After just over two weeks of staying at Katara's, the fragile normalcy of his stay is broken. The day starts off the same as any other; he and Katara have breakfast, he goes out to tend to the animals and maintain the barn (after the storm he'd offered to fix up the holes in the roof), and they're having a peaceful lunch when things go sideways. Sokka barges in without knocking, as usual, and Kanna trails in after him, her signature sweet smile stretched across her face.
"Hello, kids!"
Zuko always gets a warm feeling in his chest when Kanna comes to visit. She's the most maternal person he's had in his life since his mother died, and the speed in which she accepted his presence will never fail to surprise him.
"Good afternoon, Kanna." Zuko stands from his seat, and Kanna waves him back down as she always does.
"Hi Gran Gran." Katara envelops Kanna in a warm hug, and Zuko feels an uncomfortable mix of jealousy and loss writhing in his gut.
"What, no 'hi Sokka'?" Katara rolls her eyes at her brother, who is already sitting at the table and helping himself to some of the bread Katara had just put out.
"Sokka, you didn't even give us a chance to say 'hi' before you sat down and started eating." Katara's hands are resting on her hips, her weight shifted onto one leg in what Zuko has begun to call her "no bullshit pose."
"So ungrateful," Sokka says around a mouthful of fresh bread, smearing more raspberry jam onto another slice in an impressive display of multi-tasking. Katara rolls her eyes again, a frequent occurrence when her brother is around, and sets out a plate for Kanna.
"Does anyone want any tea?" Katara asks, and the three others nod as she starts to siphon some water into her kettle to rinse it out.
"Better put a little extra water in there, dear." Kanna says as her lightly shaking hands spread a generous amount of jam onto her bread.
"Oh? Are we expecting dad to come by?"
"Not necessarily." Kanna winks at Zuko, offering no more explanation to her request.
Katara gives Zuko a questioning look, and they shrug their shoulders in tandem as Katara fills the kettle and sets it on the stove. He gets up to light the cookfire, the kindling catching quickly, fresh flames leaping about under the kettle. Zuko hasn't even sat back down when they hear a firm knock at the door. Katara looks at her brother, both of their faces clouded with confusion, but Zuko looks at Kanna, whose face is much more relaxed.
"Dad never knocks." Sokka gets up and heads to the door, hand on the hilt of his sword. Zuko lays his hand on Katara's shoulder, and she takes a few steps backwards towards him. If they were anyone else, it would be an overreaction, but as Othered, it's always possible that someone is coming to hurt them. That's something Zuko has learned all too well in his years of travelling. Kanna, however, doesn't look worried at all, and takes a delicate bite of bread.
"Who're you?" Sokka's voice is low and hard when he opens the door, and Zuko can hear himself speaking to his father in the same tone, imagining Azula behind him as he stands between the two, ready to take the brunt of whatever fresh hell his father has deemed an appropriate punishment for whatever they'd done wrong. The voice that responds is not his fathers, but it's equally familiar all the same.
"I've been invited by a friend. Is your grandmother here?" Zuko's heart slams into his ribs at a punishing speed, and he thinks he might fall over when he sees his uncle walk over the threshold.
"Uncle." The word is a breath as it blows past his lips; he hasn't seen his uncle in almost two years, and his arrival at Katara's house is about the last thing Zuko expected to happen today.
"Nephew." Iroh holds his arms out, and Zuko runs to him like he's a child again, wrapping his uncle in a tight embrace and trying to blink back his tears.
"What are you doing here?" Iroh holds him at arm's length, his smile warm and friendly and the same as it always has been, save for the addition of a few new wrinkles.
"I invited him." The younger three all turn to look at Kanna, who is standing at the table directing a friendly smile at Iroh.
"Kanna, it is good to see that you're well." Zuko, Sokka, and Katara stare open mouthed at Iroh and Kanna as they hug, the tea kettle whistling faintly in the background.
"Wait, what?" Sokka closes the door and looks to Zuko for answers, but all he can do is lift his hands and shrug his shoulders.
"I recognized Zuko as Iroh's nephew when he first got here." Kanna's knowing glances and shrewd smiles are starting to make sense to him now. "Iroh and I have known each other for a long time, so I decided to write to him and let him know that he was here."
"Luckily I was in the area, so I was able to get here relatively quickly." Zuko is still too shocked to return his uncle's smile.
"How do you two know each other?" Katara sounds about as confused as he feels, her bewilderment almost an equal comfort to him as her close proximity.
"All old people know each other." Kanna winks at him again. Is this a fever dream?
"Please, sit." Iroh motions to the table, and the five of them sit down, the difference of race and age coupled with the two Othered seated next to each other making for a strange sight to behold.
"Uncle, what are you doing here?" Zuko asks. He's starting to get a headache, and is glad when Katara manipulates their steaming tea into the five mugs set on the table.
"I am here to speak to you, Zuko." His uncle looks at Katara and Sokka. "And to you two as well." A weighted silence descends upon the group. "Nephew, have you told your host about your quest?"
"I've only told Katara. Is that what this is about?"
"Yes," his uncle replies as he takes a sip of his tea. "Your duty has become increasingly important over the last few years, but I believe that things have become more urgent as of late." Zuko swallows past the lump in his throat, putting his tea down so that he can hide his shaking hands under the table.
"Woah, what's all this about a quest?" Poor Sokka is totally out of the loop, and Zuko wonders if he'll even believe that story his uncle is about to tell.
"Zuko has been tasked with finding The Source. It's a blessed thing that gives all Othered their gifts, and is integral in maintaining balance in the world. The Source is being threatened by a cruel tyrant." Zuko takes a deep breath as quietly as he can. "The King of Ember has plans to find The Source and destroy it, and use the ensuing chaos and discord to seize power over as much land as he can. Zuko must find The Source and protect it from harm." Iroh levels a heavy gaze on Zuko. "But he can't do it alone. He needs the help of three elemental Othered; one of each who can manipulate water, air, and earth."
"Wait, I didn't think I needed three other people?" He had known that finding anyone who was willing to help him would make his quest easier, but it seems that his uncle has gathered more information in the time they've been apart.
"You will need even more than that, nephew. It is imperative that we protect The Source from the King of Ember, and you won't be able to do it with just four people; I have no doubt that the King will have an entire army at his disposal. You'll have to enlist the help of some skilled warriors if you want to win this fight. That is where you come into the picture." Iroh looks at Sokka, whose eyes widen almost comically.
"Who, me?" Sokka's voice is shrill as he points to himself.
"Yes. You must go out into the world and find at least three warriors willing to fight by your side. I suggest you go to the island of Kyoshi first and talk to the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors. They are one of the most highly skilled groups in the world, and I have high hopes that you'll be able to enlist their leader's help."
"Okay," Sokka drags out the word, his disbelief clear in his voice. "And if I agreed to go on this quest, how would I find the other two warriors?"
"I have people along the way who will be able to point you in the right direction, just as I have for you." Iroh nods towards him and Katara.
"Wait, we're not going together?" Katara's clutching her mug with a tight grip.
"No. Time is of the essence, and it will be much faster if you split up. You and Zuko will go to find the two Othered that you will need to help you, and Sokka will go find the warriors. Once you have gathered everyone you should meet up in the city of Ba Sing Se, I'd say in about six months, and continue on as a large group." Silence grips the five of them in its clutches, the quiet stifling and hot.
"Do we have a choice in whether we want to go or not?" Sokka sounds like he already knows the answer even as he asks the question.
"Well, yes." Iroh sighs and sips his tea before continuing. "But, the fate of the world rests on this mission, and my nephew needs all the help he can get. He will be embarking on his quest whether you go with him or not." Zuko lowers his head to look down at his tea, not wanting to think about the task ahead of him if he has to go it alone.
"I'll go." He looks up sharply at Katara, who catches his eyes in her determined, glowing gaze.
"I guess that means I'll go too." He looks over at Sokka, who tilts his chin down in a nod. "If Katara's going, then I'm going. Plus, you're not that terrible, and I'd rather you didn't die. Mostly because Katara would never stop bitching about it." Sokka winks at him, and Zuko feels the blood rush to his cheeks.
"Sokka!" Katara's cheeks are dusted with a pretty rose color, and he has to tear his eyes away before he starts thinking too much about it.
"Wonderful!" Iroh and Kanna turn to smile at each other. "You should all leave as soon as possible."
"Do you know where we can find the two elemental Othered that we need?" Zuko's travelled a fair bit in his years away from home, but he's never stayed anywhere long enough to meet someone like him before coming to Katara's village.
"I'd say your best bet would be to start heading east, and make your way to the city of Omashu. The king there is a personal friend of mine, I can let him know that you're coming."
"What, we're supposed to just walk into a big city and ask to see the king?" Zuko scoffs. "They'll probably kill us."
"Zuko." Iroh's look is stern, and Zuko wilts under it. "I would never intentionally send you into danger. I will ensure that you two will be safe there."
"I know, uncle. I'm sorry." He pinches the bridge of his nose. "This is all just… a lot to take in."
"You're telling me." Sokka mumbles, slumped backwards in his seat, a glazed look in his eyes.
"It is an immense responsibility, but I have faith that you will succeed." Iroh's amber eyes hold more warmth than Zuko's felt in years, and it invigorates him into feeling some semblance of confidence. "It's also imperative that you practice manipulating your elements in a style that will benefit you in combat."
"Combat?" Zuko isn't sure what Katara had expected this quest to entail, but he's sure that it will require some fighting. Based on her tone, this is something she hadn't thought about.
"Yes." Iroh nods. "Your control over your element will be an undeniable advantage over any opponents you may face, and is a critical skill you must hone in order to protect The Source."
"How are we supposed to go about teaching ourselves elemental combat?" His uncle had told Zuko that he should begin trying to learn to use his fire combatively before, but he hasn't had much luck as of yet.
"I have a feeling that if you work together." Iroh and Kanna share a sly look. "You'll be able to figure it out."
"That's not very helpful, uncle." His uncle has always been vague, but he can't help but feel like a little more guidance would do them some good in this situation.
"Trust in the process, nephew." He winks at Zuko, who brushes his hair back over his head in exasperation.
"When should we leave?" Katara asks. Zuko isn't sure how she feels about it all; her voice is even, but her glowing eyes are guarded.
"As soon as you can. The three of us can go to the market today and get you all some supplies while you two stay here and pack up. You can head out tomorrow morning when the sun rises"
"Alright." Sokka sets his hands on the table and stands up. "Let's get this over with."
Iroh, Kanna, and Sokka leave the small house, the chilled air seeping into the empty spaces they've left behind. Zuko and Katara clean up silently, the weight of the task ahead weighing on them like a thick fog.
"So..." he starts speaking without a goal in mind, not actually knowing where to begin a conversation. In a matter of minutes, everything has changed. The domestic bubble they had been taking shelter in has popped around them, leaving the both of them exposed to a harsh reality. Zuko had been able to push his mission to the back of his mind for the last two weeks, dutifully ignoring the fact that he would have to leave and never see Katara again in a matter of days, but it can't be avoided any longer.
"So..." Katara sounds mystified and a little lost, no doubt shell shocked by the tale his uncle had just spun. Her life has probably only consisted of this home and her small village up until this point, and now she's being shoved into the wider world like a fledgling from her nest. "Do you think you can coach me in some swordsmanship? I've only ever practiced with Sokka, and he's never been very good until you started teaching him." It's not what he was expecting her to say, but he'll take it.
"Of course," he agrees, and sits back down as Katara puts on another pot of tea.
"I figure it'll probably be pretty dangerous out there." Her voice is quiet, a crease making its home between her brows. He fights with the urge to rub it away with his thumb, to smooth out the lines on her forehead with a sweep of his hand. "And I should be able to protect myself until we figure out how to use our gifts in combat." He hums in agreement, and Katara nods at him before disappearing into her room, closing the door gently behind her, the boiling water on the stove abandoned and forgotten.
His uncle, Kanna, and Sokka come back a while later, the sound of the door coaxing Katara out of her room. She had been in there for the entire time they were gone, and Zuko's anxiety had swelled with each passing moment. He had finally gotten comfortable with Katara, their tentative friendship easy, if not a little awkward, and her drawing away so quickly had dredged up an embarrassing amount of self-doubt.
"Alright." Sokka lays out some supplies on the small table. "We didn't get much. Iroh told me you've been travelling alone for a while, so I assume you know how to hunt and trap at least a little bit." Zuko nods at Sokka, who seems to relax minutely.
"I was able to find you a bow and some arrows to replace yours, nephew." Zuko smiles at the sturdy looking bow and quiver full of arrows that his uncle hands to him. He had lost his bow in a fight more than a year ago, and hadn't been able to make the money to replace it.
"We met up with Dad; he's going to be coming by soon to drop off some of his hunting supplies that he doesn't need for you guys. I have my own, so I don't need any more. Your uncle said you had portable cookware already, so I only got some for myself."
"Yeah, but I only have one set of—" Sokka interrupts him by pointing to a set of camping utensils at the far end of the table.
"Those are for you."
"I figured you hadn't kept my set after we split up all those years ago." Iroh says with a kind smile. It does nothing to quell Zuko's nerves. He's been travelling alone for the better part of two years, and the thought of travelling not only with someone he just met, but someone who is kind and friendly and smart and beautiful is making his stomach turn.
"What did you pack, Katara?" Sokka looks up at his sister, whose face is passive.
"Clothes, soap, money, some blankets. That's it so far." She shrugs. Speckle rubs up against her leg, and she scoops the cat up into her arms.
"Alright. What nonperishable food do you have?" The five of them sort through supplies and deem what is most pertinent to take. It's easier for Zuko and Katara, who will at least have two packs to split everything between, but a syrupy tension fills the empty spaces around them as they organize. Once they've successfully packed up as much food as they can along with the cookware, Katara consolidates her clothes and blankets, and they assemble their packs, tying the bedrolls the others had picked up in the market to the tops of their overstuffed bags.
"Well, everything seems to be in order." Iroh brushes his hands together and rests them on his large belly. The sun had set hours ago, the night air quiet outside of Katara's home as the five adults look over everything they've packed. "I will leave you be until tomorrow morning. Try to get some rest." He puts his hand on Zuko's shoulder, the weight comforting and warm.
Sokka and Kanna follow Iroh out, and soon it's just Zuko and Katara once again. The nonchalance of the previous days has been replaced with a squirming nervousness, the strength of it palpable in the silent house. Katara's father comes by briefly, and Zuko leaves the two of them inside to say their goodbyes in private. It's strangely warm for this time of year, but he's glad for it when it turns out that Katara and Hakoda take a long while to say goodbye. Thoughts of his own father bubble up in his mind like acid, the crisp air unable to dispel them. I wonder what it's like to have a father that actually cares about you. Katara waves him back in after a little while, her eyes rimmed with pink and cheeks splotched with the color to match. They take their places at the table, the humble house settling around them with gentle creaks as Zuko tries to get out of his head.
"Do you want some chamomile tea?" He nods appreciatively at Katara, and they team up to start the water boiling. "Hopefully it'll help me sleep."
"Are you nervous?" It's a stupid question, but he doesn't know what else to say.
"Yes." She rests her elbows on the table and drops her chin into her hand. "But I'm also a little excited." She smiles at him, small and timid, and his anxiety lessens. "I've been stuck in this house and this village my whole life. I think I'm ready for an adventure."
"Well, it'll definitely be an adventure, that's for sure." Speckle jumps up onto the table between them, both of them moving to pet him at the same time.
"How long do you think we'll be gone for?" Katara pulls the tea from the softly whistling kettle and carefully maneuvers it around Speckle and into their mugs.
"It's hard to say." Zuko blows on his tea, watching the steam disappear and reappear around his breath. "Hopefully less than a year."
"How long have you been searching for The Source on your own?" Her voice is quiet, drifting over her mug as she takes a sip.
"Well..." he sets his own mug on the table and rubs the back of his neck. "I left home three years ago and travelled with my uncle for a little over a year searching for it. But after I split up with my uncle I sort of… lost interest? No, I guess I lost the motivation." He won't regale to her how desperate and hopeless he felt after he had driven his uncle away, how many nights he had laid wide awake, staring at the stars, wishing that the darkness of the night would swallow him whole. "I told myself I was searching, and I guess I technically was, but I was mostly just wandering around."
"Hm." They drink their tea in a renewed silence, this one significantly less awkward than before. "You should sleep inside tonight," Katara says. He pulls his focus away from the purring cat and looks at her. "If we're going to be on the road for a while, you should sleep on something that isn't the ground while you can."
He chuckles at that. "You're probably right. I appreciate it, Katara."
"Are you sure you don't want the bed?" The concern is evident in her voice, and he relishes in it's warmth.
"I'm sure. It's your bed, you should sleep in it." The thought of sleeping in her bed is fleeting, but he still has to hide his blush behind his mug.
"Suit yourself." She shrugs and reaches forward to rub Speckle's belly where he is flopped in the center of the table. "I'm gonna miss you, little guy."
"Will Kanna look after him for you?" Zuko is a little embarrassed to admit how attached he's gotten to the cat in his short time here.
"Yeah." She's smiling, but there's a soft sadness in her eyes. "He's been here with me for seven years." She doesn't have to say anything else for him to understand. He's never had a pet, as much as he's always wanted one, but he knows enough to know that the bond between a person and their animal companion is a strong one.
Again they lapse into silence, the weight of their impending journey heavy on their shoulders. Eventually Katara heads off to her room to sleep, and Zuko retreats to the small couch. He tries to fall asleep, he really does, but his mind is racing, anticipation and nerves fueling his thoughts. He lies awake for hours, even trying to meditate at one point, but he can't clear his mind for the life of him. He's got his head lolling off the side of the loveseat and his arms stretched out above him when Katara's door opens, and he scrambles into a more normal looking position.
"Can't sleep?" She pads over to the loveseat and sits down next to him, tucking her feet up under her and shaking her head.
"No. I figured you'd probably be awake and that maybe we could—" she brandishes her arms around in a vague gesture. "I don't know. Talk about something?"
"Sure." He pulls his legs up into a lotus position and turns his body towards hers. "What did you want to talk about?"
"I don't know..." She's playing with the end of her braid, brushing the hair that sticks out of the tie against the palm of her hand. "Do you have any siblings?" Of course she wants to talk about family.
"Yeah." He takes a deep breath. "I have a younger sister. She's your age."
"Oh, that's funny." The corner of her mouth turns up in a smile. "What's her name?"
"Azula." He tries to stifle the melancholy in his voice; he doesn't want Katara to pick up on it and ask him what's wrong. He doesn't want to tell her about his fucked up family unless he absolutely has to.
"Azula. That's a pretty name. What's she like?"
"She's confident, and headstrong. She's also snarky and annoying, but she's very intelligent." A smile creeps on to his face as he thinks about his sister. "She's better than me at almost everything, and she's my best friend." His smile turns sour, a sadness seeping into it that always accompanies thoughts of his little sister. "At least, she was. I haven't seen her in years."
"Do you miss her?" His eyes lock on Katara's, the ethereal glow stark against the dark backdrop of the small house.
"Every day." He can feel the tears pricking at the back of his eyes, threatening to claw their way out from the corners.
"I'm sorry, Zuko." She takes one if his hands in hers, and he suddenly realizes how close they are. Her hand is cool, smooth like her element, and she grounds him in the present with a gentle squeeze.
"It is what it is." His hand tingles where she holds it, the funny sensation trailing all the way up his arm. He tries not to mourn the loss when she pulls her hand away, tries not to wish that she'd let him hold onto her for just a bit longer.
They're quiet for a long time, and Zuko rests his head against the side of the couch, feeling his eyes droop with the desire for sleep. Katara's eyes are closed, her head resting against the couch just like his, and he knows that he won't mind the crick in his neck in the morning. It's well worth it to fall asleep next to her, to have the last image in his mind before he drifts away be the smooth planes of her cheeks and the outline of her full lashes brushing against her skin.