What a difference a day makes.

One day you're about to be erased from history, and the next you're a ruler of a moderately agreeable kingdom- practically engaged- about to be killed by traitorous Admirals and your sister. Maybe things weren't so different after all.

But despite approaching threats of regicide, Zuko was determined to remain in the first good mood that he had woken up to in the entirety of his teenage life. As he waited patiently for the boat to finally dock he allowed the calm blue swelling of the ocean to calm him.

The boat was sailing colours reserved for immediate friends of the ruler, and for the moment Zuko was unconcerned that such a category now only contained two to three people. If he was in his usual poor spirits he would be expecting the entire population of Ba Sing Sae to be in rapid pursuit- carrying weapons and unkind words. Instead he was anticipating Toph's glowing report on the newly freed Earth Kingdom- simple probability almost guaranteed good news after the seemingly unending string of bad.

The dark iron walkway of the Fire Nation vessel jerked violently down to the dock. A thick steam rose and a strange small little man dressed in ridiculous bright green clothes scurried out. The dwarf twisted its head as if looking for danger- or cheese- before suddenly shouting a line that was clearly rehearsed. "It is with great pleasure and admiration that I present King Rockus the First of the Earth Kingdom."

The small creature snapped its neck sharply in all directions before scrambling back on to the boat and out of sight. From the mist stepped a man dressed in simple clothes but who had an unmistakable aura of wealth and confidence. It was only then that the words that the small man registered in Zuko's mind.

"King Rockus." The words were almost a question, and almost an accusation.

The young man seemed unfazed by the tone, if anything the slight grin on his face grew in to a genuine smile. "Lord Zuko. Your country is truly beautiful."

Zuko wondered what that had to do with anything, and was distracted by the feeling that he had seen the young man before. His uncle descended from the ship in the background but gave the two privacy to talk.

"... I came as soon as I could get my city's affairs in order." Rockus had lowered his voice to a reassuring whimper, designed for the two of them alone.

A sudden anger filled Zuko's chest. "I don't need your help." Zuko's mood had been shattered.

Rockus paused for a moment before continuing. "Of course not. But certain factions within my shattered country seem unable to differentiate the heroes from the villains. My visit will stop such hostility- show my countrymen that we are all committed to the same goals."

"And what goals are they?"

"Peace of course- righting wrongs, singing songs, happiness, and merriment- all the good stuff." Rockus gave another warm smile and a friendly snort of laughter. Zuko gave a small laugh as well despite himself- perhaps he had misjudged the young King after all.

"Welcome to the Fire Nation King Rockus."

"Please call me Rock, I'm still too young for titles. If I may be selfish for just a moment- your sister- Princess Azula- I've heard stories of her beauty for months now. I'd hoped that she might be part of the welcoming committee- is she well?"

"Stories of beauty? Azula? Not exactly the first thing people think of."

Rockus gave a chuckle at this. "Family- they drive us insane, but in the end we'd kill anyone that hurt them."

Zuko went quiet, imagining the coming conflict. As the two of them walked towards the palace he hoped that tomorrow would be just another day.