Ink
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
A/N: This is actually the first multi-chapter fic that I've ever wanted to continue. I've always started something, but I couldn't find the motivation to keep writing after the third or fourth chapter. I'm not even good at writing one-shots because of that reason. I think I have a good idea here, and I think this will turn out well. The entire thing is going to be written as if you -the reader- are looking through letters that the characters wrote to each other. Basically, there isn't going to be a single sentence in here that isn't written by a character to another character. Just as a note, the recipient is the person who is getting the letter, and the correspondent is the one sending the letter. Anyway, I really tried to change my writing style from person to person. It's hard, so I'm sorry if it sounds like it's the same person writing each letter.
Recipient: Fire Lord Zuko
Correspondent: Lady Katara
Dear Zuko,
Or, should I say, Fire Lord Zuko. I hope that fixing your country hasn't been too hard. On our way to the South Pole, it seemed as though the soldiers were uneasy around us, as we used to be their enemies. It must be strange for them. For their entire lives, they believed that the other nations were their enemies, and now they don't know what to do. Despite their confusion, our journey to the South Pole went by without any trouble.
The reconstruction of the South Pole is going well, although we have a long way to go. I never realized how hard and complicated it is to build ice-houses. First, we have to find a source of wood for the frames, and the nearest forest is about twenty miles away. (With the blizzards we've been having, it's been hard to even go out to get food!) Each frame takes about two days to build, at the least. After the frames are built, the Waterbenders have to form the house from ice, which takes a lot of energy, even for a master Waterbender. If we do it wrong, then the frames collapse and we have to start over again.
If you haven't heard already, Sokka proposed to Suki, and she declined. She said that it was way too soon, and I personally agree with her. I think Sokka is just afraid that he's going to lose her like he lost Yue (the former princess of the North Pole, currently the Moon Spirit). I just hope that Sokka isn't afraid to do it again, when the time is right.
I'm afraid that I have to stop writing, now. I hope that you and Mai are doing well, and that the Fire Nation is transitioning well.
Love,
Katara
Recipient: Lady Katara
Correspondent: Fire Lord Zuko
Katara,
I'm glad to hear that your journey to the South Pole went well. It is strange for the Fire Nation – including me – to not be at war. I'm afraid that the transition has not gone well. Many soldiers are out of jobs because we simply do not need them anymore. Of course, I am keeping militias in certain areas, where there are rebels attacking. The economy, however, is better than it has been in ages; new trade routes have been opened up with the other nations and it is bringing much more money into the Fire Nation. Unfortunately, most of the people cannot enjoy this because so many are out of jobs. So many people were at war before, and few of them have been able to create businesses or get jobs. Perhaps I could send a few of my former soldiers down to the South Pole to help with reconstruction?
There are rebels disrupting the peace of the Fire Nation. They have lashed out against both their own country, and the Earth Kingdom. My soldiers have been fighting them, loyal to their new Lord. I am grateful for it, although I do fear that the rebels may cause damage to everything that we've worked so hard to achieve. My Uncle has been worrying that they may try to attack me, or even Mai, but I don't believe that they are serious enough to do that.
Speaking of my Uncle, he really has opened his tea shop again in Ba Sing Se. About once every two months, he travels back to the Fire Nation in order to help me. He's told me that he might go to the South Pole, just to see how everyone is doing. If he goes, I'll try to go with him.
I can't believe Sokka actually proposed to Suki. He usually thinks everything through (aside from his 'plan' at the Boiling Rock). He must have taken the loss of Princess Yue deeply. If he really loved her, then I understand why he would. It's terrible to lose someone you love.
I hope that the reconstruction continues to go well. I'll send another letter when I find out if Uncle and I really are coming.
-Zuko
Recipient: Fire Lord Zuko
Correspondent: Lady Katara
Dear Zuko,
I'm sorry that your time as Fire Lord has, so far, been rough. I hope that things begin to get better, because you deserve it. You truly are the symbol of your nation, Zuko. Even though you tried to capture the Avatar and help the Fire Nation win the war, you changed. I believe that the Fire Nation can change, just like you.
It would be great for you to send unemployed citizens to the South Pole. That should really speed up the process. It would probably make the Fire Nation look better, too, to have its people helping rebuild the Water Tribe.
About the rebels, maybe you should listen to your Uncle and tighten up security. They probably aren't going to try anything within the palace, but you can never be too safe. It would be terrible if anything happened to you or Mai. I don't want anything to happen to you.
I really hope that you and your Uncle can visit us. It's been too long since any of us have seen you, and Toph misses you, especially. She says that it's getting harder for her to make fun of Sokka, and she needs something new.
Love,
Katara
Recipient: Lady Katara
Correspondent: Fire Lord Zuko
Katara,
Thank you. It's nice to have encouragement. I promise you, the Fire Nation will get out of this. The world needs it to.
I've already sent about fifty workers to the South Pole. They should get there within the week that this letter arrives. I believe that fifty should be enough to help you, but if you need any more, just tell me. I've also sent workers to the North Pole, Ba Sing Se, Omashu, the Air Temples, and the other small cities in the Earth Kingdom.
I've taken your and Uncle's advice and I've stationed more guards in the palace. You're right; I don't want anyone to get hurt, especially Mai. I'm worried that if any rebels attack the palace, they will target her. After all, she probably is going to be the future Fire Lady.
You can tell Toph that she won't have to worry about having no one to make fun of. My Uncle and I will be coming sometime in the spring. By the way, how's Aang? You haven't mentioned him in any of your letters.
-Zuko
Recipient: Fire Lord Zuko
Correspondent: Lady Katara
Dear Zuko,
The workers have arrived, and I assure you, it's plenty. The building is going by much faster, and having Firebenders around is very convenient.
I'm glad that you've taken our advice. But, you shouldn't be worried about just Mai. You need to worry about yourself, too. The world needs you, Zuko, just as much as it needs Aang. Although Aang was the one to bring peace, you helped more than anyone else did. Everyone thanks you for it.
Aang is currently helping people to rebuild the Air Temples. We both decided to put our relationship on hold for the moment. He wanted me to go with him, but I couldn't leave again. I love my home, and I haven't been here in what seems like ages. I understand that he needed to restore his homes, but I just couldn't go with him.
I'm so excited that you and General Iroh are coming! It's been too long, and waiting until spring is going to be terrible. How long will you be able to stay?
Love,
Katara
Recipient: Fire Lord Zuko
Correspondent: Lady Katara
Dear Zuko,
I don't mean to be rude, but I haven't heard for you in a month. I'm afraid that the letter got lost on its way here. Please, write soon.
-Katara
Recipient: General Iroh
Correspondent: Lady Katara
Dear General Iroh,
I'm probably just being needy now, but it's been two months since I've last heard from Zuko, and I'm getting worried. I've heard rumors from people who have recently come to the South Pole, but I refuse to believe them until I've heard from someone I can trust.
-Katara
Recipient: Lady Katara
Correspondent: Retired General Iroh
Lady Katara,
I am sorry to say that any rumors you have heard are true. Lad Mai has been poisoned, and has passed away. Zuko has been locking himself away, and I am very worried about him. I'm sorry he worried you. I believe that it is best to postpone our trip to the South Pole until Zuko is ready to let Mai go.
-Iroh
A/N: So, there you have it. If you don't like it, you don't really need to waste your time by telling me how bad I am at writing. The next chapter will probably come... today. After that, I'm not sure how often I'll update. I have to go to school, go to soccer practice till five, and then come home and do about five hours of homework. In other words, sophomore year is a bitch. Anyway, if you see any mistakes, please tell me. I'm usually pretty good with grammar, but everyone makes mistakes.