"More ferocious!" Zuko barked. "Imagine striking through your opponent's heart."

Aang punched out another blast of fire and groaned. "I'm trying."

"Now let me hear you roar like a tiger-dillo."

Aang twirled fire out from his hands with a weak roar that honestly wasn't even a roar.

"That sounded pathetic. I said roar!"

Aang nodded determinedly. He bellowed loudly- flames shooting out from his hands and mouth like dragon fire.

Momo chittered anxiously, cowering behind Zuko's leg. The Firebender nodded approvingly.

"Who wants a nice cool glass of watermelon juice?" Katara called out.

Aang perked up eagerly. "Ooh, ooh, me, me, me!"

He started to run towards her but Zuko yanked him back by his robes. "Hey, your lesson's not over yet! Get back here!" He lifted Aang of the ground with a stern frown.

"Come on, Zuko," Suki said, "Just take a break. What's the big deal?"

Zuko let Aang drop with a scowl. "Fine."

Aang blurred away.

"If you wanna lounge around like a bunch of snail sloths all day, then go ahead!"

A tiny wail interrupted his tirade. Zuko sighed, walking over to the steps and taking Lee from Sokka. He sat down and pushed his shirt to the side and let Lee latch on. The baby started guzzling immediately. "Again? I just fed you. Why are you so hungry all the time?" he sighed.

"He's probably taking after Sokka." Katara teased.

Sokka frowned at her. "Maybe Zuko's right. Sitting around the house has made us pretty lazy."

"Speak for yourself." Zuko scoffed. He spent all day training and half the night up with Lee. He hadn't slept properly in two weeks and was running on the naps he took whenever he could.

Sokka ignored him. "But I know just the thing to change that." He jumped to his feet dramatically, throwing of his shirt. "Beach party!"

Zuko raised an eyebrow sceptically. "I'd rather not."

To his credit, Sokka managed not to look hurt. Instead he just squeezed Zuko's shoulder. "Fair enough. Why don't we take Lee for a little bit while you get some sleep?"

Zuko nodded. His eyes were aching. Lee let go of his nipple as if on cue. He put the baby over his shoulder and burped him- thankfully this time without the vomit.

Sokka took him and Zuko made his way into the house. He didn't even make it to his bed, just collapsed on the sofa. It was embarrassing how fast sleep overtook him.

He leapt over the cliff, punching fire at Aang. He could see Suki holding Lee, so he pushed Aang in the opposite direction. Aang darted behind a big Appa sand sculpture.

"What are you doing?" he cried.

"Teaching you a lesson." He sent up a wave of fire that shot through the sculpture.

Aang darted away, somersaulting through Zuko's next attack. He landed at the top of the cliff. Zuko sent a barrage of blasts upwards, racing along beside Aang. He quickly climbed up the cliff and chased Aang through the rocks, blasting more fire. Aang jumped from a ledge onto a palm tree, clinging desperately. Zuko followed, rolling as he hit the ground. He punched a fireball upwards. The palm tree caught fire. Aang jumped onto the roof of the house. Zuko propelled himself up the wood and pulled himself onto the tiles.

"Get a grip before I blast you off this roof!" Aang ordered in a defensive stance.

"Go ahead and do it." Zuko challenged. He punched a fire blasts, then double kicked two more. Aang slid away and climbed inside through a window. Against his better judgement, Zuko followed by blasting a hole in the roof.

He stood in place for a moment. Aang was hiding. He turned slowly around the room.

A chest of drawers jerked to the side. Aang flung it towards him. Zuko blasted it away easily. Aang skidded out of the room.

Zuko twirled around arcs of flame, building more and more until he pushed the flaming tunnel towards Aang. Fear flooded the Avatar's eyes for a moment. An arc of wind blew the tunnel away.

"Enough!" he snarled. The firelight reflected in his eyes. He looked powerful. A torrent of wind blew Zuko right of his feet. He crashed through the wall and landed with a heavy thud outside.

Lee was crying.

He pushed himself to his feet, eyes searching desperately. Suki was trying to shush him. Zuko stepped towards her, but Katara and Aang blocked his path.

"What's wrong with you?" Katara demanded furiously. "You could have hurt Aang."

"What's wrong with me?" Zuko growled, "What's wrong with all of you? How can you sit around having beach parties when Sozin's comet is only three days away?"

They stared at him. Lee was still crying. Zuko was forcing every fibre in his body to not snatch his son up. "Why are you all looking at me like I'm crazy?"

Maybe because he'd run around throwing fire at his friend, but his sleep deprived, hormone riddled mind that wasn't really clicking.

"About Sozin's comet," Aang said slowly, "I was actually gonna wait to fight the Firelord until after it came."

What?

"After?" Zuko repeated.

When was this discussed? Why hadn't anyone told him? Did they not think he was capable anymore now that he had a baby? A baby he'd been missing out on spending time with so he could work himself to the bone getting himself back in shape and training Aang.

"I'm not ready." Aang said. "I need more time to master Firebending."

"And frankly, your Earthbending could still use some work too." Toph added.

"So, you all knew Aang was going to wait?" Zuko said.

"Honestly, if Aang tries to fight the Firelord right now, he's gonna lose." Sokka said. "No offense."

"The whole point of fighting the Firelord before the comet," Katara continued, "Was to stop the Fire Nation from winning the war. But they pretty much won the war when they took Ba Sing Se. Things can't get any worse."

"You're wrong," Zuko said gravely, turning away from the group, "It's about to get worse than you can even imagine. Sozin used the comet to wipe out the Air Nomads. I'm almost sure my father will use it to do the same to the Earth Kingdom as it's his biggest obstacle right now." He slowly sank down onto a nearby rock, eyes cast down.

Katara slumped to her knees. "I can't believe this."

Sokka took Lee from Suki's arms and pressed him into Zuko's. Zuko clutched him tight and he finally stopped crying. Zuko leaned cautiously against Sokka's side. Sokka pulled him close and held him.

"I always knew the Firelord was a bad guy. But that plan is just pure evil."

"What am I gonna do?" Aang moaned.

Zuko pushed himself to stand and stepped towards him. He tried to make himself as non-threatening as possible; with the baby in his arms and giving of as much Omega comfort scent as he could. He couldn't contain the joyful stutter in his chest when Aang looked at him with no fear in his eyes.

"I know you're scared. And I know you're not ready to save the world. But if you don't defeat the Firelord before the comet comes, there won't be a world to save."

"Why didn't you tell me about your dad's crazy plan sooner?" Aang demanded.

"I didn't think I had to," Zuko protested, "I assumed you were still gonna fight him before the comet. No one told me you decided to wait." He growled bitterly. Lee fussed his arms.

Aang fell to his knees with his head in his hands. "This is bad. This is really, really bad.

"Aang, you don't have to do this alone." Katara said.

"Yeah, if we all fight the Firelord together, we've got a shot at taking him down." Toph added.

"All right!" Sokka cheered, "Team Avatar is back! Air. Water. Earth. Fire. Fan and Sword!" The palm leaf he held up drooped.

"Fighting the Firelord is gonna be the hardest thing we've ever done together." Aang said. A tiny smile spread across his face. "But I wouldn't wanna do it any other way."

The others laughed, converging on Aang and hugging. Zuko sighed. Lee was still fussing with all the tension and strong scents in the air.

Katara looked at him. "Get over here, Zuko. Being part of the group also means being part of group hugs."

Zuko tentatively stepped closer. Toph and Suki pulled him into the circle. Sokka grinned proudly.

Appa rumbled above them and landed with a heavy thud. The group was completely bowled over. Zuko glanced down in panic. Lee wasn't hurt. He chirruped like he always did when he saw Appa. Zuko was sure that was his happy noise. Appa gently puffed hot air onto the baby, his big eyes impossibly gentle. The bison was just as fond of the baby as the baby was of him. His protectiveness of Lee had not faltered now he was out of the womb.

"There is one technique you need to know before facing my father- how to redirect lightning."

Aang grinned nervously.

"If you let the energy in your own body flow, the lightning will follow it." Zuko explain, echoing his uncle's words. Agni, it felt like eons had passed since then. As he spoke, he demonstrated the motions Uncle had taught him. "You turn your opponents' energy against them."

"That's like Waterbending." Aang exclaimed.

"Exactly. My uncle invented this technique himself by studying Waterbenders."

"Did it work when- when your father used lightning on you?"

"Yeah, but I didn't do it properly. You need to send the energy through your stomach to keep it away from your heart. I couldn't do that because of Lee, so I had to risk my chest."

"What did it feel like?"

"Exhilarating. But terrifying." Zuko closed his eyes against the onslaught of memories; the crackling of electricity, the cruelty in his father's eyes, the pure, unadulterated terror that his baby was going to die. "You feel so powerful holding that much energy in your body, but you know if you make the wrong move- it's over."

Aang laughed nervously. "Well, not over- over. I mean, there is always Katara and a little Spirit Water action, am I right?" He turned to Katara for confirmation.

She looked up from Lee and Momo trying to grab each other with a frown on her face. "Actually, I used it all up after Azula shot you."

Aang deflated. "Oh."

Zuko sighed. "You'll have to take the Firelord's life before he takes yours."

Aang grimaced.

Lee started crying. Zuko sighed, hurrying over to pick him up.

"Yeah, I'll just do that." Aang muttered.

"Gather round, Team Avatar." Sokka said.

They all did so, sitting down on the rocks in a semi-circle. Normally Zuko would scoff that they looked like school children, but Lee had him up every hour that night and he had no energy to care. Said baby was now sleeping contentedly in a sling around Zuko's chest. Of course.

"In order to take out the Firelord, or in this case, the Melonlord, our timing has to be perfect." Sokka knelt down with them and started drawing in the dirt with a stick.

"First, Suki and I will draw his fire. Then Katara and Zuko charge in with some liquidy hot offence and while the Melonlord is distracted, Aang swoops in and bam. He delivers the final blow."

"Uh, what about me?" Toph asked.

"For now, you're the Melonlord's forces."

"So I get to chuck flaming rocks at all of you?" she grinned.

"Whatever makes the training field more realistic." Sokka shrugged.

"Sweetness."

Zuko scowled. "No one is throwing anything at my baby."

Sokka paused. "Right. I kinda forgot you had Lee. Toph, are you okay to hold him so Zuko can do the training?"

Zuko stared intensely at Sokka. He was pretty sure that if Toph could see, she'd be doing the same.

"Is that okay with you, Sparky?"

Zuko sighed. "I know you'll look after him." With a desperate prayer that Lee wouldn't wake up, he took him out of the sling and passed him to Sokka. He tied the sling around Toph's chest and then settled Lee into in.

Toph felt her way around the tiny body slowly; as if memorising him. She nodded once she was finished. "I'll be careful, Sparky," she murmured to Zuko. Then louder she said, "But the rest of you better watch out!"

This was definitely going to be fun.

"Mwa ha- ha- ha- ha- ha!"

Zuko looked across to Aang and Sokka: now his warrior get up. The Alpha gestured and the two pairs started moving. Zuko and Katara darted up the higher rocks, while Sokka and Suki charged forward.

They fought past rock statues. A large boulder landed right in front of them. Suki somersaulted over easily, but Sokka stopped to pout.

"Watch it, Toph!"

"I am not Toph, I am Melonlord! Mwa ha- ha- ha- ha- ha!" The evil overlord effect she was going for was kind of ruined by the baby sling- but no one was going to tell her that.

She lit another tar covered rock on fire then flung it outwards. Zuko and Katara darted sideways to avoid it. as they came back together, golem soldiers sprung up and surrounded them. They were blasted away easily. Then they were running forward again.

"Now, Aang!" Sokka yelled.

Aang soared over head, staff raised. He landed. There was no strike. He just slumped defeatedly.

"What are you waiting for?" Zuko yelled, "Take him out!"

"I can't." Aang said.

Sokka stormed up the slope. "What's wrong with you? If this was the real deal, you'd be shot full of lightning right now."

"I'm sorry, but it just didn't feel right. I didn't feel like myself."

Sokka raised an eyebrow. In one fluid motion, he sliced the watermelon in half. "There. That's how it's done."

Aang stared in horror.

Momo descended eagerly on the spilt watermelon.

"Great. Sparky, can you please take your kid back now. He's starting to stink."

Zuko sighed. "Yeah, I got him."

Eating while nursing probably wasn't the best idea, but Zuko was starving and Lee was taking forever to finish. He leaned his head back against Sokka's shoulder with a sigh.

"I have a surprise for everyone!" Katara said, walking over to the group, holding a scroll.

"I knew it!" Toph exclaimed triumphantly. "You did have a secret thing with Haru!"

Sokka, Zuko and Suki stared.

"Uh… no."

They shrugged and went back to eating.

"I was looking for cooking pots in the attic and I found this." She unrolled the scroll. On it was a portrait of a tiny child. "Look at baby Zuko! Isn't he cute?"

Wait, what? Wasn't his baby portrait still at the palace? Zuko stared at the scroll and scowled as the others laughed.

"Oh, lighten up," Katara said, "I'm just teasing."

"That's not me. It's my father." Zuko said.

"But he looks so sweet and innocent." Suki said.

"Well, that sweet little kid grew up to be a monster. And the worst father in the history of fathers."

"But he's still a human being." Aang groused from his shadowy corner.

"You're going to defend him?"

"No, I agree with you. Firelord Ozai is a horrible person, and the world will probably be better off without him, but there's gotta be another way."

"Like what?"

Aang sighed. "I don't know." He smiled hopefully. "Maybe we can make some big pots of glue and then I can use gluebending to stick his arms and legs together so he can't bend anymore."

"Yeah, then you can show him his baby pictures and all those happy memories will make him good again." Zuko snarked.

Aang looked way too hopeful. "Do you really think that would work?"

"No."

Aang slumped. "This goes against everything I learned from the monks. I can't just go around wiping out people I don't like."

"Sure you can," Sokka shrugged, "You're the Avatar. If it's in the name of keeping balance, I'm pretty sure the universe will forgive you."

Aang shook angrily. "This isn't a joke, Sokka!" he yelled. "None of you understand the position I'm in!"

A growl rumbled in Zuko's throat as Lee started crying, but he pushed it back down. "He tried to kill me while I was pregnant. His son and his grandson. I need to do whatever it takes to keep my son safe."

"That doesn't mean killing your father is the answer!"

"Aang we do understand," Katara soothed, "It's just-"

"Just what, Katara, what?"

"We're trying to help." She snapped.

"When you figure out a way for me to defeat the Firelord without taking his life, I'd love to hear it!"

He stormed away, leaving behind a raw, bitter scent of anger.

"Aang, don't walk away from this!" Katara yelled after him. She started to storm after him, but Zuko grabbed her shoulder.

"Let him go. He needs time to sort it out himself."

"Zuko, relax." Sokka murmured as he massaged Zuko's shoulders gently.

Zuko stared down at the crib. Lee was finally asleep, tucked under a blanket that smelled like him and Sokka. "How can I? Aang won't kill my father. How can we ask a child to become a killer? I don't think I could kill him either. Could any of us?"

"I think, if it was him or us, yes."

Zuko sighed. "Maybe I could, for Lee. But I'm not letting that monster get anywhere near him."

"I know you won't. None of us will let that happen. Now please, come to bed."

Exhaustedly, Zuko let Sokka lead him over to the bed and tuck him in. He curled into Sokka's warmth, breathing in his soft scent.

"Let me handle Lee tonight."

"You don't have to, he's my baby. I can manage."

"Zuko, you need sleep. If I need you, I'll come get you."

Zuko was losing the battle with sleep. "Okay…"

Sokka pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Goodnight, Sunshine."

"Okay, that's everything." Sokka announced as he loaded up Appa's saddle. Lee gurgled in his sling, but he didn't start crying. Thank Agni.

"No, it's not," Toph said, "Where's Aang?"

They all looked at each other in horror and ran into the house. Appa just sat munching his hay.

"Aang? Aang!" Zuko yelled.

"Come on, lazy bones!" Toph called, "Let's go!"

No answer.

They darted into different directions, scattering through the house. Zuko opened random door after random door. Nothing. Toph walked by and shrugged empty handedly.

They followed the other three to one of the balconies. Sokka was holding Aang's staff, but there was no sign of the Airbender himself.

"Aang's not in the house." Zuko said. "Let's check the beach."

"Look! There's his footprints." Sokka said, pointing to the indents in the sand. They lead straight to the water and vanished there. "The trail ends here."

"So he went for a midnight swim and never came back?" Suki said.

"Maybe he was captured." Katara suggested.

"I don't think so," Sokka said, "There's no sign of a struggle."

"I bet he ran away again." Toph said.

"Uh- uh, he left behind his glider and Appa." Sokka pointed out.

"Then what do you think's happened to him, O Sleuthy One?" Toph drawled.

"It's pretty obvious. Aang mysteriously disappears before an important battle? He's definitely on a Spirit World Journey."

"But if he was, wouldn't his body still be here?" Zuko asked.

"Oh yeah. I forgot about that."

"Then he's gotta be somewhere on Ember Island." Katara said. "Let's split up and look for him."

Toph latched on to his arm. Zuko cupped Lee protectively as he stumbled under her weight. "I'm going with Zuko!"

Zuko blushed as everyone stared at them.

"What? Everyone else went on a life changing field trip with Zuko. Now it's my turn."

"And then when I was 9, I ran away again."

"Uh huh."

"I know I shouldn't complain. My parents gave me everything I ever asked for. But they never gave me the one thing that I really wanted- their love. You know what I mean?"

Zuko groaned. "Look, I know you had a rough childhood. But we should really focus on finding Aang."

"This is the worst field trip ever." She complained.

"How about, when this is all over, I leave Lee with Katara and you and I can spend the whole day talking about shitty families?"

Toph smiled and nodded. "I'd like that. But you shouldn't swear in front of the baby."

Oops.

"Shush. I didn't say anything."

They lapped the entire beach. No sign of Aang. Defeatedly, the two of them made their way back to the house and slumped on the front steps with Katara and Suki. Hopefully Sokka would find something.

Zuko buried his head in his hands. This was all his fault. He'd pushed Aang way too hard and should never have tried to force him to kill the Firelord. He was going to end up just like his father, wasn't he? Lee reached up, trying to grab at Zuko's hand. Zuko let him have it. Lee's tiny fingers curled around his much larger one. He suckled Zuko's fingertip. Zuko smiled. Did his father ever feel this kind of warmth for Zuko? Or even Azula? If he felt like this every time he looked at Lee, then maybe he wouldn't be such a terrible parent after all.

Appa landed with a thud in front of them.

"Judging by the looks on your faces, I'm guessing you guys didn't find Aang either." Sokka sighed. He landed with a lighter thud.

"No." Zuko grumbled. "It's like he just disappeared."

Toph sat up suddenly. "Hey, wait a minute. Has anyone noticed that Momo is missing too?"

Sokka's eyes widened dramatically. "Oh no! I knew it was only a matter of time! Appa ate Momo!"

He ran over to the big bison and forced his mouth open. He leaned inside. Appa was nice enough not to close his mouth. "Momo, I'm coming for you buddy!"

"Sokka," Katara said tiredly "Appa didn't eat Momo. He's probably with Aang."

Sokka peered out between Appa's teeth. "That's just what Appa wants you to think." He started crawling further inside Appa's mouth.

Zuko sighed. Why was he dating a child again? "Get out of the bison's mouth, Sokka. We have a real problem here." He said over the sounds of Sokka squirming out of Appa's mouth. "Aang is nowhere to be found and the comet is only two days away."

"What should we do, Zuko?" Katara asked.

Zuko stood up. "I don't know."

They stared at him.

"Why are you all looking at me?"

"Well, you are kind of the expert on tracking Aang." Katara said.

"Yeah," Toph agreed, "If anyone's got experience hunting the Avatar, it's you."

Zuko thought for a moment. "I have an idea."

He hurried over to Appa. Sokka was still picking himself up of the floor. He leaned in for a hug, but Zuko shooed him away with a glare. "You're disgusting. Stay away from me."

He carefully climbed onto Appa's head. Hopefully Lee wouldn't mind flying too much.

"Zuko, I don't wanna tell you how to do your job," Sokka called out from the saddled, "But why are we heading towards the Earth Kingdom? There's no way Aang's there."

"Just trust me." Zuko said.

Lee sneezed. Zuko sighed, using his own sleeve to carefully clean of the baby's face. He'd had worse substances on his clothes. He was just glad Lee seemed to be enjoying the flight immensely. He smiled. What a weird baby.

The tavern was easy enough to find. Zuko lead the way inside the rowdy bar, cradling Lee in his sling protectively. People were hurrying about and shouting all over the place. Great. A bar brawl.

"And the reason you brought us to a seedy Earth Kingdom tavern is what now?" Katara asked sceptically.

"Jun." Zuko replied, pointing across the room. The dark haired Alpha woman sat casually, drinking from a steaming cup. A man rushed her. She smacked him aside with her leg with out moving any other muscle.

"Oh yeah. That weird bounty hunter with the giant mole." Sokka said.

"Mole? Her skin is flawless." Suki said, watching the woman dance through the fighting men.

"No, she has this giant mole creature she rides around on." Sokka explained.

"The Shirshu." Zuko said. "It's the only animal that can track Aang's scent anywhere in the world. It's the one shot we have at finding him."

Jun through her cup into the air, threw a man over her shoulder and caught the cup with out spilling a drop.

"I don't know who this Jun lady is," Toph said, "But I like her."

"Hey, I remember her. She helped you attack us." Sokka said.

"Yep. Back in the good old days." Zuko sighed and approached Jun's table.

"Oh great," she huffed, "It's Prince Pouty. Where's your creepy grandpa? And please don't tell me you kidnapped a baby." She eyed Lee cautiously.

"He's my uncle. And he's not here. And no, I didn't. I gave birth to one."

Jun's attention moved to Katara. "I see you worked things out with your girlfriend."

Both Katara and Zuko's faces lit up with blushes.

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"I'm not his girlfriend!"

"I'm his boyfriend though." Sokka smirked, slinging an arm around Zuko's shoulders.

"Right. Good for you. So what do you want?"

"I need your help finding the Avatar." Zuko said.

"Hm, doesn't sound too fun."

"Does the end of the world sound like more fun?" Zuko snapped.

She sighed and elegantly got to her feet. They followed her outside to where Appa and the Shirshu were apparently becoming friends. Jun pulled out a piece of meat and held it up.

"Nyla?"

She threw it and the Shirshu gulped it down eagerly. Jun hugged its head, scratching its ears. "Whose my little snuffly wuffly?" She nimbly ducked as the Shirshu tossed its head, shooting out its tongue. "Whoa! Careful there! Okay, so who's got something with the Avatar's scent on it?"

Katara handed her Aang's staff. Jun held it out the Shirshu. The Shirshu sniffed it and wandered around in a circle. It lay down at Jun's feet, rubbing its nose with its paws.

"Well, what does that mean?" Zuko asked.

"It means your friend's gone." Jun replied, petting the Shirshu.

"We know he's gone. That's why we're trying to find him." Toph said.

"No, I mean he's gone- gone. He doesn't exist."

"What do you mean, Aang doesn't exist?" Sokka asked. "Do you mean he's, you know, dead?"

"Nope, we could find him if he were dead. Oh, it's a real headscratcher. See ya." She shrugged as she climbed onto the Shirshu's saddle.

"Helpful. Real helpful." Toph grumbled.

"Wait," Zuko said, "I have another idea. There's only one other person in this world who can help us face the Firelord. I'll be right back with a smell sample."

He scrambled into Appa's saddle and srabbled in his bag. He found what he was looking for and climbed back down.

"You saved your uncle's sweaty sandal?" Sokka asked as Zuko held it up.

"I think it's kind of sweet." Toph said.

The Shirshu lunged forward, sniffing it. Zuko wrapped a protective arm around Lee, who was somehow asleep. Weird baby.

"Let's do this." Jun said. She turned the Shirshu and it bounded away.

"Hey, wait up!" Zuko called as they all scrambled onto Appa.

They followed Jun and the Shirshu over jagged rocky hills. It didn't falter once, always pushing on. Zuko was impressed by its endurance as dawn peeked over the horizon. It sped through the forest and straight toward a familiar, towering wall. It leapt through the gap and stopped.

"We're headed to Ba Sing Se?" Zuko said as they landed.

The Shirshu pawed at the rock. "Your uncle is somewhere beyond that wall," Jun said, "Nyla is getting twitchy so it can't be too far. Good luck." She smiled almost kindly, urged the Shirshu forward and then disappeared.

Zuko sighed as Lee started crying. "It's been a long day. Let's camp and start our search at dawn."

They settled on Appa instead of making a proper camp: except for Toph in her rock tent. There was something strangely nostalgic in settling down to sleep on Appa's tail cradling Lee in his arms, as Zuko had done for so many months while he was pregnant. Sokka flopped down next to him. The Alpha fell asleep in mere moments, Lee quickly following. Zuko smiled. He didn't think he was ready to face his uncle- he never would be- but he was glad he was doing it with Sokka at his side. There was no one else he'd rather have there.

Zuko startled awake. Lee's frightened wails rang in his ears as he watched a wall of fire surround them. Had the Fire Nation found them?

Four figures loomed above them on the rubble. They were dressed in blue and white robes not black and red soldiers' uniforms. Zuko squinted up- recognising Piandao and Jeong Jeong the Deserter. The other two were white haired old men he had never seen before.

"Well, look who's here." One of them cackled.

Zuko flinched back, his hold on Lee tightening. Sokka placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Both Water Tribe siblings were smiling. Alright then.

The fires dimmed and the four men joined them on the ground. Zuko fought the instinct to growl. All of them but one- the loud laughing one who was Beta- were Alphas. It wasn't a good idea to threaten them but Zuko's instincts were screaming at him to protect his baby.

"What's going on?" Toph asked, "We're surrounded by old people."

"Not just any old people," Katara said, "These are great masters and friends of ours." She bowed to one of the men Zuko didn't know. "Pakku."

He bowed back. "It is respectful to bow to an old master. But how about a hug for your new grandfather?"

What?

Katara gasped. "That's so exciting!"

Next to Zuko, Sokka exploded with much less dignity than his sister. Namely, an ungainly scream. Zuko elbowed him.

Katara and the old man hugged. "You and Gran- Gran must be so happy to have found each other again."

You know what, Zuko wasn't going to even ask. Sokka would probably spill it later anyway.

"I made her a new betrothal necklace and everything." Pakku looked very disgruntled as Sokka slammed into him.

"Welcome to the family, Gramp- Gramp!"

You can still just call me Pakku." He said, peeling Sokka away from him.

Sokka was not to be discouraged. "How about Gramp- Pakku?"

"No."

Sokka deflated. Zuko gave him a sympathetic shoulder pat while trying to juggle the still loudly fussing Lee. It was embarrassing enough, but Zuko was just glad he wasn't fully screaming.

Katara continued with the introductions. "This is Aang's first Firebending teacher."

Zuko nodded to him- both because his hands were full, and he was very doubtful about the job he'd done teaching Aang. The boy was terrified to use fire after all.

"Jeong Jeong." The Alpha rumbled, nodding respectfully back.

Sokka bowed to Piandao.

"Hello, Sokka." He glanced over at Zuko and smiled. "It's been too long, Prince Zuko."

Lee was still crying. Zuko could not be asked right now. It took all of his court training to politely reply, "Master Piandao."

Thankfully he didn't seem to bothered with the lacklustre reply.

"So wait," Suki asked, "How do you all know each other?"

"All old people know each other, don't you know that?" said the crazy Beta.

"We're all part of the same ancient, secret society, a group that transcends the divisions of the four nations." Piandao explained.

"The Order of the White Lotus." Zuko said in the middle of shushing Lee.

Piandao looked surprised but the crazy Beta jumped in front of him. "That's the one."

Lee shrieked, his cries rising in volume. Zuko bit back a groan and stepped away from the group. He walked over to Appa, hoping the bison would be able to work his magic. Appa turned his head towards the baby and huffed. Lee's screams slowly faded out into quiet babbles. Zuko just sighed exhaustedly. Sokka appeared by his side and tugged him back over to the group. By some miracle of Agni, Lee stayed quiet.

"He's an unhappy little thing, isn't he?" Piandao clucked sympathetically.

"The fires earlier scared him, and he's never been around strangers before. And it's his first time away from home." Zuko explained.

Jeong Jeong cast a disapproving glance at the crazy Beta, who was looking apologetic. "The White Lotus has always been about philosophy, and beauty, and truth. But about a month ago, a call went out that we were needed for something important."

"It came from our Grand Lotus," Pakku said, looking at Zuko, "Your uncle. Iroh of the Fire Nation."

Zuko smiled. His uncle was alive.

"Well that's who we're looking for." Toph said.

"Then we'll take you to him. You have some introductions to make."

The crazy Beta pushed Jeong Jeong and Piandao aside roughly. He stared over the group in confusion. "Wait, someone's missing from your group, someone very important." He stepped closer.

Zuko hastily stepped back. Lee whimpered but didn't cry.

"Where's Momo?"

What? The crazy Beta had Sokka pinned nose to nose. A growl rumbled in Zuko's throat. The Beta had already threatened his baby, now he was threatening his mate. Wait. What. He and Sokka weren't mated. What was Zuko thinking? It was probably the stress and tiredness. It was the middle of the night and it wasn't as though Zuko was well rested before that.

"He's gone," Sokka replied, "And so is Aang."

The crazy Beta stepped away, shrugging to himself. "Oh well, so long as they have each other, I'm sure we have nothing to worry about."

He patted Sokka's shoulder and Zuko clenched his jaw to keep himself in check. Toph squeezed his wrist gently.

The other White Lotus members looked very, very done with the Beta's crazy antics.

"Let's go!" the Beta laughed as he propelled himself with Earthbending to the top of the wall. Sokka just put his arm around Zuko and let the Omega leaned wearily against him.

Lee seemed to be loving their trek along the hillside; especially now he was getting used to the Lotus members' scents. Zuko was not. He had barely slept in two days and his entire body hurt. He was almost regretting not listening to Katara about taking longer than three days to recover from giving birth- if he had, he would have at least started off the journey less sore. Sokka's hand in his was the only thing keeping him moving. That and his annoying chatter.

"So Bumi," he asked the crazy Beta, "How did you end up escaping your imprisonment in Omashu?"

Oh yeah. Zuko vaguely remembered hearing about how Omashu surrendered to the Fire Nation.

"Escape? I didn't escape. Everybody else escaped. There I was, back in Omashu, waiting for just the right moment. I didn't know what or when, but I knew I'd know it when I knew it."

"Wow. You took back your whole city by yourself." Suki said.

"So what about you guys?" Bumi asked, "Did you do anything interesting on the day of the eclipse?"

Sokka and Zuko exchanged looks.

"Nah."

"No, not really."

Bumi lowered a boulder and gestured to the collection of tents. "Well, here we are. Welcome to old people camp."

Zuko looked around desperately for any sign of his uncle. "Where? Where is he?"

"Your uncle's in there, Prince Zuko." Piandao said, pointing to the large, central tent. Sokka walked with him up to the door. He pulled Zuko into a gentle kiss and squeezed his hand.

"It's going to be fine. You'll see."

"Thank you, Sokka." Zuko whispered. He took a deep breath and stepped inside the tent. "Uncle…"

Loud snores greeted him. There was his uncle alive, slumbering away in a bed across the tent. Zuko just smiled and sat down on the rug to wait.

Zuko actually managed a few hours of sleep. Sure it was sitting up, but at least he wasn't quite so dead on his feet as he had been. His uncle sat up with a wide yawn. He stretched, his back to Zuko. Zuko struggled to force any words past his lips. Tears were already trickling down his face.

"I am so, so, so sorry, Uncle. I wanted to go back for you every day. I wish I'd never-"

Iroh whirled around and crushed Zuko against his chest. Zuko gasped slightly. "How can you forgive me so easily?" His arms moved of their own accord to clutch at Iroh's shoulders.

"There is nothing to forgive. You made the right choice and found your way and I couldn't be more proud of you. I am so happy you found you way here." Iroh pulled away, resting his hands on Zuko's shoulders and looking him over. Tears were glistening on Iroh's face too.

"It wasn't that hard Uncle," Zuko joked through his tears, "You have a pretty strong scent."

Iroh's gaze fixed on the sling around Zuko's chest. "Zuko…" he breathed.

Zuko smiled hopefully and gently took Lee out of his sling. The baby was awake, but calm. "Uncle, there's someone I want you to meet."

"He's yours?"

Zuko nodded. "His name is Lee."

"May I hold him?"

Zuko passed Lee into his uncle's waiting arms. Lee gurgled up at Iroh and settled down to sleep. Iroh chuckled softly, running a hand down Lee's pudgy cheek.

"Oh, Zuko. He's beautiful. When was he born?"

"2 weeks ago."

"You've been pregnant this whole time?"

"Since the boat to Ba Sing Se."

Iroh's eyes widened in recognition. Zuko knew his uncle knew exactly who he was talking about. But the old man just shook his head. "I would have found you sooner if I had known, but I had no idea."

"I didn't either, for a long while. When I found out, I didn't want to believe it. Now I can't imagine my life without him. I just wish you were there, Uncle."

Iroh pulled him into a one armed hug. "I'm here now, Zuko."

"He was born at dawn."

"The mark of a powerful Firebender."

"Will it matter to you if he's not? A Firebender, I mean."

"Of course not, Zuko. He is your child. I love him just for that."

Sobs wracked Zuko's shoulders. Lee fussed. "Thank you, Uncle. I thought you'd be furious at me."

Iroh pressed Lee back into Zuko's arms. "Of course not Zuko. Parenthood is a hard experience to go through for one so young, much less alone. All I want is to support you."

"I'm not exactly alone."

"Oh?"

"Do you know Sokka? The non bender who travels with the Avatar?"

Iroh grinned broadly. "I had always hoped you would find someone you would find happiness with."

"Uncle, we've only been together for a few months. Since the eclipse actually. He just- he just takes good care of Lee and doesn't care that he's another Alpha's child."

Iroh just laughed. "As much as we have to catch up on, we must rise and face the day. It will be an important one."

Zuko nodded. "I love you, Uncle."

"I love you too, Zuko."

With that, Zuko quietly slipped out of the tent. "Come on, Firefly. Let's find somewhere quiet for your breakfast."

"Uncle, you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat the Fatherlord." Zuko said, awkwardly trying to eat his breakfast while still cradling the sleeping Lee.

"You mean the Firelord?" Toph said.

"That's what I just said."

"Hmm…" Iroh murmured.

"We need you to come with us." Zuko insisted.

"No, Zuko," Iroh sighed, "It won't turn out well."

"You can beat him, and we'll be there to help."

"Even if I did defeat Ozai, and I don't know that I could, it would be the wrong way to end a war. History will see it as just more senseless violence, a brother killing a brother to grab power. The only way for this war to end peacefully is for the Avatar to defeat the Firelord."

"And then… then would you come and take your rightful place on the throne?" Zuko asked.

"No. Someone new must take the throne- an idealist with a pure heart and unquestionable honour. It has to be you, Prince Zuko."

"Unquestionable honour? But I've made so many mistakes."

"Yes, you have. You've struggled and you've suffered, but you have always followed your own path. You restored your own honour and only you can restore the honour of the Fire Nation."

"The Fire Nation? I can barely manage Lee. And I'm an Omega anyway."

"Parenthood is a trying time, Zuko. Especially in the circumstances you have been forced into. But anyone can see the love you have for your son all over your face. As long as you have that, I know that you will find a way. And you are not alone. There is no shame in letting others help. As for your status, while Omega Firelords have been discouraged, there is no law to stop you. What could be more inspiring for Omegas than to have one as their Firelord? You can do this, my nephew."

Zuko sighed. "I'll try, uncle."

"Well, what if Aang doesn't come back?" Toph asked.

"Sozin's comet is arriving and our destinies are upon us. Aang will face the Firelord." Iroh said. "When I was a boy, I had a vision that I would one day take Ba Sing Se. Only now do I see that my destiny is to take it back from the Fire Nation, so the Earth Kingdom can be free again."

"That's why you gathered the members of the White Lotus." Suki said.

"Yes. Zuko, you must return to the Fire Nation, so that when the Firelord falls, you can assume the throne and restore peace and order. But Azula will be there waiting for you."

"I can handle Azula."

"Not alone. You'll need help."

"You're right. Katara, how would you like to help me put Azula in her place?"

"It would be my pleasure." She grinned.

"What about us?" Sokka asked, "What's our destiny today?"

"What do you think it is?" Iroh asked.

"I think that even though we don't know where Aang is, we need to do everything we can to stop the airship fleet."

"And that means when Aang does face the Firelord, we'll be right there if he needs us." Toph said.

Iroh nodded with a smile.

Zuko looked down at little Lee nestled in his arms. Tiny golden eyes stared up at him. Tears stung his own eyes. He'd always known this day would come. He'd just never let himself think about how hard it would be.

"Uncle," he said in a tiny, shaky voice, "Is there somewhere safe- for Lee to go?"

Iroh nodded. "I made arrangements this morning." He put his bowl down and stood. "Come with me."

Zuko followed with Sokka at his side. There was no hiding the tears pouring down his face. It was only Sokka's arms around him that kept him moving to the edge of the campsite. A man in the White Lotus blue and white was waiting with an ostrich horse.

"Zuko, this is Taigen. He will be the one escorting Prince Lee."

Zuko was glad the man was at least an Omega. But how could he give this stranger his tiny defenceless little baby; the one he'd sworn to protect with his very life? But this was protecting him. Zuko had a job to do. Lee could not be allowed near the war.

"Promise me you'll protect him?" Zuko said in a trembling voice.

Taigen nodded. His chocolate eyes burned with sincerity and kindness.

Zuko sobbed. His hands were shaking so much that Sokka had to help him take Lee out of the sling and hand it to Taigen. He clutched Lee tightly to his chest, holding onto every moment he had left.

"I love you, Firefly. Don't ever forget that. No matter what happens today, always remember that I did this because I love you and I want you to be safe." His voice broke but he pushed through the sobs to whisper one final, "Goodbye."

He passed Lee into Taigen's arms.

Sokka was the only thing holding him up.

Iroh pulled something out of his pocket that glinted in the sunlight. "Take this with you. Lee will always have something to remember his family by."

"Roku's hair piece…" Zuko mumbled brokenly.

"Meant to be worn by the crown prince." Iroh said. He handed it to Taigen, who slipped it into his pocket. Then he carefully swung himself into the saddle.

As if he'd just realised what was happening, Lee screamed. Zuko jerked in place, holding himself back with the last dregs of his strength. "We'll see him again soon." Sokka murmured into Zuko's ear.

Zuko could barely hear anything over the blood rushing in his ears and the sound of his baby crying.

"Go." Iroh murmured.

"Farewell, Prince Zuko." Taigen said. Then the ostrich horse was trotting away, further and further until it vanished from sight.

Zuko fell to his knees. He screamed. Iroh and Sokka cradled him between them, but he couldn't feel it. All he could feel was the jagged shreds of his heart burning away inside his chest.

"Come back…" He whispered.

"Come back." He begged.

"Come back!" He screamed.

But there was nothing. Just the sounds of the camp and his own, desperate sobs. There was nothing Iroh or Sokka could say to make it better, so they just held him through the waves of agony that shook his very core.

His head broke the surface. He leaned into Sokka's chest and panted heavily. "I- I'm ready to go now." He croaked.

"Okay." Sokka said quietly.

He and Iroh helped Zuko to his feet- catching him when he nearly fell again. After a few shaky steps, he made his way back to the main camp under his own power. Katara and Toph ran over and pulled him into a hug.

"It's going to be alright." Katara whispered.

Zuko just nodded, squeezing them both hard.

They pulled away. Katara climbed onto Appa, while Toph joined Suki on a giant eel- hound. Zuko turned to Sokka and pulled him into a desperate, salty kiss.

"Be careful out there." Zuko murmured.

Sokka squeezed his hands. "I will. Katara, you watch out for Zuko?"

"You bet."

Zuko hugged him, breathing in snow, pine and a cold breeze. Then he let him go and turned towards Appa. Katara's pseudo grandfather- Pakku- pressed a waterskin into his hands.

"You'll need this. Get your strength up."

"Thank you."

Appa lowered his head with a low rumble. Zuko climbed on, knowing that Appa understood his pain.

"Nothing runs faster over land or swims quicker than a giant eel- hound." Piandao explained to Sokka. "The airship base is on a small island just off the Earth Kingdom shore. You should be able to intercept the fleet with a day's journey."

"Thank you, master."

They bowed to each other. Sokka pushed forward and hugged the older Alpha.

"So, if I'm gonna be Firelord after the war's over," Zuko asked his uncle, "What are you gonna do?"

"After I reconquer Ba Sing Se, I am going to reconquer my tea shop and I am going to play Pai Sho every day."

Zuko wanted to smile, but he couldn't bring himself to. He glanced back at Katara, then over to Sokka. They nodded.

"Goodbye, General Iroh." Katara said.

Goodbye, everyone." Iroh rumbled. "Today, destiny is our friend. I know it."

Zuko flicked the reins and then they were flying away.

The sky was burning orange. It was beautiful. Zuko just wished it didn't mean the end of the world. He could feel the comet now; energy crackling in his blood. It burned in his veins, but it was a good kind of burn. Powerful. And if he felt it, his father would. Azula would.

"Zuko, don't worry. We can take Azula." Katara said.

"I'm not worried about her. I'm worried about Aang. What if he doesn't have the guts to take out Aang? What if he loses?"

Then Zuko would never see his son again.

"Aang won't lose. He's gonna come back." Katara said. "He has to."

This was not what Zuko was expecting for crashing Azula's coronation. It was only her and the Fire Sages in front of an empty courtyard. Her hair was in disarray and he could the unstable spark in her eye. Appa landed with a heavy thud and a warning bellow.

Zuko stood on his head. "Sorry, but you're not gonna become Firelord today." He leapt down and in the strongest voice he could muster said, "I am."

Azula laughed. "You're hilarious." She sniffed the air and frowned. "You've- you've given birth, haven't you? Recently."

"Yes."

Azula scowled. Zuko could see the confusion whirring behind her eyes.

Katara stepped up to Zuko's side. "And you're going down."

The Fire Sage went to place the crown in Azula's hair. "You want to be Firelord? Fine, let's settle this. Just you and me, brother, the show down that was always meant to be- Agni Kai!"

Zuko did not flinch at her demented grin. He simply growled, "You're on."

She smiled.

"What are you doing?" Katara hissed. "She's playing you. She knows she can't take us both, so she's trying to separate us."

"I know, but I can take her this time."

"But even you admitted to your uncle that you would need help facing Azula."

"There's something off about her. I can't explain it, but she's slipping. And this way, no one else has to get hurt."

Katara frowned but conceded.

They kneeled at opposite ends of the courtyard, back to back. Zuko's last Agni Kai there rang in his mind. But this time, he was going to fight. He'd fought Zhao and won, he'd fought Azula and not died, he was not going to cower from his family anymore. He had a son to protect now.

The two rose and turned to each other. Azula threw of her robe with a sneer. "I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother."

"No, you're not."

She leered at him. A blue inferno blasted from her hand. Zuko leapt forward, planting his feet. His arms rose up. Two arcs of fire met Azula's in one torrential blast. The wall of fire blazed across the courtyard, swirling viciously.

Azula unleashed a volley of kicks, sending arc after arc of blue. The fire blazed all around them. Bursts of blue and orange lit up the city around them.

Zuko wished his home didn't have to burn.

Their flames met again: huge searing streams blazing past each other. Zuko's feet slid backwards. He ground his heels into the ground.

Azula glanced back at the burning palace entrance behind her. She glowered. Blue fire propelled her into the air. A huge fire whip crashed down.

Zuko blasted it apart with an orange tide.

Azula kneeled, panting. Zuko released a massive fireball from his fist. Azula just barely leapt out of the way. Fury twisting her face, she skated towards him on blue fire. She punched out an inferno.

Zuko leapt into the air with a burst of fire. Like Azula had done, he brought down a great fire whip. She skated circles around him, dodging every one of his blasts.

He rolled to the ground, swirling up a storm with his kicks.

It hit Azula.

She crashed to the ground with a startled groan. She pushed herself to her feet. She snarled at him, hair falling over her face.

"No lightning today?" Zuko taunted, "What's the matter? Afraid I'll redirect?"

"Oh, I'll show you lightning!" she roared. Electricity blazed from her palms.

Zuko inhaled and exhaled, ready for the strike.

Her eyes twitched away from him.

To Katara.

White light streak across the courtyard.

Zuko ran. Maybe he was yelling.

Then his world disappeared in white hot pain.

He was burning, burning, burning. This was dying. The whiteness faded to black. Stabs of pain scorched through him. He could barely think anymore. Azula… Katara… Uncle… Sokka… Lee

Dying.

Lee.

Lee.

Muscles aching. Body burning. Get up. Protect Lee. Katara. Lightning. Azula.

Hands on him. Turning him over. Gentle. Kind. Snow and sea salt and flowers. Safe. Water. Cool. Pain fading away.

"Thank you, Katara."

She smiled. "I think I'm the one who should be thanking you." She was crying. She carefully lifted him to sit and then to stand. His chest burned but all he cared about was Azula.

She was sopping wet and chained to a grate. She screamed, unhinged, breathing blue fire. His little La La. What had been done to her? He knew those maddened screams would haunt his nightmares for a long time- the scream of a mind so broken and shattered.

That was the last thing he remembered.

The first thing he noticed was that he was lying on something soft. The second thing he noticed was the sound of a baby crying. The third thing he noticed were the quiet voices around them. His eyes were heavy. So heavy. He prised them open. He groaned as the light stung his eyes.

"Zuko!" a voice cried at his side. "You're awake!"

His eyes focus on the face in front of him. "Sokka…"

"Hey there, Sunshine."

Zuko's eyes scanned Sokka, looking for any kind of injury. "You're okay?"

"Well, my leg's broken, but other than that, I'm fine. You on the other hand…"

"You gave us quite a scare, nephew."

Zuko looked across the room. "Uncle?"

Iroh laughed. In his arms, he was rocking a bawling Lee "Hello, Zuko. Now, this little one has been waiting has been waiting a long time to see you again."

Sokka helped him sit up against the pillows. Zuko took stock of his body. He hurt all over, his chest especially sore. And bandaged too. Iroh carefully passed Lee into his waiting arms. The baby stopped crying immediately and started trying to suckle.

Zuko laughed. There was no feeling to describe the joy he felt at that moment. "Always hungry, aren't you, Firefly?" He guided Lee to his unbandaged teat. The baby started guzzling eagerly. "I'm surprised I'm still making milk after getting hit with lightning. How long was I asleep anyway?"

"Three days," Sokka said, "And Katara's a miracle worker."

"Speaking of Katara, she should know you're awake." Iroh said. "I will fetch her." As he left the room, he cast a meaningful look at Sokka.

As soon as they were alone, Sokka pressed a kiss to Zuko's forehead. "I am so glad you're okay."

"Me too."

"So you're gonna be the new Firelord?"

Zuko nodded. "I need to fix what my family's broken."

"You don't have to do it alone, though."

Zuko smiled. "I know. It's not like I'm doing it without the Avatar, the most powerful Earthbender in the world, a Waterbending master and our master strategist."

Sokka laughed. "That's not what I meant. I was kind of hoping I could stay here a while you get back on your feet."

"I'd like that."

"And… I wanted to give you this." Sokka held up a necklace. It looked a lot like Katara's: a round stone on a dark blue ribbon. Only the stone was a fiery orange, with the Water symbol carved into the centre, surrounded by a pattern of flames.

"It's an engagement necklace. It doesn't have to mean anything if you don't want it to. I know we're young and the world's a mess and it's our job to fix it, but I- I can't imagine my life without you."

"Sokka, how long have you been thinking about this?"

"Since Lee was born. I sat with you while you gave birth and it was the most incredible thing I've ever seen anyone do. And then I saw Lee for the first time, and I fell in love with him almost as much as you did. And you let me take care of him and I just grew to love him more. I can't imagine my life now without you two in it."

Zuko's eyes widened in shock. "But what about the Southern Water Tribe? Don't you want to go home? And your father? Aren't you the next chief? How can you do that from the Fire Nation?"

"Okay, one question at a time. Of course I want to go home, but I can visit whenever I want and write. My dad still has more than a few years left as chief. And we're not a strict monarchy. Our chiefs are voted for by the village. So they vote for someone who isn't me, no biggie."

"But why would you want to give up your home for me?"

"Because Zuko, I think I love you."

"Oh…"

Sokka held the necklace out. "So do you want this or…."

"I do, Sokka, I really do but… all I keep thinking about this politically. If we mate, it allies the Southern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation, and everyone will think you're Lee's father, which will strengthen his claim to the throne if he's not a bastard. I just- I don't want to do that to you."

Sokka cupped Zuko's face with a radiant smile of understanding. "Hey. The political stuff isn't why you want to, is it?"

"No."

"Why do you then?"

"Because I think I love you, too."

"Good enough for me."

Sokka brought their lips together and clasped the necklace around his neck.

"Aw!"

The two pulled apart hastily to see Katara and Iroh grinning in the doorway.

"How long have you been standing there?" Sokka demanded.

"Not long." Katara snickered.

"Congratulations." Iroh added.

"Thanks," Zuko sighed, "Now can we take this of so Lee can finish his meal please?" he said, nodding to the bandage covering his right side.

"Sure." Katara said.

Zuko groaned as he tried to slip the robe on. Though Katara had done an incredible job healing him, too many movements still hurt.

"You need some help with that?"

Zuko turned to see Sokka limping over on his crutch. Lee was in a sling around his chest.

"Where have you been?"

"Exploring the palace," Sokka replied as he tied the belt around Zuko's waist, "It's really big. It's a pretty big adventure for you, isn't it, Lee?"

The baby just gurgled.

Sokka and Zuko laughed, leaning in for a kiss.

Zuko walked through the corridor in full Firelord regalia. The necklace rested in the hollow of his throat, reassuring him with its cool presence. Aang was sitting by the curtain in full monk robes. How far they'd come. "I can't believe a year ago my purpose in life was hunting you down and now…"

"And now we're friends." Aang smiled. "And you're a parent."

"Yeah. We are friends. I'm really lucky."

"I can't believe a year ago I was still frozen in a block of ice. The world's so different now."

Zuko put his hand on Aang's shoulder. "And it's gonna be even more different. We'll rebuild it together."

Aang pulled him into a hug. Zuko wrapped his arms around Aang's shoulders and breathed in the scent of willow, rainwater and lavender.

Then they stepped through the curtain together. The gong sounded and Zuko took in all the colours mixed together; red and blue and green. Fire and Water and Earth coming together for the first time in 100 years. And at the front of the crowd were his friends. Sokka was in the very centre, Lee in his sling, and beaming proudly.

The crowd cheered.

Zuko held up a hand for silence. "Please, the real hero is the Avatar."

He stepped aside as Aang came forward.

"Today, this war is finally over!" Zuko declared. "I promised my uncle that I would restore the honour of the Fire Nation and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace."

Zuko knelt down as one of the Fire Sages stepped forward.

"All hail Firelord Zuko!"

Zuko rose and beckoned Aang forward as the crowd cheered.

As refreshing as having his nation's approval was, Zuko really appreciated peace and quiet. As the festivities faded out, he, Sokka and Hakoda slipped away into a quiet side room.

Zuko breathed a sigh of relief as Sokka passed Lee into his arms.

"Congratulations, Zuko." Hakoda rumbled.

Zuko ducked his head. "Thank you."

"Of course, there's a lot to be congratulating you for right now. But I think you've had enough of Firelord ones for now."

Zuko chuckled. "Yeah, I have."

"So I'll just move on to congratulations on the baby. He's beautiful, Zuko."

"Thank you. Would you like to hold him?"

Hakoda nodded and Zuko pressed him into his arms. Lee's tiny hands grabbed at Hakoda's larger one. The Alpha chuckled. "You know, I wasn't expecting to be a grandfather just yet, but I'm certainly not complaining."

"What?" Zuko looked to Sokka, who shrugged, looking just as confused as Zuko felt.

Hakoda laughed. "It's not difficult to see how much my son cares about you. And when an Alpha is carrying an Omega's baby around, you know it's serious."

"And you're not… upset?" Zuko asked tentatively.

Hakoda shook his head. "I'll miss him, but I know he'll be happy. He's had to be an adult for too long now- you all have. I trust him to make this decision for himself."

"Thanks, Dad." Sokka said, hugging his father tightly.

"Just promise me you'll come visit from time to time, okay. All of you."

"Of course we will." Sokka said.

"Absolutely." Zuko echoed.

Iroh's tsungi horn had put Lee right to sleep. He curled contentedly against Zuko's chest in a brand new turtleduck patterned sling Sokka had given him right before they left for Ba Sing Se.

Iroh had returned a few days after Zuko woke, once he was up and about. The old Alpha still had work to do in the city, so missed the coronation. Zuko didn't mind. If he ever needed him, his uncle would always be there.

It had been a month since his coronation and Zuko couldn't be happier.

He had his son, he had his mate and he was slowly rebuilding his nation.

He exchanged smiles with his uncle as he set a cup of tea down beside him. He handed one to Toph and moved over to where Suki and Katara were playing Pai Sho.

"Zuko, stop moving!" Sokka ordered from his desk. "I'm trying to capture the moment. I wanted to do a painting, so we'd always remember the good times together."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Sokka." Katara said, coming over to look. Then she frowned. "Wait, why did you give me Momo's ears?"

"Those are your hair loopies."

Zuko looked down at the page. "At least you don't look like a porcupine. My hair is not that spiky. And Lee just looks like a blob."

"And why did you paint me Firebending?" Suki asked.

"I thought it looked more exciting that way." Sokka shrugged. Momo jumped on the table and chittered. "Oh you think you could do a better job, Momo?"

"Hey, my belly's not that big anymore," Iroh said, "I've really trimmed down."

"Well, I think you all look perfect!" Toph grinned.

They laughed.

As the group started dissipating Sokka pulled Zuko onto his lap. "We've done alright, haven't we?"

"Yeah, we have."