Last Serenade

by AnumOfTheMoon

Sequel to Second Chances ...When not even death can separate them, Ozai and Katara try focusing on their children's needs but does that mean they'll be together. Or will Ozai decide his happiness lies elsewhere? Can they defeat Atsou with their hearts so heavy? And will they find peace at the end of this foreboding endgame? Only time will tell.

25. Chapter 25

A/N:

Warning: Character Death

Chapter 21:

Kya held Uhara in bed after a long day. The two of them had been very busy for the last week, helping the soldiers in the capital defend against the abominations that her father had warned them about. It had been tiring as they realized that these creatures can grow in numbers by biting any other living creature. They learned this the hard way after one of the soldiers were bitten and they watched him slowly turn into one of those creatures. They wondered if everyone else was aware of this awful occurrence and decided to both go see Zuko in the evening as Kya had noticed her mother's presence in the city every night around the same time.

"I think it's best if you go without me." Kya said.

Uhara lifted his head and looked up at her, "Why's that?"

"I'm not ready to see Zuko again. That and my mother, I have some resentment towards her too." Kya admitted.

Uhara sighed and nodded as he sat out of bed. Heading to the palace, Uhara was stopped at the gates by the fire sentinels and asked if he could speak with the Fire Lord as it was very important that he see him. The nobleman was allowed in and escorted to the throne room. There, he saw the Phoenix Queen was present and looked utterly exhausted.

"How can I help you, Lord Totomi?" Zuko asked as he stared at the nobleman impassively.

Bowing his head, "Your majesty, there has been an occurrence that I want to share with you and the Phoenix Queen."

"And that is?" Zuko lifted a brow.

Uhara informed them of what happened while defending the city from the abominations and he saw the Phoenix Queen's brows furrow in horror. He said he wasn't sure if these abominations could infect an inhuman like them but he feared if one of them were turned into one of these abominations, that it could be horrifying.

"I'll inform Ozai. We have Ami prisoner. I'm sure she'd be willing to talk if we push her enough." Katara said as she looked to Uhara. "Thank you for this information, Uhara."

Uhara smiled at the Phoenix Queen and nodded.

"How is my daughter fairing?" Katara asked as she hadn't heard from Kya in a long while.

Uhara's cheery expression did not falter, "She is well, my queen. Just exhausted from helping me run the Totomi clan, being a mother, and doing her best to serve the city."

Katara smiled at this, "I'll try to visit sometime soon. Right now, I need to return to Omashu to speak with my husband about this."

Uhara was dismissed by the Fire Lord and as he left, Zuko stood from his throne.

"How'd he know you were here?" Zuko asked the much shorter waterbender.

Katara sighed, "Kya has always been good about sensing when I'm around. That means, she knew I was here and didn't want to see me."

"Or me." Zuko scoffed as he walked around Katara. "We can deal with our family drama some other time. Dealing with these creatures Atsou unleashed on the world is far more important."

Katara nodded as he was correct.

Leading Katara to the pond, Zuko turned to face her and he kissed her forehead after she embraced him. "See you tomorrow."

"I was actually hoping you'd come to Omashu with me." Katara said as she looked up at him. "Your uncle and mother ask about you alot. I pretend I don't see you often except in passing but I doubt either of them is buying it."

Zuko caressed her face and shook his head, "My father will become suspicious if he sees me with you. Maybe some other time."

Katara nodded before leaving.

On the other side of the portal, Katara emerged to see Mailan and Ryu staring down into the fountain she was surfacing from. She gasped in shock and the two folded their brows at her.

"Why have you been going to see my dad?" Ryu asked.

Mailan stared harshly at her mother, "Are you having an affair?"

Katara quickly climbed out of the pond, "What? No, I went to see Zuko to gain some information and it's important I get the word out. There's something far worse about these creatures we're facing."

The two teens seemed to be convinced and followed behind their mother as she marched her way to the throne room. There, they saw Zhiar and Azula speaking with their father speaking with their three grandmothers and uncles.

"Ozai, I just got back from the Fire Nation and Uhara informed me and Zuko of something horrible. These creatures can-"

"Turn other living beings into abominations too. Yes, we are well aware." Ozai replied dismissively as he returned his focus to everyone else.

Katara slumped at this and decided to leave as Mailan and Ryu ran after her.

Ozai ignored this and continued going over their plan to deal with the issue at hand. They needed a plan to prevent as many living beings from turning into abominations. It was decided that he would teach Zhiar and Azula how to shapeshift as being in reach of those creatures was no longer safe. He also figured with Ryu being of dragon's blood, that he could learn from his father how to shapeshift and aid them in eliminating the creatures.

As he went over the plans, Hama snorted that they could fight these things all day long but they needed to kill the source or this would be ongoing. Ursa agreed as did Iroh.

"Then you all must know where Atsou's hideout is, hmmm?"

"No but we know how to find out." Ursa said as she held her arms in her sleeves. "That pretty little wife of yours that you ran out of here is Atsou's weakness. How about use her to get a lead."

Ozai sucked his teeth, "That little whore is already getting her brains fucked behind my back, you think I'm going to send her to Atsou just so she can get fucked some more?"

Everyone gasped.

"That can't be right, dad." Zhiar looked at his father in bewilderment. "Mom would never do that to you."

Ozai scowled at his son, "I thought so too but that bitch has been in the Fire Nation every night for the last three months after your brother agreed to loan us some firebenders! Why would he suddenly help your mother after what she did to him unless he was getting something he wants out of her?!"

Sokka wanted to say something to his sister's defense but his grandmothers slapped their hands over his mouth and shook their heads.

"You cucked Zuzu, now Zuzu is cucking you." Azula shook her head. "That waterbender sure gets around."

"But what proof do you have, brother?" Iroh asked. "She could be doing something other than sleeping with Zuko."

Ozai balled his fists in even more rage, "I asked her what she was doing that made her so tired and she refuses to answer, that's proof enough!" He growled before storming off.

"Broth-"

"Leave him be, you old coot." Hama scoffed. "I'm sure Katara isn't having an affair and Ozai will eventually confirm this. So, let's just worry about ourselves and ignore the drama between the two, m'kay?"

…..

But it was impossible to ignore. There was constant arguing and Zhiar had to defend his mother as his father slapped her across the face. He stuck him in the face back for that but the man literally picked him up and tossed him on the firepit before setting it aflame. Ozai outwardly accused Katara of being unfaithful to which she denied and told him to confirm for himself. Discovering the arrangement she and Zuko had, Ozai slapped her again. She might not have had an affair but she still went behind his back by not telling him and giving Zuko the same treatment she gave him. It pissed him off. She was slacking on her wifely duties to him because she was catering to Zuko. That's no better than if she had been sleeping with him.

Katara was soaking in the tub when she saw her husband enter to stand a foot in front of her and fold his arms. She raised a brow at him.

"Open a portal to the Fire Nation." Ozai demanded.

"What for, Ozai?"

Scowling at her, "I need to have a talk with my son because that little bastard clearly has no respect for me and this family. I plan to set him straight and if you want to remain at my side as my wife, you will do as I have told you, Katara."

Katara sighed and climbed out of the tub, "Let me get dressed."

Arriving in the Fire Nation, Ozai dragged Katara behind him by her arm as he found his son lounging in his study shirtless while reading over some paperwork. Zuko sat up as he saw his father enter with Katara being tugged along behind him. He didn't have to wonder what this was about as he knew his father was too keen to get over on.

Zuko sighed as he stood to his feet to address his father but before he could, his father punched him square in his face with a fist of white flames as he shifted into his ghoulish form. His eyes were red as black flames danced in his long raven hair and his black claws extended. Katara stepped away from him when he let go of her arm as she had only ever seen Ozai like this on a handful of occasions and it was never pretty. Soon, Zuko took to his half-dragon state and tried raging against his father but Ozai was beyond himself in anger.

The entire royal suite was destroyed along with most of the private sanctum of the palace as Ozai and Zuko fought. Katara made it her business to help as many people away from the destruction as possible as this was all her fault. Eventually, the fighting simmered down as Ozai had managed to seriously injure Zuko and stomped his head repeatedly into the marble floor of the grand halls that was all but destroyed.

"YOU KEEP. AWAY. FROM. MY. WIFE. YOU DAMN WEASEL!" Ozai shouted monstrously at his eldest son.

Zuko looked up at his father from his bloody bruised eyes. He watched his father lift him by his robes before his fist was pounded back into his face, losing consciousness in that instance.

Dropping his knocked out son, Ozai panted as he took in the scenery and realized he destroyed most of the private sanctum of a palace that stood for over several hundred years. Not that he cared. He always hated this place. Plus, it was long overdue for some renovations. As he stepped down from the rubble into the courtyard and saw Katara appear from the otherside of the destruction.

"Was this necessary, Ozai?" Katara asked as she reached him. "Look what you did!"

Ozai glared at her as he was still in his ghoulish form, "Shut up! You did this! Once again you've wedged your stupid ass between me and my son! Do it again and I won't be fighting Zuko!"

Katara scowled up at him, "Whatever, Ozai."

The Phoenix King grabbed his wife and dragged her off to the fountain that had managed to go untouched. He forced her to open a portal and as soon as they were home, he shoved her over to their bed.

"You've been neglecting me as your husband to look after Zuko. You're going to make it up to me." Ozai told her as he folded his arms over his bare chest as he only managed to keep his black pants in his fight with Zuko.

Katara nodded as she began undressing but as she was down to nothing, she saw Ozai was not in his human state yet which caused some concerns. "Aren't you going to revert back?" she asked.

Ozai shook his head as he turned her away from him and bent her over the bed. Katara swallowed hard and clenched her eyes shut.

The family were all eating breakfast the following morning when Ozai showed up for dinner and went to Hama and Kanna. He whispered something in their ears and the two old women gave him a disgusted look before getting up to leave. As they left, Ozai took his seat at the table and the servants set his plate down. Zhiar looked his way as everyone continued eating.

"Where's mom?" Zhiar asked.

Starting on his bowl of egg and rice, "Your grandmother's are tending to her at the moment." Ozai responded nonchalantly.

"Ah, so you brutalized my mother again, I see." Zhiar sighed.

Rolling his eyes, "If by brutalize you mean I fucked your mother to hell and back? Then yes, yes I did."

Sokka threw his chopsticks on the table. "I've lost my appetite." He said before storming off.

Azula rolled her eyes, "Grow up."

Ursa sighed and continued eating as she eyed her ex-husband. "I found nothing wrong with Katara looking after Zuko. He is quite isolated, Ozai. He needs-"

"What he needs is to stay the hell away from my wife or next time I'm going to break his neck." Ozai spat.

Iroh shook his head at this, "Perhaps helping him move past Katara would be ideal."

"He tried that and moved onto my daughter, his sister, yeah my eldest sons are pretty much fucked."

Zhiar shot him a look, "Hey! Why lump me in with him?!"

Still eating, "Oh, I think it goes for all the males in this family with the exception of Hiroshi and Jotaro since they are still so young."

"What of Ryu?"

Ozai scoffed, "He's gay and lazy. The expectations for that boy are as low as it gets."

Zhiar was surprised with his father's comment as it was a bit harsh but he was right. Due to current society, Ryu would either have to hide his preference in order to make something of himself or he'd live as most unwedded daughters of powerful men, in leisure and luxury. Add laziness to that and Zhiar would agree his brother/nephew was even more useless than their sisters, especially given that the only none badass sisters they had were infants. Zhiar sighed to himself, maybe he needed to be like Kya and settledown so he could get the fuck away from this family.

…

A few months passed and things were starting to get troubling for the globe. For the most part the Water Tribes saw no abominations as it would seem the creatures couldn't survive the harsh temperatures. As for the fortified cities along the Earth Kingdom, Phoenix Empire, Fire Nation, and Republic City, things were far more intense. Attacks were happening during the days as much as during the nights which caused some smaller cities to be taken out. Many of the saviors would run towards Omashu as it was far safer with the full protection of their sovereigns. However, this meant there was an issue with the increasing population causing shortages in food, supplies, and space. It had been fortunate that the Phoenix King had already figured out how to deal with this issue as he had earthbenders, firebenders, and water sirens assist with expanding the city limits, allowing for agricultural developments to be established. Granted it would take months to see improvements but that was fine. He had the palace all go on a diet and for those of his family with the undying traits, he mandated no food to them as they could survive starvation. Those of them with the inhuman traits would be given limited rations while those of them that were human (Just Sokka and Hiroshi) got to eat their normal rations.

This caused some rift in the family as many could understand eating less but felt it was cruel to starve Zhiar and Azula. If Ozai wanted to starve himself, that would be his choice but Zhiar and Azula shouldn't be made to suffer. But nonetheless, the two joined their father in his starvation trial. It was something Ozai and Zhiar had endured during their time as prisoners, so they lasted a pretty long time while Azula was struggling. Katara, Ursa, and Iroh would rotate each day giving Azula meals to help her out as she was not accustomed to starvation.

By the time a whole year passed since the world went into defense against the hordes of abominations, Omashu had stabilized its food shortage and was able to reestablish trade with the other cities through safer means. This helped many other places rest easy as they faced similar problems as Omashu. Soon the rest of the world managed to operate under the same ways as before but with far more safety precautions. Airships were the only means of transportation and Omashu never directly allowed airships to leave or enter as the dome was a defense against more than the abominations, it protected them against Atsou and his allies. Katara would go to the nearest major city and trade from there before returning to Omashu with a few of her sirens and city soldiers.

Though they were able to sustain a somewhat normal life, it was the goal to return life to the way it had been before and the royal family tirelessly looked for ways to defeat the hordes and then Atsou. This even involved Katara and Ozai interrogating Ami. When she didn't want to cough up the information, Katara held her down with bloodbending while Ozai searched her mind for answers but the only information they were able to get was that this abominations were created using Ozai's blood and bone marrow, hence why he was sick shortly before everything took place and the two years that he was engaged to Ami. She had collected samples of his DNA to create these things. While everything else was wiped from her mind by Atsou, this remained.

Discussing with Ozai that this could be a good thing, Katara pointed out that since they were made from him that perhaps he could find a way to control him. However, Hama pointed out that Phoenixes didn't work like how Sirens worked. Sirens could control others by the siren's call, bloodbending, compulsion, and the siren queen (Katara) had commands that were absolute to all other sirens. Phoenixes, the closest form of control they had over others, were charms that were sort of like commands but they weren't absolute and if the person's will was strong enough, they could break free.

"So what can be done with this information?" Katara asked as she folded her arms.

Kanna sighed as she looked over to her granddaughter's husband and reached into her dress to pull out a knife, throwing it into Ozai's neck. Everyone's eyes widened as the man reached for his neck and fell on his knees as Katara hurried to him. She freaked out as her grandmother stared coldly at him. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as he collapsed, his wife trying to revive him.

Hama scoffed, "You'd think she'd hadn't seen him die and get back up again. Tui and La, Katara, be a woman for once."

Katara glared at them both as she held her husband in her lap after pulling the blade out of his neck. "This is my husband, damn it! I don't care if he can get back up again! I don't like to watch him die!"

They both rolled their eyes as Iroh spoke up.

"Perhaps they mean to test a theory of theirs."

"What kind of theory?!" Katara shouted. "I commanded you both to revere Ozai as your sovereign!"

"Darling child, we are referring to him as our sovereign by getting to the bottom of the situation." Kanna explained. "I wonder if he dies, will they all die too? They have his blood and DNA, right? Let's go see if any creatures have collapsed."

Katara furrowed her brows, "But he's already healing." She pointed out.

Hama kicked Katara away from her husband as Kanna climbed on top of Ozai and began beheading him. Ursa and Iroh turned their heads in horror as Katara gaped at the sight of her husband having his head removed for the 3rd time in front of her. Zhiar stared impassively as Sokka shook his head while pinching his brows. Azula rolled her eyes and scoffed at how stupid this idea was. As Ozai's head was finally removed, Kanna lifted his severe head from his body and set it on the table.

"It'll take about an hour before his head turns to a flaming ash and grows back on his neck. This'll give us enough time to assess the horde to test the theory." Kanna said. "Now let's go see that horde."

Katara stayed behind with Ursa and Iroh to oversee Ozai's resurrection. She held her husband's corpse and sighed as she hated looking upon his decapitated body. She thanked La that he was immortal or this would destroy her.

"Your grandmothers are quite…disturbing." Iroh said with an awkward chuckle.

Katara sighed, "My Gram Gram is who surprises me the most. She was always so sweet when raising me and my brother. But after Ozai showed up in the South Pole during our first marriage, she's increasingly become someone I don't know."

Ursa scoffed, "Ozai has that effect on people. I mean, look at you, I'm sure you were a totally different person before you met him."

"That can't all be blamed on my brother. Katara was young and only just starting to grow into herself." Iroh pointed out.

Raising a brow, "And you think she would have turned out the way she has if not for the influence your brother had on her?" Ursa folded her arms.

"Well-"

"I'm right here, you know!" Katara said in annoyance as her husband's head started materializing.

"And so am I." Ozai said as the muscles on his face started reforming.

Looking over at the man as his head manifested in his wife's lap, they all noticed that when his skin returned, he no longer had the disfigurement that Zuko had given him some years ago. They all stared at him in shock as he sat up and looked at them strangely.

"What?" Ozai asked as his wife, brother and ex-wife stared at him.

"Your face is healed." Katara pointed out to him.

Reaching up to touch his face, Ozai felt his face no longer had the holes and scars that it had for years. He never would have figured having his head cut off would do the trick but at least he didn't have to go around with his half-mask all the time. Rubbing his temple, Ozai asked if her crazed grandmothers had confirmed any link between him and the abominations.

"They haven't returned yet." Ursa informed her ex-husband.

Ozai looked to his wife and she nodded, opening a mirror to see if they could get in contact with her grandmothers. As she reached them, she confirmed there was no effect on the creatures at all which was unfortunate. Iroh figured they needed to gather a team to start making more of a dent in the massive horde of abominations. However, Ozai pointed out anyone bitten would die and reanimate as one of these creatures. It would be too risky to let one of them, an inhuman, be turned as they would be far more dangerous than the regular creatures.

"Then those of use that can fly and firebend, should team up and spend a few days killing off this horde." Hama suggested. "Living like this can't suffice. We need to completely eliminate these things."

Ursa scoffed, "Even if we do, Atsou will just make more."

"Then we should give him what he wants." Sokka chimed in. "Or at least come to terms with him. Why is he doing this in the first place and what can we actually do that will stop him?"

Katara sighed, "He wants Ozai's body in order to be fully immortal. Atsou can't die by being killed but will eventually die of old age."

Sokka looked to his brother-in-law. "But how is that supposed to work?" He was confused.

"Ozai and Atsou are the reincarnation of a Fire Lord from a few hundred years ago named Otohiko. They were once one person. Atsou believes that since they are two halves of one soul that merging would be possible and I'm sure he has already figured out how to make it possible." Katara sighed. "Also, the siren soul that possesses me is their reincarnation's past lover."

A few were actually surprised to learn this.

"So what happens if they combine?" Sokka asks.

Katara shrugged, "Can't be good."

Sokka scratched his head, "How are you sure that Ozai's personality won't take over Atsou's? I mean, I don't know if any of you have notice but that asshole has a pretty strong personality."

Ozai rolled his eyes as everyone thought this over.

Katara furrowed her brows at this, "You could have a point there, Sokka." She said.

Everyone looked at her as her husband lifted his brow at her.

"Hear me out, when Atsou captured me with Ami's help, I heard him talking about how he attempted to take over Ozai's body but it didn't work because Ozai's will was too strong. He wanted to have a child with me that would hopefully be a Phoenix so he could take over its immortal body but it failed because the baby died. Died not long after I gave birth to it." Katara reluctantly disclosed. "The fear in the back of my mind is that there's a possibility that Ozai isn't his only target, that he could be after anyone with a full immortal body. Anyone that's a phoenix."

Azula looked to Zhiar and then her father, "So that means me, the twins, and that Lord Totomi guy."

Katara nodded. "But I think I might have a way to deal with this issue on my own. However, it would require me allowing my siren soul to have control as I'm not able to use all my powers just yet without 'her' assistance."

Sokka raised a brow, "So what's the problem? Just let her have control if she can fix this problem."

Ozai narrowed his eyes at his brother-in-law. "You've clearly never met Kalhime."

"Kalhime?"

Hama pitched her brows, "Kalhime is the very first Siren from a thousand years ago. She's what you could call the queen of all sirens as she can order them to do whatever she says. Not to mention, she is very dangerous and is the reason Katara couldn't seem to shake Ozai over the years."

Everyone in the room was taking in this information with no problem but Sokka felt lost.

"What powers do you need from Kalhime?" Ozai asked.

Katara explained that Kalhime told her about her past and four unique abilities that she possessed. One, being the ability to give absolute commands to other sirens. Two, she could heal any wound on her body by drawing the life out of another person. However, Katara explained that sucking the life force from another didn't work the same for her as it did for Kalhime, she had to drink blood. Three, she could create water thralls the way Zuko could create ones of fire. The last ability was that she could use an ability that Kalhime said was ice necromancy. Anyone that had died could be brought back as a thrall with her living ice.

"I believe with the last two abilities, I could create thralls of water to help destroy those abominations and maybe, with them being reanimated corpses, I use my living ice to take them under my control." Katara explained.

"Perhaps, it is worth us considering." Iroh stroked his beard.

Ursa and Azula nodded in agreement.

Kanna side eyed the old man, "What do you not understand about Kalhime being dangerous?"

Iroh assured the woman he understood but felt these powers would be useful to them.

"Kalhime is not to be trifled with." Ozai told his brother. "She doesn't like giving Katara back her body so easily either. Sure, Katara can over power her at times but we have no idea if she'll be able to do so this time. It's different each time."

Sokka sighed, "Then what do we do?"

"Continue as we have. Fly around and burn as many as possible." Azula said as she folded her arms. "But what dent is that putting in the massive horde here? Then we have to remember it's not just happening here. This is a global issue. If we have to deal with an evil siren queen, I say we worry about that after this situation is dealt with."

Ozai was going to say something to that when Katara placed her hand on his arm, "I think she's right, Ozai."

Furrowing his brows at her, "We're not doing this. Kalhime is dangerous."

"Yes but we need her power in order to return the world to how it has always been." Katara explained. "You have crystals to take her down if need be."

Ozai pulled her closer to him and spoke quietly, "I can barely keep up with you in a fight. Kalhime will wreck me."

Katara smiled up at him, "Then just play on her feelings for you."

Ozai sighed as he nodded and pulled away from her, "Fine. Give her control so we can strategize with her."

Katara shut her eyes in order to slip to the place in which Kalhime dwelled inside her and told her she would give the siren queen her body for a little while if she helped Ozai put a stop to Atsou's undead horde. Kalhime smirked and agreed so long as she got to sleep with Ozai. Katara sighed and figured it was fine since it was still her body.

Moments later everyone watched Katara's eyes open with a blue glowing hue as her skin shimmered gold before they went back to normal. They all waited for some sign that it was this Kalhime and not Katara.

"Is that you, Kalhime?" Ozai asked as he stared at her impassively.

Smirking, "You bet your stupid ass it is." She placed her hands on her hips. "Katara made a deal with me that if I assisted, I get to have my way with you."

Ozai sucked his teeth, "I know for a fact she wouldn't agree to that."

"To prove she did, she even told me how you like getting pegged some nights." Kalhime giggled as Ozai glared at her. "Yes, that's right, you freaky son of a bitch, you get to fuck me tonight."

Everyone was wishing to the gods they hadn't heard that.

"Very well, Kalhime. Just be useful." Ozai pinched his brows.

"As you wish, your majesty."

….

After a plan was devised, Ozai showed Kalhime to the wall and let her see the threat they were facing. She sighed and seemed unimpressed, commenting how incompetent her host truly was to not have figured out how to deal with this problem. Kalhime explained how simply controlling the weather to create a massive lightning storm could have taken out all of these monsters. That or letting Ozai and the firebenders burn all the region in order to deal with them. Ozai countered her plans by pointing out they didn't want to harm their citizens or destroy the ecosystem with fire.

Folding her arms as she stared at the horde beyond the walls, "Why don't we just deal with the source first?"

"Because we don't know where exactly Atsou is." Ozai pointed out.

Kalhime smirked, "I know where he is."

Ozai lifted a brow at her, "You do?"

Kalhime nodded and moved to grab onto his arm, "Show me a good evening, Ozai, and I'll tell you where his little island is."

"You tell me now where that bastard is and I'll convince Katara to let you out more often." Ozai folded his arms.

Smirking, "Very well, Ozai. Atsou's island is in a water mirror."

"A water mirror?"

"Yes. The water mirror is located in the Fire Nation in the village where Atsou grew up." Kalhime explained. "I can control the siren that creates it in order to let us in and once I kill her, the water mirror will be destroyed and the true location of Atsou's island will be revealed."

Ozai was about to tell her to take him to the location of the water mirror when Kalhime told him she would do nothing more until he gave her what she wanted. He reluctantly agreed and the siren queen clung to his arm as she tugged him back to the palace.

Lounging in the palace courtyard, Sokka saw his sister's husband be dragged off to their chambers by the siren ghost that possessed his sister's body. He sighed as all this supernatural and inhuman shit was getting on his nerves. Honestly, he wished he could be as cool as everyone else was around him. Hell, even old man Iroh and his grandmothers were inhumans. He wished there was a way for him to be like them…that way he could be around to see the world change and be by his sister's side. Sure, she'd have their grandmothers and the crazy Fire Nation royal family along with her children but he still felt she'd need him to have her back because he noticed how very much willing she was to sacrifice herself for everyone else. While her husband tried to lessen that burden, Sokka knew the phoenix bastard would also put the greater needs over both of theirs depending on the situation. Katara needed him.

"Whatcha over there sulking for, water boy?" The voice of an obnoxious firebending ex-princess said as she approached him.

Rolling his eyes as he saw her, "I'm a water man, not boy." He spat in annoyance. "Besides, I don't want to be bothered right now. So can you stalk me another time?"

"Stalk you?" Azula raised a brow. "What makes you think I'm stalking you?"

Sokka furrowed his brows, "I might not 'special' like the rest of you guys but I'm pretty sure the average human can tell when they're being followed and you've been following me for a year now."

Azula folded her arms and sucked her teeth, "Your sister told me to watch out for you. Other than my youngest brother, Hiroshi, you're the only human within this crazy family circle."

Scoffing as he stood to his feet, "What?! Katara thinks I need protection?! What?! I'm older than her! She needs my protection!"

Azula snorted, "Your sister literally can tank my father, who I remind you is a full immortal. That and she can control weather, the moon to eclipse the sun, and do a whole lot more. Your sister doesn't need anyone to protect her. She's a god."

Sokka looked away from Azula at this mention. Yes, he knew all about his sister's powers and how she was probably the most powerful thing to exist. However, she wasn't a god. Gods were above emotions and feelings and wants and needs and things only humans felt. Katara wasn't above those things. Those things are what made her the still very compassionate and goodwill person she was despite all her hardships. He realized that as he spent a year here seeing all that she did for the people of the city and the globe. His sister was so good a person that she turned one of their greatest enemies into an incredible ally. Katara was amazing but he had forgotten over the years that she was still human. He had forgotten through the fear he created of her due to what she was that he had been ignoring who she was and who she was, was his baby sister that only ever wanted to save the world. That she wanted to save people. Even those who had been deemed horrible. And he was sure she had forgotten too, with all the incredible things she could do….that she was still human.

"Katara has the power of the gods, maybe, but she's still human." Sokka said as he looked back at Azula. "You're all still human. No matter what incredible things you all are capable of, you're just humans."

Azula looked at Sokka strangely and thought over what he said. She hadn't seen herself as human in a very long time. After her uncle brought her from her brain-dead state after the war and took her under his wing to train her to become a weapon no different than her father had, Azula couldn't exactly say she was human anymore when the enemy would fatally wound her and she'd recover from it. But truthfully, ever since she took her first life in glory of the Fire Nation, serving her father, she didn't think it was possible for someone that could commit murder could be proclaimed a human. She was a monster. She had been…she had been for a very long time and she didn't think it was possible for her to ever be acknowledged by anyone as such a thing.

Not liking the melancholy feelings that came over her, Azula scoffed and flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Whatever, doofus. I don't need you reminding me of my former humanity. I'm far above such a pitiful existence."

"Somehow I doubt that." Sokka folded his arms.

Groaning as she rolled her eyes, "Who cares. I'm just here to make sure your pathetic human ass doesn't die from a papercut. So, how about you make this easy for both of us and let's go get a drink. That way when you want to spout on and on about my 'humanity' at least I'll be too drunk to care."

"Fine but you're paying."

"Whatever."

…

Kya was shopping in the market with Jotaro for something to make clothes for the orphans that had just been sent here from a city that was overtaken. As Lady Totomi, it was Kya's job to assist the misfortunate locals in a way that the crown properly wasn't able to. Especially at times like these. She was so fortunate that Uhara was such a charitable man and made it his mission to help as many people as possible. Everything about him made her fall in love with him over and over again. She thanked Tui and La that they were able to be together again like this. And though the past year had been devastating for the world, Kya had spent it with a man she felt she could get through anything with.

"Mama, isn't that Uncle Zuko?" Jotaro pointed out a cloaked man that was handing out food to some small children at the orphanage.

Kya looked over and saw it was indeed Zuko. He was disguised, though everyone knew him by his scar, it looked as if he didn't want to be noticed so easily. But what would he be needing to hide his face for? He was the Fire Lord, an inhuman one at that. Why wasn't he trying to be seen? A thought came across her mind and she took hold of her eight year old son's hand before tugging him off in the opposite direction. Just as she was about to round the corner to get out of the area and head home, Kya bumped into her oldest brother, who clearly spotted her before she spotted him.

"Kya." She heard her name from off his lips and as she looked up at him, Kya saw her older brother smiling down at her. "I noticed you and Jotaro were in the area and wanted to say 'hi'. Haven't seen you much since…- well, I'm just glad to see you like this."

Kya felt something break in her at the clear sign that Zuko was trying to make conversation with her in the hopes of having a connection with her. She was the only family he had right here in the city with him as even his uncle, mother, and Azula left him. He was all alone in the palace by himself and while she had noticed a year ago her mother had been seeing him, one day she sensed her father's presence in the city and realized a fight broke out in the palace, after that day, she didn't feel her mother in the city ever again.

"Look, Zuko, I-"

"Kya, Jotaro, have you two gotten the supplies?" The three looked over to see Uhara approaching them with a warm smile on his face.

Jotaro cheerfully nodded as he ran over to his father and was patted on the head. "We got all the stuff on the list."

Rustling his son's hair, "Great." Uhara looked back up to see Zuko looking at him with an impassive look. "Then I guess we should all head back home and get started on our little project."

Kya nodded at Uhara and looked to Zuko, "I'll see you around." She said meekly before going over to Uhara.

However, Zuko caught her wrist to stop her. "Kya-"

In the blink of an eye, Uhara was in front of Zuko with Kya's wrist release and her pushed behind him. The nobleman gave a cold look at the Fire Lord. "Don't you think you should keep your hands off of other men's wives?"

"Wives?" Zuko raised a brow before looking at his sister over the nobleman's shoulder. "You two got married?"

Kya nodded, "We decided to have a private ceremony with just a Fire Sage and a few members of the Totomi clan." She informed him.

Broken at this as he wasn't even considered to be invited to show up as Kya's family. Sure, the two of them had a taboo relationship but Zuko was willing to put that behind them. He just wanted his sister, the only family, that understood him outside of his uncle. But even she had iced him out.

"My mother and our father don't know either, Zuko." Kya said. "I didn't want them to be a part of it either. I think it's for the best that I don't deal with our family anymore. I'm not a Yong anymore. I'm a Totomi now."

"Lady Totomi." Uhara said as he backed off Zuko and took his wife's hand.

Bowing her head, "I'm sorry, your majesty, but me and my family have to get going." Kya said before Uhara tugged her gently along with him and their son.

Returning back to the palace, Zuko threw a fit in his chambers as he was in utter despair and loneliness. He pulled at his hair and clawed his skin, throwing everything everywhere. He was so miserable and he had no one, no one to turn to. Everyone had left him and even though Kya expressed wanting nothing to do with their family anymore, it still hurt that she couldn't even bother with him. Him of all people. He always had her back. Always and all he wanted was to feel like he was a part of her life, a part of someone's life. But it was too much to ask. It was too much to want. He had been alone most of his life and everyone he ever seeked out to be his haven, all turned their backs on him.

As he was about to search for the last remaining whiskey bottles in his chambers, Zuko felt his father's presence at his balcony along with one that was only slightly familiar. He clenched his fists and made his way to the balcony to see his father and Katara standing there, waiting for him.

"What the fuck do you assholes want?" Zuko hissed.

Seeing his red puffy eyes and the tears in them, Ozai glanced at Kalhime. The siren queen tilted her head and approached the Fire Lord. He stood still staring callously at her as she reached up to touch his face and a small smile creeped to her lips.

"Zuko."

Raising his brow at how her voice sounded like someone else's and glanced at his father to explain.

"This is Kalhime." Ozai introduced. "Katara's siren."

Grinning up at the Fire Lord, Kalhime caressed his scarred cheek before rubbing the tears from his eyes. "You're lonely because you won't move on, Zuko." She told him as she continued to rub his face. "I could help you with that, you know?"

Zuko grabbed her wrist as he looked her deep in her eyes, "Help me how?"

"I can make you fall out of love with my host and then you'll be able to find a woman that can love you back the way you love her." Kalhime told him. "You deserve that, you beautifully sad man."

Tearing her hand from his face, "What do you want?" He glared at her as his eyes glowed.

Kalhime beamed up at him, "We know where to find Atsou. We're going to get our hands on his siren and kill her, that way his island will be revealed."

"Then why are you both here?"

"I wanted to meet you." Kalhime grinned. "That and Ozai said since we would be in the Fire Nation, it was only right that he made our presence known. It would be rude otherwise."

Zuko scoffed and stepped away from the water siren, "Just do whatever you need to and leave." He said coldly.

Kalhime nodded and went back to Ozai's side, "We'll be back. I have a parting gift I want to give you." the siren queen told him.

"Don't bother."

"Oh, I bother." Kalhime smirked as Ozai opened a portal and they left.

Arriving at the village where Atsou grew up, Kalhime and Ozai found that it was destroyed and overrun. She allowed Ozai to clear the monsters out as she looked around, however, a human that had been turned into an abomination had snuck up on her but before it could touch her, Kalhime used her living ice to take over it. It was experimental to see if she could gain control of an already animated corpse and it seemed to work. Smirking to herself, Kalhime told Ozai to stop killing the creatures as she sent a wave of living ice to possess them. She then ordered them to turn to other abominations or destroy them. When they all cleared the area, the siren queen looked at her Phoenix King and grinned.

"Tell me, Ozai, does that make you hot for me?" She asked suggestively.

Ozai scoffed, "You might look like my Katara but you are anything but her."

Scoffing as she flipped her hair to the side, "You clearly didn't fall in love with her for looks alone. How noble." Kalhime said sarcastically.

"Just keep looking for the water mirror."

"No need."

"Why not?"

"Because it's right here." Kalhime pointed to the fountain they stood by.

Ozai glanced down in the fountain and saw water was still wading there before looking to the siren queen. "You sure?"

Kalhime grinned wickedly as she placed her hand down in the water and revealed Atsou giving his servants dinner orders. Ozai furrowed his brows as Kalhime took his hand and the two of them slipped into the water mirror. On the other side, Kalhime and Ozai appeared from out of the water by the shore of the island village. Immediately, the two were spotted by a few inhuman guards that attacked them on sight. However, Kalhime waved her hand and sliced them all in half with a water ribbon. Ozai swept his wet hair from his face as he took in the sight of the fallen guards.

"That was excessive." Ozai bit out at her.

Kalhime glance over her shoulder at him as her eyes glowed, "You and Katara wanted my help. This is it. So here it is."

As the siren queen pressed onward and Ozai followed behind her, he felt that perhaps this was a grave mistake. The two charged into the village and watched as many of the people fled and ran to hide in their homes. Clearly, not all of these people were here as assassins like his eldest daughter, wife, and ex-wife. Some seemed to just be carrying on with their day to day lives. Kalhime told him they would go straight to Atsou as his siren would be there and kill the woman, afterwards, she'd flood this island. Ozai was not game for killing these innocent people. Sure many of them were inhuman as Atsou had said most of the world's inhumans lived peaceful lives here. It was clear that this place was a haven for weaker inhumans.

"Allow me to take some of these people with me back to Omashu." Ozai told her.

Kalhime chuckled, "Such a noble heart, Ozai. Has Katara made you into this kind of man or where you always this tender of heart?"

"Doesn't matter. These are inhumans. I won't let them die here." Ozai made it very clear.

Kalhime scoffed, "Fine, Ozai. You and your bleeding heart can save as many people as you like. It's of no consequence to me but first, we must find Atsou's water siren."

Reaching the place where Atsou resided in, Kalhime was immediately attacked by a familiar man whose eyes glowed gold. He tried striking her with his dragon claws but she managed to block his attack with an ice ribbon. Jumping away from her, the man smirked at her as he maintained his guarded stance.

"Katara, back so soon."

"Yoshiro, you should know you're not fighting Katara." Kalhime grinned.

The grin on his face melt as he backed up. "Kalhime?"

"So you know my name, do you? Great! Now, you'll know the name of your killer!" Kalhime laughed maniacally as she lunged herself forward at the man to slice through him. However, another pair of dragon claws stopped her and shoved her off of a terrified Yoshiro.

"Daikoku?" Kalhime pulled back. "I thought you were dead after the fall of the Earth Kingdom royal family."

Standing with a less defensive stance, "No, I just made sure Azula got away."

"Ah, you Fire Nation men aren't all cold blooded I see." Kalhime chuckled to herself.

"What do you want, Kalhime?" Daikoku asked impassively.

"Lora." Kalhime stated. "Her death will bring down this water mirror."

"Looking for me?"

They all looked over to where the voice was coming from. The water siren made her way over to the siren queen.

"Is there something I can do for you, Kalhime?" Lora asked.

Kalhime's eyes glowed at the water siren as she was about to give her command, "I order you to die, Lora."

"As you wish, my queen."

Daikoku and Yoshiro both watched as Lora took out her dagger, placing it at her throat. Ozai averted his eyes as the woman slit her own throat and collapsed. As soon as her body it the ground, he watched Kalhime walk up to the corpse of the other siren and kicked it.

"Looking like that part is out of the way." Kalhime said delightfully. "Now, to find Atsou."

"Not a chance, you bitch!" Yoshiro hissed but Daikoku elbowed him in the face, knocking him out.

Kalhime smirked at Daikoku, "Where is he currently?"

Daikoku pointed down the hall and Ozai was confused as to why the man was helping her.

"Come, Ozai." Kalhime said as she hurried down the hall in the direction of Atsou's chambers.

It didn't take long before they found the chambers where Atsou resided in and Kalhime kicked down the door. Entering, the two saw Atsou with his back turned to them and Ozai stopped Kalhime from attacking him right away. Something wasn't right.

"Come to see me again have you, Katara?" Atsou said before turning around and looking at the siren with a grin.

"It's Kalhime." The siren queen folded her arms.

"Ah, yes, her witch of a siren soul." Atsou sighed in disappointment. "While my previous carnation might have been smitten with you, I find Katara much more tender of heart. It's far more attractive than your cold callousness."

Kalhime glared at the man, "Shut up! I'm here to put an end to your nonsense, Atsou. Destroying the world we live in is not exactly ideal seeing as it is our only home."

Atsou grinned and looked at his brother, "Very well. I've already got what I wanted." He walked up to the siren queen and placed his hand on her cheek. "Wake up, Katara."

Kalhime dropped and Ozai rushed to catch her as he scowled at his twin brother.

"What did you do to her?" Ozai asked accusingly.

But before Ozai could answer, the water siren grabbed onto his robes and called his name. He realized it was Katara and she seemed a bit confused as to what was going on. As he helped her to her feet, Ozai told her he'd explain everything once they got out of here.

"Mean one, so glad you could join us. I need a word with you privately." Atsou said.

"Like hell." Katara hissed as she clung to her husband.

Ozai's eyes glowed red as he held his wife away from his demented brother. "Whatever you have to say to her, you can say it in front of me."

Atsou shrugged at this and turned his back to them, "Follow me."

The couple exchanged looks before following Atsou through a pair of double doors and stopped when he reached his private courtyard. There, they saw a small four year-old boy playing with a few servants. Ozai was confused but he noticed Katara staring wide eyed at the boy as he turned to look up at her, revealing blue eyes.

"This is Noatak. Our son." Atsou told her as he glanced at her with a smile. "You thought him to be dead upon his arrival in this world but he was very much alive."

Katara's hand went over her mouth as she looked at the little boy in horror. Ozai furrowed his brow and clenched his fists.

"This is that child you forced on her?! You resurrected him?!"

Atsou shook his head as he looked to his son, "There was no need. He needed no resurrection. Maybe he appeared dead because he's the first of his kind."

The couple looked questioningly at Atsou.

"Our son is the first male siren, Katara, and I hope you will raise him well." Atsou looked back at Katara.

Ozai glared at his brother, "You mean to throw away your son?"

"I mean to insure he is not alone in this world as I have been." Atsou looked to his brother. "My time has run out. My son should be with his mother."

Katara looked up at Atsou in rage, "If you knew that, why did you unleash chaos onto the world?!"

Atsou smirked at her, "To take something precious from everyone, to take someone or someones precious from you." He reached for her face. "I always told you that if you crossed me, I'd kill to make you regret it."

Katara's and Ozai's eyes widened as they realized Atsou had anticipated their arrival.

…

Zhiar growled as he fought off the creatures that had suddenly broken into the palace. Apparently, the creatures had managed to destroy the dome and made their way into the city. Most of everyone had made it into the underground shelters that his father had created in case of something like this. However, everyone in the palace had been ambushed before they could make it. His grandmothers took the triplets and Hiroshi along with other palace residents into the underground shelter beneath the palace. However, him and his family members stayed to fend off the creatures until everyone had safely gotten away.

"Hey! This wing is cleared! I think we should start pulling back, Zhiar!" Ryu said as he and Mailan were aiding in taking out the abominations.

Zhiar shouted for them to head to the safe place as he and Azula burned the remaining abominations entering the public courtyards of this area of the palace.

Ryu nodded as he took Mailan's hand and ran. "Let's get out of here."

Mailan let herself be pulled by her older brother and the two hurried to where the underground shelter was. However, they were stopped by a reanimated tiger-dillo and as they both prepared to take it out, they saw it turn its attention to a small child that clearly hadn't gotten away yet. Ryu was about to make a move to take down the beast but Mailan moved quicker as she could see the beast about to pounce on the small child. She erected a wall to shield her as she grabbed the little boy. Ryu took out the tiger-dillo just as Mailan was about to make it over to him with the small boy but his eyes widened when he saw another larger beast attack from the side, snatching the small child and Mailan.

"Mailan!" Ryu screamed as he watched his sister being whisked away. He used his firebending to propel him forward with great speed to catch up to the creature but just as he was about to reach it, another beast dropped down on him.

In fury and panic, Ryu incinerated the beast and tried to catch up to the beast that got away but as he did, he saw the beast was lying dead on the ground. He felt relief all up until he saw where the small boy and his sister laid motionless on the ground. Hurrying up to her side, Ryu shook Mailan to get her to get up but she didn't budge.

"Mailan!" He shouted her name as dread fell over him. "Mailan!"

Ryu pushed her to roll over and only to confirm his worst nightmare. Mailan's lifeless blue eyes stared up blankly at him and he pulled back in horror. "Mailan?" He called her name in a whisper as his hand went over his mouth. Just as a disbelieving cry escaped him, he heard footsteps from behind him and turned to see Zhiar and Azula approaching. The two seemed to notice right away that something wasn't right.

"Ryu…wh-what-" Zhiar's eyes were wide as he looked from his horrified little brother to their motionless little sister. "What happened?" His voice cracked in fear.

Azula stared in shock but stood still and said nothing as Zhiar approached the two younger of their siblings. She could see as clear as day what was wrong.

Reaching where their sister laid, Zhiar got down on his knees and pulled the teen girl into his arms, cradling her head to his chest. Her body was limp but he shook her a little anyway. "Mailan." He said her name. "Mailan. Mailan, you've got to wake up. We need to get to the safe zone."

Ryu just stared in even more horror as his older brother patted her cheeks a little to get her to wake. It was already setting in that his sister, his best friend since the day they met, was gone.

"Mailan, come on. Stop playing." Zhiar shook her a little harder. "This isn't funny!" He started getting frustrated. "Mom and dad will be back soon and they can't see you like this! You need to wake up!"

Ryu dropped his head to the floor and started weeping as Azula finally came over and went to Zhiar placing her hand on Zhiar's shoulder.

"Zhiar, she's gone." Azula told her in a gentle and calm voice.

Zhiar snapped his head at her and his eyes glowed red. "You shut the fuck up! She's not gone! We're spirit damn immortals! She can't die!"

Azula sighed, "She's not a phoenix, Zhiar." She reminded him.

Zhiar looked from Azula back to Mailan and took in the look of mortification on her face as her eyes stared blankly at him. She must have realized it all in the last moments…that she was going to die.

"No." He ran his hand over her flushed cheek and shook his head. "No!" He pulled her to his chest and held her tight. "NO!"

Azula saw the small boy beside them begin to re-animate and she swiftly destroyed his head. "Come on, Zhiar. We need to get to the others. Make sure everyone else is accounted for."

Zhiar wept and stood to his feet as Azula had to help Ryu to his feet. As they arrived to the shelter, they were greeted by his uncle and father's ex-wife. The two were relieved to see them but soon noticed the looks on their faces and the limp girl in Zhiar's arms.

Ursa's hand went to her mouth, "Oh no."

"By the gods." Iroh was equally as horrified. "Is she-"

"We need to lay her down somewhere. Gather the others." Azula told them.

As soon as Mailan's body was laid down, Zhiar and Azula went back out to deal with the abominations and securing the city. By the time the wall was repaired quickly by earthbenders and all the creatures in the city were taken care of, Azula noticed her father's and Katara's presence in the city. They hurried back to the palace and found that everyone had exited the underground shelter of the palace and Mailan's body had been moved to her chambers.

Upon entering the chambers, Zhiar and Azula hurried Katara's horrid and hysterical cry of despair. They paused as not long after the crying began, they saw their father storm out of the bedroom with a frightening rage filled expression on his face. He left without another word and Zhiar decided to go comfort his mother.

Seeing the woman on her knees by the bed where her deceased daughter laid, weeping as she held to the now stiff hand of the teen, Zhiar listened to her beg the gods for her child back.

"I'll give anything! Please! Tui and La, give me my daughter back!" Katara screamed.

Zhiar got down on his knees beside his mother and placed his arm over her shoulder, bringing her to his chest.

Outside the bedroom, everyone sat around in silence except for Ryu, who cried that it was his fault Mailan was dead. He wasn't fast enough. His Uncle Sokka tried to assure him that he was not at fault and that the two of them were just trying to save everyone but Ryu refused to believe otherwise. Mailan had been his best friend throughout their young lives and even when they got on each other's nerves, they still loved one another. They were so close that they always shared the same chambers and would even sleep in the bed beside each other because they were so inseparable. Everyone joked that they were more twins than Zhiar and Kya because of their relationship. Mailan had been the first person Ryu came out to. She wasn't at all surprised and kept it a secret until he was ready to tell the family. They were mischievous as all hell together. Always up to no good. His grandfather lectured them quite a bit after he came to live with his mother. His grandfather always said they'd be the death of him and it looked like they had. He saw his grandfather's face and his mother's cries. This was his fault. This was all his fault. He got his best friend killed because he wasn't quick enough.

…..

A week passed and there was an air of melancholy that had silently hung over the royal family. Even with the creatures being completely eradicated from the Phoenix King's restlessness and the world slowly returning back to its original way of life, none of them could rejoice. How could they? One of the most innocent and gleeful members of their family had just died. To make matters worse, the person who held everyone together like glue had completely checked out and refused to be seen. She stayed held up in her chambers with a small boy that none of them had been introduced to. They all tried to do whatever they could to distract themselves or stay out of the way.

Zhiar was currently helping his father's ex-wife and Uncle Iroh pack their things to return to the Fire Nation as his father had raged at them when they tried giving condolences to him upon his return home. He understood his father was devastated by Mailan's death and only knew how to express himself through his anger but Ursa and Iroh had done nothing wrong. When they were packed up, the siren guards opened a portal to the Fire Nation for them to return home. Zhiar carried their things with him through the portal and found Zuko talking with his ministers in the hall. He looked surprised to see them as he was just informed his father had wiped out all the abominations globally.

Parting with his ministers, Zuko went up to Zhiar and his mother and Iroh to see they wore gloom looks on their faces. He looked between them all and asked what happened. Ursa decided to let Iroh tell him the news.

"Nephew, there's been a loss in the family." Iroh said gravely.

Zuko's eyes widened, "Ryu?! How's Ryu?!"

"He…he will be fine…in due time but Mailan, Katara's daughter, she was killed by one of the creatures that attacked the city. She was trying to save a small boy but failed and lost her life in the process. The creature's bite is venomous to inhumans that weren't phoenixes." Iroh explained.

Though Zuko was relieved his son was fine, he still felt broken at this news. Mailan was always very close to Ryu and he knew how much his father loved Mailan from the very day he took her from the North Pole. It was easily forgotten that she was not kin to his father's family as she fit right in with all of them. He needed to go see how Katara and Ryu were, knowing his father would not be approachable right now.

Zhiar looked to his oldest brother, "My mom wants Mailan's funeral in the South Pole since Mailan was of full Water Tribe descent. The funeral will be in two days. Can you convince Kya and Jotaro to come?" He asked.

Zuko sighed somberly and nodded, "I will try."

Returning home, Zhiar went to go check on his mother and as soon as he entered the chambers, he heard his father shouting at his mother as she tried tearfully pleading with him. He paused and tried listening to what was going on as he couldn't believe they'd be arguing at a time like this.

"Ozai, please! Don't make me give up another child! Please! I can't lose another!" Katara cried as she was at his feet, begging him.

Refusing to spare her a glance, "I'm not raising that bastard's son! He's why Mailan is dead!" Ozai shouted. "He's why our daughter is dead!"

"But-"

"I will take him to a safe village in the North Pole, let him be raised by a nice couple and lead a happy life. This will be good for him. We have other children to look after and protect, we don't need one more. Besides, I can't stand to look at that boy for even a second more!" Ozai tried his best to not rage at his grieving wife but he needed her to understand the situation they were in. "You would be saving him the fate of having a father that hated his very being, Katara. Let me take him up north."

Katara forced herself from the floor and tearfully stared at him with an absolutely broken heart, shaking her head. "No, let me pick the family." Katara struggled to speak with the lodge in her throat. "It was my original intention when he was born that someone else would raise him."

Ozai sighed and agreed to this, placing his hands on her shoulder. He tried apologizing to her but she threw his hands from her and went to gather her son. Going to get Noatak, Katara found the little boy playing with the water in the tub, and crouched beside him.

"Noatak." She called his name lightly as she sniffled.

The little boy turned to look up at her, "Hi, mommy." He said in a sweet voice that broke her heart.

Tearing up some more, "I'm going to take you somewhere, okay?"

"Take me where?" He tilted his head.

"To your new home." Katara's voice cracked as she had to wipe her tears away and force a smile.

"But I thought this was my new home…" Noatak said as he could see tears in his mother's eyes. "I thought I would get to be with you. Daddy said you would take care of me."

Katara hadn't thought her heart could break any further than it already had. There was just no way but in this moment, her heart felt shattered and her resolve broke. She pulled her son to her and held him tight, weeping as she held him and didn't want to let go. She didn't want to let go of another child. However, it seemed her husband sensed this and came into the bathroom to see her clinging to her child.

"Katara, we agreed on this." Ozai reminded her. "He has to go."

Katara looked at him once more with teary eyes, "I just lost Mailan, Ozai, don't force me to lose another child! Please don't do this!"

Zhiar decided to intervene when he heard both his mother and the small boy screaming but just as he arrived his father had opened a portal with the boy in his hands as he passed through, the mother and child crying out for one another. Zhiar was about to chase after his father but his mother grabbed his leg and shook her head as she cried.

"No, Zhiar." Katara cried. "Leave it."

Zhiar looked at the pitiful mess his mother was and quickly went to her, taking her into his arms. "Mom, what's going on?"

Weeping against her son, "I have failed so much as a mother, Zhiar! I have failed tremendously! And I'm so so sorry! This wasn't the life I wanted for any of you! You all deserved so much better and I failed!"

Zhiar held his mother's small form in his arms until his father showed back up and told her that he found a couple that would take the boy in.

"I'm sorry, Katara." Ozai said as he looked in pity at his wife, knowing she had never been this miserable in her life. While he loved Mailan like he loved Kya, Mailan was the daughter Katara had snatched away from her after birthing her and now, she was gone again from her, never to return. His heart broke at his lost daughter and it broke at how his wife and family were taking this loss. All the pain they all faced, they had never lost one of their own like this. It was devastating and he barely knew how to confront his own feelings on the matter. All he knew was Mailan's death left a hole in his heart that he would never be able to fill and he wasn't able to express it the same way as Katara. Not just because he had to maintain his appearance as Phoenix King but because he just wasn't able to break down emotionally even though he never felt pain like this before. Maybe he was just numb outside of being angry and in time, he could grieve a little more properly. Ozai didn't know but he knew he needed to call for a family meeting to discuss something important.

…..

A/N:

More coming up soon!