There was more bedrooms, more sleepless nights, and more uncomfortable meals. Zuko's life existed within a varied boxes, not doing much at all. At first, it was helpful, giving him the opportunity to get his bearings. Now, everything felt too close. Zuri was watching him, Sokka and Katara were behind too many doors, and Lu Ten had become a smiling figure in doorways.

While at the outpost, Zuko had to avoid everyone, but especially Zhao. Seeing him again, after watching the man drown with his pride, made Zuko more ill than being around Lu Ten. His cousin had died years ago and in another country. Zuko had tried to save Zhao.

More doors closed as the troll lieutenants and Zhao spoke with Lu Ten. The rooms became smaller as Zuri rifled through books and swore. There was a garotte slowly tightening around Zuko's neck.

When the airship arrived, Zuko nearly wept in relief. He knew it would be no better, taking on another monotonous routine. But anything would be better than this waiting.

Except the airship also proved to smaller. Sokka and Katara were closer, and they all ate together, but always under Zuri's eye.

He drilled with Zuri. They both looked for weakness, for openings to exploit, but of differing natures. Sokka and Katara again watched the exercises, and Zuko could see the curiosity grow. Obviously, there was a limit to bending practice, but when the air was clear Zuri would take him out onto an observation deck.

Now, Zuko tried to keep his forms proper, without slipping into the styles Iroh had taught him. His uncle had learned a lot from the other nations, bringing them into balance within himself. Zuko might not be able to create lightning, but at least he was adaptable.

After some time, Zuri relaxed a bit and allowed Sokka and Zuko to play pai sho. An empathetic soldier had given Katara a book and she sat reading nearby.

They did not speak. Neither did they have clandestine meetings at night. After their time at the Air Temple, it was understood that trust had to be renegotiated.

When the captain made an announcement that they would be landing, Zuko felt like the airship had shrunk. His anxiety was palpable and Zuri made the choice to keep away from him. Without the drills, more and more of Zuko's nerves built up.

He remembered the last time he saw his mother. She was fleeing the palace, having made the choice to take one life to spare her son's. Zuko knew that now, after seeing how certain events had played out here being reflected in the consequences from his own timeline. The motive confused him here, as Lu Ten hadn't perished and therefore there was no reason for Ursa to make the trade.

Then again, as rumor went, it wasn't Ozai that made the request of her this time.

Zuko tried to imagine what kind of person Iroh could be if he ordered the murder of his own father. With Ozai, it was easy to understand; everything his father did had been enacted through cruelty and sinister calculation. But this Iroh had ended the Ice Raids, was de-escalating the war, and had still ended the siege at Ba Sing Se. How could he have ordered Azulon's poisoning?

Seeing his mother would change things again. Lu Ten had been only a memory to Zuko, so he couldn't compare this man to the adolescent in Zuko's past. Ursa was a real person, whose choices had left a profound effect on him.

He was both excited beyond words and terrified to his core about seeing her again. The fear of falling apart at the sight of her was also a constant worry that ate at the back of his thoughts. She was a shrewd woman, she had to be to survive Ozai, but she had also been kind. At a smile or a touch, Zuko wondered if he would collapse and expose everything.

The airship landed at midday and Zuko was ready. Again, he and Zuri wore their Fire Nation court attire. Sensing something important, both Sokka and Katara had brushed out their hair and aired their clothes to look more presentable.

The ramp lowered, but Zuko couldn't see from the overhang of the ship. Zuri nudged him, reminding him of his status. As a prince, second in line for the throne, he was the first to step into the warm sunlight.

A rank of soldiers stood, masks gleaming, on either side of the tall woman. She looked exactly as she had in his memories. Her long black hair was clipped back, falling in shining lines down her back. She still wore a topknot and Zuko felt sick at the sight of the crown. Iroh was a widower and Ursa had stepped in to fulfill the functions of the Fire Lady, but the image was unpleasant.

His feet felt like they were made out of lead and Zuko had to focus on not crying. This was something he had wanted for years. His mother stood before him, smiling gently at his approach. He tried to remember court protocol, but his mind was spinning.

Blood rushed in his ears and he couldn't hear the sounds of the yard. He could barely hear his own footsteps on the metal ramp. In public, he knew how to act and his muscle memory kicked in as he got closer. His spine straightened and his face went neutral; easier to do without the scar to twist his eye and cheek. Ursa held herself much in the same way, but did not lose the gentle smile.

"Mother." Zuko said when he reached her. He bowed and let out a shaky breath before straightening.

"My son. I am so glad to see you well." Ursa said and put a hand on his cheek. He expected the chill touch of a specter and took in a sharp breath at the warmth. Ursa lowered her hand and nodded to Zuri.

"Thank you for taking care of him." She said. Zuri bowed with a flourish and stood smiling brightly.

"It was an honor." They replied. Zuko turned away from them but had his gaze drawn inexorably back to his mother. Zuko wondered if Ursa had been plucked from his timeline and deposited here as well. Then she would not have perished, and perhaps replaced the murderess that worked for his uncle. She was free and happy, and would be kind.

"And I see we have our guests?" Ursa asked, peering over them. Zuko turned and saw Sokka and Katara slowly approach. Their presence was a surprise as Zuko already forgot about the rest of the world. They looked unfamiliar now, standing in their worn out furs like a stain of blue in a pure field of red.

"Lady Ursa, may I introduce Sokka and Katara of the South Pole." Zuri said. Ursa smiled at the siblings and Katara looked away. Zuko frowned, seeing the trepidation, and recognizing it so intimately.

"Welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay here before we move onto the North Pole." Ursa said.

"Thank you." Katara mumbled and blushed.

"Now, I must excuse myself. My son and I have much to discuss." Ursa said and turned to look at Zuko.

"Zuko." She said.

Her words from his past rippled up and Zuko felt his eyes and throat sting.

"Yes mother." He said. They walked past the soldiers and Zuko glanced over at Ursa. She held her head high and her hands hidden in her sleeves, keeping her arms barred across her abdomen. He wanted to talk to her, to ask her a thousand questions, to embrace her and prove that she was really there. That she was really there with him and not dead in some nameless place.

Zuko didn't notice the airshipyard. He didn't look around at the workers or who was unloading the ship. He didn't look back at his friends.

He could only keep looking at his mother.