The following couple of days only went by too fast.
Ursa was more than just excited to follow Zuko and see his lectures and demonstrations. The hardest part for her clearly was that she needed to stop herself from just running up and hug Zuko each and every time he did something she deemed amazing… Which honestly didn't take much and even Katara had to admit Ursa was a bit of an overbearing mother.
Especially considering just how grown accomplished Zuko was. Ursa was sometimes putting Katara to shame.
Then again… It was hard blaming the woman who had lost out on seeing her son growing up. And obviously her life in the fire nation palace had traumatized her and a way that wasn't just fixed in a month or even a year.
Clearly the hardest part for Ursa was to let go again when finally she had to leave and rejoin her theater and… The rest of her family.
"It's going to be okay mom." Zuko assured in a kind voice. "I'll come see you soon. I really… really want to see you on stage before your tour ends." he said.
"Yes… Of course." Ursa swallowed. "I just… I just." she looked up at Zuko with misty eyes. And then gently touched his scarred cheek.
"Don't worry Lady Ursa." Aang beamed as he stepped up next to Zuko. "We are taking care of Zuko! And making sure he gets everything he needs."
"I'm not letting anyone touch Zuko." Mai confirmed as she leaned up against him. "Well… anyone but me." she smirked.
"And we are all making sure he gets the rest he needs." Sokka said. "He would totally over work himself if we didn't put him to bed and tugged him in."
"Yeah no. No one is tugging me in." Zuko pouted.
"Well…." Mai hummed.
"Okay except Mai." Zuko held up a hand. "And sometimes Uncle." he admitted. "And I guess Katara did it ones… Twice."
"Probably more." Katara shrugged.
"Okay except those! No!" Zuko exclaimed.
"Just… Take care of yourself okay?" Ursa asked. "You almost burned yourself yesterday. That nearly gave me a heart attack."
"Mom seriously?!" Zuko asked. "I'm the fire lord! And a recognized fire bending master! The avatars fire bending teacher! I know what I'm doing!"
"Oh no you got dirt on your face." Ursa said as she pulled out a handkerchief and started rubbing Zukos cheek.
"Mom!" Zuko exclaimed and the rest chuckled as Ursa was finally done and Zuko was rubbing his now sore cheek.
Then Ursa halted… She swallowed.
"Mom…" Zuko spoke a bit more quietly.
"I lost so much." Ursa whispered. "You're an adult now. You have a fiance who loves you. A whole new family who looks after you... I just."
"Mom." Zuko sighed deeply. "Look I… " he tried. "I really missed you." he said. "I want to see you. I want you to be part of my life. And I hope… I'll be able to come visit you ones in a while. And I hope you would like to come visit me." he said. "And write letters! We don't have to be completely removed from each other again do we?"
Ursa swallowed and then she hugged Zuko tight ones again as she cried.
Zuko shook his head but gently padded her head. "I'll see you real soon okay?"
Ursa nodded. "Yes… Sorry." she said as she finally let go wiping her eyes with her hand.
"Come on up." Aang jumped up on Appas head. "We'll have you back to your theater in no time at all!"
"That's so very kind." Ursa smiled lightly.
"No problem! Appa could use the exercise!" Aang grinned as Zuko helped Ursa up into the saddle and Ursa looked down.
"See you soon mom." Zuko grinned.
"Yes." Ursa smiled. "Just wait till you meet Kiyi. She has been so curious about you!"
"I'm looking forward to it." Zuko smiled back as Aang flicked the reigns.
"Yip yip!" Aang exclaimed and they took off. Leaving Zuko as he sighed deeply.
Katara smirked. "She's really nice. Your mom." she said.
"Yeah…" Zuko said. "I know why she's over protective! I just… You know. I can handle myself... Mostly."
Katara smirked a little defeated. "It's nice of you that you let her." she said. "Yeah you're right. She's… Kind of over protective. But like you said. That's understandable. What she's been through… That's horrible."
Zuko nodded as he looked down. "I didn't know back then… But now I do. When Ozai was angry… When he had a fit. Mom would send me away with Uncle and allow him to take his anger out on her." he squinted his eyes. "Ozai would only be way to happy to kill me… She was the one who saved me. I can't even imagine… I just… I want her to be happy." he said. "So… If she want to treat me as a kid for a little bit and give me cookies. Who am I to say no?" he asked and he swallowed. "How many beatings do you think she has taken in my place?"
"You really think Ozai would do that?" Katara asked shocked.
Zuko laughed a hollow laughter. "I mean." he gestured at his face. "And where do you think Azula got her idea that abusing subordinates is okay? And you know… After mom was gone and just couldn't take the hits for me anymore." Zuko lifted a hand to his face.
"No." Kataras eyes widened. "He didn't."
"A slap here and there to teach discipline." Zuko sighed. "Worst part is that by the time I was banished I kind of thought that was normal and I deserved it for not living up to expectations. I thought Uncle was just being weak because he refused to ever lift his hand against me or raise his voice. Not even ones." he shook his head. "I would yell and scream into his face and he would just drink his tea until I was done." he sighed deeply.
Mais hold in Zuko suddenly tightened.
"I don't want to be like that." Zuko whispered. "Using fear and terror to control people… I want to be like uncle."
"We know Zuko." Mai smirked. "And you're doing a really good job of it sweetheart."
Zuko smiled lightly at Mai.
"So." Mai slid her hand up Zukos arm. "We will be heading to the next city ourselves tomorrow morning. Our date night was kind of cut short the last time so…"
"Sounds good to me." Zuko said in a light smile.
"You two should go to the spa!" Katara exclaimed. "They actually advertised these couples massages! And.." she stopped as the two looked at her. "Sorry. You two just do what you want." she backed away.
"You know what." Mai commented. "That actually sounds lovely."
"Suites me fine." Zuko said. "I could use getting my muscles loosened up a bit." he rolled his arm.
"Well… If the spa don't do their job probably. There is always me." Mai smirked. "Ty Lee has given me tips." she whispered and Zuko grinned.
"You two have fun!" Katara grinned as Mai was already dragging Zuko away. Not that she had to drag him at all. Zuko was more than just willing.
Only two weeks after. Team Avatar came flying in to catch one of the very last performances of Love Among dragons.
Yeah everybody was there. They were all deeply curious and wanted to see Zukos mother on stage, which made Zuko sigh.
He would honestly have preferred it more quietly and be a bit more inconspicuous. But this was his life now, and his family.
They landed Appa a bit outside of the town where Ursa would be performing, and then walked in hoping that no one would notice the…. Rather large group of colorful individuals.
Well the others had taken too wearing fire nation clothes when taken time off on this tour, it was just the easiest way to avoid getting attention.
Just wearing blue water tribe clothes still would earn you a lot of attention within the fire nation. Earth kingdom clothes a little bit less as there were some fire nation people who had adopted the fashion.
But yeah, water tribe was still completely foreign to the fire nation. And of course Aang was the only air nomad in existence. So Zuko was thankful he too had elected to just put on fire nation clothes and a hat. Somehow they had really managed it, to just come across as a normal group of teenagers as they walked into the city.
"So where's this theater?" Sokka asked.
"Should be in town square." Zuko informed. "So… Center of the town I guess." it took a little while longer but finally they found it, very obviously the place as there was a small theater building and posters in front of it announcing the play and the group.
In front of the theater stood a man, he looked middle aged and very average. His build was slender and he seemed to be in excellent physical health, well trained. Obviously physically active and his tanned skin revealed he was most likely an out door person. His long hair was collected in a simple pony tail and he was sporting a simple but elegant mustachio and goatee. All in all… He looked very normal.
By the sight of them how-ever his eyes widened and he halted. His eyes firmly on Zuko.
Zuko swallowed… Clearly he had just been recognized. Question just was what that meant.
And then slowly the man approached them, looking rather nervous until he stood in front of Zuko.
"Erhm… Hello." The man tried. "Lord Zuko… Your majesty." he frowned lightly.
Zuko blinked. "You've been waiting for me?" he asked.
"Yes." The man said. "My name is Noren. I believe Ursa told you about me."
"Oh." Zuko blinked and tried to take the man in again… So this was Ursas new husband? Not just that. Her original fiance. The love of her life. He looked…. Nice. There wasn't really anything particularly impressive about him at all. But he seemed earnest, and his eyes looked warm.
"Ursa is making herself ready for the performance. So I just wanted to make sure you would all be seated probably." Noren spoke very kindly. "She has been looking very much forward to see you again. And been unusually nervous for this particular performance." he smiled a resigned smile.
"Thank you." Zuko nodded. "That's very nice of you."
"It's the least I could do Lord Zuko." Noren bowed his head.
"Oh! Zuko is fine!" Zuko assured. "I mean… It would be nice if we could just.." he halted.
Noren smirked lightly. "I would be honored." he said. "Zuko." he added. "And it would mean a lot to your mother as well."
"Yeah." Zuko agreed. "Erhm." he offered Noren a hand. "It's nice meeting you Noren."
Noren finally relaxed and offered Zuko a very warm and genuine smile. "It's nice meeting you too Zuko." he said accepting his hand and shook it. "You look just like Ursa. It's very obvious that you're her son."
"Heh. Thank you." Zuko smiled a little as he let go. "Oh and this is Mai. My fiance." he presented as Mai waved. "And Aang the Avatar. Katara, Sokka, Toph, Ty Lee and Zhau-Li." he presented the entire group. "It's okay if you don't get all of them. I didn't really intend to bring the whole group. But they all wanted to see the show too." he sighed deeply.
"I'm sure Ursa will be very happy when she finds out you all came." Noren smiled sincerely. "Come on in." he waved them inside and the group followed. "Do you want some fire flakes to enjoy doing the performance?" he asked as they walked past the snack stand past the entrance.
"Yes me!" Sokka exclaimed. "Uh are those flaming fire gummies?"
Noren chuckled amused and soon after everyone was provided with snacks and drinks of their own choosing and were seated at the best spots just in time for all the other guests to pour inside and were seated as well.
"So this is the classic performance right?" Aang asked. "Performed like it was originally written?"
"That's what we were told yeah." Zuko sighed.
"Heh. I wonder how it holds up in comparison to Azulas version." Aang grinned.
"I suppose you have to tell me after the play is over." Zuko sighed deeply.
Finally after some time, and the entire theater had been filled up the sungi horn started to start the play and Zuko straightened up as the dark water spirit entered stage.
It took a while before the dragon empress arrived on stage, first the dragon emperor would have to be tricked to become mortal and get lost in the woods. It all went as it did, but in a very respectful and toned down way. Much more enjoyable than the over the top performances by the ember island players and then she came on stage.
As soon as Zuko saw her he couldn't help but smile. Ursa in her long flowing dress, a hint of sadness in her eyes as she spoke the lines. Moving with elegance and grace.
It was like she was born for this role and honestly… She was beautiful. Then as the play went on it was obvious that Ursa began to relax more and smile. She clearly loved it up there on stage and Zuko was beaming all over his face as he saw Ursas eyes shine in a way they never had in the palace.
And then finally as the show ended Zuko was the first one to stand up and shout as he clapped as much as he could followed by the others who all cheered and grinned.
"I liked that version too!" Aang said. "The other dragon empress was more playful and funny. This one was more tragic and it was like I just felt her sadness being cut off from her home! She was great!"
"Yeah." Zuko smiled. "She was amazing."
As the rest of the audience left the theater Zuko remained seated with his friends just as Noren came back smiling kindly at him. "How did you like the show?" he asked.
"It was great!" Aang beamed happily. "And you're the director right? You're really talented."
"Thank you Young Avatar. You honor me." Noren chuckled.
"Aang is fine!" Aang assured.
"Very well. Aang." Noren bowed gracefully just as Ursa coming storming back out on the stage. Clearly she had been in a rush to change now back in a regular red dress and her hair loose.
"Zuko!" Ursa beamed and then ran straight down to him hugging Zuko tight. "You made it!"
"Of course I did." Zuko chuckled as he hugged her back and they let go. "I wouldn't miss it."
Just then, a little head peered out from the curtains wide-eyed looking at them and Ursa turned around.
"Kiyi."
Zukos eyes widened and the little girl gasped as she vanished back behind the curtain.
Ursa smiled lightly. "Kiyi." she said kindly. "Come meet your big brother."
Slowly the head reappeared as she looked at them and Zuko swallowed, then slowly raised a hand. "Erhm… Hi."
Then slowly the little girl stepped forward revealing herself as she had her hands behind her back.
"Oh my goodness she's adorable." Katara squeeled.
Then suddenly Kiyi pointed at Sokka. "He's a meanie!"
"What?!" Sokka exclaimed.
"Azula was spending the whole night writing when you came. She writes when she's upset. You're mean!" Kiyi stated.
"Hey hold on!" Sokka exclaimed. "I had a right to be suspicious of Azula. You have no idea what we've been through with her."
Kiyi pouted and Katara hit her brother over the head.
"Azula." Zuko swallowed. "Is she… here too?" he asked.
"I'm sorry sweety." Ursa sighed.
"Oh… She doesn't want to see me. Right." Zuko nodded. "That's okay. I'm just glad she's okay."
Wide-eyed Kiyi looked up at Zuko as she stepped closer. "You don't seem as mean as I thought you would be."
Zuko blinked. "Why would you think I'm mean?" he asked.
Kiyi shrugged. "Why would Azula hide with her friends if you're not mean?"
"Oh." Zuko halted. "Erhm… You see." he tried. "Azula and I… We have kind of a complicated history." he said nervously twiddling his fingers. "I don't hate her! I swear!" he said. "And I really am glad she's doing well!" he said.
"Huh." Kiyi simply blinked then tilted her head. "What happened to your face?"
"KIYI!" Ursa exclaimed loudly.
Zuko smirked. "It's okay. Of course a five year old would be curious." he said then sat down on his knees so he was on eye height with Kiyi. "Well. You see." he said. "I suppose you already know that before your mom married your father. She was married to another man, and that's when she had Azula and me. That man though, he was mean! He was really really mean."
Kiyi nodded wide-eyed.
"He erhm." Zuko swallowed. "He was so mean that… He would hurt his wife and two children."
"I.." Kiyi halted. "That makes sense." she said.
"But it's okay now." Zuko said. "That man will never hurt anyone again. Not me. Not your mother and not Azula." he said. "We made sure of that."
"So he did that." Kiyi concluded looking at the scar.
"Yeah." Zuko nodded.
"I'm sorry." Kiyi swallowed.
"It's okay." Zuko assured. "I'm not ashamed of my scar. I got this scar because I was the only one saying no to a horrible idea. So really… My scar is proof I am willing to stand up for what I know is right. I want it to remind me of that. So really. I'm kind of proud of it."
"Oh Zuko." Ursa smiled.
"That's good." Kiyi said. "It looks cool!"
Zuko chuckled. "I'm glad you think so."
Noren cleared his throat. "Ahem." he tried. "So erhm… I did reserve a table at a restaurant but… I didn't count on Zuko to bring so many friends." he admitted. "So… I erh… I only reserved for four people." he admitted.
"Don't even worry about it!" Katara exclaimed. "This is a family thing! You just take Zuko and Mai. We'll handle ourselves it's no problem."
Mai blinked. "Me?" she asked.
"You are literately his fiance!" Katara exclaimed.
"Oh yeah." Mai realized. Then turned to Zuko. "Do you want me to come Zuko?" she asked. "I can hang out with the others. It's no problem."
"I would like you to come." Zuko nodded. "Thank you."
Ursa smiled lightly. "That's wonderful." she said.
Kiyi was still wide-eyed looking up at Zuko. "Are you really the fire lord?" she asked.
Zuko chuckled. "Yes. Yes I'm the fire lord."
"You don't look like a fire lord." Kiyi stated.
Zuko snorted. "So what is a fire lord supposed to look like?"
"I don't know. More fiery I guess." Kiyi said and Zuko laughed. "Do you have a palace?" she asked. "And servants? And a golden throne? Is it real gold? How much is it worth? Mom says you're really brave. Azula says you're a whimp."
Zuko snorted amused and Ursa shook her head. "I'm so sorry."
"Nothing to apologize for." Zuko chuckled amused. "I'm really glad I finally got to meet you Kiyi." he said sincerely. "Erhm… I hope I can be your brother. If you want that is."
Kiyi gaped as she looked at him. "I can call you brother?!" she asked.
"If you want." Zuko smiled.
"Brother!" Kiyi held up her arms in the air and Zuko laughed while Katara awed and Ursa smiled all over her face.
Noren shook his head. "Shall we go?" he asked.
"YESSS!" Kiyi shouted. "I'm hungry."
Zuko laughed whole heartedly then offered the little girl a hand she wide-eyed look at. Then beamed happily as she grabbed it.
"Mom said I could have dessert today!" Kiyi beamed. "As long as I remember to eat my greens first!" she stated as she pulled out Zuko with her.
Zuko chuckled as he allowed to girl to pull him with her.
"Can I show you my dolly?" Kiyi asked. "Her name is Lady Luan! She likes tea."
"Oh really?" Zuko asked. "I'm very good at making tea. It's a hobby of mine. Perhaps I could make you and Lady Luan some after dinner."
"Really?!" Kiyi gaped then grinned. "Yaaay!"
"Awwww." Katara cued again as she looked after the two vanishing.
"I'm so happy for Zuko." Aang smiled warmly.
"Yeah." Sokka sighed then looked up. "I'm hungry too! Let's find a place to eat!"
Katara rolled her eyes. "Fine."
"I'm hungry too!" Ty Lee stated and Katara sighed deeply.