"But I know you're thinking of me

'Cause it's just about to rain."

-The Mountain Goats

Gray light washed over the buildings of the Fire Nation. Dark clouds heavy with threatening rain hung low in the sky, draping the city in dreary shadows. Zuko stood on the palace balcony, shielded by the roof overhead, and placed his hands on the railing.

All of this was his now, and he still struggled to come to terms with it. He wasn't sure if he was cut out to be a leader, but he did know that together with his friends, they could accomplish anything. An era of peace was coming. He expected challenges and resistance, but they would come out on the other side together. With her by his side, it would all work out. Especially with her.

Lightning touched down far in the distance and Zuko placed a hand over his chest. The injury was healed, but the taut skin still throbbed from time to time. It was one more scar that she had placed her gentle hands on and did her best to heal.

The thunder rumbled through the city like a beast stalking prey. Zuko could hear windows rattling and felt the vibrations beneath his feet. The swiftly approaching storm would be a big one and people on the streets drew their cloaks tightly around them as they hurried to get home. But Zuko remained on the balcony, staring out beyond the city and to the mountains. She was out there somewhere, making her way back.

The sliding door opened behind him and Zuko turned his head. Uncle stepped onto the balcony and took a deep breath of the humid air.

"That's quite a storm coming our way," he commented, and Zuko's mouth tensed with concern.

"Do you think she'll be all right?"

Uncle Iroh smiled gently and patted his nephew on the shoulder. "You worry too much. She is a strong young woman. A little rain will not slow her down. Not when she's coming back to you."

The faintest of smiles touched the corners of Zuko's mouth. Katara had spent the last two months in the Southern Water Tribe helping to come up with plans to rebuild, expand, and create medical centers. Their only communication had been through a messenger hawk. Every single one of her letters, no matter how brief, were tucked neatly away in his desk drawer.

Zuko's thoughts were so focused on her that he did not notice the small box Uncle Iroh had drawn from his pocket.

"It was ready early. I thought you'd like to see it," Uncle said.

Zuko whipped his head around, brow raised in a confusion. "What are you-?" His eyes fell on the jewelry maker's logo emblazoned on the top of the box and he quickly took it from his uncle's hands. "This wasn't supposed to be ready for another week."

"When Mr. Sato heard who it was for and when she would be returning, he moved it to the top of his priorities," Uncle explained. "He asked me to bring it to you and make sure it was to your liking."

Zuko ran a finger along the side of the box, his heart fluttering with uncertainty. He wondered if he was being too hasty. What would she think? They both had plans to accomplish so much. He wondered if they even had time for this.

Uncle Iroh's heavy and comforting hand rested on his shoulder and broke Zuko free of his thoughts. He raised his head and met his uncle's steady gaze.

"I see the doubt in your eyes," Uncle said seriously. "That is natural, trust me. Open the box and take a look. I believe it will help."

Never doubting his uncle's advice, Zuko opened the small box and peered inside. The custom-made charm rested on a delicate velvet pillow. It had been designed not to cover the handmade charm on her mother's necklace, but to encircle it. She would be able to remain true to the Water Tribe while becoming the next Fire Lady. The bright white gold glistened in the fading light, and the symbols of the Fire Nation and Water Tribe engraved into the charm boldly stood out. He had been unsure about the words at the bottom but seeing them permanently etched into the gold assured him that he had made the right choice. It perfectly suited them.

We Rise Together.

Reading those words, taking in the simple beauty of the charm, a wave of emotion washed over Zuko, and he gripped the box tightly as he struggled to hold himself together. He was grateful that Uncle Iroh's grounding hand had never left his shoulder. He cleared his throat and let out a shuddering breath.

"Thank you, Uncle. For encouraging me to do this."

"You two share something very special," the wise old man replied. "Do not let it go to waste."

Zuko nodded and closed the box before sliding it into his pocket. "I'll give it to her tonight."

"I thought you were planning a party with all of your friends?" Uncle Iroh gave him a knowing smirk.

"I changed my mind. This is something that should be done in private. We can celebrate with everyone later."

"A wise choice," Uncle Iroh agreed. "I am sure you two, along with your friends, will bring great change to this world."

"You'll help too, won't you Uncle?"

A worry line creased Zuko's forehead and Uncle Iroh smiled reassuringly. "I will be there to offer advice when needed."

Zuko nodded and his turned his attention back to the darkened city. The first fat drops of rain were beginning to dot the ground and thunder rolled in the distance. He placed his hand over the outline of the box in his pocket and closed his eyes, taking in a slow deep breath of the heavy air. A thought occurred to him then, as the rain began to beat steadily on the overhanging roof.

"I won't be afraid of anything ever again. Not with her by my side."

Behind him, Uncle Iroh slowly stepped back towards the doors. His chest swelled with pride and love for his nephew who had been through so much. He would leave Zuko alone with his private thoughts, allow him to reflect on what was to come. Just as the rain washed away the settled dust, a new era was dawning. He could feel it all around. As he stepped through the threshold back into the palace, he left his dear nephew with a final thought.

"Water is cleansing. Let it renew you, nephew."