All right. Originally, this chapter was thirty pages, but I divided it in half for your benefit. Next chapter will be up in a week, promise. I have a few things to say before I can continue my tale, I hope you will bear with me. First, this chapter is in memory of Mako, a fine VA and a crusader for civil rights.

Second, I'm ending Downfall earlier then I had originally planned to. Don't worry, I still have an ending planned and I rather think it's a good one, but I had a longer storyline planned that I decided to cut. There are many reasons why I choose to do this, one being I've worked on this story a year and I wanted to move on to other projects. Another, I wanted to end this story before it dragged. And third, as much as I love the characters, I think it's time. I have a new novel-length story in the works, called "Just the Girl" which I hope you will ALL check out. I have big plans for that story and I hope you join the ride. Don't worry, I still have a bit more planned for this story and I will have around 30 chapters when I am done. Cameos by some special people!

Special thanks to MeObviously, Spleef and Loveroftheflame for all their help, what would I do without them? Well, I've chatted long enough, please read and review! Also, the person who hits 500 reviews will get the next chapter early!

Enjoy the Silence

"Vows are spoken, to be broken-Depeche Mode"

"So, what is the next order of business?" Zuko asked. He had been back for two weeks and he had returned to his workaholic ways. He had barely seen Aiiro since he had returned and he had seen even less of his bedroom. At this rate, he would die of exhaustion by twenty.

"You need to pick a wife," Hotaru said, tossing her hair. "Since my betrothal to that horrific Kalyan fell through, this country needs a wedding to prove that we have a future. Those Water tribe girls don't count; we need a pureblooded Firebender with a powerful family. So just take a well born ninny and bed her."

Zuko glared at his sister murderously. "You make it sound like it's acquiring a new robe. I am not marrying a 'ninny', that is going to be the mother of my children. I don't need some spoiled pet for eye-candy; I need a mother for Aiiro and someone who won't annoy me."

"Given your current level of ill-temper, I don't think that's possible," Hotaru fired back with a mischievous grin. She's been in an awfully strange mood lately. Zuko wondered if she was simply adjusting to royal life.

"I've prepared a list of eligible young ladies with powerful families. Just pick a name off the list," Uncle said, looking weary. "The sooner we get this business over, the happier I'll be. I could use a good nap. We really need to take a more hands off approach to war." He had definitely lost some weight. While Zuko agreed that Uncle's stomach had grown unhealthily soft in his later years, he had a feeling the stress was just as bad for him.

"Just pick a name off the list? Why not? I'm only going to be chained to the shrew for the rest of my life. Why not just flip a coin?" Zuko snapped, peevishly.

"There is Lady Aleya of the clan Ognyan, she's a bit older than you, but she seems to be very creative and intelligent. She's from the South of the Fire Nation," Uncle said, looking at the list. "Her brother-in-law is General Kamal."

Hotaru shook her head. "She likes shopping too much. She'll bankrupt the dynasty in a month," she said softly.

Uncle nodded. "All right, how about Lady Ty Lee? She's a bit free spirited but she always had a good sense of humor. She ran off with the circus but her father offered to have her dragged back if need be?" he enquired.

Zuko shook his head. "She sounds like a pain. I don't need a wife forced to marry me," he said softly, rolling his eyes.

"What about Lady Mai, daughter of the Governor of the former Omashu? She's supposed to be very talented with shuriken and fiercely intelligent. She'll provide strong heirs for the dynasty." Uncle suggested, looking hopeful.

"Didn't you say she was a shrew?" Zuko mumbled, getting a fierce headache from this entire business.

"Very true. I'll scratch her off the list. What about Lady Reiko of Bakr? She's a brilliant healer and quite a pretty one too. Her father is a very famous statesman, he is known for his long speeches," Uncle said, looking at the list.

"Ummm…she'd be my first choice for you, but she's…more interested in me than you, Brother," Hotaru said, smiling roguishly.

Zuko stared, wondering why his sister felt the need to tease him? Couldn't she see he had a headache. "Is that even possible? Never mind, I don't want to know. Can't you two find me a bride who I can establish a dynasty on? Doesn't the Fire Nation have one normal girl?" he roared.

Hotaru shrugged. "Why not marry your pet's teacher? She's on the list," she said airily.

Zuko's eyes closed for a moment. He remembered Hyun quite well. She was elegant, intelligent, and he found her presence soothing and comforting. He supposed she would do nicely. Aiiro adored her and she seemed eminently suitable. Well, he supposed he could not think of a reason to say no. "She'll do. Send messengers to her father."

"Wow, how romantic, Brother. Come on, shouldn't you ask if she loves someone else? I heard one of the guards is sweet on her. Don't force the girl into marriage," Hotaru said. Something was definitely up with her, Zuko vowed to find out what that was soon enough.

"I should think marrying the Fire Lord would not require much convincing. So what do you want me to do?" Zuko muttered angrily.

"At least talk to her about it. Give her a gift. In fact, give her lots of gifts. Make her feel special," Hotaru advised. "She is going to be your wife; you will have to live with her."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "I never knew getting a wife was so much like purchasing a rhino," he scowled.

"Mother would kill you if she heard you saw that," Hotaru mentioned, a sad look crossing her face.

Zuko's eyes narrowed. As much as he tried, he knew he could never get close to his mother. She preferred to remain out of touch, to fight battles and continue going. She was a free spirit who preferred the heat of battle to the fold of her family. He had long given up on trying to get her to return. She was useful in the field and that was where Zuko would keep her. "Just pick out a betrothal gift for me and let me get this over with," he muttered. He remembered that he had also promised himself he would discipline his ward. As much as he hated to do this, he had promised himself after the Island incident, he would have to deal with the boy. He had been hands off for the last few days, but he dared not neglect him anymore. "And have Aiiro…I mean, Ary brought to me. We need to have a chat."

"Come on, Earth boy, keep up!" Hotaru yelled over her shoulder as she effortlessly rode a mongoose lizard, her long hair streaming out behind her. Zuko's return had signaled an end to her easy access to Devdan. No more could they kiss beneath the apple tree or walk for hours under the moonlight. No more could they openly have breakfast in bed together, feeling the warmth of his body against hers as he fed her with his fingertips.

Zuko had taken her refusal to marry Kalyan with good humor but Hotaru had a feeling he would take her love affair with Devdan quite badly. Devdan was a mere spare to the throne and as such was unworthy of the heiress of the throne.

She had barely seen Devdan the last few days. Zuko had been keeping her busy. She had only managed to sneak away today because Zuko was busy agonizing over how to ask the Water whelp's tutor to marry him.

Hotaru and her paramour had sneaked off to the nearby island of Haviv-Aysh to ride the famous mongoose lizards, savage reptiles that could walk on water and climb over rocks with ease. They were fast, they were ferocious, and they were much more dangerous than rhinos.

Devdan was still getting used to the slithery creature and his face looked a bit green at the undulating lizard. "This fine beast must prefer sweet virginal princesses more than humble and devastatingly handsome rogues," he called back, trying to hold the reins properly. Hotaru had to bite back a giggle. He was so adorable, refusing to admit he had no idea what he was doing.

"If my brother catches us, you'll be a headless handsome rogue," she warned him. Mother would definitely approve of Zuko killing Devdan. She had always cautioned Hotaru to stay clear of love, that falling head over heels for men would result in tears and heartbreak.

Of course, Hotaru did not know if Mother had ever known that dizzy feeling when she saw a certain pair of green eyes. Just the thought of him sent spirals of joy into her heart, which turned into blades of misery when she remembered Devdan was leaving in a few short days. They would never see each other again.

Thankfully, her maidservant Kari had been wonderful about exchanging letters between the two. She had discreetly passed the notes between them. The thin, pale girl always was so willing to help the couple. Hotaru would have to reward her for making the time she had left with Devdan so wonderful.

"Blasted animal! Well, I'd happily die for you, Hotaru and then haunt you as a ghost. I'd especially enjoy haunting you when you were in the hot springs and that magnificent body of yours was all wet and lathered. Of course, soon enough you'd get old and I'd move on to haunting another younger female. So your brother would actually be doing me a favor," he smirked, brushing some of his hair out of his green eyes as he reared back on the rains. That was a big mistake.

As soon as his hands loosened their grip, Devdan also lost his balance. Hotaru giggled as he tumbled off the mongoose lizard, landing on the ground like an overripe fruit. "Damn it to Geb and back again!" he swore furiously, even as he quickly recovered himself. The half-wild creature had already returned to the depth of the forest.

Hotaru effortlessly controlled her own beast as she turned it around. "An earth prince lying in the earth. How appropriate," she sneered.

"Oh come now, Hotaru. You know you want to roll around with me. I can see it in your eyes," Devdan said haughtily, stretching out a long limb in her direction.

"Cool it, Frisky. Just for that, I will not let you ride behind me like a rescued damsel," Hotaru purred, spurring her lizard to climb a vertical rock face. She'd glower down from her lofty perch and make him beg her to save him.

Devdan smiled as he rose to his feet. "Where you lead, my precious, I shall follow," he said. Closing his eyes for a moment, he began walking up the stone vertically, a large smile on his face. "I'll race you to the top."

Hotaru smiled and spurred her lizard. "Last one there is conquered," she said as she began racing up the stone, hanging on tightly. She watched in horror as Devdan glided vertically up the wall as if it was a slippery floor. "Move it, you dim-witted beast," she muttered, giving it a good kick. She would not be bested.

Small pebbles began pelting her. Devdan's grin had only widened as Hotaru was forced to swerve back and forth to avoid the mini-onslaught. "Cheater!" she snapped as she watched Devdan skate closer to victory.

"All's fair in love and war, dear," Devdan said as the stones served as a distraction to victory. Hotaru growled and kept climbing, refusing to allow Devdan to claim any victory. She leaned close to the slimy lizard, urging him on. This time, she would grind the defeat into his face. She would not let him return home with any image of her besides the one of a conquering hero. When he had been betrothed to some Earth slut and she was left alone in the Fire nation, she wanted him to remember her.

As she reached the crest, she leapt off the beast in triumph! She had reached the top alone! As she looked out at the magnificent view, a pang hit her heart. Soon, there would be no one to enjoy this view with her. As she turned around to gloat at her opponent, she heard a loud crash. It sounded like…something falling off the mountain and the sound of someone crying out.

Hotaru felt her breath close up in her throat. Devdan would never survive a fall like that! Even an Earthbender's bones would break and shatter when they landed on the cold hard earth. "Devdan," she screamed. Someone had been crushed down there, she could hear them whimpering in pain. She could even see a piece of cloth from their clothing. Damn it, how could Agni do this to her?

"Always here for you, Hotaru," a voice in her ear whispered as strong arms grabbed her from behind and held her close.

Hotaru growled and elbowed Devdan in the gut. "How dare you?" she shrieked, whipping around and falling on top of him. "But if you are here, then who is down there?"

Devdan laughed very quickly. "There was a…umm…platypus bear and I killed it," he said, as he pulled her close.

"I thought you…" Hotaru choked on even saying those horrible words. She had been worried for the idiot and he had been fine all along.

"Died? I'm going to die of misery anyway; I figured falling to my death would have been fun. Anything is an awfully big adventure with you around. Life will be so boring without you," Devdan whispered as he pulled her next to him. They lay cuddled together, watching the sky. "Run away with me."

"What?" Hotaru said, as she snuggled into his arms, feeling how firm his muscles were under his shirt.

"Run away with me and form a pirate crew. We will rule the seas together, just you and me. We'll strike terror into the hearts of men and at night, I'll make the boat shake a little," Devdan murmured quietly, running his fingers through her hair.

Hotaru smiled. "A fine idea. However, you are the prince of the Earth Kingdom and I'm the princess of the Fire Nation. Who are we going to loot?" she asked.

"Who cares? I'll be Dev, you'll be Hotaru. We'll be together. Frankly, the rest of the world doesn't matter. We'll make them bleed for trying to keep us apart," Devdan said airily as he let his finger trace Hotaru's ears, sending shivers down her spine.

"Well, if it wasn't for my brother who would track me down to the ends of the world and your brother who would hang you for treason, we would be fine," Hotaru reminded him. She wanted to run away just as much as Devdan did, but she couldn't just walk out on her family.

Devdan's grin grew savage as his verdant eyes glinted dangerously. "Then I say we get rid of our troublesome relatives."

Hotaru raised an eyebrow. "What in Agni's name are you talking about?" she asked, not liking where this was going.

"We are both royal; why not rule the world together? I'll be your lord, you'll be my lady. I take out your brother, you take out mine. We'll end the war together and unite the kingdoms. I don't care if it's a pirate ship or a palace as long as I am with you," Devdan informed her.

Hotaru tensed. "So you are saying I should let you murder my brother in cold blood?" she snapped, feeling herself grow furious with anger.

Devdan exhaled loudly. "Don't be so melodramatic, Princess. Your brother seems hot-blooded enough," he said haughtily.

Hotaru growled. "How could you even think of something so treasonous? What happens when I get in your way? Are you going to kill me too?" she said, getting to her feet. "Just get out of my sight. You are nothing like I thought you were. You are a fucking bastard," she shouted.

Devdan's green eyes had clouded over as he stood. He seemed much taller and gaunter than she remembered. "Yeah, I am and there is nothing I can do to change that, Princess. Even for you," he said softly. Hotaru sent a silent apology to her mother. There would be but one mistress and no master! Men were slimy, deceitful bastards not worth more than their seed. She was too angry to remember that there were no platypus bears on the island, let alone ones wearing clothing.

"Tani, are you home?" Zhao asked, as he walked into his apartment. He had spent the last few weeks in a terrible mood but things were starting to look his way again. He would soon have a kingdom at his feet and his son under control. Everything was coming along nicely.

"Yes Father. How may I serve you?" Katannah said, emerging from her room. She had red circles under her eyes, indicating she had been crying again. The loss of Orli had hit her very hard.

"Are you still moaning about your brother?" Zhao demanded in a tone far angrier than he intended. He had felt angry enough over Orli's treason and he planned to give the boy a piece of his mind soon enough, when the true ruler of the Fire Nation sat on the throne.

"No sir. I just found out from Lady Kari that the Fire Lord has picked a bride. I was not selected," Katannah said softly.

Zhao laughed and patted his daughter's hands. "You thought to win back Orli that way? Clever, my dear girl but I would not see you wasted on a mongrel like Zuko. No, my little princess, you will have everything you ever wanted, very very soon."Katannah looked up at him. "How, Father?" she asked, her bronze eyes wide with what Zhao decided to believe was respect.

"Just let me worry about that, my girl. I have my ways. Now hush and return to your lessons. Let your father work his magic." He was glad he had not killed out all of the Earthbenders, some actually came in handy.

Zuko sighed and picked up the shiny cane on his desk. It felt heavier then he imagined. According to the healers, Aiiro was nearly healed and was in excellent health. Zuko could not imagine allowing anyone else to strike his beloved ward but he understood that he had to do something to curb his high-spirited foster child before he got hurt again. A few light swats and Aiiro would have an incentive never to disobey again.

Aiiro was brought in a few seconds later, flanked by his guards. He looked so small next to the enormous armored creatures assigned to him. "Master, you wished to see me?" he asked.

Zuko sighed and nodded. "Everyone else, leave us." He was a parent now; it was his duty to discipline his child. He had to ignore the feeling of self-hatred that growing inside him like a cancer.

The guards bowed themselves out and Aiiro was left alone. He was looking a bit pale; maybe he was not healthy enough to be punished yet. There was no rush at all; the boy was being kept under round the clock guard. "I'm so happy to see you, Master. What did you want to talk to me about?" he asked with a content smile, climbing onto Zuko's lap and perching there like a contented pet cat. "That's a pretty necklace."

Zuko felt a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Uncle picked it out. Um…I wanted to discuss with you the issue of your behavior," he said, staring down at him as imperiously as possible.

Aiiro hung his head. "I'm sorry I've been so sad lately. I've been trying to cheer up," Aiiro answered, hugging Zuko's neck. He was so fragile and small boned. Zuko was already sweating. Aiiro was still depressed, how could he cause even more problems to this innocent and lovable child. "I have Miss Hyun and you, I'm very happy. I don't care if those horrible people I used to call a tribe hate me."

No, he had to be strong and firm with the boy. "That's not what I meant. I think you know why I brought you here," he said, in a resolute voice. Aiiro needed to be punished.

Aiiro shook his head. "Have I upset you?" he asked softly, tightening his grip on his master's neck. "I can't think of what I did wrong but Master, I love you so much. Whatever I did, I'm terribly sorry," he said softly.

"Ary…just stop talking and listen. I'm very happy to have you as my ward. You are very important to me," Zuko said softly, stroking Aiiro's hair. He felt worse and worse by the moment.

"And you are the most important person in the whole wide world, Master. I am so happy you didn't abandon me," Aiiro said, snuggling into Zuko's arms and further inhibiting the situation.

"Well…sometimes parents have to do things that are…unpleasant for the benefit of the child," Zuko mumbled, floundering for the courage to discipline his own child. Agni damn it, it was impossible to feel Aiiro's tender weight in his arms without feeling an avalanche of love.

"What do you mean, unpleasant?" Aiiro whimpered, clutching Zuko fearfully. "Must I get my cuts cleaned up again? It hurt so much. Can you be there and hold my hand. I know you won't let any harm come to me," Aiiro pleaded, his voice yanking at Zuko's heartstrings.

Zuko nodded and sighed, giving up on any plans he had. With his free hand, he tossed the cane into the fireplace. "I won't. You know that. As long as you obey me, I will always be able to guard you from harm. I just wanted you to know that. Do you promise that you will always do what I say?" he asked.

The small boy nodded. "Of course. I don't want to ever upset you again," he said softly. "You are all I have. You keep me safe."

"That's right. I trust you learned your lesson on Sohar Island?" Zuko asked sternly. Aiiro nodded vehemently. "Good. We won't discuss it anymore. Now you can go and play. Ask Miss Hyun to take you and your friend out to the garden. I'll go out and join you in an hour."

Aiiro had been punished enough. Zuko may have been a lenient father but at least his child loved him. He would never be like Ozai. Now, he just needed to work up the courage to give his foster a son a new mother.

"Master, you came!" came an excited shriek as Zuko entered the garden. Aiiro and Zhao's spawn were feeding the turtle-ducks, under the watchful eye of the next queen of the Fire Nation. Sitting on a stone bench by the lilies, she looked rather…beautiful.

"Ary, I'll walk with you in a few minutes. Hyun, I would first like to speak with you alone," Zuko muttered as he walked over, staring at the flowers. He had prepared himself for this mission, but he still felt nauseous. He wished he had started with his earlier plan and just sent her a message, saying he had chosen her as his wife.
"All right, but Miss Hyun will just tell you I've been very good," Aiiro said softly as he ran to his friend, who was sitting by the pond.

"Speak, my lord, your humble maidservant hears," the young tutor said obediently, rising from her bench and kneeling down in front of him with lowered eyes.

Zuko felt the words choking in his throat. He knew nothing about this woman and he would possibly be tied to her for the rest of his life. "You may look up. I wanted to ask you a personal question," he mumbled, feeling himself growing extremely nervous.

"My lord?" A pair of pretty golden eyes stared up at him and Zuko was struck anew by how nervous he was.

"Do you like taking care of Aiiro?" he finally asked, trying to fish for proper dialogue, feeling like he was searching for square eggs.

"Oh yes, my lord. He's a darling little boy who is sweet and pure-hearted; it is honor to care for him," Hyun said, her eyes sparkling at the mention of the little boy Zuko held so dear.

"Aiiro is very important to me as well, Hyun. He's been through a lot, more than any child should have to go through, and he needs a happy home. He needs a mother," Zuko blurted out, wishing he could just order her to marry him.

Hyun's eyes widened. "My lord?" she asked, looking quite shocked. She self-consciously pushed a strand of dark hair away from her face. Zuko felt his heart pound harder.

"My agents have asked your father if you have been promised to anyone. He said you are not betrothed," Zuko said, trying to attack from a different direction. It was against tradition but Hotaru had insisted he do this.

"My lord, the man my father and my lord will pick shall be the man I choose," Hyun said, bowing her head gracefully.

"Your service and loyalty to my ward have not gotten unnoticed. Do you prefer a person for your husband? Please name him and I will grant you the man of your choice along with a lavish estate and my favor," Zuko offered, trying to see if she cared for someone else.

"As to my own heart, none of the courtiers have caught my eye or earned my heart. My greatest pleasure would be to serve my lord and care for Aiiro," Hyun said with a shy smile. "My honored father mentioned an inquiry to my hand by my lord's messengers."

Zuko was desperately grateful that Hyun understood what he was trying to ask. "So, you agree to the idea?" he asked, happy to get the whole awkward business over with.

Hyun genuflected for the floor. "I swear to be my lord's humblest servant, helpmate, and most loyal supporter. Your wish will be my command," she said softly. "My entire life will be devoted to giving you happiness."

Zuko tapped the bench. "Please, sit with me," he said, uncomfortable with her display of obeisance. She had to say those flattering things; she had no choice but to obey him. He supposed he would never know if his wife loved him or the crown. Still, he did not need another slave; he was trying to acquire a mother for his children, present and future. "I hope you will be happy as well…wife." He reached into his pocket and retrieved the necklace his uncle had suggested. "This is for you."

"My sincere thanks, my lord husband. It is beautiful. I shall wear it always," Hyun said softly. Her eyes shone with joy as she placed the golden chain around her white neck.

"Are you…sure you want to do this? I expect my chief consort to run the palace, oversee budgets and see to the education of the royal children. You will be expected to serve as a judge over palace disputes. This is not a position for you to sit around and spend money frivolously on clothing," Zuko said, trying to be sure he had chosen properly.

"My lord, may I speak honestly?" Hyun asked, inclining her head gracefully. Zuko nodded, wondering if he would be rejected. "My brother Yoni was in the Forty-First division. He was only fifteen when he was used as bait. Only you stood up to Fire Lord Ozai for him. Ever since that moment, I have adored my lord. I would consider it an honor to die for you," she said softly. Impulsively, she took Zuko's hand and kissed it.

"Miss Hyun, are you trying to suck the poison out of a bug-bite?" came a soft voice as Zuko felt a hard mass land squarely on his knees. He stared down at the figure of Aiiro, who had clearly taken possession of Zuko's lap and did not look eager to give it up.

"What are you talking about?" Zuko asked, as he adjusted his ward on his lap. Who had told him kissing was sucking the poison out of a bug-bite?

"Prince Devdan and…" Aiiro began, before noticing the necklace. "That's the necklace the General gave you this morning. Why does she have it?" He asked in a confused tone.

Zuko reddened and patted Aiiro's hair. "I've spoken to Hyun and we've decided she's going to become my…wife," he said quietly. Aiiro's face fell and he snuggled closer to Zuko, pouting. He seemed very angered by the news. Zuko was extremely confused, he thought Aiiro loved Hyun. "You don't like that idea?"

"I like things the way they are. I don't want things to change," Aiiro muttered angrily, as he played with Zuko's sash. "Why do you need my teacher as a wife?"

Hyun on the other hand smiled indulgently. "Now, young prince, don't think that means I will leave you. Your master loves you very much and no one can replace you. I'm just joining the family so I can spend more time with you. I'm going to be your new mother," she said, taking Aiiro's hands and holding them close to her heart.

"You'll still read me stories and play with me and say I'm your favorite?" Aiiro asked, looking up at her with his big blue eyes.

Hyun nodded. "Always," she said, planting a kiss on Aiiro's forehead. Zuko revealed in such domestic bliss. A mother, a father and a happy little son, it was just what he always wanted. "You are my special little boy and no one can replace you?" she assured him.

"All right, I'll let you marry Master. So, are you going to have a baby?" Aiiro asked, his eyes bright.

Zuko choked on his next breath. He did not need to be thinking about that now! "Aiiro, why don't you get Zhao-spawn and we'll all go for a ride around the city, provided it's a silent one. I think you've asked enough questions for now," he said. He wanted his new family to see the kingdom that would theirs. "Then we'll announce to the court the good news."

All right. Next chapter is the party where Devdan makes a big show, Yue and Aiiro meet and a major heartbreak. Please stay tuned and in the meantime, read "Just the Girl."