A Decade in the Life of Mai and Zuko Chapter 10, an avatar: last airbender fanfic

A Decade in the Life of Mai and Zuko

Year 10

Zuko and Mai stood on their bedroom's balcony watching the spectacular sunset. It was late summer and a cool breeze made goose bumps stand out on Mai's bare arms. She shivered slightly. The Fire Lord wrapped his arm around his wife and drew her close, into his natural heat.

"Better?" Zuko asked.

"Mmm,yes," she replied, resting her head on Zuko's shoulder.

"Ten years," he mused, "it's been ten years since the end of the war. So much has happened to us and to our friends and to the world."

"They've been good years," Mai said smiling.

"They have," Zuko agreed. "Are you looking forward to the start of the celebrations tomorrow?"

"Everyone we care about will be there, except your mom, of course. And the kids are going to have so much fun," she laughed. "You know what it's like when all six of them get together."

"I remember the last time very well," Zuko replied. "And our daughter is the ringleader."

"She is the eldest, so it makes sense," Mai stated, justifying Keiko's leader status in all the mischief the gaang's children got up to.

"I suppose. I do wish my mom could be here," Zuko sighed. "But I guess it's impossible to have everything perfect."

"I'm sure she'd love to be here too. You'll see her soon, though, so don't brood, okay."

"I never brood," Zuko replied indignantly. "Why does everyone say that I brood?"

"Maybe it's all those years of brooding," said Mai dryly. "But, you don't do it nearly as much as you used to years ago. There's really nothing for you to brood about anymore, is there?"

"I've got an amazing wife whom I adore," he replied, giving her a quick kiss. "I've got three beautiful children whom I also adore. I found my mom and get to spend time with her. I've got a great uncle and really good friends. Everyone is healthy. Our nation is doing well. The world is doing well. We have a really great place to live, I could go on," Zuko joked.

"We are very lucky. And we'd better get some sleep soon. Everyone will be here tomorrow and it will be chaos. Wanna come with me and check the kids?"

"Yeah, wouldn't miss it. Then I have to sign a few papers before bed. They can't wait," Zuko replied.

They left the balcony, walked through their bedroom and out the door leading to the hallway. Each of their children had a bedroom close to Mai's and Zuko's. They entered each one quietly, checking the child within, tucking sheets, kissing foreheads, and adjusting a stuffed dragon named 'Sokka'.

"I'm going to my office for half an hour or so, then I'll come to bed," Zuko stated, already striding down the hall towards the business end of the palace. He lit a wall sconce and then a candle on his desk. Settling in his chair, Zuko signed finalized documents. He rubbed his tired eyes occasionally and put his brush down emphatically after he finished drawing the last character.

"Finally," he declared, getting up from his chair, blowing out the candle and putting out the flame in the sconce. He walked back through the maze of darkened hallways to the room he shared with his wife. He opened the door softly, in case Mai was already sleeping.

"It's okay," she called. "I'm still awake. I've been waiting for you."

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The following day dawned warm and brightly sunny. Only the occasional wispy strip of white challenged the complete blue of the summer sky. Zuko and Mai arose early. All three of their children knocked on their door at sunrise. They could not contain their excitement about the festivities and all the company that would soon arrive.

"Oh, why," Mai complained, "couldn't they play in their rooms for a little while longer?"

Zuko poked his wife in the side mischievously. "Come on, Mai. It's time to get up. Everyone will be here soon."

Mai rose, looking over at Zuko irritably. "You know I hate it when you poke me in the side."

"Yep, I know, but it made you move, didn't it?" he asked smartly.

"Jerk," she said, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

The five of them had a quick breakfast together and then went outside to await the arrival of their guests. Appa was flying in with Aang, Katara, their son, Sokka, Sukki and their twins. Toph and Iroh were coming from the Earth Kingdom together on a ship. The Duke, Haru, Teo and his father were also onboard. Hakoda, Bato, Pakku and Kana were sailing up from the Southern Water Tribe.

Zuko's and Mai's children bounded about excitedly in expectation. Both parents snapped "No," after Emiko asked for the eighth time, "Are they here yet?" Emiko, still sensitive, ran off behind a tree to pout. Zuko smiled at his daughter's actions and followed her.

"Hey," he said, poking his head around the tree. Emiko sniffled loudly and wiped a slowly moving tear off her cheek.

"You and Mommy yelled at me," the little girl stated, her voice thick with emotion.

"Aww, Emiko, we just got frustrated with the constant questions. We're not angry. You know that we love you very, very much. You don't have to hide behind a tree and cry. Come back over by us." Zuko extended his hand. Emiko thought for a moment and then put her hand in her father's. Zuko drew her in for a warm hug, kissing the top of her head softly.

"Look, Emiko, they are here now. Go and say hello to everyone," Zuko suggested. The little girl ran as fast as she could over to the flying bison which had just landed in the courtyard. Appa gave her a friendly lick and she threw herself at him, cooing words of affection.

"Hi everyone," she shouted.

"Hello, Emiko," Aang responded. "Are you ready for the big celebration?"

"Yep," she replied. "Mommy and Daddy are over there waiting and your rooms are waiting too. I can show you."

"Slow down, Emiko," Katara stated. "Let us get off Appa first."

All the passengers slid of the giant animal, adults helping the small children. Zuko reached up and took Katara's son from her. The Fire Lord set the small boy down. Roku immediately ran over to him, glad to see another boy.

The ships' passengers arrived at the palace shortly after. Iroh embraced his family, and then stood back to admire them. "What a fine looking family you are," he declared grinning. "You are very lucky, my nephew, very lucky indeed."

Zuko just nodded in agreement.

A carnival like atmosphere pervaded the Fire Nation capitol for the next few days. There were games, dances, bending displays of all kinds, and lots of food from every nation. On the final day, the actual tenth anniversary of the war's official end, Zuko and Aang both stood before the throngs as they had a decade before. Addressing his people and the people of the world, Zuko spoke of the sometimes painful changes that the nations underwent, the growth and the regained sense of unity. He likened the changes to ones he personally underwent, from hopeful child, to banished prince to 'war hero' to 'traitor' and finally to a new kind of Fire Lord, one who values the happiness of all people rather than their conquest. After his stirring words, Zuko stepped away from the podium and into the waiting arms of his wife and children.