AN: I've thought long and hard about this story, unsure whether it'd be something people would want to read, but then I said, the hell with it, I'm going to write it anyway.
In this story, Aang never ran away from home and got caught in that storm in which he suspended himself in that block of ice. He went on to become a powerful Avatar and stopped Souzin from utilizing the comet to gain advantage and start a war. So, he lived a long life, doing his Avatar deeds, and dies at the age of 98.
The Avatar cycle continues onward, the next Avatar being a Water Tribe girl…and here's where our story begins. Enjoy, read, and a review would be most appreciated.
Amicable Adversary
HE WALKED DOWN the halls of ebony marble, nodding every so often at the guards and soldiers that would nod respectfully to him. He was dressed in his Nation's royal armor, the image of a perfect Prince. His hair was tied back neatly into a long ponytail, a fire emblem in his hair. He felt more prepared than he ever had to accept the destiny his father would lay out for him on this day.
He'd waited for seventeen long years; had prepared for them in every way imaginable. He'd spent countless hours training and mastering the art of Firebending. He'd toiled relentlessly over books and maps, learning everything a son of the Fire Nation needed to know. He'd formed a friendship with the daughter of a noble, and had begun courting her with their father's approval.
He'd sat in on many meeting of the Nation, listening intently to his father's words and those of the generals around him as they continuously planned and executed plans to take control of various areas of the Earth Kingdom. He fully approved of his father's plans of spreading the wealth and prosperity of the fire Nation to the four corners of the globe, as their ancestor Fire Lord Souzin had once attempted to do.
And now, today, this glorious day, he would know for certain if all of his efforts would be rewarded. He entered the war council room, the everlasting flames casting his in a red glow. He walked boldly up to his father, who sat straight and rigid behind his wall of fire. He bowed, falling to his knees gracefully, his forehead pressed to the ground before him.
"Fire Lord Ozai, I, your loyal son Zuko, have come as you called me." He announced both boldly and reverently. He waited patiently for his father to speak, sweat of anticipation collecting on his brow.
"Rise, my loyal son, for I have much to speak with you." His father commanded, his voice strong as the crown upon his head. Zuko raised his head, but remained kneeling before his father, for he knew to stand would be a sign of disrespect. Again, he waited patiently for his father to speak.
"Today is the day of your destiny. For seventeen long years, I have trained you in the arts of battle, scholarly achievements, war; everything you've needed to know as a son and future Fire Lord of this great Nation." He father began, pride lacing in his voice.
Zuko trembled with pleasure. He felt the surge of success; he'd pleased his father.
"I have seen that you are worthy, my son. You are my true heir, and have instilled confidence in me that you, one day, will become a great Fire Lord." Ozai smiled warmly at his progeny. He stood, stepping down from his great throne, to stand before his son.
Zuko observed his father's motions, listening intently to everything his father said. But he could barely contain his own grin of satisfaction. He'd done well, everything he'd done had pleased his father, and now he would be rewarded.
"I want my crown to rest upon your topknot by your eighteenth birthday. You are more than ready. However, there are several tasks we must complete before then." Ozai informed his son.
Zuko blinked, his golden eyes regarding his father curiously. "What may those be, my Lord?" he inquired respectfully.
Ozai smirked menacingly. "My son, I'm sure you recall the incident involving Souzin's Comet one hundred years ago." He replied.
"Yes, I do, Father." Zuko nodded his head, shifting slightly. "Our great Nation was defeated by Avatar Aang, a mere child who stopped us from properly utilizing the Comet's power. Our ancestor, Fire Lord Souzin, received the most humiliating defeat in Fire Nation history and failed at launching the war that would have assured our Nation's hold over the other nations. Only in the past twenty five years have we begun to spread the influence of our Nation into others."
"Well, my son, Souzin's Comet is returning this summer." Ozai announced confidently. Sheer pleasure passed over his features, and Zuko allowed himself to express the same elation as his father.
"You are certain, Father?" he inquired dutifully. Such a chance seemed almost too fortunate to be true. Could the Comet really be returning, after over a hundred years? It would accelerate this war they'd begun to so tenuously build once more. Victory would be practically assured.
Ozai nodded, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Yes, I have confirmed it from our best scholars, astrologers, Sages, and Seers." He chuckled, as if the assured victory of it all gave him great amusement. He walked to his son, placing his hand atop Zuko's head. "They have informed me that if you, my son, succeed in capturing the new Avatar and successfully rein the Comet, our victory over the other Nations will be absolutely certain."
Zuko's eyes widened, and he found that he was trembling from the gravity of it all. Not only would he become the new Fire Lord in a year's time, but he would be known throughout the world for capturing the new Avatar and for unleashing the greatest war in the history of the world. And he'd be successful because of the Comet that was coming in the summer. "You honor me, Father." he bowed deeply, his forehead touching the toe of his father's shoe.
"Stand my son." His father commanded. And Zuko did, his porcelain face matching his father's in both expression and structure. Ozai pressed his hands to his son's armored shoulders, squeezing them tightly. "You have pleased my immensely, and you'll be rewarded. All I ask of you is to organize an attack against the Water Tribes, for one of the two is harboring the new Avatar. He or she is too young to even have been informed of their destiny. This will be an easy task." His smile matched his son's.
Zuko nodded. "Yes, Father, thank you." He could barely contain his elation, and waiting until his father dismissed him before he could whoop and holler with joy. He then immediately ran off to inform his best friend, Honshi. They had an attack to plan. He could practically taste victory, sweet and abundant on his tongue.
"KATARA, YOU'RE NOT concentrating!" a whip of water shot out to smack her straight on her forehead, snapping her to attention. "What's the matter with you?" a harsh voice demanded, snapping her out of her reverie.
She bowed her head, clasping her hands in front of her remorsefully. "I'm so sorry Grandfather. I'll do my best to concentrate." She apologized solemnly. She raised her ocean blue eyes to regard her grandfather meekly; knowing full well that she could melt him like a sun could melt an iceberg.
His stern expression softened, as it always did when she gave him a pious look. He sighed heavily, walking over to touch her tanned cheek tenderly. "I know you're distracted. And as you should be, your brother's wedding is in a week!" He amended. Sometimes he took the art of Waterbending so seriously that he forgot his fifteen year old granddaughter was just that: a teenaged girl with many distractions in her life.
Katara's smiled happily. "I'm just so excited, Grandfather." She absolutely loved celebrations, and she was so happy for her brother's good fortunes. This was going to be a festive occasion, one that would be remembered for decades. How often did the grandson of the Master Bender of the Northern Water Tribe and the Princess of the Northern Water Tribe join together in a union? Hardly ever!
Her grandfather smiled as well. "I am as well, Katara. Sokka has grown before our very eyes, and now is to become the Chief of our Tribe. The Spirits of the Moon and Ocean couldn't have blessed us more." He voice reflected the elation he felt for his grandson's happiness.
Out of excitement and impulse Katara hugged her grandfather, squeezing him tightly. "Do you think some wonderful man will propose to me in a year?" she queried with a girlish giggle. The mere idea of being swept off of her feet by a handsome noble man made her feel flushed and weak.
Her grandfather's expression became slightly pensive, and his eyes seemed both rueful and proud. "I'm sure there will be many men asking for your hand. How could any man resist a beautiful, clever Waterbending Master such as yourself?" he finally replied, his grin fading slightly.
It was at times like these that Katara wondered if her grandfather knew something that she didn't. Each passing year, whenever she referred to her promising future, her family members would seem increasingly hesitant and reticent about any probable answers. It was almost aggravating, and she longed to demand answers from them, but whenever she even began to question it, they immediately dismissed her concerns.
She frowned softly, and before she could open her mouth to speak or question, her grandfather spoke. "Run along now, Katara. We're done practicing for our performance at Sokka's wedding for today." He gently nudged her, and she playfully nudged him back.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow to practice some more." She promised, pressing a tender kiss to his cheek. He returned with a kiss of his own and sent her on her way.
As Katara skipped off, Pakku watched her retreating form, and he sighed heavily. "Oh, Katara, my granddaughter, if only I could tell you of the path the fates have laid out for you…" he trailed off remorsefully. He watched her until she was only a blur in the distance, and resumed the only activity he truly excelled at; Waterbending.
ZUKO GAZED UPON the four people he'd assembled before him, waiting for them to stop joking and laughing. It was hard to hold his tongue, considering the news he was about to tell was life changing and altogether extremely exciting. He cleared his throat expectantly, and scowled when Ty Lee continued to do strange acrobatics to amuse their other friends.
He rolled his eyes, then took a huge breath, only to shout: "Will you just stop it for one moment? I have something important to tell you!"
Four bodies instantly froze, regarding him with fearful curiosity. "What is it, brother?" his sister, Azula, inquired sweetly. Her golden eyes regarded him with loving admiration, despite the fact that he'd just yelled at her and their companions.
Zuko calmed himself, collecting his thoughts. He'd have to inform them of, well, everything, perfectly. He opened his amber eyes, regarding his friends with a broad grin. "My father has notified me that he desires for me to take the throne in a year's time."
The group blinked at him, silent, before they all screamed and cheered loudly. He blushed to the roots of his hair, not expecting such an enthusiastic response. "Guys…" he stammered, unable to find the words to thank them for their jubilance.
His fiancée, Mai, rose from her chair to embrace him, her lips seeking his own. He allowed himself to enjoy the intimacy of her kiss, and he wrapped his arms around her. They soon parted so as to not make the others uncomfortable, and Zuko cleared his throat once more. "There's something else…" he trailed off, catching their attention immediately this time.
"What is it, Zuko?" his friend Honshi asked him, his gold eyes widened inquisitively. He had paused in his mini-celebration of waving his arms in the air, and actually looked rather ridiculous mid-pose. But that was Honshi, goofy and energetic.
Zuko smirked. "We're launching an attack on the Water Tribes to locate and capture their new Avatar." He announced boldly. He couldn't help but feel smug as his sister and friends all processed his words.
"Why?" Ty Lee questioned, unable to comprehend as to why they would need the Avatar. But then again, it hard for Ty Lee to comprehend many things. Acrobats were her forte, not intelligence.
"Does it involve the war?" Azula queried, an eyebrow arched skeptically. She crossed her arms, regarding her brother seriously.
Zuko nodded. "Souzin's Comet is coming this summer, and I will utilize it to ensure our victory in this war. Up until now, it has been only petty colonization. But after the Comet…" he trailed off, his point taken.
Mai smirked, leaning in closely to Zuko, her lips against his ear. "Not only will you be the Fire Lord, but you'll rule the rest of the world as well." She practically cooed. Her breath hot on his ear made him shudder, and think of other things he could be doing at the moment…
But, he digressed. "Azula, I want you to lead the Siege of the Southern Water Tribe. Take Mai and Ty Lee with you." His eyes roved to his good friend Honshi, and he nodded to him. "You'll be accompanying me to the Northern Water Tribe, Honshi." He informed his long time friend.
Honshi nodded. "Of course." But his amber eyes were fixed on Mai coolly, and Zuko briefly wondered why Honshi would gaze at Mai in such a way. He shrugged it off as something that could be dealt with later. He had an Avatar to track down and capture.
KATARA SMILED HAPPILY as she worked on the gift she was going to give her brother and his new wife as their wedding present. She held it up; admiring the handiwork of the blanket she'd spent the better part of the year knitting in secret. It had to be perfect, and she didn't want Sokka to accidentally come across it and have her surprise ruined. She'd simply worked too hard on it to have it squandered.
She brushed her fingers over the looped yarns, admiring the vibrant whites and blues of the fabric. It would be the perfect blanket for them to swaddle their first child in. She hoped that they would like it, and that it could represent the new life they would be creating together.
"Katara, Hita is here to see you!" her mother called from downstairs. Katara blinked and hurriedly stashed her creation away; not even Hita knew about it yet. She rushed downstairs to greet her good friend, blinking in surprise when she noticed a betrothal necklace on her friend's neck.
"Hita! What is this?" she gasped in surprise. She hadn't expected such a visit from her friend, let alone a betrothal necklace upon her slim neck.
Her friend, who had recently turned sixteen, blushed in embarrassment. "Oh, Katara, the most wonderful thing! Hahn has proposed to me!" she squealed with excitement, and Katara found herself squealing along with her best friend.
"This is wonderful! He's quite a catch." Katara teased, nudging her friend. Her mother, who had been watching, smiled reminiscently. The two girls squealed again, jumping about the ornate sitting room together.
"What's all of this racket?" Sokka demanded, storming down the stairs to inspect the cause of all of the commotion. Right behind him was his close friend, Kuval. Katara blinked and gazed at Kuval and her elder brother who was going to be her Chief in less than a week.
"Hita's getting married to Hahn, Sokka!" she announced jubilantly. She pulled Hita into a tight hug, laughing heartily at her friend's good fortune. It seemed that everyone's lives were accelerating into something altogether new and exciting.
Sokka and Kuval both blinked, glancing at one another before grinning broadly. "Congratulations!" Kuval cried as Sokka gathered Hita in his arms, spinning her around playfully. Hita could only laugh, unable to give any thanks, as Katara's brother swung her around.
"Now Sokka, you mustn't break her before she gets married!" their mother scolded teasingly. She too shared the mirth, for she had known Hita since she'd been born. Sokka only laughed, tossing Hita to Kuval, who barely caught her because he was laughing so hard.
Hita shrieked, giggling in Kuval's arms as Katara threw herself into her brother's arms. "Sokka, don't break her!" she playfully gave her brother a bop on the head, wrestling him to the ground.
"I won't, I won't!" he protested, laughing as his sister swatted at him. He pulled her into a hug. "Now we'd better marry you off so I can be rid of you!" he joked, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.
Their mother, who had been laughing up until now, stopped suddenly and busied herself with tidying the room, which was completely unnecessary since they had maids to do it. She could hardly bear the truth that had been eating away at her for fifteen years.
"Mother, what's wrong?" Sokka inquired. He gazed at his mother, concerned at her sudden change of behavior. He'd always suspected his parents knew something he and Katara didn't, but he'd never bothered to ask, knowing his questions would go unanswered.
She pressed a hand to her forehead. "Oh, nothing, the excitement just got to me. I feel faint." She sat down on their lavish furniture, as if to demonstrate her words. She grimaced, looking pained.
"Are you going to be alright?" Katara asked, following her brother's lead by joining their mother's side. She grabbed her mother's hand, patting them comfortingly.
Their mother blinked back her tears and nodded her head. "Don't be silly. I'm fine! Besides, I can't get sick now. Sokka's wedding is only in a few days." She protested, waving a hand carelessly.
Sokka and Katara glanced at one another uncertainly, but nodded their heads. "Alright…but I'm watching you." Sokka half-threatened. Their mother could only smile weakly before she pulled herself up and left the room, mumbling something vague about checking on the wedding plans.
"Well," Katara trailed off, turning to Hita, "Now you've got a wedding to plan." Hita nodded with a smile.
"But you're marrying Hahn?" Sokka reiterated. He scowled softly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Hita nodded in confirmation, and Kuval blinked as Sokka winced. "Hita! He's totally the wrong guy for you! Marry me instead!"
Hita rolled her eyes. "Idiot, you're marrying Yue!" she retorted to his crazy suggestions. She blinked as Sokka grabbed her shoulders, and he began to squabble with her about how Hahn had a vendetta with Sokka, a rivalry that would last for all time, and how Hahn was sometimes a jerk.
Kuval and Katara sweat dropped, turning to one another. "Do you think he'll make her cry?" Kuval inquired exasperatedly. He glanced back at Hita, who was holding her own against Sokka's annoying arguments.
"Hardly. Hita's no wimp. But I can't believe she's getting married…" Katara sighed wistfully, wishing a handsome man would sweep her off of her feet as well. She blinked as Kuval's expression suddenly became very serious. "Kuval, what is it?" she implored gently.
"Is there some man that's asked for your hand?" Kuval asked seriously. Katara could sense a hint of jealousy, and wondered if maybe Kuval liked her more than just friend or his friend's kid sister. His eyes, a deep blue like the ocean, pierced through her.
"Not that I know off," she replied, "But who knows?" she laughed gently, patting Kuval on the shoulder. Funny, he seemed so tall and strong, his shoulders broad, his face handsome. Was he really only sixteen? She'd known him her whole life, and just now he'd suddenly become a man…
The squabbling between Hita and Sokka had ceased, and Hita was suddenly dragging her up the stairs. "The nerve of your brother!" she huffed irritated. Kuval's form disappeared as her friend, and she wondered if maybe Kuval was planning to ask her parents for her hand.
She blushed to the roots of her hair, for she'd known him her whole life. He'd been like a second big brother to her, looking out for her safety at all times. To imagine his strong arms wrapping around her, his soft lips upon hers…she giggled at the thought. "Oh, Kuval, we mustn't!" she batted at Hita, who stared at her as if she'd grown a second head.
"What's this?" she queried. Katara blinked and laughed.
"Nothing, nothing. C'mon, I want to show you the wedding present I'm making for Sokka and Yue." Hita agreed and the two girls scampered to her lavish room eagerly. And little did Katara know, but this day would be one of the last happy memories she'd hold in her heart.
ZUKO SMIRKED WITH pleasure, for when he exhaled, he could see his breath in a puff of cloud. The cold of the wind hit his face like a thousand tiny needles, and he'd had to don under armor of woven thick koala-sheep wool. Good, that meant that his ships were nearing to North Pole.
Honshi stood beside him, observing the vast ocean the glowed under the light of the waxing moon. Zuko regarded his friend thoughtfully. "You seem quiet. What's wrong?" he implored softly.
Honshi blinked, turning to face his life long friend. "Nothing, really." He protested softly, smiling lightheartedly. His smile faded as Zuko scowled darkly at him.
"If you want to lie to me, that's fine. But don't make it so obvious." Zuko snorted derisively, crossing his arms formidably. He thought Honshi knew better than that. He'd known Honshi his whole life, and he knew when he was upset, when he was lying, when he was holding back a secret. He simply just knew Honshi as well as he knew himself.
"Look, Zuko, it's something that can be addressed after this Siege is done with." Honshi said softly, looking back to the vast ocean. His golden eyes glimmered with something akin to hurt.
Zuko scowled, walking over to his friend, grabbing him by his shoulders roughly. "Tell me right now. You're like a brother to me, and brothers harbor no secrets away form one another." He growled softly, his amber eyes narrowed to deathly slits.
Honshi blinked and laughed softly, raising his hands to rest on Zuko's. "The truth is…I'm in love with you." He murmured softly, pressing a chaste kiss to Zuko's lips. He jumped, dodging the strike Zuko lashed out at him.
"You idiot!" Zuko shrieked, wiping his lips spastically as he chased after his hysterically laughing friend. "See if I ever ask about your feelings again!" he howled. He tackled Honshi, dragging him to the ground. The boys wrestled for a few moments before they were breathless.
"Sorry Zuko, I couldn't resist. Your face was too serious." Honshi laughed, patting his winded friend on the shoulder. Zuko merely scowled, doing his best to catch his breath. Honshi pulled his friend to his feet, patting him on the back. "Truth is, I was thinking about a girl that I like back home."
Zuko blinked. "Who? I never knew that you liked a girl!" he was almost mad at Honshi for not telling him about it sooner. He wondered who it was, and why Honshi had never told him.
Honshi's porcelain face flushed pink as he twiddled his fingers. "Well…I have my duties to protect you first, Zuko. I couldn't just run around courting some girl." This time Honshi couldn't dodge one of Zuko's strikes, and cheek smarted. He raised a hand to cover his bruised cheek. "What the hell was that for? I didn't kiss you again!" he yelled.
Zuko rolled his eyes. "You're my best friend, not my bodyguard. If there's a girl you like, it's your duty first to tell me who she is, and second to start courting her." He replied bitterly. He gazed at his friend, a small frown furrowing his brows.
Honshi blinked and laughed. "Sorry. Forgive me?" he clapped his hands together, bowing reverently. Zuko fought the urge to kick him in the head and merely nodded with a small noise of affirmation. Honshi grinned. "Well…the girl I like is…Ty Lee." He blinked in surprise as Zuko fell over, twitching. He knelt beside him, checking his pulse. "Zuko? You okay?"
Zuko groaned softly. "Why Ty Lee? You and her are so goofy your offspring won't stand a chance!" he grasped Honshi's shoulders. "You mustn't do this thing!" he cried out, as if he were mortally wounded.
Honshi laughed and patted Zuko on the head sympathetically. "There, there Zuko." He sat down on the deck of their ship, looking thoughtful. "I guess I like Ty Lee because she's very genuine. Her heart is true, and she's always positive. I love her smile." Honshi blushed slightly as he listed all of the qualities he admired about Ty Lee.
Zuko pushed himself into sitting position as well, listening intently to his friend's words. "Well…she is a good girl from noble blood. If you want to court her, I'll back you one hundred percent." He ruffled Honshi's hair affectionately.
Honshi beamed. "Really? You mean it?" he tackled Zuko, engulfing him in a hug.
Zuko laughed. "Yeah, of course. But get off of me, before the guards really do think you're in love with me!" the two boys scrambled to their feet, shoving and pushing one another playfully.
As they straightened their rumpled clothing and armor out, they raised their heads to regard the vast ocean once more before retiring for bed. And they collectively gasped, for in the horizon, the impenetrable wall of the Northern Water Tribe loomed in sight.
Zuko couldn't help but share a smirk with Honshi.
