AUTHORS NOTE: Okay, now, I know it's been a lengthy seven months since I've last posted, but the passed months have been rather busy for me. I'm still in the process of moving hours away from home (check endnotes for more info) while packing— among other things like looking for a new job. But, I'm back and without further ado, here's chapter two.
Same warnings apply as last time I suppose; it's still rated M. This chapter has a bit of a darker theme that I hope you're able to feel throughout.
An Embers Prodigy — Chapter Two — The End of an Era
(Then, five years post war. 22 years old.)
Zuko
Twilight stars twinkled amidst a midnight sky as Zuko found himself wondering along the familiar cobblestone pathway. It was quiet—eerily quiet, as it usually was among that time of night. And, as the prison itself neared his sight, he felt a thick shift within the air.
He'd never much favored the place, anyway; what with the way it brought back so many memories he'd prefer forget. But, sometimes it's the hardest to let go of the memories you so badly wished would simply… disappear. Zuko himself was beginning to learn that the hard way.
When he'd arrived to wide double doors, the guards didn't think twice about allowing him inside as he lowered his hood—they knew why he was there; he was to visit his father.
It was a ritual as old as time itself. It was a time where he usually found himself stuck in an unconventional state of remorse, a rather upsetting fit of pity but he found it strange that that was the feeling that decided to fill his belly.
Though, there was another feeling—one of fear. Fear for himself, for his people—for the future, for whatever it had in store.
If there was one thing Zuko was passionate about, it was not being a disappointment to himself—to his people… to Katara. And, the moment her face popped into his mind he knew he held the strength within himself to face his father once more.
"You're back, I see." His fathers voice leeched throughout the dark prison cell and suddenly every single hair on his body stood.
"I am," he assured with a nod.
"Now tell me, my son, are you here to gain whatever fatherly advice you can? Or, is that you'd rather do away with the nuisance of a wife and child?"
Zuko's eyes widened perceptibly, then, although surely not visible within the confined darkness so as to not appear to his father that he'd given him any control.
"How did you know?" he grit, almost snarling betwixt his teeth.
"So… I was right?" his father chuckled throatily, his head thrown back in a fit of malicious laughter. "Your little Water Tribe whore is expecting, I presume?"
"Don't —" he began, but stopped himself.
Exhaling thickly, Zuko turned away, no longer wanting to look into the vile eyes that were Ozais'. His father had a keen inkling about getting under his skin and he knew just how to manipulate him from the inside. If he hadn't the self-control, he may have lashed out yet again. But, there was no use for such a thing any longer.
"I just found out this morning," he admitted, fighting the smile for which threatened to creep upon his cheeks. He was disappointed that such a wonderful thing could turn so sour before his father.
"I assume congratulations are in order." His father spat the words as if they were poison upon his tongue.
"I don't need anything from you," Zuko bit.
"Oh, so why are you here, then?"
He took his fathers question into account. Why was he there? It wasn't because he so desired to—he certainly didn't go for pleasure. Perhaps he'd simply fallen back into his old habits, for he certainly couldn't shake the strange feeling for which coursed throughout his blood.
It was then that he realized that nothing had changed. His father was an unholy, heinous and monstrous man who sought after only one thing—power. He wouldn't stop until he had it all.
And… he was everything that Zuko wasn't.
It was in that moment that he knew the true reasons that lied behind his visit. He needed a reminder of how he was not his father, and how he would never be his father. But, instead, he would be a father that his unborn deserved.
Without warning, Zuko stood, the echo of his footsteps ringing throughout his mind as he waked away from his fathers cell for what looked to be the last. He could barely register his fathers screams bouncing off the walls as he left, eyes closed before readjusting the hood atop his head once more.
"Were you going to ever tell me you were going to see your father?"
When he arrived back at the palace, he'd slipped into his bedchamber quietly in hopes to not wake his sleeping wife. But, when the door clicked shut she rolled over, eyes alight with the moon hanging high amidst the stars.
Zuko groaned, then, removing the cloak he'd donned and discarding it among the floor before approaching the bed. His eyes didn't quite meet her own although he could feel hers watching him carefully. He wanted to ask how did you know but settled with an I'm sorry whispered betwixt the air because of course she would know — she knew him better than anyone.
Katara's hands went to either side of his cheeks as he sat upon the bed and her eyes searched his face in earnest. "You know you can always talk to me about it, Zuko. You don't have to hide things from me."
He looked away from her, a sick feeling bubbling up within his belly. It was easier to hide things no matter how badly he didn't want to. He knew he could confide in her; tell her anything but he found it so hard when it came to something so haunting. Perhaps that's why, now, she held him just a little tighter.
"Please — don't do this," she whispered, and her voice was soft. "Don't shut me out. Talk to me, Zuko. What's going on?"
What's going on? How was he to explain what wasn't going on? His father still held the worlds power in a single hand yet none at all. Locked away or not, his fathers voice was far more powerful than any bending could ever be.
How was he to explain to her what he thought needed to be done without feeling like a monster?
He leaned into her touch for only a moment. "My father is dangerous, Katara," he began, and he pulled away. He looked at her with a seriousness so fierce he could see her emotions changing with his. "The things he can still do and is doing from prison… he's trying to have me killed."
"I can't have him around when our child is born." His eyes fell to the slight swell of her belly through her gown and his stare held fast. "Things are about to change. We're going to have a baby. I just can't risk their life — your life."
His eyes flit up to her own and he watched her come to the realization of what he meant. "You… you want to have him executed." It came out as a statement rather than a question and with closed eyes he nodded his head.
He thought about his people; he thought about his Nation. His family and his friends and his unborn child were and forever going to be in danger so long as his father lived to see the day. Zuko knew where his priorities now lie and he would never risk the safety of anyone he held close to him just to keep his father alive.
"It won't be easy and I never expected it to be," he said. "We'll have to hold a trial; he'll have to stand before the Courts and the Council."
Katara was quiet for a moment. She appeared to be studying him as he spoke. He wondered what was going on inside her head — what she was thinking and if she thought so terribly of him. But, she inhaled deeply and surprised him altogether.
"I think you're right."
"You do?" he questioned.
"I think he's dangerous. I'm sure it won't be the most pleasant of meetings but… he is dangerous. No matter what anyone else thinks, you're the one who is going to need the most say in this." Her fingertips ghosted across his scar gently and he knew she was right — she typically was.
"I love you, Zuko. Seeing you like this hurts me," she whispered, and her forehead fell against his own. "You're suffering. Please, let me help you with this."
"I don't want you hurt." Zuko's throat went tight but continued nonetheless. "I can't have anything happening to you as a result of my decisions. I want your opinions, of course. I just don't want you hurt. I don't want you to feel as if you have to agree with me," he whispered. "You never have to agree with me if you don't think this is right."
"Zuko…" she began, voice soft as she held his face. "Do you really think I would agree with you on something like this if I didn't think it was right?" she questioned. He shook his head, a quiet laugh escaping his throat because no, of course she wouldn't. "Then trust me when I tell you that… this… it's the right thing."
Zuko watched as her eyes flashed with something like apprehension and her throat bobbed. She looked nervous, but why wouldn't she? He had just told her that he wanted his father executed.
But, then her eyes softened and she pulled his face in for a kiss. Their lips only touched for but a moment before she was pulling away all too soon. "Try not to worry— at least for tonight. Tonight, just… try and relax," she whispered, but she caught sight of how he had been chewing his lip before she spoke again, taking his hands into her own. "Or… don't. Don't relax," she began. "Do you want to spar?"
"No— no," he sighed, leaning his head against her shoulder. He inhaled her scent and just the smell of her brought him comfort. She was everything he needed in times like this and he couldn't be more grateful. "I'm far too tired and it's late. Plus, you need to rest. You've been up really late these passed few nights trying to help me sort out that agreement with the North. I think you could use some sleep."
As if on cue, Katara yawned and he lifted his head to watch her eyes blink slowly. He smiled, then, cupping her cheek. "Sleep, my love."
He took that moment of silence to study her. Her eyes drooped and her lip wobbled slightly. She looked exhausted, and he knew she was. It was a full moon, and he knew that she wouldn't be getting much sleep without help so he made sure to slip a bit of lavender into her tea — Uncle said it helped with sleep.
The pregnancy wasn't easy on her, either. She was always so hot. It was… strange. Her skin had always been so cold to the touch yet when he'd touched her recently, she was warm.
But, he worried. He always would.
"How are you feeling? Are you still feeling sick?"
Katara only smiled. "I'm feeling a little better. I haven't been sick in a few days so I think I'm out of that territory," she sighed. "I'm still getting used to this, though."
He nodded slowly; he knew what she meant. Their pregnancy hadn't quite been anticipated. It was a surprise to them both, and although there was an initial upset, they'd both grown accustomed to the circumstance.
It had been sudden, but certainly not unwelcomed.
"I'm scared," she admit.
"I know."
"Are you?"
"I… a little," he whispered, and she knew what he'd meant. Of course he was scared. Being a father was one of his greatest wants, but also one of his greatest fears. She knew that, and she reached out to grab his hand.
It was a conversation they'd had moreover a hundred times yet each time it felt new all the same. He didn't know why, but talking about it seemed to bring comfort to her. Perhaps it was knowing that she felt confident in his actions or maybe it was because she simply believed in him. Either way, he never saw fear in her eyes when they spoke of it.
"You know what I'm going to say," she said, and he nodded. "So you know what your response will be."
"I do."
"Say it," she whispered gently. "Say it, Zuko."
"I… I'm not my father."
"You're not your father."
"I'm not my father."
Katara smiled and pulled his hands to grasp her growing belly. He felt the swell beneath his fingertips and met her gaze with a warmth he knew they both felt.
"I love you." She voiced.
When he answered with an 'I love you too', she kissed him sweetly and never let go.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice," he began.
Zuko's eyes went to the council members along the breadth of the table, not a seat empty within the room. Katara sat at his right side as Aang sat across from them; his grey eyes were filled with a deep curiosity.
"Lord Zuko, what is this about?" Zuko turned his head, looking to the councilmen for which spoke.
"This is about my father." His voice was tight yet sturdy and he tried his hardest not to let it waver. "I'm sure many of you know by now the danger he has presented in the recent year," he spoke, swallowing thickly as his eyes swept the room. Katara's hand tightened in his own in a reassurance of sorts. "Dangers for which I am afraid can no longer be stopped, prevented, or put to rest unless something more serious is done."
"What do you suggest, Sire?"
Zuko swallowed, then, nodding to the councilmen slowly. "Well, there have been a multitude of different reasonings that I, along with other members of the guard have tried to set forth in order to prevent any more break in's due to his following order, but there's a real reality that we need to face, and I need everyone here to keep an open mind." His eyes flit to Aang's briefly, the Avatar's brows furrowing in an almost fearful curiosity.
There was a silence that seemed to fill the room at the lingering uncertainty of the situation. It was as if everyone was waiting for him to speak again, and it was almost as if he had forgotten what he came here to proclaim. And, if it hadn't been for Katara's steady breathing and glancing looks of assurance, he was sure he wouldn't have been able to speak any longer.
"I do not, under many, many circumstances condone putting someone to death, but my father—"
"— Wait." Heads turned suddenly as the Avatar spoke up, one hand raised in an almost defensive manner as he stood from his seat before them. "Zuko — are you suggesting that we bring back the death penalty for your father?" he asked, and, when Zuko nodded, Aang's eyes widened. "Did we not just two years ago get rid of that in its entirety? Aren't we above that? Aren't you?"
Sighing, Zuko shook his head, holding his own hand out, then. "Listen, Aang, I understand where you're coming from, and I do agree that under any other circumstance, we should keep the law how it is. But — you've seen what Ozai can do even from behind bars."
"He's dangerous, and keeping him locked away in that prison is not going to keep him contained. My father doesn't need his bending to cause destruction," he argued. "You've seen what he can do even from inside that prison. I have had three attempts made on my life in this year alone, and why do you think that is?" Zuko asked, though it was a rhetorical question. And, before Aang could even take a breath to answer, he continued. "It's because he's smart, Aang. He is smart, and he knows how to get inside people's minds. He has followers all over Caldera ready at any moment to come for me — for my family — at just the beck and call of his will."
In the haze of sudden commotion within the meeting room, the sound of someone clearing their throat beside him caught his attention. And, it wasn't until he realized that it had been his wife that he was aware of her suddenly speaking. Her tone was gentle, her composure so straight and calm he was sure she was already doing a much better job than he was at running the meeting.
He felt guilty, however, for it shouldn't be in her order to have to discuss something so heavy such as the death of his father. And, though he knew she could very much handle it, he would always worry that she would feel too overwhelmed. Though, he never knew why he felt in such a way when she only ever seemed to love this kind of political side of running a damned country.
"Aang, I understand where you're coming from, but can you please try to see it from Zuko's perspective?" she asked, her voice as smooth as the wind as she spoke. All eyes were on her, and no one dared interrupt. Aang nodded in slow agreement as she continued. "Now, I know you're all very aware of the effect that Ozai has had on my husband. It has caused more stress than anyone could ever imagine, and not only that, but the attempts on his life don't only affect his life."
"They affect my life, the guards life — anyone who is a part of the staff's life. We have so, so many other lives to worry about that are being affected, torn apart and broken because of one man. One man who is singlehandedly, from prison, ordering his followers to attack," she began. "And, not only that, but it has gotten to the point where Ozai's followers no longer need his instruction. He has already influenced them enough that they're doing this all on their own."
"He is dangerous, Aang, and there is no other way around this."
The entire room was silent until the Avatar was shaking his head once more. "Do you even know what you're saying?" he asked Katara, grey eyes wide. He was speaking as if he was in complete awe of the situation — as if Aang himself hadn't been there when Zuko was almost killed the first time. "Are you even stopping to consider the implications to what you're saying?"
"Have you stopped to consider the fallout in result to these kinds of decision?" Aang was growing frustrated, and Zuko could tell. The young monk's skin was paling even more so than usual, and his eyes seemed to bulge almost comically. His hands were raised affront him until they were slamming down upon the table before them all. "There will be serious ramifications across the world if you choose to do this! I won't let you do this!"
"Aang — " Zuko held his hand up slowly, silencing his friend before he got too out of hand. "A word please." He gestured to the entryway behind him as he stood, turning to the Council. "This meeting is adjourned, for now. Once Councilmen Sokka arrives, I will call another meeting. You're free to go."
The Avatar was gone from the room in a breeze of air and frustration as the rest of the Council littered out slowly. Turning to his wife, then, he held out his hand as to help her to a stand; her smile was warm and infectious as she stood. "I'm going to take him out to the gardens to try and reason with him. He shouldn't shout like that, friend or not," he whispered, and his wife shook her head.
"Just… try and stay calm," Katara smiled, her voice already calming his frazzled nerves. "He'll understand — he will. It's a lot to take in, and it may take him awhile, but I think if you just talk to him — really talk to him — he'll understand."
"I don't know," she sighed, averting his gaze to the ground. "This goes against everything that he believes in, and I'm not saying that it easy for me or you, either, but… it's different for him. This is about his culture, and I don't want to destroy his values by making him choose."
His wife's smile faded, though when he felt her cool fingers lifting his chin to meet her eyesight, her eyes drew him in to her understanding. "You're so selfless, you know that?" she asked, and though he did not answer, she continued on. "You give and you give and you give, and you never ask for anything," she whispered. "This is one thing that you are asking for — one thing that could change the lives of the entire Fire Nation. "If you talk to him, he will understand. We all have to make sacrifices to survive."
Zuko nodded as his wife spoke, and his forehead fell against her own with a smile. Katara always knew what to say, and how to make the darker things seem so much lighter than they actually are. If anyone could convince him that he was doing the right thing, it was her.
"Thank you," he whispered, pulling away only to lean in to capture her lips only briefly. "Get some rest," he ordered, though a smile peaked through. "Please — for me?"
Katara pouted, but her guard was let down. "Fine," she replied, pointing at his chest in false vexation. "But only because I am pretty tired. I think this baby is leeching all of my energy from me."
Zuko laughed at his wife's statement, and shook his head. "Already a handful, huh?" he asked, and she pouted.
"If it's anything like you, I can't wait," she laughed, rolling her eyes in fake annoyance. "Go," she finally said. "Go — talk to him. He'll understand, Zuko. He will."
Nodding slowly, he kissed his wife one last time before they parted. His mind a muddled mess as he made his way to the gardens. Zuko was nervous as to how he was going to make Aang see the importance of this decision — how this decision, and this decision alone could change the fate of the world. A world without his father; a world without Ozai.
Zuko spotted Aang from a distance, though it was as if his friend could sense his presence for her turned around, his lips downturned as open as if he were about to give a response to his arrival but instead, Zuko held up a hand.
"Aang — Katara is pregnant."
That statement alone was enough to shock the monk. Grey eyes widened perceptibly before blinking in a rapid succession. "Oh, um— congratulations," Aang choked. "I didn't know."
"Nobody does. We haven't told anyone yet; it's too early." Zuko had only hoped his eyes spoke enough words to convey to not tell anyone. "That's why… that's why it's important that you listen to me when I tell you what needs to be done."
"Wait," he began, eyes searching around. "You want your father executed because you're expecting a child? That's… that's ridiculous!" he yelled. "You can't just have him killed because— because—"
"Because he's dangerous, Aang! Don't you see that?" Zuko's voice carried across the gardens before lowering it to a whisper. "Even in that prison he is able to have a hit out on me. I know you're aware of the multiple times he has tried to have me killed!"
Zuko was pulling at the back of his neck, now, eyes wide as he gestured to the inside of the palace. "I am expecting a child. A child, Aang. I can't have my father around when they're born. I won't put my family in danger like that."
"Not only that, but my people are in danger, too. He is using my own people to try and overthrow me."
Aang seemed to be contemplating this but his face wasn't giving anything away. "I'm not sure that anyone is trying to overthrow you," he finally managed. "If people were trying to overthrow you, then they wouldn't be trying to kill you."
"Then you admit to knowing the dangers of keeping him alive." The way that Zuko spoke, it chilled himself to the bone. He never liked the idea of killing anyone, but this was an exception. And, though it made him sick to think about, he also knew the good it would do to rid the world of his father. It needed to be done, he kept reminding himself. It needed to be done.
But, he couldn't help but feel as if he was giving up a part of his own values. Aang spoke the truth when he mentioned how they were the ones to lift the death penalty in the Fire Nation. They were the ones to overrule it, and now, Zuko was trying to bring it back, even if it was just for this exception. It made him… almost sick in a way.
"I'm not trying to have my father executed for personal gain," he spoke, and Aang watched him carefully as he paced. "That's not what this is about at all. This is about far more than just myself. I know that this goes against everything that you stand for, but it goes against my values as well. I don't want to know that I was responsible for someone's death, but I have to accept it, and realize that this is what's best for not only the Fire Nation, but the whole world."
Zuko felt a flash of shame pass through his friend's eyes, and when he turned away, he sighed. "Please, Aang — you have to realize how hard of a decision this is. I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I am telling you that if you refuse to accept this, your decision will be vetoed. This will be a unanimous vote."
The Avatar hadn't offered a response, though instead, walked away form the situation in all its entirety. At first, he had stood there, quiet, and facing away. But, after a few moments, with slated eyes so dark that he swore he saw the storm raging inside, Aang spoke.
"I won't be a part of this."
He was gone without a second's hesitation.
"Sokka!" Katara let go of his hand and Zuko watched as his wife ran to her brother upon the docks. It had been almost half of a year since they had seen him, and he only wished they were seeing him now on better terms.
Zuko found himself walking towards them, then, as Sokka's face lit up at the sight of his not so little sister throwing herself into his arms. "I missed you!" he heard her exclaim, and the Fire Lord watched as they both smiled and exchanged words in each other's arms. Then, he was looking to Zuko and he raised a brow.
"What's that look about?" Zuko asked, and Sokka punched him in the arm. "Ow! What was that for?"
Sokka laughed, then, and pat a heavy hand upon his shoulder. "Well, it was a congratulations, of course! I can't believe the almighty Fire Lord is gonna be a dad!"
Zuko's eyes found Katara's and she was beaming brightly at the two of them. He simply shook his head and punched him back. "You're going to be big Uncle Sokka," he chuckled, and together the three of them began walking up towards the palanquin that was waiting for them in the city.
The breeze from the ocean's salty waves bolstered across their cheeks and Zuko felt a shudder run through him. It was as if the universe was trying to remind him not to get too comfortable, for their upcoming trial with his father was sooner than anyone even realized.
And, once back inside the palace, he directed them into a quieter parlor so that he could explain in full to his brother-in-law what was going to be happening.
"I'm assuming you heard about the decision to put my father to death," Zuko began, wasting no time. Sokka's eyes almost widened, and he shook his head with a heavy breath.
"Wow, Zuko, you really know how to start a conversation," he jeered, but when the Fire Lord hadn't quite returned his hearty persona, Sokka straightened up a bit more. "So, you're serious about this?"
"More serious than I would like to be," Zuko groaned, running a hand along the back of his neck. "I wouldn't have made you travel all the way here if it wasn't important. The entire Council has to cast a vote, and, since you're the chair for the Southern Water Tribe, it was important that I have you here."
Sokka nodded, and shifted himself on the sofa affront him and his wife. It was quiet for a few moments, though, as a member of the staff brought them tea, Sokka began to speak softly. "So, the vote is tomorrow, then?" he asked, and Zuko nodded.
"Yeah, tomorrow morning," she added. "If we get the votes in tomorrow, then we can come to a decision by mid-day, and then I'll send word to the prison."
His brother-in-law shook his head, an exhausted kid of laugh escaping passed his lips as his head fell into his hands. "I'm assuming Aang knows about this?" he asked, and when Zuko explained what had happened, Sokka had acted less than surprised. "We all knew that he would never go through with something like this."
"You do realize that we won't here from him for a long time, right?" he asked, and Katara chimed in when Zuko raised a brow himself.
"When something like this happens, Aang… disappears. He used to call it a journey of cleansing. He said it helped dilute the "word of the world" and clear his mind from all the negativity."
Zuko nodded slowly, then shaking his head. "He was really upset when we spoke earlier," he added, turning back to Sokka, then. "He said that he would never accept something like this, and then he left. I didn't know that meant he wouldn't be coming back."
"He'll be okay," Katara interjected, squeezing his hand softly. "Hell come back, too — he always does," she assured, giving them both a soft smile. "And, he'll forgive you, he really will. It may not seem like he's happy with you, or me for that matter, but he will forgive you. Deep down he knows that this is the right decision, but he just can't be responsible for something like this."
His wife was right. Aang needed time, and he was going to give it to him. He could never make anyone do something that they didn't willingly want to do, and though it would be hard, and painful to get through, he knew that he could do it. He had the support of his family, and with that, he could get through anything.
A/N: I would just like to start this off by saying that I was not anticipating such a large gap between chapters. I had a lot of stuff happen in the last 6 months and it's just been a fucking nightmare. I ended a 5 year relationship, I moved 3 hours away from home (and then moved 3 hours back) and I'm trying to balance work and writing and just being able to breathe in my own spare time so I apologize for the delay. For those who follow me on Tumblr ( seapruncs) already know what's been going on because I keep everyone updated on there.
So… this was my first time writing in Zuko's pov, and I'm pretty sure it shows. I tend to stick with writing as Katara since I have a much deeper understand of her and Zuko's mind tends to scare the hell out of me. But, I accepted that challenge and I'm pretty sure the rest of the "then" chapters will be in his pov as well.
Let me know what you thought? Was it worth the read? Did I completely butcher Zuko? I had some help from a friend who is really good at interpreting Zuko's inner thoughts and such but when it came down to it, I had to write him and it terrified the hell out of me so I hope it wasn't terrible.
Reviews are always appreciated! It keeps this little Zutara shippers heart beating.
Until next time — Emily.