Thank you to karusenshi, anon, and Tratie-Zutara-and-Perlia-Fan!

Happy Easter! Easter means new life, so...


12

Child

When Katara is twenty-one and Zuko is twenty-three, their child is born.

The moment he is cleaned from Katara's blood, he gurgles. His snivelling yells have ceased, fully conscious of the new world. He smiles like an angel at his parents. Blinking large, almond-shaped eyes, the baby looks up. Olive skin glows in the candlelight.

"Hello, little one," Zuko says to the infant. Fondly, he reaches out his hand to clasp his tiny fist. "Welcome to the family." He can't stop the tears springing to his eyes.

Zuko is extremely proud and dearly loves his baby. This new life brought to him is indeed a miracle. He admiringly strokes the baby's fragile scalp. Already his head is adorned with adorable tuffs of dark hair.

He'll be raised as the most memorable Fire Lord ever. With a good personality, reasonable tactics, and an easy time without too much struggle – Zuko will give his all to ensure that.

"Let me see our baby," Katara groans, collapsed in the bed. Her eyes flutter, but instantly light up as they spot the child. Gaining her energy, she grins at her fidgeting son. "Oh," she breathes.

He tells Katara, "He's beautiful." As if he knows they're speaking about him, the baby coos. He clutches onto Zuko's hand firmly.

"What's his name?" asks Katara. Briefly they discussed many possibilities, but have yet to determine their final decision.

But she doesn't have to say anything. The second Katara and Zuko saw their child, the name was obvious. It's a mutual agreement. They can see it in each other's eyes.

Exchanging confident smiles, they say in unison, "Zvi."

Katara bends over her son, tightly gripping the white robe around her waist. "Say hi to Mommy and Daddy, Zvi," she says. "Your name is Zvi. You're destined to have a great future."

He wouldn't have said any better.

Zuko notices that Zvi resembles his parents. From the intense look with eager blue eyes to the dark spiky hair – his appearance say it all. Additionally, if anything, Zvi even inherited Zuko's laugh.

"We love you, Zvi," Zuko adds. Bewildered, Zvi glances around. Then his face breaks out into a grin. Zuko laughs. "Katara, he has your smile."

She shrugs, carefree. "He looks like you," she comments. His wife picks up Zvi, nuzzling his cheek. Zuko plants another kiss on both their foreheads.

"He looks like you too," he counters. Undoing the tie at the top of his head, Zuko teasingly places the golden crown on Zvi's scalp. Blowing fallen bangs out of his eyes, he says, "Welcome to the family, little one."

Katara transfers Zvi into Zuko's arms, slipping into bed. She's exhausted after all the waves of convulsion. Zuko settles amongst the covers as well. Zvi is evidently tired as well. The baby yawns, resting in-between his parents.

There is no doubt that Zvi is destined to be the Fire Nation's new Lord. It doesn't matter whether or not he's a Firebender, Waterbender, or even a non-bender. The future of the Fire Nation rests in this child's hands.

Fire Lord Zvi. Zuko envisions the future. In thirty years, Zvi will be ruling the Fire Nation. He'll be the finest Fire Lord in history.

Katara has started telling Zvi soothing words. Zuko leans closer to listen. The two are on the edge of dozing off.

"Z is for zeal, your zest for life," Katara is whispering. In her bed, she shifts her body towards the newborn. A smile graces her lips. "V is for valiant, a courageous warrior not to hold within."

Zvi's eyes flutters. She reaches out a hand towards her son, and concludes, "I is for inspire, those shall seek your guidance." Beside her child, she slips into the world of dreams, her child and husband by her side.

Zuko strokes her hair and wipes the sweat off her forehead. They are so incredibly blessed, and he will not forget it.

"Zvi," Zuko says once more, before their child drifts off to sleep.