Second to last chapter, but the action will continue till the end. There were some spoilers at my live journal but for the most part, the future remains a rosy surprise. Special shout-out to Acastus for being an incredible writer, as well as Spleef and Loveroftheflame for being more than beta-reader, more like literature lifeguards. Oh and tomorrow is my birthday, I'm twenty-one. When I started this story, I was still nineteen! I feel so old! Well, enough yapping, the future Avatar is born, loose ends get tied up and one begins to unravel.

The Times They Are A'Changing

The line it is drawn

The curse it is cast

The slow one now

Will later be fast

As the present now

Will later be past

The order is

Rapidly fadin'.

--Bob Dylan

"He isn't dead," Zuko whispered, as the shadows passed along the sliver of the moon. Aiiro's bedroom had been lit by thin tapers, casting further ghostly shadows across the walls, like the Dark Hand of Agni himself.

Aiiro and Orli were covered by a heavy quilt and were sleeping in the same bed. Aiiro had been brought back from Zhao's estate unconscious. Although the healers had managed to get the poison, the little boy had not woken up. The healers had told him Aiiro would awake but his body would be weak. He would have to spend weeks regaining the strength in his body, and would most likely require braces to walk. Zuko had managed to blink back his tears.

Orli had been heartbroken and insisted on sleeping near him, so he could see him when he got up. Two little boys, enemies and brothers. If one ignored their pale faces and the dark circles under their eyes, they almost looked back to normal. Still, both had gone through horrible experiences. Aiiro had been scarred so many times and now it was little Orli's time. Zuko was just tired of war.

Zhao walked up to the hospital wing. He looked pale and tired himself, as he went to visit his son. "Your majesty?" the former admiral said, bowing deeply.

"You may sit if you wish," Zuko said quietly. "We've both had a long day." That was an understatement. Over a hundred people had been killed in the Earth Plague. Hundreds more would die in retaliation. So much blood….

"How is the young prince doing?" Zhao asked softly. Zuko debated throwing a fireball at him but decided that it was not needed.

"He's sleeping. He doesn't know he won't be able to run or fight alongside his foster brother," Zuko said bitterly. It wasn't fair. The great victory had been tainted by so much death.

"Your majesty, your foster son is strong. He will gain back his strength and run as fast as my own. You'll see, you'll be losing sleep over him in no time," Zhao said, looking nervous.

"At least they can rest. It is ironic how excellent friends they became," Zuko mumbled. He couldn't imagine two more different people, a water tribe prisoner and a fire nation noble. Of course, Aiiro had that ability to find favor in people's eyes.

"My son is a very bright boy, your majesty. He has a good heart. I am blessed by him," Zhao responded, looking quite paternal.

"He will be honored for his loyalty. There will be an Earth invasion force. Ba Xing Xe will pay for every Fire Nation life. They will be crushed for their treachery. It has been decided. Their suffering will not be in vain," Zuko swore, his knuckles white as he grasped the arm of his chair.

"Your majesty speaks with great wisdom. I can think of no better fate for those dirt-covered cow-swine. The power of Sozin's comet will be your hammer," Zhao agreed, tucking his son in. Zuko noticed his hands shook.

"Prince Devdan told me you were in on the plot, Zhao. I am sure you remembered the agreement we had to spare your life," Zuko drawled, his voice growing angry.

To his credit, Zhao didn't pale. "A soldier is always willing to die at the will of his Lord, your majesty. I trust my son and daughter will be provided for," he said, as he took his son's hand.

"Orli will always have a place in Aiiro's household and your daughter will be a handmaiden to my wife," Zuko said quietly. Hyun was tending to her brothers but the kind-hearted consort would surely accept the girl.

"Your majesty's kindness knows no bound," Zhao said quietly. "At least it will be an honorable death."

"That's up to Agni. I will have no part in it," Zuko said, wondering if he had lost his mind. "You will command them under my mother. You two seem to work together well. Your loyalty to me will not be forgotten. I know you had a hand in this… sedition, but when the time came, you showed yourself a devoted servant to me," Zuko said softly. "I am allowing it to be put to fate. Either you return home a hero in life or in death. You leave in the morning."

"Your majesty will not regret this," Zhao said, most likely the only man in existence to have committed so many counts of treason and still breathing. Between trying to have him killed numerous times and consorting with Kalyan, Zhao had earned his death a thousand times. Zuko wondered how this man was so lucky, would the noose itself fall off his neck?

"I already regret it. But it's what is right. I want our sons to grow up without war and fear. I think it's something we can both work towards," Zuko said, pointing at the two children.

Zhao nodded. "A worthy goal, your majesty. I have to say, after this battle, I plan to take a new wife or two, raise my children and enjoy the good life on a country estate. Politics have little thrill for me now," he said, his voice smooth, as he picked up his son to take him home.

Zuko nodded darkly as he covered Aiiro. "Keep it that way."

-------------

"This drill will pierce through the walls of Ba Xing Xe, leaving the city completely open, your majesty," the Mechanist said, bowing deeply, presenting the new royal family with their plans.

Zuko, Hotaru, and Devdan were standing at a model of Ba Xing Xe, mapping out the various points in the city. Devdan had proved to be an invaluable source of information on their foe. Now, if he'd only stop leaving Hotaru's room half-naked! Zuko had debated posting guards at the door to prevent that, but his sister did seem happier. He just had to swear to see them honorably married soon!

"Excellent. Arm the troops immediately; I want the drill reaching the city by next week. It will give us a chance to test out the air balloons as well," Zuko decided, trying hard to ignore the bite marks on Hotaru's neck.

"A Drill? Is the Fire Nation compensating for something?" Devdan whispered to Hotaru, who was lounging around next to him.

"Don't make me put you on a leash again," Hotaru whispered back, her hands drifting to Devdan's neck. The Mechanist was shamefully looking away. Smart man.

"Not in public, you hoyden. People might object," Devdan mumbled, blushing slightly. His hands were drifting in inappropriate directions. Zuko was sick to his stomach.

"After the crap you pulled, you have no right to object. I told you, you have a lot of repenting to do, my… slave," Hotaru hissed possessively.

"If you both don't stop, I'll have you both shipped off to the South Pole to cool it!" Zuko snapped angrily.

"Apologies, most noble lord," Devdan said, bowing deeply. "I am merely entranced by the mere sight of your beautiful sister."

"I can easily have your eyes poked out," Zuko growled. He had vowed to avoid Hotaru's chambers from now on.

"What is it Mother used to say? If she were not "a genteel woman," she would have you," Hotaru began, her golden eyes sparkling with merriment.

"Flayed and hung on a bracket by the door," both siblings finished together. Neither decided to mention she often would add that she wasn't feeling genteel that day and would carry through on her threats.

"That would be cruel, my lord husband," a soothing voice said. Hyun walked into the room, looking tired. She had lost two cousins in the plague and had spent the time rushing from sickbed to sickbed, spending long vigils trying to bring comfort to the invalids. "We have had enough tragedy."

"He's up, isn't he?" Zuko asked, feeling his words choke. He had promised himself he would be the one to tell Aiiro everything.

"He tried to get up out of bed and… crumbled to the floor. He has been asking for you," Hyun explained, looking miserable.

"Hey, tell the little mite that he better get better or else," Devdan said, giving Zuko a charming smile that fooled no one.

"Hyun, why don't you and my sister check the food supplies," Zuko said archly, glad that someone else would be as miserable as himself. Devdan did look upset. "Do you have the chair I asked for?" he asked the Mechanist.

"One of my son's old ones. It should work sufficiently till I can create one for his frame," the Mechanist said, bowing deeply. "A slave took it to his room."

Zuko nodded and accompanied Hyun to Aiiro's chambers, nestled back in the Dragon's Nest, the safest part of the palace. He had to ponder how best to break the news to his foster son without breaking his spirit. He had already vowed that mongrel Kalyan would suffer greatly for his crimes. He would scream for days before being allowed the absolution of death.

"Husband, if I may offer my thoughts?" Hyun asked, bowing her head slightly, giving him a radiant smile. Zuko nodded, too lost in his own thoughts to make conversation himself. He had a definite headache. "We have survived so much. We are wounded but we will continue marching on. As long as Ary and I have you, the sun will rise in the morning," she continued.

Zuko was always shocked when he looked at his betrothed. He was always struck anew by how… beautiful she was. When he saw her, with the sunlight in her dark hair and a hopeful smile on her lips, he suddenly felt at peace. "Thank you," he whispered, taking her hand.

"I am very happy I didn't lose you. All I was thinking when I was captured was that I would never see my loved ones again," Hyun said, a note of sadness in her eyes. It made Zuko feel protective.

"It's good you didn't die. I am… pleased," the bridegroom muttered, wishing he had Devdan's easy way around women. He would have to… ask him for some advice. "It must have been terrifying for you."

"Thank you, husband. It was… hard. I don't like to think of it. I just know I am safe now and that is all that matters." Hyun looked so small and fragile that Zuko could not resist taking her hand.

"I'll protect you," he promised as the two walked together into Aiiro's luxurious room, still crammed with toys. Four healers huddled around the red silk bed. Propped up by pillows was a sullen Aiiro, who looked like he had been crying. Nervous servants fanned the young prince, obviously worried.

"The young prince took a bit of a tumble when he tried to walk," Healer Niu explained, twisting her orange kimono fringe in her hand. She had worked the entire night helping the wounded and looked exhausted.

"Master… why can't I walk?" Aiiro whispered, a sweat-drenched lock of hair falling into his eyes.

"You… were very sick. Your body was damaged by the poison," Zuko cooed, snuggling the small boy into his arms. "But you are alive and that's all that matters."

"So I can't run anymore?" Aiiro asked, close to Zuko's ear. His body was like a baby turtle-duck, delicate and so easily crushed with no shell to keep him safe.

"Not for now. You will have to strengthen your legs to make them able to carry you again. Till then, you will have this chair and slaves to push you. You will be carried anywhere you wish. It won't be so bad," Zuko said, trying to remain upbeat for his little son.

"I don't want to sit. I want to run again. Master, you can do anything. Can't you make me able?" Aiiro asked innocently.

Zuko shuddered back a tickle in his throat. "I wish I could," he murmured, pressing Aiiro closer into his body. "But I can't."

"Everyone says you are Agni. You saved my life so many times. You can make me run again now," Aiiro said stubbornly, as he buried his head into Zuko's shirt.

"Aiiro, if I could die and give you your health back, I would. You know I would," Zuko said, pulling Aiiro into the chair. "But even Agni can't do everything."

"Ary, we are going to work day and night to help you get strong again. We promise," Hyun said, sitting down next to Zuko. Her small hand took Zuko's and squeezed it lovingly. "As I told your honored guardian, we can do anything."

"Hyun is right. You and I have been through a lot. We are going to get through this," Zuko said, moving closer to Hyun so that their bodies touched. It was a very… good feeling holding his new family. Hyun was right. He would get through it. Family was all that mattered.

Yue smoothed her tribal sister's hair, trying to make her more comfortable. "Keep pushing," she said. "It will soon be over."

The stress of the last few months had taken a definite toll on Katara. The Earth plague had not been easy on her and the horror of learning Zuko would be continuing the war against the Earth Kingdom had left her in a deep depression. Only a month after the attack on the Fire palace, Katara had entered labor a month early.

Katara screamed again, as she had for close to the last day. "Why can't I just squat down?" she snapped again at the healer, who was re-tying her legs into the stirrups.

"I've delivered hundreds of babies. This is the proper way to do it," Healer Niu said briskly. "I told you to bite down and keep pushing. Don't worry about all the fluids, the sheets will be burned."

Katara screamed again as she grabbed onto the bedposts for support. "I don't care about the sheets," she shouted hoarsely at the top of her lungs.

"Is everything all right in there?" the Fire Lord yelled in.

"It's fine, your majesty. Now, come on. It's been eighteen hours, most babies aren't born for a few more hours," Healer Niu yelled back, making Katara howl loudly. "And stop trying to break the side of the bed. You will survive this."

Katara screamed again. Her face was so red. "It's coming now!" she shrieked, straining against the bedposts. "AANG!"

"Hey, isn't there medicine for her?" Zuko yelled from outside the room, which was promptly ignored by the healer.

Yue closed her eyes as she sponged Katara's sweaty head, trying to ignore the horrible smell and the terrible screaming. "Yes… I see the head…" the healer said. "Push!" So much blood, it was making her sick.

A few seconds later, there was a loud wailing. "It's a girl," Healer Niu announced. "One more push… YES! Congratulations… See, that wasn't so bad!"

Katara smiled faintly. "Her name is Atka," she whispered before closing her eyes wearily.

"Let the mother rest," the healer said professionally as Yue moved to her. "The other maids will attend to her," she directed.

"Where are you taking her?" Yue demanded angrily as the Avatar was wrapped in red silk bunting, her dark skin contrasting harshly.

"The princess will be named and blessed by her father and brought to the royal nursery," Healer Niu said efficiently as the baby was swaddled. "All royal children are raised there."

"But Katara is her mother! She named her and when she wakes, she should nurse her!" Yue cried, feeling her heart stop. The Avatar must be protected at all costs.

"Princess, surely you know that royalty must be raised by wet-nurses and governesses. Such mundane matters are beneath a royal concubine. You can explain it to her when she wakes up," Healer Niu said. "Please bring in the Fire Lord"

Yue looked up at the Fire Lord and his betrothed. She had never admitted it to Katara, but she was jealous of Lady Hyun. If she could just get Zuko to notice her, perhaps she could fix all the problems that were going on. She could be queen and convince Zuko to restore balance. If she was only given the chance.

"Is she okay?" Zuko asked, looking green. "I thought she was dying in here," he whispered.

"She's fine, just resting. Your majesty has been blessed with a daughter," Healer Niu said, with a low bow, as she held out the baby.

Zuko held out his arms and took the child, a tender look on his face. "She's beautiful," he whispered gently, his voice thick. Headless of how expensive his clothing was and how the baby could spit him up, he pressed her close to his body. "My… daughter."

"Indeed, my lord husband. My heartiest congratulations," the chief wife said quietly, her eyes narrowed slightly. "She is truly exquisite."

"Hello, I'm your father," Zuko whispered in a reverent voice to the newborn. 'You are going to be very happy," he whispered.

"My own congratulations," Yue whispered, bowing. "May the Moon Spirit watch over her."

Zuko nodded, not looking. "She's a true princess. Doesn't look like me at all," he sighed, looking at the child, who was red and mottled looking. He seemed a bit nervous around Hyun. Apparently, the birth of an illegitimate child was a sore point between them.

"She is beautiful just the way she is," Yue said. "Atka is a lovely baby girl."

At that, both Fire royals looked up. "Atka. That's not a name for a Fire Nation Princess. Why do you think you should name her?" Zuko said bewilderedly. "I have already chosen her name. Zhyun, after the future Empress."

"But Katara chose her name already," Yue protested, standing up for her sleeping Water tribe sister. This child was humanity's last hope.

"What a lovely name. Thank you so much," Hyun answered brightly, smiling over the baby.

"Aiiro will be so excited to see his new little sister. We'll show him to her," Zuko said, completely ignoring Yue. "We can tell you your first story."

"Please, my lord, don't take the child yet. Katara hasn't even seen her yet," Yue begged, raising her voice slightly. She stood up in front of them, her breath caught in her chest.

"She can see her at the nursery when she recovers. She'll be able to visit whenever she wishes. She needs to rest now, not by bothered by a baby," Hyun said softly, fingering the ruby necklace around her neck.

"Her majesty is right, she needs sleep," the healer said, bowing slightly.

"See? We are just taking her to her new home. Please calm down," Hyun continued, giving Yue a golden stare.

"Take good care of the mother. Make sure she's warm," Zuko directed. "She will be well-rewarded for giving me Zhyun. Thank her for me."

As the footsteps died away, Yue sighed, broken-heartedly. How would she ever explain this to Katara?

-----------------

"Master, the troops are coming home," Aiiro said, clanking into the room. In the three months that had passed, Zuko had gotten used to the sight of Aiiro clunking around the palace, with his best friend Orli by his side. Each day, his stride got a little stronger, each day his smile grew wider. Zuko had to admit; it was not an easy road. Some days, Aiiro would be able to take a few steps on his own with his walking sticks. Other days, he would struggle to even move his legs. Still, progress was shown.

"Our little prince shall be the first to spot the heroes of our great victory," Hyun said, looking glowing in her scarlet gown as she accompanied Aiiro's forehead. In two weeks, they would be married in a double ceremony. Zuko had to admit; he was looking forward to that immensely. "The Earth Kingdom has fallen."

"Will Orli's father be coming home too?" Aiiro queried as he tried to climb the stairs and onto Zuko's lap. It was his favorite perch; he loved to sit high on the throne snuggled close to his master. Zuko had to restrain himself from helping the boy up those last agonizing moments till Aiiro managed to pull himself up.

"Unfortunately," Zuko muttered. Zhao had distinguished himself considerably in battle and would be returning a hero. Zuko still thought a rope would have been better payment, but said nothing. "Yes, he will. We won the war."

"You rule the entire world now, don't you, Master?" Aiiro asked, staring up at him with wide blue eyes.

"I suppose I do," Zuko said, tapping Aiiro's nose. "It feels good."

"I'm sure it does, Husband," Hyun said, taking his hand and kissing it reverently. "You will go down as the greatest Fire Lord in history."

"Can I stay with you when they come?" Aiiro asked, curling up in Zuko's lap. "I like sitting here. Everyone looks up at me!"

"May I, Ary," Hyun corrected, giving him a tenderly exasperated look.

"Okay. Can Mama Hyun and I stay?" Aiiro said mischievously, giggling with the knowledge that no one dared punish him when he sat on Zuko's knee.

"I have some matters to attend to, which will require my full attention," Zuko said, wanting to spare his foster son the sight of the executions planned. Hyun could probably take the sight, but he would prefer she be spared it as well.

"We have no king in the world, only you," the soldiers outside the window cheered. "Live forever, our master, our lord, anointed king of the world till the end of time." Zuko had to admit; it was music to his ears.

"Master, I won't take any of your attention. I'll just sit right here, you won't even notice me." Aiiro was not eager to give up his perch of power.

"Aiiro, I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Zuko said, softening his angry tone with an indulgent stroking of his foster son's neck. "Now, when I say you are to be escorted out, you will go. Come on, I do rule the world. It would be nice if you obeyed me."

"Yes Master," Aiiro said resignedly, cuddling into Zuko's arm. "I'm just hoping you'll change your mind."

"Whatever the Fire Lord chooses is right, Ary," Hyun reminded as she knelt down next to Zuko.

"I'll read you and Zhyun a story if you are good," Zuko bribed, hoping Aiiro would take the bait.

"I don't want Zhyun. She's smelly and ugly," Aiiro pouted. The young prince had not taken kindly to the new baby. He had scowled at her every time they were together. When the young prince was asked to hold her, he even pinched her till she cried. Zuko had sent Aiiro to bed without dinner as punishment and all had a miserable night. Zuko was still hoping to maintain the peace in the family.

"Aiiro, she's your sister. Be nice to her," Zuko directed sharply, giving Aiiro a stern look, which the child promptly ignored. Zuko still couldn't believe he had been blessed with the two most beautiful children in the world, even if they were Water Tribe. He would hold them both, afraid to breathe too hard and shatter their fragile bodies.

"Your majesty, the generals beg entry," a young page said, kneeling down before the throne.

"You may stay to hear the greetings, but then you had better go practice. Didn't we have a surprise for Master?" Hyun reminded, winking her eyes.

Aiiro smiled and nodded. "Oh yes. You are going to love it." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Zuko managed a slight smile. "I look forward to it," he said, giving Aiiro another hug as the two generals walked in.

Mother and Zhao entered the room, looking quite triumphant. "It is good to see you again, my lady mother," Zuko said inclining his head.

"The same feeling, my son. I must say this was one of the most satisfying assignments you have ever given me. Not much can top the destruction of the Impenetrable City," she said with a curt bow. "That drill made mincemeat out of their walls."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it so, Mother," Zuko said dryly, not sure if he would ever understand his mother.

"And this must be the betrothed," Mother said, looking at Hyun with thinly veiled interest. "Didn't notice her during the plague. Pretty thing, isn't she?"

"Your highness is far too kind to this unworthy person," Hyun replied, her long hair falling over her face as she bowed.

"You aren't unworthy, Mama Hyun," Aiiro piped up, but was promptly hushed by Zuko.

"The boy's right, stop it with that annoying courtly language. My son is marrying a woman, not a parrot," Mother barked. "Show some pride in yourself and let me get a look at you. I have heard you are trained in war."

Hyun nodded, raising her golden eyes proudly. "I am a warrior, my lady. Would it please you if I challenged you for my lord's hand?" she asked, blushing at her boldness.

"I like her, Zuko. You may marry Hyun," Mother said with a hearty life. "I'll have to take you up on that challenge. I'll be spending time around the palace more to keep an eye on you and Hotaru, to make sure your new spouses are suitable for my children."

Zuko's eyes lit up. "Really?" he asked happily. He remembered the discussion at the North Pole.

"For now," Mother warned. "I'll stay for now. Now call your sister in along with that lovesick swain of hers. Tell him the people he asked for should be arriving in a week. We have some… matters to take care of."

Zuko nodded. "Aiiro, off to your studies," he said, with a mild shove. "I'll see you at dinner."

"I'll take him, your majesty. We can go say hi to Orli together," Zhao said, bowing deeply. He looked tremendously proud of his new uniform, especially the new gold collar reflecting his status as a general.

Zuko scowled at him. "If he tries anything, bite him," he whispered to Aiiro as the boy climbed off his lap. To his credit, Aiiro nodded solemnly and allowed Zhao to help him out of the room.

"Between the power of Sozin's comet, Zuko's breath and the drill your little mechanical mole created, the city fell at our feet like a ripe fruit," Mother explained, as they waited for Devdan and Hotaru to arrive. "We had a few problems with the royal protection force, called the Dai Li, but it was useless against that drill. They seemed to be trained for taking down people, not machine," she explained.

"Well, the city fell and they were punished for their treachery," Zuko said quietly, his voice sad.

"That is the sad part. Many of the people didn't even believe there was a war," she guffawed.

"How is that even possible?" Zuko asked, adjusting his crown in his head self-consciously. "A hundred years of war is hard to hide."

"We hid it from the common people, my lord. It was easier to maintain order without panic. But all the nobles knew," Devdan said, his voice shaking slightly as he and Hotaru entered the room. He looked exhausted, as if he hadn't slept all night and not for pleasant reasons. "You are going to judge my brother… aren't you?" he asked.

Zuko nodded. "He must die. My mother has recommended he have his limbs cut off and live out his days in a jar as a warning against those who conspire against the crown," he explained.

Devdan nodded hollowly. "It… doesn't feel as sweet," he muttered, his hand intertwined with Hotaru's in an inappropriate display of affection.

"I have no stomach for your meandering. The bastard tried to kill my family out, it's a mercy I don't make him drink Zuko's breath," Mother snapped. "If you are going to marry my daughter, get a spine. I found your family, as I promised. Be grateful."

"Your ladyship, I can't deny my brother's guilt. I am forever indebted to you for finding my siblings and keeping them safe. I just remarked that revenge doesn't taste sweet anymore. I have everything I want."

Zuko's feelings for Devdan went from grudging tolerance to reluctant respect. He might be a fop, a former traitor, a ravisher of sister, and a genuine jerk but he had a heart. "Mother, we… sacked their city, conquered their land and rule the world. I think we have our revenge. I'm… willing to lay down the sword too," he said in a louder voice.

Mother glared. "Why are men such useless, weak-willed creatures?" she demanded.

"My lady, you can't deny that such a… formidable woman as yourself and your divine daughter would have that consequence," Devdan drawled, looking put off. Mother glared at him and Hotaru was starting to look nervous.

"Mother, I'm not like Ozai," Zuko responded, holding his head up high. "I'm a father now. Aiiro and Zhyun deserve better. Hotaru deserves a merciful man, don't you think?"

Mother glared for a long moment before nodding. "I am not sure what to think, my son. This soft streak is… going to take getting used to," she mumbled, looking a bit put-off. "But you are the Fire Lord… and… you've done well," she said grudgingly.

"Thank you. If I ever get too soft, I know you'll all point me in the right direction," Zuko said sardonically, trying to hide how touched he was. He turned to Devdan and nodded. "Your brother is in your hands. You may punish him as you wish," he said. "Why don't we all have dinner and celebrate our victory?"

-----------

That night, Devdan walked down to the dungeons deep within the belly of the Fire Palace. The air had become thick with the stench of human misery, as the metallic prison rust greeted him. He was not supposed to be down here, he had promised Zuko he would just pronounce the decree and forget him. Of course, Devdan didn't obey orders well.

"Prince Aiiro, what a lovely set of toys soldiers!"

"Thank you. Want to play with them with me?"

"Well, how about in a few minutes. I need a surprise for Princess Hotaru and need to borrow your crest. I promise, I'll give it back."

"Master said I can't give it to anyone else. I don't want to sit in the corner. Is there anything else I can do?"

"No problem. Actually… yes, can you tell me if this cake is good? It's a rare delicacy from my home."

"That I can do… it's yummy… ohhhhh,"

Devdan had put the most mild sleep powder available, prescribed for children with nightmares, in the treat. Healer Niu had told him herself that it was extremely safe. After tucking the little boy into bed, he swiftly swiped the crest and walked away.

Presenting the crest to the guards, he had them open the cell and stepped inside. His brother was clapped in chains of steel, barely able to move. Devdan was unsure how he should feel about this. So far, he felt good.

"Come to gloat?" Kalyan said hoarsely, in a voice that seemed worn from disuse. "Traitor." His face was dirty, his clothes ripped. He was a prince no longer.

"No, don't need to. I won. I have the most beautiful princess in the world, I'm the brother in law of the Emperor of the world and my siblings are found and safe," Devdan said, fingering his rich cloak. "I just came to tell you about your life."

"Charred, broiled, chopped up, how will you continue your treachery?" Kalyan said, the glow of fear in his eyes quite perceptible.

"What a wild imagination you have, brother. I'm going to treat you just like a brother should," Devdan said. "This is your new home. You will never see anything else in your lifetime."

"If you think I'm going to beg for mercy, you are wrong," Kalyan spat.

"I doubt it would help. Your kingdom has fallen. You are lost. This is my mercy. Now, you must be saying 'It's so dark in here. What have I done, brother? What have I done to deserve this?' Do you remember this discussion?" Devdan mocked, remembering that cruel episode so long ago. "Just remember, when I leave you alone in the darkness the answer."

With that, the door slammed. He didn't need to continue… not anymore. As he walked up the stairs, he saw a figure waiting for him. He knew the figure all too well… his princess would know he had lied.

"Hotaru, I…" Devdan began; ready to spin off a proper tale to exonerate himself, but Hotaru had already shaken her head and held out of her hand. "You aren't angry?'

"I know everything. The cells have peepholes; I can stand up here and hear everything. I understand what you did," Hotaru whispered. "No one else needs to know."

Devdan smiled and took her hand. "Thank you."

--------------

Katara sat in a state of depression, which Yue was powerless to stop. She had woken up screaming for her child and Yue had to explain to her that the baby had been taken to the royal nursery. Hours of weeping and screaming had commenced before Katara fell exhausted to sleep. Yue had tried to explain the concept of a wet-nurse but Katara had screeched incoherently.

Each day, as soon as Katara was able, she would spend hours in the nursery, demanding her child back and throwing fits when the child was due for sleep or bathing or food. Yue pitied her immensely, but the servants seemed to regard her as mad. "My lady, we are taking care of the princess. Please, put her down. You are getting hysterical," they assured her.

Each day past like the previous one, Katara demanding the child and the healers refusing to allow her access until she would calm down. "Please, you are obviously sick and need help," they assured her, offering her a chair.

"What I need is my baby," she would scream, fighting them, even when they assured her she would be able to see the princess as soon as she calmed down.

"You are a risk to your child. You need to relax. Your child is fine. No one is hurting her. We swear. Just take a deep breath," the nurses would say.

Yesterday, the Fire Lord himself had come to visit her. "Please, our daughter is fine. I would never hurt her," he said, standing a distance away. "Just calm down. Once our daughter is weaned, she can spend more time with you. These women are trained to care for infants. It's perfectly natural."

Katara was hissing and spitting at him. "You monster! I'll kill you!" she shrieked, trying to attack him. "Give my baby to me! I'll nurse her without your stupid servants!"

"She's my daughter too. No woman of high rank nurses her young. You are my concubine, so you are spared it," Zuko said, as he motioned for Katara to be seated down. "It's going to be okay."

"Stop it! I want my baby," Katara screamed angrily, as she struggled against her guards. "Why can't you understand that?"

"I understand that, but you are a risk to our daughter," Zuko said in a gentle tone. "You just have to settle down. If you do, you can go visit her. At this rate, I'm afraid you'll strangle her."

"I'll strangle you first," Katara screamed, tears streaming from her face. Yue sobbed quietly, wishing she could help her friend.

"Lock her up, but treat her gently. She lost her mind. As soon as she's calm, have her examined. As soon as she's found sane, have me alerted. I want her with Zhyun as soon as safely possible. She deserves to see our child as soon as possible," he told the healers, his face guilty.

"She just wants to keep the baby, sire," Yue explained, trying to mitigate the situation. "In the Water Tribes of the South, wet-nurses aren't used."

"Well, Zhyun is a Fire Nation Princess. She needs the best care and that means servants. I'm not going to deprive her of seeing one of her mothers. But the way the Water tribe girl is acting now, she's a risk to our daughter. Most women understand that a wet-nurse is there to help the mother, but she's acting like a madwoman," the Fire Lord said sadly.

"If she could just see the baby…" Yue begged, knowing that Katara was just confused by her new culture.

I'll bring her to the baby myself once she gets a hold of herself. It's not her fault that she is the way she is," the Fire Lord said sadly, as he walked out. "I… will spare no expense to help her recover her mind. The best healers will be brought."

Today, Katara had remained in bed, sobbing. Yue had cleared all the other servants out of the room and had decided to spend the day praying to the idol of the moon spirit that she had taken with her.

"Great Tui and La, hear your children's prayer. Do not let us go like penguins to the slaughter," she whispered in the antechamber, bowing to the statues. "Please save us. We have no home anymore. We have nothing but your mercy."

"You have a bit more than that," a dark voice said behind her. Yue whipped around, wondering who had dared to listen in on her. A tall young red-robed guard was leaning against the door, chewing on a stalk of grass. "I'm here."

"Who are you?" Yue whispered, clutching her cloak in terror. If her treasonous prayers were reported back to Zuko, he'd be furious.

"Name's Jet. I'm a friend of Katara and I'm here to help. I have a band of friends situated inside the palace, disguised as servants. We are going to get you and Katara out," the stranger whispered.

"How did you find us?" Yue asked, feeling wary of the stranger. She couldn't trust anyone.

"I heard about the Siege of the North and about the capture of the Avatar. I figured Katara and her brother would be there," Jet said, with a charming smile. "Just take me to Katara, she'll vouch for me. She trusts me. "

AN-Yes, Jet has returned! What will that do? Well, ask Whomever, only she would know!