The Earth Kingdom Revisited

Chapter 13 – Homeward Bound

Four happy and well fed people exited a restaurant in Yanhai's port district and headed back toward the Fire Lord's ship. Many tales were told during their long dinner and everyone felt caught up on much of what had passed over the years.

"You're spending the night on the ship, aren't you, Uncle?" Zuko asked Iroh.

"Yes, but I must leave for Ba Sing Se early in the morning. I wish I could come with you, Zuko, but you know how I feel about returning to the Fire Nation."

"I understand, Uncle," Zuko sighed, "though I don't like it."

"You and your mother and Mai must come to the Jasmine Dragon and visit whenever you can."

"We will."

Zuko looked back at his mother who was walking with Piandao. "I'll show you to my quarters once we reach the ship, Mom. It's the best cabin onboard and I want you to have it. I'll sleep in the one next to it."

"Thank you, Zuko, but you really don't have to move."

"No, but I want to," the Fire Lord responded.

Ursa smiled warmly at her son and rested her hand briefly on his shoulder. She could still hardly believe that she was actually here with Zuko and heading back home with him. So much time had passed and she had missed so much in his life. Thank the spirits that Iroh was around for her boy. He had a hand in Zuko becoming the fine young man and Fire Lord that he was.

The foursome reached the ship and went aboard, each heading below deck and eager for sleep. Zuko saw that his mother was comfortable and bid her goodnight with a smile and a hug. Ursa kissed her son on the forehead and stroked his hair. Relishing the touch that he had missed for so long, Zuko leaned towards it.

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Goodbyes were said early the next morning after a breakfast eaten together. Iroh gave his nephew a bone-crunching bear hug and an admonition that he had better visit whenever he was able. Ursa received a soft, warm embrace and the same admonition. Piandao and Iroh exchanged bows, smiles and promises of letters.

"And of course there will be meetings of The Order of the White Lotus occasionally," the former general reminded the sword master.

"That's right. We'll all get together soon."

"Take care of my sister-in-law, Piandao. She means the world to us."

"Don't worry, Iroh. Ursa will be just fine. You'd best be on your way. Your ship is leaving shortly."

"Goodbye everyone," Iroh called as he walked off the Fire Lord's ship and down the street to the one that would return him to Ba Sing Se."

"Goodbye, Uncle," Zuko replied.

"Goodbye, Iroh," Ursa responded.

They watched until he was out of sight. Zuko then gave the order to the ship's captain to begin their journey back to the Fire Nation.

After four days at sea spent playing Pai Sho, showing off sword skills, watching said showing off, meditation, talk and rest, Zuko's ship entered Fire Nation territory.

"We're going to make port near Piandao's estate so you can avoid the capitol city, Mom," Zuko explained to Ursa.

"Thanks, son," she replied gratefully.

"We'll take a carriage to the estate. It won't take too long," said Piandao.

"I'm looking forward to seeing it," Ursa said excitedly. "And I'm really looking forward to my first visit from you and Mai," she explained further, looking at her son.

"You won't have to wait long. Most likely we'll be there in about a week. I'm going to have some work to catch up on first. And I want to spend some time with Mai," replied Zuko.

"Oh, I'm sure you do," Ursa said, a sly smile on her face.

"Mom," Zuko whined. Looking serious, Zuko broached the topic of Azula. "Do you think you'll feel up to seeing her soon?" he inquired with some trepidation.

Ursa winced. "I'm not sure how I feel, Zuko. But I will visit her in the next few days, if Piandao can take me there."

"I can," the sword master stated.

"Well, then," Ursa said, "I suppose I'll be seeing your sister this week. I hope that I can help her."

"So do I Mom," Zuko agreed.

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Zuko bid his mother and Piandao farewell. They left the ship, Piandao guiding Ursa by the elbow down the gangplank and to a nearby carriage depot. The young Fire Lord felt melancholy watching his mother's shrinking figure. He hated letting her out of his sight. The feeling was irrational but it was strong nevertheless.

"Let's head home," he said to his captain.

A few hours later, the ship negotiated its way into the capitol city harbor and Zuko quickly disembarked. Bag slung over his shoulder and still wearing Earth Kingdom clothes, the Fire Lord looked like any other traveler. Keeping his head down and his dark hair in his eyes, Zuko trudged toward the palace, one soldier ahead of him and one behind. He lifted his head once he reached the palace's outer walls. The guards, recognizing their lord instantly, bowed deeply and opened the gates. Zuko's pace quickened as he neared the palace proper. Mai was not aware of his arrival and he was excited to see her. An inner wall and more guards appeared and got left behind. Now he was at the palace's main gates. His heart rate quickened. Passing through the gates, he broke into a trot and navigated the halls of the palace until he found his bedroom.

"Wait a minute," he said to himself. "It's the middle of the day. Mai will probably be in my study or in the meeting room."

He stopped long enough to drop his bag and his swords and speedily change into some casual Fire Nation attire. There was no time for Fire Lord Robes now. Tying his sash sloppily, Zuko headed for the door but stopped when he heard soft footfalls in the hallway. As he reached for the door knob, it began to turn.

"Mai," he said breathlessly.

The door opened slowly. Mai saw only a shadow and drew her shuriken. "It's me, Zuko," the Fire Lord declared, laughter in his voice.

"You're lucky I didn't cut your throat open with one of these. What are you doing skulking in your bedroom? When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me you were here?" Mai fired at him, a frown on her face but her voice tinged with relief.

"Slow down, Mai," Zuko replied, reaching for her and pulling the young woman into his embrace. "I just arrived," he breathed in her ear. "I looked for you here and decided to leave my stuff and change before I continued looking."

"Oh," Mai responded, happy to be in the circle of Zuko's arms again. "I overreacted. I'm so glad that you're back. Next time you take a trip, I swear that I'm going with you. I don't care how much camping is involved. It's got to be better than worrying."

"I'm sorry for making you worry, Mai," the Fire Lord apologized. He bent his head down for a kiss and Mai responded passionately. Pulling gently away from her lips, Zuko said, "Trust me, I won't be making any trips any time soon. It's Iroh's and Piandao's and nowhere else for a long time."

"I'll make sure of it," Mai said jokingly, poking him in the chest for emphasis.

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Just an epilogue left folks. Thanks for reading and don't be afraid to review the story.