Part 25

Sokka's POV:

Today was the day a life-changing decision would be made. A choice that ultimately came down to revenge or family. Yue's warning was taken into consideration but the young soldier had already come this far, he had to see this all through. The thought of Zuko marrying his sister disgusted him, he couldn't let such a thing happen. One way or another he would make sure it didn't, even if it might cost him his own life.

Disguised in a tan cloak the shores of the Fire Nation were crowded, visitors traveling in from all over. This only made it easier to go unnoticed. Sokka could admit to himself he didn't exactly have a set plan. He knew what his final goal was but not how to pursue it. Acting on pure instinct he made his way through the crowded streets heading toward the palace. He refused to let any anxiety overtake him, as confident as he could be it was apparent in his step. Of course having never attended a Fire Nation wedding he was a bit clueless of the process. However, he did remember a few key details his grandmother once told him in a historical fairy tale she told him as a child. At some point of the wedding, the newlywed couple would drink an ancient wine out of their designated chalice.

Of course, the palace grounds were flooded by people of all nations, nearly every inch of the grounds covered. Security was tight but not nearly enough. Sneaking around the side of the large building he found a rickety fire escape reaching right up to an open balcony. Looking around to make sure no one was looking he pulled himself up the metal stairs, lunging over the edge of the balcony. Staying close to the ground he peered down the halls, multiple royal staff members scurrying around. He waited for the very last person to walk by, pausing for a few seconds before making his way into the main hall.

Hundreds of seats lined each side of the hall, intricate decorations already hung for the celebration. His presence still undetected he made his way up the aisle to the raised stage where the ceremony would eventually take place that evening. Two chalices were placed on a golden podium. Slipping his bag off from his shoulder he pulled a small clear glass bottle from the bag, sprinkling a white crystal substance into the bottom of the cup Zuko would soon drink out of.

His plans would soon follow through. All he could do now was blend into the crowd and watch his revenge unfold.

Zuko's POV:

Unable to see Katara he spent the majority of his morning relaxing before the ceremony. There was only one more thing he needed to do, a painful memory he hated to reminisce on. Making his way down to the underground level of the palace he rummaged through forgotten boxes, one single item in mind. Of course, this had been his mother's royal hairpiece, abandoned those years ago. This simple item held a greater importance to him, and it would finally find its way home. No one would be more worthy to wear it than Katara herself. Clutching the hairpiece tightly he smiled, only allowing him to remember the happiest of memories on such an exciting day. Returning upstairs he met with Iroh in his chambers, fully prepared for a full strung pep talk that wouldn't change a thing. Closing the door behind them, Iroh instantly wrapped his arms tightly around him.

"I see you found your mothers hairpiece... what a lovely item. Katara will look radiant finally wearing it."

"Is everything already taken care of?"

"Of course, I wouldn't want either of you to have to worry about a single thing. The hall is decorated including the palace grounds, the rings are safe away, the dining hall is prepared for afterward, every single thing."

"I have a feeling you've been planning this for a while now.."

"I'm just happy to see you happy, Zuko."

"How is the status on security?"

"No worries, I do have to admit there are a lot more guests than we could have ever imagined, but we have everything handled. You just focus on your day. You should start getting ready, huh?"

Glancing in the mirror Zuko had to admit, he wasn't exactly looking his best. With only a few hours to go, he would have to get ready eventually.

Katara's POV:

Almost the second she had woken up that day she was already thrown the complete royal treatment. The female staff members woke her up bright and early for an hour-long facial. It was completely unnecessary but she wasn't complaining. After the facial they instantly began tackling her long brown locks, smoothing it all out into a large intricate bun. A few stray curls remained out shaping her face. While two girls finished her hair another two pulled out the makeup, bringing out her features with a bold red lipstick and a smoky eyeshadow look.

Even she had never seen the dress she would be wearing, Iroh and Hakoda closely working together guaranteed the eager girl it would be a sight worth the wait. After a few hours, the look was complete, and the painstaking moment finally arrived. Another woman entered the room, dress in hand covered by a white tailoring cover. Standing from her seat she smiled, her excitement known. The woman slowly unzipped the cover revealing a beautiful sparkly white halter top style dress with a long train. Red rubies adorned the top part of the dress, a maroon underskirt peeking out from the dress's train.

Eager as ever Katara quickly slipped into the dress, the woman who brought it in zipping her up from behind. She turned to face the long mirror, amazed by how beautiful the dress had truly been. After a few moments of staring in awe, a faint knock was heard at the door. Hakoda, Aang, and Toph soon filed in the room. Katara faced her father with a smile, noticing the stray tears stream down his cheeks even as best as he tried to hide them. He pulled her into a hug, pulling away with a smile.

"You're so beautiful... I'm so proud of you..."

"Oh, dad... You better pull yourself together before you walk me down the aisle."

"You're my baby, Katara. You always will be, I can't help it."

"I know, I know."

Toph bear-hugged the girl, as always offering a snarky remark, "I hear you look great! Wonder if Sparky's throwing up his breakfast yet - oh of course he is. What about you princess, any like buckets hidden around here?"

"Toph..."

"I'm just kidding! Congratulations Katara, you guys are a weird pair but you're perfect for each other!"

"Was that you being serious?"

"Hm... I guess you'll never know!"

Aang finally had his chance to chime in, goofy smile staining his face per usual. "You do look amazing, Katara. I know he's going to make you very happy. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

The pair left the room, leaving Hakoda and Katara to prepare for their queue. Anxious she twiddled her fingers. She knew the decision was set and done but any woman would be nervous in her position. She was just an average girl finding herself marrying into royalty, and of course, he would still have a change of heart at any point.

After only a few moments Iroh emerged into the room with a smile, "It's time."

Arm in arm Hakoda led her through the halls, voices of thousands heard as she approached the entrance. The pair finally approached the main entrance, all voices silencing themselves as she came into view. Her stomach dropped seeing the number of familiar and unfamiliar faces before her. Hakoda squeezed her hand tightly, taking a deep breath before her smile returned. The music began to play as the two made their way down the aisle. She chose to keep her eyes focused on Zuko, his eyes instantly lighting up as she took each step forward. Those few steps seemed as if they were a mile long. She finally reached the end of the rows, joining her future husband hand in hand. Mouthing as not to disturb the process he worded You look amazing.

The pastor stood behind them, greeting the crowd and beginning his long speech. His words seemed unimportant, her feelings already clear. The couple stood still, eyes focused on one another closely. The famous words finally flooded the room, with Zuko's turn approaching he proudly recited the following: "I Zuko, take you Katara to become my wedded wife. To love and cherish, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, From this day forward."

Her heart fluttering she recited the same. Placing both rings on each others finger, they recited their final I do's. Love radiating through the room the pastor finally recited, "I now pronounce you both Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Katara husband and wife, you may kiss the bride. With a smile of relief on both of the couples' faces, Zuko pulled her in close, lips locking onto each other. The crowd cheered the ceremony far from over. Two groups approached each side of the altar, one being of skilled firebenders another of skilled waterbenders. Both sides showcased their skills, combining fire and water, a large red-tinged cloud of steam engulfing the room. The crowd continued to cheer on, the final moment of the ceremony finally approaching.

Iroh and Hakoda approached the back of the altar, offering each designated chalice to the newly married couple. Per Fire Nation tradition they crossed the cups over their arms, Zuko's cup now pressed to Katara's lips and vise versa. Quickly the couple sipped from the cups, a loud scream breaking through the excited cheers. NO!!!!

A cloaked figure emerged from the seated crowd, hood falling back to reveal the chilling face of her brother, tears streaming from his eyes. It was already too late for an explanation. The chalice slipped out from her fingertips, falling to the ground with a loud thud. Soldiers instantly pulled Sokka back as Katara collapsed into her husband's arms.