Avatar: The Aftermath
Chapter 1
Rebuilding
Aang and the others needed several days to recover from the events on the day of the Comet. Sokka's broken leg was being cared for, and Zuko needed time to heal after the Agni Kai with his sister. Azula had been "cleansed" by Aang and, unable to firebend, was put into an asylum just outside of the Fire Nation capital. Ozai sat in his prison cell, finally defeated for good and left without his firebending. The members of the White Lotus had all returned to their respective lands and began to rebuild the ravaged nations. King Bumi re-claimed Ba Sing Se in the name of the Earth King, and proclaimed himself as ruler of all Earth Kingdom territories and settlements. Iroh traveled back to the Fire Nation with Zuko and the others, but made plans to return to Ba Sing Se and reopen the Jasmine Dragon.
A week passed in the Fire Nation capital and Zuko was preparing for his coronation as Firelord. Katara had been caring for him and healing his wounds from Azula's lightning and was constantly at his side. The two had become much closer after facing death together. Zuko had risked his life for Katara, and she saw him through new eyes. Although neither one said it out loud, it was obvious that the two had strong feelings for one another. Zuko's love for Katara was clear to him, but Mai still invaded his thoughts. He did not love her anymore, in a romantic way at least, but he still cared for her and worried about her. He wanted to speak to her and explain things, but he had not seen or heard from her since the incident at the Boiling Rock. He knew he had broken her heart, and it was ripping at him from the inside.
One day, while sitting by the courtyard pond, feeding the turtle ducks, a familiar voice startled him. "So, Firelord, huh?" Her voice felt like icy daggers in his heart and he did not have to turn to know who was behind him. "Yeah," was all he could muster. He felt a surge of relief knowing she was alright. He turned, "How…when did you get out of prison?" Her face was stoic, as usual, "My uncle pulled some strings." There was palpable tension in the air. "Zuko," she paused, "You don't love me anymore, do you?" Mai's words came out with a sensitivity that he never knew she possessed. "Mai," he began with hesitation, "I wish you every happiness and comfort, and I do love you, just in a different way than before. My heart belongs to someone else now." The two stared at each other with an awkward intensity that seemed to last a lifetime. Finally, she broke the unbearable silence, "I…I understand. But I still love you, even if it's different than before." She smiled gently and Zuko returned the expression. The two sat down by the gentle water. "We've grown apart, but I do think that I can still be your friend. Is that alright?" Zuko smiled, "I would like that very much."
They sat in the quiet courtyard for hours and talked. Zuko revealed his strong feelings for Katara, and even though she was slightly bitter, Mai listened and helped him disentangle his inner conflicts. Zuko didn't know what to do. He knew what he was feeling, but was not convinced that Katara felt the same. The young Firelord was aware that Aang also cared for her and was afraid that he would be rejected. He also didn't want to start a jealous feud with the Avatar. Little did he know that Katara could not get him off of her mind either.