Title: You're still just a dream
Disclaimer: not my characters; title from Elton John
Warnings: spoilers for end of series
Pairings: none stated
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 365
Point of view: third
Prompt: balance
Zuko believes everyone will simply fall into line as he takes the throne. That a hundred years of subjugation and massacres can be forgotten with the installation of a new regime. Aang and Katara believe it, too. They are so hopeful, and so very young.
Iroh loves his nephew, and the Avatar, and the sweet waterbender. They are full of ideals and promise. In their eyes, the future is a bright place.
Toph cannot see that future, and Sokka never mentions the days ahead. But he does meet Iroh's eyes as they pass in the hall, two days before Iroh leaves for Ba Sing Se.
"Zuko will need you as the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe rebuild their strength," Sokka says quietly. "You should stay here."
Iroh inclines his head. "The leaders will demand recompense, assurances that the Fire Nation never lash out again. The army will be scaled down, payments made." He glances around at the opulent palace. "Those who profited from war will object most strenuously." Holding Sokka's gaze, he leans in to whisper, "The White Lotus will follow Zuko. The Avatar will follow Zuko. The strongest waterbender and the greatest earthbender will follow Zuko." He leans back, pausing, and then he finishes, "But the nonbenders must follow Zuko, too, if any change will be made and kept."
Sokka nods. "So long as he keeps the oaths sworn for this grand vision of peace—the nonbenders will follow him, too."
Iroh smiles, claps Sokka on the shoulder, and shuffles down the hall, bumbling uncle mask back in place.
In Ba Sing Se he can form alliances and connections. As a nobleman's daughter and earthbending master, so can Toph. Katara is the beloved champion of the Water Tribe and Aang the Avatar. They are legends equal to Zuko's exiled prince turned Fire Lord.
And Sokka, Iroh knows, is the reason that Zuko's plan will succeed. Without the normal, everyday people, no realm can prosper, and Sokka stands with the legends, showing everyone it can work. He balances the myth with a hefty dose of realism, a peasant become warrior, and Iroh leaves sure in the knowledge that Sokka has everything well in hand.