Chapter 11
Brothers and Sisters
And Family Obligations
It was a few more days before Zuko was able to get out of bed and was walking around again with Aang's help, and whichever of their other friends and family had come to visit at the time. Today Aang had come with Ursa, who he was enjoying getting to know better. Both of them were still trying to get used to the idea of being in-laws.
As they walked they found themselves in the psychiatric ward and coming up on Azula's room. Ursa hadn't wanted to see her daughter in this condition and so had stayed away, but now here they were.
After Azula had her breakdown and was brought in here, it was deemed necessary for her safety and that of everyone around her if she was unable to fire-bend. A difficult request was made of the Avatar, by Zuko. Aang was reluctant to use energybending again; he felt it was dangerous for anyone to exercise such control over others.
Katara had felt the same way, when she was forced to learn blood-bending by Hama, the elderly water-bender who had become dangerously unbalanced with grief. In the end, however, Aang couldn't argue with the logic of Zuko's request and agreed to perform the ritual on Azula.
She was sitting up in bed reading, although she still wore restraints. It seemed that when Aang merged his spirit with hers, she assimilated some of his peaceful nature and enthusiastic personality. She certainly seemed more happy and at peace than she was only a few days ago.
Zuko knocked on her door and she looked up from her book. Zuko wasn't sure, but he thought he actually saw a smile on her face when she saw her brother standing there.
"Hi 'Zula, how are you feeling, today?" "I'm doing alright, Zuzu," she told him and then asked, "How about you?"
Azula had heard people talking about the attempt on her brother's life, and was surprised to discover that she was concerned for his safety.
Zuko was so happy to see her doing so much better, that he didn't even mind her using the annoying nickname she had for him. "I'm still pretty stiff and sore, but I'm doing alright."
"Azula, are you feeling well enough to see some visitors; I've brought someone special who wants to see you."
She nodded, and her brother motioned to whoever was standing outside. Azula saw the Avatar walk in, she couldn't say she was particularly happy to see him; but then, behind him came her mother, carrying a small boy, from the Earth Kingdom judging by his clothing.
For once, Azula found herself completely at a loss for words when she saw her mother standing there; like Zuko, she had believed they'd probably never see each other again. Ursa went to her daughter's bedside, embraced her and kissed her. "I'm glad to see you are doing well dear, I want us to start to become a family again. Myself, you and Zuko, and," Ursa paused, looking over at Zuko and Aang, "your new brother-law, and half-brother."
Azula couldn't understand what her mother meant until she saw the rings on the fingers of Zuko and the Avatar.
"Zuko," she asked, "you and the Avatar, are joined?"
Zuko looked at her, and then at Aang with great affection in his eyes for both of them and said "Yeah we are, we had the ceremony about a week and a half ago, just before I ended up in here, in fact."
"Let's just say it isn't exactly the way I planned my wedding day."
Even Azula had to laugh, slightly, at Zuko's attempt at humor. It wasn't the cruel sadistic laugh that Azula had once shared in common with their father, but a laugh of genuine warm spirited humor.
Azula, this is young Roku, my second son, I gave birth to him after I had to 'leave' Again Azula found herself at a loss for words.
Zuko was starting to feel a little fatigued at this point and was leaning on Aang slightly, for support. Noticing her son's posture, Ursa diplomatically suggested that he and his sister talk again later. Azula also was feeling a little sleepy; the healers had prescribed several herbal treatments that had a sedative effect, in order to keep her calm. Aang and 'The Duke' helped Zuko back to his room, while Ursa stayed with Azula a little while longer.
"That went well," Aang said to Zuko as he helped him back into the bed, "Yeah, thanks to you," Zuko said. "Me, what did I have to do with that?"
"People are naturally drawn towards you Aang; you're what the sages call a 'nexus', a focus for positive energy and that makes everyone want to build communities around you."
Aang didn't really know how to respond to that. He knew Zuko had an introspective, philosophical side, but he didn't think Zuko could get this deep. Aang felt a few tears sting his eyes, at the amount of faith Zuko had in him to heal old wounds, and bring people together.
That made what he had to say next that much harder; he hugged Zuko, being careful of the bandages and stitches that covered the lightning burn and sutured his arrow wound together.
"Zuko have you thought about appointing a successor, I love you; but you and I can't have children obviously, and your uncle and mother won't be around forever.
"Well, Aang, if anything happens to the fire-lord, and he doesn't have children, the royal consort becomes regent until the Council of Ministers can find someone else suitable."
"Preferably it would be another close relative, who could then assume the throne."
"Who?"
"Despite the progress she's made I doubt Azula would ever be fit for the responsibility."
"And I don't think Young Roku, 'The Duke', would really be suitable either."
Aang could see the lines of worry and dark circles of fatigue around Zuko's eyes, and thought, 'that maybe this wasn't the best time to bring this up.'
"You know what, Zuko; we can talk about this later, after you've rested." Aang stood to leave, "Aang, Zuko said, "Tell me why you think this is important."
"Don't you see, if, spirits forbid, something were to happen to you, I couldn't assume the Fire-nation throne in your place."
"The Avatar is supposed to speak to and for people of all of the lands, so he can't be obligated to any single nation"
"I can't become the Firelord, or regent, or whatever, and still stay objective, as the Avatar."
Zuko never really thought about it in those terms, but he knew Aang was probably right about this.
He'd really have to give this some serious thought. He was really tired, however, and all his activity over the last hour or so had taken its toll, his wounds ached, badly.
Aang and Zuko were both quite surprised when 'The Duke' crawled into the bed beside him. Zuko's face reddened, and Aang had to stifle a laugh.
"I'm sorry I had to burden you with all this, Zuko, you go ahead and rest, now," Aang whispered, but soft snoring coming from the bed told him Zuko and his little brother were already sleeping.
