The happier atmosphere of the previous day carries on into the morning. Katara and Zuko take their time getting ready for the day, Katara opting to cuddle a bit longer. Zuko isn't interested in anything more to which he apologizes profusely but she waves off each apology, telling him it's okay. After what he said and the things he saw, it's completely understandable in her mind. Besides, just being with him and being happy together is enough. So, they stay in bed, simply relaxing and enjoying the company before heading down to breakfast with everyone else though Toph and Aang have apparently already set off to see the zoo again.
Katara touches her new necklace shyly, which Sokka immediately notices as she sits down. "About time, Zuko! I was starting to think you forgot," Sokka jokes. "But really, congratulations."
Zuko furrows his brows, unsure of why he's being congratulated. "Uh, thanks?"
Suki looks over, noticing the necklace as well. "Oh wow, Katara." She appraises Zuko once more. Sokka vouches for him, he rescued her, and now Katara's engaged to the man. Maybe he isn't so bad after all. "Congratulations."
Katara beams, "Thank you!"
Amka's eyes widen at the stone. It's massive! She reaches out and Katara proudly presents her neck. "It's gorgeous! The details, the ribbon, it's beautiful!" She fawns over it, soaking up every bit of the design. What she wouldn't give to have a lover give her a betrothal necklace like that!
Iroh is torn between laughing and being gravely concerned. He's sure Zuko has every intention of asking Katara to marry him but he's just as sure, judging from the look on his nephew's face, that Zuko has no idea how proposals work in the poles or that he just asked Katara to marry him and that she accepted.
Hakoda on the other hand is gripping his chopsticks so hard his knuckles turn white. He catches Zuko's eye, all of his fury pouring into the glare. Abruptly, the chieftain stands up. "Come with me," he orders Zuko who, for once, instead of arguing follows behind in confusion hoping the chief can help him understand what is happening.
"Dad-"
"No, Katara!" Hakoda snaps as they walk away.
"It's fine, I'm sure there's nothing to be concerned about," Iroh reassures Katara before running after the pair.
At a safe distance where yelling can't be heard from the house, Hakoda rounds on the firebender. "What the hell is the meaning of this! How dare you. I understand that you and my daughter may have an unconventional relationship but that doesn't mean you can completely ignore and disrespect us like that!" he roars.
Iroh quickly steps in. "I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
"There's no misunderstanding! He's engaged to my daughter without speaking to me, her father, about it! I don't care if he's your great Agni himself, he can't disrespect our traditions and expect me to let her marry him!"
Zuko blinks. "What?"
"Don't you 'what' me, boy. You disrespectful little –"
"Chief Hakoda," Iroh interjects, more than a hint of steel in his voice. "The Fire Nation doesn't propose that way. There is a discussion, then dinner, then tokens of affection such as rings or bracelets then. That hasn't happened here. I assure you, Prince Zuko did not intend to propose to your esteemed daughter."
Hakoda pauses, the next part of his tirade cleanly cut off as he takes one look at Zuko's shocked expression. It takes a moment but the realization hits.
"I proposed to her!" he screeches. "What? I didn't mean to! I gave her a necklace because I thought it was pretty!" Zuko groans in frustration, running his hands through his hair. "She's pretty, I thought it would look good on her! If I'd known I was proposing I wouldn't have just handed it to her in the middle of the night because she thought I was mad at her! I would have, I don't know, done something better! There would be, I don't know, flowers? What do girls like? I – I – She likes taffy, I'd at least bring her that. Oh, and she likes that five flavor soup or whatever." He stares at the two older men in horror. "I didn't just propose to her in the worst way imaginable did I?"
Iroh doesn't bother containing his laughter as Hakoda sighs loudly, pinching the bridge of his nose. He looks at the prince wearily, "So, how are you going to fix this? My daughter thinks she's getting married and I'm not going to be the one to break her heart by telling her otherwise. You're going to have to."
Hakoda starts to walk back but Zuko stops him. He bites his lip, suddenly unsure of himself. This is a big step. This is a huge step, but it's what he wants. They've already discussed it and he knows she wants it too. Hell, she's already accepted. Zuko gulps then bows. "Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe, I would like to marry your daughter. I can't offer her anything until we win but I will love her until I die."
Hakoda looks down at the bowing boy, a man really. He knows Katara, knows she'll do whatever she wants, regardless of his feelings. Still though, fear grips him. He knows what he'd told her in Chameleon Bay, that he wouldn't make her do anything but after seeing the boy's mother, after seeing the Boiling Rock he just can't let her. He can't let his baby girl suffer and he'll stop her from doing this by force if necessary. "Your mother tried to kill her twice. She's from the Water Tribe and would be in the center of the Fire Nation, among former enemies her whole life. I can't condone that." Hakoda turns away. His baby girl will get over it in time. He hopes.
"Hakoda," Iroh calls out but the chief doesn't respond.
Zuko can hardly breathe, his hands gripping his knees. "He can't just say that. I'll take care of her, I'll do anything." He looks up heartbroken, suddenly the same lost boy Uncle had seen when his home was ripped away so many years ago. "Uncle, what do I do?"
Iroh frowns, surprised by the chief's opposition. "Let him calm down, nephew. We'll approach him tomorrow once he's had more time to cool off."
No one tells Katara about the exchange. Iroh answers her questions easily with fibs and white lies and Zuko acts as if he's not suddenly worried all over again that this will all fall out from underneath him. He holds her close that night, whispering into her hair. "No matter what happens, we'll be together." He'll ask for Hakoda's and proprieties sake but as long as Katara's okay with it, to hell with what anyone else has to say.
The nightmares come again that night and again Katara runs water over his back, working it deep into his muscles as rests his head on her lap. She massages his scalp with her fingertips. "You know, I'm glad you go me that scroll about chi," she states.
Zuko looks at her tiredly through red rimmed eyes. "Hmm?"
"The one you sent me in the Northern Water Tribe. It's how I can do this now." She continues her work, massaging his head with one hand and his back with the other. Quieter she continues, "You've done a lot of good, Zuko. Even if you don't see it." He presses a kiss into her leg but otherwise hardly moves as they both slowly fall back asleep.
Zuko approaches the chief again the next morning. "Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe. I'd like to marry your daughter."
"No."
"Why?"
"She won't be safe."
"I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe."
Hakoda shakes his head, scowling. "You've already shown you can't protect her." Again, the chief walks off to train. The comet is coming soon and he needs to be ready.
Zuko doesn't give up. He asks again the next day only to be met with opposition. He sighs, returning to the beach house to try and figure out what to do. In the meantime he spars with Aang, no longer having to teach him. Katara and Toph join in, ensuring Aang is prepared for anything. Everyone trains. Suki especially pushes herself. Her arm is stiff, a bit slow, but she manages with two battle fans brought to her from Iroh's ship. Even Amka practices with battle fans and her bending though no one expects her to fight. From time to time Sokka teaches her how to use a dagger.
"It's good to at least know," she snaps.
"Fine," Sokka replies. "But fix your stance, you're holding the dagger too low."
"Ah, thank you. Princess Yue mentioned you were good with a boomerang, she never said anything about daggers, I'm surprised."
Sokka fumbles the form he was trying to get into. "What? She mentioned me?"
"Yeah, just told all the healers what the Avatar's team was like in case we ran into you."
"I didn't realize." He glances at Suki doing pushups nearby and a twinge of guilt rises in him. He cares about her definitely but where's the line? Will she want him to stay with her or are they just friends? They haven't shared any moments besides that kiss so long ago in Kyoshi but seeing her in the Boiling Rock almost destroyed him. What will she want when this is all over?
He doesn't ask about Yue. She's married by now he's sure. He goes back to his practicing, swing his sword carefully in front of him.
Eventually Amka grabs some juice and wanders over to Suki. "Here, I figured you may want this."
The warrior looks over and smiles, surprised at how easily it comes with the healer. "Thank you."
"I saw you training, it looks like you're doing really well! How are you feeling?"
Suki rolls her shoulder. Still jumpy, still scared, still overwhelmingly angry. "I'm doing a lot better, thanks!"
Amka grabs the warrior's hand and squeezes. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"
"Of course." Not really. Amka's the easiest to ask for help though out of everyone in the group. There's no pity in her eyes, just overwhelming sincerity and belief that everything will be okay even with the comet coming. Suki squeezes her hand back. "Thank you."
. . . . .
Yet again Zuko trudges off to ask Hakoda for his daughter's hand. Sokka watches him go, nudging Toph who's sitting nearby picking her toes. "Hey, Zuko keeps sneaking off to go talk to my dad. Let's go find out what's going on."
"Eh, why not?" She shrugs, hiding her excitement. Finally, some way for her to feel useful! She's been sitting around here, not doing much since the spa. It's nice to not need to get away from everything but damn she still needs something to do.
They follow after Zuko, the sand muffling their footsteps. They don't really need to be careful though as he doesn't bother to look behind him. As soon as Hakoda comes into view, they dive into the tree line, looking for a hiding place that's close enough overhear. Sokka scowls as even the closest trees are too far away.
"Be quiet, stop moving so much!" Toph scolds him.
"Why? It's not like we can hear anything from here anyway?"
Toph holds up her hand, shushing him. She frowns. "Zuko's asking your dad if he can marry Katara."
"What, but-"
Toph shushes him again. "Your dad is saying no…Zuko can't keep her safe and she'll be lonely. He's worried about her." She pauses a moment. "Now, Zuko's upset and asking why he's standing in the way of what they both clearly want."
Zuko turns on his heel and marches off only to have Sokka come charging out of the underbrush. "What the fuck, Zuko? You already proposed and now you're out here asking my dad, what the hell, man?"
"It's not like that. I didn't know I proposed!"
"What do you mean? Anyone with half a brain knows when you give a woman you're seeing a necklace, especially one as nice as that, you're asking her to marry you! Obviously."
Toph butts in. "That's not how it is in the Earth Kingdom. People don't do necklaces there. We have fortune tellers before someone can even think of proposing and several ceremonies to make it official."
"Well, he's not from the Earth Kingdom and," Sokka flounders, "and he should know better?" He finishes lamely.
"I don't want to tell her I didn't mean to propose until I can give her a proper necklace. Your father doesn't approve." Zuko narrows his eyes, "I could use your help."
Sokka purses his lips. He'd completely forgotten that under normal circumstances asking his dad would be necessary. He'd gotten so used to the travel, being away from everyone else, and Katara and Zuko firmly being an item that he'd forgotten that maybe not everyone would treat it as if it's already set in stone. Sokka nods before stalking off towards his dad, leaving Toph and Zuko behind.
"Dad, what are you doing!" Sokka demands.
Hakoda jumps, dropping the fishing pole in his hand. "Sokka don't sneak up on me like that!" He has to take a moment to calm down, to really breathe before he can respond to his son. "What do you mean?"
"I mean with Zuko! They're over the moon for each other and you know Katara's going to hate you and probably never speak to you again if she finds out what's happening. Not to mention that she'll probably marry him no matter what you say."
Hakoda shakes his head. "No, aside from their premarital relations, Zuko's an honorable man. He won't marry her if I don't approve. Now, I haven't said anything about what they're doing here, I haven't stopped that. I know we're in a war and now's not the time, but afterwards she's coming back to the South Pole, we're going to pretend she and Zuko were never together, and she's going to marry a nice Water Tribe man."
Sokka just laughs, deep belly laughs. "You don't seriously think that, do you? Hate to break it to you Dad but she's not leaving the Fire Nation. You can accept it or not but that's what's going to happen."
"She has to listen to me! She's not safe here!"
"She's a master waterbender. People love her here. Did she show you all of the gifts a town gave her? They adore her and she'll be much happier here where she can really make a difference." Sokka reaches down to pick up the dropping fishing rod, handing it to his father. "You haven't gotten to see her change, Dad. She won't be happy anywhere except here."
"It's not about happy, it's about safe."
"We're at war! No one's safe. Even after the war is over, we won't really be safe for a long time. The Fire Nation may be mad they didn't win. The Water Tribes may not like their leaders during peace. Ba Sing Se has more poor people than I've seen in my life and Goddess only knows what happened to the Earth King. Besides, Katara's stronger than you want to admit."
"She almost died!"
"And do you think Zuko's going to let that happen again?"
"He may not be able to-"
"Everyone knows how much they care about each other, Dad! If someone wants to hurt Zuko, they'll hurt her no matter if they're together or not, no matter if they've seen each other in years or not. You might as well just accept it, give your blessing, and be happy for them." Sokka stares at his dad, surprised they're eye to eye instead of the man towering over him the way he remembers. "Just let her be happy."
Hakoda watches his son walk away, fiddling with the fishing pole in his hands. He doesn't want his little girl to go into the belly of the beast to live. He casts a line, remembering the ferocity in her bending, the force behind her words in Chameleon Bay. People had rallied to her and even he had heard the stories of the master waterbender who helped take down a tank while traveling with the Avatar. He should have been there, should have made her stay in the South Pole.
The chief stays out there until the sun starts to dip below the horizon, casting and reeling in his line over and over again, hardly paying attention to the fish he catches other than to lay them beside him on the sand. Footsteps, heavy and sure to be heard, come up behind him. To his surprise, General Iroh sits down on the sand beside him with a small basket stuffed with dumplings and fruit wrapped in palm fronds.
"If you're here to talk to me about the marriage, don't bother."
"I thought you may appreciate some dinner," Iroh replies. "Of course, if the marriage is on your mind…" he leaves the sentence hanging.
Hakoda bites. "I want what's best for my daughter."
"I understand and I want the same for my nephew." They sit in silence for a while until Iroh adds, "Sokka informed me that you lost your wife many years ago. I lost mine as well. She was the love of my life and I will never love another, not truly. I loved her from the moment I met her and I'll love her well into the Spirit World."
"I love Kya the same way." Hakoda looks at his hands, the cuts and bruises that should still be there, gone from the healing. His daughter had helped take them away. "We'd grown up together but somehow I didn't notice her until I came back from a fishing expedition. The way the fur lined her face and the way she smiled, my heart nearly stopped."
"So, you understand then?"
"Yes."
"What will it take to convince you to give your blessing?"
Hakoda thinks it over. "I want Water Tribe women and warriors sent to Capitol City to live in the palace with her and I want an embassy in Capitol City."
"Done and done. What else?"
"If she has waterbending children, they have to be allowed to train at the poles."
"That will be up to Master Katara and Prince Zuko as that's their children," Iroh points out, "but I see no reason why they wouldn't be able to train there at least part of the time."
"Good, and I want to be able to visit my daughter whenever I want. I'm not going to wait for diplomatic invitations and I don't give a shit about fanfare. That's my daughter and I want to be able to check in on her."
"Of course, our home is yours. The only way that could change is if Master Katara decides otherwise. Anything else you'd want from this agreement?"
Hakoda looks over at the general, pleading evident in his eyes. "Keep my daughter safe. She and Sokka are all that I have."
"Chief Hakoda, I will treat your daughter as my own. She will have every protection possible and she is truly a formidable opponent. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her bending."
Hakoda laughs softly, "I've been on the receiving end of her yelling, I can't imagine her bending is any easier to handle."
. . . . .
Iroh contemplates the earthbent pai sho board in front of him, his chin in his hand, enjoying one of his daily pai sho breaks, grateful for the chance to get away from the war effort. "I'm impressed. I normally don't find this level of skill in someone so young."
Toph cackles loudly. "If there's a game I can where I can win money, you can bet your ass I'm going to be good at it."
"Hmm, that does make for good incentive." The old man decisively picks up white dragon tile about to set in on top of the nearby boat tile when Zuko rushes up to them. Toph debates using the distraction to rebend a few tiles before deciding to, for once, play nice. She'll beat this old man fair and square.
"I don't know what Sokka said but it worked, Toph!" Zuko's grinning from ear to ear. "Uncle, he gave me his blessing!"
"Congratulations, Sparky. Now you don't have to tell Princess you fucked up."
Zuko grimaces, sitting down beside them. "Yeah, thankfully. Now, how do I do it right this time?"
. . . . .
The next week passes much the same with everyone training and talking about anything, everything other than the comet. Zuko trains, works on the war efforts, spars with Katara, and whenever he has the chance, under Sokka's direction, he sneaks off to look for the perfect stone to craft a proper betrothal necklace. The first ship arrives before he finds one.
There's no attempt to hide the war ship sailing up to Ember Island. It's a harsh reminder of the war, made all the harsher by the sharp contrast against the tropical escape and it won't be here long enough for the local guards to do anything about it. Katara hugs herself, a chill running down her spine. It will all be over soon. One way or another, it will all be over.
Sokka doesn't bother to repack his bag, preferring to leave its contents out waiting for him. He'll be back to get them. All he brings is his sword and a large round clip that holds his hair up. Zuko's hands run over the wood in the hallway, tracing patterns the way he had as a child. This won't be the last time he sees it. Fear grips his heart. This won't be the last time. Iroh looks at the beach house once more, looking at the courtyard Lu Ten had played in, remembering his son's first attempts at fire bending and the way his wife had smiled as she rocked their son to sleep in the shade. The beach house was a shelter, first from the court and now from his brother. He will come back to it one day in this life or the next.
With that the beach house once again is left desolate. No laughter, no training, no whispered nothings grace its halls. Not even Ursa stays behind. The beach house is once again left to the jungle.
Sokka looks at the group and the assembled Fire Nation commanders in the war room, preparing himself to explain the plan that's been devised. He takes a deep breath then begins. "General Iroh's intelligence reports that Ozai plans to use war balloons to fly to the Earth Kingdom and, using the comet's power, raze a large section of it. Our goal is to make it impossible to leave the Fire Nation and get Aang close enough to defeat him. Ozai has control of the army but all of the navy is ours. Since the Fire Nation is made up of islands, this works to our advantage but the army will have the home turf advantage. We do have some regular citizen from towns like Hira'a sailing with us as well. We're coming at the main island from all sides so to keep the caldera he has to either burn down all the forests on the island or barricade himself inside Capitol City and risk losing any advantage from the comet."
"What about the soldiers in the forest? What will happen to them if he decides to burn everything?" One of the Fire Nation soldiers asks. "Not all of them are firebenders."
"There are earthbenders with them that can protect them. They'll take our people underground if necessary," Zuko replies. "The earthbenders will also be tunneling through the volcano's edge so we can get to the city."
Sokka nods. "We have the ships in position, they'll make landfall tomorrow evening and the comet is the morning after. This ship will be leading the main assault on the caldera while Aang, Toph, Suki, Amka, and I will take Appa to the war balloon site tonight so we can meet up with the forces there and destroy the balloons before they get airborne."
"And if Ozai isn't there?" Aang asks. He hadn't sat in on the planning. He hadn't wanted to think too long about what he needed to do.
"We have Appa, we'll get you to wherever you need to be." Sokka pauses, looking around the room at the many faces staring back at him, faces of people he loves, people he doesn't want to lose, and the commanders willing to put their lives on the line for the cause. "We're going to win, Aang's going to win, and there will finally be peace."
A sharp voice rings through the room. "And where will my son be in all of this?"
They all turn and Zuko instinctively steps in front of Katara. His mother must have snuck past her guards, at least he hopes that's what happened. Anger and not hate but mourning color the prince's expression. "I'm going to the caldera. When the comet's over there will be a new Fire Lord."
"And what of your sister?" Ursa's voice cracks. "What will become of her?"
Zuko just shakes his head, his shoulders dropping ever so slightly. He turns away.
Ursa's nostrils flare, rage and desperation rearing their heads. "Look at me, Zuko! Zuko please! Spare your sister. I know what Ozai turned her into but please, she's just a child. She doesn't know what she's doing."
Zuko doesn't look at her. "You didn't see her at the Boiling Rock. You have no idea who she is, who either of your children are and if you were so concerned about what she'd do for Father, you should have taken her with you when you left us."
The former Fire Lady steps back as if slapped. Iroh quickly steps in before she can open her mouth again. "Come on, let's get you to your rooms."
He closes the door behind them but a cry of "Zuko, please!" echoes down the hallway. The Fire Nation commanders say nothing, not envying the soon-to-be Fire Lord. He'll be fighting his family directly, there's no way around that. The commanders can at least hope their own families' blood isn't on their hands by the time the comet leaves and Capitol City is taken. No matter how right it is, no matter how necessary, the thought of fighting their own countrymen and women in their own homeland turns many of their stomachs. The commanders bow and file out, looking at their future leader as they pass. He's better than Ozai. He had better be worth it. He had better bring them peace.
Their small group remains but there's nothing to be said, not yet. Not even Sokka has a joke to add. Eventually it's just Zuko and Katara in the war room. "Sokka didn't say you were going with them," Zuko states.
"Yeah, because I'm not. I'm going with you."
"No. I don't want you near my sister. The war balloons will be safer."
"I don't care," Katara retorts, "I told you before, I told Sokka, and I'm telling you again, I'm going to the capitol with you." She grabs his hands in hers. "I'm not leaving you alone there. Not now, not ever."
"Please," he pleads.
"No." She hugs him tightly. "Not a chance."
. . . . .
Suki looks at the waterbender beside her. "You're a healer, not a warrior. I thought you were staying on the ship."
Amka raises her chin, watching as Appa's saddle is secured. "If we don't win there will be no one for me to heal. Besides, I've been learning from the best," she jokes, trying to lighten the mood at least a little.
Suki grits her teeth, her eyes flashing. "You have no idea what you're up against! You don't know the Fire Nation the way I do, what they can do."
"I healed you," Amka snaps. "I know what they're capable of which is exactly why I'm going with you. I'm going to fight and you're not going to stop me." The healer marches off, battle fans in her belt and water skins over her shoulders. Suki scowls in response though she can't fault her really. Afterall, Suki is still jumpy, still stiff, and still just as determined to fight. She's also still scared, still terrified. They'll be at the war balloons tomorrow. She'll make the Fire Nation pay for what it did to her and so many others.
Katara and Zuko walk out onto the open deck, somehow not surprised by the silence. Only the metallic steps of Fire Nation soldiers can be heard. Besides a bag of food and armor there's not much in Appa's saddle so they all stare at each other for a moment. Hakoda forcefully pulls his son in, thankful that most of his strength has returned even if his mind sometimes wanders. "Be safe." Hakoda notices the clip holding his son's hair. It's obviously Northern Water Tribe and yet again the chief is reminded of how much he's missed and how much he may not have the chance to see. "Come back to us."
"I will, Dad." Sokka turns to his sister, hugging her so she can't see the tears threatening to spill. "You're going up against crazy. Fight dirty and win," he tells her.
Katara nods, "You too. Show them what the Water Tribe's made of." Sokka pulls back, holding his sister at arm's length, unsure of what to say but not ready to let go. Eventually, he just squeezes her arms.
Zuko's surprised when Sokka pulls him in for a quick hug. "Make sure you win and take care of her or I'll kick your ass." He doesn't wait for a reply but instead marches off, climbing aboard Appa without looking back. He can't look back.
Aang's the next to say goodbye. He's surprisingly quiet and only whispers a quick good luck to them before leaving. Toph on the other hand refuses to wish them any kind of luck or accept any in return. Instead, she punches Katara on the arm and sticks her tongue out at Zuko. Iroh's presence makes her pause, her face a thundercloud. "Now listen up, you old geezer! You'd better not get yourself hurt or let those two do something stupid, okay? They're dumb and impulsive enough and you've got to be there and be okay so you can keep an eye on them, alright?"
Iroh chuckles, "Of course Miss Beifong. I'll make sure they're safe."
"And you too," she mutters before storming off, metal twisting to launch herself onto Appa. Zuko can't find it in himself to be mad this time.
Suki almost refrains from hugging but changes her mind, pulling Katara in close. Right against her ear, Suki whispers, "I know you can do this. I know you're going to win and bring us all peace. I know it but if something happens and you fail, slit your throat before they can take you. Promise me." Suki grabs her face, looking deep into the waterbender's eyes. "Promise me."
Katara nods, suddenly scared of the ferocity in the Kyoshi Warrior's eyes. "I – I will."
"Good." Suki lets go, gives a sharp nod to Zuko and leaves only to be replaced by Amka who quickly draws Katara into a hug and wishes her the best. She can't bring herself to hug Prince Zuko. It seems appropriate, everyone else is doing it, but she can't put aside her Water Tribe ways quite that easily. He's a man, specifically a taken man, so she opts instead for a respectful bow which he returns. "I wish you both all the luck in the world! May Tui and La give you strength for what's to come."
"You too, Amka. Remember everything you've learned and you'll be fine," Katara replies. "Be safe." It takes a moment for Amka to get used to flying but she does her best to watch the ship turn into a tiny speck then disappear from view.
Down below Katara watches her friends fade into the distance, her hands gripping the railing. She can't stop the dread pooling in her stomach or shake Suki's fierce look from her mind. A hand touches her shoulder and she jumps. Zuko raises his eyebrow but doesn't say anything.
She frowns, looking down at the waves crashing against the hull. "Suki told me if we lose to kill myself instead of letting them take me."
Zuko freezes, anger washing over him only to quickly be extinguished. He doesn't want to imagine the kinds of things Azula would do to her if she was captured. His sister was sadistic before he was banished. From he'd heard her say at the Boiling Rock, she's only gotten worse as she's gotten older. Zuko shudders but grabs her hand. "We're not going to lose."
She leans her head against his shoulder. "You'll be a great Fire Lord."
He smiles into her hair, planting a kiss discretely on her. "And you'll be a great Fire Lady."
Katara blushes, her fingers feeling the necklace once more. "It still doesn't feel real. If – When we win we'll make the Fire Nation better for everyone. No more villages like the Painted Lady's."
Zuko nods. "And no more people being shipped off to war, not from the Fire Nation or any other country."
"Do you really think we can do it? I don't mean defeat Ozai and your sister. I mean bring peace to everyone."
The prince thinks for a moment, looking at the moon just starting to light up the sky. "We can. It'll take time, but we can."
Iroh watches the pair, his heart straining against his ribs. He had never known a life without this war. As a child the war and his family's work had been something to be proud of. Even as an adult he was eager to prove himself, prove that he was worthy of becoming the next Fire Lord. That drive had cost him the chance to be with his wife as his son was born and she passed to the next life. Eventually, his family's work cost him his son, too.
The old general watches Zuko put his arm around Katara and hold her close, isolating themselves from the fear and the war for just a moment. What he wouldn't give to hold his wife like that again but the war had always come first. The title of Crown Prince had always come first. Tears well up only to be blotted away. His nephew will have a better life, his nephew will know peace and his children's lives will be full of joy where the most stressful things will be parties and romance, not war and bloodshed.
Zuko looks up, noticing his Uncle not too far away. "Is it time?"
Iroh nods. "Hakoda will be here any minute."
"I'm here," the chief responds, stepping out from the shadows on the doorway. He'd been watching the pair as well, his heart breaking. Sokka was right, his daughter isn't going to leave the Fire Nation. It still twists his stomach into knots but what can he do? His son was right that Katara would be in danger no matter what, even if she did listen to him and come back to the pole. He lost his baby girl a long time ago.
"Let's go."
The group descends to the lowest level of the ship to where a small boat is waiting. This part of the plan hadn't been shared. If the ship was captured, if there was a leak, no one would know where the prince was so he would be safe and the Fire Nation could still be saved. Even with the hatch in the hull open and the ocean breeze swirling around them the air feels heavy. Hakoda holds his daughter's face, trying to burn her into his memory before pulling her into a tight hug. She hugs him back but her mind is already on the task at hand. Hakoda tries not to sigh. He lost his baby girl a long time ago. "May Tui and La protect you," he whispers. "You're the strongest waterbender the Southern Water Tribe has ever seen and you will win." You have to win. Please Gods, let her win.
"Thanks, Dad." This could be the last time she sees him and she'd be a fool to think otherwise. She still chooses to think otherwise. "It'll only be a few days and then I'll see you in Capitol City. It'll all be over."
Uncle hugs Zuko as well, thankful the younger man has finally softened enough to hug back. "You've come so far, Prince Zuko. You will win and the next time I see you, you'll be the Fire Lord."
Zuko clenches his jaw, trying to ignore his tightening throat. "Stay safe, Uncle. I'll see you soon."
The old man turns to Katara, hugging her as well. "It seems as if we met only yesterday. You hardly knew how to waterbend and here you are now, a master. Keep each other safe."
"We will," They both respond. Zuko attempts to bow to Hakoda but the man grasps his arm instead. The Water Tribe chief can't talk or the emotions will overtake him. The two older men watch them get into the boat and sail away, fear gripping their hearts. When Iroh finally retires to his room he lights incense, praying to Agni not just for victory but for his nephew and the master waterbender to be safe and sane by the end of it. Please Agni, let them win. The fate of the world hangs on their shoulders.
. . . . .
If you ever have the desire to figure out the ages of the Fire Lords in relation to the Hundred Year War, don't. Sozin waited 12 years after Roku's death to massacre the air nomads. Let's say though that the comet came and the war started the day after Roku died and call it 0 ASC. Sozin was 70. He lived to be 102, so 30 ASC. Sozin would have had children earlier in life, probably 20s but even if he waited, the timeline doesn't match up. There should be another generation before Azulon since Azulon died at approximately 90-92 ASC. I bring this up because if Sozin was Iroh's grandfather, Iroh would have probably been a teenager, maybe preteen when the war started. Obviously, that isn't the case here but I had to share the plot hole confusion with everyone else.
Also, thank you for the reviews! You have no idea how much I appreciate the feedback. You've helped make this story what it is, thank you.