Part 15

Zuko's POV:

Zuko had set out Fire Nation robes in addition to a flame shaped pin for her hair. He waited patiently on the couch as she dressed. Katara emerged from the bedroom, approaching him with a smile. Red was definitely her color. With a cheesy smile , "You look radiant as always"

"Oh hush"

"There's just one more thing-"

She cocked her head to the side out of curiosity. He picked up a small box from the table. He adored her bright blue eyes but knew eye color would be her most dangerous feature. It was common knowledge majority of people in the Fire Nation were born with hazel or chocolate brown eyes. It was a shame to cover them up but it was simply for her own protection during the visits. Offering the box to her he explained.

"Hazel contact lenses...."

She accepted the box, nodding as she moved to the mirror hanging on the living room wall. Placing the contacts in she turned with a smile.

"How do I look?"

"I do have to admit, I love your blue eyes, this is just for your-" Before he could finish the girl interrupted with a smile.

"I know, Zuko. You just want to protect me."

Holding his arm out to her, "Are you ready to accompany me?"

"Always." The brunette took his hand with a giddy smile.

The two left the home walking along the floral filled path towards the palace limits. Soldiers followed them from behind. Still hand in hand it was not long before they reached the city. Word of the Firelord meeting with citizens was always quite the event. During his fathers reign such a thing would never happen. The people loved to be able to meet and discuss their concerns with young Zuko. Crowds of citizens and families flooded the market place, clearly eager for his arrival. Shooting the crowd a warm smile he raised his hand as to silence them.

"Hello people of the Fire Nation, I'm excited to meet with you all."

The crowd cheered even at such a short remark. Soldiers still following close behind as protection the two entered the crowd. Zuko began shaking hands with the people, even going as far as to holding babies and young children. Children swarmed the two of them humming songs and cheering. One young boy around the age of 5 approached him with a bright smile, giggling as he teased the Firelord , "Your girlfriend is very pretty, Firelord Zuko."

Zuko chuckled at the child's remark, patting him on the shoulder with a smile. With a blush stained face Katara smiled, holding onto his hand tightly. The event progressed , Zuko adamant to meet with as many people as possible. A few hours passed before a soldier approached the two.

"Firelord Zuko, General Iroh has received the transmission from our fleet and wishes to speak with you at the guest house immediately."

Zuko nodded, bidding the crowd farewell. Still holding onto Katara's hand the two followed a group of soldiers back to the house.

They entered the home, taking a seat side by side in front of Iroh. As always, tea was prepared for them.

"How was the event?"

"It was fine - let's discuss the transmission."

"I regret to inform you we were severely outnumbered. We lost two of our ships along with 2,000 of the 10,000 soldiers sent. A retreat was called by General Lin. We raided their bunker, Hakoda was fully willing to come with them, and was offered the upmost hospitality per your request. We located Sokka but he fled from our custody. We will reassess our plan to action when they return. We will bring Hakoda to you both when they arrive."

Zuko day in silence, a little taken back by the statement. Certainly it was good to have found Hakoda, as an ally he would be offered their protection in addition to help with any insight he may be able to offer them. He had been hoping they would be able to capture Sokka. He had a gut feeling that this would not end until he could locate him. Knowing this was not the information Zuko had been waiting for, Iroh interrupted the silence.

"I would begin writing a statement for the morning if I were you... You have done everything right so far, don't let this get to you."

Iroh exited, leaving the two alone to their thoughts.

Katara's POV:

Katara stood from the couch, making her way over to the mirror to remove the contact lenses. After placing them into the small box, she returned to Zuko's side.

"Sokka might be an ignorant fool but he's a master of escapes. We will find him eventually, don't worry.... I'm certain my father will be able to help..."

"I just hope he doesn't see us as the enemy..."

"Zuko, he would have never sent you that letter from me if he believed that."

The man could only nod in agreement. Katara was certain this ordeal was far from over. She was so tired of fighting. She hoped eventually a treaty would be the solution to it all. Anxious for her fathers arrival they sat in silence, her head resting on his shoulder.