Summary: Katara is summoned to the Fire Nation Capital after being caught illegally residing in the Fire Nation, word of her healing powers reaching the palace. In exchange for her residency, and to avoid imprisonment, Katara is asked to heal someone of great importance.

This is the story of how the waterbending witch of Biei village fell for a pair of tiny, gold eyes. Her heart just might be in trouble.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender

A loud knock at the door startled the waterbender. Normally her patients did not knock so aggressively but Katara assumed it must be urgent.

"Coming." She called, standing up from the kitchen table to answer the knock.

Five Fire Nation Soldiers stood at attention, clad in armor, and poised. They barely looked at her before one pulled out a scroll that was secured in his belt. "Are you the witch, Katara?" He announced.

Katara frowned. She hated being called that. "I am the surrounding villages healer, Master Katara, yes."

The soldier holding the scroll scoffed. "You have been summoned by his majesty, Fire Lord Zuko." He basically shoved the scroll at her. "You are to come with us immediately."

"Pardon?" The Fire Lord? What would he want with her? How did he even know about her?

The soldier sneered, contorting an expression that said he will not repeat himself. Katara sighed knowing she did not have a choice. No doubt they were aware of her living here illegally. "Is there a reason for my summons?" she asked.

"That is confidential until you are brought to the Fire Nation palace where further discussion will be held. We suggest you keep any inquires to yourself until then."

Katara pursed her lips in aggravation. "Fine. Let me gather some of my things." She snapped, slamming the front door. She angrily threw her clothes and other necessities and healing tools into a satchel. She didn't take much, hoping her time away will be minimal. She was still a healer, despite the fact that everyone called her a witch.

Waterbenders were rare these days since the war ended many decades ago. Both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes were demolished, its people scattering across the world. Eventually tribespeople began to mix with other cultures and waterbenders were far and few between. Katara's parents died when she was young. Her and her brother were left living in the streets. Hoping there was something better in the Fire Nation. Rumors around the Earth Kingdom slums were that the streets were made of gold. Naive, Katara and Sokka set out for the country via cargo ship.

They were disappointed to find that it was nothing like the rumors circulated. Twelve-year-old Sokka and ten-year-old Katara found themselves homeless in the streets once again. That is until they ran into Hama. She took the children in, claiming they were her sister's grandchildren.

Two years ago, Hama passed and the children she raised into adulthood sold her inn and assets. While Sokka made up his mind to travel back in the Earth Kingdom with a fellow scholar and friend he had met in a nearby village, Katara found a quaint little place to live, making income through her healing, thanks to Hama's teachings. It frightened the citizens at first but they came around when they sought medical treatment, and that's how she earned the nickname: Witch.

Katara was stunned to find a large airship settled in the distance. How did she miss hearing that? The guards impatiently made way to the airship without giving the waterbender another look.

Making a loud huff, Katara swung the satchel over her shoulder and followed after them.

It took less than a day to arrive at the Fire Nation Capital. Katara's jaw dropped at the sight. The Capital was large, larger than Ba Sing Se. It was settled in a vastly large volcano and was breathtaking. It was like the stories her and Sokka were told as children accept the streets weren't paved in gold but the palace they landed near was beyond beautiful.

"This way, witch."

Katara grumbled under her breath, following the soldiers down the plank where a group of palace guards stood waiting by several rhinos that would escort her down Royal Plaza to the palace. She clung tight to her satchel when one of them offered to take it. They didn't press her, but did help her on the back of one of the rhinos.

Katara watched as people dressed in expensive attire and fine jewelry passed by. Some stop to stare at her, and other shook their heads before moving on. She was used to it. It was something she encountered more often than she cared for.

Katara had never walked up so many flights of stair before. The stifling heat in the air didn't make it easier either. Giving a sigh of relief once they entered the palace, Katara bent over, hands on her knees. At least the inside was a bit cooler.

"You must be the witch of Biei village."

"Master Katara." She hissed.

"Hmm. My apologies. I am Lady Kioko, the palace's head doctor. You're a lot younger than I thought. And you are the waterbender rumored to heal people in secret near the river villages?"

So much for her patients keeping a secret, Katara rolled her eyes. "I guess the jigs up."

Kioko chuckled. "I'm afraid that's not the case here, Lady Katara."

"Please, just Katara."

"I'm afraid the situation is more dire than your illegal residency. If you'll follow me, I'll show you exactly what I mean."

The air turned grim. Katara put two and two together. It most likely involved someone of great importance. She was lead through great halls with tall pillars and walls adorned with beautiful tapestries and expensive décor. She tried not to stare in awe but couldn't help it when something extravagant caught her gaze.

They stopped at a set of large double doors. Katara's eyes widened at the detailed carvings. This was defiantly someone of importance.

"Please be advised that anything taking place within this room is confidential. A word from your mouth will result in...consequences."

"That serious, huh?" Katara tried to lighten the mood, much like her brother would, but only earned a scowl. So much for being friendly.

"Come, witch."

Bitch. Katara sneered.

Kioko and Katara walked through the doors, the guards on either side closing it quietly behind them. Katara wasn't expecting much, but this she wasn't. Her heart dropped in her stomach and she clutched the front of her tunic. "Spirits." She whispered.

Lying blue and sickly was a small girl of about four years old. Her eyelids were dark and purple and she was sweating profusely, the perspiration dripping from her brow. She clung to the edge of the silk red comforter, her small chest heaving and head lolling on the pillow.

"This is Princess Izumi." Kioko explained. "She is the Fire Lord's first born and heir. Two months ago, she had fallen ill. We had brought in our country's best healers when nothing else worked and even then, we had come to no conclusion on how to heal her or what has caused her illness."

Katara furrowed her brow. "And why involve me?"

"Why, for your healing, of course." Kioko pointed as though it was obvious. "A servant had come to us informing us of how you healed her brother. She was confident that you were the answer to our princess's problem."

"You're not giving me a choice, are you?" Not that Katara would turn the child away.

"That is if you want to remain in your current home. We are willing to establish your residency here in the Fire Nation as well as an immense reward if you can cure the princess. If not, you will be imprisoned for trespassing on Fire Nation soil."

Katara didn't reply to the threat but instead, walked over to the girl who was panting heavily. Izumi whimpered when a cool hand touched her forehead. Katara brushed sweat drenched hair from her face. Pouring water from a jug into a bowl, she sat down on the side of the bed and bent the water around both hands. She closed her eyes, carefully bringing her hands down to the princess's small chest and stomach.

"What is the meaning of this?!" A stern voice interrupted.

"Lord Zuko," Kioko exclaimed, bowing her head, "let me explain!"

"You brought that witch here against my orders." Gold eyes stared accusingly at the waterbender who hadn't a clue of what the hell was going on. "Get away from my daughter! I don't want your filthy hands on her."

Filthy! Fire Lord or not, she wasn't going to let him bad mouth her to her face. "I'm far from what you'd consider filthy, your majesty, and I assure you, I'm more qualified for healing your daughter than the rest of your pompous staff."

"Excuse me!" Kioko gasped in utter shock, her eyeglasses falling down her nose. "And what would a back-water country girl like you know?"

"In just the few seconds I managed to observe the princess before I was interrupted," she gave the Fire Lord a quick glare. "I've learned that her lungs are failing."

Kioko crossed her arms with a knowing smirk. "We know that. What we need to know is the cause and how to fix it."

Katara's face contorted, taking a deep breath before answering. "I'm not finished. Your majesty," she turned to Zuko who bumped his shoulder into her when rushing to his daughter, "the princess has a hole in her lungs. One that has grown severe. It is likely that she has had it long before she became ill. It is infected which explains her rapid heartrate and shallow breathing."

Zuko didn't look at the woman explaining Izumi's condition but did listen. So, she manage to come up with that in just few seconds. "What can we do?"

Katara bit her lip, unsure of how to explain it without being accused of what people really thought of her or possibly being imprisoned for sounding foolish. "My waterbending wouldn't be enough to enclose the hole but it could heal the infection. The issue is, the hole could come back and with multiples at that if it is not closed up. Putting a band aid on this is not a good idea."

"Then speak your mind, witch." Zuko growled.

That did it. "Look. I was summoned. I'm here and I'm willing to help despite being forced and mistreated! I'm not one to turn my back on people who need me, but so help me La, I will leave if you continue to speak to me that way!"

"Do not raise your voice to me, witch!"

"Its Katara!"

"Mmm…daddy."

They both stopped, snapping their heads in the princess's direction. Gold eyes peered at the two, weak and weary, it tore at Katara and she regret raising her voice.

"I'm here, love." Zuko ran back to her side, kissing her temple. Katara could see a tear surface at the pit of his eye. He was her father, of course he was frantic and of course after all the healers they've been through, it was hard to trust a stranger.

"I'm tired." Izumi rasped. "It…hurts to talk…daddy."

"It's okay. It's okay. Rest. I'll close the curtains." He kissed her forehead once again and went to close the chamber's curtains to shut out the sunlight. Using his inner fire, Zuko lit a few candles. "Kioko, you are to stay here with Princess Izumi. Lady…" He turned to Katara.

"Katara, just Katara."

Zuko approached her, his face thin and eyes swollen. Obviously, he received no rest himself. "Yes. Can we step out, please?"

They left Kioko to the princess and stepped out into the hall.

"If my Izumi has what you say she has, what can be done?"

"I can rid of the infection and close the wound permanently."

"How long will that take?"

"I'm not sure. A few hours? Maybe all night."

"All night." Zuko repeated.

"I'm afraid my methods might be…taboo, but I assure you, I am able to fix it using that with your permission."

"Anything." Lord Zuko responded desperately.

"Bloodbending."

The full moon didn't come for another four nights, leaving the Fire Lord even more anxious. Katara had to advise him to be patient every time he showed to her guest chambers unable to sleep. Which in turn, left her with little sleep as well. Even with his bad attitude, she felt sorry for him. Izumi was his only child and he had lost is wife to childbirth years ago. Izumi was all the family he had and Katara empathized.

But that wasn't enough for Katara to enjoy the Fire Lord's company. He kept showing up when she was trying to relax, preparing herself for the healing that would most likely take all her strength, along with the moon, to cure the princess. He would babble on about his wife, Mai, and how he raised their daughter alone.

He told her stories of Izumi's first words, and the first time she climbed on the mantle of the sage's temple and swung on the Great Sage's beard. Katara laughed along with him, thinking about how her and Sokka would get into loads of trouble, only to get scolded by Hama. She missed them. A lot.

"You're not at all what I thought you were." Zuko admitted the day before the full moon. "I apologize for that. I was being highly critical, questioning your motives because I had never met a waterbender, and stories of the few that are left in the world were never kind."

"It's okay." Katara smiled. "That's past us now. We just need Izumi to be healthy again."

Katara managed to get only a few hours of sleep. She arrived in Izumi's room, advising everyone to leave her and the princess alone in peace. This will require all her concentration and she could feel the pull of the moon.

After kicking off her boots, she scooped the princess in her arms and laid her gently in the middle of the bed. Izumi stirred, her eyes narrowing up at Katara. "Mommy?" She coughed.

Katara's stilled, willing herself not to burst into tears. She had never seen a child in this state before, and spirits help her if she'd ever have to again, but this is what her occupation forced her to witness and she could never find it in herself not to help a child. "I'm here, sweetie." Katara soothed, it seemed to help the girl relax again. "I'm here. Everything is going to be okay." And she'll make sure of this.

Katara crossed her legs, taking a deep inhale before exhaling and placed her hands on the girl's chest. She closed her eyes, tingles numb her fingertips as she bent the blood in Izumi's lungs.

It was dawn. Zuko paced back and forth in front of Izumi's chamber doors and hadn't stopped since Katara first entered her room. "Agni, please. Please." Zuko bit the knuckle of his index finger hard enough to draw blood, the palate of iron didn't bother him in the least. The guards posted in front of his daughter's doors watched in concern as their Fire Lord shook uncontrollably.

He couldn't take the wait a single minute more. It was dawn, she had to have finished. "Move." Zuko told his guards and they opened the doors for him.

Zuko halted. Katara lifted her head to look at him, dark circles under her eyes and skin paler than normal. She dragged her legs off the bed, and stood up, her balance wavering. "Hmm." Was all Katara managed to say. Blood dripped from her nostrils, and she fell forward hitting the floor with a thud.

The days had become brighter since Izumi's recovery. Once Katara woke up from fainting she found Zuko at her bedside floor on his knees and bowing so low his forehead touched the ground. After resting for a while, she was able to properly introduce herself to the princess, who took to the waterbender immediately.

She knew she was overstaying her welcome but every time she thought of heading home, Izumi's radiant smile would come to mind and her heart would tug painfully.

Izumi clung to Katara like glue and Katara herself? Well the girl had her heart before she knew it. From morning until night when she wasn't in lessons, Izumi had Katara's undivided attention and the waterbender would concede to the princess's whim.

"Why is that witch lady still here?" Izumi was asked one day while playing with one of the nobleman's children in the garden's. The Fire Lord having a light discussion with Kuzon's father.

Izumi huffed, crossing her arms. "She's not a witch lady, she's Katara! And she's here to be with me." The princess corrected, pouting her lip.

"Yeah, but you're better now, so she needs to go away." Kuzon threw a rock into the pond, startling some turtleducks.

"Hey, that wasn't nice! And Katara's not going anywhere because she likes me, and I like her."

"Psst. It's whatever. She only likes you because you're a princess. She has to. Everyone has to."

Izumi bit back tears.

"What, is she trying to be? Your new mommy?"

The princess's eyes went wide, pondering on that. "Can she be my mommy?"

Kuzon shrugged. "I know mommies hug you when you're sad and tuck you in at night and kiss you and they always heal boo boos."

"That's Katara!"

"Well she looks nothing like you. But my mom says I look nothing like her because my dad can't keep it in his pants. I don't know what he has in his pants but I'm guessing it's not good."

"You have been a tremendous help." Kioko complimented Katara. They were on their way to the palace's dining hall for lunch. "Are you sure you don't want to stay? The palace could use a healer such as yourself and I know Lord Zuko would appreciate it." She said with a knowing smirk.

Katara blushed, unable to respond to that. Her and Zuko had grown close over the months. In the beginning she took him for an aggressive tyrant who couldn't control his anger, only to learn how kind and gentle and awkward he was. He was assertive in front of his people but with her and Izumi, he was carefree and sweet.

He even snuck her out of the palace in disguise one night and took her dancing in the city. It was enthralling, and she was pretty sure she had Zuko in a trance when she came off a little seductive in their dancing. His reddened cheeks and goofy smile was the highlight of her evening. But it was all a glimmer. Something that could never be and the bold feelings she felt that night with him disappeared in the morning. She had to leave. She had to get out before she got hurt. Or worst of all, before Izumi got hurt.

"No. I'm needed back home. But know, that if there's anything else I can do, don't hesitate to write me." Katara grasped Kioko's hand.

"Mommy!"

The two women turned in the direction of the childish squeal. Izumi ran down the hall towards Katara.

The waterbender's heart stopped. Did she just call her 'mommy'? Her eyes caught Zuko as he came up from behind Izumi. He was just as bewildered by the announcement as she was.

"H-hey, sweetie," How will she explain this? "How was your day?"

Izumi beamed. "I got to play with the turtleducks! A-and Kuzon threw a rock at them and I told him that wasn't nice!"

Katara lifted Izumi in her arms, "Good job." She chuckled.

Izumi stroked Katara's cheek, her gold eyes filled with joy and all Katara wanted to do was cry. "You're pretty, mommy. More pretty than all the mommies in the world!"

Katara held the girl tight in her arms, burying her face in her hair. Please don't do this, she begged. I can't correct her. I can't let her go.

Zuko rubbed Katara's shoulder affectionately, noting the tears surfacing in her eyes. The dull ache in his heart was almost too much to bare. Katara's time here has brought light into his and Izumi's life and the thought of her leaving left him feeling numb. No matter how much he begged her to stay, Katara would claim how unreasonable that would be. She'd say there's nothing here for her and it killed him. What about Izumi? What about him? Why was she so desperate to push them away?

"Come, Izumi, it's time for your firebending lessons." Zuko opened his arms to take his daughter.

"Will you come to my room and brush my hair again?" Izumi asked Katara.

"Of course, sweetie."

Katara brushed her hair, starring sullenly at the vanity mirror. She had to leave. Tomorrow. Things had gotten out of hand and it was only going to get worse. Setting the brush down, Katara stroked her fingers through her long hair.

"Katara?"

She jumped in her seat. "Zuko? Sprits, why didn't you knock?"

The Fire Lord looked down, realizing that Katara was in a light gown. "I did."

"Oh…um…"

"Is, uh, is there anything else I can provide you with before your departure." That's not why he came. He just wanted to hear her voice, make sure she was still here where he wished her to be.

Kataara smiled, standing up from the vanity and wrapped the robe on the back of her chair around her person. "No, Zuko. Besides, I told you I'm only taking what I brought."

"So, you're still refusing the reward?"

"Izumi's wellbeing is enough." She smiled fondly.

"Then why are you leaving?"

Katara cringed, casting her eyes to the floor. "Zuko, don't. I've told you-"

"That's not a good enough excuse. You know how much she adores you."

Katara pursed her lips, bringing her hands to her mouth. "Yes, and I'll only hurt her the longer I stay. For spirits sake, she called me 'mommy'. What will happen when you get married and I have to leave? That's unfair to both of us."

"Then I won't get married." Zuko blurted without thinking. "Then you'd never have to leave." Just how childish could he be? He scolded himself.

Katara laughed despite herself. "You have to remarry, Zuko. It'll not only benefit Izumi but your country. It's best that I leave." The sob left her lips before she could catch it.

Zuko immediately pulled her into his arms, brushing the fallen tears with his lips. She didn't fight it. She didn't want to. His lips were warm, and she found herself meeting them with her own.

"You write me, you hear?" Kioko brushed a tear from her eye. "And don't hesitate to visit."

"Of course, Kioko." Katara promised, joining the woman in a hug.

The healers and servants she had gotten along with during her stay were all there to bid her goodbye. Zuko and Izumi weren't there and for good reason. She wouldn't be able to stand it. A guard helped Katara onto a rhino to be taken to the airship prepared to bring her home.

"Home." Katara spoke aloud. When she said it, it didn't feel right.

"Please, princess, we beg you, calm down."

"I want my mommy!" Izumi sobbed and kicked, driving the others to keep their distance. They had never seen the princess so distraught. When she had asked for Katara, one of the servants informed her that the master waterbender had left for home.

Zuko rushed in the room when he had gotten word of his daughter's tantrum. "What is going on?"

"F-Fire Lord Zuko, we tried to calm her, but she was having none of it." One of the servants stammered.

Zuko lifted Izumi in his arms, his cheek pressed against hers, "Leave." He demanded, the servants scattering out of the room. "Shush, sweetie. It's okay."

"Why? Why did Katara leave?"

Zuko stroked her hair, placing his lips on her brow. "She had to go home, love. She's needed elsewhere. There are others who need her."

"B-but I need her. Doesn't mommy love me?"

This was breaking his heart more than he realized. "With all her heart." Zuko replied. That was one thing he was sure of. A strange waterbender comes into their lives. who knew she could rattle them up like this. Zuko wishes he could take back all the bad things he thought about her in the beginning and start over. Maybe do something different so that their time together would've been easier. Because now he missed her so much.

"She'll come back when she's done, won't she? She'll come back because she loves me."

"Of course, I will."

Izumi gasped, looking over Zuko's shoulder, kicking her feet for him to let her down. "Mommy!" She cried.

Katara dropped her belongings and fell to her knees, scooping Izumi into her arms and swinging her around. She was halfway home before it all became too much, and she argued with the captain for a good hour before smacking him around a few times and forcing him to turn the airship around.

"You're back." Izumi giggled. "See, daddy, she came back."

Zuko approached them, caressing his daughter's cheek. "I see, love." Turning to Katara, he pressed his forehead to hers, trying to hide his excitement. "I take it you just couldn't stay away."

Katara put a hand on his chest, and Zuko laid his over hers. "No. I couldn't."