Into the night

Desperate and broken

The sound of a fight

Father has spoken

-30 Seconds to Mars, 'Kings and Queens'

….2 months ago….

"Are you sure this is the path you want to take, my Lord?" Zhao looked over Ozai's plans, his maps, and still could not see the point.

"It's not for you to question my orders, Zhao." Ozai poured him another glass of firewhiskey. "Only to carry them out."

"Of course, my Lord." Zhao sat back in his chair, sipping the strong liquor. He had been reluctantly called out of retirement from a cushy job as Governor of Azulan, formerly Omashu, for yet another of Ozai's wild hunches. Granted, the last one had been two years ago and had been correct: they had ousted the renegade King Kuei from his hidey hole of five years and executed him in front of his people. It had been a great victory for both Zhao and the Fire Nation, but the now-Commander, former Governor, was worried about his King. The stress of the rebellion in the North was getting to him, as well as the patrol disappearances in the East. More than twelve had never returned from that area. Zhao knew he wasn't getting any younger. Surely a younger general could handle burning down one forest. "You can't even be sure the girl is there."

"She attacked me, Zhao, and got away with it." The Phoenix King hissed, slamming his goblet on the table. "She needs to die, and I will be the one who kills her."

"Just because the escaped earth and water benders were both tracked into that forest doesn't mean-"

"You've read the reports." Ozai barked. "Sixteen patrols gone after going to that forest only to be found dead elsewhere, their weapons missing, debris washing up downstream, smoke over the tree tops, escaped prisoners disappearing without a trace into that dense thicket. They could be hiding an army in there and we'd never know." Ozai smiled over his goblet at Zhao. It was a cruel smile, full of cunning. "She's the daughter of a Chief. You or I might consider that primitive, but to the primeval people they are, it's a title as worthy as mine." He smirked at the other man. "Her freedom puts ideas in their minds. I want to be the one to cut the little princess' head off and watch it roll down my steps. It will serve to further demoralize the tribesman we have here, as well as the resistance in the North."

Zhao, from his experience, knew you could only push a people so far before they pushed back. He believed Ozai was dangerously treading that line, especially when the rebels in the North had rallied yet again around yet another powerful earthbender. This one seemed to be lasting longer than the others already. Chopping the head off of a pretty young girl might just ignite the spark they couldn't put out. But she wasn't a young girl anymore, Zhao thought. He was used to thinking of the Phoenix King's girl as just that: the girl he had captured. But it had been seven years. She would be a young woman if she was still alive somewhere. Perhaps she was married, had children. Zhao wondered idly if the Phoenix King would want to chop their heads off as well.

Zhao sighed. "Very well, my Lord. When do you wish us to depart?"

"As soon as possible, Commander." Ozai took a long draught from his chalice. "I trust you haven't lost your edge? I don't want just any foot soldier dismembering the girl. I want her alive."

"Not at all, my Lord." Zhao stood and bowed to his King. "Please wish your daughter my best regards."

"Little minx." Ozai chuckled darkly. "She was supposed to join our meeting. I can't imagine what captured her interest more."

Zhao suspected that she was 'patrolling' with her two associates, the angry girl and the circus freak, in her father's crown city, but he didn't feel like suggesting it. He bowed from the waist again and departed, scooping the map into his hands as he left.

Back in his own quarters in the guest wing of the Palace of the Phoenix King, formerly Ba Sing Se, Zhao examined the map in more detail. The area Ozai was sending him to was deep forest, not even settled by the former Earth Kingdom, a short distance farther north from his former city of Azulan. He cursed. The trees there were ironwoods. The damned things never lit quickly. Noting a small discrepancy, he held the map closer to his face. That was interesting. A small river flowed through the forest, and it looked like there was a watershed area nestled in the thickest part of the ironwoods. A cruel grin lifted the Commander's lips. If he was a rebel village, that's exactly where he'd put himself. He would bet money that every patrol had stumbled across the village from the East, the side that lay on his side of the river. He would be the first to forge across and take them from behind.

He knew the odds were a million in one that the water tribe girl would be there, but if he could find her he'd put an end to his King's obsessive search. And have his fun on the journey back. Zhao set the map down, already looking forward to the task ahead.

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When the fire roared down on them, Katara tried to leap through the flames to get to Zhao. Zuko grabbed her by the elbows and flung her to the side, diverting the flames as best he could. The heat licked at his face, the heat of fifty benders all streaming fire at once. Shielding Katara, he ran hunched, bent almost in half, escaping out of the open wall of the quarry. He heard Zhao's distant bellowed order of "Get them!", and the pursuing thunder of hundreds of metal boots.

Katara grabbed his hand, tearing towards the river. "Take a breath!" she screamed at him over her shoulder.

Zuko barely had time to fill his lungs before Katara was plunging them into the river. She dragged him under the slow water, striking out downriver. Zuko's nose and eyes filled with water and he cried out, releasing bubbles into the water. Katara felt the tugging on her hand and looked back to see his panicked face. She flipped up to the surface and bent the water into a large bubble with them and air inside. She used her arms to guide them downriver, Zuko clinging to her, gasping. They surfaced half a mile from the village, Katara draining the water from their clothing as they ran. There was no question of if they should escape or fight. It would always be fight. Zuko gripped her hand in his as they ran, uniting them. She turned to give him a smile and he saw the fear in her eyes. He was sure his held the same.

Katara skidded to a stop just before the outskirts of the fighting. Zuko could already smell the ironwoods burning. He looked at her impatiently and she glared back at him.

"We have to split up."

"No."

"It's not a question, Zuko." She said, stripping a length of cloth from her tunic and using it to tie her hair securely out of her face. "We're needed in different places." She grabbed his head, dragging him down to lean her forehead against his. He gripped her wrists, baring his teeth. "I'll meet you at the river when this is over."

He kissed her hard as the ash began to fall, a gentle black rain. She kissed him back feverishly, tears drawing lines down her face. They broke apart, Katara tearing off towards the village. Zuko watched her go before charging back along the river towards where the fighting was the thickest. His instincts screamed at him that this was a mistake, that he should stay with her, protect her. She could protect herself, he knew, but he could protect her better.

With a snarl and a curse, Zuko charged in front of a Fire Nation soldier as he was about to strike down on one of the villagers. Zuko blocked him, sending him flying with a burst of fire. He hauled the fallen villager to his feet and looked around, his fists lit. Chi Lin was holding his own against six soldiers, long knives in his hands, his face a mask of calm. His mud colored eyes darted from face to face, daring them to come closer. Zuko saw Sokka leading a charge of his people against a massive clump of red armored figures, colliding with them with yells and clangs of swords against metal. The water benders in his group used their bending to find chinks in the soldier's armor, sending spikes of ice through the cracks. From his other side, Zuko saw his Uncle fading deeper into the woods, his stave at the ready, women and children behind him. Zuko hoped Kaya was with him.

Zuko ran to join Sokka's people, fighting alongside Katara's brother. Sokka tossed him a sword and the two men stood back to back alongside the water tribe warriors, placing themselves in a line between the advancing soldiers and the village. Zuko knew some had already made it into the heart of the ironwoods, but more didn't have to. His sword bit into necks, sides, backs of knees. He felt the crunch of armor under the blade, the reverberation of bone against steel. One after another they fell at his feet.

A mountain of a man advanced on their line, swinging a massive battle axe at Sokka's head. The water tribe warrior ducked, slashing his sword at the knees of the soldier. The massive armored figure let out a furious bellow and chopped his axe at Sokka's face. Zuko shoved Sokka out of the way, narrowly avoiding the blow himself. The behemoth turned with a roar, swiping the axe sideways, almost taking Zuko's head off.

With a mutual nod, both men ran at the giant, Sokka letting out a battle cry. They struck simultaneously, swords biting deep into his armor. He let out a roar of rage, fists swinging wildly. An armored glove caught Zuko hard on the side of the head and he went down with a grunt. The soldier seized his opportunity and struck him in the stomach with a steel-clad boot, kicking him over and over until Sokka finally worked a sword in deep enough to draw blood. Zuko rolled out of the way as the mountainous man crashed down, striking out in every direction. Sokka struck down on his neck where his helmet had risen up, exposing the soft flesh. Blood spattered in bright red droplets across his face and he grimaced. Gross.

Zuko groaned, his stomach aching, blood trickling down his temples. He rose to his feet, retrieving his sword.

"You okay, buddy?"

"Buddy? Really?" Zuko grunted. "I'm fine."

Sokka cocked an eyebrow but didn't answer. "Maybe you should try talking to some of these guys, tell them who you are."

"Everyone in the Fire Nation knows who I am."

"Not really." Sokka said, blocking a blow from an advancing soldier. "People have forgotten you, they only remember Azula." He grunted at the force of his opponent's blows. He swung back, making the soldier leap backwards to avoid his strike. "Tell this guy! He's annoying."

Zuko frowned and stepped forward, his sword defensive. "If I die…"

"Yeah, yeah, my sister will kill me, my niece will kill me, your Uncle will kill me, everyone will kill me. I get it. Everyone loves you." Sokka snapped. "Just try."

Zuko cleared his throat and stepped in front of Sokka, barring the soldier from him. "Put your sword down, soldier."

"Fat chance, boy." There was that word 'boy' again. The soldier's voice had a metallic ring from his helmet. "Who do you think you are, giving a citizen of the Fire Nation orders?"

"I am crown Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation." Zuko flicked his head, moving his long shaggy hair aside to reveal the distinctive scar. "And as the rightful heir to the throne, I am ordering you to put your sword down."

The soldier's steps faltered. Sokka defended Zuko's back as the two Fire Nation men stared each other down. "Prince Zuko was killed. In the invasion years ago."

"Did my sister tell you that?"

"Your father. He told us all that the Avatar's forces had abducted and murdered you." The tip of the soldier's sword lowered. "Fire Lord Azula backed up the story. But if you're alive…" he dropped to his knees in front of Zuko. "you are the true Fire Lord, Lord Zuko."

"My intention is to overthrow my father and restore peace to the world." Sokka glared at him over his shoulder, but Zuko didn't want to waste time with false pretenses. "Will you stand with me on this?"

The soldier removed his helmet, revealing the face of a young man, not five years older than Zuko. "I believe that would be a welcome change from war, my Lord."

"It's just Zuko." He extended his hand and the man clasped his elbow. "If you betray me…"

"It's not in my nature, my-I mean, Zuko." The soldier bowed briefly, before turning to his fellow soldiers. "My father is one of a group of Lords that believe this war needs to end, and that the four nations need to be restored. He had me join the army, and afterwards a group of fighters that share his views. My father has suspicions that you're not dead, and that only you can bring peace back to the world, since the Avatar is gone. Many of the other men know of his suspicions, but do not believe him, though they will stand with you."

Several armored figures were hurtling towards them. Zuko's new friend fell silent, but didn't raise his blade.

"If it hurts you to strike them down, sit on the side." Zuko growled, parrying a thrust from a red armored man.

"Kozan!" The man shouted, and several heads turned. "This man is our rightful Fire Lord." Swords slowed but did not stop. "Prince Zuko lives!"

"What are you talking about you idiot? Zuko died a long time ago." A nearby soldier, presumably Kozan, shouted back as he was flung backwards by a surge of water.

"You don't want to serve Azula anymore than I do." The soldier said, raising his blade. "She's crazy. This war has to end. Zuko will bring peace, and do it honorably."

"If this is another of your daydreams, I'll slit your fucking throat." Kozan snarled, raising his hands in surrender to the water bender standing above him. "I yield." He turned and shouted: "Zorak! Motzu! Knock it off and come over here!" Several figures came jogging over, ducking swords and blasts of icy water. "Jimoz has found the real Fire Lord."

"Took him long enough." One of the new soldiers panted. He clasped vainly at his upper arm where blood made the armor shiny. "It's only been seven fucking years of hell."

Jimoz glared at them. Zuko stood still amidst the raging battle, watching as more and more soldiers approached the little group. It wasn't close to the majority of Zhao's party, but it was something. The soldiers who had joined him removed their helmets, showing a range of ages that surprised Zuko. Jimoz was the youngest, about his age. Kozan was by far the oldest, a man with graying hair and a short goatee. His face was lined with battle scars and his iron gray eyes glittered dangerously.

"You know our people." Kozan barked and the others raised their fists. "Cut down any others."

The water warriors around Sokka and Zuko looked surprised as twelve Fire Nation soldiers joined their ranks, their swords and raised fists pointed outwards in defense of the village. Sokka shot Zuko a smug look. He wondered if gaining soldiers would be worth Sokka's gloating.

The battle raged on as night fell, the burning ironwood trees the only light in the gathering gloom. Smoke obscured the waxing crescent moon, drifting peacefully over the chaos below. A handful of Fire Nation soldiers joined their companions rather than fight them, but they were the minority. Their line of water benders and soldiers had been pushed back, almost to the village.

Zuko had gained a number of scratches and cuts, but as the sun finally set behind the mountains, a bright slice of pain shot through his ribs. An advancing soldier had made a wild dash and slit his chest from arm to hip. He went down, thrust behind the line by Sokka. The Fire Nation soldiers roared and surged forward, the water benders joining them.

He could tell it wasn't good. The cut wasn't deep, but it was deep enough. His blood was soaking the brown tunic he wore, blossoming into a red rose that spread across him. He lay there, bleeding from the soldier's earlier blow to his head, his chest, a number of small grazes. He wondered if the trees would drink his blood and turn red.

A scream from the village caught his attention. It sang over the battle crashes and clangs, too high and clear for an adult to make. He swung himself around in time to see Katara, on the far edge of the clearing, shove Kaya to the ground as Zhao lunged for her. The Commander snarled and grabbed Katara by the throat instead, lifting her off of her feet. Kaya scrambled to her feet and ran back into the forest, disappearing safely into the blackness. Zuko could only watch, helplessly immobile, as Zhao slammed Katara into a tree and pulled out his sword.

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"You do realize what this means." Zhao's voice was remarkably calm as he held the sharp edge against her throat. Katara gasped and choked in his grasp, trying her best to kick him. She was tired. She was bleeding. She was terrified. "If you can't figure it out I'll tell you. It means she will die." Zhao cocked his head to the side as Katara struggled harder. "I'm not stupid. Her age and heritage is apparent. I can't believe the golden son hasn't figured it out yet. Or has he?" He tightened his grip on her throat. She tore at his hands with her nails, leaving bloody lines. He didn't flinch. "Does the son know you fucked the father?" She spit in his eye, her heartbeat racing. He laughed at her, face dangerous. "Of course he doesn't. He'd kill you himself. I can feel your heart beating faster, girl. You should calm down." He squeezed her neck, making Katara's eyes roll shut, her grip on his hands faltering. He eased up and she gasped, coughing. "He wants you alive." Zhao drawled, sinking the point of his sword into the soft skin below her ear. Katara refused to cry out, though her eyes watered in pain. "He says he means to execute you publicly, but I think he has different plans for you." Zhao raked his eyes up her body. "I certainly do." Katara kicked against him, eyes wide with terror. "Maybe if you cooperate, I'll keep your fate from happening to your daughter. Ozai doesn't have to know about her. She'd be mine, of course, but she'd be alive."

Through her struggles, the meaning of Zhao's words bled through to Katara's brain. He would rape her. Then her daughter. And then she'd die. Her panicked eyes glanced over Zhao's shoulder, landing on a figure lying on the ground, his tunic stained red with dark blood. His golden eyes were staring at her in helpless despair, a hand clasped to his dripping chest.

A cold, white, calmness fell over her and she ceased struggling. Zhao leered at her, taking it as a sign of obedience. He sheathed his sword and let his hand wander across her body. Katara felt him but didn't react. Something was happening in her mind, as if frost was gathering around her eyes like it would on a window pane. She flexed her shoulders, ignoring the tight choking feeling in her throat.

Zhao knew something was wrong when her head cocked to the side and gave him an eery look, a milky whiteness obscuring the blue of her eyes. His hand went to his pommel, but it was too late. Katara's hands had formed claws, long crooked fingers gesturing in movements that reminded him of a puppet show. He couldn't move. From around him the battle raged on, none of his soldiers noticed. Zhao's teeth clenched, his eyes locked on the girl's. She was staring at him with those blank milky eyes; he could swear he could see the moon reflected within them. She lowered her hands and his lowered with them.

"Witch." He hissed, his face a mask of anger. She gave no response, only cocked her head to the other side and raised her hands.

From over fifty yards away, Zuko watched as Katara turned her hands palms up and pulled. Nothing happened at first, but then Zhao began to shake. Slowly, from beneath his armor, blood began to drip from between the plates. It ran together in rivulets, pooling on the ground at his feet. Zuko could see his face contort in pain, his jaw clenched hard. He watched his hands twitch and clench as drops of blood began to appear in small spots on his skin. His face bore the same treatment, blood spilling from under his hair, his pores, eyes, nose, and lips to stain him red. Katara's lip curled and she raked her hands to the side, ripping out Zhao's throat in a swift movement, the blood hovering like crimson bubbles in the air.

Zhao's body crumbled to the ground. Katara was staring at her hands, smears of Zhao's blood on her face and wrists. She turned her hands over and over, examining them fixedly. Zuko groaned, standing up painfully. She needed him. He began slowly stumbling his way towards her. A soldier approached Katara, flames spurting from his heels and fist. He raised his arm to strike her; Zuko couldn't move fast enough to reach her in time.

Katara's eyes flicked up, and she spread her fingers in a sharp flick. The hanging froths of blood in the air stabbed towards him, wrapping around his neck and decapitating him, as if Katara had used razor wire. The next soldier suffered a similar fate as he was cut in half by razor-edged blood.

This wasn't Katara; it was too cruel, too merciless. Katara would have subdued them, not killed them. Zuko lurched forward until he stood beside her, seeing her milky eyes still scrutinizing her hands, droplets of blood orbiting her like dark stars. He put a hand on her shoulder, wincing at the motion. She turned to him with unnatural quickness, her blank eyes reflecting the silvery moon. She raised her clawed hands to turn them on him, but he caught them, seeing a ripple in the whiteness of her eyes. He felt the same electric tingle he always did at her touch as he pulled her hands to his chest, trying not to flinch at the touch on his wound. Katara's eyes lowered to the blood on his tunic, pressing her hand harder to his chest. He felt his pulse beat against her finger tips and laid his hand gently on her neck, cupping her jaw. Their hearts beat the same. She looked up at him, the milkyness draining from her eyes. She hunched over, staring at the blood on her hands, the bodies on the ground. She turned from Zuko to vomit beside the tree, falling to her hands and knees.

Zuko knelt gingerly beside her, leaning back on the ironwood trunk for support. He laid a hand on her back as she cried. He was beginning to feel tired, cold, his blood still leaking out of him. He closed his eyes, hearing the shouts of soldiers coming at him. He felt Katara stand over him, shielding him. And then, nothing.

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He woke to the white canvas ceiling of a medical tent. Flickering lights shone through the walls, hurting his eyes. His head pounded as he sat up and he tensed in anticipation of pain from the slash on his chest. It didn't come. He looked down to see a clean scar, stretching from his right shoulder to his left hipbone. It was healed, pink and shiny. He ran his finger over it and winced. Still tender.

He swung his feet to the ground and tried to stand but fell back onto the bed.

"Stop that." A worn out voice said from behind him. He turned stiffly to see Katara sitting on a chair in the corner of the tent, her eyes puffy and red. She looked exhausted. Zuko watched as she stood and walked over to help him lie down again, climbing in beside him and nestling her head under her chin.

"Where's Kaya?" he croaked, folding his arm around her.

"With Iroh." She whispered, stroking his face with her fingers gently. "I thought I had lost you."

"You too." Zuko murmured. "What happened to you?"

"The moon is a harsh mistress." Katara said, eyes looking down. "I felt her inside my mind, telling me what to do. I felt the push and pull of his blood like the ocean. She showed me how it flowed through him, where the blood could come out." She shuddered. "I never thought of the body in that way before."

"She?" Zuko asked, closing his eyes. He was too tired for puzzles.

"Long story."

"Mmmm."

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Six waterbenders. Twelve earthbenders. Two Firebenders. Twenty seven villagers. Zuko stood between Katara and Iroh as the names of the fallen were read. Akiak. He would never return home. Moswren. Killed defending Iroh and the children. They buried the dead according to their customs: The water tribe members were sent down river on long wooden boats. Flaming arrows were shot into the brush-packed crafts, setting them alight. Earth Kingdom citizens were returned to the earth, buried deep across the river with stone markers inscribed with their names. The Firebenders were cremated in pyres; their ashes would be scattered on the wind.

Zuko stood watching the flames of the pyre climb high against the dark, starry sky long after the rest of the village had left. Katara had gone to put Kaya to bed, saying she'd be back. Chi Lin stood a short ways off, serenely watching the flames as well. His arm hung in a sling; a soldier had barely bested him and sliced deep into his bicep muscle. Katara and her waterbenders had gotten to him in time to save the arm, but it was still stiff and sore. He had been sticking close to Zuko since the battle ended, despite his dirty looks.

He turned at the sound of footsteps. Romjak's face was turned fearsome by the firelight, the shadows highlighting the lines under his eyes and deepening the shadows around his mouth. Part of his bushy beard had been burned off, along with half an eyebrow. On anyone else's face it would have been funny. Not Romjak's. He stood beside Zuko, watching the flames.

"I think it's time," he said, his voice tired and low. "to find a new home."

Zuko dipped his head. "Where?"

Romjak sighed. "I don't know. But it's not safe here anymore. The houses are gone, half the tents are ash. If Zhao was here, the twice-be-damned King sent him." He glanced at Zuko. "It's not safe."

Zuko nodded in agreement. "My Uncle's plan?"

"With some adjustments." Romjak said. "Tomorrow, you should tell everyone."

"Why not you?"

"This is your show from now on." Romjak replied, turning to face Zuko. "I will take my people and go North, try and meet up with the resistance. Your Uncle has agreed to come with me." Zuko looked down. "You should pick your generals and start fighting."

Zuko nodded. It was happening faster than they had planned, but it was time. Time to stop hiding. To fight back.

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"I have come to know many of you well, and have found you to be strong. Brave. Skilled. And hunted." Zuko forced himself to be calm as he addressed the assembled villagers from atop a large stump. Romjak had gathered them all together after breakfast, and had outlined Iroh's basic plan, leaving the big reveal to Zuko. "As Romjak said, we are no longer safe here. Many of you will go North with him to safety. But any fighter who is willing, who is tired of hiding, who is ready to fight back can come with me." He looked out over the crowd, seeing faces upturned to his. "Most of you know me as Lee. As your sword master. Or as your fire bending master. Today, I add General to that list." He took a deep breath. "I came here under an assumed identity, to protect myself and my Uncle against assassination from the Fire Lord, my father." There were rumbles and mutters from the crowd. "I Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, rightful Fire Lord by birth. I plan to overthrow my father, the Phoenix King, and my sister, the Fire Lord, and assume my rightful place as Fire Lord, and restore peace to the world." He expected to see frowns, glares. Hear shouts of anger and betrayal. None came. The faces of the villagers were expectant, triumphant, hopeful. "I ask that you stand with me, as we reclaim the world from tyranny."

Romjak, as planned, was the first to step forward. "I, Romjak of the Forest, stand with you." He looked over his shoulder to see his people's nods. "We all of the Forest stand with you."

From the assembled group of water tribesmen came a small commotion as the members conferred amongst each other. For a moment, Zuko feared they wouldn't trust him enough to go with him. But instead, a protesting Sokka was thrust forward, glaring over his shoulder as he stumbled towards Zuko. Straightening his shoulders and walking to join Romjak, he said: "I, Sokka, as the newly elected Chief of the Water Tribes, speak for us all when I say we stand with you." He smirked at Zuko. "And I stand with you. As just me."

Zuko's lips quirked up.

Kozan stepped forward from the band of twenty defector Fire Nation soldiers. "I, Kozan of the Fire Nation, Master Fire Bender, Member of the Order of the White Lotus," There were mutters and questioning looks from the villagers. Zuko saw his Uncle inspecting Kozan and his people. He glanced to Zuko and nodded. "pledge myself and my men in service of the rightful Fire Lord." He knelt.

"Stand up, Kozan." Zuko said. "I'm not that kind of Fire Lord."

The man rose with a proud smile. "I hoped that was the case."

Iroh was the next to step forward. "I, Prince Iroh of the Fire Nation, Dragon of the West, Grand Master of the White Lotus," It was Kozan's turn to size up Iroh. "stand with you, my nephew." Zuko nodded in gratitude to his Uncle. He could almost see the pride glowing from Iroh, shining in his dark gold eyes.

Chi Lin stepped forward. "I, Chi Lin of Hing Wa Island, Knife Master, stand with you." He bowed from the waist and Zuko returned the gesture.

Katara stepped forward, Kaya on her hip. "I, Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, Master Water Bender, stand with you." Zuko looked at her, love and respect and ferocity shining in her eyes. He wanted her to stand by him always.

Kaya scrambled from her mother's arms to run to Zuko and grab his hand. "I, Kaya of the Forest," she dropped her voice to a whisper only he could hear. "the Avatar," She raised her voice as she continued. "promise to stand by you." For a moment, her eyes flashed blue. The Avatar spirit stood with Zuko.

Zuko looked out over the sea of faces, several standing out to him. The mother holding the hands of her children. The old man with hesitance on his face and hope in his eyes. The young woman with the blue eyes walking forward to collect her daughter and stand by him. The man who shared her eyes joining Zuko on his other side, tall and fierce. The Fire Nation man with the muddy eyes and whispering voice who smiled with half his face. The giant of a man who nodded sagely.

"Thank you." Zuko rasped, his voice carrying over the crowd. "It's time to stop hiding. We leave at dawn."

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A.N.: Whoo…long one. Did you know the White Lotus was a real thing in China? Google it!

To Guest: Thank you! :D This story writes itself!

To Guest: I hope this answered your Zhao questions I can't answer your others yet…spoilers!

To Guest: Demise terrible enough? Hope so!