Part 16

Katara's POV:

The two were woken the next morning abruptly by a loud knocking at the front door. Choosing to let Zuko sleep in for the time being she made her way to the door, groggily letting out a weak hello before pulling the door open. Her eyes lit up realizing it was her father. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, quickly letting him inside as the group of soldiers escorting him exited. They made their way over to the living room couch, still thrilled to see each other again. Of course Katara had to ask, "What went down over there, dad?"

"We received a tip from our naval fleet who spotted the Fire Nation ships heading our way. Sokka has been recruiting soldiers from our own tribe and the Northern Water Tribe for months now. They were severely outnumbered but put up a good fight. I instantly surrendered knowing you were already here. Luckily they knew I was not an enemy and escorted me out of the chaos before any blood was shed. They promised me Sokka would not be hurt, so I did tell them where he was hiding. I don't know exactly what happened when they found him but when the retreat was ordered they only told me he fled before being captured. It was a bloodbath, Katara. They lost many soldiers, we only lost maybe a handful. There was a significant amount of damage but I agreed the retreat was necessary. I'm just happy to be out of there alive..."

"Me too, dad. You'll be safe here."

"I'd like to hope so... So where is Zuko?"

"He should be up shortly, he'll be happy to see you here we were both worried."

"He seems like a good man, Katara. I would like to meet with him alone later... I might have a solution to this."

Becoming defensive Katara interrupted , "I might be a woman, father but I can handle anything you're going to propose."

Hakoda wrapped his arm around her with a smile, teasing her, "You're strong honey, just like your mother was. It's more of a personal matter, I want to thank him for everything he's done for you."

Katara nodded, giving into his request. They sat side by side choosing to spend the morning catching up. After a short while Zuko emerged from his room, entering the living room with a smile after seeing Hakoda had arrived safely.

Zuko's POV:

Zuko made his way into the living room, thrilled to see Katara's father had arrived safely. Taking a seat down in front of the two, Katara took her leave into the kitchen to prepare something to eat. Once she left the room, Hakoda spoke up,

"I'm sorry for the damage my nation has inflicted on your own-"

"Thank you but you are not in the wrong here. I understand that Sokka has a lot of anger towards my nation, I just wish he would realize that I am not my father and we would be willing to sign a treaty in a heartbeat."

"I agree... There's no need for another war, the world has suffered enough. I would love to speak to you in private actually..."

"I was actually going to ask you to come with me to meet with my uncle and our General Lin this afternoon, I believe you will offer a lot of insight. We will be able to talk in private on the way there."

"That sounds good,"

Zuko and Hakoda stood from their seats, him quickly explaining they needed to leave for their meeting before leaving Katara to relax. The two men exited the home, making their way down the path towards the city. After a few short moments of silence, Zuko spoke up.

"So what did you need to talk to me about?"

"Oh yes... First I would like to begin by telling you I agree a treaty is necessary. We need to find a way to bring our nations together and assure both sides how much stronger, and happier we can be working together. There are a few ways we can do this. I'm sorry to go off topic, but you care about my daughter, don't you?"

"Of course... She's a very dear friend of mine..."

"I understand you're still young, but as a father and as a man of many years, I doubt you would do all of this for just a friend."

"W-What do you—"

"What I'm trying to say, is that you love her. You might not realize this yet, or even might not want to let yourself realize it... but you do, I can see that."

"I-I-"

"You don't need to give me an answer, kid. I just want you to consider my words carefully. The beginning to the end of all of this is clear. You'll realize the answer soon enough."

Hakoda flashed him a playful smile, the two continuing their short walk in silence. They soon approached the front door of the General's quarters, Zuko motioning to knock as the door instantly swung open. Iroh greeted them, shaking Hakoda's hand firmly before escorting them inside. They were all seated at a large table, General Lin already seated at the end of the table. They farther discussed the problems and losses they encountered during the attack. Hakoda was able to chime in, explaining the thought process of his son. In no way was he defending him, but only giving them a bit of insight on where the young soldier was coming from.

They mutually agreed it was best to wait a short period before sending out another fleet. They needed time to gather enough soldiers and use their resources to reinforce the nation against any possible incoming attacks. It was unclear where Sokka had run off to and until he was captured it was the best option to prepare against a surprise attack.