I'm going to keep it short and sweet. Full on Maiko for the next couple of chapters; the countdown begins till the big finale. Seven more chapters' fanfic readers so hang in there.

Answers to reviews

WARLOCK2552- yep, yep and yep to Uncle Iroh. Zuko's emotions are about to take a turn for the better.

SooshiRoll- Thank you

Winterdevils- that's Zuko worrying before the kids even born

Meandcartoon22- Aww I thought so too!

BoogieBoy- You have to remember Zuko is feeling very disappointed with his Mother and right now he is suffering from survivors guilt so of course he's going to think it wasn't worth it.
I know Aang looks like a bad friend in this chapter, yes he is a Buddhist monk I haven't forgotten but he's also a young boy with huge empathy and I know personally sometimes those qualities can cause you to freeze in the most important of situations.

Now onto the story

I do not own ATLA but I own my vivid dreams and OCs

Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes
Chapter 7: Rebirth

ASC 102 Summer

He shouldn't have complained: sure she was demanding and he wished she would stop getting on his nerves. When he woke up to bloody sheets and Mai's screamed in pain, he felt an awful remorse that boiled his insides. He was afraid for her life and the unborn baby. Zuko was slumped against the door outside of the room. He could hear her screams of agony; then there was absolute silence. It took all of strength not to bust down the door. He knew they were trying to revive her. A woman exited; her gown had sanguine smears. He snuck a peek inside; Mai was lying on the bed lifeless, her face ashen. Zuko was terrified. He blamed himself; we should have never made this baby. No…it was our choice. The young woman returned with an older woman. He was praying to Agni, Tui, La, Oma and Shu, Yue; at one point, he prayed to the Avatar. He just wanted them both to live.

An hour elapsed; Zuko had prepared himself to hear the worse. Then, He heard the sound that made his world at total and utter peace; the sound of his child crying. He was torn, of course he longed to hear his child; but he hoped Mai was alright. The older nurse from earlier came outside, "Congratulations Firelord Zuko it's a boy."

"How is my wife?"

"She's in stable condition, but it is strict orders that she is on bed rest for a couple of weeks. You may go see them now: keep it brief."

Zuko went into the room. You would have thought nothing happened, for the room smelled of lavender and the sheets were cleaned. He saw his wife in bed with their bundle of joy. It was so surreal. He sat by Mai's bedside; her tired face managed a grin. "Meet your son, Mako."

"He's beautiful Mai."

"He was very stubborn he didn't want to be born."

"Guess that's a family trait."

"Do you want to hold him?"

"He's so little what if I drop him?"

"He has a hard head just like his father. Just support his head and cradle him."

Mai slowly handed Mako to him. Zuko was sweating nervously. He followed Mai's instructions. He felt the warm light weight of his son and looked at the infant. Mako favored both of them. He had Mai's lips, his nose, his eyes, her ears. There was one word that described him. "Perfect, I love him. I promise you I will always be there for you, no matter what."

He looked to his wife, her exhausted breath and moistened face, "How do you feel Mai?"

"Like someone ripped my insides out and sat on me. He was worth it though."

"I love you even more Mai."

"I love you too; but I'm not doing this again for a while."

"That doesn't matter right now. You two are the most important people in my life."

There was a knock at the door. Why when he was enjoying himself, was he interrupted? "Lord Zuko your wife and child need to rest."

He stroked Mai's hair and kissed her parched lips and his son on the forehead. The nurse gently took Mako from Zuko's arms. "Please look after them."

His life was harmonious more than it had been in a while. He took one last look at his family and exited

ASC 102 Fall

He wished lightning would strike him where he sat. There were many things he had a handle on the Four Nations Restoration treaty, Azula's release. This however, was pure, unadulterated torture. Zuko had to meet with (gulp) his in-laws. They had been to visit periodically; but now that he had a son they had to come over, for not only the ceremony; but to see if he was real. Mako was the only redeeming part of this whole ordeal. His son he was the greatest gift he could ask for. The boy was made a fuss over being their firstborn, he had more clothes than he ever needed and he was only a three month old.

Early on Mai decided to have tea with her mother and Zuko would show his father in law and Mai's uncle around the grounds. His father-in-law wasn't that difficult; he was mostly a yes man, which unnerved Zuko because he could never gauge who this man really was, without the displays of reverence. The most rigid character was Mai's Uncle; that man was still holding a grudge since Boiling Rock. Fortunately for Zuko, he had some positive things in his life to distract him. He implemented the Four Nations guard; a program to integrate decommissioned bending soldier's into other colonies. Yes Zuko took a lot of pride in this.

Zuko brought Mai's Uncle Takeo and his father-in-law Jiro to the training grounds. Firebending soldiers were in formation; shoving their beams of flames in circular motions. The earthbending soldiers were blocking and created makeshift steps, which in turn Cheng metalbended his darts above the targets heads. The waterbenders created ice daggers to counteract Cheng; who gave a cocky grin. He rolled and wrapped himself in metal. Zuko shook his head in approval. He glanced to Uncle Takeo to see his stern face; there was an air of revulsion. "You've got other nations in your palace that's disgraceful."

"No, it's revolutionary," Zuko countered.

"I must say Lord Zuko I'm very impressed. It is a perfect display of unity," said Jiro

"I don't do touchy feely new age; one nation one mind."

"It's that closed mind, which has leaded us into the war in the first place. My people will always come first; however, there is an expression: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. There's always going to be a war to fight, but we have developed allies in these people; the more on your side, the better the outcome of a victory. Also, there is so much that we must learn from each other."

Jiro applauded, "Inspirational, purely inspirational; how do you manage all this power must be weighing you down; new father, international treaties. I wish I had your energy at that age."

"And I suppose no one ever gets punished around here," Takeo butted.

"On the contrary, there are penalties for everyone: no exemptions."

Uncle Takeo stared at the men in training, hands clasped firmly behind him. "A man never forgets."

"Excuse me?"

"You think if you show me your accomplishments and invite to your son's celebration, that I will forget your indiscretions. I'm not impressed. You're a child with green eyes and an altruistic; you shouldn't be running this country. Respect is earned."

"Forgive my brother-in-law he is very hard-nosed about any change whatsoever. However, while I do believe respect is earned; I don't think you're making a special spectacle just for us."

"How did I ever let you marry my sister Jiro?"

"I'm only speaking facts; no need to get snobbish."

"I run a prison not a daycare. You have to break people to build them up. His soft hand doesn't belong on this throne."

" Frankly, I don't care what you think. Besides I'm the Firelord, you should impress me. ."

He glared at Zuko sideways; who mentally face palmed himself, for that comment. That was either really bold or really stupid. "I will say one thing about you son, you never stop fighting in what you believe in. It's a weak quality."

"I only fight for those who would do for me."

"What has your sister done for you?"

"Takeo how can you be so rude. I'm sorry Lord Zuko."

"Family is much more different."

"You should have sent her to me. I would put that miscreant in shape."

"I don't doubt it. My sister doesn't need prison bars to recover. I believe she will recover."

The Warden turned slowly to Zuko and faced him sternly, "When all of this backfires I'll be the one picking up the pieces for my niece. Then I'm going to come after you son."

Zuko smirked, he was making this too easy, "Well, I feel sorry for you, you'll get bored waiting."

Zuko walked away with the utmost confidence. He just gave him the 'I'm the Firelord death with it'authority. He was feeling on top of the world until—"Lord Zuko, son I've always wanted a son."

Oh brother—Mai's father Jiro was becoming a nuisance he was surprised the man's tongue wasn't black from boot licking. Zuko kept walking, but kept receptive to him. "You have a son Tom-Tom, remember?"

"I meant the first time around."

"Well that would imply that you wished I were a woman, so your son could marry me. That would be an interesting work of fiction. I should tell Sokka, he's been working on his 'Ember Island Playerifics'."

"Isn't that wordy?"

"His girlfriend Suki suggested calling it fanfiction, but Sokka insisted."

"While that is all very fascinating, there is something I wished to speak to you about."

Here it comes...

In the garden the Firelady had her own troubles. Her son was by her side cooing. She covered him in his bassinet, his hair smoothed and waved against the white blanket. He was alert; eyes wide open, looking around, sucking on his pacifier. Mai smiled at her son. He was going to be handsome when he grows up and the women would be after him. Suddenly, Mako began to cry. Mai rocked him gently in his cradle. Normally, the boy was very quiet; what could disturb him? Immediately, after that thought the realization hit her. Her mother Kira and brother Tom-Tom must be approaching. Mai got up from the chair to be received with a warm hug. She would have thought it was Ty-Lee if she didn't see her mother's face.
"Mai you're looking well; I'm so glad you're dressing like a lady; anything is better than wearing black all the time." Confirmed—this woman was her mother.

"Red is the royal color mother."

"Let me get a good look at you." Kira circled Mai and felt her hips and pinched the skin of them. She clucked her tongue in displeasure. "You have filled out in your shape a bit that's to be expected; although you should restrict your diet, you don't want be fat you know."

"Like my rolly polly brother," Mai mumbled.

"What was that dear?"

"I was saying Tom-Tom looks healthy."

Tom-Tom was now four and he was already a chubby spoiled brat. He reached for the pastry on the table rudely, without greeting his big sister. Mai's mother lifted him up and put him on her lap.

"Mother isn't Tom-Tom a little old to be sitting on your lap."

"Nonsense this little one deserves to be spoiled rotten. Eat up my dearest you want to be a strong growing boy."

Tom-Tom was going to grow alright...out of his pants. At one point he started an eating symphony chomp… chomp… munch. Those poor pastries never stood a chance. The racket had irritated Mako, who cried at the harassment to his small ears. Tom-Tom got on the ground and mimicked the baby. Kira ran straight to her son and cuddled him closely, whispering softly into his ear, giving him what she believed to be a pep talk. To which the boy wiped his eyes, sat at the table properly and smiled. Where was this woman when I was that age?Kira smiled at Mai and laid her hands atop of her daughters, "Mai I need you to do me a favor? Your husband has guards encompassing our house around the clock."

"Could that have something to do with father being a supporter of Ozai?"

Kira looked around at the guards and faked laughter; slapping Mai's knee.
"Oh you know he's a 'former' supporter. You as well as I know your father's allegiance is to the Firelord. Anyhow, your father wants his political career restarted and the soldiers around his house don't look good. Can you please speak with him?"

"Mother that's not my call to make; Zuko is very affirmed in his actions."

"Why don't you have bodyguards for Admiral Chan; he was best friends with Ozai."

"I don't have the authority. I have to follow my husband's wishes."

Kira brushed her hair back and crossed her legs. "You know between the two of us I've always wanted to marry you to General Shinu's youngest son, Ruon-Jian; now that man is cool, confident and very handsome and he doesn't have any disgusting scars."

"Mother you are not only disrespecting my husband and the father of my child but you are disrespecting the leader of your country."

"Oh please we both know the reason he's Firelord is because the waterbender won the Agni Kai not him. But I digress; it doesn't matter how he obtained the position, what is of importance is your father's needs."

"Mother, I'm going to do for father's career what I did when I was young; I'll be quiet, out of the way and stand still."

"Can you please be mature about this, honestly, don't be selfish."

" I'm done with this conversation."

Zuko and Jiro entered the garden laughing like they were old pals. Jiro went to Kira's side and patted Tom-Tom on the head. Zuko kissed Mai on the forehead and rubbed Mako's little cheeks and picked him up holding him close. "Meet your grandson."

"Oh he is so precious he looks just like the both of you," Kira squealed.

"What were you two discussing earlier?" asked Mai.

"You're father has proposed a Four United Nations project. It would be a neutral place where all the nations will be represented by a counselor of the countries choosing and they will discuss events and how to resolve them. He wants to head this project and given his political experience I told him I would consider it."

"I know you might not believe this son, but your father would be proud."

Kira gasped and slapped her husband. Tom-Tom followed suit giggling, "Jiro, how could you?"

"What Kira darling?"

"The man isn't dead he's imprisoned, you're going to ruin your future."

Zuko immediately handed Mako to Mai. How could his father slip his mind? Life had been so distracting he hadn't seen the man in months. He had a very important piece of business to take care of and it was time to stop procrastinating.

Zuko took a deep breath, why was it always so difficult? Ozai didn't have his bending only his words-but those words were always his strongest weapon. He didn't want to go inside; whether Zuko liked it or not, his heart overrode his reason. He opened the gate and there he was Ozai former Phoenix King, Firelord, father, tyrant. He was slowly becoming a shadow of himself. He had become a bit thinner, but his smile, his eyes the way he stared at Zuko, it still disturbed the Firelord. He crouched down to his father's level. "All hail my son the Firelord Zuko. I can hardly contain my excitement," he quipped sarcastically.

"Do you have to do this? I don't want to fight; I just want to talk man to man."

"When you find a man I can speak with I'll cease being hostile."

"I'm not playing this game with you. All you have to do is listen while I talk."

Ozai like a child folded his arms. He got his attention. "You are a grandfather. Mai had a boy we named him Mako. I can tell he's going to be a firebender. He's so alert and loves the sun."

"How riveting, Ozai rolled his eyes, "I care very little about your life now leave me be."

"That's not why I'm here. I came to tell you something you should know. You have a son named Han-Lien."

"Some meager woman wants me to claim her offspring. I knew it would happen."

"It's your child...with mother."

Ozai laughed hysterically, "Impossible I would never touch that woman!"

"I thought you would say that so I brought a painting."

Zuko handed him a package wrapped with string. Ozai tore open the canvas material from a picture frame and what he saw was shocking; a boy favoring him and his estranged wife. His face bled shock; for a moment his father looked human. Ozai threw the picture across the room.

"Get out!"

"It's okay you don't have to admit it; but I know despite all the hatred you hash out, that you care about me."

"Get out!"

"Without you I would be dead. No matter what happens, I'll always know that you are my father first. You can destroy that picture but you can't demolish the facts. With time, I hope we can start mending little by little."

Ozai spat in Zuko's direction "GET OUT!"

"Father I don't hate you anymore; in fact I forgive you."

Ozai looked taken aback; snarling, he thrust his hands out to firebend, and nothing came of it. Embarrassed, he curled them up and sat in his corner. "Get out of my sight," he grumbled.

As Zuko left he could have sworn he heard his father cry. He found it best then to leave things alone for a while. Zuko cursed himself; why was he so impulsive. He was so eager to tell his father that he hadn't thought of the consequences. After his mother's, banishment he remembered not seeing his father until his coronation. He lost two people his wife and his father. Deep down Zuko knew he and his father were not different.

Zuko brushed off the frame in the corner. He laid it down in his father's cell and left. He promised when his father was ready he would be back.