Long ago, the 4 elements lived side by side. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Finally, after a long 4 year battle, the avatar was able to defeat Fire Lord Ozai and bring peace to the land. With his father gone, Prince Zuko is now the current ruler of the Fire Nation, with his young bride of 2 years at his side; but not everyone is happy with the new arrangements.

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

The sun slowly rose over the horizon as a fleet of ships made its way back to the Fire Nation. Aboard the main ship was a very agitated Prince Zuko. The atmosphere around him was tense and fiery and no one dared make any sudden moves.

After sailing for a month his mood was understandable. Even the sailors were getting anxious to set foot on dry land. But Zuko had other reasons for wanting to get home. He had someone waiting for him and he didn't want to keep her waiting too long, especially since he knew how she got when she was impatient.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the ships docked in the harbor. Prince Zuko was the first one off, seeing as he practically ran. He made his way to the castle, where a certain someone would be. He entered quietly, hoping to surprise a few people. He was half way down the hall when he heard footsteps coming toward him.

Slowly, the figure of a young woman came into view. She had very tan skin that seemed as soft as silk. Her hair was a dark brown and was currently tied back into a braid. Her eyes were a mesmerizing blue that shone brightly as she smiled. She wore the traditional Fire Nation robes that fit smugly against her form. Upon further examination the fact that she was pregnant became obvious.

"Zuko,' she said as she ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. She buried her face in his chest and inhaled, as if reassuring herself that he was in fact standing there.

"Katara," he said as he nuzzled her and secured his arms around her waist.

She squeaked as he picked her up and began to spin her around. She kept her hands on his shoulders as she giggled, enjoying the ride. After so many turns Zuko fell over, bringing Katara with him. She landed on him with an "oof" and laughed with him as everything in the hall spun back into place.

"I missed you," she said as he helped her up.

"I missed you too, love," he said pulling her close and giving her a gentle kiss.

He pulled back and gazed into her beautiful blue orbs. She gazed back with warmth and compassion. She threw her arms around his neck once more and was content to stay there for the rest of her life. She mumbled something incomprehensively as Zuko nibbled on her earlobe.

Without so much as a warning he pulled back, took her hand, and lead her down the hall. Even after 2 years of marriage it never seized to amaze her how fast his mood's changed.

"I bet you're wondering what took so long," he said not bothering to look at her.

"Well, yes, I was," she answered unsure if she had said the right or wrong thing.

"The Earth Kingdom still doesn't trust us."

"But we haven't done anything to them."

"They think I'm like my father."

Katara suddenly came to a halt, pulling Zuko to a stop as well. He turned around and didn't even realize she was moving towards him until he felt her lips on his. He was too shocked to react and it wasn't until she pulled away that he regained his ability to move.

"You are nothing like you father Zuko. You have far more honor and integrity than he ever did. And you are an astounding leader," she spoke softly choosing her words carefully, "Don't ever doubt yourself, my love."

With that said, she left him to think things thoroughly. Just as she was out of sight, however, she turned and blew him a kiss. Zuko just stood there and watched as she walked away before shaking his head and chuckling lowly.

"Lord Zuko!" Came a shout from the opposite end of the hall.

He turned to see who it was and his eyes fell upon one of the servants running up to him. The servant kneeled before him before speaking, "Your lordship, you have a visitor."

"Who?"

"Commander Zhao, sir."

"Well then, let's not keep my visitor waiting... More than he has to anyway. Tell Commander Zhao that I'll be with his shortly."

"Yes sir."

Zuko smirked to himself as the servant went on to deliver the message. Zhao might have something important to say (or not), but it would have to wait. He had just gotten back and he had missed Katara greatly.

She hadn't told him where she would be, so following his instincts he made his way to their bedroom, hoping he wasn't losing his touch at so young an age (he was only 20 for god's sake). Sure enough, he found Katara in their bedroom, sitting on the bed reading a book. She looked up when she heard the door open and smiled warmly at him when he entered.

"Hi," she said softly, reaching her hand out to him.

"Hey," he walked over, took her hand in his, and climbed on the bed, pulling her into his embrace.

She snuggled closer to him as he let loose her hair. While one hand played with a strand of her dark brown hair, the other one gently rubbed her belly.

"How are you?" He asked referring to the pregnancy.

"I'm fine now that you're here," she smiled at him as he entwined their fingers, "Just promise me that next time you go off somewhere to discuss matters that involve the peace of our nation you'll take me with you."

"I -----"

"Promise me Zuko," she said holding out her pinky finger from her free hand.

He sighed deeply knowing there would be no other way but to promise. Hesitantly, he linked his pinky with hers and looked down at her, "I promise."

She sat up and gave him a peck on the cheek before settling back down beside him. He lay there feeling her breath even out and watching as her eyelids drooped close. He knew she hadn't slept well in the month he was away because he hadn't himself.

He was content in laying there forever and would've fallen asleep himself had he not remembered his visitor that awaited him. He laughed inwardly as he imagined the look on Zhao's face while waiting impatiently. He hadn't meant to get so caught up in the moment, but Katara had a gift of doing that to him. At any rate, what was done was done and waiting a couple of minutes (or half an hour) never harmed anyone. Slowly, to not wake Katara, he got out of bed and made his way to the study where Zhao, and any other visitor that he would get, was directed.

Just as he entered the study, he was greeted by a fire blast. He managed to dodge it and after putting out the flames on the door ("Those doors are expensive Zhao.") he came face to face with a furious Commander Zhao.

"Whoa, watch it there commander. You don't want to kill of your leader so fast, do you?" he said sarcastically knowing the answer to his own rhetorical question.

"What kept you, my lord?"

"I was having some quality time with my wife."

"You're still with that waterbender?"

"Hey, that waterbender can probably beat your sorry butt."

"You truly are a disgrace."

"Takes one to know one."

The two men glared daggers at each other, the tension between the two growing every second. Each imagined the other burning in hell for eternity. Before he knew what happened, he saw Zhao sending a fire stream at him that would've hit its target had a water whip not disintegrated it into nothing but harmless steam. Both Zuko and Zhao turned to see Katara standing in the doorway, directing what was left of the water whip back into the water jug that was on the desk.

"I certainly hope that you were not trying to kill my husband, Commander Zhao," she said in her usual calm voice as Zuko made his way to her and wrapped his arms protectively around her ("Sick," Zhao muttered when Zuko bent down to kiss her).

"I thought you were asleep," Zuko said lifting her chin to look her in the eyes.

"The door slammed shut," was her simple answer joined by a smile and she saw the expression on Zuko's face. She turned to Zhao who forcefully kneeled before her.

"My lady."

"Commander."

"Fine day today."

"Please state your business, commander."

Zhao gave her a look that meant to kill before speaking, "As you might have or might have not already heard, the Earth Kingdom has little trust in us. They are ready to attack at any given moment."

"They will only strike if given a reason to."

"That's true, but----"

"Well let's not give them a reason to," she went on before Zhao could continue or Zuko could jump in.

"An excellent idea my lady," Zhao replied through gritted teeth. He moved to take his leave but was stopped by Zuko.

"Zhao, don't give the Earth Kingdom any reason to start a war. Otherwise you'll have two enemies: The Earthbenders and the Fire Nation."

Zhao glared one final time at Zuko before exiting without so much as a goodbye.

"Stuffy old man," Zuko muttered when he was sure Zhao was out of hearing range.

Katara playfully hit him on the arm before giggling herself. Zuko looked down at his precious wife and caressed her cheek.

"Come, let's get some rest. I missed my bed," he picked her up bridal style and walked to their bedroom.

Once there, he laid Katara gently on the bed and placed himself next to her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed as he kissed her forehead, "Welcome home, Zuko."

"It's good to be home."


I know what you're thinking: What about the other fanfiction? Okay, I am not abandoning that project. I just had this idea and... and... I couldn't help it! promised someone a fanfic with no mention of a Zuko kidnapping Katara plot so here it is! I don't think the word "kinapping" is even mentioned throughout the whole story (besides from the two mentions of it just now, but this is an author's note so it doesn't count). Okay, please review my new fanfic. And remember, Zuko is married now! And he's going to be a father! He can't be cold hearted all the time. And before I forget, let's do a little math. Let's pretend that Zuko was 16 and Katara was 14... So,16 plus 4 equals 20 and 14 plus 4 equals 18 . Oh my gosh, I am so smart (lol)! See, Katara is not pregnant at 14... Or 15, or 16, or 17.