I just want to start off by apologizing profusely for my absence. It's been over a month! You guys were so sweet and generous as far as reviews go last chapter and I rewarded you guys with a month absence! I honestly have no idea what's wrong with me. I've had this chapter in the works for a while (Brisalad, you have a better idea of how long than anyone else). When I tell you that I couldn't bring myself to post it, I do mean it. I wrote it and rewrote it and then did it again and then I edited and altered that last draft (I feel a headache coming on.

If you care to know; partially, I took so long because I overlooked something that I corrected (or attempted to anyway) in this chapter...can you guess what? I also have plot related stuff that I'm trying to weave in, but I'm so excited I keep getting ahead of myself. And, I'm embarrassed to say that I also let some words get to me. I have a vision for this story and well the words made me feel they were implying that I hadn't given it thought and my abilities as a writer were trash (not that I'm spectacular or anything, but it doesn't feel good either way). Alas, after a lot deliberation (and I do mean a lot). I will take it at face value and say I'm thankful for the advise even if I felt insulted by it at first. (Maybe even still, but I think that's just my wounded pride speaking :)

To my friend Brisalad: Thank you so much for your kind words always and the birthday wishes! I promise to get back to you soon! I'm sorry it's taking me so long.

To all my lovely readers: You are all so precious! I look forward to your reviews and and you guys are so kind it warms my heart. I truly do feel bad that it's taken me so long! Considering how angsty this story gets though, I imagine the break might be a welcome one though :)

Without further ado, Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Space

I find myself eating my own words. I just hope I can keep up. I might as well slap the world and call it a day. I shift in my spot as an emptiness washes over me. I have to keep up. Zoning in and out on the discussion around me has already turned out to be not one of my better ideas considering the fact that everyone from the invasion is still in prison completely slipped my mind. A memory of the serpents pass comes to mind: abandon hope. Whatever I have going on isn't really important at this point. Get your priorities straight, I berate myself.

"We've been here two days." Katara states seriously, "Before we do anything else, we need to start off by releasing our friends from prison."

Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I force myself to pull forth details of essence from the past year along with what little I've been able to grasp of the discussion thus far. After the fall of Ba Sing Se, the Earth King went his way so we have that to figure out. Then there's the matter of removing Fire Nation troops from Ba Sing Se. The Dai Lee, pull several different issues starting from Long Feng and continuing with Azula. My headache becomes stronger as I dig my brain. A thought crosses my mind. I don't know how much favor Zuko has here, but regardless, it's probably best for him to take his place on the throne sooner rather than later.

Sokka nods, "I agree. Truthfully, we should have done that as soon as we got here, but with everything that's happened..."

He doesn't finish his thought, but he also doesn't need too. We all know how much these past couple of days have taken a toll on us. I pause, It's only been two days since...Ozai's death. On a calendar, that is a minor length to a month, even less to a year and yet...it feels like a decade. Still, just the same as a matter of blinking time has gone. Clenching my jaw, I force myself to remain present. The Dai Li, Ba Sing Se, focus Aang. I turn to Zuko, "How long do you think it'll take to hear back from your uncle?"

"Maybe a couple of days. I don't expect it to be longer than a week."

"I wonder how Ba Sing Se is holding up..." Katara adds distantly. No doubt her thoughts are wandering to the Order.

Sokka frowns, "Especially with the Dai Li joining Azula."

Zuko looks at each of us briefly with determination, "If the White Lotus hasn't managed to force out the Fire Nation troops, I can the very least have them retreat. Either way, I will have them come home. As soon as we're done here, I'll get started on that."

"As for the Dai Li," he beings thoughtfully, "Azula banished them all."

"Banished..." Suki asks wide eyed, "all of them?"

"Like I said before, Azula isn't exactly in her right mind now According to Lo and Li, Azula's advisors, Azula became...paranoid." Zuko tells us, "She banished just about everyone. Even the Imperial Firebenders, the fact that we still have cooks is a miracle in itself, which reminds me that I have to fix that mess."

Zuko completely sags in his spot, gaze tired. Absentmindedly, I register a throb in my chest. A dead, abusive, power hungry father; an insane, psychomaniac, sister; and a nation blinded by decades of false superiority propaganda. Still, he remains determined. I suddenly feel sosmall... I toss the thought to the back of my mind as Zuko meets my gaze. Embers shining brightly tell me that's it's alright. What is? I don't know, but as he reassures me with his gaze I find myself wanting to do the same.

I lean forward on the table and grin, "Well, we'd be happy to help with anything you need, Sifu Hotman."

He groans, but his body loosens as the rest of the gang nod along, "Yeah Zuko, as an official member of team Avatar, you are entitled to many perks of our membership—such as: helping you rebuild your nation."

Sokka grins and Katara quirks an eye brow at him, mildly amused. Toph leans back on one hand, "I've never heard of these perks...do they include identification badges?"

Sarcasm drips from her tone though her grin is friendly. Suki covers her hand, muffling her laughter. Sokka pouts mumbling, "...I've been working on it..."

Wiping a stray tear, Suki pats his hand, "I think it's a nice idea, Sokka."

His eyes brighten. Pulling her into a hug, he tells her, "Suki, you—you...you are the best!"

"Anyway," Katara interjects, "You don't have to do everything by yourself. We want to help you. We can't rule your nation for you, but we can help you organize the coronation and whatever else you need us for. Aang can probably back you up when it comes to speaking with the other nations."

I nod. Defeating the Fire Lord was only the beginning. Peace won't come just because Ozai is dead, it certainly hasn't come for me. There is bound to be some form of resistance.

As it tends to do now, my thoughts wander to a time before I could even begin to understand what being the Avatar entailed. Normally, we would have told you of your identity when you turned 16, but there are troubling signs. Storm clouds are gathering. Oh Gyatso, you had no idea how bad it was to become. It became worse than a nightmare. I wish it had been normal. Four years ahead of time. This job was thrust upon me four years ahead of time. Four elements had to be mastered in a year. I'm still a kid.

I clutch my pants. I'm twelve.

I watch my friends. We're all just kids.

I suddenly have a thought. I'm the only one that has known normal, or rather a life without war because ultimately—living with a war for them is normal. My heart skips a beat. Though I know this line of though doesn't help, I find myself walking on it anyway: it's my fault. Sozin maybe started it, but I sealed it. If I had been there. If had just...been there. I may have been killed, but maybe not. Maybe then, the world wouldn't have been as it is.

Suki and Katara discuss releasing the prisoners of war and toss ideas about setting up an area for them to be treated (should it be necessary) and settled in temporarily while we get everything under control. Toph discusses with Zuko security. Their conversations jumping from lie detection to guards to the imperial fire benders (at which Suki jumps in to mention her Kyoshi Warriors can also help in that department) to coronation preparations when Sokka brings it up; who to invite and not as well as how to keep from any accidents occurring.

Yanchen's voice echoes as a whisper in my head: Selfless duty calls you to sacrifice your own spiritual needs, and do whatever it takes, to protect the world. Whatever it takes, I will bring peace.

Just as Zuko said, we hear back from Iroh within a couple days. Ba Sing Se is once more under Earth Kingdom rule. Iroh along with the other members of the White Lotus have taken it upon themselves to take control of the palace as they search for King Kuei. The Fire Nations soldiers stationed there have retreated and currently make their way back home. Zuko sent a messenger hawk to the general leading the forces informing him of the new incoming reign. Much to our surprise, General Jian seemed rather subdued in his response offering a brief message of congratulations to Zuko and stating he would move the troops home as soon as possible. However, Zuko says the older general is one in particular that doesn't have much of a thirst for bloodshed.

Zuko for his part has been running up and down learning inside and out the works of life in the palace. Every time I've managed a glance at him, he's either buried in a scroll, writing on one, or talking to someone. He's been working on sorting out the personnel loyal to Ozai verses those who will follow the rules of the throne—that is those who will accept him as the new Fire Lord. As far as Zuko is concerned, he doesn't expect his nation to love him off the bat, he just needs a chance to prove himself. Still, being beside him as he tries to navigate his new leadership role, I notice how his shoulders sag after a particularly tough conversation (if you can even call them that).

More than once, I have been tempted to blast someone out of the room, but I take one look at Zuko and think better of it. If there is one thing he hasn't lost despite having joined the 'good guys' is his ability to intimidate. It helps that he's been wearing his armor to meetings and actually sitting at the throne. A shiver crawls up my spine as I recall the sneer that twisted his face, how the wall of flames separating him to the rest of the people in the room burst into hot uncontrollable embers, when a general made the mistake of suggesting Zuko continue in his father's honorable footsteps. I nearly smacked him myself if I hadn't been trying to stop Zuko from doing something he might regret.

I fight the urge to beat myself over the head. I hope I don't have to deal with anything like that. It's bad enough that I've been writing formal messages to the Water Tribe and the Earth Kingdom (hopefully King Kuei gets his whenever he's found) along with Zuko. I'm not cut out for this political nonsense as Toph likes to call it, but while it's not strictly necessary, even she admits it would definitely help insure that we weren't treated as we were in Ba Sing Se: like kids. To be fair, we are, but I thought I'd spare my arm the pain. Speaking of Toph,

"Remind me again why I'm doing this?"

I look away from the soft yellow fabric laid out on the table to Toph. Her arms are spread out horizontally as one of the servants takes her waist measurements. The scowl on her face clearly indicates how much she loves the process.

"Zuko suggested we get new robes for the ceremony. Sokka agreed and so did Katara."

"Agreed is an understatement," she puffs, eye twitching when a servant corrects her posture.

"If they wanted it so much, then why aren't they here?"

I pull the sketch I've been working on for my robes from my pocket and answer her, "They already did theirs and, you know Suki has her Kyoshi gear. You've been so busy testing Zuko's guards' ability to protect him, they didn't want to disturb you."

"Well, they did anyway."

I shrug, "Zuko said he can keep himself alive for a few hours."

That isn't a lie. Truth be told, Zuko does rely a lot on Toph. Told me as much. As far as I can tell, he seems to be under the impression that he's putting too much on her and even if for a bit he wanted to give her a break. Personally, I doubt he has anything to worry about. Toph loves yelling and she's been doing a lot of that. I bet some of the guards even wish they were still banished. That being said, Suki has taken to guarding Zuko while Toph's otherwise occupied.

"Finally," she grumbles when the ladies let her go. I swallow harshly as they motion me toward them. I hand them the sketch for my robes.

"You have an idea for your robes, Avatar Aang." The seamstress looks pointedly at Toph.

Toph impassively responds, "I gave you a general idea too."

"Loose and 'tough earth bender' looking is what you said," she deadpans.

"Well, it's not like I can see."

I turn to the seamstress, "I'm not taking my cloths off."

The two servants giggle quietly at that. She glares at them before turning back to me, "What is it with you children and your timidness? Call her what you will, but at least the princess let me do my job quickly."

Toph snorts, "The princess and her father lord also gave him the scars he's currently hiding under those robes."

"Im not," I pause, "hiding them."

"No? Then, why did you change the shoulder you wear them on?"

Her arms are crossed, waiting. My shoulders droop, "Trying something new."

"You're lying, Aang."

I don't want to talk about it. If they don't see them, they won't ask. Clearly, it's working (or it was) considering no one has asked about the large burn Ozai gave me before he died. I spread my arms as much as I'm physically capable of. I'm still healing from my battle with Ozai. The seamstress sighs defeated. I frown, "How did you know I changed the side I wear my robes on?"

"Katara pointed it out." Toph answers easily.

The old seamstress asks, "That's the young water bender?"

I nod. She hums thoughtfully. Toph grabs a nearby chair and flops on it, "Why?"

"Nothing, just making an observation."

"Were you this talkative with Azula?"

"Goodness no!" She exclaims, "That child would have me banished!"

She gasps covering her mouth and bows lowly, "Master Beifong, forgive my indiscretion."

"Wow there," Toph sits up, "Don't bow. I can feel you wobble from here."

I rush to the older seamstress side to steady her. Toph adds with a grin, "Besides, that's probably the least problematic thing you've said all day."

I panic as the woman begins bowing profusely again, "My sincerest apologies, I must have lost my mind!"

I hold her up, "Madam Shin, it's alright. So long you don't have some hidden plot to kill us..."

The woman blanches seemingly horrified, "Why I never...of course not! Avatar Aang, Master Beifong, my sincerest apologies!"

Her head hangs low. Toph sits up. Her posture and general air reminds me of the time she got us the tickets to Ba SIng Se. Firmly she tells her, "We believe you. I hope you realize, however, that it is a sensitive topic."

The woman flushes, "My deepest apologies, I– Master Katara was rather amicable, I just... You're so young and Avatar Aang..."

She pauses choking up, "My grandson...you have a striking resemblance...I meant no disrespect."

Unsure, I reach for her hands, "It's alright. No harm done. Toph is just rather blunt in the way she speaks. You can speak comfortably."

Toph frowns appearing thoughtful. When I finish speaking, her body relaxes. Her face becomes impassive and her tone softens.

"Yeah," Toph adds passively, "You should definitely keep calling me Master Beifong though. I like it."

"Of course, Master Beifong." She bows her head. I let go and resume my previous position. The two servants come to my side, measuring tapes ready at hand.

I frown, "Why are people in the palace always apologizing for things like this?"

The incident in the kitchens comes to mind as I ask. She keeps her eyes on the sketch for my robes, "Fire Lord—pardon me—Former Fire Lord Ozai was very particular about how things were to be in the palace. The princess, on the other hand, was usually more laid back; however, in the time nearing her coronation, she became distressed, so many people were banished for seemingly menial things... still we knew what was expected of us, but you don't act like the former residents and as such we are not sure of what your expectations are. Prince Zuko is a bit of a difficult person to read."

I nod. I can't imagine what these people must have been through, three different rulers in less than a week. All with varying temperament it seems. I blink, as she pulls the yellow fabric I was looking at before.

"You want this as the primary...?

"Yeah, ideally, the lighter the robes, the better..."

She frowns unsure. I grin, "They're formal wear, so I do expect them to be on the heavier side, I just mean they should be simple, and breathable. I'm an airbender."

"I see," she says, "You definitely know how to send a message, Avatar Aang."

I blush. Toph blinks, "What do you mean?"

The woman gently corrects one of the servants measurements before looking to me for permission. I nod, curious. She walks to the table looking at the various orange colored fabrics, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but orange and yellow are traditionally, Air Nation colors. I'm not too familiar with their dress wear, but even the design is very particular, simple in appearance, yet elegant in design. Beauty in simplicity. The Avatar's robes are to be entirely yellow, save for the orange sash around his waist. Unlike how he's currently dressed, this attire isn't exactly functional for attack. While it allows for free mobility it seems the main purpose is formality. Given it's meant to be used on a celebratory day, it implies the Avatar is wanting to appear open and even as amicable as possible and less as the savior of the world ready for war. He will be attending the coronation not only as the Avatar, but as a member of the Air Nation."

I gape. Truth be told, I don't know I'm fit to represent my nation, but I'm afraid if I don't reassure myself of who I am, where I've come from, I may forget. I'm an airbender. I have to remember that.

"Twinkletoes!"

I snap out of my thoughts, "Huh?"

"We're done."

Madam Shin is packing up her belongings. I lower my arms, "Oh."

She bows and steps out of the room leaving Toph and I to ourselves.

I stuff a handful of Fire flakes in my mouth as Katara rushes into the dining room with Sokka, "Sorry, we got distracted talking to Bato, and Dad finally wrote back..."

Toph waves her hand dismissively, "Sparky's not here yet either."

"What did your dad say?" I ask.

This time, Sokka responds taking the seat next to Toph, "Apparently, Dad is still with the rest and they were crossing the Great Divide when the message got to them."

My eyes widen, "Wow, were they trying to get to a refugee town?"

Sokka nods, "Dad said with all the kids, he wanted to make sure they were safe and with Ba Sing Se under Fire Nation control... but get this! Guess who they met?"

Katara rolls her eyes. Toph leans over the table and whispers, "Man eating fruits?"

Katara and I laugh as Sokka glares, "No."

Stifling my laugh, I ask, "Who?"

He grins appeased, "The Zhang and Gan Jin Tribes."

"You can't be serious?" I ask, my jaw basically on the floor.

Katara shakes her head, "No. And even better, dad said, I quote: I've never seen two tribes so harmonious with one another."

I bang my head on the table. Slowly I peek a glance at Katara now sitting beside me. A smile spreads across my lips and hers. Suddenly, we're laughing. At some point, I begin clutching my stomach. Sokka clicks his tongue, "I can't believe you lied to them..."

I grin, "Hey, it stopped them from feuding."

"What did he do?" Toph asks Sokka.

I shake my head as Sokka gives her the run down of everything that went down between the two tribes. Two groups of people arguing for a hundred years...perhaps I was wrong to make up a story. But, they were both awful. If a feud is worth endangering your lives, then I can live with having lied to them about their leaders. Wei Jin and Jin Wei as far as I'm concerned shall forever be the 8 year old twins playing redemption.

"Dang TwinkleToes, who knew you could cause trouble like that..."

I rub my neck, "I'd like to think I solved one."

"Solved what?"

A tired Zuko walks into the room. Heavily, he drops onto a chair. Servants immediately appear serving large dishes of food. I salivate as I spot someone bringing an egg custard tart. Licking my lips, my eyes tremble as a hand reaches over for it. I follow it as they set it next to me, hidden to everyone else by large bowls of stew. I look to see who it is... Katara. She's grinning as she winks before turning to serve herself some stew.

I turn to Zuko, "Long day?"

"You have no idea," he rubs his head, "I had so many either singing my praises or condemning me...I'm not even Fire Lord yet!"

"That's probably why." Toph says.

Sokka takes a bite of bread, "Once you're Fire Lord, it won't matter what they say."

Zuko frowns, "I just don't want to be like him. Most of the servants are scared of me, not that they weren't before...but it's worse now! I'm walking on egg shells!"

"Maybe they just don't know what to expect." I tell him quietly.

Toph perks up as I say that. He looks at me curiously. I pour myself some watermelon juice, "Think about it, before you was Azula and before Azula, was Ozai, all in less than a week."

Beside me, Katara speaks, "Aang's got a point Zuko. They must be so confused. Especially with Azula going around banishing everyone."

"Ugh, don't remind me." Zuko covers his face with his hand.

Sokka ever so comforting, "And let's face it, your temper isn't that good either, especially before you joined us."

Zuko glowers with no real energy behind it. He rest his cheek on his hand, "So, what should I do then?"

Toph shrugs, "Get the palace together, and talk to your servants, let them know what their job under your rule is going to be like. Tell them what you expect, what is allowed, and what is not."

"That's a good idea Toph!"

"Thanks Sugarqueen," she grumbles, "but that's just what my parents did whenever anything major happened. Remember, I come from money."

Zuko nods. Katara watches him concerned, "Eat for now, Zuko. Did you even eat the meal I sent you? Suki?"

I wince when I feel the sharp pain on my back by how fast I turned to look at Katara, "You made him food?"

She pauses watching me curiously, "...Not exactly, I've been all over the place getting everyone situated...but rumor has it Zuko's been running around and NOT eating."

She looks at him disapprovingly, "I asked the cooks to make him some food just in case."

He rolls his eyes, "I appreciate it, Katara. I did eat it, but it wasn't necessary. Im perfectly capable of feeding myself."

Suki coughs, "Might I remind you that I had to force you to take a break for food."

Obviously not. My head retorts to Zuko's previous statement. I frown, Zuko has been very busy. He's almost always awake these days. I'm not surprised food is the last thing on his mind. Nor am I surprised Katara would notice. Still, the non-logical side of my brain is jealous and uncomfortable. I don't like it. I shake my head and finish what's left of my beans. With more aggression than necessary, I dig into my tart.

Katara

The halls are empty, and save for the sound of our steps on the floor—the area is silent. I watch Aang through the corner of my eye. He seems lost in thought. I fight the urge to ask him what's on his mind. Instead, I ponder over my conversation with Sokka.

Sapphire eyes study me with a seriousness uncharacteristic to them. Frowning, I cross my arms and shift my weight from one foot to the other. Uneasy, I hold his gaze as if his face will show me what he wants.

"Be careful."

"What?" I ask confused.

He sighs, "I know that to you, Aang is just this goofy kid, but that goofy kid just killed-"

"What are you trying to say?"

His eyes widen. Even I have to pause in shock. The sharp warning in my tone lingers in my head, but even as my surprise registers—my eyes dare Sokka to say something stupid. Nails digging into my palm, I growl lowly, "Think very carefully about your next words."

My eyes narrow as he takes determined steps toward me. Firmly, he snarls quietly, "He's my family too. Don't put words in my mouth."

Intensely, we stare each other down before I look away. I close my eyes remembering my harsh words to him before leaving with Zuko to find Yon Rha. He huffs taking a step back, "Katara, do you understand how we just found you two, not even ten minutes ago?"

"What does that...?"

"Katara," he groans irritated, "Aang...killing Ozai, wasn't easy for him."

I stare at him dumbfounded. Of course it wasn't, I witnessed the pain he...Heartbroken sobs echo in my head. Sokka pulls on his hair, "Aang isn't...Aang, he's..." he waves his arms around in frustration before slumping, "I failed him."

I gape at him. What? My entire body softens, "Why are you...?"

"Look. It's not my place to talk about what you or he feels, but...just be gentle with him. He's been through a lot. Don't push him."

"I wouldn't—"

"Just think about it, okay?"

Sincerity shines in his eyes, "Sokka, I love him. The last thing I want-"

"Like a brother?" He watches me with a penetrating stare.

Only a week ago I argued with Aang about this. My cheeks flush. He couldn't know about that? Could he? I open my mouth and close it, "I-"

I don't know.

"The way we found you two in bed," he narrows his eyes and crosses his arms, "Katara, whatever you feel, whatever you do, just don't break his heart. Don't confuse him."

I pinch my nose. Am I that transparent? I'm perfectly aware of why I can't afford to address my feelings for Aang. Whatever I may feel or not isn't as important as the world, nor as important as keeping Aang alive. It's definitely not another thing Aang needs to worry about now.

"Katara?"

I see wide sparkling eyes watching me with concern, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, were you saying something?" You had one job, Katara.

"Not really," he eyes me skeptically, "We're here."

I look around the room. I hide a grimace by walking into the room, "Do you want to sit on the bed?"

I set the bowl of water I've been carrying on the bedside. Thank the spirits I didn't drop it. I pull Aang's hand from his shoulder and begin sliding his robe off myself, "It still feels uncomfortable?"

He nods, "It's better than it was, but yes."

"How's Zuko doing by the way?" He ask looking away from me.

I quirk an eyebrow, "You mean his wound?"

"It's healing nicely."

Which it is. The scar won't go away, but it's coming along well. The only thing I wish he would stop doing is running around like a mad man. Then again, Zuko is about as crazy as Aang when it comes to their duties.

"You never did tell me what exactly happened..."

I take a seat beside him, "Azula and Zuko, they tried to duel each other. She challenged him to an Agni Kai."

His eyes widen, "What?"

"I thought the same thing, but Zuko thought it was better that way, so no one else got hurt and for a while he was doing well." I shake my head, "Azula wasn't in her right mind and he knew that, but then he pushed her too hard."

I think about the flash of lightening heading straight my way. Aang places a hand on mine. His fingers squeeze mine as I speak, "He baited her into producing lightening with the intention of redirecting it at her I suppose...but at the last moment she shot it at me. That's when he jumped in."

His eyes grow more and more concerned as I spoke until they widened at last. Immediately, a pair of arms wrap themselves around me, "Thank god for Zuko."

My heart skips a beat. Tentatively, I allow myself to wrap my arms around his waist. I made a promise to myself to give him space. To watch him quietly. Whatever I feel cannot be another source of distress for him. Yet, in his arms, I can't find the will to pull away. I know I should, but I just can't.

So it's on the longer side, but I hope you guys liked it. I will not take another month to update. However, I do have a rather busy week ahead of me so maybe the week after the next. Possibly sooner. As always, I would love to hear from you guys so if you can spare sometime to let me know what you think, please do so!

Quote of the Chapter

Everyone can think, for which reason it's best to think for oneself instead of for others.

-Pyrenees