Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs purely to Mike and Bryan. This is just my vain attempt to live past the series finale.

Chapter 28: The Road Ahead


Summary: As the daughter of the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, Katara must and will do whatever it takes to keep her people and her nation safe, even leaving it in order to become a servant in the home of the Fire Nation's Royal Family for infiltration. Instead of the war and destruction she expected, she finds beauty, life, and love, shown to her by the Fire Nation Prince himself.


Last Time…

Thick tears finally fell, plopping onto his pale skin and Katara rubbed them away with the pad of her thumb. She hiccuped through her cries. Placing a kiss over his scarred eye, she whispered, "Find peace. You deserve it."

She brought their lips together once.

"If the spirits are calling for you to go, you should go. Don't hold on just for me. This is killing the both of us."

Grazing their lips together once more, her breath fanning against his, Katara sighed, "Tell my mother I love and miss her terribly. She'd love you."

With a shaky breath, Katara told him once more, "I love you, Zuko."

She pulled away, a devastated expression on her face and she slowly untangled their fingers before stepping away, needing to call someone else to watch over him while she had time to herself.

The blue stone glimmered in the soft candlelight, nestled safely within ivory fingers.


Zuko shivered in the freezing cold, his breath escaping in thin silvery puffs. He hunched his shoulders, rubbing his palms together and using his breath of fire to release small flames from his mouth and keep his torso warm. His golden eyes scanned the horizon, seeing nothing but flat plains of ice and snow. Zuko had been curled on the ground like this for a while. He didn't know how long he had been there. The sun and moon didn't pass through the constant landscape of the sky. He didn't dare fall asleep to try and feel for the sunrise.

If he were being honest, he didn't know if he would wake up. His body was wracked by uncontrollable shuddering and Zuko breathed harshly through the burn of the icy wind entering his lungs, shutting his eyes against the ice that flew along its currents.

"Wake up!"

Zuko's eyes shot open and he whirled around, sending snow flying in the air.

"Katara!" he cried out. He stood and took several uncertain steps. "Katara!"

"Stupid… quit sacrificing yourself. Or you'll have nothing left to give."

Zuko's heartbeat raced and he panted as he tried to find out where her voice was coming from. He looked back up at the sky but saw nothing in the pearly grey clouds that stretched thinly above him.

"Sacrificing myself?"

He pulled up short at the memory of his father carelessly throwing aside Katara's lifeless body, the anger that engulfed him. He was so ready to die for her. Zuko shook his head. "Katara, I don't regret that," he hissed. "I'll always put you first."

"That's exactly her point. You need to put the two of you first. Together."

Zuko spun, his fists held up with weak flames struggling to come to life in the freezing air. He gasped harshly.

A young man stood in front of him, dressed in simple sable robes, unbothered by the arctic weather. His black hair was pulled back from his face and secured in a neat top knot. He had a kind face— it was rather square for a Fire Nation citizen, but with his porcelain skin and the beginnings of a beard growing from his sideburns, Zuko knew he had to be Fire Nation. Most of all, it was his eyes. His dark amber eyes that were so similar to his father's.

"Lu Ten?" Zuko croaked.

Lu Ten smirked back at him, though not unkindly. "Hey Zuko."

Zuko's eyes widened and he stared at their surroundings once more. "If you're here… am I dead?"

"Not exactly."

"What do you mean, 'Not exactly'?" Zuko yelled. "I don't have time for this!"

"Well your temper certainly has shortened since I last saw you," Lu Ten commented dryly. "Come on, let's walk."

Zuko exhaled noisily through his nose and grudgingly followed after him. He eyed Lu Ten's clothes. "Aren't you cold?"

"Not really."

"Is this really happening? Or am I just imagining it?"

"Does it make a difference either way?"

Zuko frowned. "I guess not. Where are we going?"

"Nowhere in particular. I've come to realize that walking helps clear the mind. Besides, we can't really go anywhere." Lu Ten folded his hands behind his back. "There isn't much else to do here."

"Where is here?"

"Generally speaking… the Spirit World. Specifically, I don't know. You created this place, Zuko."

"Me? The Spirit World? So I'm dead."

"Not exactly," Lu Ten reminded him. "You're… caught in between. Whether you live or die is entirely up to you."

"Obviously, I want to live," Zuko hissed.

"There's a barrier blocking your return and it stems from your own fear and insecurities of facing your next steps in life. You created this harsh environment from them. If you return, it will be difficult. A lot of work has to be done."

"I've done nothing but work. All of my life has been a difficult struggle. It went to hell after you died."

Lu Ten frowned. "I know. I'm sorry about that, Zuko. But you've proven yourself time after time that you believe in righting the wrongs our family's committed. I've been watching over you and Father this whole time."

Zuko's shoulders slumped in shame. "I'm sorry. It's not like you planned on dying. Or knew the implications of it. I was sad to hear about your death. Uncle misses you a lot."

Lu Ten smiled knowingly. "I hear him sing every year on my birthday. I'm hoping one of these days he'll hear me singing with him. Listen, tell him I love him, okay?"

"If I ever get back."

Lu Ten stopped, gripping Zuko's shoulders tightly. "Never give up without a fight, Zuko. Listen to that Waterbender of yours. She's a good one."

Zuko smiled up at Lu Ten. "Thank you."

"What else is family for?"

Zuko's breath caught in his throat and a memory flashed in his mind. The golden light of a sunset bathing over the black sand of the beach. Being tossed in the air by his Uncle while Lu Ten laughed over the sandcastle the three of them constructed. Overcome, Zuko threw his arms around Lu Ten and Lu Ten returned the gesture.

"I love you Zuko. I want you to be free."

Katara's voice sounded closer than before and Zuko wrenched away from Lu Ten, diving into the snow. His numb fingers brushed away snow until he scraped across the surface of the ice. He froze, a vision of blue eyes appearing to him from beneath the frosted surface.

"Katara!"

Zuko slammed his fist against the ice, flames bouncing off of the hard surface.

"Lu Ten! Help me!"

At the silence, Zuko lifted his head and searched for his cousin but once more, he was alone. He growled and began pounding on the ice when a loud crack thundered into the vast openness, the ice thinning beneath him. Zuko braced himself and made to leap out of the way before the collapsed ice took him with it. He swallowed a gulp of air and threw himself to the side, but he was pulled into the freezing current before he had a good grip of the thicker ice.

The shock to his body caused Zuko to seize up in the water, the feeling of millions of tiny needles pricking his skin creating tension in his muscles. Zuko looked up at the dimming light from the hole above him.

"Find peace. You deserve it."

Zuko gagged, trying to hold his breath. A flurry of bubbles obstructed his vision but he saw a dark shadow pass through the light. Zuko forced his arms to move and pushed against the water, kicking his legs to propel him up to the surface. A slender arm reached down into the water and Zuko grasped it, pulling himself up to gasp at the cold air when he broke through the surface. The arm reached around his back and dragged him onto the surface of the ice. Zuko coughed up water, his chest sprawled while the lower half of his body was still submerged below the water. He climbed out and rolled over onto his back, closing his eyes.

"If the spirits are calling for you to go, you should go. Don't hold on just for me. This is killing the both of us."

"Katara," he moaned. "I'm trying."

"She knows. But she also knows how tired and hurt you are."

Zuko scuttled away on his back clumsily, slipping along the ice. He stared up, his eyes wide with panic before he realized this person was the one who pulled him out. He wiped the water from his face and stared at her. Zuko gaped at the cerulean blue eyes looking at him with concern.

The woman had dark skin and her hair was held in a loose braid, allowing shorter strands of the dark brown hair to fall across her face. She had the same set to her mouth as Katara. Her face was oval, her chin more pronounced than Katara's although that could be due to her older age. But it was the same cerulean eyes that convinced Zuko.

"You're…"

"My name is Kya. I'm Sokka and Katara's mother."

"So, this is it? I'm really dead."

"It's as your cousin told you. You're trapped between life and the Spirit World. You need to make a decision, Zuko," she told him gently.

"I choose to live!"

"Yet you chose to stay here just now."

"I— what?"

"You chose to come back here. You broke through ice for a reason, didn't you?"

"I thought… I thought I saw her beneath the ice. I wanted to save her."

Kya smiled and slowly reached out. She raised an eyebrow in silent question and Zuko nodded. She placed her hand on top of his larger one and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Thank you for doing your best to protect her. Katara's so strong but it's nice to know there's someone she can be vulnerable with."

"It's because of you that she fights so hard. Everything she does is because of how much she loves you."

"Not just me. Everyone. Katara has a big heart. She loves so hard. And she never turns her back on those who need her. I think she blames herself for my death, but I would have sacrificed myself a million times over for my children. She needs to know that I'm okay. That I just want our family to be happy. I gave my life so she could live hers."

"Tell my mother I love and miss her terribly. She'd love you."

Kya smiled. "I know. Please tell her I know. And I think you're a good man. You're what she needed. She was so angry and hurt and you healed that pain in her heart."

Zuko scoffed. "I'm no healer."

"Katara was filled with grief and a need for revenge from the Fire Nation for what had happened. She blamed herself for my death. That's why she worked so hard at her Waterbending, to make sure that my saving the last Waterbender at the South Pole was worth it. You got through her anger. Shared it. Allowed her to see that everything has two sides— good and bad."

"I love you, Zuko."

"The choice is ultimately yours."

"I choose a life with her."

Kya beamed at him. "Remember that. Now go! She's waiting."

Zuko hesitated, but did the same as he did with Lu Ten, embracing the older woman. Kya returned the gesture with no regard for how Zuko was sopping wet with freezing water.

"Tell my family that I'm at peace and I love them."

"I promise."

Zuko rose and stood over the edge of the dark water. He looked over his shoulder and like he expected, he was alone again. But not for long. Without bothering to take a breath, Zuko dove back into the frigid water and let himself sink further into the blackness. The light from above dimmed and Zuko continued to allow the water to envelop him in its caress. He closed his eyes and felt his body begin to fight, the ache in his chest from lack of oxygen growing. Zuko pictured Katara's face and slipped away.


Katara's face fell into a grim frown as she continued her ministrations, carefully peeling away the bandages surrounding his chest, before healing the wound. In the days that had passed, her healing sessions had erased all other evidence of the two Agni Kais Zuko had fought in, save for the starburst on his chest where both his father and sister had permanently left their mark.

When she finished, Katara gently redressed the wound and tenderly stroked the back of her hand against his face. Then, she walked away and turned towards the window, taking in the view of the palace garden that it offered.

They were all trying to be patient.

To say it was difficult was a gross understatement. Iroh tried to maintain his peaceful countenance, but as he found himself as acting Fire Lord for longer than he thought, and there seemed to be no change in his nephew's condition, he grew restless. Ursa was beside herself with worry. The council suggested looking to new bloodlines to rule, earning themselves the wrath of the Dragon of the West, as well as her father's, which surprised her.

And Katara…

Katara just wanted it to end. Every night she slept by his side hoping that he would wake in the morning. And every morning, her heart would break as he remained still.

Her healing sessions kept the energy in his body flowing, kept it viable. But a dark thought whispered in the corners of her mind, wondering if her efforts were futile.

"Katara?"

Katara closed her eyes and sighed, clenching her fists at her side. "Please, Sokka, not now."

"I know that nights are when you have time to yourself, but the council needs a decision."

"Tell them they can take their proposition and shove it up their—"

"Sis… I know."

Katara felt her brother's presence at her back and he tucked her into his side. She looked up at him but he kept his gaze on the garden.

"I told them that you wouldn't agree, but they want to speak to you directly. Dad says that you should go to the meeting tomorrow and tell them yourself."

Katara exhaled noisily through her nose. "Fine," she grit out. She hugged Sokka tightly. "Why can't they see that I just need them to back off? I just need him to come back?"

"You're a war hero, Katara."

"I'm just Katara."

"Come on, come to dinner."

"I'm not hungry."

"Katara," Sokka's voice held a warning edge.

"I don't want to eat."

"Look, maybe if you—"

"I said I didn't want to!"

"How do the two of you expect anyone to sleep when you fight like a pair of grumpy dragon moose?"

The Water Tribe siblings broke apart, their jaws dropping as they stared at the bed. Zuko had pushed himself up onto his elbows, his head bowed as he took in a deep breath. Katara rushed to his side, trying to force him back down.

"Zuko, you shouldn't move too much. You'll aggravate your wound."

"This is going to hurt whether I'm lying down or sitting up. I feel stiff. I want to stretch my legs."

"Here, let me—"

"Katara, I got him."

Sokka gently pushed his sister aside and took one of Zuko's arms and gingerly wrapped it around his neck, knowing how the motion pulled at the healing skin on his chest. He apologized, but Zuko shook his head weakly. He guided Zuko to the corner of the bed so he could grasp the post. Zuko gave him a shaky smile in gratitude.

"Sokka, do you mind? I need to speak to your sister alone."

Sokka raised his eyebrows before he smiled and looked between the two. "Yeah, just don't make me an uncle yet," he joked.

Zuko rolled his eyes and if he had the energy, he would've punched Sokka. "I don't have the strength."

Narrowing his blue eyes, Sokka hissed, "Better not."

"Sokka!" Katara stomped her foot on the black marble, shooing him away angrily even though her cheeks were stained red. "Go get us food."

"Oh, so now you want to eat."

"Will you just go?"

Sokka laughed as he went through the door, completely aware that the duo was not in the mood for food, but not before pausing to look over his shoulder at Zuko. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're okay."

Zuko stared back in awe and nodded back at him, surprised by the affection he felt for the goofy Water Tribe warrior. After Sokka closed the door, he sagged against the pole and Katara gripped him tightly, her face etched in worry.

"Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you should lie back down."

"No. I've been lying down for too long. Let's go out into the garden."

"The garden?"

Katara looked as if she would refuse his request but he supposed there was something in his expression that caused her to relent. She secured her hold around his waist and wouldn't let him move until he leaned on her. It was a slow process, but together, they made their way from Zuko's room into the private garden. Just as they were settling down on the edge of the pond, Zuko leaning against the thick trunk of the willow tree, they heard a commotion coming from Zuko's open window.

"He's awake?!"

"What?"

"Sokka, you liar!"

"Where'd they go?"

Katara made to stand up and call their attention but Zuko gripped the hem of her tunic, pulling her down.

"Don't let them see you!" he whispered.

"Why not?"

To her surprise and delight, Zuko pursed his lips in a slight pout that she found cute. He grumbled something and Katara knelt next to him.

"What?"

Zuko would have crossed his arms but the slightest motion tore at his chest. "I just entered the world of the living again and you want to spend time with them?"

Katara grinned. Pressing against his side, Katara leaned against the trunk, resting her head on his shoulder. Zuko sighed and leaned over, his head perched on hers.

"I'm sorry. But you should know that everyone's been worried sick about you, especially Iroh and your mother. And your damn council."

Zuko snorted. "I'll see them tomorrow." He frowned. "Katara, what happened?"

He felt Katara stiffen and looked down at her. Katara was wringing her fingers nervously. He reached over and grabbed her wrists to stop her. She looked up and as their gazes met, he gently urged her, "What happened?"

"Sokka said… the two of us… and then somehow I managed to heal myself. But you—" Katara's voice cracked and Zuko had to force her to look at him before she continued. "You weren't responding and I didn't know what to do and then you said goodbye to me, Zuko," she said roughly.

Katara shook her head. "You said goodbye and I thought that was it. I never thought I would feel that much pain, so much anger. It was worse than when I lost my mother and it was my fault again. I wasn't good enough of a fighter to protect you. I wasn't good enough of a healer to save you. I… Aang managed to subdue your father and then…"

"Katara, what?"

She met his eyes fearfully. "I took away his bending," she whispered.

Zuko stared at her in shock. "You took away his Firebending?"

"I used bloodbending and then I remembered what Ty Lee taught me about chi blocking… benders are able to bend because they have the ability to extend their chi to interact with the elements. I severed his connection, took away his ability."

Katara moved away from Zuko, hugging herself as she turned away from him. She waited for him to tell her how she was a witch, that he couldn't be with her anymore. But instead, she heard his soft grunt of pain and turned, rushing to hold him up as he struggled to stand.

"Zuko! Please, don't leave!"

"Who said anything about leaving?" Zuko groaned. He held a hand to his chest. "Why are you turning away from me?"

"Aren't you disgusted by me? Scared of me?"

"I would never be disgusted by you. And the only time I'm scared of you is when you threaten me after I forget to do my share of the chores."

Katara stared at him, unsure of how to respond, in disbelief that he still cared for her, and grateful that he did. Zuko took her face and gently pressed his lips against hers.

"You're a powerful bender, Katara. You mastered your craft well and ensured that my father can't hurt anyone and that Aang wouldn't have to deal with something that would haunt him for the rest of his life."

Forgetting herself, Katara threw herself at him, immediately backing away at his hiss of pain. He pulled her in closer despite her protests.

"Your mother told me that she's so proud of you. And that she loves you and she's at peace. Stop blaming yourself."

Katara lifted a hand to her mouth in awe, letting out a small breath. "You met my mother?"

Zuko smirked. "And she told me to stop making you wait."

Katara beamed and Zuko thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world to see her so content and peaceful. She lowered her hand onto his chest tenderly.

"She's still looking out for me..."

Zuko kissed the crown of her head before tucking it beneath his chin. "That's what mothers do, Katara. No matter what."

She snuggled into his warmth and sighed. "Now what do we do?"

With an exasperated groan, Zuko cast his eyes upwards at the dark sky. "Now, I learn how to rule a country."

"Sounds simple," Katara quipped.

Glaring at her, Zuko drawled, "Right."

"You've got a tyrant for a girlfriend, so no problem."

"I don't think this country needs another tyrant."

"So… we've both got our work cut out for us."

The two laughed quietly and settled back down at the base of the willow tree, dipping their toes in the pond and enjoying the silence with each other. Neither noticed the small crowd of their friends and family watching happily from behind the railing that separated the palace halls and the private garden.


The group settled onto the soft grass in the garden, Toph falling backwards with her limbs spread while Suki and Katara arranged the settings on the low table for lunch. Behind them, Sokka, Zuko, and Aang murmured in quiet voices, discussing the latest council meeting.

"What are they on about?" Suki asked.

Katara rolled her eyes after looking back at them. "World leader things. It's complicated because even though Iroh removed a lot of the former administration as soon as possible, Zuko still doesn't know who to trust. And we're trying to reestablish peaceful alliances between the Fire Nation and the Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom."

"A century is a long time. A century of war…"

Katara nodded. "Zuko's also concerned about winning over his own people. They've been brainwashed… their school curriculum teaches nothing but how the Fire Nation is the superior country and to take what they can. A lot of people think Zuko is nothing but a pretender on the throne."

Suki rubbed Katara's shoulder sympathetically. "He'll win them over in time."

"She's right, Sugar Queen. Sparky won you over, didn't he?"

Zuko sat down and reached for a bowl of rice. "I'm beginning to think that was an easier battle," he grumbled, ignoring Katara's glare from across the table. "There's still a lot to be done. Vetting the council of advisors, trials for my father's loyalists, promoting new people to leadership positions in the military… trying to find out who's trustworthy."

Toph grinned and punched her palm. "Leave that to me, Sparky."

Sokka paused as he lifted his chopsticks to his mouth. "That's actually not a bad idea. Toph would kind of be like your own lie detecting Grand Secretariat. Of course, without the menacing troop of Dai Li assassins. Could you imagine Toph with her own Dai Li agents under her control?" Sokka made a face and continued his lunch.

"Right," Aang cut in. "Anyway… I have faith in you, Sifu Hotman." Aang ignored the way Zuko's eyebrow ticked in annoyance. "We'll make a great team. Together, we can convince everyone that things will be different, in a good way."

Zuko's frown remained. "There's also the matter of redistribution of wealth. My father kept a lot of people in his pocket, which means a lot of Fire Nation citizens have been struggling. The initial financial reports Uncle showed me are overwhelming. I don't blame a lot of people for being angry at me."

"Aw come on, Zuko, you know it's just misplaced."

"Sokka's right. A lot of healing needs to take place."

Katara met Zuko's gaze, flushing from the intensity of his golden eyes. He gave her a crooked grin. "It's a good thing I have the world's best healer at my side, then."

Aang shifted uncomfortably. "Speaking of which, Katara, about your bloodbending…"

Katara sighed. She and Aang had been having this argument for weeks now since their defeat of Ozai. She put down her chopsticks and met his eyes warily. Aang tapped his fingers together nervously.

"Aang, I've already told you, it's not about the bending, it's about the bender. You used to fear Firebending and now look at you."

"It's just… it seems so dark."

Toph rolled her eyes. "Well if you ask me, it was pretty useful since it kept you from having to murder someone, so tell me, Twinkletoes, which is the better option?"

"Toph's right, Aang. Just think about all of the other ways it could have ended that day. If my sister didn't step in…"

Katara frowned, disliking how it seemed to become an attack on the Airbender after he merely voiced his opinion. Zuko cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention.

"Aang, there's a dark and a light side to most things. The only way to truly understand something is to know both parts." Zuko looked at Katara meaningfully. "Like a person. You can only know them if you've seen them at their best and supported them through their worst."

Katara looked down at her hands. "The use of bloodbending to control other people against their will… is something I've had to internally deal with. But I won't deny that it's come in handy the past few months. And what about its possible applications in healing and saving lives? I don't regret learning the skill."

Aang pursed his lips but nodded in agreement. "Okay. Then maybe, it's just a skill that needs regulation to ensure it can't be misused."

Katara smiled. "We can work on that together."


Five Years Later...

Stretching her hands above her head, Katara groaned as her joints cracked and her muscles lengthened. She was finally returning to the Fire Nation after a long two months spent back at home in the Southern Water Tribe. As much as she enjoyed being surrounded by the familiarity of snow and sea, Katara found herself yearning for the warmth and sunlight of the Fire Nation.

Of course, she also yearned for a certain Fire Lord.

They'd had to separate shortly after celebrating the birth of Sokka and Suki's second child— a boy named Sato. Sokka had been appointed ambassador between the Fire Nation and the Southern Water Tribe after Zuko's coronation, but after three years, and after Suki announced her first pregnancy, which resulted in their daughter Sika, Sokka found that he missed his home too much to stay in the Fire Nation Capital and end up raising his young family there. Katara elected to take his place, providing the Fire Lord didn't disagree.

He didn't. Zuko was eager for Katara to have a permanent reason to stay in the Fire Nation with him. It had been two years since Katara accepted the position now and she called the Fire Nation home just as she did the Southern Water Tribe.

Katara walked down the ramp from the ship and waited for her guards to lead her to her mount. That was another thing she had to get used to— having guards appointed to her since she was now not only a war hero, but a dignitary bound by the Fire Lord's protection. Initially, she bristled against the protection detail, arguing with Zuko about her ability to take care of herself, but she relented to give him peace of mind. As much as either of them hated to admit, there were still those out there that wanted Zuko and the rest of them dead.

The past five years were difficult for them. But they were getting by and doing amazing work. And whenever they all had the time to visit Iroh's teashop in Ba Sing Se sharing stories, they all agreed it was worth it.

Lifting a hand to her eyes to shield them from the bright sunlight, she froze at the bottom of the ramp, her jaw dropping before she laughed at the sight of her grumpy fiancé.

Although he retained his taciturn expression, Katara could discern the slight softening in his gaze as he saw her. Katara ran towards him and straight into his arms that opened as she got closer, her laughter ringing through the air.

"I didn't know you were coming to pick me up. I thought you'd be in meetings all day because of the new trading routes you were setting up with Bumi."

"Mother reminded me that those could wait. Seeing you for the first time in weeks couldn't."

"I'll have to thank Ursa when we get back to the palace then."

Zuko smirked at her and Katara couldn't help but flush at the look he gave her, his handsome face still flustering her after being together for over six years. She took in the slight changes that happened since Zuko had to leave the South Pole a month early to return to his duties. She guessed that his hair had grown even longer, although he still managed to keep it all in it a top knot fastened by his golden headpiece, even though she knew it brushed past his shoulder blades when he took it down.

Katara was happy to see that he didn't look as if he wasn't sleeping. His eyes remained golden and bright. Zuko had grown taller yet again. Now, he was more than a full head taller than her. His face had lost all childhood softness, the angular planes of his face more pronounced.

"Finished ogling yet?"

"I haven't seen you in a month!" Katara protested. She crossed her arms and shifted her weight onto one hip. "Don't act like you weren't doing the same."

"You're right. I'm just much more subtle."

Katara rolled her eyes and took his arm as he led her to their ostrich horse, accepting his help as he boosted her onto the high saddle before sitting behind her.

"And I have to hide you before my mother finds you and steals you to go over wedding details."

"She's well within reason to be worried about it. It's only a few days to the wedding."

Zuko looked at the betrothal necklace around her neck, unable to hide the happiness on his face at the prospect of getting married. He still couldn't believe she had said yes two years ago as soon as she accepted her position as ambassador.

They were sitting under the willow tree, Katara sitting between Zuko's legs, her head pressed against his chest so she could hear his heartbeat. She appreciated the intimacy of hearing evidence of his life.

"I'm glad you decided to take over from Sokka."

Katara turned in his arms and smiled up at him. "Well if we're talking about maintaining peaceful relations between the Southern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation, I think I'm more than qualified."

Zuko smiled back. "Overqualified," he agreed. He hesitated, his fingers idly drawing patterns on her stomach where he had wrapped his arms. "It had me thinking…"

"Oh no."

Katara yelped when Zuko playfully pinched her. She giggled. "I'm joking."

"You're going to be staying here… we've been together for a long time… the people love you…"

"What's your point?"

"Don't you think it's time to give them a Fire Lady?"

Katara completely turned around and sat up, Zuko's arms falling away. "Married? You want to get married?"

Hurt splashed against Zuko's features. It cut deep and Katara saw it reflected in the golden depths of his eyes. "You don't?"

"It just seems really fast."

With a frown, Zuko insisted, "We've been together for nearly four years." He watched Katara fidget under his gaze, pulling at the curly ends of her long hair. "Katara, I'd appreciate some honesty from you."

Katara stared back, recognizing the same words she had uttered to him so long ago, when they had first met and started down the path that led them to each other. "I haven't lied to you in a long time, Zuko."

He smiled tenderly at her. "Do you love me?"

"Yes."

"Do you think you'll ever change your mind about us?"

"No." Katara's voice was strong with her conviction and her answers caused a pleasant warmth to settle deep in Zuko's body.

"Then why not?"

Zuko's smile grew as Katara stammered, finding her nervous habit endearing. He gently rubbed his thumb over her hand as they interlaced fingers. Katara's cheeks took on a rosy hue and Zuko gave her a roguish grin, thoroughly enjoying the color against her deep skin.

"Fair point," he conceded with mock seriousness.

Setting her jaw, Katara glared at him, causing Zuko's grin to grow. "Shut up," she mumbled. "See? This is my exact point. We keep bickering like lousy teenagers."

"I wouldn't call us lousy. And you know you like arguing with me," Zuko mused, tilting his head in consideration.

Katara grinned cheekily, enjoying how playful Zuko was being. She knew he had been under a lot of stress recently. "Yeah, I suppose I am pretty spectacular."

Zuko leaned forward and snapped his teeth at her in teasing censure. Katara halfheartedly pushed at his chest to keep him off of her, struggling to maintain her scowl through her giggles.

"Zuko!"

"Say my name with more feeling," he whispered against her ear.

"Zuko!" she gasped, her cheeks flaming at this point.

"That sounds about right."

Katara threw him a scandalized look, causing Zuko to laugh. She couldn't help but relent, relaxing at the husky sound.

"Back to the matter at hand," she prompted.

"Like I said, you've already won over the people's hearts. And it's about time, don't you think?"

Katara's expression softened and she leaned up onto her knees, cradling his face in her hands. Zuko visibly perked up and he looked at her with such hopeful excitement, Katara had to grin. "Yes."

Zuko wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer against him and Katara shifted until she was completely settled in his warmth. She shot him an impish smirk and earned herself a tenderness in his gaze that she didn't see often, but warmed her heart. Zuko's face lit with such happiness that Katara couldn't believe that she was the one that caused it. As he stood, lifting her in his arms, Katara felt her smile widen as she beamed up at him, her laughter echoing throughout the tranquil garden while he spun her around.

"Zuko!" she giggled. "I'm getting dizzy!"

Zuko placed her back on the ground with his hands on her hips in a firm grip to steady her. "I love you, Katara. You mean everything to me."

Katara closed her eyes in anticipation when he lowered his face towards hers. She shivered at the feeling of his scarred skin brushing against her cheek, his breath warm against the shell of her ear.

"While your eyes are still closed…"

Katara knit her eyebrows together. "What?"

His fingers grazed around her neck, one hand lifting up the masses of brown curls while the other fastened something, its weight tugging against the back of her neck. Zuko watched her cerulean eyes pop open and stare at him in wonder before looking down. Since his coronation and the need to wear his golden headpiece, Zuko elected to keep her mother's necklace safely hidden away until he had a daughter to pass it down to.

She lovingly touched the smooth surface of the stone, marveling at the beauty of its colors, a myriad of swirling blue, red, gold, and grey. As she lifted the stone in the light, she gasped at the streak of luminosity that reminded her of the sheen of flowing silk. Delicately etched into the surface of the stone was a sun with two crescent moons on either side of it, reminding Katara of the crest on her father's armor, except the full moon was altered to a sun.

"Zuko, this is beautiful."

"This material is called a tempest stone since it's said to carry a storm within it. I thought it was fitting."

Katara held it tightly in one hand, the other cupping his cheek. "I love it. I love you."

She pressed her lips against his, sighing as Zuko took control of their kiss, deepening it and overwhelming her until she was breathless. Katara yelped and blushed furiously when he lifted her up.

"Zuko!"

"We're celebrating," he quipped, walking towards the bedroom they shared. He grinned when she slapped his chest teasingly and sent his thanks to Agni that he found a woman to give him a reason to laugh everyday.

As Zuko lifted Katara off of the ostrich horse and through the main courtyard, he caught sight of the wedding preparations. Dozens of servants were setting up the courtyard in front of the temple with rows of seats and an overwhelming amount of flowers. Zuko leaned down to kiss Katara's forehead and offered her a warm smile.

"I still can't believe you agreed to be by my side throughout all of this."

Katara stepped closer to him. "Well where did you expect me to be? Behind you?" She scrunched up her nose. "Not a chance, Sparky. Partners."

His arms wrapped around her middle and she nestled deeper against him, resting her head against his heart, her hand pressed to the hollow of her throat to hold onto her betrothal necklace.

"Partners," Zuko agreed.

From the top of the palace steps, they stared out over the courtyard and the capital city to the sea beyond.


I'd just like to say a massive thank you for all the feedback I received over the past two chapters. I appreciate all of it. I never expected them to spur the reaction that they did.

Just a few notes about the direction I took regarding the last chapter. I've gotten some PMs/reviews about Katara being the one to take away Ozai's Firebending. Although this story related to canon frequently, Aang didn't run away on a lion turtle's back. He never learned energybending. But we know from canon how much of a conflict it was for Aang to consider killing Ozai. I wanted to stay true to his character and make sure he didn't betray that part of him.

As for whether I gave Katara Avatar-like powers with her bloodbending, I have one thing to say: Amon. It is perfectly within the franchise's canon for a powerful bloodbender to have the ability to take away bending. I don't recall if they ever brushed on the mechanics of it. That's where I got creative based on my understanding of how bending and healing works. I have mentioned in the past few chapters that Katara actively practiced her bloodbending ability and it's well known that she is one of the best Waterbenders within the franchise. I firmly believe that if canon Katara worked on her bloodbending, she could be just as strong of a bloodbender as Yakone, Tarrlok, Amon, etc.

I think Zuko or Katara would have been able to kill him. And I think they would have been able to live with it, to be honest. But largely, I think this story was about choices and learning how to reconcile the dark and light parts of your character. I think they both accepted that they could do it if necessary, but chose not to, which requires a lot of strength of character, in my opinion. As it was, Zuko was unable to defeat his father and Katara thought a better punishment would be for him to live out the rest of his life a prisoner than to die (and possibly wreak havoc in their afterlife in the Spirit World, idk).

Now to address whether I made Ozai seem weak, I apologize. That could be very true. Action scenes are not my strong point, I'm aware. I hoped that I could convey the strength and ruthlessness with which he fought Team Avatar, as he did in my imagination.

TLDR; I love all of you a lot and appreciate the feedback, words of encouragement, constructive criticism. Just wanted to clear up a few concerns.

And the stone I described is real and beautiful. It's called pietersite if you're interested in looking it up.

Edited May 2019