashed a gust of wind that swirled around them, lifting the pristine snowflakes into a mesmerizing dance, each delicate crystal shimmering and sparkling like a precious gem basking in the warm embrace of sunlight. Meanwhile, amidst this spectacle, Zuko, adorned in regal attire, gracefully dismounted from his own majestic dragon companion; his commanding presence felt even more pronounced against the snowy backdrop. As his golden eyes scanned the surroundings, they swiftly locked onto Katara, who met his gaze with a heartwarming smile etched upon her wise and weathered countenance."Zuko!" called out Katara, her voice filled with elation and nostalgia."Katara!" exclaimed Zuko, a wide smile spreading across his weathered face.Despite the weight of years gone by, both of them momentarily disregarded the limitations of their old age. With childlike enthusiasm, they abandoned all inhibitions and sprinted towards each other with outstretched arms. And as they finally closed the distance between them, their bodies collided in a jubilant embrace, their eyes sparkling with tears of joy and love."It's been so long, Katara," Zuko's voice trembled with emotion as he embraced his dearest friend, a solitary tear escaping from the corner of his right eye, tracing a path down his cheek. The years stretched out like an endless expanse since their last encounter, a span of time that could easily surpass seven years, if not more. As they slowly released their hold on one another, Zuko's gaze lingered upon the lines etched upon Katara's face, a testament to the countless battles they had fought and the burdens they had carried. In that fleeting moment, a flood of memories engulfed Zuko's mind, transporting him back to the very first instance their paths had crossed, when they had been at each other's throats. The weight of nostalgia settled upon his heart, filling him with a bittersweet melancholy as he yearned for the days long gone when the whole group was together.With a nostalgic gaze, Katara, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy, playfully referred to Zuko as "angry ponytail." As her words gracefully danced in the air, they awakened a bittersweet memory deep within Zuko's heart, evoking a mixture of sorrow and fondness. A soft chuckle, filled with a tinge of sadness, tenderly escaped his lips, for it had been an eternity since he last heard someone utter that endearing phrase, a phrase that had been forever silenced with Sokka's untimely passing.Despite the passage of countless years, Katara couldn't help but wear a bittersweet smile on her lips. The ache of missing her beloved brother, Sokka, never truly faded away. The tragedy of his untimely demise had struck her heart with a force so sudden and merciless that it still reverberated within her soul. It was a day like any other, one where the sun rose with promise and hope, only for his health to get worse all of a sudden; by the time night came of the same day, Sokka had turned pale as a ghost.The fever consumed him voraciously, leaving him pale and weak as if touched by the icy grip of death itself. Desperation had driven Katara to summon every ounce of her healing prowess alongside the collective efforts of countless other compassionate healers. They tirelessly labored, employing ancient remedies and modern treatments alike, hoping against hope that they could wrest Sokka from the clutches of his merciless affliction. Yet, despite their valiant endeavors, the cruel hand of fate had already sealed Sokka's tragic fate. The memory of that fateful day remained etched in Katara's mind, an indelible mark she wished she could erase. Oh, how she yearned to forget the heart-wrenching sight of her brother's fading breath.The worst part was that Toph had quickly suggested that someone had poisoned Sokka. Katara, ever insightful and knowledgeable about the intricacies of the human body, readily concurred with Toph's theory. It seemed inconceivable to her that such a fatal sickness could simply manifest out of thin air.Despite her tireless efforts spanning three arduous days, Katara's valiant attempts to uncover any trace of poison within Sokka's lifeless form proved fruitless. The desperate search for answers even led to a delay in Sokka's burial, as Katara refused to rest until she had unearthed the truth. Nevertheless, her relentless pursuit yielded no evidence of foul play. The heart-wrenching loss of Sokka left a void that seemed impossible to fill.To compound the tragedy, Toph, burdened by the weight of grief, vanished into the sprawling expanse of the Earth nation. It had been an agonizing nine years since Katara last laid eyes on her dear friend."Lord Zuko, while is an honor to meet you, why did you come here?" With an air of reverence, Kya addressed Lord Zuko, her eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of urgency. As her words spilled forth, carrying a sense of haste, she sought to unravel the enigma behind his unexpected presence.With a swift and graceful gesture, Zuko dismissed her concern as if it were a mere whisper carried away by a gentle breeze. However, as his hand descended, his countenance shifted, morphing into a visage of somber intensity, and his once playful tone vanished into the ether. "I heard about Naruto from Bumi; I came here to talk with you, Katara, and bring both of you to the Republic City." he declared with a voice that resonated with authority, each syllable laden with purpose and determination. Kya's eyes widened, reflecting the gratitude and joy that welled within her.Curiosity brimming within her, Katara couldn't resist the urge to inquire, her azure eyes filled with intrigue, "How did you know we were going to Republic City?" Contemplating the possibility that either the audacious Bumi or the wise Tenzin had summoned Zuko to traverse the vast expanse from the South Pole aboard his majestic dragon."Bumi, he had a meeting with me, and told me that you two need to be informed and brought to the Republic City." As if to emphasize Zuko's words, his finger extended towards the colossal dragon, basking in its wintry surroundings, its mighty jaws playfully crunching on freshly fallen snowflakes, a majestic sight to behold."Thank you, Lord Zuko, we can leave right now." With a heart full of gratitude and an infectious smile illuminating her face, Kya expressed her sincere appreciation to Lord Zuko, eagerly anticipating their immediate departure. As Zuko reciprocated her smile, he gestured for her to wait by the dragon that stood by their side.Caught in a momentary hesitation, Kya cast a fleeting glance at her mother, seeking guidance, only to receive a subtle nod urging her to heed Zuko's words. Reluctantly, Kya ventured away from the presence of both Zuko and her mother, her steps leading her closer to the dragon that awaited her. In that fleeting moment, Zuko's gaze shifted, locking onto Katara, and with a voice filled with secrecy, he leaned in, ensuring their conversation remained shrouded in whispers."Aang warned me of something like this happening," Zuko said, letting out a weary sigh."He did?""Yes, a week before his passing, he told me that Naruto could pose a threat in the future and if he does, he entrusted me to do what is necessary for all of us." Zuko explained, closing his eyes, allowing himself to be transported back to a cherished memory that unfolded years ago. It was a memory of baby Naruto, his tiny feet taking hesitant steps, brimming with an innocence that seemed untouched by the trials and tribulations of the future.A flicker of a smile played upon Zuko's weathered face, reminiscing about the shared connection they once had. However, as quickly as the smile appeared, it vanished, replaced by a resolute gaze as Zuko reopened his eyes. His attention shifted towards Katara, whose countenance bore a complex blend of inner conflict and genuine concern.Her face mirrored the turmoil she had experienced in the past when they had relentlessly pursued justice for her mother's killer. It was a face etched with uncertainty, desperately searching for the path that would lead to the right course of action. In that moment, Zuko couldn't help but draw a parallel between the conflicted expression on Katara's face and the one she wore all those years ago."Aang talked a little about Naruto, but I never thought that it would ever come to this, I watched over him when he still lived with Kya, and after he left, I told Tenzin to watch over him, while he had that incident seven years ago, it never got to this point," Katara spoke regretfully, once again, she had failed to protect her loved ones, and she could do nothing but think of how things could have gone if she had done something different."Aang would know what to do, but now is in our hands to make the right decisions for us, and the people who looked at us," With a sense of responsibility weighing heavily upon him, Zuko, his hands tightly clenched behind his back, spoke with a hint of reverence, acknowledging Aang's wisdom in dire situations. As Zuko's gaze fell upon the ground, his eyes tracing the slow descent of his boots into the powdery half-meter snow, a quiet determination flickered within him.With a contemplative expression on her face, Katara gently interjected, her voice tinged with both uncertainty and determination, "Probably, but I'm afraid taking Naruto's bending wouldn't solve anything, and I don't think Naruto's dark power can be sealed off, Aang tried, but no results." As her words hung in the air, Katara's gaze shifted, momentarily glancing towards the distant resting place of her beloved husband, Aang, whose memory still held a profound grip on her heart. However, her attention swiftly returned to Zuko, whose back was firmly turned as he stood entranced by the vast expanse of the majestic ocean stretching before them."Katara," Zuko's voice wavered with a mixture of gratitude and sincerity, "I'm grateful for everything you did for me, you all accepted me in the group, even when you had every reason to get rid of me, and I will have a debt to Aang until my last breath, but-" Zuko's words hung in the air like a fragile promise, his gaze fixated on Katara's face. With a gentle touch, he placed both his hands on her shoulders, feeling the warmth of her presence seep through his fingertips. The intensity of his golden eyes bore into her soul."I have a job to my people, I'm still their ruler and they all look up to me. Tell me Katara. Do you believe Naruto can be saved, that his destructive power is something that he can control, and freeing him won't be a decision that we all regret." Zuko spoke wholeheartedly to Katara, hoping for reassurance from her, one of the four people he trusted the most in the world."I cannot reassure you, Zuko. I don't know the future, and neither do you, but I can reassure you that Naruto is worth saving. He's a Good Man, he's still a child that needs help just like someone I used to know, and I know he will achieve great things." Katara's response reverberated with unyielding certainty, her voice blooming with an undeniable warmth as she eloquently articulated the intrinsic worth and potential of Naruto as an individual.As Zuko stood there, his gaze filled with conflicting emotions, a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts swirled within him. While his unwavering belief in Naruto's intrinsic value remained steadfast, there were numerous considerations that weighed heavily on his mind. Zuko comprehended the gravity of the situation and understood that Naruto, despite his flaws, possessed the potential for redemption; he merely required a chance to start anew. And so, after a prolonged moment of introspection, a subtle shift occurred within Zuko's countenance as he finally acquiesced, nodding in agreement with Katara's wise and compassionate words, acknowledging the truth that Naruto was indeed worthy of a second opportunity."Very well," Zuko said with a small, mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he glanced at Katara, a glint of adventure in his gaze. " I think it is time we went to the southwestern Earth Kingdom." His voice regained its youthful vigor as he spoke, resonating with the same lively enthusiasm he had possessed in his prime despite the passing years.As Katara stood there, her brow furrowed in a perplexed expression, she couldn't help but feel a wave of confusion wash over her. It seemed like their path had diverted towards an unexpected destination—a swamp.With a tinge of bewilderment lingering in her voice, she questioned Zuko, "I thought we were going to the Republic City?"Zuko's eyes glimmered mischievously as he posed a riddle-like question, "Tell me, who is the one that is old, cranky, and talks like a witch?" A knowing smile played on his lips, fully aware of the disbelief that would soon dance across Katara's widened eyes.The realization hit her like a sudden gust of wind. "She went back there?" Katara's voice was barely above a whisper, laced with a mix of surprise, curiosity, and a hint of nostalgia.Zuko nodded affirmatively, his gaze fixed in the distance. "Yes, and it's about time we meet again."