Ask Katara

[Katara daughter of Water]

Scene 5: Dusk, the deck of the shuttle boat
[Zuko, from his position at the bow of the ship, watches day turn to night. The rays of sunlight slowly fade away giving way to clusters of brilliant stars. There is a sort of serenity in the atmosphere. It is broken, however, by the hurried footsteps of the terrified Water Tribe warrior.]

Sokka: Zuko! Azula’s awake! I don't think she knows what is going on and we don't know what to do!
Prince Zuko: (startled) What?!

Scene 6: Dusk, the captain’s quarters
Katara: (glancing back nervously at the door) Come on, Zuko, where are you?
Princess Azula: *closes hand that is still in the air into a fist*

[Sokka and Prince Zuko enter the captain’s room. Katara gives them a weak smile.]

Sokka: *scared*
Prince Zuko: *looks from Azula to Katara bewildered*
Katara: *looks at Zuko* She woke up. She is confused about things. I just wanted you here. I feel safer when you are around.
Prince Zuko: *looks at Azula*
Princess Azula: *grabs head, heavy breathing*
Prince Zuko: *walks closer*
Katara: *turns back to Azula* No don't do that. *pulls her hands back down* *looks at Sokka* Get over here.
Sokka: *fearfully walks over to Katara*
Katara: Just take her hand and hold it like I told you.
Princess Azula: *scrunches eyes again trying to make out the people in the room with her *
Sokka: *stares at Katara, hesitant*
Prince Zuko: *places his hand on Azula’s *
Princess Azula: *looks at Zuko with fearful eyes*
Katara: *shocked by Zuko's sudden gesture* (whispering) Thank you.
Prince Zuko: *silent*
Princess Azula: *shaky breathing*
Katara: *turns to Azula* Relax, Azula. You are going to be fine. We are right here.

[With her free hand, Azula clutches Zuko’s hand resting on top of hers. She gives it a tight squeeze as she attempts to slow her breathing and still the tremors pulsating through her limbs. Sokka stares in shock not only at the prince’s sudden display of compassion but also at the calming effect his presence seems to have on his sister.]

Katara: (soothing voice) That's it. Take deep breaths. Everything is going to be ok.
Princess Azula: *tries to take deep breaths, grits teeth*
Prince Zuko: *places his other hand on top Azula's other hand*
Katara: Good, Azula. You are doing fine.
Prince Zuko: *moves his thumb back and forth across Azula’s hand in a comforting gesture*

[Azula’s breathing slows and the shaking stops. She slips back into unconsciousness once again, loosening the iron grip she has around her brother’s hands. Katara glares at her own sibling.]

Sokka: What?!
Katara: You know what. *frowns*
Sokka: *frowns, looks down at Azula finally laying still*
Katara: *squeezes Zuko's arm in gratitude*

[Prince Zuko gives no acknowledgment to Katara’s gesture. He pulls away his hands from Azula’s and gently brushes the hair back away from her face. His sister’s face is covered with the sweat of fever.]

Prince Zuko: *stares at Azula*
Katara: *notices the sweat running down Azula’s face, feels the girl’s forehead* She has a fever.
Sokka: *frowns*

[Katara looks about the room. She pulls out the basin used for salting meat off the counter.]

Katara: *points to the basin* Sokka, get that pot and fill it with water. Do you think you can do that?
Sokka: *frowns* *grabs the pot and carries it up top*
Katara: ‘sigh’ *tears off other sleeve of her dress*

[With his clothes completely soaked with water and the unmistakable mark of a recent fishslap on his face, Sokka returns to the room. He casts a glare at the two benders warning them not to ask as to the cause before handing Katara the basin full of water. The waterbender dips the piece of cloth torn from her sleeve into the water and wipes away the sweat from Azula’s face. It is clear to Katara that Azula’s condition is only getting worse Her wound should be healed immediately but of the danger in that Katara is far too aware.]

Katara: We need to take turns watching her.
Prince Zuko: *nods*
Sokka: ‘sniff’ Do we need more water? Please, say no.
Katara: No, that's ok Sokka. We are fine with water for now. But we do need to divide up the time for watching her. Who wants to go first?
Sokka: *looks around* I'm going first aren't I?
Katara: *laughs* Maybe you should be. (sarcastically) You were such a big help to me just now.

[Sokka mumbles something unintelligible while glaring at his sister before grabbing his boomerang and sitting down against one of the walls of the room.]

Katara: (to Sokka) You have to sit next to her and keep the rag wet on her forehead.

[Emitting a low growl, the Water Tribe warrior gets up from his spot and moves awkwardly to sit next to the Princess of Fire. Didn’t Katara understand that he didn’t want to, no, could not be near her?]

Prince Zuko: *glances at Azula, exits*
Katara: * heart sinks at Zuko’s silent exit*

---------------End of Chapter 17----------------

[Kai Merah]

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Ungh. Uhh... I have no idea how to feel about these chapters. One one hand, Azula at least fought decently. And the boomerang was a nice touch. I'm not even going to mention the boats since that was freaking obvious. And I can't believe she got so riled up enough by her prisoners, who weren't even trying to rile her up that much, that she forgot to lock the door. -_-;

I'm guessing that things go downhill from here, Azula-wise. *sighs* Goodbye Azula. Work out whatever with Sokka, I don't care now.

And is it just me, or was Zuko more like a robot than anything else? Pretty much everyone displayed more emotion than him. He's practically as shallow as this version of Azula... *wince* *tries not to think about it*

Well anyway, Katara was beautifully played as usual. And Sokka was actually pretty good too. I look forward to the rest of the story. *praying* Please let some of Azula's Azula-ness be salvaged.

Eh she get bitchy and manipulative again in later chapters. Whenever you make constructive criticisms I remember how hard it was sometimes to rp with them. Yeah everything with this Zuko was body language. I had to actually add some stuff in the edits after I had asked the Zuko rper what Zuko was thinking at certain moments. You are actually getting a better version in these edits than the original.

*wince* Wow. I wouldn't want to roleplay with the original then.

And there's more to Azula than just bitchiness and manipulativeness! There's her thirst for power, how she thinks she's superior to everyone else, how she feels Zuko is the ultimate failure... Actually, she's probably harsher on Zuko than anyone else because by rights, he should have been better than he is. She just can't understand why he's the way he is, but because he is, she feels justified in belittling him. And she just has so much ammo against him... he's usually the easiest target.

Also, there's her fear of not being the best, her fear of losing control to others. Her fear of losing. Her fear of being perceived as 'weak'. Her enjoyment of other's pain, her almost-fascination in how easy it is to hurt them. Her keen intelligence, her ruthlessness. Her ability to analyse every situation and make use of it. There's so much to Azula... It hurts when I see people doing this to her.

Pardon me, that's just my simplistic description of her behavior. I wouldn't blame our Azula entirely. Because Zuko didn't respond to her taunts she couldn't mess with him the way the real Azula would be able to. Therefore all the taunting and manipulation that Zuko normally would get was passed on to my Katara. We'd sometimes rp just Azula and Katara together in a battle of wits because of that.

Hmm, that makes sense. I don't suppose you saved copies of your battles? I'd love to read them. So far, while her schemes are very good, she doesn't seem to know quite what to do in the mean time. Her taunts don't quite... bite like they should. Or at least, that's the way it seems to me.

[Kai Merah]

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

[Katara daughter of Water]

Tanyeera

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

She's not amnesiac. She's just confused as to what is going on and where she is. Basically she's in shock after having been stabbed.

[Kai Merah]

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

She's not amnesiac. She's just confused as to what is going on and where she is. Basically she's in shock after having been stabbed.

Umm... understandable. I hope she snaps out of it soon. I have no idea what to expect from this Azula.

[Katara daughter of Water]

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

She's not amnesiac. She's just confused as to what is going on and where she is. Basically she's in shock after having been stabbed.

Umm... understandable. I hope she snaps out of it soon. I have no idea what to expect from this Azula.

Don't worry she will. Then she becomes the thorn in Katara's side all over again. The conversations with Azula and Katara always ended up being posted in the rp even when we rped without Zuko so you are seeing them.

[Kai Merah]

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

She's not amnesiac. She's just confused as to what is going on and where she is. Basically she's in shock after having been stabbed.

Umm... understandable. I hope she snaps out of it soon. I have no idea what to expect from this Azula.

Don't worry she will. Then she becomes the thorn in Katara's side all over again. The conversations with Azula and Katara always ended up being posted in the rp even when we rped without Zuko so you are seeing them.

Oh good. I didn't think much of the way she was treating Katara once she'd actually got her captured though. Very little finesse there. And absolutely horrible control over her own temper.

[Katara daughter of Water]

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

She's not amnesiac. She's just confused as to what is going on and where she is. Basically she's in shock after having been stabbed.

Umm... understandable. I hope she snaps out of it soon. I have no idea what to expect from this Azula.

Don't worry she will. Then she becomes the thorn in Katara's side all over again. The conversations with Azula and Katara always ended up being posted in the rp even when we rped without Zuko so you are seeing them.

Oh good. I didn't think much of the way she was treating Katara once she'd actually got her captured though. Very little finesse there. And absolutely horrible control over her own temper.

Here she does control her temper for the most part. She messes with Kat's head more.

[Kai Merah]

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

O_o;

Ok... Zuko is officially weird. And this is a historic moment. I actually started a review of the chapters by commenting on a character other than Azula. But seriously, Zuko's all... disjointed. I can't get a proper feel for him at all.

And Azula is... amnesiac? 0.o; Oh ye frishking gods... I have no idea what to expect from her now. But now I see how Sokkzula can happen. -_-;

Post soon Katara! I have to see what the new Azula is like! Re-acquaintance with the fire princess must begin as soon as possible!

She's not amnesiac. She's just confused as to what is going on and where she is. Basically she's in shock after having been stabbed.

Umm... understandable. I hope she snaps out of it soon. I have no idea what to expect from this Azula.

Don't worry she will. Then she becomes the thorn in Katara's side all over again. The conversations with Azula and Katara always ended up being posted in the rp even when we rped without Zuko so you are seeing them.

Oh good. I didn't think much of the way she was treating Katara once she'd actually got her captured though. Very little finesse there. And absolutely horrible control over her own temper.

Here she does control her temper for the most part. She messes with Kat's head more.

*nods approvingly* That's more like the Azula I know! I can't wait to read it!

[Katara daughter of Water]

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Katara daughter of Water

Tanyeera

Umm... understandable. I hope she snaps out of it soon. I have no idea what to expect from this Azula.

Don't worry she will. Then she becomes the thorn in Katara's side all over again. The conversations with Azula and Katara always ended up being posted in the rp even when we rped without Zuko so you are seeing them.

Oh good. I didn't think much of the way she was treating Katara once she'd actually got her captured though. Very little finesse there. And absolutely horrible control over her own temper.

Here she does control her temper for the most part. She messes with Kat's head more.

*nods approvingly* That's more like the Azula I know! I can't wait to read it!

You'll have to wait though because the first few chapters that follow you get to see Azula vulnerable and human. The Azula rper and I never use a plot device like amnesia to make Sokkla happen. As you saw in the little fic I wrote, Sokkla can happen with Azula being still Azula. I never said though that I considered Sokkla a true love pairing. It's a tragic pairing moreso than Zutara and is destined for failure.

[Katara daughter of Water]

Chapter 18: Heal

Scene1: Night, the captain’s quarters of the shuttle boat
[Below deck, Katara and Sokka kneel beside the futon where the injured Princess of Fire lies unconscious.]

Katara: *looks at Sokka* Now make sure you check that rag ever so often.
Sokka: (irritated) Alright, alright. Stop nagging me.
Katara: Well, excuse me but you haven't been very helpful with this. I expected more from her boyfriend.
Sokka: *looks away, grits teeth* I'm sitting here aren't I?
Katara: With the way you've been acting I wouldn't be surprised if you just left me to do it. I am surprised you even agreed to keep watch.
Sokka: (mumbling) I'm surprised you're down here with me.
Katara: What's that supposed to mean?! I told you I forgave you for what you did.
Sokka: Nothing. *glares at Katara* * grabs rag from Azula’s head, dips it in the basin and puts it back to its former spot* Better??
Katara: *glares* I guess.
Sokka: What?
Katara: Nothing.
Sokka: I put the rag on her head! What more do you want? I don't even have a shirt! *holds arms up*
Katara: What a shame.
Sokka: *crosses arms, glares*
Katara: *rolls eyes*
Sokka: Well, how would you feel if you…*thinks a moment* lost your hair loopies??
Katara: *laughs*
Sokka: *glares*
Katara: You want me to lose them? Would that make you feel better?
Sokka: *frowns* (stubbornly) No.
Katara: I'll lose them right now *takes her hair out of its braid* Happy?
Sokka: *glares* No.
Katara: You’re never happy.
Sokka: *stares*
Katara: *notices she still hasn't healed the burn on her arm* I'll be back.
Sokka: (mumbling sarcastically) Oh, I'm sure you will.
Katara: *glares* Keep it up and I won't. *walks out irritated*
Sokka: (calling after Katara) Keep what up? I didn't do anything! *grumbles unintelligibly*
Katara: *ignores him*
Sokka: *sits glaring at nothing*

[Katara daughter of Water]

Scene 2: Night, the deck of the shuttle boat
[Prince Zuko sits brooding against the railing of the ship gazing up into the evening sky. Crossing his arms, he is immediately reminded of the injuries he suffered during his time aboard his sister’s ship. Gingerly, his fingers pass across all the sore spots. On the left hand side near his rib cage, he feels a strange damp substance. He looks down to see a puddle of brilliant crimson seeping through the olive wool of his shirt. He is bleeding. The realization sends chills up Zuko’s spine. He is not quite sure as to what to do or how he came to be bleeding in the first place.
Katara emerges from the wheelhouse, walking out to the stern of the ship. She casts but a single glance back at the prince who fails to take any notice of her. She sighs in dismay. The night before seems now little more than a dream conceived solely in her mind. Perhaps that’s all it was. She had really hoped it was something more. Katara looks down into the depths of her own element. Her reflection is barely visible in the dim lighting but she knows the scratches across her face remain. She dips her wounded arm into the cool water, hissing when the salt makes contact with the burn. The limb becomes encased in a cacoon of blue as the injury fades away. Katara withdraws her arm. She turns her attention to the wound across her shoulder. Sliding down the collar of her dress just enough to allow her access to the burn, she drenches her hand in water before pressing it against the wound. It too heals over in a matter of seconds. The waterbender grits her teeth. All that is left to heal are the scratches. She cups the water in her hands and with a grimace, splashes it across her face. The salt pelts the gashes with stinging pain but they quickly vanish into caramel skin.]

Katara: *steps back from the railing and looks at Zuko on the bow of the ship again, remembering all the wounds he received back on the ship*
Prince Zuko: *thinking he heard something, glances in the direction of the stern to see Katara *
Katara: *touches necklace and walks nervously towards him*
Prince Zuko: *eyes follow her movement towards him*
Katara: *reaching him, stands silent, unsure of what to say*
Prince Zuko: (breaking the silence) How is she doing?
Katara: *frowns at mention of Azula* Fine. Sokka's looking after her.
Prince Zuko: *nods*
Katara: *looks down*

Scene 3: Night, the captain’s quarters of the shuttle boat
[Sokka glances at Azula then shifts his eyes back to glaring at the door. What is she doing up there? The Water Tribe warrior shudders. He is best off not knowing. The very thought of Zuko putting the moves on his sister is enough to churn his stomach. His gaze returns to the princess, sleeping peacefully on her pallet. Taking a quick look around the room first to see if anyone is watching, he slips his hand awkwardly into hers.]

[Katara daughter of Water]

This is my attempt at comedy. Do not kill me *buries head*

Scene 4: Night, the deck of the shuttle boat

Katara: *blushes* (mumbling) Take off your shirt.
Prince Zuko: (shocked) What?!
Katara: *looks up mortified at her own words* *swallows hard* Take off your shirt.
Prince Zuko: o.0
Katara: * looks down* I promised to heal you, don't you remember?
Prince Zuko: *looks off to the side* ‘sigh’ *stands up*
Katara: *keeps her head lowered but sneaks glances at Zuko*
Prince Zuko: *takes his shirt off carefully, trying to avoid contact with the wounds*
Katara: *blushes brilliant red, stands still like a statue*
Prince Zuko: *embarrassed*

[Realizing she can’t stand there forever, Katara takes a deep breath and walks over to the railing of the ship closest to where Zuko is standing. She makes no eye contact with him as she straddles the bars.]

Katara: *swallows hard* Come closer to me.
Prince Zuko: *moves in closer to her until there is only a few feet between them*
Katara: * bites her lip in an effort to focus, dips her hand into the water*

[Katara’s hand becomes submerged in blue light]

Katara: *takes a deep breath to brace herself* You can do this, Katara. You can do this.
Prince Zuko: *watches her hand intently*

[The waterbender turns towards the prince. She still can’t bring herself to look him in the eye. With shallow breaths, Katara forces herself to focus on the bruises and cuts across his chest and stomach. Horror crosses her face. There are so many and one gash on his left side is even still oozing blood. Her heart starts to race. She places her hand nervously on this one wound first. Zuko abruptly jumps backward, startled by the coldness in her touch. Katara in turn is taken aback. She jerks up her head in confusion.]

Katara: * looks back down, blushing* Zuko I have to...
Prince Zuko: *silent*
Katara: *moves her hand closer to the wound*
Prince Zuko: *stands still, watching*
Katara: *puts her hand on the wound, closes her eyes*
Prince Zuko: *holds his breath*
Katara: *concentrates*

[The cut heals over. Zuko exhales in relief as Katara opens her eyes again with a sigh. One wound down, a million more it seems to go. She drenches her hand in the water again and places it on another wound. The firebender squints one eye at the cold but his breathing is more relaxed this time. He is growing accustomed to the feeling. By the next time Katara touches him, this time a bruise around his ribs, he no longer flinches. The waterbender repeats this process until her hands have traced over every inch of his torso. With those wounds healed, she timidly raises her head up to look at the boy’s face. Zuko stares back at her without the slightest bit of apprehension in his gold eyes. Her fingers slide up to the cut on his lip. Both benders close their eyes immersing themselves in the touch. Katara opens her eyes. She quickly averts her gaze from the prince and rests her hands on her lap.]

Katara: I think they are all healed now.
Prince Zuko: Thank you.
Katara: You’re welcome.
Prince Zuko: *looks across the deck for his shirt*
Katara: *looks away to the side* I suppose it is my turn for watch duty.
Prince Zuko: *spies the shirt and picks it up off the floor* *examines the blood stain on the cloth*
Katara: *climbs down from the railing averting her eyes from Zuko*
Prince Zuko: *walks back to the railing, dips his shirt into the water and pulls it out*
Katara: *turns back to look at Zuko, ogles him dipping his shirt in the water* (chiding herself in a whisper) Stop staring, Katara.

[Try as she might, Katara does not heed her own words. She just continues to gape at Zuko’s taunt muscular body. The best thing to do she knows is to leave. She backs herself up, feeling for the railing to guide her. Her hand, however, grasps at nothing. With the railing no longer behind her, Katara loses her footing and falls back on her rear with a thud. The Fire Prince turns at the sound.]

Katara: *feels really stupid*
Prince Zuko: o.0 Are you okay?
Katara: *sees that Zuko looking straight at her, blushes* I..I ..I'm fine.
Prince Zuko: *satisfied with her answer, goes about his business agitating the blood stain and dipping the shirt back into the water*
Katara: *gets up still looking at him, backs into some barrels and fishing nets*
Prince Zuko: *wrings the water out of the shirt*
Katara: *becomes entangled in the fishing nets*
Prince Zuko: *turns around to see Katara in her predicament, confused as to how she got into it*

[The prince walks over to help Katara untangle the nets. The waterbender’s cheeks blush all the more fiercely. She continues to back away from him irregardless of the present situation.]

Prince Zuko: No no...!
Katara: *slips on the netting, falls backward again*
Prince Zuko: *drops his shirt, walks over to Katara to continue trying to untangle the netting*
Katara: *stares seemingly mesmerized at Zuko*

[Zuko kneels before her and begins his laborious undertaking. He fails to notice her gaping stare until he pulls the netting completely away and Katara makes no motion to stand up afterwards.]

Prince Zuko *looks at Katara* Are you okay?
Katara: *feels paralyzed to her spot, mumbles something incoherent*
Prince Zuko: ….
Katara: *scoots across the floor away from him * (stammering) I...I... better go help Sokka.
Prince Zuko: *bewildered * Okay…

[Keeping her head turned away from Zuko, Katara grasps hold of the railing and pulls herself up. She takes a deep breath to steady herself then, runs off to the ship’s cabin without a word more to the prince. Zuko scratches his head. Girls can be so strange sometimes. After picking up his wet shirt off the deck and hanging it over the railing, the Fire Prince returns to his former pursuit of stargazing. The air has become drastically cooler with the setting of the sun. It makes Zuko shiver. He takes a few deep breaths to stir up his inner fire and is warm again.]

[Katara daughter of Water]

Scene 5: Night, the captain’s quarters of the shuttle boat
[Katara enters the room with her hands over her flushed cheeks and a goofy smile on her face. Seeing his sister, Sokka immediately lets go of Azula’s hand and acts as though he hadn’t been doing anything. The waterbender fails to notice. She is lost in a daze.]

Sokka: (noticing her flushed cheeks) What happened to you? *glares*
Katara: *looks up at him* Huh? Oh. Nothing…nothing happened. It's just chilly out there.
Sokka: *raises eyebrow* (skeptically) Riight.
Katara: *looks down embarassed*
Sokka: *rolls eyes and looks away*
Katara: Uh, you can go do what you want now, Sokka. I will take over from here. It's my turn to watch.
Sokka: *grumbles unintelligibly*
Katara: *frowns at Sokka*
Sokka: ‘sigh’ Fine. *walks out*
Katara: *takes deep breath to calm herself*

Scene 6: Night, the deck of the shuttle boat
[As Zuko finds himself shivering again, he realizes that firebending alone is not sufficient to keep one warm amidst this chilly night air. He decides to head for the cabin below deck where perhaps he might obtain a blanket. On the way there, he is met with Sokka who is just leaving the wheelhouse.]

Sokka: *notices Zuko without a shirt on, squints suspiciously* What are you doing?
Prince Zuko: *looks at Sokka* Huh?
Sokka: (warily) Where's your shirt? I'm on to you.
Prince Zuko: *motions back towards his shirt hanging over the railing*
Sokka: *glances at shirt* And why's it over there? *glares distrustfully*
Prince Zuko: It’s soaked. *walks past Sokka to the door of the wheelhouse *
Sokka: *glares* Where are you going?
Prince Zuko: *doesn't respond, opens the door and enters the room*
Sokka: (becoming angry) Where are you going?! *grits teeth*

Scene 7: Night, the captain’s quarters of the shuttle boat
[Katara lifts up the rag from Azula’s forehead to find it is no longer cold to the touch. She blows on the water in the basin to cool the temperature before dipping the rag into it again, wringing it out, and placing it back on the princess’s head. Her mind cannot help but wander back to the recent events on deck with Zuko. Katara smiles and blush reddens her cheeks as she recalls the touch of his bare skin beneath her hands. ]

Princess Azula: *shivers*
Katara: It's ok, Azula.

[The Fire Prince opens the hatch and steps below deck. Sokka is infuriated. He has about had it with the other boy’s arrogant attitude. Hearing the sound of footsteps echoing across the metal floor, Katara immediately turns her head only to avert her eyes bashfully again once she sees it is Zuko still sans shirt. Her brother follows after him, a scowl firmly planted on his face.]

Prince Zuko: *looks around the room*
Katara: *turns to look at Azula, pretending that there is no one else in the room with her*
Sokka: *walks in room, glares at Zuko as he sits down against the wall*
Prince Zuko: *looks in the dresser in the room*
Katara: *watches the movements of the others out of the corner of her eye* (to Zuko) What are you looking for?
Prince Zuko: A blanket.
Katara: There is a blanket here. *points to the folded blanket on edge of Azula's bed*
Prince Zuko: *looks over at it*
Katara: I hope you are not planning to spend the night out there.
Prince Zuko: *closes the cabinet*
Katara: *looks back at Azula*
Prince Zuko: *walks over to the end of the bed and grabs the blanket*
Katara: There is plenty of room in here for us all.
Prince Zuko: It’s nice out there.
Katara: *frowns*

[Sokka casts a glare at Zuko as he makes his way out of the room. Katara touches her necklace. It is like we are back to square one and he can’t stand to be anywhere near me. The Water Tribe warrior rolls his eyes at her downcast look.]

[Katara daughter of Water]

Scene 8: Night, the deck of the shuttle boat
[Prince Zuko walks back over to the railing at the bow of the ship and sits down against it huddled up in the blanket. Letting out a lengthy sigh, he listens to the waves of Katara’s element gently splashing against the boat. He closes his eyes and tries to lose himself in the soothing sound.]

Scene 9: Night, the captain’s quarters of the shuttle boat
[Turning back to the task at hand, Katara checks the rag again. She sighs as she finds it too warm again. She dips it into the water and returns it to its former position.]

Princess Azula: *scrunches eyes*
Katara: *rests her hand on her cheek, bored and miserable*
Princess Azula: *moans, rubs her temple*
Katara: *gently takes Azula's hand and puts it back down* Don't be difficult now. I've got enough problems.
Princess Azula: *ignores Katara’s words, rubs temples with both hands*
Katara: 'sigh' *pulls both hands down*
Princess Azula: *pulls hands away, rubs temples*
Katara: Come on, now. *takes Azula’s hands* It won't do you any good.
Princess Azula: *jerks hands away, then grits teeth from the pain caused by jerking motion*
Katara: *shakes head* 'sigh'
Sokka: *watches curiously*
Katara: Just put your hands down. I don't want the rag falling off.
Princess Azula: *clutching stomach, attempts to sit up*
Katara: No, No, you will hurt yourself more. Lie down. *turns to Sokka for help, even though she knows she probably won't get any*

[Azula collapses back down on the bed. Her breathing is heavy and strained. She begins to cough. The Water Tribe siblings can only look on with concern. The coughing fit continues even as Azula rolls over to her side. Blood suddenly escapes from her mouth.]

Sokka: *stands up*
Katara: Oh, no.
Sokka: (frightened) What? *walks towards Katara and Azula*
Katara: She's coughing up blood.
Princess Azula: *rolls back over onto her back, breathes heavy*
Katara: Sokka, I am afraid she's going to die if I don't heal her.
Sokka: *nervously kneels down next to Azula*
Katara: *looks at Sokka* What should I do?
Sokka: *frowns, cups Azula's cheek in his hand*
Katara: *looks at Sokka's gesture* (sadly) You’re in love with her.
Sokka: *scrunches eyes and clenches jaw, pulls his hand away* No. *frowns*
Katara: It’s nothing to be ashamed of but if I do nothing she could die.
Sokka: *stares at Azula frowning* I know. *glances at Katara* I would rather have you alive. *turns away*
Katara: Oh, Sokka. *hugs him*
Sokka: You're my sister. You'll always be more important. *weak smile*
Katara: *pulls back to look at him earnestly* I know but I know you have feelings for her.
Sokka: *shakes head* No I don't *frowns*
Katara: Don't lie to me, Sokka. Don't do to me what I did to you.
Princess Azula: *starts feeling around bed with hands*
Sokka: *frowns and turns away* I'm not lying. *looks at Azula* I think she's looking for something.
Katara: Like what? *turns around to look at Azula* Azula? What's the matter? What do you want?

[Still breathing hard, the princess feels around the area until her fingers touch the basin full of water. She tries to pull it closer to her but only ends up knocking it over. Sokka sighs in dismay as he watches the water pool on the floor. Azula lies back down. She quickens her breathing in frustration at being unable to obtain her goal.]

Katara: (to Azula) Is there something you need? Just tell us what you want.
Princess Azula: *slowly rolls head towards Katara, eyes still scrunched*
Sokka: *stares at water on the floor* I think she wants water. *looks back up at Azula*
Katara: Well, then go get it quickly.
Sokka: *picks up the pot and leaves the room*
Katara: (to Azula) Do you want water?
Princess Azula: *rolls head back up straight*
Katara: Is that what you want? Water?