Chapter 31:

Ursa (that night)

Ursa had to admit it, Lu Ten looked positively marvelous in his armor.

He could easily be considered the epitome of the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. He had his father's broad face, strong jaw and a grin that screamed confidence—often bordering on arrogance. But his eyes…he had his mother's eyes. They were soft, gentle, but were quick to rage when the time came. The diadem of the Crown Prince sat firmly in his ink-black hair, shining and magnificent. He wore standard armor in varying shades of red, with the royal insignia embossed across his chest in gold. He carried his helmet under his arm, clutching it tightly, and Ursa wondered if he was nervous. He showed ultimate reverence and respect as he bowed farewell to his mother. He looked so dignified it made her envious for only a split second. She would have liked to see Zuko in such finery, looking so grand, so honorable, she felt almost close to tears.

Lu Ten kissed them both goodbye and then was gone without looking back once. She did have to admire that Lu Ten knew how to act properly when called upon—he always had. She and Yun Xi watched the small army leave from the window of the Fire Lady's bedroom. Lu Ten was at its head, riding an enormous Komodo Rhino in front of Lieutenant Jee and the rest of the men. She wondered if they would be successful. It was hard to see them after a while, because it was still nightfall, the full moon was high over the darkened ocean waves. The battle would be decided in only a matter of hours, and the fate of their country would be sealed before dawn.

She hoped and prayed—to every spirit that Lu Ten would be successful. She hoped that Zuko's plan wouldn't end in tragedy. She looked at the moon, large and round, wondering if Katara, wherever she was, could see the moon as well.

Yun Xi's face was illuminated by the torches on the wall, and Ursa could see that the Fire Lady, as much of a brave front as she put on for her son—watching him leave, the woman started to cry.

"You wish he didn't have to go, am I correct?" Ursa asked softly. Yun Xi shook her head at first, denying her emotions, and then sniffled a bit, nodding.

"Of course, I don't want him to go. I'm his mother. I know he'll do this task well, Lu Ten is a very good soldier, but…but…he's my baby." She murmured softly, turning to Ursa. There were streaks of tears running down her face, and dark spots on her robes where they'd fallen, staining the fabric. "We don't know anything about these rebels—how dangerous they are—what weaponry they have—I just feel so lost and confused about this whole situation." She started sobbing again. "I…I wish Iroh were awake…"

Ursa took her hand and moved her over to a chair. While the Fire Lady sobbed into her handkerchief, Ursa called for some tea to be brought in. "As do I—but I think Zuko's theory is correct." She told the older woman.

Yun Xi looked up and sniffled. It was rare to see her like this. She was still in her nightclothes, a long red gown with golden trim and long sleeves. She wore golden slippers on her feet. Her black hair wasn't piled high on her head, but instead was out, long and flowing down her back. If not for the Fire Lady's ring, she would have assumed that she was an ordinary woman instead of one of the most powerful women in the world.

"I-I don't usually break down like this, but I—," She paused. Her skin was blotchy and her face red. "First, I've almost lost Iroh, and now Lu Ten—if anything happens to him, I-I don't know what I'll do! Lu Ten is my baby—my only!"

"Shh…" She soothed her, rubbing her back comfortingly. "Lu Ten will be fine. He is an excellent soldier, trained by Iroh himself. He will do this."

She nodded, appearing to be comforted.

"You wish it was Zuko, don't you?" She said, and it wasn't a question.

Ursa couldn't lie to her. Not after all the years, they had known each other. "Of course. Every mother wants to see her child have glory and be successful. But every mother also wants what's best for her child. I know that Zuko wouldn't do nearly as well on the battlefield as Lu Ten."

"You're right. Even as talented as Zuko is…" She started and Ursa couldn't help but notice the slight tinge of smugness in her friend's voice. "He couldn't be a soldier anyway. He must be content with the life that the Spirits have given to him. He can't firebend."

Ursa frowned. Her sister-in-law seemed relieved by this, that there was no way Zuko could upstage her son.

It was a statement of fact. Although the words still stung, it was the truth.

Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she realized that the Fire Lady feared Zuko. Not fear in the literal sense, but she was worried that Zuko would take Lu Ten's place. Zuko had single handedly devised a plan that may or may not save her husband's reign, while Lu Ten just wanted to use the army and wage war.

Well, Ursa thought, somewhat bitterly, you will never have to worry about Zuko.

In order to be Fire Lord, or be any real credit to the Royal Family—it was almost required to be a firebender. And although Zuko had proven himself in other ways, it wasn't the same.

Was it wrong of her to want Zuko to shine brightly? Even at the cost of Lu Ten? She was his mother. She'd seen his first steps, his first failures...he was her sun, her pride and joy. When she saw him defeat Long, Zhao's nephew, when he was only a boy of 14, she felt more pride in him than he would ever know. And when he fell in love—when he found someone that truly made him happy, she couldn't have been more ecstatic.

She would do anything to ensure Zuko's bliss—even if it cost her life.

"Yes—well, we all know that." She couldn't hide the hard edge to her voice. She rarely got upset, or angry, but this was still a sensitive topic. Both with her, and with Zuko. She stood. "Perhaps I should be going."

Then, as if Yun Xi had only now realized what she had said, her eyes grew wide and she looked up at Ursa, her eyes filled with regret. "Oh Ursa, I didn't mean—you know I didn't—," She stammered, and Ursa couldn't decide if she was truly sorry for what she'd said.

But Ursa shook her head. "I know what you meant." The Fire Lady stood, arm outstretched to catch Ursa before she turned away. Ursa looked down at her arm that Yun Xi clutched so tightly before meeting the older woman's eyes. Gently, she pried the Fire Lady's fingers from her and stepped away. She bowed, noting the hurt look on Yun Xi's face. "Get some sleep—Your Majesty."

As she slid the door behind her, and stepped out into the hallway, Ursa resisted the urge to cry. It wasn't Yun Xi's fault that their children were at odds, and as a result, they were at odds. She started walking, but her steps were slow and aimless. She didn't know where she walked, but she couldn't stand to go back in there. She and Yun Xi had been friends for so long, and she would hate for it to end based on a dispute over their respective sons. She had always known that it was coming; the fight between heirs to the throne happened in every generation and extended to every branch. Uncles, Cousins, Fathers, Sons…who wouldn't want to sit on the dragon throne? Who wouldn't want the power that was so difficult to maintain and that Iroh was barely holding on to?

She couldn't see Zuko; because Zuko had not been sleeping well for the past few nights, and with Katara's trial in only a few hours he would need all of his strength. Perhaps it was best that she let him rest. Perhaps she should see Iroh? The doctors were finally able to stabilize him only an hour ago and had given him powerful sedatives. If she went to see him, she might disrupt his recovery and then where would the Fire Nation be? She didn't want to think about it.

Stopping, she realized exactly where she had wandered. In this corridor, the part of the Main Palace that connected the quickest to the Concubine's Quarters was where both Zuko, and her husband lived. But Zuko's room was at the far end of the hall. The door where she stopped was Ozai's. She turned, facing the ornate door of Ozai's room and shuddered slightly. It had been too long since she'd been inside that room.

15 years.

She shouldn't still feel the pain clawing at her heart as the man she loved gave her up for another. But she did anyway, and it hurt. She remembered the night that he brought Tiang to the palace in a grand celebration. It was during Zuko's 2nd birthday party and he strode in, 2 hours late and drunk as could be, dragging Tiang behind him.

Then when Tiang was offered a glass of whiskey, she'd declined and Ozai had roared vivaciously that she wasn't allowed. That his mistress was pregnant and couldn't have any wine. But the really painful thing, was when he'd kissed her in front of everyone; the Fire Lord, all of the extended family members, even Ursa's own parents.

And Ursa's heart shattered into a million pieces.

She didn't even know that he'd had a mistress. 'When did this happen? Did he have any thought about their son?' She remembered thinking as she held a squirming Zuko in her arms. Fire Lord Azulon had scolded him for ruining Zuko's celebration, but it had little effect. The party ended early, ruined by Tiang's overconfident behavior and vulgarity. But all that Ursa really remembered Ozai had never stopped smiling that day, and he didn't look at her once. Ozai hadn't come to her that night, nor she to him. He never had again.

Ursa's eyes pricked with unshed tears just thinking about it. Had Ozai never noticed her feelings? Had he just ignored them after she'd birthed a son? A son that was now seemingly worthless in his eyes?

Just the thought of Ozai's hands on her, and her hands on him…was enough to make her physically sick. She remembered Yun Xi rubbing her back as she cried herself to sleep. But as she drifted off into the most troubled sleep of her life, Yun Xi whispered that she had to be strong. Not only for herself, but for the two-year-old Zuko lying on the bed next to her. She remembered stroking his soft black hair until she fell asleep. If not for Zuko, she could have died out of loneliness.

Did she think that Tiang actually loved him? Of course not.

No, the only one that Ursa could rely on was Zuko. And that's how she understood why the Fire Lady reacted the way she did.

Just as she needed Zuko…without Lu Ten, The Fire Lady was nothing.

Yun Xi

She barged into Iroh's room with all of the power she possessed, and all of the Imperial Physicians wisely backed out of her way. She saw her husband, lying on the bed, breathing softly. She was too high strung, too upset by Ursa's rejection and she needed her husband to talk to. She could confide in him when she could confide in no one else, and she had to talk to him. For some reason, he just listened, and that was honestly, just what she needed. Even if Iroh couldn't hear her. Even if he was on the brink, she needed him. She needed him so much.

"Is he awake?" She asked the Head Physician.

He approached her, head bowed in a submissive state. He'd been a top physician during the years of Fire Lord Azulon and was practically ancient. He had a long white mustache that trailed almost to his knees, and a crooked back. He clutched a piece of parchment, a small, closed container of what she assumed to be ink and a writing brush in his bony hands.

The man nodded slowly, stammering as he spoke. "Y-Yes, majesty…we have brought F-Fire Lord I-Iroh b-back from t-the b-brink of d-death. But—,"

Yun Xi didn't hear what he said, with the way she was feeling, she could have cried aloud in relief. Her Iroh was alive; he would survive this illness caused by who or whatever. Perhaps Iroh didn't need Katara after all. She rushed past the physician and practically ran to Iroh's side. His eyes were closed but his breath was steady, warm, and strong. Her hands rested gently on his stomach, and she frowned. He was much thinner than he was one month ago.

"Iroh." She whispered softly, kissing him gently on the cheek. His skin was damp with sweat, but she didn't mind at all. His eyes fluttered open, and he let out a weak groan. She felt her eyes prick with tears. He was alive. "Iroh, darling!"

His head cocked to the side, looking at her with blurred eyes, before they focused on her face. "Yun Xi." He croaked out, voice weak and rough. He coughed once. He blinked several times, looking at her as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course, everything is all right." She smoothed back his hair, slick and falling into his face. The Fire Lady couldn't help but smile at him. "You're okay!" He smiled at her and lifted his hand—thinner than she remembered—and rested it on top of hers.

An ancient cough interrupted their moment. She turned to the old Head Physician who looked at her with a scathing glare. Despite her coldness towards him he still spoke, his beaded eyes betraying only an ounce of his fear. "N-Not r-really, Y-Your Majesty…I w-was t-trying to tell you that before."

She stood. "What do you mean by this?"

He swallowed audibly. "I-I mean that—we have only momentarily given him consciousness…He will be alert only for an hour or two at most. That is why—"

She advanced on him, and in fear, he started to back away. If she were a firebender, it would be almost certain that her hands would be lit and pointed directly at the aging man. "What do you mean two hours at most?" She snapped glaring around the room. The healers all cowered back in fear and she narrowed her eyes further. "I order you to heal him because if he dies, I will have every Imperial Physician buried with him!" She pointed her sharp nail at all of them wildly, eyes blazing in rage.

"Yun Xi." Iroh whispered, and she was at his side in an instant. He looked so tired. The age lines on his face were so much more pronounced, and he'd lost so much weight in a short amount of time that his skin sagged off of his bones. "They…have…done their…best…"

"Oh Iroh." She cried, eyes filling up with tears. She said, running her hands along his wet cheeks. He was crying too. "We need Katara to heal you, we need to get Katara. But she's been taken…arrested…I-I don't know if I can…"

"Shh, my love…" He attempted to soothe her, but the tears just flowed harder. "I do not fear…death. It has…been a long enough life…though…I regret not traveling…as much as…I'd hoped…to."

Yun Xi's voice grew hard, and she forced herself to remain calm. "You won't die." The Fire Lady's Signet Ring grew hot in her hand, taking on an almost ethereal glow. The ruby in the dragon's mouth shone in the torchlight. "I forbid it."

Iroh coughed once more. A long, slow cough deep in his throat. Yun Xi wanted to retch.

He raised his arm slowly, curling his fingers and beckoning the Head Physician over to the bed. The man approached slowly, wary of the Fire Lady's venomous gaze and held out the parchment, brush and container of ink. His hands shook, and she took them, looking them over. Yun Xi let out a gasp as she realized exactly what she was holding. Setting the parchment down on the bed, she twisted the cap off of the inkwell and gasped again as she saw the red ink.

"Iroh, you can't be serious! Why?" She gaped at her husband, but it was the doctor that answered.

"My Lady, we recommend that in Fire Lord Iroh's precarious position, that he solidify his Last Requests and the Line of Succession."

"Who asked for your illustrious opinion?" She snapped at him, glaring sharply. How dare he recommend that her husband write a Will? No, Iroh would survive this. Even if she had to die to do it. She huffed angrily, "Crown Prince Lu Ten is the undisputed heir to the Fire Nation Throne. It has always been this way and we have always treated him as such."

"Majesty, would it not be better to have it written down in writing as well? In case…well…" He broke off, unsure how to continue, but she knew the words he was going to say.

"Fine." She sighed, standing up. Yun Xi made her way to Iroh's desk, its pristine condition still remnant of before Iroh got sick. He had not used it in quite a while. Sitting down, she flattened the parchment against the weighted stone and began to write the date. "Leave us. I will write the Fire Lord's Will myself." She commanded. The Physician straightened and backed away.

She waited until all the rushing footsteps quieted and the only sound in the room was the sound of Iroh's labored breathing. She didn't want to do this. She didn't want to think about her husband dying. She didn't want to think about Lu Ten being Fire Lord. She just wished that everything could go back to the way it was before. But it needed to be done. Iroh wished it, and as a good Fire Lady, whatever Iroh wished, she must provide.

"I'm ready to start when you are, Iroh. The Last Will of Iroh, Son of Azulon, Fire Lord of the Fire Nation and Ember Island." She read the title off to him and looked to see if that met with approval. He nodded and began to speak, Yun Xi dutifully copying down his words.

"Upon my death…The throne to the Fire Nation…shall be given to the…current incumbent…Crown Prince." Why didn't Iroh say Lu Ten's name? Ignoring his wife's look, Iroh continued. "If Lu Ten forfeits the position of Fire Lord—,"

"Iroh!" Yun Xi couldn't take it. She just had to interrupt him.

He turned his head to her and looked very tired. "I'm aware…of how much…you love our…son. But Yun Xi… you and I both…know that our son…is not the best possible…candidate for Fire Lord…given his behavior in the past."

"Yes, he is!" She told him vehemently. "He's changed from his rebellious days, I promise! Why, just today Lu Ten led an entire battalion of the Fire Nation elite—,"

"And once…he is…overwhelmed on the…battlefield, you don't…believe that he would…let Lieutenant Jee…take over in…his…stead?" Iroh's eyes were intense, far more intense than they should have been for someone as sickly as he was.

Yun Xi gasped, startled. "Lu Ten wouldn't."

"You…are biased…my love." Iroh shook his head, seeming almost angry with her. "You're…his mother…and I'm his father. I love…my son…with all…my heart. But Yun Xi…I trained him in fighting... When things…got too difficult…he would run…from his problems…until he became…more confident." He coughed loudly.

Yun Xi scoffed at Iroh's judgment. "Confidence is good in a leader."

Iroh frowned, and Yun Xi was confused. Was Iroh actually getting upset with her? He didn't seem pleased by her defense of their son. But wasn't that what she was supposed to do as his mother?

"But I…have watched…you coddle…him. Because of you… Lu Ten has not…tasted frustration…or defeat. Anyone who…bested him…in a duel was immediately…punished at your hand.

'"It increased his self-image." She protested.

"With that confidence…he has gained arrogance…Lu Ten is a soldier…not a commander. You've…said it…yourself."

Fire Lady Yun Xi faltered. She had no idea what to say. Just two days ago, she'd told Lu Ten that he couldn't lead the army, and now when forced to face the fact that it might be true, she couldn't believe it. "I-I…"

Iroh closed his eyes, weak from all of the talking. "You know…it is truly quite…surprising what…one learns when…they've been…on the edge of death. There are changes coming."

As much as she hated to admit it, Iroh had a point. It was known that the very young and those closest to death sometimes were given glimpses into the spirit world. Most dismissed their visions as nothing more than simple dreams, but those who chose to believe—and she knew for a fact that Iroh did believe—actually held that their visions would come true.

Besides, once Lu Ten became Fire Lord—many years from now, she would guide him as she guided Iroh. "Of course, Iroh." She said simply, pacifying her ill husband.

Iroh coughed twice more, and then continued while Yun Xi wrote down. "If, in the event that Lu Ten rejects the throne of the Fire Nation, the crown immediately passes to Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation."

"Zuko?" She asked, flabbergasted.

He raised a thick eyebrow. "You said he…has a plan to stop…this rebellion. He has good…instincts. And instincts, whether learned or otherwise must be obeyed."

"And for his Fire Lady?" She asked. But she really need not concern herself with it. Lu Ten would be on the throne. There would be no need for Zuko.

"Katara, obviously." He looked at her as if she was missing something important. "She is good for him. As Fire Lady, she would provide a balance that I fear the world will soon need."

"She is from the Water Tribe." Yun Xi pointed out. "Fire and Water—two complete opposites. They could never make it work."

"You…seemed thrilled enough…when she saved my life."

"Iroh, their romance is charming…but the Water Tribe? What if their children are waterbenders? The people won't stand for this. She will bring our country to ruin." The disgust was obvious in her voice.

"She is what's best for this nation." Iroh sighed as his eyes closed once more. "The balance brought by her and Zuko would ensure our country's success for a long and successful dynasty."

"But it wouldn't be our dynasty, would it?" She muttered, before speaking again. "I will tolerate Katara as Fire Lady only if Zuko comes to power. But since Lu Ten is here, then obviously, that won't happen."

Zuko

Zuko didn't know what was worse. The fact that Katara's trial was today or trying to get his hair to stay still. He huffed and a piece of it out of his face, tucking it behind his ear. Zuko ran a komodo-bristle brush through his tangled locks before giving up and throwing the accursed thing on his bed, joining the crown he'd discarded. He'd long since forced his servants out of his room, growing frustrated with their constant suggestions about what he should wear today. He studied himself in the mirror across from his bed, frowning at his un-princely appearance. His long hair was tangled against his head, and the dark red robe he wore lay haphazardly around his shoulders. The belt at his waist was off and twisted in some areas and he wouldn't even begin trying to get his hair into a topknot.

He was nervous.

What would he say to Katara when he saw her again? What would he say to his father? Zuko knew that his father had some reason for kidnapping—arresting—Katara…but what was the reason? Zuko sat on his bed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. His hand absentmindedly rested on the pile of scrolls at his side. He hadn't been getting much sleep, he'd been up all night doing research to figure out what was wrong with Katara. But so far, he hadn't found out anything. These scrolls were practically ancient, hundreds of years old, and most were written in the ancient Fire Nation language, a few were even written in ancient Water Tribe. It was time consuming just to translate them into the modern language, and then actually try and read and understand them.

If Katara was here, then she'd probably know. So far, he'd found out a bit about what happened to her, what she'd done back in the hospital. For some reason, he couldn't help but think that it was all connected. Katara's arrest, Shibai hospital, even this rebellion by Shin's goons…they were all connected to one man.

Zhao.

Katara had mouthed him Zhao's name, and he'd assumed that she'd come to the same conclusion that he did. Zhao was behind all of this. Maybe. It was too convenient, too…well put together. Zhao was a brute, he wasn't a master planner. Someone had to be behind him pulling the strings. Which led him to Tiang. But Tiang was a single-minded person, focused only on her own selfishness. Whoever was behind this had to be smart.

A soft knock on the door broke him out of his thoughts. "Come in." He said and the door opened to reveal his mother. She took one look at his disheveled appearance and smirked, chuckling softly to herself. He groaned and his head fell into his hands.

"Having trouble getting dressed?" She asked, amused and Zuko sighed. Still laughing quietly, she made her way to the bed and sat behind him, picking up the discarded brush and crown. "Here, let me help you."

Her fingers ran through his hair gently, with practiced expertise, like she been doing this forever. She had, in all honesty. She'd been doing his hair since he was a child, before he'd huffed at 14 that he was old enough to do it himself.

"I'm nervous." He said quietly. "What's going to happen to Katara?"

"Katara will be fine." She told him softly, kissing the top of his head. "I promise you."

"But how do you know?" He asked.

She brushed his hair thoroughly, expertly forming a topknot and setting the crown in place. Rising off the bed, she pulled him close, fixing his clothes. Zuko wondered if she had done this for his father back when they were still in love. "Because I know." She said, tugging at his clothes even further.

"If you say so." He mumbled.

His clothes righted, his mother stepped back from him and examined Zuko from head to toe. "There," She said smiling. "Now you look like a true prince. When you're married, Katara will do this for you—what's that?"

He turned, following her gaze to the pile of scrolls on his bed. He flushed, unsure what he should tell his mother. "I've been doing research on Katara's charge of attempted murder and the reason behind it."

"So you know why your father took her? What happened to make him believe that Katara almost murdered someone? I knew that Katara was innocent—,"

"She did, mom. Katara did almost kill someone." At his mother's horrified look, he quickly continued. "But she didn't mean to." He led her over to the bed. Holding up the scroll on the top, he held it out in front of her.

She took the scroll and unrolled it, looking at Zuko with surprise. "Zuko! T-This is in Ancient Fire Nation!" She patted his cheek affectionately. "Aren't you glad I made you learn how to read the ancient language?" He blushed at his mother's praise. He felt his cheeks heat up and he smiled at her.

He and his mother looked up when the door opened, and his aunt peeked her head into the room. Now fully dressed in the robes befitting a Fire Lady, she looked much better than when Zuko saw her before he went to bed. She looked unhappy for some reason, frowning at them both. His mother stiffened as the Fire Lady stepped further into the room and shut the door behind her. Did they have a falling out?

His aunt approached his mother worriedly. "I was looking for you, Ursa. I've been to see Iroh." She said, and her voice was melancholic. "He—He's asleep now, but he was awake for a while."

"How is he?" His mother asked, genuinely concerned.

His aunt shook her head sadly with watery eyes. "Not well. I wrote his…his…Will today. I stamped it with the Royal Seal."

Zuko's mother gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. "His—so soon? But—,"

His aunt ran her hands through her hair nervously. "The doctors recommend it."

"Oh, Yun Xi." His mother cried, opening her arms as the Fire Lady fell into them, sobbing.

Katara

Ozai had given her a white gown to wear. Simple, with long sleeves; it trailed behind her when she walked. Her hair was in a simple braid, falling down her back. She had been blindfolded on the return trip to the palace, much like when she was brought to the prison in the first place. Stepping out into the sunlight, she was nearly blinded by the dawn.

"Come." Ozai snapped at her harshly from her position in front of her. "We do not have much time."

He was right. From what she had heard, Fire Nation trials always took place at dawn. Two guards followed behind her and Ozai, looking at her suspiciously. Katara wanted to laugh. What did they think she was going to do, drown them? No, Katara could barely walk, much less do any type of bending.

The Torturer wasn't lenient by any means.

Her back and knees were the worst off, with long cuts and burns that never healed running along the entire length of her. The guards had to practically support her as she walked to wherever the trial was being held. Speaking of which, where was she going anyway? They'd passed the palace long ago, and Katara didn't understand where Ozai was taking her. In the Water Tribe, all trials were held in the Lodge, where most of the tribe's meetings were held.

Katara allowed herself to hiss in pain as they reached an open area, with seats lined a circular setting and made from a smooth black stone, obsidian perhaps? It looked like the entrance to a volcano. A pit was in the center of the arena, with the Fire Lord's obvious dais raised above everything.

It was such a strange feeling, walking into the outdoor area. They must be near the volcano because the ground under her straw-shoe covered feet was warm. Smooth black obsidian lined the stairs to each seat, surrounded by red stones that she couldn't identify. There was a platform in the center where she was supposed to stand. She wondered if Iroh was going to supervise her trial, or if the Fire Lady would do it. Maybe Ozai would, she thought with horror.

The seats seemed to go on forever, the arena must have been able to fit 800 people, probably more. Looking up, Tiang and Azula occupied the first row, closest to the dais. Tiang scowled at her and Azula looked at her inquisitively, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Honestly, Katara didn't even think that the two of them would show up. Why were they here? What did they have to gain from her being here?

In the row behind them, she saw Suki, Song and Toph sitting in the seats on the right, closest to the stairs. She wanted to wave at them, but couldn't as the guards held her arms, so she offered a small smile to them. But where was Lu Ten? Wouldn't he be next to Song? On the other side of the stairs closest to the dais was Princess Ursa. Ursa gave her a motherly smile and patted the person next to her. He turned—

Zuko

When she saw him, the amount of pain in his eyes took her by surprise. He looked so tired. What was wrong? What happened to him? Why did he look so worried? Everyone was looking at her like that. Was it because she was limping? Or was it because they thought she was a murderer and an adulterer?

He looked quite handsome, almost like a prince out of a legend. With his hair pulled back into a topknot shining with a golden diadem, he looked mature, and if she was being honest with herself, it comforted her. He looked regal, impressive, and wonderful. She missed him so much, and even though she was only gone for 3 days (she thought), it felt like she was gone a whole year. She missed his voice, the caring way he looked at her, his intellect, compassion, and even his snarky attitude when he was in the mood. She remembered as she was ripped from his grasp, the pain she felt as she left him crying on the floor. But it wasn't her fault—and hopefully they would be reunited soon.

His smile at her, though it was reduced beneath his tired eyes. But his smile said, 'I miss you', 'I love you,' 'I'm here for you.' And even though she could barely feel her legs, and her knees and wrists hurt like crazy, she was comforted so much. Just the fact that he supported her, loved her, didn't care that she was now broken and in pain gave her the resolve to keep moving forwards. But she tore her gaze away from him, and she was forced to look at the Fire Lady.

She was led to the platform, and Ozai left her then, sitting next to Tiang. But while his mistress was smiling, Ozai looked positively elated. Looming, imperious, the Fire Lady, in red ceremonial robes with golden trim and gold and black dragons lining every facet looked absolutely intimidating. She was seated high above the rest of them, hair piled high on her hear in an elaborate design, the Dragon Ring shining in the increasing sunlight. The ruby sparkled even from Katara's viewpoint.

She knelt on the stone, hissing through the burning in her knees. Dropping to the ground and landing on all fours, she heard the startled gasps of everyone as they witnessed her pain. Come on Katara, get a grip.

She looked up. Even Azula looked startled. But worst of all, was Zuko. His pain mirrored her own.

Clearing her throat, the Fire Lady started to speak. "Let the Trial of Princess Katara commence." She announced. Then, looking right at her, she said. "Princess Katara, there are two crimes levied against you, both by Tiang, Mistress of Prince Ozai of the Fire Nation. Do you understand this?"

She nodded. "I understand."

The Fire Lady sighed, nodding as well before holding up a piece of paper and looking at Tiang. "Tiang, you may bring in your witness."

Tiang smirked at Katara and nodded, clapping her hands. Everyone's eyes turned to the entrance Katara just came through and gasped loudly. Katara refused to look. She knew who it would be. Zhao obviously. It was obvious that he and Tiang were collaborating. His footsteps grew louder as he approached and Katara noticed something off. His footsteps were not even.

Katara turned, and nearly fell over. Zhao was hurt…badly. His face was a mixture of ugly blue and purple bruises. His right eye was swollen shut and every single area of skin on his face was marred to some extent. His right arm was in a sling, and his knees were covered in bloody gauze. He limped towards the dais, glaring at Katara. But when he reached the Fire Lady, he ignored Katara completely.

"My Lady," He said quietly. His voice was hoarse. Katara wondered if Zuko was as shocked by Zhao's appearance as much as she was.

"Director Zhao." Fire Lady Yun Xi said. Zhao stiffened at the title, but relaxed soon after. "You have an allegation against Princess Katara?"

"Yes." He nodded. "Princess Katara caused these injuries to me exactly one week ago at Shibai hospital."

"I-I didn't!" Katara interrupted, "He's lying!" But the Fire Lady glared at her.

"I don't know how your parents do things in the Southern Water Tribe, Princess Katara, but here, you wait until I call upon you to speak." Fire Lady Yun Xi snapped. "Now Director Zhao, tell us what happened?"

"B-But—," Katara whispered before falling silent.

Zhao cleared his throat. "I came to work, as I did every day, and saw, to my surprise, that Princess Katara was trying to get upstairs to visit a patient."

"A patient? Princess Katara wouldn't know anyone in the Fire Nation." The Fire Lady asked skeptically.

"That is what I thought, but against my better judgment, I allowed her to go up and see him." Zhao placed careful emphasis on the last word. "And then, she attacked me in my office."

She heard Zuko's intake of breath. Zhao was going to use her visit to Jet to incriminate her. But that didn't make any sense. Zhao attacked her, not the other way around. This was a weak accusation at best. She cut her eyes at Tiang and Ozai, and while Tiang's smile filled with glee, Ozai remained impassive.

"Why would Princess Katara attack you? She doesn't know you." Fire Lady Yun Xi said in her defense. "Besides, Princess Katara is half your size. You mean to tell us all that Princess Katara, a mere 15-year-old girl attacked and defeated you well enough to cause all of those injuries?"

"Who knows what she's capable of, your majesty?" Zhao sneered, glaring at her. "With her waterbending ability, she caused these injuries you see. I didn't awaken for two hours, you can ask the nurses in the hospital."

Yun Xi looked at her with calculating eyes. "Katara, is this true?"

"I-I…um…" Katara thought about what she said. It was true she attacked Zhao, but she didn't know what she did, or if it was just a onetime thing. "Sort of…but I—,"

"See!" Zhao pointed his uninjured arm at her. "That's an admission of guilt."

"No it isn't!" Zuko said, standing up. Katara turned to him in surprise. Zuko was standing, glaring at the injured former Commander beside him. "Princess Katara didn't cause those injuries Zhao and you know it."

"Prince Zuko!" His aunt admonished. "You're supposed to—,"

"This doesn't concern you, boy!" Zhao snapped at Zuko before catching himself. Turning to the Fire Lady, he coughed. "I'm sorry, majesty. I just—,"

"It does concern me." Zuko said, stepping forward. Sliding past his mother and down the stairs, he walked to Katara's other side. He was on the platform with her, so close, she wanted to reach out and touch him. Katara could feel his presence envelop her the closer he got. Determined, he fiercely glared at Zhao before turning to his aunt. "If it concerns my future wife, it concerns me. I will stand as Katara's defense in the event she can't defend herself."

"Princess Katara, do you have any objections to this?" The Fire Lady asked. Katara shook her head no. "Then please proceed, Prince Zuko."

Zuko cleared his throat. He looked nervous. Katara wondered if she would get in trouble for this, but reaching up, wincing at her stiff muscles, she held Zuko's hand, warm and clammy in her own. She smiled at him, and she tried to convey everything she was thinking into her smile. 'I'm here for you.' She couldn't say it, but she really wanted to.

He looked down in shock, and she squeezed it in reassurance. She heard Zhao scoff beside her, but Zuko took a deep breath and then began to speak. "I've been researching…bending reactions…how your bending reacts if you're in danger. Most people find that when they're in danger, their bending amplifies to double or triple their normal levels."

"So she did attack me." Zhao said smugly.

"Only because you tried to kill her first, Zhao." Zuko snapped, his eyes burning with hatred for the man on Katara's other side. "She wouldn't have done it if you'd left her alone."

"I didn't…" Zhao stammered. "She knocked me out with her waterbending or some other magic! You have to believe me."

But the Fire Lady didn't look like she believed Zhao at all. She was frowning, looking at the former commander with disgust in her eyes.

Zuko continued. "Bloodbending. It's called bloodbending."

Katara's mouth dropped open. "You found out what it was called? Bloodbending?" That sounded scary, terrifying even.

"What does it mean, Prince Zuko?" The Fire Lady asked.

Zuko nodded. "It allows a waterbender to control the blood—or water inside any human being, effectively bending them to his—or her, will." He explained, much to Katara's interest. "It manifests itself when a waterbender is in great danger. A waterbender can also use it to heal themselves or others when no water is available. It can be considered the Water Tribe's version of directing and redirecting lightening."

"She is a danger to our nation!" Zhao protested. "What if she marries Prince Zuko? What if she decides to control the entire population with her newfound ability?"

"I would never! How could I? I'm just one person." Katara protested. Apparently, all the rules of the court were thrown out of the window because she wasn't admonished for speaking out. "I wouldn't hurt Zuko—or any of you like that."

Fire Lady Yun Xi nodded. "Even so, Director Zhao has a point. This…bloodbending, can it be controlled, Zuko?"

Zuko nodded, and Katara breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes. Katara can hone and focus this as her waterbending skill improves."

"But I don't want to!" She cried out. "I don't want to have that kind of power over another person! It's wrong. It's terrible…I don't want to be…a monster."

The Fire Lady looked at her with Kind eyes. "Even the fact that Princess Katara doesn't want to use bloodbending is evidence enough for me to dismiss the charge of attempted murder." Zhao and Tiang let out a cry of protest. Narrowing her eyes at the hospital director. "As for Prince Zuko's accusation of attempted murder, we will see to that later." Clapping her hands, the two guards behind Katara moved to Zhao instead, and dragged him away, while he was screaming in pain.

So, Zhao was eliminated as a threat. For now. But the look of rage on Tiang's face said that she would never forgive Katara for this. Not even if she lived for 1,000 years. Ozai's expression had not changed, only a small smile graced his lips, but she didn't know why. Katara smiled at Zuko and he squeezed her hand this time. 'I love you.' She mouthed to him, and he whispered back. "I know."

"Now." The Fire Lady continued, reading off the paper in her lap. "For the second charge. Adultery in the Third Degree. What do you have to say to this Katara?"

Zuko turned to her surprised. He didn't actually believe that she would have a relationship with another person, did he? No, looking in his eyes, Katara saw that he didn't believe it, but he wasn't expecting this. However, Katara was. She caught Ozai's eyes and he smirked at her.

"I love Zuko. I would never—," Katara tried to say, but Zuko squeezed her hand, telling her to wait. Wait and see what Tiang's thought of now.

"Well. There is evidence against you." The Fire Lady frowned. But Katara couldn't tell what the woman was thinking. Did she believe the accusation? Or not? Looking up, Yun Xi called to someone in the back of the arena. "Come in and bring the criminal."

This time, Katara did look up to see who was coming in. Two guards were leading Jet in chains into the arena. He struggled, resisting their effort until he looked up and saw Katara on the platform. He was forced to his knees when he reached them. For the most part, he looked to be unhurt. He was thinner, but otherwise looked completely normal. "That's Jet?" Zuko whispered. Katara nodded. The Fire Lady was silent. In fact, everyone was silent. Maybe everyone was waiting for her and Jet to have some illicit conversation in front of them. But it wouldn't happen.

Katara tore her gaze away from Jet, though she was surprised at his appearance. Instead, she was looking at Azula. It was the first time that Azula ever displayed some worry or fear on her face. Zuko was looking at her too, and he looked taken aback as well. Azula's brow was furrowed, and she was staring at Jet and biting her lip nervously. Was Azula worried that Jet was going to die?

Jet looked at Katara and smiled softly. "Smellerbee told me that she hadn't seen you in a while. Said she was getting worried."

"I know." Katara said quietly. "I've been a little tied up." Literally.

"Did what we discussed…happen yet?" she asked, in a lower tone than before. Did Yue arrive in the Fire Nation yet?

But Jet nodded his head, much to Katara's terror. "Yesterday afternoon. I told Smellerbee, who told me that you'd been arrested. And then I came back to my apartment over Mr. Wu's shop and those two were waiting for me." He motioned to the two guards that brought him in.

Zuko grit his teeth because he knew what Katara was thinking. Yue was here. Lu Ten wasn't. Katara didn't know how she felt about seeing her cousin again in so long. So much had changed. They both changed. Katara irrevocably so.

"This cute exchange has been entertaining," The Fire Lady said, narrowing her eyes. "You're Jet?"

"That's my name." He snorted. "Don't wear it out."

"I warn you, commoner. Adultery is a very serious crime in the Fire Nation. Will you still be so amused when confronted with the evidence?"

Jet raised his chin in an expression of defiance. Of course, Jet would act this way. Katara would have laugh aloud if the situation weren't so grave.

"We've heard from Director Zhao that Katara visited you inside of Shibai hospital. Is this true?"

Katara nodded.

"If that's what she said." Jet huffed, cocking his head towards Katara.

"And if Princess Katara said it was a lie?" Fire Lady Yun Xi raised an eyebrow.

"Then it's a lie." He said simply, no trace of fear, no worry at all in his voice.

"If you're convicted, you'll be sentenced to death. You do understand that?" The Fire Lady asked.

"Perfectly."

"Why?" Zuko's aunt asked. "Why are you so attached to Princess Katara? Is there truly a relationship between you?"

Jet looked appalled at the thought. "No offense, Katara." He said, smiling playfully. "But you're not exactly my type."

"None taken." Katara smiled back.

"Then why did Princess Katara journey to Shibai hospital in this?" The Fire Lady held up Katara's clothes that she borrowed from her servant Una.

How did they get those clothes?

Tiang giggled, unable to contain her delight.

"It is prohibited for a consort or wife-to-be to leave the palace unaccompanied by an escort or be alone in the presence of a man who is not her intended."

Which is ridiculous.

Katara was going to say that she saved his life, but…then the Fire Lady would ask why. And she'd have to explain that she promised Longshot once she caught him stealing…but then she would get in trouble for hiding a criminal. And leaving the palace. What was she going to say? What could she do? Maybe Tiang was going to win after all. She had broken the rules of the Hana Matsuri.

"She didn't."

Katara's mouth dropped open. It wasn't Jet, Song, Suki or Zuko that spoke then. No, that feminine, confident voice could only belong to Azula. The Fire Princess was standing, breathing heavily, and eyes wide. Her mother and father looked at her confused, though Tiang looked angrier with her daughter than Katara ever thought possible.

"Azula what are you doing?" Tiang snapped. "You're ruining everything!" She grabbed Azula's arm to stop Azula from approaching the Fire Lady.

Azula shrugged her mother off. "No. I'm standing up for something." She marched down the stairs, shaking, but still determined. She approached the Fire Lady. Her back was to Katara, Jet and Zuko, so they couldn't see her face.

"Is something wrong, Princess Azula?"

"Yes. Something is wrong." Then to Katara's total and complete surprise, Azula actually knelt down on the stone ground, palms in her lap and her head bowed before her aunt. "Katara wasn't with Jet."

"Oh?" The Fire Lady looked intrigued. "And how do you know that?"

Azula turned to Jet, and Katara saw something strange in her eyes. Something like how Zuko looked at her. Azula legitimately cared about Jet, and because of that, she couldn't let him die.

"Because he was with me."