"Wow, this is amazing to watch." Katara breathed. Zuko had to agree with her. The dazzling lights darting across the sky above them truly were a sight to behold. The blue glow shone down, casting a hazy sheen over his sight. But it was so peaceful and the stars so breath taking that he didn't mind.
"Kind of makes you realise how insignificant we are." Sokka commented from Zuko's left.
"Eh, you've seen nothing once, you've seen it 1000 times." Toph shrugged. It was very rare that Zuko ever felt pity for her blindness, but he did feel a swell of sadness that she couldn't witness the spectacle above them. He promptly kicked himself, knowing she'd pummel him into oblivion if she knew what he was thinking.
He gasped in awe with the others as a shooting star soared overhead; burning bigger and brighter than any of the others.
"Oh man," Sokka exclaimed, "You've never not seen anything like this."
Zuko bolted upright in shock. "That's a meteor!"
The ball of flames roared perilously close overhead. Zuko tracked it in his gaze until it disappeared over the ridge: and hit the ground with a tremendous blast. Ducking down low, he curled around his belly to shield it from the explosion.
The others stood up to peer up at the rising smoke. Sokka helped Zuko shakily stand to join them. They exchanged worried glances. Within a moment, they were climbing onto Appa and flying over to inspect the damage.
"The fire is going to destroy that town!" Katara cried at the sight of the raging blaze.
"Not if we can stop it!" Aang called back.
With a growl, Appa landed. They others all leapt off. Zuko stubbornly ignored the dizziness that followed his slide down. Katara jumped onto Appa's head and took up the reins.
"There's a creek over here. I'll bend the water onto the fire."
"Toph, let's make a trench to keep the fire from coming any closer." Aang said.
"I'll try and keep the flames under control while Katara gets the water." Zuko added.
The three benders shot forward, but Sokka stayed back, swinging his machete. "What should I do?"
"Keep an eye on Momo." Aang suggested.
"So what, I'm just a lemur sitter?"
The dejected look on Sokka's face was sad. Zuko wanted to do something about it, but he knew there was a job to do. Making sure he stayed out of the way of Aang and Toph's trench, he reached out to the flames. They spat and hissed angrily. Zuko fought to pull them back. Containing them was hard. He struggled against their temper, keeping himself calm and collected. His breathing remained steady and even. Partly to cool the fire and partly to fight his way through the lingering dizziness.
As Toph and Aang pushed the fire back, it spat out several small jets of flames. Zuko nearly put them out but let Sokka and Momo do it instead. Hopefully having something to do would make Sokka feel better.
Appa and Katara flew over, a huge ball of water hovering behind them. It doused the flames as they went. Zuko felt the fire stutter and fade as the water touched it.
Toph rolled huge stone slabs over the remaining flames to fully put them out. Zuko released his hold on them and let the others finish the job. As he clasped his knees, breathing through the dizziness, he noticed out of the corner of his eye Sokka sitting sadly on the ground.
"Sokka, stand clear!" Aang ordered.
"Right. Stand clear." Sokka repeated miserably.
With that, Aang blew out an icy breath- spreading the water out across all the last fires.
Zuko brushed ashy snow from his hair and made his way over to Appa.
"Zuko, are you okay? You look really pale." Katara asked worriedly.
Zuko waved a dismissive hand. "I'm fine. Just tired and pregnant."
"If you're sure," Katara frowned, "But I'd like to check you over, just in case."
"Tomorrow," Zuko said, "Right now, I think we all could do with some sleep."
He looked at Sokka's hunched figure, staring down at his feet, lacking all of his usual energy and flair. Zuko didn't like it. At all.
As soon as they returned to their campsite, they collapsed into bed. Zuko curled up on Appa's tail- having been ordered by Katara that he was not to be sleeping on the ground anymore- trying to banish Sokka's sad face from his mind.
The next morning, they decided to take advantage of the civilization nearby and go out for breakfast. Zuko was drawing surprisingly less attention in his hooded cloak than he thought he would. Maybe it was the scent of his pregnancy. Even though his belly wasn't visible under his cloak, he still exuded the calming maternal scent of a pregnant Omega.
"These people have no idea how close they were to getting toasted last night." Aang commented as they ate.
"Yeah, the worst thing about being in disguise is we don't het the hero worship anymore. I miss the love." Toph lamented.
Zuko was more interested in devouring his bread than participating in a conversation. His morning sickness had faded, leaving him absolutely ravenous with an appetite to rival Sokka's. Or at least, it would, if Sokka had any appetite.
He was sitting away from their table on the steps, plate untouched beside him. "Boo hoo, poor heroes." He groused.
"What's your problem?" Katara asked, "You haven't even touched your smoked sea slug."
"It's just, all you guys can do this awesome bending stuff, like putting out forest fires and flying around and making other stuff fly around. I can't fly around, okay? I can't do anything." Sokka sighed miserably.
For maybe the first time in his life, Zuko wanted to hug somebody. He wasn't sure what to do about it. Should he go up and hug Sokka? Or would that be weird? Was this just a hormone thing?
"That's not true." Katara protested. Yes, let Katara handle it. Emotions and mothering were her thing. "No one can read a map like you."
"I can't read at all." Toph added.
"Yeah, and who keeps us laughing with sarcastic comments all the time?" Aang said, "I mean, look at Katara's hair, right? What's up with that?"
"What?" Katara said with an embarrassed blush, "What's wrong with my hair?"
"Nothing, I was just trying to…" Aang said.
"Look, I appreciate the effort," Sokka interrupted, "But the fact is each of you is so amazing and so special, and I'm not. I'm just the guy in the group who's regular."
Zuko stuttered. He was a disgraceful disappointment with a legion of bad decisions under his belt. How could Sokka think Zuko was so special and amazing, but not see that he was so much better than that? But the Omega didn't voice those opinions, for fear of making Sokka feel worse. Zuko had that kind of luck after all.
"I'm sorry you're feeling so down, but I hope you know none of us see you that way."
Sokka said nothing, but Katara grinned and set a hand on his shoulder.
"I know something that's gonna make you feel better. "
"You do?" Sokka mumbled pitifully.
Before Zuko knew it, he was whisked across town to go shopping. Terrific. But Sokka brightened up immediately, running to the racks of weaponry, so Zuko didn't complain.
"Maybe a little something to reinvigorate my battling. Hey, how about these? " Sokka said, plucking up a pair of nunchucks. His attempt at twirling them around ended with him hitting himself on the head, knocking both him and a rack of spears over.
Next he tried a guandao. He didn't seem to like it very much. He couldn't even lift the mace he tried. Zuko cringed so hard at his attempt with dao that he quickly put them back. Then tangled himself up in a chain. The spear didn't work either.
Then something caught his gaze and his eyes lit up.
Zuko followed his stare to the sword hanging on the wall. From the distinct, intricate craftsmanship, he knew it was Piandao's work. A sword. Yes. That might be what Sokka needed.
Judging from Sokka's awed gasp, he seemed to agree. "That's what Sokka's talking about."
The shopkeeper ambled over to where they were browsing. "You have a good eye. That's an original from Piandao, the greatest sword master and sword maker in Fire Nation history. He lives in the big castle up the road from here."
"That's it!" Aang exclaimed, "That's what you needed all along, Sokka."
"A sword?"
"Not the sword. A master. We've all had masters to help us get better. You should see if you can study with Piandao."
"That's a great a idea," Katara chimed in, "I could've never gotten to where I am without Master Pakku. Everyone needs a teacher. "
"I learned from badgermoles. They don't talk, but they're still good teachers." Toph announced.
"It would be nice to be a master swordfighter." Sokka said, examining the sword again. "Zuko, do you know anything about this Piandao?"
"Shh," Zuko hissed, "Not so loud."
"Sorry."
"But yes, I do. He's the one who trained me."
"Really? That's so cool!" Aang grinned.
Zuko shrugged. "He's definitely the best of the best. If he takes you on, you'll be a master in no time."
"Alright, I'll talk to him." Sokka said.
"Great. Can we please go back to Appa now? My back is killing me." Zuko drawled.
"Oh right. Yeah, absolutely."
Katara frowned, already starting to hover obnoxiously as they made their way out of the shop. "I still haven't checked you over from last night."
"Katara, I'm fine. I was just a little bit dizzy. Nothing to kick up a fuss about." Zuko groaned.
"You don't know that," Katara shot back, "Exactly how much do you know about pregnancy?"
"It's my body! I'm fine." Zuko snapped.
"Guys calm down. Arguing with Zuko isn't going to help him." Aang interrupted.
"You're right. I'm sorry Zuko." Katara said.
"It's fine." Zuko sighed.
They made their way in silence back to the camp. Zuko had just enough time to point Sokka in the direction of Piandao's house before Katara had him stretched out across his sleeping bag with his shirt rolled up. Glimmering water coated his skin and her hands gently probed the soft swell. Apparently the chi sensing ability water healing granted her allowed her to sense the development of the baby. Zuko didn't really understand it, but he appreciated it none the less. He didn't know what he was going to do with the baby once it was out; but he did know he wanted it as healthy as possible.
"Well, you and the baby both look good." Katara sighed.
Zuko rolled his eyes. "I told you so."
"But you will be dizzy throughout your pregnancy, so you really need to take it easy. We don't want you to end up getting hurt."
Zuko just groaned and buried his face in Appa's fur.
"Sokka's been gone awhile." Aang said.
"That's probably a good thing. Piandao's probably accepted him as a student." Zuko replied.
"Oh good."
"Either that, or he's been kidnapped or murdered or something."
"Zuko!"
"But he's probably fine."
What Zuko wasn't expecting to learn was that the group seemed entirely dysfunctional without Sokka. While was running through and attempting to modify his katas, the others stretched out across the floor, bemoaning their boredom.
"What should we do today?" Aang asked.
"I'm tapped out," Toph replied, "I already picked my toes twice."
"Twice?" Aang repeated.
"The first time was for cleaning, but the second time's just for the sweet picking sensation."
"Sokka's been in charge of the schedule. I'm not sure what we should be doing." Katara said.
"Plus it's so hot today." Toph moaned.
"How hot is it?" Aang asked.
"I don't know. Real hot?" Toph said.
"It's so hot Momo is shedding like App," Katara joked, "Huh? Huh?"
Zuko was the worst at jokes and even he knew that that was truly awful.
"I guess the jokes don't run in the family." Aang muttered.
"Oh, everyone's a critic." Katara huffed.
"If you're so bored, why don't you practice your Firebending? You've been neglecting it." Zuko suggested.
Aang groaned. "Zuko, that's boring. And it's hot."
"Then don't complain about being bored if you're not going to find something to do."
"Hey, Zuko maybe you should come and take a break," Katara said, "You've been training for a while."
"But I've barely gotten started."
"You shouldn't be overworking yourself in your condition."
"Katara. You can't keep nursemaiding me just because you're bored."
"Zuko. Just humour me today. Please."
"Ugh, fine."
Zuko also wasn't expecting to learn that Sokka was apparently the only one who could read a map. Yes, he knew Sokka was the best, but he didn't realise Aang and Katara were completely clueless.
"We're starting from here." Katara began, pointing on the map.
"No, we're over on this island." Aang interrupted, pointing somewhere completely different.
"You noodle brains don't know what you're doing," Toph complained, "I miss Sokka."
"Ooh, I got one," Katara declared, "If you miss him so much, why don't you marry him?"
Toph just rolled over. A fly buzzed past noisily. Aang blew it away.
Zuko rolled his eyes and settled down next to the map. "Here, let me help. Right now, we're here."
"Oh, thanks Zuko."
The group had drifted into nap mode over the course of the afternoon. While the others were content to spread out on the ground, Zuko settled himself on Appa's fuzzy foot. He was just letting go of the last shreds of consciousness when Toph bolted up right excitedly. "Sokka's coming!"
Aang and Katara both jerked upright with identical wide grins. Zuko slowly peeled his eyes open and stretched.
"Hey guys. What are you doing?" Sokka asked as he walked over. Zuko was pleased to note that the Water Tribe boy was dressed in the standard brown clothing of one of Piandao's students.
"Sokka?" Aang exclaimed.
"You're back." Toph squealed as they all converged on Sokka, swarming him.
"We missed you so much." Katara added.
"Say something funny!" Aang begged.
"Funny how?"
Zuko didn't understand how the response warranted the ruckus of laughter that followed. Sokka didn't look like he understood either. it made Zuko feel a little bit better.
"What's their deal?" Sokka asked.
"I don't know. They missed you or something. I didn't care." Toph shrugged. But Zuko didn't miss her blush.
Sokka cast him a questioning look and Zuko just shrugged.
"Thanks," Sokka sighed, "That warms my heart. Anyway, I need some help."
"What with?" Zuko asked, slowly getting to his feet.
"Well, Piandao's helping me make my own sword and I want to use the meteor from last night. I just need help getting it back to Piandao's house."
"Alright, let's get going."
"Hold it!" Katara said, "You stay here and rest. We'll handle the meteor. Besides, Piandao might recognise you."
"Fine," Zuko said as he flopped back onto Appa's foot, "You guys have fun."
Although getting in some extra napping wasn't so bad, really.
"Hey, Zuko." Sokka greeted as he sat down next to Zuko.
Zuko sat up properly and rubbed the last traces of sleep from his eyes. "Hey, Sokka. Do you need something?"
"No. We're friends, remember? That means casual conversations."
"Oh. What about?"
"I was just curious- what was Piandao like to train you?"
Zuko shrugged. "He was nice. He didn't make me feel like I was useless. I wasn't the kind of student he likes to take on, but he still treated me fairly."
"What do you mean?"
"He only trains those he deems worthy. He took me on when I was 11 as a favour to my mother."
"Oh, right."
"Well, I told you how Azula was a Firebending prodigy, didn't I? And how I wasn't very good? Well, I think my mother arranged for Piandao to train me so I could have my own thing to be good at."
"Oh. Well, I think you're plenty good at sword fighting and Firebending."
Zuko smiled. "Thanks. We should spar sometime- you know, once I'm not carrying extra."
"That would be great. You know Piandao said I could become a master one day."
"And when it comes to swords, he's never wrong. I look forward to the day when people are coming from all over the world to be trained by Master Sokka."
Sokka pulled a little pouch out of his pocket and held it out. "Piandao's a good guy though. He knew I was Water Tribe and still trained me and knew that Aang was the Avatar and he didn't care. Crazy, right? Oh, and he gave me this. Does it mean anything to you?"
Zuko reached inside and stared at the white lotus tile. "The white lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets." That was just a coincidence, right? A very eery, very weird coincidence. His uncle wasn't the only one in the world who enjoyed pai sho. There had to be at least a handful. It wasn't too far out of the realm of disbelief that Piandao was one of them. Was it? He was just being silly. Probably the hormones.
"I don't- no, it doesn't."
"Oh well," Sokka shrugged. "Worth a try. Oh! You have got to see my new space sword! It is the coolest thing ever!"
Zuko smiled again as Sokka brandished the weapon proudly. It was a truly impressive piece of work, gleaming in the sunlight. Something inside Zuko's stomach fluttered. With wide eyes, he pressed his hand to his bump. And smiled even wider.
"Zuko?"
"Sorry. I'm just really glad you're my friend Sokka."
"Aww. Me too, Zuko."