"Katara, we've got mail for once!"
"Probably more bills, sweetie."
"No, it's from the Fire Nation!"
"I'm sure it's just Zuko with some question about politics, Aang."
"No, it's not from Zuko, it doesn't have his seal."
He froze.
"Aang?"
The letter feathered to the floor out of his hand as the other one cupped his mouth.
"Aang!"
Tears began falling from his face. Katara ran to him, hugging him.
"Aang, what's the matter?"
Aang shook his head wordlessly. Katara picked the paper and its envelope from the floor, rereading its words over and over to be sure.
"No."
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Avatar Aang,
It is with great regret that we inform you-
"Spirits, no, don't let it say what I think it will."
-of the passing of Fire Lord Zuko. He was assassinated subtly with some poison by a source we are currently tracking.
"No, no, no."
Katara's hand cupped her mouth as well, emulating her husband with spilling tears.
We believe he died painlessly. His funeral will be in four days, we encourage your attendance to give your official condolence as the avatar to the Fire Nation citizens. We realize the fire lord was a significant political figure and that meetings will need to be taken up as soon as possible to discuss his hasty and proper replacement as the lack of heir and legit bloodline exist and this serves as a problem.
Thank you,
The Imperial Staff
She fell into Aang's arms, both weeping.
They got him this time.
Their duties had outed one of them at last.
He was gone.
And, it hurt.