Sokka was obsessively pouring over his maps. Katara pressed a glass of water into his hand. Zuko frowned at the troubled look on Sokka's face. He clambered up from his meditation and sat down next to the Water Tribe boy. Sokka cast him a weary smile.
"Top of the morning, Momo." Aang cheered as he flew out of bed. It was a little odd to see Aang still in his Fire Nation outfit while Katara and Sokka had returned to Water Tribe blue and Toph to Earth Kingdom green and yellow. There was something a little humorous in imagining Aang battling the Firelord in a school uniform. At least, as humorous as something could get when Zuko's father was involved.
"Sounds like you slept well." Said Katara.
"Like a baby moose-lion," Aang grinned, "I'm ready to face the Firelord."
Zuko really wished he didn't look quite so excited. He himself felt ready to vomit at any minute.
"So what's your strategy for taking him down?" Toph asked, "Going to get your glow on and hit him with a little Avatar State action?"
Aang drooped. "I can't. When Azula shot me with lightning, my seventh chakra was locked, cutting off my connection to all the cosmic energy in the Universe."
"You know what I just heard?" Toph huffed, "Blah blah, spiritual mumbo jumbo, blah, blah, something about space."
Katara gasped.
Zuko followed her gaze out to the sea. A mass of fog was rolling quickly towards them. He frowned.
"Sokka, do you think the fog will delay the invasion?" Katara asked.
Sokka stood, squinting. "No, that is the invasion."
With a disgruntled grumble, Zuko started pushing himself to his feet. Sokka quickly hurried to help him up. Zuko nodded his thanks, then turned to the fog. As it drew nearer, he could indeed make out the Water Tribe ships nestled within it.
They all quickly hurried onto Appa and flew down to the harbour. Aang and Toph wasted no time in Earthbending up some docks for the ships to rest at.
Zuko waited on shore, one hand on his belly, the other pressing against his back. He was slowly steeling himself for whatever was coming next. During his time with them, most of the Water Tribe warriors had at least tolerated his presence, but Zuko didn't know if that would extend to actively invading his former home. Besides, they were supposed to have been gathering new people- new people who didn't know him. Who may not be so accepting of the crown prince joining them.
But he still smiled as Sokka and Katara rushed out to meet Hakoda. "You made it, Dad!" Katara cried, slamming into him for a hug.
"Were you able to locate everyone I told you to find?" Sokka asked.
"I did, but I'm a little worried, Sokka," Hakoda said, "Some of these men aren't exactly the warrior type."
As if on cue, two strange men stepped down off the ship. They were practically naked, except for some green loin cloths, leaf hats and wooden chest plates. Um…. Okay. Zuko was not expecting that.
"Whoo-wheee," the skinny one said, "This place ain't nothing like a swamp. What'd you reckon that is, Tho. Some sort of Fire Nation exploding trap that would eat ya?"
"It's just a rock, Due." The shorter man sighed in exasperation.
"Well. I'll be."
Zuko wondered if they were a mated pair. The skinny one was an Omega, while the shorter was an Alpha.
"Is it just me, or are those fellas a little loose in the leaf hat?" Hakoda asked.
No. It wasn't just Hakoda.
"I just wish they would wear pants." Bato said.
A third swamp man appeared, though older than the other two. "Pants are an illusion and so is death." He rumbled.
Uh… right.
The Water Tribe family started making their way down the dock to shore. They made a beeline for Zuko. Hakoda's eyebrows practically met his hairline as he took in Zuko's rounded belly.
"Hello, Chief Hakoda," Zuko said diplomatically, "It's good to see you again."
"Uh, right. Yes. It's good to see you too, Zuko. Can I ask about…?"
"Oh, that. I'm pregnant."
Hakoda laughed slightly. "Well, yes, I can see that. If I may, how far along are you?"
"Just about 7 months now."
Hakoda breathed a nearly unnoticeable sigh of relief. Zuko supposed he was probably glad to learn that nothing had happened on his ship.
Zuko stood with Sokka and Hakoda while the others greeted incoming Earthbenders. There was the teenage boy Katara seemed fond of and his father and then two men Toph seemed to know. Athletes, Zuko supposed.
An explosion rattled the harbour.
Zuko swung into a defensive stance. Smoke was billowing from the end ship. Had they been found? Were they being attacked?
With Hakoda, Aang and Sokka, Zuko ran towards the smoking ship. Actually, running wasn't as uncomfortable as he thought it would be. That was nice.
A man's head emerged from the hold, coughing and wheezing. He made his way down the plank, with Pipsqueak, The Duke and a boy in a wheeled chair.
Zuko slowly relaxed as he saw the grin on Sokka's face.
"Was that a new invention?"
"Yes," the man said, "But unfortunately, the incendiary capabilities of peanut sauce proved to be a failure."
What?
"You're making peanut sauce bombs?" Sokka asked incredulously.
"They're destructive." Pipsqueak said.
"And delicious!" The Duke added from his shoulders.
Momo jumped onto them to lick their faces clean.
Sokka turned back to the man. "Were you able to complete work on the plans I sent you?"
"Yes I was. And I think the Fire Nation will be quite surprised." The man grinned.
"Speaking of the Fire Nation, this is Zuko," Sokka said, gesturing to the Omega at his side, "Zuko, this is Teo and his father. You've already met Pipsqueak and The Duke."
"Hello." Zuko said, ducking his head shyly.
The man blinked. "Zuko? As in Prince Zuko? Of the Fire Nation?"
"That's me. But I'm not a prince anymore."
"He's on our side now." Sokka grinned, slinging an arm around Zuko's shoulders.
"He's pregnant." Teo pointed out.
"Yes he is." Sokka agreed blandly.
Teo just shrugged. "Aang, my dad and I made this for you." He said, holding out a wooden staff.
Aang took it. It unfurled blue wings and handles. "A new glider!" Aang gasped, "This is amazing!"
"And as a special feature, I added a snack compartment." The man said. He cranked the handle and nuts fell into his open mouth.
Well, he was crazy too.
Aang looked just as confused as Zuko felt. "Oh, well, I'm sure that will come in handy."
Zuko felt so out of place in his Fire Nation reds. There were eyes on him all the time. Suspicious, questioning his loyalty to them. Judging his pregnancy. Doubting his usefulness. He kept his own eyes low to try and avoid the stares, but it was hard when you were at the front of the crowd. It didn't help that this was a war meeting. That alone was enough to have him on edge.
He sat with the others, in front of the gathered warriors, waiting for Sokka to explain their plan. He could feel the nerves radiating from the young Alpha. His scent was leaking it out everywhere. Zuko's nose twitched as he accidentally inhaled a gulp of it.
"Don't worry, you'll do great." Hakoda said comfortingly.
Sokka took a deep breath and stepped onto the small stage.
"Good morning, everyone!" He tripped with a thud, his scrolls scattering everywhere.
"Um… So, as you know, today we're invading the Fire Nation. I mean, I know you know that. Because otherwise, why else would you be here." He laughed weakly. "Anyway…" He dropped his scrolls again. He draped one over the easel on stage, but Zuko was sure it was the map Sokka wanted, not the artwork.
"The Firelord's palace is here."
Oh dear.
Sokka realised his mistake, hastily flicking through the sheets until he found the map he wanted. "Uh no, uh wait, uh wait, it's here. And, uh, there's an eclipse today. And Aang's going to fight the Firelord. And the Firebenders won't have any fire to use, so that's good for us."
Sokka was getting more and more hysterical the more he talked. Zuko winced.
"And um- I'm sorry, let me start at the beginning." He stood stiff as a board, with wide eyes. He looked almost like a puppet. "Katara and I discovered Aang frozen in an iceberg. Now I didn't like Aang at first, but I grew to love him over time, then we went to the Southern Air Temple, where Aang used to live and then we met Suki, who is a Kyoshi warrior."
"Wow," Katara muttered, "When he says beginning, he means the 'beginning' beginning."
Hakoda sighed and stood up.
"Got Haru arrested, and then now he's grown a moustache. Which if you look in the front-"
"Thank you, Sokka." Hakoda interrupted. He put a hand on his son's shoulder and murmured, "It's okay, why don't you take a break?"
Sokka nodded morosely and walked back the group. Agni, Zuko hated that dejected look. It didn't belong on Sokka's face. He wanted to be able to comfort him somehow, but they were at opposite ends of their little line. Zuko sighed grumpily about it.
Toph twitched in his direction.
"Let me just clarify a few points for everyone," Hakoda said confidently, "Today is the Day of Black Sun, and I want to thank you all for your self sacrifice and your courage. There are two steps to the invasion. A naval stage and then a land stage. To gain sea access to the Fire Nation capital, we have to get past our first major obstacle here. The Great Gates of Azulon."
Oh, Zuko remembered that from his lessons. He had spent far more time than necessary learning about it. When he'd explained it to Hakoda and Sokka before they split up, he had practically given them a lecture on it.
"Next, we it the land, and we it hard. We must first fight past their battlements and secure the plaza tower. Once we do that, it's up to the royal palace. At that point, the eclipse will begin."
One of the Earthbenders raised his hand. "Excuse me. The Boulder is confused. Isn't the point to invade during the eclipse? When the Firebenders are powerless."
"The eclipse only lasts 8 minutes," Hakoda explained, "Not enough time for the whole invasion. And the royal palace is heavily guarded by Firebenders. So that's where we'll need the eclipse advantage the most. When this is finished, the Avatar will have defeated the Firelord. We will have control over the Fire Nation capital. And this war will be over!"
Zuko sighed dismally at the loud cheering. Only he and Sokka didn't join in. Seeing Sokka so miserable twisted Zuko's chest.
Zuko felt very lacklustre as everyone geared up for battle. He had no embellishment or armour. Just his colours and his swords. He hung close to Sokka's side, unsure of where he should be.
Sokka was quiet. Zuko gently headbutted his shoulder. He wasn't quite sure what brought about the sudden display of Omega affection, but he didn't have time to worry about it.
"Sokka, it's okay."
"Okay? Did you see me out there? That was awful. I shouldn't have even tried. I'm no good at this."
Zuko shook his head, spinning Sokka around to face him. "No. you're 15. No one expects you to be on the level of someone who's been leading for decades. But you'll get there. I know you'll be a great leader someday."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. This is your plan after all. This level of strategy is incredible. You're nearly a master already. I've overlooked you too many times. I'm not going to make that mistake again."
Sokka chuckled slightly. "Well, I couldn't have made the plan without the information you gave us. But thanks."
"Besides, it could have gone at lot worse." Zuko murmured, fingers ghosting over his scar.
Aang swooped up on his glider. His head was freshly shaved, and he wore a new set of orange and yellow robes. A fresh feeling of hope swelled in Zuko's chest. He glanced down and realised Aang still had his Fire Nation boots and trousers on, but he was clearly ready to go. Zuko felt touched, even if there was no intentional gesture there.
"We've been looking everywhere for you two," Aang said, "The boats are ready to leave."
Sokka's face clouded with doubt again. "I messed up Aang."
"What?"
"The invasion plan was my moment of truth. And I completely flopped it. I just… fell apart."
Aang put a hand on his shoulder. "Sokka, that speech wasn't your moment of truth. That was just public speaking, and nobody's really good at that."
"My dad is," Sokka protested. "He explained the plan perfectly and inspired everyone. Like a real leader should."
"Look, your moment of truth isn't going to be in front of some map. It's going to be out there, on the battlefield."
Sokka sighed. "You two seem so confident about everything. How do you know we're going to win?"
"Because I already failed the world once at Ba Sing Se. I won't let myself fail again." Aang said.
"I just want to make the world a better place to bring this baby into." Zuko shrugged, patting his bump.
Sokka nodded. "Alright, let's go." He lead the way back down to ships. Aang and Zuko exchanged smiles.
Hakoda nodded to them as they arrived. "Ah, there you are. Zuko, we just need to figure out a safe place for you to wait. I don't want to risk leaving you on the boat in case it's attacked."
Zuko shook his head. "I appreciate the thought, but I'm going to rescue my uncle."
Hakoda floundered. "Zuko, I know how much you love your uncle, but you're pregnant. You can't go into battle, much less when you'll be powerless."
Zuko shrugged. "So will everyone else. And it's not like I cant defend myself," He pulled the hilts of his swords from their scabbard, "Besides, once I find uncle, I'll be fine. He's the Dragon of the West, after all."
"Zuko," Sokka groaned, "You can't exactly sword fight while you're this pregnant. You have trouble getting on Appa half the time now."
Zuko huffed. "Well, I just won't climb anything! But I need to do this, Sokka. It's my fault he's in prison, it's my responsibility to get him out."
Sokka looked set to argue, but Hakoda held up a hand. "No matter what we say, you're going after your uncle, aren't you?"
Zuko nodded.
"Then just be careful."
"I will, sir."
Sokka frowned. He stuck himself to Zuko's side protectively. Zuko let him.
"There they are," Bato rumbled, "The Great Gates of Azulon."
"I don't see any gates." Katara said.
"You will." Zuko muttered. He could just about see the massive statue of his grandfather on the horizon and the golden dragons either side of it.
"Katara, you and the Swamp Benders whip up a fog cover." Hakoda ordered.
"We'll sneak by that statues just like we sneaked by that Fire Navy blockade." One of the Swamp Benders said. One of the pair. To? Thor? Something like that.
One synchronised jump from the Waterbenders sent fog blooming out all around them.
"Keep it up!" Hakoda called, "We're almost through!"
He spoke too soon. Zuko flinched as alarm bells started ringing. Sokka grabbed his arm protectively.
Smoke poured out of the dragon statues' mouths. A net slowly rose up between them and ignited. Zuko and Sokka gulped in unison. The ships were still sailing towards the barrier. The wooden ships. Sokka clutched Zuko tightly.
As if things couldn't get any worse, Fire Nation soldiers on motor boats started speeding towards them.
"Everyone below deck!" Hakoda barked. He leaned in towards Sokka and murmured, "Let's hope your invention works."
Sokka nodded grimly before pulling Zuko down the stairs. Zuko was not going to admit they were harder to manage than he was expecting, and he was grateful for Sokka's help.
Zuko huffed a breathy laugh as the submarines descended beneath the waves. Incredible. Sokka was a genius.
"You've really outdone yourself this time, son." Hakoda praised.
The proud grin lighting up Sokka's face was beautiful.
"Yeah," Toph groaned, "Congratulations, Sokka. You managed to invent a worse way of travel than flying." She pushed back her fringe, revealing her clammy face.
Zuko hurried over to her and crouched down beside her, a hand on her back. "Take deep, slow breaths. In through your nose, out through mouth."
She just groaned.
"Helmet?" The Duke offered.
She nodded and snatched it off him. There was a moment's pause before she thrust her head into it and lost her lunch. Zuko clucked sympathetically, rubbing gentle circles on her back.
"Well, I just came up with the idea," Sokka said, "The Mechanist did all the work."
"Don't sell yourself short, my boy," The Mechanist said, "It was your idea to use Waterbending to make the subs sink and float. Brilliant! Though your original designs were a bit difficult to decipher."
Zuko heard a piece of paper being unrolled, but he couldn't see it through the Water Tribe members and Pipsqueak.
"Unfortunately, there is one problem I couldn't fix. The subs have a limited air supply. Before we land on the beaches, we'll need to resurface."
Zuko lead Toph up to the roof of the sub. "The fresh air will help you feel better."
"I hope so." She moaned.
"Trust me. I'm kind of an expert on dealing with nausea."
"Yeah, I guess you are."
"Don't tell Sokka, but the smell of cooking meat still makes me feel sick sometimes."
"Don't tell Sokka what?" Sokka himself asked, coming up behind them with Katara.
"Oh- uh-"
"Sparky's baby isn't a fan of meat." Toph replied breezily.
"What- how? Meat is so delicious."
"Once it's cooked, I'm fine, it's just when it's- oh, never mind." Zuko sighed.
Aang flew down to join them on his new glider. "So, this is it, huh?"
"Are you ready for the Fire Nation to know the Avatar's alive?" Sokka asked.
"I'm ready." Aang said determinedly.
He and Sokka clasped arms, only to pull each other into a hug. Katara and Toph quickly followed.
"You too, Zuko." Aang said.
"I don't know-" Zuko started to protest. Aang and Toph pulled him int, slotting themselves in around his belly.
"I hope you kick some serious Firelord butt, Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
They pulled apart as Hakoda started speaking. "Everyone listen up. The next time we resurface, it'll be on the beaches. So stay alert and fight smart. Now break time's over, back in the subs."
Toph grumbled under her breath. Zuko put a hand on her shoulder as they walked back inside with Sokka. Aang and Katara stayed up top. Zuko rolled his eyes.
Toph clasped his hand tightly, preparing to go back under. Sokka poked his head up top to yell at Katara to hurry up.
Toph buried her head in Zuko's side as they went down, but she handled it better.
"Everyone, into position. Earthbenders into your tanks. This is going to be a rough ride." Hakoda ordered.
Toph squeezed Zuko's hand tightly as she stood to go. "Good luck out there, Sparky."
"You too, Toph."
Zuko ended up back at Sokka's side as they entered the harbour. Their hands found each other as the submarine twisted and rolled to avoid the harpoons.
"Ready the torpedo."
A beat.
"Launch!"
The gates in front of them exploded. They propelled through. Zuko could feel the sweat starting to bead on his brow. The baby was kicking up a storm, but he found he couldn't move to comfort it.
He stood beside Sokka at the back of the Water Tribe warriors.
This was it.
He could hear the sounds of the missiles above them. Could feel the submarine shaking with their impacts.
The submarines were opening up.
It was time to go.
"Zuko, you need to get out of here." Sokka called over the din of battle. "Do you want me to come with you?"
Zuko could see the confliction in his eyes. He wanted to go with Zuko, but his eyes strayed to his fellow warriors in their charge.
"No. You keep fighting."
"Okay. Stay safe. I'll see you when this is all over."
"I promise."
With that, Zuko was running. He could still feel his fire, but if he needed to fight, he'd go for his dao. If he was lucky, he wouldn't need to.
It was easy to get away. Zuko wasn't going to question the giant plant creature that rose up from the ocean. It allowed him to slip away.
He ran and ran, pouring his energy into just not stopping.
He knew a secret short cut to the prison. Lu Ten had told him about it when he was a child, but he still remembered it.
He ran.
Uncle was waiting for him.
His lungs were burning, but he didn't stop.
He charged into the narrow cave passageway, just a small fire in his palm to light his way. He just hoped he would reach the prison by the time the eclipse started.
His legs felt like jelly.
He couldn't stop.
The prison! He could see the prison!
He sped up the staircase, dodging the guards lying on the ground. He didn't know, he didn't care.
"Uncle!" he yelled raggedly, "Uncle!"
"He's gone."
Zuko whirled around. A guard slumped on the floor blinked up at his under hazy eyes. "He busted himself out. I've never seen anything like it. He was like a one man army."
"No." Zuko groaned. His uncle was gone. His uncle was gone, and he was alone. He was alone and he was pregnant. Why couldn't Uncle have just waited? Why, why, why?
He needed to get out of here.
He sprinted back down the way he came. Only his flame was gone. He didn't have time to care about the darkness. He had to get out of here.
He couldn't see anything.
He didn't know where he was.
He was just running.
His face was wet.
He was crying.
There was light. Torches lit the passageway up ahead of him. Desperately, he ran towards it. There was a door. A bronze, gilded door.
No.
He didn't know how he knew, but he knew that his father was behind that door. It was eerily still and silent. The only thing Zuko could hear was his own laboured gasps. Aang wasn't here. He wasn't fighting. His father may have escaped the Avatar, but he wasn't escaping Zuko.
"I'm ready to face you."
The door slid open easily under his touch.
His father was there. Sipping tea. It made Zuko feel sick just to watch. His father's eyes were as cold as ever: burning gold, but sleety and feelingless as ice. They simmered with cruel contempt. There was an almost lazy feeling in the way they roved over Zuko's body. He quirked an eyebrow slightly at seeing his son. He showed no emotion.
"Prince Zuko, what are you doing here?" he purred, "With a bastard in your belly, no less."
Zuko walked forward. There was a line of guards between him and his father, but he didn't fear them.
He knew a worse monster than soldiers with jobs to do.
"Why are you here?" Ozai asked.
"I'm here to tell the truth." Zuko said. He did not let his voice waver for one moment.
"Telling the truth in the middle of an eclipse," Ozai drawled, "This should be interesting."
At that, the guards turned on their heels and jogged away, out of sight.
"First of all, in Ba Sing Se, Azula didn't kill the Avatar. He survived."
"Did he now?"
Zuko internally flinched. There was no way Azula would have let their father believe she killed the Avatar unless she was absolutely certain he was dead.
"He's leading this invasion."
"And you decided to join him?"
"Yes."
"Against your own people? Your family? Your father? Your Firelord."
"That's another thing. I'm not taking orders from you anymore." Zuko forced himself to stand tall. He had come this far. He would not falter now.
"You will obey me, or this defiant breath will be your last!" Ozai snarled. He sprung from his seat, ready to lunge.
The burning Alpha scent stole Zuko's breath away, but he still refused to flinch. He drew his swords, twirling them before him. "Think again. I am going to speak my mind and you are going to listen!"
Ozai sank back down, harsh judgement in his eyes.
"For so long, all I wanted was for you to love me, to accept me. I thought it was my honour that I wanted, but really, I was just trying to please you. You, my father, who banished me just for talking out of turn. My father, who challenged me- a 13 year old boy- to an Agni Kai. How can you possibly justify a duel with a child?"
"It was to teach you respect." Ozai snapped.
"It was cruel!" Zuko yelled. "And it was wrong!"
"Then you've earned nothing."
"No, I've learnt everything! And I've had to do it on my own. Growing up, we were taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history. And somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world. What an amazing lie that was. The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation! They don't see our greatness, they hate us! And we deserve it. We've created an era of fear in the world. And if we don't want the world to destroy itself, we need to replace it with an era of peace and kindness."
Ozai roared with laughter. "Your uncle has gotten to you hasn't he? Or perhaps, too much time with the Avatar?"
Zuko narrowed his eyes. "Yes. He has. And time with the Avatar is worth far more than any time here with you."
Ozai scowled.
"After I leave here today, I'm going to find Uncle Iroh. I'm going to beg for his forgiveness for how I treated him. He's the one who has been a real father to me."
"That's just beautiful," Ozai chuckled haughtily, "Maybe he can pass down to you the ways of tea and failure."
"But I've come to an even more important decision," Zuko said evenly, "The Avatar and his friends are my family. I will not let you hurt them. I'm going to help them defeat you."
"Is that so? Since you're a full blown traitor now, and you want me gone, why wait? I'm powerless, you've got your swords, even with that pup in your belly, why don't you just do it right now?"
"Because I know my own destiny," Zuko answered without hesitation, "Taking you down is the Avatar's destiny. And do not ever insult my child again."
With that he sheathed his swords and turned to go. "Goodbye."
"Coward! You think you're brave enough to face me, but you'll only do it during the eclipse. If you have any real courage, you'll stick around until the sun comes out. Don't you want to know what happened to your mother?"
Zuko froze.
"What happened that night?"
"My father, Firelord Azulon, had commanded me to do the unthinkable to you, my own son. And I was going to do it. Your mother found out and swore she would protect you at any cost. She knew I wanted the throne and she proposed a plan. A plan in which I would become Firelord and your life would be spared. Your mother did vicious, treasonous things that night. She knew the consequences and accepted them. For her treason, she was banished."
Zuko could feel the tears coursing down his face. He refused to wipe them away. They didn't make him weak and he wasn't ashamed. In a painfully small voice, he breathed out, "So she's alive."
"Perhaps. Now I realise banishment is far too merciful a penalty for treason. Your penalty will be far steeper."
Zuko realised his mistake.
He could feel his fire.
No.
White flashes surged from his father's hands. No time to run. Zuko took the bast head on. In the back of his head, he hoped Toph would be proud. He could feel the energy racing through his body. He breathed. Uncle said to let it travel through the stomach. But his baby's life was more important than Zuko's. He guided the crackling electricity around his stomach, risking his chest- it burned, it burned- and sent it shooting through his fingertips.
For a moment, he thought about hitting his father directly with it.
No.
The ground underneath Ozai exploded. The Firelord crashed into the stone wall. His eyes burned with fury.
Zuko ran.
Pain coursed through his body. Tears scorched his eyes. He didn't stop. He wouldn't stop. He would get free no matter what.
He was going to save his baby.
Even if it killed him.
He just needed to get back to the beach, back to his friends. His family.
If they were still alive.
They were strong.
They would be.
The mouth of the cave was up ahead. Zuko burst out of it and nearly vomited. Hulking airships bombed the beach. The submarines were gone. He kept running. He could only hope that they weren't there. That everyone was still okay.
A low, mournful growl echoed in his ears. Zuko looked up to see Appa flying away. Through his tears, he laughed. They were alive. He just had to catch up.
He ran quickly. Everything was still in chaos. It was easy for him to snag a balloon and take to the skies, following after Appa. The bison was a speck in the distance, but if there was one thing Zuko could do, it was find the Avatar.
Hugging his belly tightly, he sagged to the floor. Tears cascaded down his face. His chest was tight. So tight. He couldn't breathe, but he didn't care.
His baby wasn't moving.
"Please hold on Firefly. Please, please, please. You're going to be okay. Just be strong for me. Hold on."
The flight passed by simultaneously like a blur and an eternity. Every moment he didn't feel his baby move was an age, but his mind couldn't focus. His thoughts churned in his head, obscured by exhaustion and fear. He couldn't keep track of time, was only sure that this was taking too long. He needed to catch up, needed help, needed, needed, needed. Agni, he didn't know.
He just needed his baby.
Appa was so far away now. Zuko was going to lose him at any moment. But he was sure that they were heading to the Western Air Temple. It was the only place that made sense: it was in this direction, Aang knew it, it was empty and safe.
They had to be going there.
Zuko didn't know what he'd do if they didn't.
He couldn't see Appa anymore.
That was okay. It was. He was nearly there.
He started lowering the balloon, scanning the ground for the cliff where the temple was. A relieved breath was forced from his lungs as he saw it.
He touched down on land and staggered into the temple. His legs were barely holding him up anymore, but he didn't stop. He was so close now.
"Nearly there, Firefly. Just a little longer."
The temple was huge. He just needed to find everyone. He tried to yell, but he didn't have the air.
Voices trickled into his ears. He sobbed once and hobbled towards them. He emerged from the corridor into a large open courtyard. There was a fountain in the middle and-
Toph's excited gasp rang out. "Sparky!"
The group turned. Gasps and smiles erupted as they caught sight of him. Zuko just stood there panting, unable to move.
Sokka ran towards him and pulled him into a hug. "I'm so, so, so sorry we left you. When you didn't come back, we thought you'd been captured. I'm sorry."
"Sokka, it's okay." Zuko wheezed.
There were lips pressing against his. Sokka was kissing him. It was awkward and clumsy. Zuko's belly was in the way, they were both exhausted, Sokka was somewhat desperate. But it was honest, sincere and passionate.
Zuko kissed back.
They pulled apart. Zuko looked into Sokka's hope filled eyes and his brain short circuited.
"Katara, please, I need you to heal me!" Zuko stumbled as he pushed forward. Only Sokka's strong arms around kept him from falling. Tears were pouring down his face, sobs racking his body, shoulders shuddering.
Katara was already running over, Aang and Toph hot on her heels.
"Please, my father, he shot me with lightning!"
"He what?" Sokka snarled furiously.
"You- fought the Firelord?" Aang gasped.
"Never mind that now," Katara barked, "He needs something to lie on. I don't care what, just do it."
Aang and the Earthbender boy made quick work of un-armouring Appa, starting with the tail piece. Katara and Sokka carried Zuko over to the bison and laid him down on the fluffy tail.
Zuko was vaguely aware of the Earthbender shooing Teo and The Duke out of the room. He clung to Sokka's hand as a desperate life line, holding him close. Aang and Toph hovered, Katara knelt in front of him, rolling his shirt up.
"I- I haven't felt it move since." Zuko cried. "I didn't know before, but I want my baby. I want it so badly. Please, please, please."
Aang was crying. So was Toph.
Sokka tenderly stroked Zuko's hair in an attempt to give him what little comfort he could. Sokka's own his brimmed with tears, but he didn't let them fall.
Toph knelt down, feet flat on the floor and pressed her ear to his belly. "I can still hear the heartbeat. It's faint, but it's there."
His baby was alive.
His baby was alive.
His baby was alive.
Zuko cried with- relief wasn't the word for it. Relief was too casual. This was something deep and primal, stirring in the very core of Zuko's being. Of joy and hope and love all bubbling to the surface and spilling out in his tears.
He hadn't noticed Katara coat his belly in water. He could see she was pouring everything she had into the glow. Into healing him. His baby. He had never been so grateful for anyone before.
The seconds went by like a century.
The baby kicked.
A sound burst from Zuko's throat. A scream of laughter and sobs all at once.
"It's okay," Katara soothed, voice raspy with exhaustion, "Your baby's okay."
Between his cries, Zuko gasped out a weak, "Thank you." The two words did nothing to express how eternally grateful Zuko was, of everything Katara had done for him. But right now, it was all he could do.
He turned himself towards Sokka and buried his head in the Alpha's chest. He'd already done this more times than he'd have liked during their time together. What was once more?
To his credit, Sokka pulled him closer and just held him. He didn't say anything, just rubbed gentle circles on his back and let him cry.
Over Zuko's head, he murmured to Katara, "Get some rest. We'll be okay here."
Zuko didn't hear her say anything, just heard the shuffling of feet as the others moved away.
"Sokka." He didn't even know what he wanted to say, what he even could say.
"It's okay. I've got you. Just let it all out."
Zuko did.
He cried and cried and cried. There was no power on earth that could the flood of emotions. He cried until he was spent. He felt the tears stop flowing and the great, heaving sobs start to subside. His body slumped. There was no strength left in it at all. His eyelids were drooping, and he couldn't pry them open again.
"Sh," Sokka whispered, "It's okay. Just rest. You've earned it." He gently laid Zuko back down on his side. His right side. Zuko found he didn't even care. He felt safe.
"Don' go…" Zuko croaked with the last dregs of his strength.
"I won't." Sokka promised. With one hand he squeezed Zuko's hand tightly. With the other, he stroked Zuko's hair until the Omega succumbed to sleep.
Zuko groaned as he opened his eyes. Taking stock of his body, he found every muscle aching and his head was pounding. But his baby squirmed inside him. Warmth flooded through his body. His shaky hands moved up of their own accord to clasp his belly.
"Hey."
Zuko looked up to see Sokka smiling down at him. Oh. He was lying on Sokka's lap.
"Hi." He croaked.
"How are you feeling?"
"Depends. Do I have to move any time soon?"
Sokka laughed. "No."
"Good. How long was I asleep?"
"Uh… about three hours."
"Oh. That explains why I'm still so tired. Did- did you stay with me? This whole time?"
Sokka nodded. "I promised I would."
"Oh…"
"Yeah…"
They sat in silence for several long minutes before Zuko patted Sokka's arm to get his attention. "Help me sit up?"
Sokka nodded and excruciatingly carefully helped Zuko lean back against the slope of Appa's tail. The big bison snored on uncaringly.
"You kissed me." Zuko said blandly.
Sokka blushed, ducking his head. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea that you- he- the- what happened. If I did, I never would have done that. I am so sorry."
"Is that your word of the day?" Zuko snarked softly.
Sokka managed to pout.
"I- the timing wasn't great," Zuko sighed, "But I- I didn't mind it."
Sokka's head snapped up incredulously. "You didn't?"
"I kissed you back, didn't I?"
"Yeah- well- but-"
"What I want to know is why you kissed me in the first place."
"What- what do you mean?"
"I mean, you could have anyone you wanted. Why waste your time on me?" He rubbed at his scar self-consciously.
Sokka stared at him in shock. "Because you're the most incredible person I've ever met."
Now it was Zuko's turn to stare.
Sokka continued, trying to squeeze out every last word he could before his courage ran out. "Yeah, when we first met, you were an absolute jerk, but now I know you, I get why. And honestly, even at your worst, you were way less of a jerk than you could have been. But when you joined us after Ba Sing Se, you were a completely different person. I didn't know what to think. But then I spent more time with you, and I realised how strong and brave you were. You turned your back on everything you ever knew, to do the right thing, because you figured out it was wrong. That's incredible on it's own. But you're smart and really talented, and even if you won't admit it, kind and funny, and brave and I really, really like you."
Zuko's chest stuttered. "Oh…"
"If you don't feel the same way, that's fine. We can forget this ever happened."
"No!" Zuko blurted out. "I do. Feel the same way, that is. But Sokka, I'm pregnant."
"Yeah. I know."
"And that doesn't change anything for you?"
"No. The general impression I got was that the dad's not around. I mean, if I'm wrong, I'll totally step back and leave you alone."
"No, no. He's- you're right, he's not involved. But I'm still pregnant. I have to put my baby first."
"And I totally understand and respect that. I'm not going to do anything you're not comfortable with."
"Sokka, I need you to think about this. My baby and I are a package deal. Do you really want to tie yourself to another Alpha's child? Because if we do this now, you will. There's no way to avoid a newborn if you're courting its parent."
Sokka's hand came up to gently cup Zuko's face, fingers caressing the scar. "Zuko. I don't care if another Alpha helped create this baby. It's yours, and that's all that matters to me."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
Zuko pulled Sokka closer and kissed him. The baby kicked excitedly. Zuko was pretty sure that meant it approved.
