The people cheered for him. There were no words, he was home and his people were happy about it. Li and Lo gave a good speech, short and sweet, and the people cheered for him. Welcomed him home as a conquering hero. He was clean and dressed as a prince, properly, and given all privileges due his station. The servants were even almost actually smiling. Properly.

It was good to be home. His room was much larger than before, and anything he desired was brought to decorate it. Weapons, armour, banners, maps and scrolls of all sorts soon covered the walls. The things he actually had more use for we're hidden away in secret compartments made himself. The Blue Spirit was locked safely away until he had need of it.

Fire Lord Ozai, father, was away overseeing something important and would be back the next day. Nothing like an extended waiting period to jangle his nerves even more. So he went to the most peaceful place nearby, and began feeding the turtle ducks like he had so very long ago. They had just lost enough fear to move in and grab the bread when Azula walked up. The way they scattered brought a wave of nostalgia.

"Why so gloomy, Zuko? You're home now. A hero. Father we will be back tomorrow to welcome us, the pair that conquered Ba Sing Se so easily after a hundred years of failure. That defeated the Avatar, even if uncle prevented us from finishing the job." She sat down next to him, watching his reactions.

"That's just it. He's still alive. And out there recovering, about to lead an invasion. I didn't capture him, I couldn't capture him, at least back then. And then everything got in the way. Even uncle." His eyes stayed fixed on the pond.

"It doesn't matter, Zuko. You helped me take him down. I couldn't have done it without you. And you stood against the traitor. Even before I got there." She smiled at the memory. "Zuko, you redeemed your own honour. And besides, now we know exactly when and where they will be. We will take him down, along with all those foolish enough to follow him so that none dare attack here again. And then Sozin's Comet will grant us its strength to strike the final blow and win the war." She smiled softly. "Don't worry so much, dum-dum."

He smiled, one small quirk that escaped against his will, and comfortable silence fell between them. Well, what passed as comfortable for them.

oOo

He had been summoned. Father wants to see me. Part of him still couldn't believe it. But there Zuko was, dressed formally with the golden flame fixed in his hair, standing just outside the Throne Room. He took a breath, held it, smoothed his expression and breathed out. Then he watched as his arms parted the curtains and his legs carried him forward.

If he thought growing taller would make the room seem any less massive, he was wrong. The sheer presence and darkness held back by only his father's fire, the Fire Lord's fire, brought back memories like nothing else. The walk lasted an age, and then he was kneeling, bowed low.

The tall silhouette seemed to grow darker as it slowly, casually approached the wall of fire. The low voice of his father, so different from, so similar to the last time he heard it, glided across the room.

"You've been away for a long time. I see the weight of your travels has changed you. You have redeemed yourself, my son. Welcome home." Fire Lord Ozai crossed the fire and looked at the marked face of his son, eyes taking in every line every shift without leaving those royal gold eyes.

Zuko said nothing. Words failed him like never before as all breath left him. It was all he could do to keep from shaking and throwing up. This was happening. It wasn't a dream. Father was welcoming him home. He returned his gaze to a thankful, dutiful lowered position. No point in taking any risks by acting like the crown prince should just yet.

Ozai turned and began to pace back and forth, then around his still kneeling son, speaking as he walked.

"I am proud of you, Prince Zuko. I am proud because you and your sister conquered Ba Sing Se. I am proud because when your loyalty was tested, by your treacherous uncle, you did the right thing and captured the traitor. I am proud because you and your sister struck the Avatar down, even if you were prevented from slaying him by betrayal and interference from the barbarian Spirits. And I am proudest of all that you have joined your sister in mastery of the blue fire."

He paused and turned towards him with an appraising eye. "She has told me that you are still mastering the art of generating lightning, but that you have perfected a powerful countermeasure. One that may be of great use with your sister's presence. You will demonstrate this technique for me tonight."

Zuko inclined his head. "Of course, father." Then considered it a moment, and continued on. "It may be wise to do so away from others, if we wish to keep it secret."

Ozai considered his son's words for an eternity and Zuko thought he had gone too far, but Ozai nodded, a subtle gesture, and sat once more, though not on his throne. Zuko mimicked his posture, sliding from kneeling to sitting as only years of tutoring could teach.

"Now, my son, tell me everything."