The steady heat of the blazing Firenation sun beamed constantly through the ward windows. Katara lay motionless upon her canvas bed; a steady waved of pains rose and fell within her body, a searing heat coursing through her every pour. She gingerly stroked her hands along the shape of her alight belly, careful to avoid the angry scar. She could feel the slow, rhythmic pulse of heat radiating from her womb, it felt as though it was boiling out any water left inside her, she felt the precious element fleeing her body with every breath, and yet, she felt the dread of losing that same blazing heat, her daughter.

'Shh… Hey now…. Just a little longer…' she cooed at almost a whisper, her eyes fluttered shut and her hands still caressing her painful bump. 'We can do this Ursa…. Just be patient with mummy….. shhh… come on….'

'Fire Lady Katara?' Kanora stood centred in the door way, Katara opened her eyes in time to see her give a gentle bow. She smiled tenderly at the young healer.

'Kanora, please, do come in.' Katara attempted to pull herself up in her bed, steadying herself with up on two elbows.

'Hah!' she gasped as the raw flesh surrounding her scarred tummy stretched out straight. Kanora ran to her side, aiding her up to a sitting position.

'You will be sore for a while my Lady, keep all movements slow and gentle.' She smiled as the Fire Lady settled in her new position in the bed.

'Thank you.' She winced.

'My Lady, Master Hao is on his way to examine you. He will personally be overseeing your progress until the birth.'

At that moment Hao strode into the room in the same controlled yet calm manner. He stopped at the foot of the bed and bowed respectfully.

'My Lady, how are you today? I trust that Kanora here is tending to her Majesties pain and fever?' He shot a stern look over to the young healer who stepped cautiously a pace back from the bed.

'Yes Master Hao, Kanora is doing a wonderful job.' She smiled. 'Although my pains have not gone since they began late last night….Is… is this normal? In a cross element birth?' Hao bowed once more his gentle eyes connecting with Katara's blue, but weary orbs.

'Bearing another element; that is so different to your own will be difficult My Lady. As your chi is offset to that of your child's. A fire bender would normally draw in the heat it needed for growth from its mother; however, as her majesty is of water element, a naturally cooler temperature to that of fire, your daughter is producing her own fire inside of you. Now that you are nearing the end of pregnancy, your daughter will be growing stronger and stronger, her fire building with her strength. '

Katara sat silently, taking in this information. She had known that the chance of her bearing a child of element was strong, with her and Zuko both being powerful water and fire benders respectably. But she hadn't truly considered the complications of a water tribe woman carrying a child of fire. As the realisation dawned on her, a shooting pang fired from the pit of her belly, forcing her to cringe and curl around her bump.

Kanoras eyes sparkled as they flicked up from their position rooted to the marble floor.

'Master Hao….If the child is already as strong as to create her own fire, then would she not survive outside of the womb? I have seen the operation performed many times whilst I studied in Ba Sing Se. It has had marvellous results for both mother and child.' She beamed quizzically at Hao across the canvas bed. But her optimism was only met by a steely stare.

'And if the future heir did not survive such a drastic removal?' his eyes shot a look of damnation at Kanoras steadily reddening face.

'But she is so strong? I… I- I only thought-'

'Perhaps then you should not think Miss Kanora. I believe that you are needed to restock the healing supplies. You should leave at once.' Hao's cold stare followed Kanora from the room. Before returning to the feverish Fire Lady who lay huddled around her swollen belly. Her eye's screwed closed; a sweat rolling from her raging forehead, Katara's breathe had slowed to an agonisingly slow pace. Hao place a stern hand atop her belly, the heat burned brightly beneath is palm.

'I regret that Her Majesty is in such pain.' He lowered his head as he spoke, his expression shifted to a solemn and pitying face. 'But the nation could not risk losing what may be its only future heir. I am sure My Lady understands the critical situation that this places me in.' He looked up to gage Katara's reaction, but her eyes remained closed and her face unchanging. Hao rose and left the room, unsure if she had even heard his words.

'One of the Royal healers will be here shortly to relieve Her Majesty.' He bowed as he left the blazing room.

Zuko paced rather furiously towards the throne room. Now adorned in his heavy, hot Fire Lord robes and mantel, the weight of the golden ornament that topped his top knot pressing flatly into his slicked back hair. His mind was racing, he knew the importance of this meeting, but he couldn't tare his thoughts away from Katara. He hadn't wanted to seem as though he was hurrying to appease the nobles awaiting him in his throne room, but the sooner it was over, the sooner he could be back at Katara's side. His pace quickened as he strode powerfully down a long hallway, a lined painstakingly ornately with lush tapestries depicting the historical heritage of both Fire and Water, the young couple had had them installed to the entrance hallways of the palace shortly after their marriage.

'Zuko!' A familiar voice echoed down the long passage. Zuko wheeled around to see the voices owner.

'Uncle?' His amber eyes widened in surprise- Did news really travel that fast? Ba Sing Se to the Firenation Crater was a good few weeks journey.

'Uncle what are you-' Zuko couldn't finish his sentence, he was pulled forcefully into a somewhat awkward hug, bowing down under the weight of his robes to the older man.

'I came as soon as I heard.' Iroh's eyes were tightly closed, partly in stern concentration and partly to hold back the rush of tears brewing in those aging eyes.

'Uncle I-….I appreciate your presence, this is not the easiest of time for me or Katara….' Zuko felt the old man's grip tighten around his clamped arms. He seized his own grip on his uncles robed shoulders and push back out of his embrace. Leaving his arms out stretched before him grasping the elder's shoulders he spoke,

'I did not expect you until nearer the birth Uncle, but of course you are most welcome, I will have your room arranged and fresh tea sent at once.' Zuko smiled endearingly to Iroh, who's bewildered face only stared back up at him.

'Zuko….You… You are most calm my nephew. I had expected to find you much more distraught than you are.' His eyes gleamed with caution and concern. Then his head drooped low as he spoke,

'I know the pain of losing one's child, it is not an easy burden to bare my nephew, I am glad to see you in such lightened spirits given the dire situation that has befallen us.' Zuko stomach lurched as he realised his uncles reasons for arriving at the palace. He took his time, finding the right words to ease his sadness. Inhaling a define, control breath he smiled,

'Uncle, I fear that you have received misguided information.' Iroh's head lifted slightly.

'Katara is still with child' Zukos inane grin couldn't be stopped from invading his face once more, 'And the child…. Our daughter is growing stronger as times passes.'

Zuko was once again pulled into that same awkward hug, but this time, prepared, he wrapped his arms warmly around Iroh's ample frame. He was aware of the many serving eyes upon them, but he didn't care, this was far more important than his Lordly image.

'My nephew… I am over joyed for you and Lady Katara. Regret that my story had a much sadder ending. The news I received from Healing Mistress Jun this morning led me to believe that all was lost. I should have known such a strong warrior as Fire Lady Katara could never surrender to such an up evil.' Iroh stepped back, breaking the touching embrace between the two.

'She is weak though Uncle, conflicted with the struggle bewtween water and fire within her I-'

'My nephew, you of all should know of the pain of struggle within yourself. You battled with the right and wrong inside you for years before realising and conquering your destiny. I know that Lady Katara will do the same.'

Zuko let out a short sharp sigh of nervous relief, glancing momentarily to the floor, attempting to mask his uncertainty.

'I fear that I have interrupted you nephew.' Zuko wrenched his head up suddenly, remembering his meeting that he was already late for.

'I have to meet with the royal financers and delegates. I'm sure you know well of the mess the nation is left in. I-' Iroh settled a firm hand upon Zuko's shoulder.

'Even the oldest of tea stains will eventually wash clean my nephew. With the right soap powders, the finest waters and enough washes, everything comes bright again.'

Zuko sighed, 'I should go uncle.' He turned a paced a short distance before turning back, 'I am sure that Lady Katara would love to see you, she is resting at the moment in the infirmary tower.' He smiled before continuing his way to the throne room, Before turning once again,

'Uncle? How did you travel so quickly, from Ba Sing Se to the crater. Even by flying bison, it's a few days journey- believe me I've done it!'The old man smiled warmly before answering.

'I have been staying at Ember Island, I was going to write ahead before visiting sometime next week. My plans changed however upon hearing the rumours that circle the nation momentarily.'

'Rumours?'

'People say that the newest heir to the dias has been lost. Miscarried in the night.' Zuko bowed his head subtley,

'I see.'

He turned once more and strode down the corridor, wildly playing out the scenario to happen in his head. He rubbed the back of his neck as he strode, and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was difficult enough a situation to negotiate as it was, with Katara way laid his problems only doubled.