Birth of a Princess

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Zuko paced nervously outside the room. He cringed every time Katara screamed in pain, and it nearly broke his heart to hear the usually strong, unbreakable waterbender he loved so much whimper in pain, and beg for him to be there, but each time, one of the healers would simply turn him away, saying that it was for the best, and so the Fire Lord would just resume his pacing, praying that he wouldn't lose his wife, or the baby that was being born at that moment.

Sokka wasn't fairing much better. That was his baby sister in there, screaming and crying, and begging for her husband. And, as much as he despised the thought that it was said husband who'd put her in such a position, he felt badly for both of them, but, somehow, more so for Zuko than Katara. At least Katara had the comfort of women who understood. Poor Zuko was literally on his own for this one. Why the healers wouldn't let the Fire Lord in was beyond him. Then he remembered his own reaction to seeing a baby being born long ago, when his brother-in-law was an enemy he'd have given almost anything to have out of his life, and he himself was just a teenaged boy, and he understood why no men were allowed in to the room.

Both jumped when a particularly loud cry came from inside followed by more pleading for her husband from Katara.

Sokka knew Zuko truly loved his little sister, but to see him cry made the Water Tribe warrior's mouth drop to the floor. While Katara's pain tore at his own heart, he just wasn't the type to cry openly. And he hadn't known Zuko to be either.

With a flurry of movement, Zuko wiped the tears from his eyes, and forced past the healers standing at the door, ignoring them completely as he rushed to his wife's side. He knelt beside her, as more tears fell. The sound of her last scream had triggered a cold reality to reveal itself within him; Katara might actually die. She was too pale, her face soaked in sweat, her hair down and plastered to her face. Gently, Zuko took her hand in his, and with his other, brushed a stray lock out of Katara's face. He tried to smile, but he was just so afraid to lose her.

"Zuko?" she whispered, her voice faint and weak.

"Yes, Katara," Zuko replied, gently rubbing his thumb over her cheek. "I'm right here now. You're gonna be fine, Katara. I know you can do this."

But his voice cracked as he spoke, and he just couldn't believe his words. He honestly didn't know if she'd make it or not, and that truth terrified him.

Meanwhile, Sokka envied Zuko his status here. He could just barge into any room and not get in trouble. He, on the other hand, would get thrown in prison before Zuko could even find out what had happened. So he sat, terribly worried, and not able to help in the least.

After what seemed an eternity to Katara, and even longer to Zuko (his hand was a shade of blue from lack of blood-flow, but his concern was trained on Katara), it was over. Katara gave one last, agonizing scream of pain, and a tiny, high, wail followed.

At the final scream from his sister, Sokka decided enough was enough. Status or no status, he was going in. He pushed past the healers, and burst through the door to find his sister exhausted, but smiling. Zuko was smiling, too. And, in the Fire Lord's own arms, to which the couple's entire attention was focused, there lay a tiny baby, who coed confusedly as she gazed up at her father. And almost, there was a defiance in that baby's eyes, as though she were daring this person – her very own father – to deny her. And, of course, how could he? Zuko just could not believe that this was really happening. This child – his child – was amazing. She had the amber eyes of her father, the dark skin of her mother, and a shock of scruffy, short hair, black as midnight. And deep, deep within those golden eyes, Zuko saw a fire; a fire so pure and so strong, and he knew what she would become one day.

"So, Zuko," Katara said softly, a small smile on her lips. "What should we name her?"

"Asamiya," Zuko replied with certainty. After all, according to legend, Asamiya was a young woman of the Fire Nation who'd been chosen as the bride of Agni, and had become the first – and most amazing female firebender.

"Asamiya," Katara echoed. "It fits her."

"Can I ...hold her?"

Zuko carefully handed the baby to her Uncle Sokka. At which point, a very out of breath General Iroh cam bursting into the room, halting at the doorway.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," he panted. "I had to finish off some business for Zuko. Can I see the baby?"

And so, little Asamiya met her uncle, great uncle, mother, and father, all in the span of a few moments. But, looking at the way Zuko looked at her when he held her carefully in his arms, you could see that there would be a very special connection in years to come.

"I wish Suki could have seen this," Sokka said softly, "but she's about to have her own baby, and for her, it's just too far."

"I'm sure she'll want to hear all about it, won't she, Zuko?"

But the Fire Lord quickly shushed his wife, and motioned with his head to his tiny new daughter, crown princess, and heir to the throne, who had fallen asleep in her father's warm arms, snuggled against his chest. Yes, it was very obvious; this was the beginning of a deep bond that would never be broken...

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Aw! Wasn't that cute? Review, please.