Relief

Katara watched as her husband's ship docked into port of their kingdom. Seeing him on the bow of the boat sent a flash of relief through her body. He had been gone for far too long for her liking. Him going to other kingdoms always made her nervous. Yes, they were in a time of peace, but there would always, always, be people out there who weren't happy. Who wanted to rebel and hurt those who lead differently.

Zuko descended the ramp of the ship and stationed himself on the dock as he waited for the others to join him. Normally it was custom for her to wait on shore until he and the men finish. But the god awful feeling she had been keeping at bay all week was eating at her heart, soul and body.

Without waiting for Zuko, Katara ran down the sandy dunes to the dock, "Zuko!" he turned as her voice carried his name out to him. A huge grin broke out on his face as he caught up the bright eyed girl and swung her around.

His lips brushed against her temple, "Agni, Katara, I missed you so much." His voice was a soft whisper.

She pulled back, cupped his pale skinned face and kissed his think lips softly, "Zuko, next time I go with you. No exceptions, you don't get a choice."

A soft sigh slipped from his mouth, "Katara, I need to talk to you." He set her on her feet and took her hand, "But not here. Let's go to the palace. The crew can handle it from here." With a grimace on his face, he started up the wooden dock.

Katara swallowed hard and bit her lip. Clearly something was wrong… but what it could be was beyond her. Her heart began a slow tattoo in her chest; please let everything be alright. Let nothing be wrong and let everyone be safe. She prayed to Tui and La that it didn't have anything to do with her brother, Suki, Toph or Aang.

She couldn't take it anymore. She had to know now. Stopping in her tracks, she pulled on Zuko's hand. "I- I can't wait. You have to tell me now. Zuko talk to me now."

Zuko took a deep breath and released Katara's hand, "Katara, we're no longer in a era of peace. Your dad, who as you know, is the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, was…" he reached up and stroked Katara's face softly, his eyes teary as spoke, "Your dad was killed."

Katara's throat constricted, she stopped breathing all together, her eyesight blurry with tears that suddenly sprung, it felt as though her heart stop. Zuko caressed her face again and Katara gasped for air. Her world shattered around her. Her father…was dead. Gone, forever…

Katara's voice was nothing but a whisper as she asked, "Zuko, wh-what happened?"

Zuko kept his distance, knowing she wouldn't want him to touch her right now. "A rebellion group in the Southern Water Tribe, didn't like how your dad was ruling… I got to him too late… I wasn't going to send word back to you until I was here with you. I am so sorry, Katay…"

The Waterbender back away from her husband, "I can't breathe right now. I can't do this. I need to-" without finishing her sentence, she turned and ran from the whole scenario. The relief she had been feeling only minutes before vanished from her body and dread filled her being.

This wasn't real.

This wasn't happening.

This couldn't be.

How could this have happened?

Her father was an incredible, calm, kind man who ruled with fairness.

How could he have been hated?

Tears streamed down her eyes as she tore up the sand beneath her feet in an attempt to get away from the pain. Please…let it not be real.