The Fire Lord rose just before the dawn. He dressed comfortably in silk pants and a loose tunic, tying his hair back into a top knot before leaving his bedchambers and padding quietly through the empty halls of the Royal Palace. Many of the servants were retired to their quarters. He knew the kitchen staff would be hard at work preparing breakfast, but they were alone in their duties, as he was alone in his. He made his way to one of the empty practice courtyards as hues of pink and orange streaked the sky. As the sun rose, he felt his own strength grow. He left the tunic draped over the banister and walked to the center of the courtyard.
Zuko limbered up quickly, moving through the stretches that loosened his muscles, his chi, and his element so he would be ready to train. Muscle memory carried him through the warm-up, and soon he was sending bursts of fire around the metal practice yard. He moved through the forms with practiced fluidity. He barely registered the stances his body worked through and the element that flowed from the palms of his hands and the soles of his feet.
The Fire Lord's mind was preoccupied.
For the last several nights his sleep had been plagued by unpleasant dreams that left him feeling disturbed and unrested when he woke. He couldn't recall much of the nightmares when he was awake, only flashes of icy darkness and a deep-seated terror that paralyzed him. And somehow, Zuko knew that the paralysis was his doom.
He was not a stranger to nightmares. Much of his youth had been a never ending one, and that had translated into the young Fire Lord's sleep as well. Countless nights had ended with Zuko torn from sleep, sweat soaking his chest, panting as he pulled away from a horrifying recount of the tragedies that had befallen him in his short life. With time, the nightmares had eased. Once he had forsaken his father and joined the Avatar's cause they had become nearly non-existent. But once he had been crowned, the nightmares started up with more frequency again. But those were nightmares Zuko could understand: the anxieties and pressures of his reign were not to be taken lightly, and they manifested in his sleep.
But these new dreams...were not like anything he had ever experienced.
He wished his uncle were there. Surely he would know what the dreams meant. Iroh's wisdom was a vast pool, and his skills of deduction were remarkable. Iroh would be able to tell his nephew what troubles plagued him that followed him into his dream world.
With a frustrated growl Zuko brought up a wall of fire up before himself and pushed it outward in a half-crescent that spread out until it dissipated. He sank into a crouch and hung his head. He had barely broken a sweat and his heart beat evenly in his chest. Palace life was softening him.
I need a real fight, Zuko thought. He couldn't remember the last time he had been in a battle. I just put my all into this practice, and I'm not even tired.
He stood up and retreated into the palace, ready for a hot bath and some breakfast.
Dressed in the heavy silk robes of the Fire Lord, his golden headpiece glinting in his top knot, he entered his first meeting of the day.
Zuko was meeting with the Council of Foreign Affairs, which he had established shortly after his coronation. The Council handled relations with the other nations, from trade deals and treaties as well as any reparations the Fire Nation needed to make. The world had come a long way since the end of the Hundred Year War, but trust in the Fire Nation would take time to be earned. Zuko and his councils had worked hard to forge new bonds and relations with the other nations, but the scourge of a century's worth of bloodshed and hatred would not be forgotten overnight.
The council, composed of five Fire Nation citizens, two Earth Kingdom diplomats, and one diplomat from each of the Water Tribes, rose and bowed respectfully to the Fire Lord. He dipped his head in acknowledgment. It didn't matter that the title had been his for nearly five years; it still made him feel a little uncomfortable to be treated so formally.
Zuko sat cross-legged at the head of the low table. Behind him the throne sat empty, as it usually did. The flames that had once burned brightly before his forefathers had been extinguished. There were some traditions Zuko had no desire to continue, and those were some of them. He didn't want to be a feared tyrant; he wanted to be a respected leader.
Spread out before him was a map of the world. A stack of parchments sat to his left, with an inkwell and brush, as well as his seal to his right, at the ready. He looked around at the gathered councilmembers. He focused his attention on the Earth Kingdom diplomats, Bao and Meiling.
"Has King Kuei made a decision on the proposition I sent to him regarding my plans for The Great Route?" Zuko inquired.
"He is still deliberating, although he seems to be favoring your trade plan," Meiling responded. She gestured to a spot on the map. "He believes the route you have suggested would be efficient in moving goods to and from the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation, as well as the routes leading to the Poles. He believes the commerce and union of trade will reflect positively for all."
Zuko nodded approvingly, but he could tell that there was more from the hesitation of the Earth King's diplomats.
"He is, however, hesitant to sign off on it due to the rumors that a band of renegades has occupied a portion of the route here," Bao said. He circled a section on the map with his finger. It was near the coast of the Fire Nation and directly in the line of the trade route Zuko and his advisors had planned out. "He won't put Earth Kingdom traders at risk of attack and theft."
Zuko kept his face passive, but inside his anger flared. How did the Earth King know that a group of marauders had taken up hold in his nation before he did? Zuko would have to have a serious talk with his Council of Internal Affairs at their meeting later that morning.
"The renegades will be dealt with swiftly and accordingly," Zuko said firmly, composing himself quickly. "Assure his Highness of that in your next report. This trade deal must happen, as it will be beneficial to all of our nations. It will be a great route through the Earth and Fire Nations, and eventually, the Water Tribes as well. It will unify our nations in a way nothing else ever has before."
"We understand that, your Grace," Bao said placatingly. "As does the King. We just want to be sure that it is as safe as it is beneficial."
"It will be."
Bao dropped his eyes from the Fire Lord's molten gaze.
"We can add provisions into the plans for guards and an authoritative presence," Meiling piped up. She looked at Zuko apprehensively. "If that is what you would like, sir."
Zuko mulled that over. In truth he had already considered it, especially when it came to protecting routes across the seas. The Fire Nation Navy would be more than adequate to handle any issues from pirates and the like on the water, but it wouldn't hurt to have a police presence on the route itself.
"That can be arranged," Zuko replied. "Make sure you let his Majesty know as well. We can work out arrangements on who will be where when we get there. I have no qualms with placing Fire Nation soldiers along points in the Earth Kingdom, with King Kuei's blessing of course. Is that satisfactory?"
Meiling and Bao nodded.
Pleased, Zuko turned to the Water Tribe diplomats. "And what do Chief Arnook and Chief Hakoda have to say of my trade deal?"
"Chief Hakoda is ready to sign the agreement, sir," the pretty diplomat from the Southern Water Tribe, Alasie, told him with a gracious smile. As he looked at her, he couldn't help but be reminded of similar ocean-blue eyes. Her eyes reminded him of Katara. "He believes it is time to end the isolation of the Poles from the rest of the world. It is not enough to have regained connection with our sister tribe. He would be receptive to possibilities with the Fire and Earth nations as well."
"I'm glad to hear that, and I welcome the Southern Water Tribe any time," Zuko said genuinely. He had predicted that Hakoda would be the first to sign on for The Great Route. The Chief had a soft spot for the redeemed Fire Lord. He looked at the other diplomat, Panuk. "And Chief Arnook?"
"He feels much the same as King Kuei. He wants to ensure that the route is safe. The northern waters can be treacherous, particularly during the winter season, and he is not certain that the route you've chosen to navigate the waters is the safest. Let alone the threat of pirates and plunderers."
"It is," Zuko said. "I know because I have travelled that route myself. The current there is smooth and fast-flowing, with no major obstacles to get in the way of ships and boats. Not even the ice floes drift along it. Have you sent along the drafts for the plans we have been working on?" He continued before waiting for an answer. "If not, you need to. If Chief Arnook feels obliged, I would be happy to escort him along the route myself."
Panuk bowed respectfully. "I will gladly pass that information to him. I am certain he will take you up on that offer."
One of Zuko's councilmen spoke up. "Our own merchants and traders are excited for a new trade opportunity. For too long trade has been restricted to the homeland. Many are ready to share their goods with the rest of the world, as well as to see what the rest of the world has to offer," Akeko said to him. "The polls we had put out showed the results to be in our favor."
"As I expected it to be," Zuko replied evenly. He looked to the foreign diplomats. "We must get the approval of the other leaders. I would like to offer a contract to King Kuei for his best earth benders. We will need someone to construct the road, both here in the Fire Nation and in the Earth Kingdom, and I believe that both the Fire Nation's engineers and the earthbenders will make a formidable road.
"As for Chief Arnook and Hakoda, we will need to establish ports of call along the routes." Zuko pointed at some of the smaller islands between the masses of land. "We can set up trading posts here as well. Communities will grow, and the nations will begin to mesh together in small colonies. It will be a bright future, where the nations can live communally, and not be resigned only to their own homelands."
Bao and Meiling exchanged an uncertain look, but the Water Tribe diplomats bobbed their heads in enthusiastic agreement.
"I would also like to offer a contract to Chief Hakoda and Chief Arnook." Zuko looked at the water tribe diplomats. "I would like to employ the use of waterbenders to create safe passages through the waters for ships along with the ports of call. I will have all of this drawn into contracts for all of the nation leaders to look over."
Zuko locked eyes with Alasie. "I will expect to have Hakoda's signed agreement on my desk within the next two weeks." She bowed respectfully. The Fire Lord stood. He turned to Bao and Meiling. "Assure King Kuei the problem in Zhenyang will be dealt with, and to strongly consider my proposition. It is my goal to open the Great Route and unite the nations beginning with trade, and I implore the other leaders to see that. You are all dismissed."
By the day's end, Zuko was exhausted. Meetings had occupied most of the morning. After meeting with the Council of Foreign Affairs, he had met with the Council of Internal Affairs. Zuko prided himself on his ability to usually keep his temper in check, but he had let his council know that he was not happy that they had failed to let him know about the group of marauders.
"And how long have you been aware of their presence?" Zuko had demanded to know, feeling hot anger rising within him like flames.
"We have been working closely with local authorities to handle the matter—" Genki, the eldest member of the council, had begun placatingly, but Zuko cut her off with a swipe of his hand through the air.
"That does not explain why I was not informed of this!" Zuko said tersely. "And what do we know of them, exactly?"
"They're a group of thugs and bullies, relatively low-life criminals. They've mugged several travelers along the road, and they've taken up residence in the village of Zhenyang," the peaceful Hideko told him. She wouldn't quite meet his eye. "The local police have been investigating them, and are moving soon to arrest them."
Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers and exhaled hotly. The verbal dance of politicians never ceased to give him a headache. "Once more, that does not tell me why I was kept in the dark. I'm going to ask one more time. Why. Wasn't. I. Told?"
The council members looked at each other sheepishly. Genki had the misfortune to answer as she was the highest-ranking member present. "We did not believe such an inconsequential matter needed to be brought to your attention, Your Highness—"
"I will decide what is consequential and what is not!" His clear, angry voice rang out across the council room. The wall sconces flared. His advisors were hushed into submission; their heads hung low and they averted their eyes from their lord. Zuko flushed with guilt and shame. He had tried hard not to let his temper get the better of him.
With a sigh, Zuko rested his hands in his lap and spoke calmly. "That band of thugs are directly in the line of the Great Route. As you know, I'm working hard to get the approval from the other world leaders. I need things to be in order along the trade route so that they will be inclined to say yes. I can't do that if I'm unaware of any dangers or threats."
"Our deepest apologies, your Grace," Hideko said timidly. He could see her fingertips trembling and he cursed himself again. "We will keep you informed of the matter going forward."
He dipped his head. "Thank you, Hideko." He inhaled deeply and swallowed his pride. "I must apologize to all of you for my outburst. That was out of line. You had the Fire Nation's best interests at heart, and for that I do not fault you."
They bowed, accepting the apology, and Zuko felt a little bit better.
From there he had a meeting with the Council of the Treasury to discuss the next season's budgets, then a brief encounter with the Public Affairs Council. Then finally, meeting with the Public Health Initiative (which had been an idea inspired by Katara, as a matter of fact) had been the last one for the day to discuss a government-funded program to pay for healthcare for the impoverished.
After the meetings he had lunch in his study while he reviewed reports and legislations. He wrote letters in response to the reports, and he either passed or vetoed the legislation. Every scroll was stamped with his seal: two dragons woven together into a circle. No one knew it, but the dragons were Ran and Shao, the Masters who had taught Zuko and the Avatar the true origin of firebending.
The afternoon had dragged on as he signed and stamped, signed and stamped. Nothing in his life had prepared him for the amount of paperwork he had to deal with.
Ozai had taken a rather backseat approach when it came to paperwork. He had trusted advisors who brought to him things to sign that he barely glanced over. He was more concerned with plotting world domination than the daily minutiae of running a nation. Zuko had refused to be that way and had taken an involved approach in his ruling that members of government weren't used to. It was draining, though.
Especially since the Fire Lord hadn't been getting much sleep.
Dinner had been brought to him in his study as well, and he had plugged away at the stacks of parchments. Bitterly he recalled how Mai used to get frustrated when he would miss dinner. She did not seem to understand the load he carried. Or perhaps she did, but didn't care for excuses. She was raised to marry nobility after all, and her father had been an important political figure in his own father's government, including becoming the governor of New Ozai after Omashu fell. Surely she knew what it demanded of her father; she should have known what it would demand of him.
He wanted desperately to get through most of the paperwork before he retired for the night. He knew that by the time he returned to his study the next afternoon there would be a new pile waiting for him.
At long last he eventually finished. Zuko took a walk through the gardens to unwind before retiring to his bedchambers. He went to the courtyard he thought of as his mother's garden, with its cherry blossom trees, flowering bushes, and the turtleduck pond, all ripe in early summer. The garden had always calmed him and helped clear his thoughts.
He sat below the boughs of the cherry blossom tree and held his hands out, seeds in his palm, to the turtle ducks who fed from his hand for a while in the fading evening light. Exhaustion seeped into his bones and his eyelids were heavy.
"Zuzu!"
He looked up at the sound of her voice and fixed a pleasant smile to his face before he was tackled hard by his younger half-sister. In his tired state he was caught off-guard and they fell onto the grass.
"Shouldn't you be in bed, turtleduck?" Zuko asked as he affectionately tugged her low ponytail.
Kiyi giggled and snuggled deeper into his chest. "I didn't see you all day! I missed you. I wanted to say goodnight."
"I missed you too, Kiyi. Let's get you off to bed before Kayo realizes you're gone."
He got wearily to his feet, Kiyi still in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek happily on his shoulder. Zuko carried her into the palace and to her bedroom. By the time he got there she had fallen asleep, one pudgy cheek resting on his shoulder while her arms lay limply around his neck.
Zuko gently laid her down on the bed. He tucked the blanket around her, brushed the hair back from her face, and planted a loving kiss on her forehead.
"She absolutely adores you, sir."
Zuko turned around. His sister's governess, Kayo, was standing in the doorway. She was pretty, young and kind. And she was good to Kiyi. Zuko paid her handsomely.
"Thank you," Zuko murmured, heat rising in his cheeks at the unexpected and brash compliment.
A playful smile curved her lips. "She thinks she's very sneaky, but I heard her leave. I knew she was going to find you. She's been asking all day to see you."
"She really should be in bed at this hour. Kiyi needs to be well rested for her studies," Zuko said reproachfully as he approached the governess.
A blush rose in her cheeks and she averted her eyes. "I apologize, your Grace. I don't mean to be pert."
"It's alright. It's always nice to see her." Zuko glanced at his sister adoringly. "I should spend more time with her."
"You try your best and that's what matters," Kayo said shyly. "She loves you regardless."
He trudged the long distance to his rooms. Upon arrival he sent away the servants ready to wait on him gathered in the grand sitting room of his bedchambers before he drew a bath and stripped unceremoniously from his robes, discarding them on the floor. Using his bending, Zuko heated up the water until steam clouded the bathroom, then he sank up to his neck in the hot water. The fragrant aroma of the soap he added was pleasant and soothing. Zuko closed his eyes and let the water work on his tense muscles. His lids closed and he nearly drifted to sleep as he puzzled over the political problems that faced him.
Although he hadn't been concerned before, he now worried that King Kuei would not sign off his agreement for The Great Route. The two leaders had come far since their scuffle at Yu Dao and although the relationship was not perfect, the situation was amiable. The unexpected mess in Zhenyang complicated it further. If Kuei did not agree, he wasn't sure that Chief Arnook would either, even if Hakoda was for the trade plan. That would make an even bigger mess of things. Zuko needed all of them to agree. How would he solve that problem if it were to arise?
The Fire Lord was disturbed by a gentle knock on the bathroom door. It opened, and Alasie stood in the doorway. She wore a soft blue kimono with a white sash around her slender waist. Her hair was pulled back away from her face. She looked inviting.
"I thought you might appreciate some company tonight, my lord," she said alluringly. She looked at him from beneath her thick, dark lashes.
Zuko sat up in the bath, the hot water beading across his broad shoulders. He graced her with a crooked smile. "Then don't be shy and come here," he commanded huskily.
Alasie obeyed, approaching the bath and the Fire Lord. Her hand untied the sash around her waist and the kimono fell away. He took in her naked beauty before she slipped into the water behind him and began to massage the knotted muscles of his shoulders.
"You need to relax more, my lord," she demurred in his ear, her lips caressing the lobe. "You're going to age yourself prematurely if you don't."
"I don't have time to relax," Zuko growled, but he was tempered by her soothing touch and the feel of her bare skin against his.
"Let me help you then. Tell me what is on your mind."
Zuko told her his concerns about The Great Route as her deft, nimble fingers worked into his tense muscles. Alasie listened quietly and without interruption. It felt good to speak freely—well, almost freely. He wouldn't tell her all of his fears and worries; she was a foreign agent after all. And nor was their relationship that personal.
"I think I have a solution for your problem, Fire Lord," Alasie said thoughtfully once he had finished. He admired that about her: she never spoke rashly.. Every word was carefully considered before she said it.
His interest was piqued. "And what would that be?"
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned into him, pressing her cheek into the dip between his shoulder blades. Her fingers pressed against his collar bone. "You should invite them all here for a summit and convince them yourself. Don't rely on ink on scroll or the words of other men to pass along your message. You will be able to compel King Kuei and Chief Arnook to do what is in the best interest of all of our nations."
Zuko glanced back at her over his shoulder, a wicked grin crossing his face. "That's not a bad idea." Not a bad idea at all.
Zuko had his way with her that night, and not for the first time. Once they had been fulfilled and the Water Tribe girl lay atop a mountain of pillows in the sitting room, her bare back glowing in the dim light of the oil lamps, breathing easily in sleep, he traced circles against her smooth skin and wondered how this had come to be. Their union was as unexpected as it was pleasant, albeit it was only for companionship and pleasure. Being the Fire Lord was lonely.
He knew that his advisors expected him to take a wife and produce an heir sooner rather than later, especially with how often his life had been threatened in the three short years he had been the ruler of the Fire Nation. His Lord Chamberlain, Mal-Chin, had said as much to him more than once.
But Mai had moved on. She had been unable to forgive his betrayal when she discovered his secret meetings with his father, and Zuko couldn't hold it against her. He was remorseful, and he had been hurt by her rejection, but he knew his own choices had led to that conclusion. And who else was there? Certainly there were plenty of beautiful daughters of noblemen, many of whom he had known in his youth, who would be more than happy to become Fire Lady and produce his heirs. But Zuko wasn't sure that was what he wanted.
His marriage was more than just attraction and love. It was political. What could he gain through his wife? What bonds and partnerships could be forged with other provinces, other nations, by his union with a woman? These were questions his advisors had burdened him with. These were questions Zuko had to ask before he married.
But he had his own questions, as well. He did not want a loveless marriage like the one his parents had. He wanted something more than political standing: he wanted love, and understanding. He wanted companionship. He needed a wife that could provide that.
Zuko mused over the girl sleeping on the pillows beside him. He never had her in his bed; that felt more intimate than he was willing to be with Alasie. She was a lover, not a girlfriend or wife. His bedchamber was his private place.
Alasie was beautiful; exotic. Her russet skin and tawny hair were trademarks of the Water Tribes, as were her cerulean eyes. She had gentle features, with full lips and a gently sloping nose. She was intelligent, witty, and kind as well. He was attracted to her, but their union was unlikely. She was not the daughter of a chief or nobleman. She was simply a commoner from the Southern Water Tribe who had sowed enough favor with Chief Hakoda for him to recommend her to the Fire Lord. And the thought of marrying outside of his nation was foreign: it had never been done. Zuko wasn't sure his advisors would go for it.
Their attraction had not been instantaneous, at least on his part, but it had grown over the months she had been in his palace until it culminated in one evening where they had drunk a little too much fire wine over peace agreements and trade deals, and he had bedded her. It had been something of a habit since then.
She was the first sexual encounter he had engaged in since Mai. And there was something different with Alasie than there had been with Mai. As with everything else in her life, Mai had been indifferent to their lovemaking, indulging in it only when Zuko wanted. Even then she was still the quiet, well-behaved girl who, through strict parents, had become impassive to anything in her life.
Alasie had been the opposite: where Mai was droll and unexcitable, Alasie was enthralling and enthusiastic. Their time together was fiery, exciting, although it lacked the true passion of a couple in love. Even though Zuko knew he did not love her, she had helped him get over Mai. He knew a part of him would always love Mai, just the same as a part of him would always care for Alasie, even if he didn't love her.
There was something about her that drew him in, a sense of familiarity and comfort he couldn't quite put his finger on, but there was more to it than that. There was something within himself, something that felt cold and empty. A longing deep in his gut for something he wasn't quite sure he'd ever had. Alasie helped fill the void, but it was superficial, and it wouldn't last.
Zuko rolled away from her and closed his eyes. He felt more relaxed than he had before. He hoped for a dreamless, peaceful night of sleep, but it did not come.
Zuko found himself in cold darkness. Silver fog swelled at his feet; the damp chill bled through his clothes and raised gooseflesh on his skin. He looked around, his eyes straining to see, but there was nothing. It was as if the world had fallen away, leaving only an impenetrable void.
He took one cautious step forward and found that the ground was still there. Something inside of him pulled him along, spurring his legs into action. Zuko cut through the black, unable to see, but knowing he was being drawn to his destination. The only sound was his even breathing and the soft padding of his boots.
Despite the chill, despite the dark, Zuko did not feel afraid. He felt curious, beckoned, by some unseen force.
Time ceased to exist in the dark wasteland. It could have been minutes that had passed, or it could have been days. Zuko did not know, and he found that he did not care. He pressed onward, the pearly mist swirling around him, almost caressing him, as he walked.
Slowly he became aware of a new noise: the muted sound of quiet feet walking somewhere ahead of him. Zuko peered into the murk and realized he could make out a shadow ahead of him.
"Hey!" Zuko called out. His voice was muffled as though he had spoken in a soundless chamber. The silhouette did not respond. "Hey, can you hear me? Hello!"
The silhouette did not falter. Zuko hurried toward the figure, swiftly closing the distance between them. As he approached, the figure came into focus, illuminated by the glistening, ethereal fog.
It appeared to be a woman dressed in black robes, her raven hair cascading down her back. Her pale hands poked out from the ends of her sleeves and that was all the skin he could see. A sword hung from her hip, its pommel stone glinting in the pearlescent light. Perched upon her shoulder was a black cat.
"Who are you?" Zuko demanded to know. The silhouette continued to ignore him. Anger flamed inside of him and he reached out, catching her by the wrist. "I'm talking to you!"
At last she reacted to him. She ripped her arm from his grasp with alarming strength and looked over her shoulder back at him. Zuko caught a glimpse of cold violet eyes in a beautiful face set into a deep scowl. She pushed her arm out and her hand connected with his chest. Zuko fell backwards, and the darkness swallowed him up.
The Fire Lord threw himself into a sitting position, gasping for air. His wide eyes recognized his sitting room and his hands reached out, feeling the red silk pillows below him. Perspiration dampened his chest and a bead of sweat rolled down his spine. His heart hammered erratically in his heaving chest. Zuko felt like he had been drowning.
Alasie stirred in her sleep. She rolled onto her back and her eyes opened. She saw Zuko sitting there and propped herself up on her elbows. "My Lord?" she inquired sleepily.
"Go back to sleep," Zuko ordered quietly.
He got to his feet and grabbed a robe, shrugging into it. He did not look over his shoulder to see if Alasie had settled back down. He left his chambers, bare feet silent on the cool stone floors. Zuko wasn't sure where he was going, but he needed to get some air and clear his head.
He came across Suki on one of her patrols. "Zuko?" She eyed him with concern. "Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine, Suki," Zuko replied a bit more harshly than he intended. He tried to placate her with a smile, but she didn't look convinced. "I'm just having some trouble sleeping, is all."
Before she could inquire further he swept away down the empty hall.
He found himself in his mother's garden under the light of a full moon. He turned his face upward, feeling the moon's power beaming down at him. Its light washed the garden in a silvery glow, throwing deep shadows about.
Zuko was unsettled. It felt as if unseen eyes were watching him as he crossed the dewy grass and knelt alongside the pond. Zuko dipped his hand into the still water and damped his face with it.
Zuko stared at his reflection in the rippling water. Out of nowhere, he thought of Katara, the waterbender, the girlfriend of the Avatar. He wondered what she was up to now. He wrote her every so often, but perhaps not as frequently as he should—or wanted to. The moon was the source of her power, and when it was full, she was at her strongest.
Once, a long time ago, she had used the moon's strength to overpower him at the North Pole. You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun. At that moment, even though they were enemies, he had begun to see her as more than an obstacle standing in his way, more than an inconsequential peasant from the Southern Water Tribe. He had begun to respect her prowess as a fighter. She had shown him several more times after that fight that there was more to her than what she seemed.
The Fire Lord leaned back on his heels and turned his face once more to the moon's pale beauty. These disturbing dreams were only getting worse, and yet this latest one was different somehow. He was most surprised to find he could remember all of it, unlike the others. The others had had a sense of familiarity to them. This one was foreign, unknown.
Who was the woman he had seen? Zuko felt like he was supposed to know. He doubted he had met her before—there was no way he could forget her remarkable beauty, and her unusual purple eyes. But he couldn't shake the feeling that she was important.
"What is going on?" the young Fire Lord asked the moon.
He received no answer.