You can reclaim your crown
You're in control
Rid of the monsters inside your head
Put all your faults to bed
You can be king again
-Lauren Aquilina, 'King'
Katara felt as if everyone should be able to hear her heart beat as her brother took his place beside her on the dais. It was pounding through her ears, pumping her veins with hot blood. She peered out to the side over the gathered masses of the people of the world. They stood in long, columned groups in the massive courtyard in front of the Palace, arranged by nationality. Her own people were a sea of blue in between the dark green of Ba Sing Se and the lighter green of Omashu as the red mass of Fire Nation citizens stood to the left of the courtyard.
She smiled at Sokka and Suki on his other side. They looked wonderful. He was wearing formal water tribe robes of dark blue, trimmed with silver fox fur. His new boomerang glinted on his belt, his boots were well polished, and his hair was returned to the style she remembered from years before: shaved on the sides, the rest pulled back into a warrior's wolf tail. He looked so much like her father it made her ache to be on the way home. Suki was elegantly dangerous in her Kyoshi uniform, complete with face paint. Katara remembered how short Suki's hair had been the last time she had seen her dressed like that. She wondered absently if she'd cut it that short again. Several other Kyoshi warriors stood at intervals along the walls as Zuko's added security, their eyes constantly darting back to the face of their former leader, almost as if they were in disbelief of her presence. Suki stood straight and tall, her eight fingers clenched into fists, and did her best to look proud and aloof.
Across from them, Toph stood between Min Ki and Denali, who had arrived just in time for the coronation the night before. Sokka had told her that he had doubled back halfway to the North Pole when the hawk announcing the coronation had reached them, taking the small dingy and a small group of Sokka's People back to the Fire Nation. She had been warmed at his devotion to his promise to return. He was the ambassador for the North, she supposed. He should be here.
Toph looked grouchy in her formal garb, a silken green and white kimono-styled work of art, embroidered with dogwood blossoms and badgermoles. After Toph had left her parents and the flying boar of house Bei Fong behind, she had taken the symbol of the badgermole for her own. Min Ki was similarly attired, with embroidered badgermoles snarling on his chest. He stood straight with his lazy smile, though his eyes roved constantly to all the unfamiliar faces of the Fire Nation delegates and the Kyoshi warriors.
Katara herself felt regal in her blue robes, Zuko's necklace concealed beneath a high collar of soft fur. A lambskin full of water hung on the wide silver belt that rested snugly around her waist, matching the intricately stitched silver designs across her bodice. Her sleeves were full and fluid, billowing around her arms to end in white cuffs. Her hair, thankfully unmussed by Zuko's earlier…affections, was still intricately braided with fire lilies. Her stomach fluttered at the thought of his mouth on her nipples and she fought to keep a massive smile from her face.
Beside her, Sokka fidgeted and tugged on his collar. "When does this thing start?"
"Once Zuko gets here." Suki whispered, slapping at his hand. He put it at his side, looking appropriately chastised. "Stand still."
Katara took a shaky breath of air. Once Zuko did, eventually, arrive she would be standing the closest to him, besides the Fire Sages and his Uncle, of course. Zuko had decided not to inform the rest of his friends and allies about his choice to abdicate to his Uncle, preferring to reveal his plans to the entire world at once. Katara was worried about how they would take it, especially Denali and the Kyoshi warriors. Half of her hoped that they would come with them, but the rest of her really hoped they wouldn't. She was looking forward to travelling like they had before: just their group. But allies were useful, especially in the uncertain post-war world. She shrugged mentally. They would work it out.
She heard movement from behind them on the dais and saw the Kyoshi warriors move away from the entrance to make way for Zuko's escorts. Kai, looking as if he was struggling to match the serious faces around him, marched at Zuko's side alongside Jimoz and Motzu, their armor buffed to a glistening shimmer. Iroh walked a step ahead of Zuko, his face grim. He had taken a lot of convincing to agree to Zuko's plan, or so he had allowed Zuko to believe.
He had come to Katara after his talk with his nephew. She had expected him to pour tea, sit her down, and tell her how this was a bad idea and how Zuko was making a mistake. The tea had been poured, but Iroh had winked at her.
"My nephew is still very young to be a Fire Lord." He had begun. "Despite our travels, he has not yet seen all of the world, a quality very lacking in his father. A Fire Lord needs to have understanding, a view that encompasses not only his nation, but the entire world. There is only one Fire Lord, while there are several Earth Kings and three Water Tribe chieftans. He is responsible for an entire culture, and must lead with experience and wisdom. My nephew…" He had paused, frowning. Katara had hid a giggle. "is very passionate. He has compassion and a strong sense of what is wrong and what is right. But he still has far to go. I believe the decision you two have made is the right one. And I will be honored to take the throne in my nephew's place until he returns."
Katara watched as Iroh passed by her, the old dragon turning his head slightly to wink at her. The fire sages passed a step behind him, looking old and crotchety, and then there was Zuko. The sight of him took her breath away. He looked every part the Fire Lord, bedecked in burgundy robes with gold borders, a black and gold sash spilling from his waist. Black shoulder blades erupted from his shoulders, their pointed edges shimmering with gold. His long hair was brushed to perfection, coiled into a perfect topknot. She noted that while Iroh's hair was unadorned, Zuko worn the smaller flame crown of the crown prince. She could tell that Sokka had caught that also and elbowed him in the side as he started to say something. Zuko caught her eyes and a million emotions flooded through them to her: fear, hope, love, admiration, and nervous excitement. She tried to convey through her own eyes that she believed in what he was about to do, that she loved him too.
The crowd roared as he stepped forward, his Uncle moving to his side. Zuko raised his arms, and the crowd quieted.
Zuko surveyed his nation, the thousands of faces below him in the courtyard, and the millions more that waited beyond the walls of the Palace. He didn't feel as nervous as he thought he would. Instead a strange electric charge shot through him, a confidence inspired by the knowledge that he was doing the right thing, what he was meant to do. "The war is over." His words brought a resurgence of cheers from the crowd. "I promised my Uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will. The road ahead of us is challenging, a hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace." As he spoke, a ball of energy landed beside him, sending a blast of air in all directions. Kaya unraveled herself from the crouch she had landed in to stand at Zuko's side, looking serenely out over the gathered masses as they shouted in surprise at her appearance. Katara shifted uneasily. She hadn't liked the idea of revealing her daughter's identity like this. "The Avatar is young." Kaya glared at him. "She requires training." He lifted his head high, preparing himself for what he had to say. "I have decided to postpone my ascension to the throne in order to travel the world as an ambassador for the Fire Nation, and as the Avatar's fire bending master." The crowd roared again. Katara couldn't tell if it was in anger or approval. "My Uncle, who has always been the rightful Fire Lord after my grandfather Azulon's death, will be crowned as Fire Lord with myself as his heir." The crowd died down. Most of them knew Iroh by reputation as a just, wise general of the war, a champion of the Fire Nation, and as one of the heroes who had ended the war. He was obviously older, more experienced. From behind Zuko, Sokka made a sort of strangled noise as Toph chuckled.
Zuko stepped aside, standing next to Katara. Her fingers twined around his, out of sight of the Fire Nation. Iroh stepped forward, his face composed.
"People of the Fire Nation," He nodded his head. "People of the Water Tribe. People of the Earth Kingdom." He bowed his head to each nation. "Avatar." He bowed from the waist to Kaya, who returned his gesture. "I am honored to serve as the Fire Lord, and together, my nephew, Crown Prince Zuko, and I will bring balance and harmony to the world, and the Fire Nation."
He knelt, his fists planted in the stone of the balcony before him. The fire sages approached and gathered around Iroh. They removed the large, golden fire crown from its box and placed it into Iroh's topknot, crowning him the Fire Lord.
"All hail Fire Lord Iroh!" They intoned, stepping back to bow low as Iroh rose.
And the crowd cheered.
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The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh it feels like the first time
Every time
I want to spend the whole night
In your eyes
-Lonestar, 'Amazed'
Min Ki found her in Azula's room, changing out of her fancy robes to prepare for Iroh's post-coronation gathering. He felt like he was watching her transformation from Toph Bei Fong, rich socialite, to Dread Commander Toph, sacker of Omashu and liberator of the North. Slowly she turned back into his Toph, the one who picked on Sokka, slept with mud between her toes, ate strange food, and laughed in the face of danger.
"See something you like?" Toph snapped, turning. She stood only in her underclothes, her arms crossed under her breasts. He admired her form, noting the lingering bruises discoloring her pale skin, the bandages that concealed healing wounds on her arms and legs. He also saw her muscled legs, trim waist, and breasts that she thought were small but he thought were perfect. He thought all of her was perfect.
"You." Min Ki replied, stalking slowly towards her. She twisted under his gaze, feeling his heart beat slow and steady.
"You…you just always know what to say, don't you." She said, trying to sound tough and nonchalant as his hands descended on her shoulders, his thumbs rubbing circles on her neck. She raised her foggy eyes to his, feeling his heart beat speed up as her hands rested on his chest. "I don't understand why…"
"Why what?" He murmured, drawing her forward so her arms were sandwiched between them, his hands cupping her face.
"Why you like me." She whispered. "I'm…I'm rude, I'm bossy, I curse a lot, I'm not pretty-"
"You are pretty." Min Ki interrupted her.
"I can tell when you're lying."
"Am I?"
"…no."
"You know I always tell the truth." He languidly traced the outline of her face with a long finger. "You're beautiful. You're a leader. You're strong. Smart. Funny." He smirked. "There's nothing not to like."
"You could have any girl." She blurted, lying her forehead against his chest. "A girl that can see."
"You can see more of me without eyes than someone with perfect sight." He tipped her chin up, making her face him. He also loved how tall she was; he didn't have to stoop. "Toph, you're perfect."
"No, you." She whispered, raising her lips to his. He wound his hands into her perfectly styled hair, tugging out the pins and letting it fall down her back in an inky curtain. Her hands reached up around his neck, tugging herself against him, her bare stomach brushing against his robes, his legs encircling her.
"Toph," He murmured, breaking their kiss. "This isn't a fling for me." He closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against hers. "If it is for you, I…I don't think I can handle it."
"It's not." She whispered. He was scaring her. Min Ki was invulnerable, flippant, aloof. He was her right hand, her trusted second. "But…what do you want?"
"To stay with you." He replied, running his knuckles down her face. "To fight at your side. To warm your bed at night."
Toph laid her head on his chest, hugging him. "I'd like that." She grinned toothily. "Minky."
Min Ki looked down at her fondly and slapped her gently on the rear. She jumped and glared up at him, trying to pull back from him but he held on to her, slapping her again. She squeaked and he grinned. He picked her up bodily and laid on the bed, setting her on top of him, riding his hips.
"What was it you said about spanking me?" He smirked toothily at her as she growled down at him, ducking her head to capture his lips with hers.
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A hundred and five is the number that comes to my head
When I think of all the years I want to be with you
Wake up every morning with you in my bed
That's precisely what I plan to do
-Jason DeRulo, 'Marry Me'
"And then he just throws it all away!" Sokka ranted, flinging his robes from him in a shower of blue, heading towards the bathroom. "We fight and we walk like, six hundred miles, dodge fireballs, and then he just gives it away! I mean, come on! The Fire throne! He-" He heard a soft sniff from the bed. "Suki?" Sokka asked softly as he turned back from the washroom. She was crying. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." She sniffed, her tears drawing lines in the white face paint she was halfway through removing. "No. I don't know."
"What's wrong?" He sat next to her on the bed, not sure if he should put his arm around her or not. "You're ruining your makeup."
"I'm taking it off anyway." She muttered. "I'm just…Sokka, I'm scared. I don't know if I'm ready for this."
"Hey, me too." He put his arm around her, leaning her against his shoulder. "I keep thinking, I'm too young. There's still a lot I want to see, to do." Suki nodded, running the back of her hand against her nose. "But then, when I think about it, I realize that all that stuff, I want to do it with you. I want to travel the world again, see the things I haven't. I want to be a father, start a family, teach my son how to hunt, to fish, to build a fire. And I know we're kinda starting at the wrong end of that, but we can travel the world and show it to our children."
"Children? Plural?" Suki sniffed, a small smile crossing her face. "Jeez, Sokka, I'm only twenty two."
"I know, I know." Sokka looked down at his lap, thinking about what he had planned, all the preparations he had put in place for later, and decided to discard them. "Suki, I want to enjoy the world without war. But I think the only way I can do that, is with you." He stood and crossed to the chest of drawers, opening the top one and rummaging through his socks until his hand closed around a small, sealskin bag. He handed it to her without ceremony, sitting back down beside her as she opened it. "The stone was my mother's; Zuko gave it to me after he carved one for Katara. I…I haven't had time to carve you one, so I hope this works until I can."
Suki withdrew the blue stone fastened to a dark green ribbon, more tears leaking from her eyes as she held it up. "Sokka…"
"Suki," He kneeled in front of her, laying his hands on her knees. "I want to bring you into my tent."
She looked at him. Then she snorted. "Bring me into your tent?" She started laughing. "Sokka, you don't even have a tent!"
He blushed. "That's not the point, Suki!"
"You want to marry me." She said, grinning.
"Yes." He grumbled. "That's the point of the engagement necklace."
"You should just ask me." She teased, running her thumb over the carving.
"Fine." He took the pendant from her fingers and clasped her hands. "Suki, will you marry me?"
"Of course, you dummy." She swooped down to kiss him, her tears forgotten.
He sighed as they parted.
"What's wrong?" She asked, frowning.
"My dad is going to be so annoyed. He leaves, and four weeks later both of his children are engaged." Sokka shook his head. "And neither of us asked his permission!"
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I will never let you fall
I'll stand up for you forever
I'll be there for you through it all,
Even if saving you sends me to Heaven
-The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, "Your Guardian Angel"
"What about my Uncle?" Kaya asked, swinging her legs on the bed.
"Which Uncle?" Chi Lin responded from where he sat by the window, his chin resting on his hand, a long scroll in his hand. He was waiting as she tried on six different outfits for Iroh's gathering, running into the bathroom to change into each one. He was patiently judging each one and offering his opinions, hoping that she wasn't turning into a girl just yet.
"My second Uncle."
"I am afraid you will have to be more clear." He sighed, putting down the scroll and standing to stretch. He glanced out the window, noting the setting sun. "We have to get going."
She nodded and somersaulted down from the bed, launched higher from her bending, landing silently on the floor in her soft slippers. She was dressed in a soft green kimono, her hair braided simply in two long strands so it stayed behind her ears. To him, she looked like the young child she was instead of the Avatar. "I mean my Uncle Sokka."
"He is your second Uncle?" Chi Lin hoisted her onto his shoulders. Ever since she had seen Toph slide down the Wall on Min Ki's shoulders she had been enraptured with sitting on people's shoulders, usually Zuko's or Chi Lin's.
"I met him second." Kaya bopped him lightly on the head as he bent to avoid hitting her head on the way out of her room.
"He and Suki are going to Kyoshi." Chi Lin said, glancing up and down the corridor. "Sokka said that he is not ready for the cold just yet. They will join you in the summer."
"Is it really that cold and always snowy in the South Pole?" Kaya asked, her voice dreamy. "I think it sounds magical."
"I have never been."
"What about Toph and Minky?"
"They will be going with you." He neglected to mention the long stream of curses Toph had recited at the idea.
"I thought she wanted to be ruler of Tophapalooza." Kaya said, plucking at a stray thread on her robe.
"I believe she realized how much she would have to work if she were to become Queen of Omashu." Chi Lin chuckled at the memory of Toph being approached by Omashu's former councilors and presented with the modest stack of paperwork she would have to sign with the promise that it was just the start. She had buried them to their necks and stormed off, declaring there was no way the Dread Commander Toph would be confined to an office to push papers like some sort of Fire Lord.
"And my father?"
"He will go with you too." Chi Lin replied patiently. They had been talking about this since the night before, when Iroh had revealed that he would be taking over as Fire Lord instead of Zuko.
"What about Denali?"
"He is staying to help Iroh."
She squirmed on his shoulders, trying to think of someone else to ask about. "What about…Appa!"
"Toph will fly on him. She does not like boats. I do not blame her." Chi Lin grimaced. It was one of the few things he and the rough earth bender had in common: the churning sea churned their stomachs.
"Okay. I can't think of anyone else."
"No one?" He teased, trying to convey a hurt tone. The servants they passed gave him an astonished look. Chi Lin was widely regarded as humorless, serious, worse than the Crown Prince even. The Avatar's stoic bodyguard. But to Kaya, he was much more. He was her best friend, her constant companion, her protector. "You cannot think of who you have not asked about?"
"No." She squinted her eyes in thought, unconsciously looking like her aunt Azula. "Uncle Iroh is staying here to be Fire Lord. Mom is coming with me. Aang is coming with me." It always sent chills up Chi Lin's spine when she talked as if Aang were a real person. It made him think of ghosts. "I can't think of anyone."
Chi Lin cleared his throat. Kaya's eyes widened in horror and she squirmed to be let down. He dropped her to the ground and she tugged on his hand until he knelt in front of her. She cupped his face between her small hands, looking into his muddy eyes with her concerned golden ones. "Chi Lin." She whispered fearfully. "Are you coming with me?"
He gave her a half smile, tempted to tease her. But even seeing her in this pretend fright made him feel uncomfortable. "Do you want me to?"
"Of course." She frowned at him. "You're supposed to always be with me."
"Then that is what I will do." He took her hand and led her further down the corridor until they stood outside the door to Iroh's chambers. Laughter and voices came from within as they hesitated.
"Kaya." She looked up at him. He rarely said her name. He knelt down again, drawing a paper-wrapped parcel from his pocket. "I want you to have this, in case there is a time I cannot be at your side." He handed it to her and she unwrapped it slowly, troubled by the thought of him not being around. It was a black leather sheathed tanto knife with a leather wrapped pearl handle, its shining blade engraved with an inscription. "I was given this blade in the Earth Kingdom by a young boy who said a great fire bender once saved his village and gave this to him. He said the man had a large scar on the side of his face."
Kaya squinted at the lettering. "I can't read it."
"It says 'never give up without a fight.'" Chi Lin said. "The boy didn't." A sad look flashed across his face, but Kaya didn't notice. He took it from her hands and slid it back into its sheath, slipping it into her boot. "This way, you will never forget it."
"Thank you, Chi Lin." Kaya said, looking at him solemnly. "But I still never want you to be apart from me."
He smiled his rare smile at her. "That will never happen." He stood and opened the door for her. "I promise."
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You're gone now, gone but not forgotten
I can't say this to your face
But I know you hear
-Westlife, 'I Will See You Again'
Iroh beamed around at the young people around him. So much joy on their faces. His nephew was sulking in the corner for a reason he could not fathom. The young Avatar had a serious look on her face as she moved her hand along her boot, Chi Lin standing beside her, looking at peace. Katara and Suki stood talking together while Toph listened looking bored. Min Ki and Denali were beside each other comparing scars. Iroh was glad that the young water tribe ambassador had decided to stay with him in the Capital.
Iroh settled himself in a seat against the wall apart from the group of them, content to watch and sip his tea. It was very good tea. The duties that loomed before him as Fire Lord did not worry him. It was nothing compared to the life he had led. In fact, he was looking forward to sitting comfily behind a desk and signing papers as his nephew traveled around the world. It seemed more suitable for the both of them. He smiled into his teacup, inhaling the steam that rose as he heated it up just slightly.
"I still miss them sometimes."
Iroh jumped, nearly spilling his tea, as the voice spoke from beside him. He turned to see a faint profile, the face of a sad, translucent boy.
"Avatar?"
The boy smiled somberly. "Not anymore. Not really."
"What are you-? How are you-?" Iroh slammed back his tea and swallowed with a loud gulp. "Avatar, why are you here?"
"This is the last time they'll all be together." Aang said. "At least, in the way we used to be."
"And the spirits let you cross over for that?"
He could swear the boy looked guilty. "Well, I didn't exactly ask permission…"
Iroh shook his head wearily. "Avatar, there are rules in the spirit world for a reason."
"I know! I know!" Aang exclaimed. "I just…I needed to be here."
Iroh kept silent, observing as the spirit of the last Avatar mournfully watched as his friends laughed in front of him. "They still mourn you, you know. Katara, especially."
"I'll always love her." Aang murmured. "And I never got to tell her."
"She knows." Iroh said, turning to face the boy. "Love can never be kept a secret for long. It shows in our faces, in our movements, in the way we speak around that special person. Believe me, Avatar, she will never stop loving you either."
Aang frowned, looking down. "Not the way I love her. Not the way she loves Zuko."
"Avatar," Iroh sighed. "You know as well as I do about Katara and Zuko."
"I know." Aang muttered. "I saw."
"You did?" Iroh asked, astonishedly.
"When he crossed into the Spirit World to get her, his soul wasn't complete until he put it beside hers." Aang picked at an imaginary, spectral thread on his cowl. "And they joined."
"Their souls are one, Avatar." Iroh spoke comfortingly. "They will always know where the other is, if they are in danger, if they are frightened. If they are in pain. It is a bond of love so intense, it cannot compare to any other." He tried to lay a hand on the boy's shoulder but it passed through and he shook it. It tingled. "She would have given her life for you, as you would have for her. But she was always meant for Zuko."
"I know." Aang said. "But that makes me think…was there ever someone out there for me like that? I missed out on so much, Iroh."
The old general thought he saw a tear roll down the boy's spectral cheek. "I am sorry for your death, Avatar. I am sorry that you spent such a short time here with us. But your life was not wasted. You knew great love, great tragedy, adventure, and above all, you knew yourself. That is more than most of us can accomplish in a lifetime." The boy looked over at him despondently. "You need to allow yourself to let go of this world and explore the Spirit World. You may still find someone who matches your own soul."
"You really think so?"
Iroh nodded sagely, closing his eyes.
"Thank you, Iroh. I'm glad you finally get to be the Fire Lord."
When Iroh opened his eyes, Aang had faded away. The new Fire Lord slumped against the wall, hoping his advice could help the spirit of the Avatar find peace. He looked around him, made sure no one was watching, and then deeply examined the dregs in the bottom of his teacup, wondering if Lieutenant Ji had slipped him Etoyep Root again. Last time he could have sworn his nephew had sang a wonderful love ballad before flying away on metal wings.
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Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
I will hold you even longer
If I can.
-Diamond Rio, 'I believe'
This party was much more of what Zuko could handle. And he still stood brooding in the corner. Around him, his friends and allies laughed, ate, and drank in celebration. The war was truly over now. Iroh was the Fire Lord. 'Team Zuko', now reverted to 'Team Avatar' at Sokka's insistence, was heading out on the first ship of the morning. Katara stood talking with Suki beside a sofa, both girls giggling and smiling while Toph sat with a more glazed-over look than usual on her face; very obviously bored. His Uncle sat a little ways apart from the rest, talking to…the wall? He shook his head. Uncle must have had too much tea. Or Etoyep root.
He didn't know why he was in such a foul mood. Maybe it was because he had fought so hard for so long only give up the throne to his Uncle as soon as he had it. Maybe it was because as soon as he had finally arrived home for the first time in a decade he was about to leave again for another decade, and his destination was the coldest place in the world, somewhere no fire bender should ever go. Or maybe it was because Katara's brother had shouted in his ear for an hour about those exact same things. He sighed, pushing the thoughts down. He knew he was making the right choice. His Uncle deserved the throne. He would return the Fire Nation to its past honor, and Zuko would lead it into the future. With Katara by his side. He looked around. Suki sat talking with Toph; Katara was gone.
"Look! I drew us!" Sokka exclaimed from Zuko's right. They all gathered around to see as Zuko slipped out the back, smirking at their muttered criticisms. He thanked the spirits that his fiancée's brother would be going to Kyoshi first instead of with them.
"I think you all look great!" Toph exclaimed.
Their laughter followed him onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Katara leaned on the railing, her hair blowing in the wind. Her soft, open outer robe billowed around her, making Zuko think of wings. She turned as he walked up to her, greeting him with a large smile.
"Zuko."
"Katara," He took her hand. "What are you doing out here?"
"Just…needed to get away from the noise." She said, rubbing the back of his hand with her thumb.
"Oh." He looked down at her. She was blushing. "Katara, is everything alright? You've been acting…different."
She took a big breath, her heart fluttering. "Zuko…." She took his hand and they descended the stone stairs from the balcony to the courtyard. They walked along the small path around the pond, enjoying the weather. "Zuko, " How should she start? "My brother and Suki are taking, or rather, have taken, a really big step forward. And, well, um…"
He stopped her, halting their walk to take her hands. "Katara?"
She took a breath. "They're having a baby. And they're not the only ones." She met his eyes, holding his golden gaze, so like Kaya's, with her blue.
Zuko's mind ran through the possibilities: Toph and Min Ki? Chi Lin? Denali? He looked down at her blankly, not making the connection. She rolled her eyes at him and placed his hand on her stomach. His eyes widened, flicking between her face and her stomach. "But…" How? He thought he had been so careful. His eyes rose to her face. Was she happy? Was she angry? Regretful? He needed to know. "Katara…"
"Zuko, I swear if you say my name one more time I will bend you into the pond." She exclaimed, swatting him on the face.
He watched her warily. "Ka-Um, are you…alright with…with this?"
"Yes." She looked at him earnestly. "Zuko, my first child was the Avatar. This child will be the Fire Lord someday." She put her hands on his face, searching his eyes. "Are you alright with this?"
"I'm terrified." He said, but his voice was steady. "What if…what if I can't do this?"
She could feel his fear. "Zuko, of course you can-"
"What if I'm like him?" He whispered, interrupting her. He sank to his knees, his hand still on her belly. "What if I'm like my father?"
His big fear, she realized. And not just about the child she was carrying. To the rest of them, it never would have occurred that Zuko would be anything like his father. They knew he wouldn't. But in Zuko's mind, it had always lurked there: the idea that deep down, he was evil.
She turned his head to face her and pressed her lips to his. "Do you think I would let you anywhere near my daughter if I thought you would be like him?"
He looked at her confusedly. "You can already tell?"
She looked at him in equal confusion before she burst into laughter. "Zuko I meant Kaya!"
"Oh." He smiled bashfully. "Right."
"Hey!" Toph's voice came from above them and they looked up. "Are you done telling Zuko you're knocked up yet? The rest of us are waiting."
"What?" They heard Sokka's bellow and cringed.
"Thanks, Toph." Katara growled. "Way to handle it delicately."
"Any time Sugar Queen!" She disappeared as Min Ki dragged her backwards before Zuko could shoot a fireball at her.
Zuko and Katara looked at each other and shrugged. They rose and began to climb the stairs to join the others.
To Zuko, all sound seemed to fall away as they reached their friends. He watched, a gentle smile on his face, as he watched Katara be congratulated by Suki and Iroh. Sokka was probably making some sort of comment about how dare he touch her, his baby sister, some sort of bombastic insults until Suki and Katara chided him and he calmed down and returned to his senses, assuming a cheerful grin and enveloping his sister in a hug. Min Ki and Toph stood apart. Zuko watched as Min Ki looked down at Toph with a tender smile, his arm around her shoulders. Sokka was giving Suki the same look as she gushed with Katara. Zuko was familiar with the look. It was the same that came over his own face when he saw Katara.
That night as they lay in bed, Katara's deep breathing ruffling her hair as she slept with her back pressed against his front, his arm resting around her waist, Zuko breathed in the smell of her. Images ran through his mind: The first time he had seen her on the bank of the river when he had captured her and tied to the tree. When he had captured her using Jun and her shirshu. Their encounter in the North Pole's spiritual oasis and how he had almost frozen to death. The day his Uncle was attacked and she offered to heal him. The day she offered him her trust and he had betrayed her to join his sister. Her eyes when she had knelt in front of him in Romjak's camp and asked if his father had sent him, seven years later. The feeling of her fingers against his as she stood against the oncoming soldiers in the forest. The first time she had slept beside him. The first time she had kissed him. The second time. The first time she had called his name when he was inside her. The first time she told him she loved him. Fighting beside her in the war. The look in her eyes just before she took the lightning for him, the blast that left the spidery scars across half of her chest. The helplessness he had felt as she lay between worlds without her spirit. The joy when she returned to him. When she had put on the necklace he had painstakingly carved for her and accepted him. And now she was carrying his child. He laid his hand over her stomach in wondrous curiosity. What a journey they had been through together, from enemies to shaky allies, to confidants, to lovers, to family.
"Daddy?"
He sat up slowly, trying not to disturb Katara. She was sleeping badly enough lately. Kaya walked through the doorway, framed in soft, flickering, golden light. Chi Lin reclined against the doorway, his face hidden in shadow. Zuko nodded to him and he disappeared around the corner, standing watch outside the door. Or rather, sitting watch, Zuko thought as he heard him thump to the ground.
"What's the matter, baby?" His words were soft, encouraging her closer. She scrambled up on the bed, wedging herself between Zuko and Katara. It still astonished him that even with all the mystical power in the world and endless experience through past lives, she still ran to him with her fears.
"I had a bad dream." She snuggled down in the covers, pressing her face to his chest.
"Kaya?" Katara's sleepy voice was gentle. She rolled over, putting her arm around Kaya. "it's okay, baby."
Zuko looked down to see Kaya's face light up at her mother's touch. For a moment, he saw himself mirrored in the small girl. He had always craved his father's attention and love, something that had always seemed out of reach as his father preferred his sister more and more. Kaya craved her mother's love and acceptance, as she felt Katara still wished for Aang to come back. But Zuko knew the depths of feeling Katara held for Kaya and could only hope that eventually, it would become apparent to Kaya as well. For now, she closed her eyes in happy contentment, sandwiched between them.
Katara lightly stroked her daughter's hair, looking up sleepily to meet Zuko's eyes. He leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead, ignoring Kaya's indignant squeak.
He closed his eyes. This was the happiest he could remember being.
The war was over.
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A.N.: The end! Going to do an epilogue. Considering a sequel. I'll think 'bout it lol. I wanted to do some more things with this story, but I think to do anymore would stretch it too much. Gonna miss these characters but time for new stories! (Etoyep root is peyote spelled backwards xD)
To Guest: Thank you! They are very busy people…
To storyoftheunknownfangirl: Hahahaha thank you! xD
To Kat-Tastrophe: Aww but evil is fun….maybe I'll write a singularly evil story at some point…thanks for sticking with me through this entire story! Yours is up next
To Ithirhen: Thank you so much! ^_^ I hope you do write it! I'd love to read it.
Thanks to all the watchers/favoriters/reviewers! One more chapter before it's on to the next story.