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A Decade in the Life of Mai and Zuko

Year 6

For over five years, Zuko looked for his mother. He didn't actually wander the world himself, scouring every village or questioning every citizen. The Fire Lord very subtly had others do the searching for him. It was impossible to leave the capitol for an extended period of time. His presence was needed. Zuko's father, Ozai, had provided very little useful information. All he could, or all he was willing to tell Zuko, was that she was somewhere in the Earth Kingdom. He claimed not to have had any contact with her since she left all those years ago when Zuko was ten years old. Consequently, Zuko did not even know if Ursa was alive. He continued to hope that she was.

Zuko first got word that his mother was indeed alive a month after the birth of his second child, another daughter. This girl he and Mai named Emiko. Mai gave birth about six weeks into the new year and so winter was almost over when he got that important hawk. One of his men had heard mention of a woman matching Ursa's description in a very small, very isolated Earth Kingdom village. The woman who looked like Ursa apparently lived by herself outside this village. She taught many of the village children how to read and write plus some basic mathematics and world history. In gratitude, the villagers kept her in food and clothing.

"Mai," Zuko said to his wife, scroll in hand. "We may have found my mother."

"Really?" she asked sounding surprised. "After all this time, they've found her? I hope it's true, Zuko. I know how badly you want to see your mom again, and how much you want her to meet her granddaughters. I'd love to see her again too."

"I'm eager for her to see you too, Mai," the Fire Lord replied, smiling and placing his hand on Mai's back. "I refuse to get worked up, though. I don't want any more disappointments."

Mai moved closer to her husband. She placed her head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in close. "When will you know for sure it's your mother," Mai asked.

"When Chiyo sends another hawk either confirming the story or not, we'll know. Until then, there's nothing to do but wait."

Giving Zuko a quick kiss, Mai removed herself from his embrace. "I'm going to see about lunch. Are you going to eat with the children and me?"

"I'll be there," he said smiling. "I've got that meeting with The Northern Water Tribe first, though. I better get moving. It will look bad if I'm late."

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Two days passed before Zuko received another hawk. He opened the scroll excitedly, Mai beside him.

"What does it say?" she asked impatiently.

"It's my mother," Zuko said softly. "Chiyo enclosed a letter from her."

Almost reverently, the Fire Lord opened the second scroll and began to read.

My dearest Zuko,

Let me first say that you make me so very proud. My son is the Fire Lord, one who brings honor to the Fire Nation, not shame like the three who came before you.

You have never left my thoughts, dear boy. I know of all your struggles and trials. I have my ways of hearing things. And I know of your present happiness with Mai and your two daughters. It pleases me very much.

But, I am not the woman you knew as your mother, Zuko. That night I left, I did things I did not think myself capable of. I did them to protect you, my beloved son. I no longer belong in the Fire Nation. My life is here in this small village with these good people. It's difficult to explain but I just cannot go back, ever. Perhaps one day, you can visit me here and I can meet my grandchildren.

I learned of Azula's death. My heart is broken. Despite what she may have thought, I loved her. She was my little girl. You can understand that now, Zuko.

Part of me will always feel guilty for leaving you behind with Ozai. He hurt you so badly. But if I had taken you, who knows what would have happened to you or to the world. I believe that your journey was a necessary if very trying one. And you emerged from all the pain the same sweet, kind person you always were, but wiser and better able to lead your nation.

I'm sure you're wondering why I haven't contacted you since you became Fire Lord. Why didn't I tell you that I'm alive? Oh, Zuko, you lived without me for twelve years. You are doing very well. I suppose I thought that I would only complicate things for you. People will talk and people will ask questions about what happened that night all those years ago. But now that you know and Chiyo knows and other people too, we must make the best of it. I can send you letters and you can write to me. When you have time, come to see me. That is the best that I can do. Please forgive me.

Love,

Mother

Zuko set the scroll down carefully, saying nothing, his face impassive. Mai snatched up the scroll and her eyes quickly scanned the writing. "Are you alright, Zuko?" she asked tentatively, expecting tears or tantrums.

Zuko took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the palm tenderly. "Do you know what?" the Fire Lord asked his wife.

"No," she answered.

"I'm just fine," he said smiling. "Let's go see our little girls."