a/n So Sunday came and went with nary a peep out of me. I'm so sorry! Sunday just turned into a hectic day and I'm so sorry I didn't get the chapter up until now (I also wanted to take my time with this chapter). I hope everyone from the U S of A had an awesome (and safe…) 4th of July last Saturday! I know I did… and it was definitely a contributing factor to this chapter's lateness.

Speaking of the chapter… Lots of developments in this chapter. Read and find out.

Chapter 40 ~Changes~

-Zuko-

He normally loved traveling by air, but it was hard to relax with Azula in the back even if she was unconscious. Sure, she not only was she sedated but wore her straight jacket he still didn't trust her. Apparently, Katara had faith though, because instead of riding in the back with Azula, she sat up front with him; yet, he couldn't really complain. They hadn't spoken much, but ever since he was cured, she wanted to be by his side (again, how could he complain?).

Her head nestled into his shoulder farther.
"I still can't believe Aang and Toph agreed to let us go, alone." He said, voicing his earlier thoughts.
"I don't know…" she shrugged and sat up, "it doesn't surprise me that much. Aang's all about nonviolent solutions."
"Yeah, but he of all people should know how dangerous she can be."
"You know how dangerous she can be, yet you don't want Aang to take her bending." She countered. "Maybe he wants to start spreading peace instead of babysitting." Hmmm… maybe. He wouldn't leave without Appa though.
"And what about Toph?" he asked. In general, Toph seemed to be acting strange. At times, she seemed to be trying too hard to make a joke.
"Maybe she's hoping this will be Azula's life changing field trip with you." Katara smiled, but there was something off in her expression.
"Do you know what's up with her?"
"It's kind of obvious."
"What? Did she talk to you?"
"Well no," Katara admitted.
"Then how can you know?"
"Because I have eyes," he gave her an even more puzzled expression and she huffed but explained. "She likes Aang."
"Wait. What? Really?"
"Oh come on Zuko, you were there when we caught them kissing in the hallway at the Summer Palace."
"Is that what they were doing?" he asked genuinely surprised. She laughed.
"Yes!" she managed through her laughter. "Honestly Zuko, you even walked out of the room first and you still didn't notice?"
"I was busy." He said defensively.
"Walking?"
"No," he said, rolling his eyes, "Making sure you were following me. I wasn't-" he got cut off by another loud burst of laughter.
"While we were talking he put his hand along her waist." She added, but he stared at her blankly, "Nothing?" He shook his head.
"I was looking at you," he said softly. He was surprised that she heard him, but evidently she did because she stopped laughing. She cupped his cheek and smiled sappily.

They stopped to eat lunch and let Appa rest by a small lake. The surround was beautiful; there were trees, blue water, and a lovely companion. Then there was Azula. Another reason for them to stop was so Katara could administer more of the sedative. It was fascinating to watch her tend to Azula. Katara was methodical and attentive even when caring for his crazy sister. He watched transfixed as she bended a serving of yellowish liquid from a small medicine skin. The liquid floated from the pouch to Azula's lips where it slipped down her throat. He wasn't exactly sure what it was made of and didn't want to ask.
"Kratom," Katara said answering his unspoken question as she stood and turned to him, "Its leaves can be consumed in different ways. Concentrated doses cause sedation, but small amounts are a stimulant."
"Seems risky," he commented. Yugoda had prescribed a medicine that could potentially wake Azula up.
"Yeah," Katara agreed nodding to herself, "Lucky for us I know what I'm doing." He smiled weakly. Still though… seemed unreliable he thought. This reminded him of something he wanted to ask her.
"Would you really bloodbend Azula?"
"If I had to, yes, definitely," Katara answered immediately her face resolved. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason," he shrugged, "Come on, let's take a dip in the lake before we have to get flying again." She didn't say anything but took his hand and gave it a squeeze. It amazed him how protective she was over her loved ones and he felt privileged to be included.

-Katara-

Zuko used to be a heavy sleeper, but Katara guessed Azula's presence put him on high alert. It had to be why he woke up as she scrambled away from their sleeping furs.
"What's wrong?" he asked springing to his feet with his eyes searching around frantically. She couldn't speak in fear of throwing up right on him so she shook her head and clutched her hand to her mouth. They had found shelter in a shallow cave and the only acceptable place to throw up was outside. She made a mad dash for the cave entrance with Zuko in heal. If she didn't hurry, last night's dinner was going to make a sudden reappearance all over them.

As he had done at the Air Temple, he carefully held her hair out of her way as she puked. She felt so weak and tired afterwards if it wasn't for him, she might have collapsed right there and fallen asleep. Instead, she felt his strong arms pick her up.
"Hmm…no…" she protested meekly.
"Shh…" he soothed as he griped her tighter, "I've got you." He carried her back to their furs. As soon as he pulled her back against him and she shut her eyes, she fell into an exhausted sleep.

Sunrise came with another dose of sedative for Azula and a bright morning. They were quickly in the air, choosing to eat on Appa instead of wasting time on the ground. Zuko seemed determined to get to Hira'a by midafternoon.

She wasn't sure why, but he never seemed to take his eyes off her. He practically paid more attention to her than to Azula after the previous night's barfing incident. The silence of riding Appa was constantly interrupted with questions about her state of health.
"How are you feeling?" he asked for the millionth time and looked at her with concern.
"I'm fine Zuko," she answered for the millionth time.
"Are you sure? Do you-"
"Yes, I'm fine." She barked at him, rolled her eyes, and looked out upon the landscape. She loved how attentive he was, but this was getting ridiculous. Based on her last cycle and if her calculations were correct, she was only about five and a half weeks pregnant. She sighed. It was going to be a long eight more months.
"I'm sorry," he apologized and she turned back to face him. His eyes were sincere and his hand moved to tuck a few stray hairs gently behind her ears. "It's just so…" he glanced down at her midsection "amazing." Her heart melted for him as it always did. "But…scary." He admitted quietly.
"'Scary?'" she repeated confused.
"Many women…d-die in childbirth, including my mother," worry clouded his eyes.
"Hey," she cooed, "It'll be fine. You'll see."
"But the question is: Will you?" his voice becoming progressively quiet.
"Of course I will. I'm not going to leave you or Zuko Junior." He couldn't help but chuckle slightly.
"We'll need to think of better names," he commented quietly.
"Yeah… we have a while though." He smiled and pulled her into his arms, her favorite place.

-Zuko-

When her breathing evened, he knew she had fallen asleep in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and breathed her unique scent. Agni, how he loved her. If anything happened to her… He shook his head to clear the dark thoughts. Don't go there he ordered himself. To reassure himself of her safety, he squeezed her tighter to him. He smiled when he felt her snuggle closer.

He wanted to get to Hira'a as soon as possible just to get it over with. Of course, he also wanted Katara back under the watchful eye of the best healer in the world as soon as possible. He wasn't sure what answers Hira'a, or more importantly, his grandmother Rina would give him and Azula, but he hoped everything would work out for the best. He glanced back at Azula as best he could without jostling Katara. Azula was still back there perfectly secured. Katara and he agreed to reduce Azula's sedation slowly so she'd be awake for the conversation with Rina, but hopefully not fully alert. If they could keep her in a gentle haze, it'd make her much easier to deal with.

Finally, he saw the town.
"Katara?" he whispered and kissed the top of her head. She grumbled, but didn't awaken. "Katara…" he coaxed, fighting a smile, "We're almost there." Her eyebrows knitted as she fought off sleep before her eyelids fluttered open. She blinked several times to get used to the afternoon sun.
"How's Azula?" she asked. They both simultaneously turned to look. She had shifted positions a little. "Looks like she's waking up slowly." Zuko nodded.
"I think we should land more in the woods. I'm not sure where Ikem or Rina live." Since they had left the Air Temple so quickly, there wasn't time to send a messenger hawk to let Ikem know they were coming.
"You could poke around on your own." She suggested, "I'll be fine with Azula." The words sounded like a huge contradiction to him.
"Are you sure?" he asked. It didn't seem like a good idea…but if he was quick, they wouldn't be alone long…
"Yeah," she smiled confidently. Hmm...When I find Ikem and Rina I could bring them back to the woods…Then Azula wouldn't have to be transported…There's also the option of chi blocking… "What is it?" she asked.
"Oh, I was just thinking… it might be a good idea for me to bring them to Azula instead of moving Azula. I could also try to block her chi for a little while…"
"Chi blocking? The stuff Ty Lee does?" He nodded, "I didn't know you knew how to do that." She seemed impressed and surprised.
"Very badly." He joked, "That's why I didn't think to use it sooner… but in this case it might be good as a precaution. What do you think?" She would tell him what she honestly thought. No pretentions.
"Sounds like a great idea." She smiled, "Then we won't have to leave Appa either." He nodded, a new thought suddenly taking hold of his mind.
"Can we tell them?" he asked suddenly.
"Tell them what?" her head cocked to the side in confusion.
"About the baby," he whispered even though there was no one around to overhear them. She tipped her head back and let out a silent laugh.
"I thought we agreed," she said a large smile still on her face.
"I know, I know, but…" he let his words drift, but she just shook her head emphatically. He pouted dramatically causing her to grin. Then he smiled too. He might not have gotten his way, but he loved to make her smile. It was one of the prettiest sights he'd ever seen.

-Katara-

She stared fascinatingly at Azula. Propped up against Appa, Azula was mumbling still half asleep.
"No, no, ZuZu," she said and turned her head side to side. "Wait for me." Katara wasn't sure if she should try to rouse Azula or let the medicine ware off naturally. She tried for a happy medium.
"Azula?" she called and hesitantly shook her.
"No, no," Azula called out again.
"Azula."
"What Daddy?" Katara was shocked, unsure of what to do next. I wonder if she'd answer a question? Katara cleared her throat to try to make it low and clipped like Ozai's.
"What is love?"
"Love is weakness."
"Will you do anything I ask?"
"Of course, Father."
"Would you ever betray me?"
"Never!" Azula jolted so much her eyes opened, causing Katara to spring back. "Father!" Azula shouted and for just a moment, her eyes were as sharp and cruel as ever. Spying Katara, her arms started fighting out of the straight jacket, but she collapsed back against Appa and her eyelids drooped slightly. "What did you do to me?" Katara's instinct was to tell the truth, but she wondered if that might be a bad move…
"You're weak because Aang took away your bending," she said, trying to remain cool and unfeeling. A weird emotion flicked across Azula's face, but she didn't say anything.
"Why didn't you just kill me then?" she sneered, regaining herself.
"Because," she heard a twig snap and she quickly peered around Appa to see three figures approaching, "Because there's someone you need to talk to."
"Who? You?" her lip curled slightly.
"No, me," answered an old woman around Gran Gran's age. Zuko and Ikem stood beside her. Time for a family reunion.

-Zuko-

It hadn't been hard to find out where Rina lived. Getting up the courage to knock on the door was the hard part.

What was he supposed to say to a grandmother he never realized still existed? At least Ikem had answered the door, which made things a little easier. Ikem also made explaining Zuko's sudden appearance in Hira'a to Rina easier. Now the five of them stood (or slouched in Azula's case) around Appa in an awkward silence.

From her initial expression, Zuko could tell Azula was surprised and confused, but she quickly covered it with a look of hatred. This look was familiar to him, yet it didn't have quite the ferocity it normally had. Must be the sedative.
"I didn't think you'd let me get close to your precious new family, ZuZu." She sneered, "But I guess you solved that little problem thanks to the Avatar." Wait…what? Had Katara lied to Azula? He remained silent, waiting for anyone else to speak.
"It's nice to finally meet you Azula. My name is Rina and this is my son-in-law, Ikem." Rina said making the formal introductions.
"I know who you are."
"Then perhaps, you know how we're related." Rina paused then softly added, "You look so much like Ursa." Azula visibly recoiled from the comment. Rina shook her head sadly and sat down across from Azula with everyone else following suit so they sat in a circle. "I hear you act are more like your Father though." There was another awkward pause.
"So Ikem," Katara said, finally breaking the silence, "It's good to see you again. Last time you mentioned you lived somewhere other than Hira'a with…your wife and Ning?"
"It's good to see you too," Ikem smiled, "Yes, we only moved back to Hira'a after we found out… she was pregnant again. Before that, the three of us lived in an Omashu where I worked as a writer. I knew…she would be missing her mother so of course I was in favor of us moving back. Ning was almost 2 at the time and now he's 5."
"Where is he now?"
"At my house," Rina answered, "We didn't think it was wise to bring the boy to this reunion."
"Why are you even here?" Azula asked, her eyes accusatory. "It's not like I have anything to say to either of you."
"Well, I have some things I'd like to say to you and your brother."
"Like what?" scoffed Azula. Rina sighed. It wasn't a frustrated sigh since there was a small smile on her lips.
"I loved your mother very much. She was my only child and so full of life. I was mortified when Azulon and Ozai showed up at my home. My father had been Avatar Roku and he had warned my mother that Sozin's successors might try to find us. But I didn't have a say in the matter. Ursa left with them the same day…" Both Rina and Ikem grew pensive, almost sad.

Ikem snapped out of the somber mood first.
"But if she hadn't left, you two wouldn't be here," he smiled tentatively.
"Why do you care?" Azula spat, "You were the one who apparently had Ursa's heart. You should be repulsed by our very existence."
"Uh…I… that's not true." He stuttered.
"We love you because Ursa loved you." Rina supplied.
"MY MOTHER DIDN'T LOVE ME!" Azula shouted and made Appa growl in protest. Azula ignored him and tried to struggle to her feet, but she was just too weak. "SHE HATED ME. SHE THOUGHT I WAS A MONSTER."
"Are you?" Rina asked calmly, un-phased.
"YES!" Azula shrieked.
"Why would you say that?" The calmness in Rina's voice must have been rubbing off on Azula because her next words weren't screamed.
"Because it's true," she whispered looking down at her lap.
"Well I don't believe a word of it." Azula looked up instantly with a piercing expression.
"Then I guess you are old and crazy. I have done many, many things that you wouldn't approve of, not that I'm looking for your approval."
"Why did you do those things if you knew they were wrong?"
"They weren't wrong! I was thinking about my nation. The best nation. The Fire Nation."
"But why did you do them?"
"I did what I had to."
"But why? Surely someone guided you on this path?" Mother guided me and then Uncle did after she left Zuko thought. The answer was obvious to Zuko who had guided Azula.
"Father."
"But why didn't you take after Ursa like Zuko did?" Azula's eyes widened as if offended.
"Take after ZuZu? He was a failure, an utter disappointment to Father and Grandfather. Mother was weak and raised ZuZu to be the same. I mean, they both were banished."
"You are a gifted firebender, I hear." Rina said, seemingly changing topics.
"A protégée. That's the only reason I got on Father's good side. He saw potential in me and pushed me harder. After all, I guess he was expecting an amazing bender out of one of his kids. Poor ZuZu didn't fit the description so it was left to me." Zuko thought she was finished talking, but went on. He had never heard anything like this from her before. "I had to live up to Father's expectations while ZuZu and Mother could look into turtleduck ponds all day long." Was she…jealous? "Of course, I have no regrets," You're lying "Father made me into who I am today."
"Do you like who you are though? You called yourself a monster."
"I am who I am. People don't change."
"Zuko changed," Katara said softly.
"No, he's always been a fool and weak, but apparently you find that quality attractive since you're carrying his bastard child." Zuko sprung to his feet before Azula even had time to sneer. He grabbed a hold of her straight jacket and hauled her to her feet.
"I told you never to say that again." He seethed his fists shaking with rage. Suddenly he felt a pair of arms around his shoulders trying to yank him away.
"Just calm down Zuko," Ikem said into Zuko's ear. Azula tipped her head back and laughed.
"Your new Daddy has to save you?" she taunted and Zuko tried to rip free of Ikem's grasp.
"Easy, easy," repeated Ikem, his grip firm. Katara quickly stepped up to Azula and forced a small dose of the sedative between her unwilling lips.
"You think putting me to sleep will solve the problem?" Azula asked, her body swaying violently, "The only way…for you to fix this…me…" Her words were becoming slurred and she plopped to the ground, "is… to end me perrrmmaaanneeenntttlllyyy…"

-Katara-

Well, she thought that could've gone better.
"I'm sorry I wasted your time," Zuko apologized quietly,
"You didn't waste our time," Rina said kindly, "I'm so glad you came and I got to meet all three of you."
"I shouldn't have let her rile me like she always does."
"It's fine Zuko. I think we learned a few things about Azula anyways." Katara couldn't help the pang of sympathy she suddenly felt for Azula. It must not have been easy to live up to Ozai's wild expectations.
"Yeah…"
"Also, I did learn that I'm to be a great-grandmother." Rina beamed, "How exciting. As soon as I saw you Katara, I thought you might be."
"Really? How?" Katara asked. She wasn't showing yet or anything.
"You have a look about you. Ursa had the same look when she came back."
"Did she…" Zuko started hesitantly, "Did she talk to you about us?"
"Yes, she did," Rina smiled. This surprised Katara. Ikem had said Ursa never mentioned Zuko or Azula to him. "All the time."
"Really?" Zuko seemed just as shocked, "What did she say?"
"That she loved you and missed you both. She wondered what kind of people you'd grow up to be. She wished she could see you again. She wished you could meet Ning and…Lazu."
"Lazu?" Zuko asked.
"That is what she wanted to name the child," Ikem said softly. "She never explicitly told me why, but I think it's obvious." Azula and Zuko… Lazu. Katara felt a few tears slip down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away.
"Thank you," Zuko choked out.

Rina and Ikem tried to talk them into staying, but with little sedative left, they needed to return to the Eastern Air Temple quickly.
"You didn't even get a chance to meet Ning," Ikem said, still trying to persuade them. Apparently, Ning had been playing with one of his friends and hadn't met Zuko yet either.
"I know. I'm so sorry too. I really want to meet him, but it'll have to wait." Zuko said. She could tell he felt bad, but he didn't want Azula's chi block to ware off and have her sedative run out. "Maybe we can visit while we're on our honeymoon?" he suggested.
"Or…you could all come to the wedding… If it'd be convenient for you of course." She quickly added. Rina smiled broadly.
"It'd be an honor to attend your wedding. You two are so well matched. Just send us a messenger hawk when you have a date and we'll be there. I'm sure Ning would love to go on a vacation."
"In fact," Ikem added, "We should hold off telling him because otherwise that's all he'll talk about." Everyone laughed, but Zuko. There was a nervous look in his eyes.
"Would it be too much if you came early and not tell Ning why exactly you're coming?" he asked anxiously.
"Of course," Rina agreed, "May I ask why?"
"I…I'd still like to meet him just as me and not as the Fire Lord… if possible."
"We'll make sure of it." Ikem said and clapped Zuko on the back, "I promise." Zuko gave a small smile, relieved. She loved all sides of him, but his shy and caring side made her heart melt every time.

They left soon after. Katara decided to sit in the back to monitor Azula. She would have rather been in Zuko's arms, but who knows what would happen if Azula woke up and busted free. As they flew Katara thought about what they had achieved. To an outsider, the trip might have seen pointless. Azula didn't have a massive breakthrough or anything, but Katara felt like something else was accomplished. Zuko got to connect with his grandmother and (in a way) he got her blessing. Now all they had to do was figure out Azula, get married, and undo all of Ozai's evil work.

-Zuko-

Thankfully, winds helped their journey go by faster. They rested for a little while at dark in the same cave as before. He didn't want to stay long though and with more helpful winds, they finished their trip in the late afternoon of the following day at the Eastern Air Temple. He watched from above as Aang came darting out on a ball of air from inside. Guru Pathik, Yugoda, and Toph followed at a much more leisurely pace.

With a thud and a happy sound from Appa they landed. Zuko crawled to the back to lift Azula into his arms and slide off Appa.
"You're back so soon?" Yugoda asked, looking worriedly at Azula. Zuko nodded, but said nothing as he sat her comatose body against a building in the shade. When he returned to the group, Katara had already dismounted.
"So what happened? Is she better? Did she have a meltdown?" Aang asked in rapid succession, "Is everyone okay? Did you guys find Rina and Ikem? What were they like? "
"Something is wrong." Toph announced suddenly cutting off Aang.
"What is it Toph?" Katara asked.
"Why do you have three heartbeats?"
"Three!?" exclaimed Aang horrified. "That's impossible!"
"The feet don't lie. Don't you feel it too?"
"But how?"
"Twins." Zuko and Katara whispered in unison. Things were really about to change.

a/n Okay so pretty big developments indeed! We learned some of Azula's motive for being the crazy-lady we know her to be and we also learned... KATARA'S HAVING TWINS! Which were you more surprised by? (hahaha) Leave a review to let me know what you thought (and if this chapter redeemed my lateness). Thanks for reading!