literature

ZW 2012: Momentous

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Momentous

--

It was the second solar eclipse Katara had ever seen, and she had to admit it was much more beautiful when she wasn't focused on invading the Fire Nation.

She was on the balcony of some random floor in the Royal Palace. The entire world was encased with dimmed light. She couldn't imagine how the firebenders felt. She had been without bending a fair share of times, and it wasn't something she liked to remember.

She heard someone come up behind her. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

She nodded. "Very."

Zuko stood next to her, so close their hands were brushing. Katara felt a warmth creep up her arm from her fingertips. Which was strange, seeing as it was an eclipse.

"How does it feel? Not being able to firebend?"

"A little frightening. But it's okay, because no is going to try and attack my country," he said teasingly.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah." They sat in companionable silence for a while after that.

He spoke abruptly. "Do you know the old legend for how solar eclipses came to be?"

She shook her head no.

"It's an old story. Sun and Moon always hated each other. They were exact opposites: Sun ruled the day and Moon ruled the night. The only times they saw each other was during dusk, and they were at war that whole time."

"Well that's sad."

"Sh! I'm trying to tell you the story!"

"My bad. Keep going."

"Anyway, Stars was Moon's lover. He was saddened by all the fighting in between Sun and Moon. He decided to make them completely equal, and forced them to be close together. Hence, there is an eclipse."

"But why do they reoccur?"

"I'm getting to that! Stop interrupting! So, after Sun and Moon gave each other a chance, they became great friends. They continued these meetings whenever they missed each other. Soon, Sun and Moon loved each other. But Moon was still with Stars. Stars saw how Moon loved Sun. Stars loved Moon so much that he set her free to love Sun. But Sun had a jealous lover, who was selfish. She was Comet, and she threatened Moon to stay away from Sun if she didn't want to be destroyed. Thus, Moon and Sun are forced to circle each other in a celestial dance, only allowed to meet every now and then, under the watchful eyes of Comet."

Katara looked at Zuko. "That sounds familiar somehow."

Zuko laughed bitterly. "It does, doesn't it?"

"That's mean of Comet," she said with a frown.

His eyes misted over. "My thoughts exactly."

"Zuko?"

"Mhmh?"

"Do-do you think Comet should set Sun free?"

"Yes I do. Sun should be with Moon."

"Then why doesn't Sun stand up to Comet and say he wants to be with Moon?"

Zuko sighed deeply, feeling as though they weren't talking about the legend anymore. "Because maybe it's Sun's duty to be with Comet, so the universe is at peace."

"I don't think the universe is at peace if two people love each other but can't be with each other." She flushed, catching her mistake. "I mean two things."

Zuko looked into her deep azure eyes. "Yes, two things."

The silence was awkward after that.

"Zuko?"

"Mhmh?"

"Can-can we kiss? Just once? To make up for Sun and Moon?"

He smiled softly. "Sure."

He gently pressed his lips to hers. She tasted like rain and clouds. He tasted like cinnamon and smoke.

The kiss was sad and full of longing. Zuko pulled away.

He spoke quietly. "I think that should do them justice."

And so they turned back to the comet, the air heavy with unspoken words.

Katara knew she'd never look at an eclipse the same way ever again.
I don't own ATLA.

I think this is my fave one. It's bittersweet. I've always wondered about legends for ATLA and lo and behold, out pops this.

Be kind, though, it's my first legend I've written. If you couldn't tell, Zuko is Sun, Katara is Moon, Aang is Stars, and Mai is Comet. Just thought I'd clear that up if you were confused!

Please comment!

Tomorrow: Transcend
© 2012 - 2024 lipstick-and-tictacs
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