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Chapter Text

-The Sun Warrior ruins, 20 years ago-

Lu Tens heart was beating fast in his chest, as he awaited the true masters of Firebending. The 16 year old had no idea how he even got here. Well, that wasn't quiet right.

Of course this was his father's idea.

Only the infamous General Iroh of the Firenation, soon to be Firelord after Azulons eventual passing, would be fond of the idea of going on a, as he called it, life changing field trip.

And of course he had to drag his only child with him. And here they were, greeted by a not so dead civilization of Firebenders, about to learn the true Form of their power.

Iroh and Lu Ten each held a flame in their hand and waited for the masters to bring judgement above them.

Only the worthy ones could survive. Thats what the Chief told them.

Iroh didn't seem concerned about it at all.

But then they came. The Masters were none other than Dragons, two of them to be exact. "What-" Lu Ten couldn't speak another word, too stunned at the sight. One of them was blue and one Red, but both flew around them in circle. And neither looked too happy to be disturbed.

"Father", Lu Ten whispered. "What are we supposed to-"

But as he turned his head, Iroh had already dropped the flame and prepared himself for the Dragon Dance. He seemed to know what he was doing, so his son took a deep breath and followed his old man's advice.

He prayed to Agni and any other spirit there was that his father knew what he was doing.

And of course he did. They both left the temple of the Sun Warriors unharmed and they were blessed with the knowledge of the true Form if Firebending.

And the fact that the Dragons weren't that extinct.

Of course in his usual charming manner, the Chief asked them to keep this place a secret, so nobody should disturb their peace. And even more important, to spare Ran and Shaw, as the Dragons were called, from getting hunted.

"Don't worry, I know how to make sure of it". One of these fascinating creatures allowed Iroh to take one of its scales, a sign that he had killed a dragon.

Of course everyone in the Firenation knew that you had to actually slay the best for you to purchase something like this.

The Dragons could live in peace and Iroh got a nice nickname.

"How did you know what to do ?", Lu Ten asked his father as they made their way back to their ship. Time to return home. "About the dance ?"

"I had a feeling"

"You risked our lives over a feeling ?"

The now Dragon of the West chuckled and placed a hand on his sons shoulder. "I hope you can teach this newfound source to your own children some day, my boy

-Now-

A ship came to get Azula and the rest of her crew back home. She had succesfully conquered Ba Sing Se. The helpful Earthbenders tore the giant wall down and the look of these peasants faces when the troupes invaded... totally priceless.

The princess leaned against the reiling and enjoyed the wind playing with her long hair. Nothing beats the look on Zukos face when Lu Ten finally did the right thing and put her Uncle in his place.

Not to mention that her and Mai got Ty Lee back. Well, she sat next to the tea lover in her cell, crying for that water-boy toy of hers, but it was of course too gentle. For this treason, the little bitch deserved a death sentence.

Lucky for her, Azula was being generous.

Little did the princess know however, that her cousin had never betrayed those close to him.

Everything Lu Ten did in this cave was part of a plan.

His father told him to arrest him, make it look like he got tempted with the promise of redemption by his uncle.

But Lu Ten wasn't as foolish as to fall for that. He hated Ozai and everything he stood for. Never would his loyalty be any more than a play.

And the prince got Azula played.

He just hated that he had to keep Zuko, his little brother, in the dark about their plan. If he knew, maybe Azula would have suspected something.

Everything worked just as Iroh imagined it to be.

However that look of utter betrayal on Zukos face, when Lu Ten made no move to jump on Appa and escape with him. Instead siding with his sister and going back to the man that did all of this to Zuko.

Lu Ten still flinched when he thought about it.

He couldn't sleep through the night, when he closed his eyes he saw him.

'Please, let him understand'.

But even if Zuko knew... they had to split up one way or another. Which means the older one wasn't able to protect him.

'Don't be foolish', Lu Ten thought. It wasn't like Zuko was by himself. He had Katara, Sokka, Toph and Aang.

And Sensu.

Thinking about him hurt the prince almost just as much. They had just been reunited and started an actual relationship.

And now ?

"Something bothering you ?" Mai asked. Sometimes Lu Ten forgot the 17 year old existed on this ship as well. "Must be weird to be able to return after everything that happened".

Azula smirked. "Yeah, a life to luxury after years of living in the woods. How dreadful".

"I'm alright", Lu Ten lied. "I am looking forward to see my old home again."

Well, this one was party true. Lu Ten tried to act diffrent, but he missed his old life. He missed the Firenation and it's beauty. If only Zuko could be here now with him...

----

Finally Appa could land.

The poor guy had been up in the air for almost a whole day, no sign of a break. But he wouldn't stop. The worry about his badly hurt friend Aang gave him the strenght to keep going and to get at least the rest of them to safety.

Katara jumped from the saddle and stumbled a bit. She still couldn't believe how everything got so bad so fast.

At least nobody else Was hurt to badly.

Well, not physically at least.

Zuko had been a shaking mess as they took off and saw Ba Sing Se beneath them. But that wasn't what got him so bad.

It was Lu Ten and how he seemingly choose Azula.

But now, they knew better.

Sensu had taken Zuko in his arms and just held him. Just like his brother had always done when the otherhad another nightmare or something.

It wasn't the same but it was an effort.

It nearly broke Kataras heart.

And then, when Zuko was able to look up, Sensu told them the truth and the reason.

"It was all staged", The words bubbled out of Sensus mouth. "Iroh was the one who wanted Lu to gain Azulas trust. It was agreed upon".

Zukos eyes widened, even the one covered up by the large scar. "What-"

The word needed a moment to reach the prince. But Katara heard. She held his cheeks to get him to look at her. "Zuko, these are good news".

But her boyfriend disagreed there.

At first he was angry. Angry at his Uncle to putting his son in this Situation. And angry with Lu Ten for scaring him shitless.

How could he just watch him going mad, crying his eyes out, almost leaving his friends behind.

But his anger soon vanished and worry replaced this emotion.

"Theyll be back with father. What if his cover gets blown. What if he hurts Lu. What if-"

"Ty Lee too" Sokka reminded the prince. Just as he developed these truly romantic feelings for this bubbly girl, she had to play hero and got herself arrested.

"Without her we wouldn't have made it".

Katara nodded. She had her prejeduces against Ty Lee in the past, but she truly proved herself when it mattered. Azula would have shot them all with her lightning, had her chi not been blocked in time.

"We will save her", Katara said. "When the Day of the Black Sun arrives and the Invasion takes place, we will get her back".

Sokka sighed and nodded. His sister was right of course.

And now, here they were. The group consisting of Zuko, Katara, Sokka, Toph, an uncounsious Aang, Lee, Sensu and King Kuei.

"I wonder what happened to Jet", Zuko mumbled. After the guy evened up his debt, he just disappeared. Hopefully he managed to escape.

Toph was the only one completly silent. She held Aang dver since Katara healed the Avatar with her Spirit Water and refused to leave his side.

Now that they all were on solid ground again, The earthbender could feel his heartbeat again.

And she wouldn't rest until the boy opened his eyes. "Come on Twinkletoes", she mumbled. "Open your eyes. You can't leave me here with Sokka".

The watertribe boy almost laughed at this comment.

Zuko looked up at the sky and sighed. He wondered where Lu might be right now and if he saw the same stars as he did.

Were their mothers both up there watching over them ?

Katara took her seat next to him and he wrapped his arm around her.

"You are a hero, do you realize that ?", he whispered. "You saved the Avatar with the Spirit Water and so you saved the world"

Katara quickly wiped her tear away and smiled. "I did. But how will it go on from now on ?"

"It will be alright."

It had to be.

Chapter Text

"Lee !"

Sensu watched with a smile as his mother ran to her younger son and wrapped her arms around him, as soon as he hopped on the ground. "Mom... I can't breath".

Sela let go of Lee and turned her attention towards her first born, who she wrapped in a bone-crushing embrace as well.

"Sensu, I was so worried about you. We heard what happened in Ba Sing Se and we thought..."

The young earthbender let go of his mother and gave her a smile, to assure her everything was alright.

"Mother, I would like you to meet someone. They took care of Lee when he ran away". He gave his little brother a side eye.

Lee looked at the ground, seemingly ashamed but he had to suppress a grin. Even though he was sorry for putting his parents through all this worry, it had been an exciting adventure.

Sensu mentioned for Zuko to come closer, though the prince was a bit hesitant. His cousins boyfriend told him about his parents rather foul reaction to Lu Tens true identity.

And Zuko could understand their concern.

But Sensu put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Lu had already told you about him. This is Zuko".

Sela held a little tighter onto Lee. "Mom, it's okay. Zuko is my friend."

His mother looked down at him. "But... hes a Firebender."

"He is", Sensu told her. "But he is also my family now."

Selas eyes widened. "What are you saying? The Firelords son..."

"You mean the Firelord he risks his life for to fall down ?" Sensu put his hands on his hips. "Zuko is one of the good ones."

"I'm not sure..."

Now Katara joined the party. She had just finished healing Aang, as she did every day. Even though the Avatar had not awakened so far, she never forgot to heal him.

"There is not a single soul more gentle and good than Zuko". The waterbender took his hand to prove her point. "Ask anyone on this Bison. Nobody Firenation, but we all love him."

"I can understand why it sounds unbelievable". Sokka said. "And Zuko can be a real pain in the-"

"Hey !"

Sokka ignored his best friends complaint.

"But he saved all of us more times than I can count. You gotta give him a chance".

Now, with so many people vouching for him, Zuko couldn't help but be touched. He raised his head, to meet the young mothers eye.

"I will do everything I can to defeat my father. This war is not going to continue for much longer, I give you my word".

Sela looked at her two sons and took a deep breath. "Alright. I take your word for it. And... thank you for taking care of Lee, your Highness".

"Zuko", the prince immediatly protested. "I am just Zuko."

They just took this stop to drop Lee back with his parents. Sensu didn't want them to worry any longer than necessary. As the children climbed back on Appa to an unknown destination, he stayed back to bid farewell to everyone.

"So father went to look for Lee ?", he asked. Sela nodded. "Yes. But I will find a way to let him know that your brother is back home.

Sensu hugged his mother and as he let go of her, the former soldier turned his attention to Lee.

"And you stay out of trouble. No more running away or playing hero, you got me ?"

Lee crossed his arms. "Man, it's so unfair that you are the only one who gets all the fun."

Sensu chuckled. He wouldn't call taking part of an invasion where they could all be killed fun, but whatever the little guy says.

"Come here". Before Lee could protest against it, his older brother grabbed his and hugged the life out of him.

"Come back soon. With Lu Ten"

Now Sensu got back on Appa, the others already waiting for him.

Sela and Lee waved hin goodbye and the man hoped he would see them again.

"And where are we flying off to now ?"

"We look for my father", Sokka explained. "And then... well, we get there when we get there".

----

Lu Ten waited until he was sure they were all asleep. He didn't want to risk Azula catching him with the prisoners and asking awkward questions.

Just thinking about his father as a prisoner made the firebender's stomach churn.

Finally, however, both Azula and Mai were asleep in their bunks, and Lu Ten was able to sneak down into the belly of the ship.

Iroh and Ty Lee were locked in cells right now to each other. While his father still looked rather sane, it wasn't the first time he had been locked up after all, Lu Ten has to look twice at Ty Lee.

Azula had her dressed in some old prision rags, apparantly the ugliest they had. It was rather strange to see the young girl in any other color than pink.

"Hey", the prince whispered. Ty Lee looked a lot paler than when they first set sail a few days ago. Her face was streaked with tears and her brown hair wasn't tied up for once.

Now Iroh looked up and a little smile appeared on his face as he spotted his son. The former General got up from his spot and walked over, as much the bars allowed him.

And the metal chain attached to his right ankle.

"We are not taking risks this time", Azula explained her herself. "Uncle escaped once from his cell, we can't have that again."

Even thinking about her words made Lu Ten furious, but he kept himself together. There was no allowing himself to show any hint of his true desire.

If he slipped up, everything would have been in vain.

Ty Lee had remained unshakled and the prince was grateful for that. She was just a girl and yet being treated like the worst criminal on earth.

It was none other than Azula herself and the man who called himself father who deserved to be locked up.

"I'm so proud of you, my boy." Iroh said. "But I must also apologize. What I asked you to do and the threat I'm exposing you to... it is a burden I hate to have put on you."

Lu Ten placed his hand on his father's. "It was my own decision."

The young man couldn't deny that there were times when he was angry with his father. As much as he loved him and understood why he had to do what he did, it still hurt.

However, worrying about Zuko, the others, and Iroh himself never left enough room for anger.

The prince pushed through a cup of tea and a bowl of rice, prepared as Father had taught him. "Just hide it until tomorrow, or Azula will notice."

While Iroh enjoyed his tea, Lu Ten crept over to Ty Lee and handed her some food as well. Azula may not have exactly starved her, but the princess wasn't particularly generous either.

Ty Lee took her bowl and gave him a smile. "Thank you, Lu Ten."

"I'm the one who should thank you," he replied. "If it weren't for you...who knows what Azula would have done."

Ty Lees eyes met his own. Grey was such a rare color. In fact, the only one he had ever encountered with such eyes was Aang himself.

"I don't regret anything. I just hope that Sokka hasn't forgotten me."

Lu Ten sat down. Maybe there was a way to cheer the 14 year up a little.

"You and Sokka, um... why don't you tell me everything about him."

There it was again. A beaming smile on Ty Lee's face that even a dark prison cell couldn't dim.

"Oh, where do I even begin?"

----

"Any progress on Aang ?", Katara asked Toph as she joined the rest of her team. Sokka just came back with some dry wood to set up a campfire and Katara and Zuko build up their tents.

Toph wouldn't leave Aangs side.

The blind earthbender shook her head. "No, hes still asleep."

It was a little strange to see Toph like this. Zuko had only expierenced her as this tough girl that wouldn't let any bad situation crush her fighting spirit.

But now that Aang had been hurt this badly, a whole new side of her shine through. "Are we sure hes not-"

Tophs glare immediatly shut Sokka up. "Of course he isn't. I can feel his heartbeat with my feet."

Katara sighed and held up her firestones. "Alright, we just have to wait until Aang wakes up. I continue to heal him and then-"

"What are you doing ?" Sokka eyed the stones in his sister's hands with raised eyebrows. "Why are you going to waste our time with this when we have a guy who can create fire out of nothing at our side.
Katara's eyes widened.

"Sokka-" Her brother didn't know that Zuko had some... problems when it came to Firebending since he got his memories back.

Everything at once hitting him like a rock felt like he'd expierence his trauma all over again. And that includes his father mutilating his face.

"It's...it's okay." Zuko said. He thought about what Iroh said before they left. The Fire is yours, you have control. Concentrate.

"Zuko, you don't have to..."

Before Katara could finish speaking, Zuko held the fire in his hand. It was small, barely more than a spark.

But it was hot.

Not hot enough to torch the flesh off someones body, but that was the smell Zuko had in his nose by just looking at it.

And what he heard was his own cries and Ozai evil laughter.

He stepped back and the flame hit not the woods, but the ground. His girlfriend reacted fast and got some water to dry the fire out.

He really was useless.

"What was that ?", Sokka asked. He looked at his friend, concern in his gaze. "It's been years since you reacted-"

Zuko turned around. Of course Sokka was right. It was stupid of him to flinch at such a small bending and his own as well.

"I...I need some time".

"Zuko..." Katara reached out to him, but her boyfriend pulled away from her touch. He never did that before.

"Please, it's nothing to be ashamed-"

"Just leave me alone !"

Zuko ran. They made their camp in the middle of the forest, he hoped to find a quiet place to calm down.

Katara punched her brother in his arm. "Owww, what did I do ?"

"You can't ever keep your mouth shut, can you ?"

Sensu sighed. "You kids stay here. I'm going to get him".

It would be awesome if he lost Zuko on his very first day from taking over from Lu Ten. Katara wanted to get after him to make sure the boy she was in love with was okay.

But she trusted Sensu to bring him back.

----
Zuko came to a stop, though he didn't know where. He just ran, not know where he would end up.

A failure, thats what he was. Not even a simple campfire could he lit without freaking out.

There it was again, that voice. That damn nagging voice he thought he escaped when he and Lu Ten left the Firenation
Lu Ten... he wished he would be here right now. He didn't even know when and if he would see him again.

Azula and Ozai could get on his trail any second and then there would be no hesitation. His cousin would be dead.

"Dammit !" Zuko yelled. "Why must I always ruin everything."

Suddenly there was a noise. It sounded like some kind of rattle and it came straight from the bushes. Zuko was up in a heartbeat. "Who is there ?"

They were in enemy territory, they had seen many Firenation Soldiers on their way. What if one of them caught up on him and tried to ambush his friends.

Before Zuko could stop himself, he moved his hand up in a defense mechanism. A wave of Fire washed straight to his opponent.

Zuko took a few steps back, just away from it.

He stumbled and fell down.

Great, whoever that enemy is now, he got him. A Firebender that can't firebend properly. An easy target.

"I thought it was you, Prince Zuko. Though you should be more careful with your bending".

The smoke cleared and Zuko recognized the figure. Six years later and the older man hadn't changed one bit.

Grey hair tied to a topknot, Firenation uniform and a beard.

" Lt Jee ?"

Chapter Text

Jee had been there that day.

While being a mere lieutenant wasn't of a high rank compared to a general, commander or admiral, but it was enough for Firelord Ozai to invite the man over to "watch the spectacle".

Up until this day Jee shuddered at the honor he felt that moment.

"An invitation from the Firelord himself", he had told his wife excited. "I can't believe my luck."

But everything changed, when he saw the little prince. Nobody had informed him of what Ozai planned to do, the man assumed he'd host a simple feast with circus performences at best.

Not even in his wildest dreams would have Jee believed the man he owed his loyalty to would actually sacrifice a child.

And not just any, but his own son.

The ten year old Zuko had cried, screamed, tried to free his arm from his father's sharp grip. Nobody helped him. His uncle was nowhere to be seen, his sister simply watched everything unfold.

And as Jee looked the nobles in their eyes, he knew they were either just as shocked as him or smirked.

Zhao, of course, grinned the widest. He made no secret of his distaste of the little prince, saying he would never be a fit Firelord.

"He is too soft", the then Officer complained. "How should we expect a brat to deal with his enemies the proper way, when he doesn't even hurt a little fly".

Jee held back any comment on the prince. It wasn't his place to judge.

But when he saw Zuko, tears streaming down his face with a knife to his throat, he realised it. He was surrounded by monsters who not even treat their own flesh and blood with a little respect.

Nobody helped the poor boy. They either anticipated to see him getting slaughtered or, like Jee, closed their eyes as tight as they could.

But someone stepped up. Prince Lu Ten fired the best he could at his Uncle and grabbed the little prince.

That was the last Jee had seen of them.

And now Zuko was here in front of him. He had grown so much, he and that scared little boy were worlds apart.

Except the scar that covered half his face, that one was new. The lieutenant saw it painted out on the wanted posters hanging everywhere, since Prince Zuko travelled with the Avatar.

How could he have gotten it ?

Probably a training accident.

Zuko waited for Jee to do anything. Arrest him or even better just kill him.

His fath- no, Ozai would hardly care.

But then the older man did something that couldn't be further from Zukos imaginations.

He offered him his hand.

Of course Zuko wouldn't take it. He wasn't stupid to fall for a simple trick. First he'd pretend to be all friendly and as soon as Zuko turned his back on him, he'd attack.

All of Ozais millitary are like this.

'Not Iroh', said this annoying little voice in his head. 'He was the millitary once, remember?"

"I understand" Jee said as he noticed the boys hard looks. Could he even call him a boy anymore ? All these years he only saw the image of frightened boy before him.

But this was almost an adult. 16, maybe even 17.

"Of course you have to be careful and on guard in the Firenation. But I promise you, I'm not armed."

Jee was a non-bender and as far as Zuko saw he didn't carry swords or other weapon on his body. But that didn't mean a thing.

However, Jee hadn't looked amused or even pretended to be happy when he saw Zuko during what should have been his deathday.

The Firebender remembered every single face that enjoyed this.

Zhao.

General Lee

Azula ?

Father.

He still took no risk and got himself up. Both of his hands in defense mode, Zuko threatened: "I am warning you. Any trick could get us both hurt. I have not much control over my fire and you forcing me to use it ends just bad for you."

"I promise you, no tricks. I want to help-"

Zuko had no time to tell Jee wether he believed him or not, he didn't even know himself.

But then a giant rock appeared right underneath Jees feet; yeeting him upon in the air.

Zuko whirled around, startled. What was that? Behind him stood Sensu, in a fighting stance; he must have summoned the rock beneath Jee.

"Hey, Zuko," he ran to him. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Without answering, Zuko stood up and ran to see the man lying on the ground; he didn't seem to be injured, but he was still unconscious.

Sensu watched him, confused. "What are you doing..."

"We have to get him to Toph." Zuko took Jee's arm and put it over his shoulder. "I need to know if he's lying. Come on, help me, Sensu."

The earthbender truly didn't understand the world anymore.

----

Of course Katara was relieved, when she saw Sensu returning with Zuko. But that didn't stop her from being shocked at the sight of an uncounsious Firebender, that looked like millitary with them.

"Are you out of your mind !" Katara yelled, as soon as her boyfriend explained who exactly that stranger was. "You can't just lead a Firebender to the location of the Avatar, just because he didn't enjoy killing children".

Zuko pressed his lips together. Of course Katara was right with everything she said and maybe the prince was being a gullible idiot.

But if what Jee told him was the truth, and goddamn Zuko wants to believe him so bad, he could be a valuable ally

"Calm your pants, Sugarqueen", Toph said. She wasted no time to secure Jee to the ground in stone cuffs and crossed her arms. "I get what you mean, but no need to be so hard on Sparky."

"Listen, I know you are mad now and rightfully so"

Katara nodded in approval, he could bet she was angry.

"But I promise, if Toph senses one lie here I'll-"

Hm... what to do if Jee wasn't telling the truth and knew the wereabout of the prince and all of his friends ? Would they have to...

Zuko shook his head. For now he had to have faith in his gut.

"I'll handle it myself".

With a final, angry snort, Katara stepped back to make way for Toph. She didn't like this at all, but she just had to trust Zuko on this.

It took a few more minutes for Jee to wake up. Sokka made sure that Aang was hidden well under a blanket on Appas saddle. Everyone believed he lost his life during the battle of Azula and the group would prefer to keep it that way.

Zuko wasted no time and knelt in front of Jee. "What did you do during the years Lu Ten and I were gone ?"

"I served in the millitary", Jee explained. "I had no choice. My wife and my children would have been thrown in prision right along with me if I refused. But I swear, I didn't enjoy it."

Zuko glanced over at Toph. The young girl gave him a weak nod, a sign that Jee had been honest so far.

"And do you want my father to stay on the throne ?"

"Not a day longer."

"Why ?"

"No man who would hurt his own flesh and blood like this is fit to rule a country. I should have noticed it sooner, but seeing you kneel on the ground in front of the Firelord... he didn't even flinch. Not even a single bit of remorse in his face... I even believed him to take pride in it".

Katara had to turn away. Of course Zuko told her about this incident, but hearing Jee talk about it... it brought tears in her eyes.

"After witnessing your brave cousin saving your life, I knew that what he did Was right. I always hoped that the Avatar would return eventually and rescue us all."

Zuko looked at Toph and she gave him another approval.

"If that were true, how come you never joined anyone who went directly against my father ?"

Jee lowered his head. "I am not as brave as you are, my Prince."

"But now you want to help ?"

"Yes. Now that the Avatar had fallen, I need to do more than just hope somebody else fixes my problems for me. So I deserted, after I made sure my family is safe. They are currently protected by Master Jeong-Jeong."

Zuko smiled a little. He remembered that guy all to well.

"Listen, my prince. I am not the only one who thinks like this. There are more men, all Firenation, and they have a ship."

"A ship ?"

"Yes. And they are loyal only to you, Prince Zuko. I vouch for any of them if I have to. If you want... we would be honored to have you as our Captain."

Toph whistled in joy. "No lie, Zuko. Everything that guy said was sincere."

Sokka grabbed his buddys shoulder in excitment. "Just think about it. A whole ship with crew. And you get to be their captain."

The prince turned to look at Katara. "What do you say, love ?"

The waterbender sighed. "I guess nor even I can argue against Tophs feet."

Chapter Text

-14 years ago-

Ursa never thought much about Fortune teller.

Even if everything these people tell their clients were the truth, not knowing what exactly her future holds for her is the exciting part of life.

Why ruin the surprise?

But when Iroh offered to take her and the children our of the palace for a little while and see a village in the Earthkingdom, the young woman couldn't refuse.

Of course Ozai wouldn't allow his wife to just leave without him, especially since she was 6 months pregnant.

"This is a potential heir and has to be protected", the prince says.

So Iroh waited for his younger brother to leave the palace for a while and set sail with the rest of his family.

He had been to this village before, nobody here knows who he truly is. What a relief to have.

"I just came because you told me this Madam Wu could tell me my Babys gender", said Ursa while stroking her growing belly affectionaly.

"Oh trust me, she can", winked Iroh. "I visited her with Kia and would you look at that ? A boy, just as she had predicted".

Ursa chuckled. Of course she didn't care wether she had another boy or a girl this time, all that mattered was that it was healthy.

"Speaking of... where is Zuko ?"

She told the two year old boy to always stay close to her, she didn't want him to get lost. But looks like this new environment had been too tempting.

The young mother was about to raise up to search for him, but Iroh gently pushed her back down.

"Lu Ten, please be a dear and see if Zuko is alright."

Iroh's son nodded and did as his aunt asked.

Zuko couldn't help but run after a butterfly that just passed them. Well, as good as his little legs could carry him. He had never seen something like this before.

The little prince needed to take a closer look.

Only after the small animal made its escape Zuko noticed that his mommy wasn't with him anymore.

Tears filled up in his eyes, but before he could scream, a Lady crouched down to him.

"Hello there, little one. Are you alright ?"

Zuko sniffled. He couldn't speak much yet, but one word he could say. "Mommy".

"I see, you must have gotten lost". The friendly woman got up. "My name is Aunt Wu and Ill gladly show you the way."

Just as she took the princes small hand, Lu Ten found them. He sighed in relief that his baby cousin was alright.

"Lu !" Zuko let go of Aunt Wu and ran up to hug the 12 year old.

"Is he your brother ?", the old lady asked him, as Lu Ten picked Zuko up.

"Cousin", Lu Ten explained.

"Oh, but I sense a bond their closer than cousins. Like brothers".

Aunt Wu took a closer look at him, a little unsetteling for the young boys liking.

"I'm sorry, do you mind if I see your hand ?" Lu Ten raised an eyebrow, but offered her his hand regardless.

While she studied the lines on his palm, he realised this must be the villages Fortune Teller his father told him about.

"I see the bond between you two will only grow", Aunt Wu said.

"You two will take a life changing journey and it is your responsibility to look for him. Many friends will come to your aid, but also enemies that are up to no good. Be careful my boy, some of them share your blood".

Lu Ten and Zuko shared a look. They silently agreed that nothing this woman just said made sense to them, but the older one just smiled politly.

"Thank you Miss, um... I believe my Aunt is looking for you".

The three men watched in awe as Aunt Wu studied Ursas palm and placed a hand on her stomach. With a satisfied smile, she looked up.

"A girl".

-Now--

Lu Ten looked in the mirror, but only a stranger stared back at him. It had been ages since he'd worn Fire Nation clothing, let alone royal robes.

He'd worn his hair in a top knot for the first time in years, and as he pinned the royal badge on it, he sighed. It wasn't the clothes themselves that felt wrong, but what they represented.

He was merely playing a role that had nothing to do with the man he'd become.

Lu Ten had never given much thought to what his life would be like at 26, but he hadn't expected this.

Before the prince (now he could officially call himself one again) could sink deeper into his thoughts, Azula entered his cabin.

"Are you done ? And they say girls take so long to get ready".

Azula wore the same clothes he did, only tailored for women. She approached her cousin and took a look at them both in the mirror.

"You look great, Cousin. As if you never left. I'm sure your meeting with my father will go very well."

She spoke these words with a touch of irony, as if she expected the exact opposite.

No mistake is to be made now, Lu Ten. If Ozai notices, everything would be in vain.

The ship eventually sailed I the harbor and an escort waited to guide Azula and Lu Ten back to the palace.

Mai however, looked rather unhappy. It wasn't unusual for her to show no kind of emotion, but this was quiet a new look.

"Mai ?"

The 17 year old wouldn't respond. Her eyes were on Ty Lee, who was being pushed on the ground in chains.

"Everyone leaves", she muttered.

Lu Ten didn't had time to let her elorborate. Even though he was glad that Ty Lee did what she did, it still felt like a betrayal to Mai. The prince could understand how she felt.

The closer they got to the palace, the faster Lu Tens heart raced.

Ozai waited there and only Agni knows what he planned to do next.

Lo and Li, two very old women that had been staff members even when his father was still a child, announced his and Azulas return.

They hailed them as some kind of heroes that murdered the Avatar and captured wanted traitors.

As Lu Ten reached the balcony and looked down at his people, his heart almost broke.

They all lived under a tyrannt, that doesn't care less about their well being. And now they cheered for the assumed death of the person that could have freed them.

Not everyone there was well-disposed toward him; Lu Ten could see that in their faces on the way here.

Of course, no one said it out loud, but they saw him as a traitor. No matter how many he captured, that wouldn't change anything.

The prince didn't care.

All that mattered to him was that Zuko and the others were okay. Let them think what they wanted of him.

And now here he was.

The last time he went to his uncles chambers was six years ago and he himself was the prisinor.

Lu Ten had been chained up and Ozai explained to him how he would be executed soon.

And now, apparantly, he welcomed him back with open arms.

Lu Ten took a deep breath and went inside.

There he was, surrounded by a wall of flames. But no heat would ever come close to the hatred burning inside Lu Ten.

Everything in his body screamed at him to put an end to this monster, right here and now.

But instead, Lu Ten felt going down on his knees. His own movement felt like those of a stranger or someone else controlling his body.

Kneeling in front of a man who hurt the one he loved most in the world made his stomach turn over.

Lu Ten pressed his forhead to the ground, in hopes that Ozai wouldn't see how hard he kept his facade up.

The footsteps approached and the cold voice began to speak.

"Prince Lu Ten, my nephew. You may rise".

Lu Ten did as he was told, his nails digging into fists. If only they would stop shaking.

"I want to be honest with you".

The Firelord circled his nephew like a predator its prey.

"As Azula reached me with the proposal of a possible redemption for you, I believed you were too far gone.

After all, you intervined twice, while I dealt with my son the proper way".

Lu Ten bit his tongue.

"I already ordered your execution and everything the day you took what was mine and disappeared".

How dare he talk about Zuko as if he were an object he could posses.

"But then Azula convinced me to give you a chance. We are family, after all."

Was that blood Lu Ten tasted? It didn't surprise him, with how hard he tried not to speak up.

"And you have proven yourself worthy. My traitor of a brother had been captured and you helped my daughter kill the Avatar."

Now Lu Ten looked up. Azula lied ? For him?

Could it be ? Had she thought the mere capture of Iroh wouldn't satisfy Ozai, so she fabricated this lie ?

But this was Azula they talked about. She didn't do anything out of sheer kindness.

"And so I decided to spare your life. You earned your place at the palace again. But of course, as punishment you will be removed from the line of succession.

After my reign, Azula shall be the next Firelord. You however will never be more than a mere prince."

If only Ozai knew how little Lu Ten cared about ever being Firelord. Sure, when he was a boy that thought was tempting, but there are so much more important stuff to be dealt with.

Ozai can't stay on that throne for starters and Azula can never be Firelord.

The world would be Chaos.

"Thank you, Uncle. Your mercy is unparralled."

Yeah, such mercy to burn your own sons face.

But luckily, Lu Ten is spared from any more fake compliments, as his uncle dismissed him.

Lu Ten completly ignored Azula and he smug face, running straight to his old room.

He was here now, still alive but also truly alone.

Chapter Text

"Whoa"

Zuko didn't exactly know what to expect when Jee told him about a ship and a crew, consisting of men that all want to see Ozai fall.

Maybe four, five men at best. And now almost twenty Firenation people, both men and women, stand before him. And that look in their eyes, he never saw something of that kind for him.

Jee moved forward. "Prince Zuko, this is going to be your crew."

Zuko's cheeks turned red immediatly as they all bowed down to him.

"What an honor to serve under your command, Prince Zuko."

"Please", the teenager raised his arms. "Don't do that. I dont want to be bowed down to. Please, rise".

A few confused looks were shared upon these people, but they did as he asked them regardless.

"Well, what do you wish for us to do, Prince Zuko ?"

That was a very good question, one that Zuko didn't exactly knew the answer to. He tried to gather all the facts in his head.

Aang was still asleep, but hopefully wake up soon. He and his friends have now a ship and allies that will be of great help for the Invasion.

The Invasion...

Zuko looked over at Sokka, who admired the ship with big eyes.

"Dude, can I please be your second in command ? I always wanted to sail my own ship".

The young prince took a deep breath and gave his very first order.

"We need to find Chief Hakoda of the Watertribe and his men first. Get Aang in one of the chambers and lie him down, I want everyone to get to work on whatever their specilty is on a ship".

He looked up at Jee.

"I trust you to ensure that no need is left undone for this ship to properly function".

"Of course, my Prince".

The lieutenant got up to the crowd and they immediatly boarded the ship.

"Wow, you sounded so offical", Katara said in admiaration. "Give this a little more time and you will be a great captain."

Zuko got his hand through his hair. "I'm not so sure about that."

"Hey", Toph gently punched his side. "No more beating yourself down. Who knows, after all this is over you could even become the next Firelord."

Zukos eyes widened.

"Firelord? Me ? No, this would be a total desaster."

And so with a heartbeat so fast it made Zuko go crazy he boarded the ship. All of these people here defended on him and actually wanted to listen to what he had to say.

But what if he let everyone down and would be overwhelmed by the pressure ?

If only Lu or Uncle could be here with him now, he truly could use guidance right now.

But the prince also new that he couldn't depend on them forever.

This was something he had to figure out by himself.

And so Agni help him, he simply couldn't allow failure

-3 weeks later-

"Now dodge !"

Zuko jumped, a little startled by the bender's sudden attack.

He became a master in avoiding blass of fire, thats for sure. But that was hardly of use in a head to head combat.

Going against Azula and the only thing Zuko was good at would be running away from her blue flames, she would only laugh at him.

Jee sighed. "You have to catch the attack with your hand. It won't hurt you, you are a Fire-"

The man stopped mid-sentence, the look Zuko offered him was beyond pissed. Telling him of all people that Fire wouldn't hurt him wasn't the smarteat move.

"I apologize, Sir".

With a frustrated grunt, Zuko sank down on the ground. He was greatful that Jee agreed to help him with firebending again, but no matter how hard he tried, nothing works.

"I try", he argued. "But everytime I raise my hand to stop the fire, something in my head just activates and my body moves all by itself".

"That's just natural", Jee tried to comfort him. "After what you have been through-"

"It wasn't even so bad when it actually happened."

Zuko laid his head back in frustration.

In the three weeks that had passed while floating in these waters, a lot of things happened and actually not a lot.

"I don't know if Ill ever be able to properly bend again".

"Why don't you try an attack again ?", Jee suggested with a smile. Probably to boost Zukos confidence of this time somehow being diffrent.

"I can't, okay. I don't have the control over my flames. I could hurt someone."

His eyes wander off towards Katara. She stood by Sokkas side and studies maps of the Firenation waters, somehow trying to figure out where they'd go off to next.

He remembered Aangs first attempt at Firebending and how much it had backfired.

Literally.

Katara had been burned in the process. Of course, Zuko never held grudges against Aang, it was an accident.

But if he would rather cut off both hands, before it would be his fire that inflict her pain.

Without any other word, Zuko got up. He needed some alone time and gather his thoughts.

"Zuko ?" Katara looked up. "What is-"

He didn't want to talk to her or anybody else for that matter.

Katara watched with great concern as her boyfriend hurried to get inside the ship.

"Do you have any idea whats going on with him ?", Hakoda asked.

Since they found him and Bato and took them on their journey, Katara didn't had much oppurtunity to fill him in on everything.

"I wish I could help him", she mumbled. "But this is something he has to overcome on his own."

Hakoda placed a hand on his daughter head.

"You let him know that he is loved and supported. That can be a great start."

Her fathers praise got a smile out of the young waterbender.

----

Lu,
I don't know what to do anymore. The thought of you with my father and Uncle Iroh, who's behind bars again. It's so unfair. I hate being separated from you. You've always been there for me, and now you're risking your life for all of us. And I can't help you if something goes wrong. I don't even know if you're alive or if it wasn't just a cheap trick by Azula.

I just hope you're okay.

But my firebending hasn't improved at all. Every time even a spark leaves my hand, my mind tells me everything around me will burst into flames.

And I'm so scared of it.

I don't want my friends to know. Katara is such a strong warrior, how could I possibly live up to her in my condition?

Every time I look at the scars on her hands, I'm reminded that she, too, had a traumatic experience with fire.

But it also shows me that I, too, am capable of such things. I don't want to hurt anyone.

And one day, I'll be needed as a teacher. How can I possibly do that if I can't even do it myself? I always hoped that when the moment came, you would be here.

Agni, I wish you were.

I love you so much, and I want you to know that I'm not mad at you for that pain when I truly thought...

Zuko stopped mid-sentence. He looked down at the pergament rolled up in front of him and read through it all again.

That was so nonsensical, Lu Ten would never read any of this. Why even bother writing ?

But it felt good to bring down everything that was running through his head. His fear, feelings and...

He almost felt like a little girl rambling through her diary. Well, not every girl of course.

Azula despises such sentimental stuff, she would never write down how she felt or anything.

Zuko looked over at a burning candle, that provided him with its light.

He carefully reached out to hold his palm over the flame, maybe he could grow it slightly.

Deep breaths, just as Lu and Uncle had always told him.

Suddenly, the flame flew up, out of his control. The heat came close to his face...

Too close.

Zuko jumped up in alarm and stepped back.

He couldn't even tame a small candle.

"Zuko?"

Damn, how much of that had Katara noticed? He turned to apologize, but her expression surprised him.

He hadn't seen her this happy in a long time.

He walked over to her and took her hand. "What happened?"

"It's Aang. He is awake".

Chapter Text

"I was really out for so long ? And everyone thinks I'm dead. And to top it all of, we are all on a ship in Firenation waters with a whole crew and you are their captain ?"

Sokka nodded, pleased with his recap to the now back to life Aang. "That's exactly right."

"Not really", Toph interrupted him. "Zuko is their captain, Sokka just really enjoys playing as such."

"Okay, that's not the point here", said Sokka, despite that fact clearly bothering him. "Listen man, we gotta use all of this to our advantage. Nobody knows that you live except the people here."

Aangs hand wandered up to his previously bald head. The fact that brown hair had started to grow almost shocked him more than waking up on this Firenation ship.

Sokka and Zuko shared a look. "Listen, if you need a moment to process everything... Azula got you good."

"I'm not hiding." Aang got up from the bed he laid on for weeks, but his balance crossed his plans faster than he could realise.

"I can't let the world believe I am gone. Not going to happen."

Katara immediatly got to her best friends side and got him back down. "You are not well enough to jump back into action right away."

"You don't get it". Aang raised his arms, but his wound made him wince and clench his side. "I was already gone for 100 years, this can't just happen again."

Toph raised her head now. "Could you give us a moment ?"

Katara, Sokka and Zuko all looked at each other. Maybe it was best to leave the two younger ones to themselves.

Sokka shrugged. "Alright, I need to talk with Lt Jee about the new port we will be docking soon."

"For the last time, you are not the captain" was the last thing they heard before the three got out of the chamber.

For a while, nobody said a word. It was a dreadful silence, Aang couldn't read Tophs mind a bit.

Despite falling for her a long time ago, she was still a mystery in so many ways.

"If you want to punch me or anything, I'm still hurt and Katara wouldn't like it-"

If there was anything that hurt more than Toph's wrath it was her affenction. Despite being smaller than the 12 year old, her wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing tight hurt.

His injury didn't help much either.

However he still hugged her around her waist and was just happy that she was the first one he could hold again.

For a hot minute he believed he could never do so again.

"I'm so glad that you are here again, Twinkletoes. you scared the living shit out of me."

No critisising on his part of foul language. He was too happy to have her by his side.

Eventually the earthbender let go of Aang and wiped her eyes. Toph so rarely cried, it was almost bizzare.

"If you ever leave again in one way or another, you will have to deal with worse than lightning from a crazy person."

Despite the threat, Aang had to laugh.

"I swear Ill never leave you again."

"I count on that".

These were the last words Toph managed, before Aangs lips met hers

-----

Disembarking wasn't without risk. But leading a crew wasn't easy, and such a large group needed to be cared for. The village they landed at wasn't exactly huge, but here they would find plenty of everything they needed.

Zuko had pulled the hood of his black cloak down over his face so no one would recognize him.

"Looks like we'll both have to hide who we really are." Aang was at his side. Katara had protested vehemently about him disembarking, but after so many weeks of being unconscious, the Avatar simply had to get out.

Jee and Sensu accompanied the children. While Sokka wore a Fire Nation uniform they found, the others had donned red cloaks.

Zuko looked at the wall and swallowed hard. Everywhere he looked, his wanted poster was plastered everywhere. Now that the Avatar was presumed dead, he was the most wanted.

People walked past him and didn't recognize their prince. If they knew, they would betray him.

Maybe not all of them, but certainly enough of them.

Katara seemed to read his thoughts again, because she took his hand and smiled at him.

It helped to calm the young boys mind a little, but as he looked around Zuko noticed something else.

The people around him wore less fancy clothing than he saw in his hometown. Of course apart from a few visits with Uncle Iroh and his Mom, he was only surrounded by wealthy folk.

But these people were awefully thin and looked tired. Probably from the heavy work the men have to do for his father.

Judging by the soldiers walking around, taxes weren't too friendly here either.

These were all Firenation people, but they suffered just as the rest of the world. They were hungry and lost their husbands, sons and other loved ones to a war that brought them nothing but suffering.

"I never knew how bad thing are for my people", he mumbled while Katara fetched up some vegteable.

She looked up to see a young woman with two boys sitting on a street holding up a bowl.One of them was maybe 2 or 3 years old and the other a newborn baby.

Zuko gathered his courage and picked up a coin. Before Katara could say a word, he walked over to the woman and placed it inside.

"Oh, thank you so much," she said. But when she looked up and met his eyes, she gasped. "Prince Zu—"

"Shhh." Zuko put a finger to his lips. "Please, don't tell—"

He couldn't go on. When he looked into the young mother's eyes, he recognized her.

She, along with Lu Ten, was the reason he was still alive.

"Akira?"

----

Akira was only a 17 year old girl, when she approached Lu Ten and begged him on her knees to save the little prince.

Zuko never thought he would see her again, especially not under such circumstances.

He didn't even needed Toph to know that he would not let a poor woman and her two sons sit on the street, especially not the one who used to take care of him.

After he explained to Katara who she was, the waterbender needed no more convincing to take Akira and her sons in with them.

"How come you are here ?" Zuko asked her. "Did my father- ?"

His former nanny nodded, a sad smile on her face. "Firelord Ozai figured out soon that I was the one who told Lu Ten about..." She couldn't say the word out loud.

"About his horrible plan. He threw me out immediatly and I was disowned by my parents. I moved in with my partner, but Shang..."

She needed a moment to wipe her upcoming tears.

"Sang and Azir lost their father to this horrible war and I was alone." She looked at him with a tear strained face, but still smiling.

"I am so happy that you made it, Prince Zuko."

He hugged her tight. The prince owed her more than he could ever repay.

Katara smiled and took Sangs hand. "Come with me, I'll show you our ship and introduce you to the rest of the crew."

Zuko watched with a smile as the women left. He would follow them immediatly, but first he had to find Sensu.

He had excuse himself a while ago and Zuko needed to make sure he was alright

----

"It'll take you about three days to walk to the capital, but someone would be willing to sell you a rhino for a good price."

Sensu studied the map. He probably didn't have enough money for a transport animal; perhaps he could change course if Sokka wasn't looking.

"What's going on?" He whirled around. Zuko had caught the young man in the act. "Why are you looking at maps of—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Zuko pulled his brother's friend out of earshot. He knew exactly what Sensu was planning, and it was reckless and stupid.

"You can't be serious. You really want to sneak into the palace?"

Sensu sighed. There was no point in lying; the boy had probably heard everything the man told him. What else would he want in the capital?

"I don't want to be separated from him any longer," he reasoned. "Not knowing if he's alive or dead. It's eating me up inside."

Zuko sighed. Of course, he understood what Sensu meant only too well. "But if you get caught."

"Hey, I'm an earthbender. I have an advantage."

"Sensu—"

"Please." Sensu took his hand. "Imagine it's Katara."

Zuko shot him an angry glance. Why ? Why must he play the Katara card ?

He knew damn well Zuko would be just as reckless.

"If anything goes wrong and you get captured, I'll kill you myself. You hear me ?"

Sensu couldn't resist a smirk. "I know you will."

The two went to a stand selling masks. They were from various plays Zuko had seen with his mother. He missed her deeply, and since learning of her death, it hurt even more.

But he knew exactly which mask would be best for breaking into Lu Ten's house.

"Here, take this one." He pressed a mask of the blue spirit into Sensu's hand. An almost perfect replica of the one he had placed on his mother's grave.

"He'll recognize this one immediately."

Chapter Text

When he was a child, Lu Ten wasn't allowed to leave the palace. Of course his father always wanted to show him the capital and for him to meet his people.

After all, one day he would be the Firelord. And according to Iroh a good ruler should let the common folk know that he was at their side.

After all, he fights this war for the Firenation, which includes those from the highest ranked man to the begger on the street.

But Azulon thought diffrent.

He (and his second born as well) believed that no prince should be subjected to, as he called them, peasants.

The best Lu Ten expierenced were trips to Ember Island every summer. This one was acceptable, since only rich and nobel ones resided their.

So Lu Ten and Iroh travelled their and after they were born Zuko and Azula joined them.

Once or twice a year, both Azulon and Ozai were gone and Iroh managed to sneak the children past the guards and even took them to the Earthkingdom.

But those days of hide and seek were long gone.

Lu Ten was now an adult and Ozai couldn't care less where he went and with who he assoiated himself with.

He gave him two Firenation guards as protection, but that's it.

So now Lu Ten set foot in their capital for the first time. Not just in years, but forever.

The citizens however, let him know what they thought of him. Not all, but many agreed with the Firelord and his way and were less than thrilled to see Lu Ten back in the palace.

As the prince and his guards walked among them, he heard their whispering, barely trying to hide it.

"Look at this traitor, showing his face again like nothing happened."

"Yeah, the Firelord should have at least scarred him as well. They don't learn it otherwise".

"I don't know, man. Didn't help much with the scum of his-"

"Shh. The Firelord forbade everyone adresing that person as his son ever again. If they hear you-"

It took a lot for Lu Ten to keep a cool head. Normally, he would give anyone who dared to speak about Zuko like that hell.

But he had to pretend he didn't care. As if Zuko were a name that meant nothing to him and that he'd long since forgotten. Yet he loved him so much, he wanted nothing more than to be with him.

But he was desperately needed. He had to be there for Ty Lee and his father and act as an insider for the invasion. He already knew where they might be vulnerable.

"Hey, Princeling. You got some nerves showing your face here", the voice of a man got too close to his ear.

Thats when Lu Ten looked up and saw a man named Jao. He was part of his uncles inner circle and hated each and everyone who commited treason. That includes badmouthing anyone from the royal family.

Well, Lu Ten didn't count.

"What ? Something got your tongue ? Don't even think for a second we forgot what you did ?"

Lu Ten shut his ears off as best as he could. Don't risk your cover.

"You were lucky our Firelord Ozai, the greatest of them all, spared your life. But that doesn't mean a thing."

"That's enough, Jao", now Lu Ten said something. Calling Ozai anything close to great was just too much.

"Disowned or not I am still your prince. Show me some respect."

"Respect ?" A cold laugh came from the man's mouth. "Youd have my respect if you had let Firelord Ozai deal with the little brute the proper way. Because of your weak spirit, he lives to help the Avatar."

Lu Ten felt the heat on his fingers.

"Even if the bigger problem has fallen, this piece of shit need to be dealt with. A slow and painful death is still too mercifull. I would gladly do it myself and hear him scream as I burn the flesh of his bones; though it wouldn't matter much because he is already so ugly with that-"

Lu Ten didn't know if Jao really meant everything he said or if he just tried to provoce him. Perhaps he suspected his true loyalties and tried to expose him.

Whatever it was, Lu Ten would never find out.

Jao clutched his chest, and the people around him screamed.

A small knife was stuck where his heart was thought to be, and Lu Ten recognized it clearly. The young prince looked around, but Mai was nowhere to be seen.

He couldn't have held back much longer, and Agni, he wanted to do it. How much he wanted to. But the sight of the man now lying dead on the ground still shocked him.

His guards agreed it would be best to escort the prince back to the palace before a scandal arose.

Ozai wouldn't bother with Jao any more; everyone in his military was replaceable.

Mai, however stood on her balcony, right above the scene, her dark eyes flashing. The screams confirmed to her that she hadn't missed her target. No one would suspect her, but even if they did.

Ukano would finish off anyone who tried to frame her. The girl flipped one of her knives in her hands.

If the first one didn't hit, she would have several more attempts.

Now Zuko was safe.

----

"Sir ?" Zuko turned around to find Jee and the helmsman behind him. He was the first one of deck as Firebenders tend to rise with the sun.

Everyone else of his friends was still fast asleep. Well, Sensu was the exception, since he stood there next to him.

"This is the closest we come to the capital without getting spotted", Jee explained. "It's just a few hours to the palace from here on".

Zuko nods approvingly in the mens direction. "Thank you. Please get us as far away from here as you can after Sensu left. I don't want to stay here any second longer than I have to".

Jee bowed to him and despite his lowered voice, Zuko heard the helmsman say: "A member of the royal family saying please ? If I wouldn't see it with my own eyes-"

Now it was time that Zuko turned to Sensu, as he was about to climb in one of the little lifeboats they had on board.

"Sensu-"

"You don't have to say anything. I know that this is farewell for now. But I will come back just in time for the invasion and-"

He was cut short as Zuko wrapped his arms around him. Over the past few weeks, the earthbender became like a brother to him and watching him run straight to the danger was hardly bearable.

"If anything happens to you I will kill you, do you hear me ?"

Sensu couldn't help but chuckle. "I love you too."

As they parted again, Sensu checked if he really got the scroll Zuko gave him. So Lu Ten would read all about his trouble thoughts and struggles after all.

Before Sensu could let himself down however, Zuko grabbed his arm. "Wait, there is one more thing you need to take with you."

Sensu looked at the boy in confusion, but when Zuko whistled on his fingers, he understood.

Sparky flew over and landed on Sensu's shoulder. "This way we can stay in touch."

Sensu looked at Zuko in disbelief. "No, seriously. Toph would never give up her best friend. You didn't—"

"Forget it." Now Zuko had to laugh. "I'm not messing with Toph. She wants him to come with you."

And so both Sensu and the parrot, Sparky, left the ship. Zuko watched him until his brother's boyfriend disappeared into the fog.

He hoped nothing happens to him.

----

Night fell as Lu Ten returned to his chambers. Of course Ozai and Azula heard about what happened to Jao, but not one word came about the incident.

Maybe Azula knew that Mai had to be involved somehow, since the man was killed with a knife through the chest from a far away distance, but if she gave no hint.

The prince opened his topknot and let his hair fall, it almost touched his shoulders. A haircut would do him good, so long wasn't ideal for battle.

But just as he changed into his nightrobe and wanted to get ready for bed, he noticed the strange figure lurking behind in the shadows.

Of course, due to shock and surprise, he let out a scream.

A guard came running inside, armed with a sharp spear. "Prince Lu Ten ! Are you alright ?", he asked alarmed and looked at every corner.

"I just lost my balance while getting dressed", his prince lied. "Everything is alright. You may go".

The guard nodded and left with a deep bow. Lu Ten sighed in relief and the masked person jumped down from the ceiling it jumped up to hide.

"I had no idea you were so athletic".

With a wide grin he took off the mask of the blue spirit. That could only be Zukos idea and helped to realise who this "intruder" was. After the first shock, of course.

"Sensu".

The mask wasn't completely lifted from his face, when Lu Ten grabbed his face and kissed him passionatly. And his boyfriend only deepenes the kiss until not a tiniest bit of air was left in their lungs.

Not even this seemed to stop the long lost lovers from showing each other just how much they have missed each other.

"I actually should have slapped you, instead of kissing you", Lu Ten argued as they finally parted away from each other.

"I'm glad you did the last", Sensu laughed. But Lu became all serious.

"I mean it. You can't just sneak inside here. What if someone caught you ?"

"Hey". Sensu held the young mans face. Despite dreaming every day of this moment, he was even more beautiful than he remembered. "It would have been worth it for you. Because I love you."

After the two of them kissed again, they laid down on the bed. No words were spoken, but that wasn't even needed.

Sensu knew what question burned Lu Tens soul.

"Zuko is alright. He misses you deeply and- Well, just read this."

He handed his boyfriend a very long scroll and while reading what his baby brother wrote to him and how lost he felt, Lu Ten teared up a little.

"I wish there was a way for me to help him. To assist Zuko with his bending."

Sensu kissed Lus wet cheek.

"Maybe your father-"

He couldn't finish his suggestion, the prince got up in a heartbeat.

"Of course. That's it ! Damit, I wish I remembered where exactly they resided, but it's been too many years ago. But-"

"Lu ?" Sensu got up as well. "What are you talking about ?"

"Have you ever heard of the Sun Warriors?"

Chapter Text

"Do you still wait for a message?"

Katara joined Zuko, who stood up on deck. Sensu had left their group two days ago and ever since, the princes eyes searched the sky for a sign of the green bird.

Every minute he didn't know wether or not Sensu reached Lu Ten safe and sound was a minute full of sorrow and panic.

A message would not only confirm Sensu being alive, but Lu Ten as well.

Katara placed a hand on his red cape. He could have worn one of the Firenation uniform he and Sokka found on the ship, but he didn't want to. Not yet.

He had lived too long away from his old home, but to simply switch his clothing style and feel comfortable.

The uniform on him just felt wrong.

"We sailed for weeks in Firenation waters", Katara tried to comfort Zuko. "I'm sure we would have heard by now if something happened to Lu Ten."

Of course she was right, the young prince thought. No news were good news.

But what if Ozai did everything in secret to avoid the public eye. After all, he carefully hid the way Zuko got his scar as well.

Jee was beyond shocked when he learned the truth about its origins, mumblimg something about a training accident.

Zuko offered Katara a smile. No matter how down he felt, she could always get a genuine form of happiness.

"Would you like to come down and help me cook ? There are some Firenation recipes I would love to try out."

"We have a cook", Zuko argued. "Have you forgotten? You can just lay back and enjoy your fathers company and-"

The mention of her father made Kataras face go dark all of a sudden.

Did they had a fight or anything? Actually Zuko had been so distracted with everything going on, his newfound leadership over the crew and struggling with his bending, that he barely found the time for Katara.

Of course he never went to bed without kissing her goodnight and always tells her "I love you" first thing in the morning.

But the little things went too short. "I'm sorry, I was the best boyfriend the past few days", Zuko sighed as he took her hand.

A better partner would know about whatever it was going through her head.

"Do you want to tell me what happened."

Katara avoided his gaze. Was she mad at him as well ? "It's not your fault", Katara told him. "I tried to bottle my feelings up, because..."

Zuko said no word. His hand rested on hers and he didn't push her to elorborate.

"I am angry at my father, because he had been gone for so long."

The wind played with her hair, she wore it open more often. Zuko thought it suited her very well, but she would always look great, even bald.

Not like him though.

He would look horrible without his hair.

"I know I'm being selfish, my father had no choice but to go and fight in the war. But I missed him so much, it was almost unbearable."

Zuko was shocked to hear about that. He and Katara were so close back then, how couldn't he have noticed deep down how much she was suffering.

Zuko wrapped her arms around the young girl and looked at the sun going down the horizon.

"You should talk to him", he whispered. "Your feelings are valid, no matter positive or negative. And Hakoda will understand, once you were honest with him."

He wiped a single tear from her cheek.

"What if he gets angry at me", Katara said. "Maybe I am being dramatic for being upset over something so silly".

"No", Zuko shook his head. "He loves you so much. If any father will understand how you feel its him".

Katara looked up the Firebender. "Don't ever call yourself a bad boyfriend again."

She placed a kiss on his lips, they were a little more raw than usually. Maybe it was the sea air wiping all of their faces, but that didn't change a thing.

They got more perfect every day.

"Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too".

---

"Zuko ?"

The young prince looked up from the letter he just recieved. Sparky arrived shortly after he finished his chat with Katara and the amount of joy he felt couldn't be put in words.

Lu Ten had written him, he could see it from the Firenation Seal.

Katara and Zuko each gave each other a moment of privacy, to be close with their loved ones.

Even under diffrent circumstances.

Zukos hand carefully caressed his brothers writing, a mistake was not possible. It was weird perhaps, but he felt a little more connected than before.

Lu Ten wrote how sorry he was about the whole sharade and how deeply he missed him. Zuko was just relieved that Azula and Ozai seemingly bought everything and the older one was safe for now.

He also mentioned a way for him to get help with his bending, namingly the Sun Warriors.

Of course Zuko knew about that dead civilization and Lu Ten believed he would find an answer there.

But just as he reread the letter for the third time, a knocking on his door got him out of his mind.

Hakoda, with a little smile on his bearded face. His talk with Katara must have gone well.

"I came because we had no oppurtunity to talk, just the two of us".

The Chief looked so strange dressed in Firenation uniform. Maybe thats how it was for Zuko to wear watertribe blue, he honestly couldn't remember life without it.

"I just wanted to let you know, how proud I am of you."

Zuko got up now, to meet Hakoda eye to eye. Despite not seeing Katara as his sister, he never did, he still loved this man as if he was his own flesh and blood.

Hakoda and Iroh were both so much better father figures than the one that created him ever could.

"You took care of my children, when I was away. You and Lu Ten of course. And for that, I want you to know that I am so relieved that I trusted my instincts when you arrived almost 3 years ago at the southpole."

Of course, it was a day none of the people involved could ever forget.

Lu Ten had carried a dying Zuko in his arms, begging for help and putting himself at the mercy of their enemies.

Not that the then 13 year old noticed anything. The agony of his fresh burn let him slip in and out of counsiousness. The first thing he remembered was the cool water on his skin.

Now he knew this was Kataras doing, who saved his life without even realizing it.

Only a true waterbending master could accomplish something like this, at the age of eleven no less.

Hakoda continued his sprechen. "You are my family, Zuko. And I love you just as much as I love my biological children".

Overwhelmed from everything, Zuko didn't know what to say. A part of him wondered why Hakoda told him all of this now.

But just as the tight squeeze of a hug attacked the teenager, Hakoda said: "Katara finally told me about the two of you."

Zuko looked up at him, his eyes widening. "She did...?"

"Yes. Don't even think for a second I didn't sense it from a mile away, despite your best efforts to hide it."

Zukos pale cheeks turned red. It was true that they waited for the right moment to break the news to Hakoda, so they avoided kissing in front of him.

And they did a crappy job as it seemed.

"I love her", Zuko mumbled, nor letting go of the man. "And I promise you I would never do anything to hurt her".

"I know that and I am so happy that you two found each other."

But then, in all Dad mode, he raised his finger. "But if you slip up, they won't find your body."

He had to laugh over Zukos shocked face.

"Come here", Hakoda hugged the boy even tighter. "I would say welcome to the family, but..."

And Zuko couldn't help but smile.

Chapter Text

After Akira had lost her beloved Shang and ended up on the streets, she thought life was over.

Of course she had to keep going, for her childrens sake, but this was hardly what you would call living.

And when Zuko showed up, The young woman dared to feel hope again. Her son and baby got away from the street and had more people taking care for them.

And she was so greatful to the young prince she had adored so much when he was still a child.

But she still wished for her children to have a real home. So she told Katara one day about her in-laws. They probably believed her to be dead, as well as their son.

"We could get you there in no time", Katara suggested, after learning that the both of them hated Firelord Ozai as much as the next person on board.

Akira, Sang and Azir would be safe there.

"Oh no, please, I can't possibly expect that from you", Akira quickly argued. "I don't want Zuko to think I would be ungreatful or trying to get away-"

"We could run into danger at anytime". Katara took her friends hand in a reassuring manner. "Your sons should'nt be faced with this. We all understand".

And so Aang and Sokka had volunteered to drop the family of three off at the place of the boys grandparents. It wasn't too far on Appa and this way the crew didn't need to change course.

"I promise you that Ill be extra careful", Aang assured Toph, who wasn't too pleased with him leaving by himself.

"He won't be alone", Sokka argued. "I'll be there".

"Sorry, didn't count you. Nonbender and all".

Before Sokkas head could get even redder from anger, ever passanger quickly climbed atop the giant Bison.

Of course Akira hugged both Zuko and Katara tight and couldn't show them enough of her gratitude.

"You saved my life", the Firebender reminded her. "It's the least I could have done".

Katara ruffled two year old Sangs hair and placed a little kiss on top his head.

Zuko had seen her with children before, like Mais little brother Tom-Tom. They had never talked about wether or not they ever had own children one day.

Zuko prayed they got everything from Katara, including temper and stubbornness.

After all, that was exactly what he loved so much.

Aang gave Toph and small goodbye kiss and handed Sang Appas reins.

His little eyes went wide, that the Avatar entrusted him with such an important task.

Akira took Sokkas offered hand and climbed on the saddle, while holding Baby Azir in her arms.

"Take care of yourself. I pray everyday that you will bring back peace to our world".

It was the last thing Zuko heard from his former nanny, before Appa took off in the sky, disguised as a cloud.

----

"Prince Zuko", Jee came to him and grabbed his shoulder. "You have to hide yourself. You and the other children."

A look at the Firenation ship approaching them answered the boys question as to what they were saying.

Everybody hated it, but it was necessary to hide their cover.

If Zuko and his infamous scar was spottet on deck, the soldiers would attack them and they were on much higher numbers no doubt.

And as he knew his father, there wasn't a single non-bender among them.

"Be careful", Zuko advised the older man he came to see as a friend. "Don't take any risks and keep your head low. Same story as always".

This wasn't the first ship they had encountered. So far, they hadn't realized that the Admiral Lee didn't actually send them here to partrol and threating to tell the Firelord his authority was questioned shut most of them up.

Zuko, Katara and Toph quickly ran inside, but hid close enough to hear everything.

In case of an emergency, they could intervine with their bending and sword skills.

While his own Fire was on short, Zuko relied on his dao blades. They were kind of a safe anchor for him to hold on to and not feel completly useless.

"We are traversing these waters on direct orders from Admiral Lee," the three friends heard Hakoda's voice. "And his orders come from Fire Lord Ozai himself. I suggest you let us pass now, or he will be informed immediately."

Zuko held his breath, hoping that this excuse would work again.

But as always, the spirits weren't on his side.

One of the men stepped forward. And what he said next let the princes blood freeze.

"Is that so, direct orders from Admiral Lee ?" Zuko peaked around the corner and saw a wicked grin on his face.

"That is very strange, considering I am Admiral Lee"

Hakoda and Jee shared a glance, full of panic. But no move to attack was made.

At least not yet

"It takes a lot of courage to fabricate a lie like this, knowing that getting caught means the death penalty."

He gaze shifted over to their hiding spot. More and more men joined their leader on the ship. Zukos hand started to hurt with how tight Kataras grip was.

Toph next to them didn't even dare breath.

"So I assume you hide something of great value on your ship. Tell me... Lt. Jee. What is worth protecting that youd risk your life for it ?"

Suddenly the ground beneath his feet gave away and every single one of the Firenation gasped in shock. They had never seen anyone bend metal before.

"Get out of here !" Hakoda managed to yell. Their cover got blown and there were so much more enemies than what they believed.

Way more than their little crew could manage.

"Dad !" Katara yelled and bend some seawater to throw one of them off Hakoda.

"It's the prince!" one of them yelled. Toph and Katara reacted fast.

Too many... they had to get out of here.

"I don't want to leave you !" Katara just got her father back, she couldn't loose him now.

Not after they just made up. But Hakoda yelled at the three of them to get themselves to safety.

"Leave them !" the Admiral yelled. "We just want the prince and the other two little brats. They are guilty of forging a conspiracy against-"

The man couldn't even finish his sentence properly. Toph, Zuko, and Katara were already boarding their much larger ship.

Now all that mattered was protecting the others and luring the enemy away from them. Hopefully, they would follow their trail and Hakoda, Jee, and the others would get away.

Zuko charged ahead with his swords, with Katara and Toph right behind him. "You're coming with us, Your Highness—" The lackey couldn't manage more before he, too, was thrown into the sea. Zuko had given him a powerful thrust with his sword.

As soon as the three of them jumped onto the ship, the triumphant grins on the soldiers appeared.

They sure could handle three children by themselves. Especially a blind girl will be no match for a dozen grown up Firebenders.

What they didn't expect however was Toph ripping out a piece of metal of their ship as if it were nothing.

"What the-"

The piece was big enough for Zuko, Katara and Toph to fit onto and with that in mind it landed in the water.

The damage it would do to the ship was just a bonus. Too stunned to even react, Zuko used the oppurtunity to help Toph jump on top.

He took her hand and the both of them landed perfectly on their makeshift lifeboat.

"Don't let them get away !" One man yelled. Katara climbed atop the reiling, ready to jump down, when suddenly...

"Got you; you little peasant !"

He had grabbed Katara.

Zukos eyes widened, as he watched this guys strong hands on Kataras arms, squeezing them. The girl trashed and fought as hard as she could, but it was no use.

"If you want her back, Prince Zuko, you come here and surrender."

"No !" Katara yelled out. "Don't you dare giving up without a fight."

And Zuko didn't intend to.

He grabbed a hold of both his swords and swung them at the asshole holding his girlfriend.

They hit right in his arms and a terrifiying scream echoed through the night.

Due to the pain burning through his veins, Katara was freed from his sharp grip and wasted no time in jumping over board.

Zuko wanted to hug her, but there was no time left. Katara wasted not a second to move the piece of metal as fast as the waves allowed it.

She called out for her father one last time and he assured her they would be okay.

Eventually, Katara could take a breath and realize what Zuko just did to save her.

"Your dao-blades"

Zuko sighed and wrapped his arms around both Katara and Toph.

"They are just swords".

Chapter Text

They stranded on a small island, no houses or sign of other civilization. Zuko, Katara and Toph quickly moved from their life-platform and fell on the stone.

"I'm totally crashed", Katara said. She had bend the water non-stop to get them here, of course this would exhaust her. "I'm just glad we are away from these guys."

Her face darkned. "Do you think my Dad and the others..."

"Hey, don't worry. They will be fine", Zuko tried to comfort her. Though he wasn't sure if he believed himself.

Toph scratched her head. "Do you think Aang and Sokka will find us here ?"

"Yes". This time Zuko was convinced of what he was saying. The island wasn't exactly small and if they were lucky; Akiras village wouldn't be too far gone either.

Aang and Sokka will find their way back to them, somehow they always did.

And Zuko was proven to be right, when a single cloud appeared on the blue sky. One that didn't flow with the wind like the others and that came straight towards them.

No doubt, this was Appa.

"Zuko ! Katara ! Toph !"

The Avatar didn't even wait for his bison to land, he jumped down and hugged his friends. "We were so worried about you, Hakoda said there was a raid and you guys had to flee".

Kataras face immediatly brighted as she wrapped her arms around her brother.

"Father is alright ?".

"Of course he is", Sokka looked almost offened at his sister believing otherwise. "You don't think some Fire-Douchebags are matches for a warrior of the watertribe".

All five of them now wrapped their arms around each other, happy to be reunited.

"We will stay somewhere safe and prepare for the invasion", Sokka told the others his plan. "It's safe like this for everyone involved".

Zuko couldn't argue against his logic, though it pained him to see Hakoda and Jee go so soon. But something else kept him up at night.

"Toph". He turned to his earthbender friend. "Do you think that Sparky..."

"Don't worry your pretty head about that, Sparky". She winked. "He finds us, no matter where we are. I think he is half dove".

Zuko chuckled. She was right, of course. No matter where he was and how many miles seperated him and Lu Ten; in the end they will always find their way back to each other.

With this in mind, the young prince felt a lot lighter as he climbed on Appa who would take him back to his old home country.

----

Mai went down the stairs. Azula had no clue she was here, if she did all would break loose.

She was kind enough to allow Ty Lee to live, but anyone daring to talk to her would be just as guilty of treason as she was.

But Mai didn't care too much about it. Or anything regarding this stupid war. The 17 year old just wanted her old life back.

Her, Ty Lee, Azula and Zuko.

Zuko...

His sister made him an offer. To come back, forget what had happened the last six years and start over. Didn't he miss being a prince ?

Miss the luxury life in the palace ?

Miss her?

Mai remembered the first time she met Zuko, they were both children. He helped her up after Azula pushed her to the ground.

Mai forgot the reason, not that it mattered much.

That was the moment she decided to fall for the boy.

Then he left her.

And then she found him again as her enemy.

And now Ty Lee was her enemy as well.

The raven-haired girl opened the door to the dungeons and saw Lu Ten rushing out of there. What did he want here ?

A little suspicious of the prince sneaking around, but it didn't concern Mai in the slightest.

She could care less if Zukos cousin talked to his father or not. She was here for Ty Lee.

"Mai ?"

Her former friend raised her heas up. She looked horrible, grey Rings under her eyes and her hair was a mess. Mai couldn't remember it ever not being tight up in a ponytail.

She spared Iroh a glance, but the old man kept his head down in his chains. Azula said they were necessary, as he broke out of prison before.

Ty Lee didn't got the same treatment. She was free to move in her cell and got closer to Mai. She smiled a little, but Mais stare was cold as ice.

She wouldn't start faking sympathy now, after surpressing her emotions for long years.

"I will come straight to the point, Ty Lee". Her face fell. "Why did you do it ? You could have come back with us, be our friend again. And you... you just threw your life away".

Ty Lee took a deep breath. Hearing her friend say all of this hurt, but she deserved a proper explanation.

"What Azula and her father do to this world isn't right". She touched the bars of her cell.

"It took me a long time to realize but... the few weeks with the Avatar and the others opened my eyes".

Mai crossed her arms. "So you left me because of a boy".

"No" The young girl shook her head. "He just helped me realize how blind I've been. I hate to do this to you, Mai. But it doesn't have to be like this."

She tried to reach out to her former best friend, but Mai flinched away.

"You can leave it behind. You are not a cruel person, Mai. You are better than Azula".

"Shut up", Mai said in an indiffrent tone. "I won't betray my friends. Not like you and not like Zuko".

"Zuko didn't betray us", Ty Lee reminded her. The volume of her voice got up. "He had to flee from the very people you are loyal to."

"He didn't want to come back to me. Everyone leaves me. Zuko could have returned and we could be together".

Now Ty Lee was really confused. What was Mai talking about ?

"Zuko doesn't love you, Mai. He is love with-"

"DON'T SAY HER NAME !"

Never did Ty Lee ever hear Mais voice go up like this. She came too close to her, it felt almost intimidating.

"If it weren't for this bitch we would be together ! And if you weren't such a spinless coward you wouldn't sit in a cell, with only rats and a father old man to keep you company !"

Mai grabbed Ty Lees wrist.

"YOU AND HER ARE TO BLAME THAT EVERYONE LEAVES ME!"

Suddenly Mai was yanked backwards and she flew. Ty Lees wrist still hurt from the pressure, but the other girl let go of her.

She had to.

The strong wind that came up forced her to release her. Mai didn't say anything. She just looked at Ty Lee in shock and without another word she ran out of the cell.

Ty Lee covered her mouth with her hands. What just happened ?

Iroh looked up now.

"Interessting. Ty Lee", he said. "This changes everything".

----

When Katara looked down at herself, she was shocked. Her blue dress was torn, wet, and covered in mud. No wonder, as she and the others fled, the condition of their clothes was the lowest priority.

Zuko and Toph were no different. They urgently needed to change. But they'd have to anyway if they wanted to wander around the nation unnoticed.

No sooner said than done.

They didn't have to search long before they found a clothesline where beautiful clothes were hanging to dry.

Despite Aang's initial guilt, Katara simply couldn't resist this silk robe.

And so everyone grabbed what they wanted and made off with their loot.

Aang tied a headband around the arrow to conceal it. Zuko had to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Aang asked, frowning. "Well, you got a school uniform. Everyone'll think you're skipping."

The Avatar looked down at himself. "Is that what you wear to school?" A smile spread across his face. "Very comfortable."

Zuko's eyes widened when he saw Katara. "You look very pretty," he murmured. Red really does suit her. Katara smiled, but then her hand shifted to her neck.

"I guess the necklace is too noticeable."

With a heavy heart, she took it off and handed it to her boyfriend. "I want you to take it."

"Me?"

Katara placed the necklace in his palm and closed it.

"I trust no one more than you."

Aang knelt down to help Toph with her shoes, but the blind girl was faster.

"That's better. This way my feet can see and I can still wear nice shoes."

The sole landed squarely in Sokka's face.".

Zuko had chosen a red tunic and pants of the same color. Over it, he wore a red vest with gold trim. He looked into the water.

"It feels so familiar, but also so strange" He turned around to inspect it from all angels. "How do I look".

Katara turned him around and gave him a kiss. She couldn't care less what kind of clothes Zuko was wearing. Let it be his watertribe Outfits that her Gran-Gran sewed for him or the Firenation one he was wearing right now.

He looked amazing in everything.

And Zuko felt the same way of course.

----

Mai's boots echoed in the darkness as she ran toward the tall man.

She weighed the bag of gold coins in her hands as she drew closer and closer to her date.

"It's not proper to linger in the shadows when a lady wishes to speak with you."

Mai tossed the gold at the person's feet, catching his attention. The man approached, and she could now see the sign on his forehead she had heard about.

"I have a task for you. I want you to find Prince Zuko for me. He's accompanied by a Water Tribe girl," she said. "Her name is Katara. Bring me Zuko, but don't hurt him.

And take out the little bitch."

Chapter Text

Turned out Zuko was right about Aangs school uniform. He wasn't even on the street for ten minutes when a man stopped and accused him of skipping classes.

Well, maybe it was better that way. Aang called every citizen on the street "Hotman" despite Zukos protests against it.

"Nobody calls anyone Hotman, I told you that a hundret times now".

Aang didn't care much however. He much prefered the Firenation from his memory with his friend Kuzon. His friend who apparantly was also Zuko grandfather.

Talk about a small world.

The prince, carefully hiding his burned side behind a cloak, as well as Katara watched as Aang got dragged off to school.

"Shouldnt we do something? He could get in trouble"

Zuko shrugged. "Well, I was never at a public school, but our friend should be fine. As long as he doesn't do anything to gain unwanted attention."

Of course, this was still Aang they were talking about. When he finally returned, covered his ashes, he told them that he beat up another student and talked back to a teacher.

"I have no idea what they mean", Aang complained with crossed arms. "I just asked them if they didn't knew the Air nomads had no army and that Firelord Sozin attacked them unprovoced"

Sokka and Zuko shared a look. The prince took some time away from the harmful propaganda his country tried to feed him, but he still remembered what his own teachers talked about in school.

"Aang, of course everything you say is true, but what happened to nor gathering attention !" Zuko asked more upset than he intended.

"I guess I should have told you more about the way this nation works".

"No offence Sparky, but what I see from it is more than enough", argued Toph. "And I can't even see."

Aang smiled at her and turned his attention back to Zuko. "Listen, these children deserve to know the truth. They are just like us."

"Like us ?", Sokka protested. "I don't want to be assoiated in any way, shape or form with these little Firemonsters".

He talked without much thought and shot Zuko an apologetic glance. "I...didn't mean it like that".

Aang overhead Sokkas comment and continued his speech.

"Most of them are really nice to me, despite believing I'm from the colonies. They deserve our help as well. There is this girl On-Ji who..."

"Girl ?" Toph appeared at Aangs side with a sceptical look in her white eyes. "What kind of girl ?"

"No one for you to worry about", Aang soothed her. In his heart would only ever be space for an earthbender. "But she is one of the good ones"

"I believe it when I see it", Sokka argued.

"Well...that may be sooner than later". Aang scratched his head.

"And whats that supposed to mean now ?"

"I got called to the principal for my behavior and he wants to speak to my parents."

Sokka raised his eyebrow. "Parents ? But you don't have-"

Aang looked from him to Katara, a wide grin on his face.

"No. Absolutly not. I will never-"

----

No complains from Sokka got him out of this situation. He got a fake beard and Katara put some of Appas furr under her dress.

They hoped to pass off as Aangs parents for one talk with the schools principal.

Zuko was originally the one to play the role as Aangs father, but had to admit it would be too risky.

Covering up the scar was way easier when walking in a crowd, but someone like the man who leads a school would see right through them.

And so Sokka and Katara as Wang and Sapphire Fire came to get their son Kuzon out of trouble. With a threatened spanking of his "father" Aang, Katara and Sokka got out of the room and walked across the hallway.

"That was the first abd only time I pretended to be married to my sister", mumbled Sokka under his breath.

The "family" passed a group of students, On-Ji was among them. Katara didn't mean to eavesdrop, but then she heard Zukos name out of one mouth.

She quickly tripped Aang and the boy fell to the ground

"Hey !"

"Oh no, my dear. You fell ? Here let me see if you hurt yourself." While Katara knelt down to examine Aang, she heard to what the three children talked about.

"I don't know... maybe Prince Zuko really was kidnapped by his cousin".

"Don't talk such nonsense, On-Ji. And dont let anyone hear that. Prince Zuko is a traitor to our people and he can die in a hole for all I care".

"What if Firelord Ozai really tried to sacrifice his son. My father said-"

The two boys stared at her in shock. "You can't even suggest something like this or you land in prision."

On-Ji sighed. "Yeah...I know".

"I'm glad the scum showed his true color. He doesn't care about his land or us".

Katara knew these kids only repeated the lies their parents fed them and she was glad that at least one smart mind was among them.

But hearing them talk about Zuko like this..."

"Listen up here, you little-"

Aang could stop her, before Katara gave them a piece of her mind. He grabbed her arms and gave his best smile at the bunch. "I'm sorry, guys. My mother talks nonsense sometimes. Don't pay too much attention to her."

Sokka joined to grab Kataras other arm.

"Come on, Sapphire. Lets get you home to bed."

On-Ji waved at Aang, as he walked away. "I'll see you later at your dance party, Kuzon".

Aang raised his thumb up, but Sokka wasn't as happy.

"Please tell me she didn't just say dance Party"

"Well, there is something else you guys should know..."

----

Zuko watched as the kids around him danced, something that was looked down upon in the Firenation.

When Aang learned about that, he was horrified. The Avatar spend almost an hour telling them about his people music from 100 years ago.

Was this a glimpse of what will be again, once Ozai was defeated. The 16 year old prince couldn't say anything against it.

He loved seeing these young people united. Aang had grabbed Tophs hand and started dancing with her.

The blind girl got on his feet more than once, but the Avatar didn't mind.

Of course her parents got Toph to some noble dance parties, but this was the first time she actually enjoyed moving her body around like she did.

And it was also the first time she dance with a person she cared about.

Zuko expierenced the same. His mother adored the theater and to make her happy, the 5 year old prince asked his uncle Iroh to show him how to dance.

And Uncle was only too happy to be his teacher.

Ursas face gleamed with joy as she saw her little boys performance for her.

It almost brought tears to Zukos eyes. Katara got to her boyfriend and offered he her hand.

"May I have this dance, mylady ?"

Katara looked at Toph, Aang, On-Ji and the other children who danced so flawlessly.

She was a rather bad one.

"I'm not sure..."

"Trust me. It's easier than it seems" Zuko got her up and she placed her hand on his shoulders. The hint in his eyes was clear: "Trust me".

His own palms wandered to Kataras hips and he wasted no time in swinging her around.

The watertribe girl let out a surprised yelp, as her feet did their best to keep up with the beat.

"I told you, you can"

Zuko pulled Katara closer to him to get a kiss on her lips. And then both of them twirled around, as if there was no tomorrow.

Everyone stopped and stared at the couple.

But their moves weren't the only reason for the abrupt stop.

Zuko had lost the scarf covering his face, due to him whirling around so fast.

Due to his passion, he didn't even realize it.

Oh no.

"Isn't that Prince Zuko ?"

On-Ji was correct of course, but before anyone else could respond, a loud Bang Was heard and thousand of rocks came crushing down.

One of these giant boulders came down and it was so close to hitting Sokka. Toph stopped it just in time, but there was wasn't enough to ensure everyones safe.

They had to run.

Zuko reached for Katara and told her to run. But then he saw On-Ji and one of her friends standing there. A giant rock came crushing down on them.

All that Katara could see before Sokka pulled her away was the boy she loved running back to help these children.

"ZUKO !" Katara yelled, but her brother yanked her outside.

Aang and Toph waited already. There was a huge man out there. Despite the darkness, Katara saw a glowing symbol on his forhead and his eyes landed on her.

And then, all Katara could do was jump out of the way, because he send an explosion her way.

He was after her, she could tell. The reason why wasn't important, all that mattered was getting away from him.

He would follow and the children would be safe.

But not without Zuko.

While Aang got Momo and jumped atop Appa, helping Toph, Katara looked around in panic.

The explosion created a lot of dust that limited her vision.

A girl came running towards her and Katara quickly wrapped her arms around her to shield her from the Explosion.

"I'm scared."

"Get out of here as fast as you can".

Katara stroked over her hair and pushed her gently forward.

"ZUKO ! WHERE ARE YOU !", she yelled out again.

Everything inside her ached from bot knowing where and when he would appear.

Or if.

"KATARA !" Zuko ran out of the dust and held the kid on his hand. The waterbender recognized him. He was the one that accused Zuko that he wouldn't care for his people.

Now he had a tear streaked face and he mumbled: "T-Thank you, your Highness".

"Go ! Get yourself to safety"

Then it hit Katara, the horrible realization that Zuko only came out with one kid, while he reached for two.

Despite the giant still on their trail, Katara couldn't move for a second, as the horrible truth came over her.

It felt as if the rocks had crushed her as well.

"I tried, but I wasn't fast enough".

Katara wanted to hug Zuko and to comfort him, telling him that he did everything he could for her.

And that he did save a life today.

But for now, they had to get onto Appa and bring as much distance as they could between themselves and this creature.

----

Lu Ten hated to sit with Azula and pretend that everything was okay.

He knew that his cousin wasn't totally to blame, considering how cruel Ozais manipulations were, but the damage was done already.

Azula hurt Zuko and his father.

But he had to hold his facade and read his scroll while Azula and Mai chatted over Agni knows what.

They were interrupted however, as a bird knocked on the window with his beard.

Lu Tens heart stopped for a minute, hoping that this wasn't Sparky.

Thank the spirits it wasn't. A Firenation Messanger Hawk.

Azula rolled her eyes. "This better be important or this little bird will be a roasted duck".

The princess opened her window and took the message.

"What ?" She gasped as she read what was written. "Oh my, how tragic"

Mai and Lu Ten now looked up. "What is it ?"

"You do remember Admiral Zhao, right ?"

If this message concerned the late Monster, it couldn't be good. Lu Ten tried to Sound indiffrent. "What's with him ?"

Azula handed him the scroll. "He had a daughter. Poor little thing died tonight".

Lu Tens heart stopped. Ty Lees cousin... he hadn't seen her that often, but On-Ji had been such a joyful young girl.

And her and Ty Lee had been close, kind of like him and Zuko. And now she was just ripped away from life ?

He had to make sure that poor Ty Lee learned it from him and not Azula, who would sure taunt her former friend about it.

Mai got a cup to her lips. "What happened?"

"Well, I call nonsense but apparantly a big man came out of nowhere and they say he was able to create explosion out of nothing, just with his mind. This is absolutly-

Mai, you have to be kidding me! You just spilled tea all over the floor and there are shards everywhere. Clean up this mess right away !"

Chapter Text

-The Southern Watertribe, 2 years ago-

"Hey, there you are".

Katara hadn't been seen for almost the whole afternoon, Lu Ten, Zuko and the rest of her family started to get worried about her. She helped her grandmother prepare a meal for everyone and after they finished up, she was gone.

Lu Ten sat down next to the 12 year old girl. It was a favorite spot of hers, high up on a hill, a good view on the ocean.

Sometimes Katara asked herself what ließ beyond her white world.

She looked up to the adult Firebender. Katara liked Lu Ten from the minute the got to know him better, despite his origins.

He wasn't like the monster that took her beloved mother Kya away and the girl knew it.

"Hey".

"We have been looking for you. What is on your smart mind ?" He tapped Kataras forhead with his finger and that got a giggle out of her.

"Do you miss your Dad ?"

Stupid question, it had been less than two weeks that Hakoda and the other men if his tribe left ti fight in this pointless war.

Of course Katara missed her father.

A soft nod from Katara gave Lu Ten the confirmation he needed and opened his arm, welcoming her to get closer.

Katara didn't need to be asked twice, as she wrapped her arms around him and snuggled close to him.

"Sokka wanted to come with Dad, you know", Katara told her friend. "And you know what ? Me too. But I can't, I know that. I'm just a..."

"A girl ?"

Katara nods. "Yes and girls can't be warriors"

Lu Ten looked at her with raised eyebrows. "That's nonsense, Katara. A girl is just as capable of a fighter as a boy is. And you know what ?"

He got a little closer to whisper in her ear: "In the Firenation are women in the millitary common practise".

Katara stared at him in disbelief. "Female Firebender, you say ? I only ever saw men".

"No just bender", Lu Ten told her. "Thw women fight with swords and bow and arrow and all kind of weapons. And you know what I believe?"

Katara hang onto his every word. "What ?"

"That one day, when you are grown up and got a little bit of practise, you will become not only a waterbending master, but also a great fighter. No doubt about it".

Katara beamed of joy and hugged him. "You think I could be a hero ?"

"You are one already, little sea-horse"

He watched as Katara ran to her older brother Sokka and Zuko, who searched for her far and wide.

With crossed arms and a smile on his face, the Firebender was pleased with himself

They all would be heroes one day who changed the world.

--Now--

Of course Zuko heard about the Painted Lady. She was part of some of his favorite stories growing up.

His mother had to tell him about her every day. And young Zuko always dreamed about meeting her one day and maybe even marrying her.

The types of thoughts a six year old has.

And when they arrived at this poor village full of people in need to be saved by their corrupt government, he heard about her again.

She showed up to this village at night, healing injured and sick ones and bringing them food.

For a single second Zuko believed this to really be the work of a spirit. But it wasn't.

Katara disguised herself as the Painted Lady and sneaked around the village to help these human who needed her.

Zuko was the first one to notice and of course helped her explode the factory responsible for the poor water quality of the water.

However, after learning who Katara truly was, the folk met her with wrath. Not only for pretending to be the Painted Lady, but a waterbender pretending to be the Painted Lady.

Zuko gave them a piece of his mind, as well as Sokka.

And despite everyone working together in the end, Katara never recieved a proper Thank you.

And the prince would be damned if he let this Event go without showing Katara the gratitude she deserves.

Not only from these Firenation people she helped, but them as well.

She cooked their food everyday, washed their clothes, heal them when they get sick and saved their lifes more time than they can count.

This wouldn't be enough for Zuko to compete with her, but it was at least better than doing nothing.

The next city was better suited and had a market. Zuko could buy everything he needed there.

Kataras favorite flowers from around here Firelilies, a little bit of food that at least shared similar traits with watertribe specelties and most importantly her mothers necklace.

Zuko took good care of it, feeling in his pocket wether or not it was still there.

But something of such value for his girlfriend deserved better than to be squished inside his pants.

So the prince used the remaining money for a little casket, all in red and gold. He would get some blue ontp this somehow. A perfect place for a perfect girl.

Sokka eyed him as he handed the man the gold. "Hey, we still want to eat. What on earth do you need that for ?"

"You are one to talk. Haven't you got yourself a nice little handbag ?"

Sokka showed him his tongue and grabbed some meat.

Zuko looked around to see if Katara was still distracted by Momo who enjoyed her now open hair a lot.

Maybe than to her liking.

He hoped she'd like it.

----

"Why did you drag me out here at this ungodly hour ?" Toph complained, as Zuko dragged her across the field they made their camp.

Katara, Sokka and Aang were still fast asleep and he wanted to the be done in time.

There was no doubt Toph would be a great fit to help him out.

"Can you stop being all secretive and tell me why you need me ?", she yawned. "Okay, you saw the look on Kataras face when they revealed a statue of-"

He stopped mid-sentence as Toph made a grumpy face. "Oh... sorry."

"I prefer people forgetting I'm blind to people constantly reminding me of it. Okay, soi it out, Sparky. What do you need my amazing earth bending tecniques for?"

"I was hoping you could help me with a statue of Katara. She was so happy when the people of the town got one for her painted Lady self and I really want to see that expression on her again."

Toph crossed her arms. "I have no idea how Katara looks like."

Now Zuko started to sweat. Has he really not thought this through at all ? But to his relief, his young friend laughed.

"I'm just messing with you, sure I can help you. Im positive Aang can take care of the details. And if you tell Katara I just said that you are crushed, but... it's really sweet of you to do this for her."

She punched his arm, what got a loud "Oww" out of Zuko. "You're a good boyfriend."

With a wink, Toph prepared to get everything done, while Zuko set off the rest of his surprise.

He prepared the food, flowers, and placed the candles on the right spot.

Now all that was left was to light them up.

Deep breaths, just as Uncle had shown him. Just like Lu Ten taught him.

There was no reason to be afraid. This is your own Fire. I can't hurt you. You are in control.

Focous on your breath and try to keep it calm.

Its not going to hurt you.

Zuko inhaled the air through his nose and out his mouth and moved his hand over the candle.

Don't let it get too big, just a tiny flame.

This is for Katara.

Do it for her.

The candle was lit and Zuko had to take a few steps back. Despite the immense triumph he felt, he knew there was still a long way to go.

He really needed to find these Sun Warriors.

Bit all of this could wait, now all that mattered was that he lit up something all by himself

Maybe it didn't sound as impressive, but to Zuko this was a huge step.

And Toph, who finished her work by now noticed it as well.

"The statue, picnic and everything are nice gestures, man, but believe me nothing is going to make her happier than to learn of your progress".

----

Katara giggled as Zuko led her way blindfolded.

She barely woke up from her sleep, when her boyfriend already stood over her, a mysterious grin on his face.

"Well, thats a sight to wake up to", she mumbled still a little sleepy. She got up to kiss him, but he held up Aangs bandana.

"Huh ?"

"Wrap it around your eyes. There is something I want to show you".

And here she was, guided by her boyfriend, proving her trust in him.

"Come on, can't I take it off already ?"

"Alright... you can"

The sight in front of her left the waterbender speechless. Not only was a nice amount of food placed on the ground in front of them, but also flowers everywhere.

"Zuko, this is-"

She noticed it then. First Katara believed it only to be a giant rock, but inspecting it closer it resembled a person.

And not just anyone, but herself.

"You can't really set all of this up just for me ?" Katara felt her eyes go wet and got mad at herself.

Why was she crying? After all the terrible scenes happening the past few days, this was such a breath of fresh air ans the boy she loved took such effort to see her smile.

"You were so happy helping people as the painted Lady. And I just wanted you to have a proper Thank you. From us all for being... you"

Katara embraced Zuko and cried: "I don't know how I deserve this. And you."

"Toph helped with her earthbending and Aang got your features right. Sokka made sure I wouldn't spend too much money".

Katara laughed, but she immediatly stopped as Zuko got the present he was most exited for her to see.

"What's this ? It's beautiful"

Kataras fingers roamed around the small casket in Zuko's arms. "Open it", he told her with excitment in his eyes.

Kataras hands covered her mouth as she pulled the top from it and saw her mothers necklace placed carefully inside.

Now tears started to fall.

"I don't know what to say"

She placed it carefully on the ground and cupped his face with her hands.

"I believed that something so valuable deserved a more fitting rest than my pocket".

Her lips met his immediatly, no time to waste. Without even letting go, she whispered: "I love you so, so much."

"I love you".

The two snuggled together, enjoyed Zukos more or less tolerable food and tea and she watched the candle flicker.

"I'm proud of you" Katara kissed the hand Zuko wrapped around her. The price laid himself down and his girlfriend climbed on top of him, her hands playing with his black hair.

"Your bending will return, I know it."

Her mouth wandered to his neck and she kissed it as lovingly as she could with all the desire she felt for this boy.

"One day this will be an actual statue", Zuko promised as he held Katara in an effort to bring her closer to him.

"Your heroine act won't go unnoticed anymore. I promise-"

"Shhh" Katara kissed his lips. "Let's not talk about this now. All that matters is that you and I know who the other is and that nobody has to prove anything."

Chapter Text

-The Firenation, 10 years ago -

Yuna and Ryuz were beyond shocked by what they just witnessed.

Of course having seven baby girls wasn't easy for either of them, but they never believed to deal with a situation like this.

They heard yelling from upstairs in their house, nothing out of the usual. Two of their daughters got into a fight over dolls or any other toy they didn't want to share.

They never expected this.

Ty Lee stood on the ground, seemingly the innocent four year old her parents know and love.

But the sight in front of them made the two of them realise their life as they knew it would change drastically.

Ty Lao was floating up in the air.

Though it wasn't too high up, her feet clearly didn't touch the ground and she was crying.

And Ty Lee had her small hand raised and held her favorite doll in the other. Her angry face told Ryuz what he needed to know.

His daughter was an... no, he couldn't say it. He had prayed that his family was free from the curse his grandmother placed upon them.

While the man was happy that she had escaped when she was still a child, he knew the possiblity of his descendant being benders were there.

And now, his past had gotten up to him.

"No... no, no no" He rushed over to Ty Lao and got her down to the ground. "Ty Lee..."

His little daughter looked at him, confused and scared. She just got her toy back from her sister, it was hers.

Her parents wouldn't punish her for defending herself, would they ?

"What's going on here ?" Yuna gasped in shock, as her brother Zhao showed up behind her.

It was a reflex to hide her daughter behind her back, despite the fact that the airbending was long over.

"Did my niece misbehave again ?" He tried to look past Yuna to take a look at Ty Lee.

While the young woman loved her brother, how could
she not; he was her family, he couldn't know.

If he were to find out, he would inform Firelord Azulon immediatly and he would kill Ty Lee.

Maybe even their whole family, since Ryuz was a direct airnormad descendet.

"Nothing, dear brother", Yuna tried her best smile, hoping to convince Zhao of it. "Ty Lee and Lao just fought over some stupid doll. You know how girls are".

Zhao raised his eyebrow, not sure what to make of her explanation. But there was no reason to doubt what she was saying.

Yuna quickly grabbed her brothers arm and led him out of the room. "Come on, dear. The girls love a visit from their favorite uncle".

Ryuz waited until he was sure they were out of earshot.

Ty Lee couldn't understand why Mommy was so shocked that she was a bender and why was Daddy crying ?

When it was clear that her friend Azula was a bender, everyone was happy about it.

They told Ty Lee that it was better to have a bender for a child, since they considered it a gift from the spirits.

Why was her gift a reason for her parents to be so upset about ?

Finally, after what felt like forever, Zhao was gone and their little girls were put to bed.

Well, all except one. Ty Lee was still in her room, sitting on the carpet and waited for her parents to kiss her goodnight.

Ryuz and Yuna knew there were risks by bearing children, but they prayed to Agni to give them Fire or at least non-benders.

"If the Firelord ever finds out about it", Yuna cried in her tissue. "My poor little Ty Lee."

Ryuz sighed and hugged his wife. This was his fault, the curse came from his side of the family.

So it was his responsibility to care for the situation.

He knew what he did was wrong, but it was better than for his daughter to be imprisioned or murdered.

Finally Ty Lee could look up and find their parents in her room.

They were smiling now. The little girl happily raised her arms and her Daddy picked her up, as he always did.

Nothing changed, they still loved her.

Yuna gently stroked her daughters brown hair out of her face. "Baby, do you know what you did today?"

Ty Lee nodded. "I was mean to Ty Lao. And I'm sorry."

"No, I mean do you know about bending ?"

"Yes, Mommy. Azula is one and me too now". She smiled a little.

There were tears in her eyes again ?

"No, sweetheart. This is diffrent from the princess." She kissed her forhead.

"Nobody can ever find out that you are one."

Her husband came next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

His hands had gripped a steaming cup and the liquid inside it would help keep his daughter safe.

Ty Lee eyed it with suspicion. "What's this ?"

Ryuz knelt down. "It's medicine, sweetheart. This will help you"

The four year old took it from her father and sniffed at it. "I don't like medicine, Daddy. I'm not sick".

Ryuz stroked his daughters cheek. "Please, Lee. Drink it up for Mommy any me".

Ty Lee looked from one adult to the other. "If I drink this will you love me again ?"

Ryuz and Yuna shared a look.

Of course it hurt them having to do this to their daughter, but it was the only way to save her.

"Yes, sweetheart. You would make us very happy with this"

That was all Ty Lee needed to hear to gulp every drop down.

It tasted horrible, but her father brought her the same cup every night.

And when Ty Lee left her family to travel with the circus, she never forgot to drink her medicine before going to sleep.

-Now-

"I see."

Iroh tried to relax a little bit in his chains, as much as it was possible in his uncomfortable state.

What Ty Lee just told the old man was truly unbelievable.

"It makes sense that your airbending abilitys come to light again. Being in prision you can't take a hold on the drugs anymore."

The word brought Ty Lee tears in her eyes once again.

After she used her airbending on Mai in self defense, it made no sense to her at first. But Zukos Uncle Iroh, who witnessed the whole deal didn't need to guess twice.

He just wondered why the girls bending had been surpressed.

Thats when it hit Ty Lee like one of Azulas lightning.

For over 10 years her parents gave her drugs to prevent her from airbending again.

She used to believe that incident with her sister was just a childhood dream, but then she connected the dots.

The day her parents first got her the medicine.

"I can't believe it". Ty Lee looked at her hands. "I am an airbender... a Firenation airbender."

That was the hardest to grasp.

Her great-grandmother was there when the air-nomands got wiped out, but managed to escape. And now her blood was mixed with those who wished harm upon her.

All of this confused the 14 year old to a great deal. "I don't even know who I am anymore."

Iroh got her a warm smile, barely visible in the dimly lit cell.

"Nothing changed, my girl. You are still you, just with a new found ability that used to be buried inside you. But know that none of this was your fault".

Ty Lee looked up now.

"Your parents shouldnt have kept this away from you. Instead of hiding your powers away from the world, they should have helped you control it."

Ty Lee got her hand through her brown, uneven hair and stood up.

Deep inside her heart, she knew that the wise man was right.

"You really think I can be a proper-?"

"Yes" The chains rattle as Iroh nod his head yes. "And I will help you with this. Perhaps, young Ty Lee,your airbending can help us find a way out of here"

Now Iroh got her full attention. She believed that her spirit was broken by Azula and all that wa left for her to do was to wait for Sokka to rescue her.

Like some damsel in distress.

However she hated that feeling and now that she knew there was something she could do, she would.

They had the element of surprise on their side, because inside her she knew Mai hadn't told Azula what she had witnessed.

"I'm ready".

"Very well. If you allow me, it would be an honor to teach a young airbender".

Ty Lee bowed to him.

"The honor is all mind".

"Excellent. A clear mind is very important for airbending. Lets start with a little meditation"

Chapter Text

It wasn't easy to find, but there was a library within the city.

Not as big as the one in the desert, but if it would help Zuko find out something about the Sun Warriors it would be alright.

Lu Ten told him that they could help him with his Firebending and if his brother said this to him, then its the truth.

Lu never lied to Zuko before.

"Oh great, another library" Toph complained as she crossed her arms. "Why should you care for my needs anyway ?"

Aang knew that his girlfriend was right so he held her hand and said: "Come on, I'm pretty hungry. We should eat out today. Just the two of us"

Toph blushed and nodded, before Aang noticed how excited she was.

Was this their first traditional date ?

"I'll stay here", Sokka told his friends.

"You never waste an opportunity to get something in your stomach", Katara reminded him. " And you hate reading anyway. What habe you planned ?"

"I... want to see if I can find out more dateils about the palace. Everything we might need for the Invasion. What if we get a surprise attack and don't know what hits against-"

"Okay, okay, we get it", Toph interrupted him. She didn't understood much about the invasion, all she needed to know was that she was allowed to throw rocks at Firebenders.

Bad Firebenders

That was good enough.

So while Aang and Toph enjoyed a good bite to eat in the town they just saved from destructuon, Katara, Sokka and Zuko stayed on the libary to do research.

---

The light of the candle got more dim by each passing minute and it made Zukos eyes hurt to read what was written in front of him.

He got enough trouble with only one vision, so sitting in a poorly lit room didn't help much. But the teenager didn't care much, he needed to find where these Sunwarriors live. Everyone believed them to be long extinct, however he knew better.

He had found some valuable clues of their whereabouts from hundrets of years ago, but still too little to go there.

Not that there would be time to travell there anyway, with the invasion right around the corner.

With a heavy heart Zuko placed the scroll back where he found them and got up from his seat. If only he still had his swords. This way he would be at least of little use for his friends.

Suddenly Zuko spotted a very strange sight, never before had he witnessed something like this. Sokka got a role and actually seemed invested in what he read there.

The last time Zuko saw something remotly similar was when they got inside that secret Library and his buddy learned of the Sun Eclipse.

The prince wondered what exactly caught Sokkas attention this time.

Hiding behind the shelf Sokka leaned against, Zuko tried to read what was written there.

But his limited sight and that damn light made it harder for him than necessary.

So without much thinking he ripped the paper out of Sokkas hands.

"HEY !" the other boy complained. "What is your problem, Zuko".

"The Art of Swordfighting" Zuko got the scroll down. He needed no further elorboration to put two and two together.

"You want to learn how to use the Sword ?"

Sokka snatched his scroll away from the Firebender and punished him with a mad look.

"No. I mean yeah, kinda. You all have your cool bending powers and I have just a Boomerang that never comes back"

Zuko raised his eyebrow and wanted to remind Sokka that he was without his bending as well, but his friend knew that was coming and immediatly countered: "Don't give me that look. You will get your bending back eventually, but even if".

His head hung low.

"You don't even need it. What you can do with your dao blades, I couldn't even dream of. But I am just..."

"Sokka !"

He looked up. "Um, yeah. Thats my name."

Zuko grabbed his wrist. "No, I just realized how your self confidence and spirit can boost up. If Im not completly mistaken, he lives right around the corner."

"Who ?", asked Sokka confused, of course without an answer from his best friend.

Sometimes Zuko was even more weird than Aang.

----

Sokka couldn't believe his eyes as he looked up the castle Zuko just led everyone up.

"Are you sure this man would accept me as his student ? He is a Master and if he taught you he must be incredible."

"And whats even more important are you sure we can trust him ?", Katara added. Aang and Toph didn't say anything.

They all wanted to see Sokka become good at something too and after the two kids returned from their romantic dinner, their friend excitedly told them about Master Piandao. He looked so excited.

Of course Katara trusted Zuko and when he said that man was a friend it was true.

But still, what if he was just a really good actor.

"He was the one busting out Uncle and Lu Ten. I wouldn't be here without the Masters help"

If that was really the case, Katara decided this Piandao was her new best friend from now on.

Zuko couldn't deny his nervousness however, as he knocked on the giant red door.

It had been so many years since he last saw his favorite teacher and he looked a lot diffrent than when he was a nice year old kid.

To the princes surprise it was the swords master himself who opened the door.

He got a few wrinkles and grey strains in his hair, but had not changed in any other way. A rare smile shot up on his face.

"Prince Zuko, I was expecting you. Why did you keep me waiting ?"

Zuko couldn't help but smile back and bowed respecfully.

"It's good to see you again, Master Piandao".

Chapter Text

Sokka moved with his sword like he never did anything else in his life. The young watertribe warrior seemed to have grown up with the blade, rather than just beginning a week ago.

Zuko watched his friend not stumbling over both of his feet, while wielding it.

Master Piandaos lesson seemed to finally blossom up.

"Make sure to train with him, after your friends and you leave me". Zuko looked up, he didn't realized Piandao came up to him to watch Sokka.

"Your friend has great potential and I would hate to see it go to waste." He turned his head to take a look at his former student and admire the young man he had become.

"Just like you. Your father always said the art of Swordfighting would be a waste of time for a bender like yourself"

He folded his hands and leaned forward.

"Why waste precious time a young prince should spend on learning new chakras with something so simple as weilding a sword ?"

Zuko looked up. Next to his old Master he seemed so small.

"What changed his mind?"

"Your mother". Piandao smiled as he thought about Lady Ursa, a truly admirable woman. The young prince couldn't help but wonder if Piandao held deeper feelings for his mother.

"She saw the potential you held inside you, Prince Zuko, so she would beg her husband every day to let you see me. And thank Agni she did. The best student I ever had."

The man turned his attention back to Sokka, The sword fell out of his hand once more.

Zuko chuckled a little, seeing himself as an eight year old who wasn't a lot better.

But with his blades he felt something he never felt while throwing fire.

He felt free.

"I heard about her passing", Piandao mumbled. "My deepest condolences, Prince Zuko".

The Firebender sighed, but thanked Piandao politly. "It was hard to learn the truth about her, a part of me dared to hope-"

Zuko couldn't finish his sentence. Even so many weeks later the air around him felt harder to breath in when thinking about Ursa.

"But at least I wasn't alone. I had Uncle, Lu and my friends and..."

"And Miss Katara."

The smirk on the Masters face widened.

"She seems to be a really special person to you. I had the pleasure to share some tea with her and she told me you sacrificed your dao blades to save her life".

Piandao placed a hand on Zukos shoulder.

"That must have been very hard for you"

The prince shook his head. One of the easiest decissions of his life.

"Objects can be replaced. There is only one Katara"

Piandao was pleased to hear about the boys response. He grew up to be a respectable, young man and while wishing to spare him all of the traumatic events, the Master knew they helped shape him.

And the good influence of his cousin of course.

"Oh oh. I better help Sokka".

Zuko ran down the stairs to prevent Sokka from getting impaled by his own sword.

Maybe he had even more work to do than they thought.

----

Lu Ten got up early in the morning, so nobody would disturb him on the beach on Ember Island.

One of the advantages of his current situation was, that his uncle couldn't give less of a shit to where he goes or what he does there.

So it was no big deal to get on one of the ships, meet there in secret with Sensu and set sail towards the island he had fond childhood memories of.

"I had no idea you can sail a ship all by yourself", Sensu had teased his boyfriend. The prince winked at him. "You have forgotten how we met already ? That hurts my feelings a little".

Of course Sensu hadn't forgotten. Lu got shipwrecked and nursed back to health by none other than himself and Lee.

So the two boys arrived on the island, the earthbender dressed all in Firenation red. It was necessary to blend in with all the other people there and it suit him quiet right.

And now the young man stood at the shore and watched the sun raising up.

It painted the sun in a beautiful orange and pink and Lu Ten had to smile at the sight. His mind wandered to Zuko and he hoped at his little brother was okay.

When Sparky brought him his latest letter, Zuko described an encounter with a big man that almost got him and the others killed.

Lu Ten had to fight the tears in his eyes as he had to read how Zuko was put through yet another traumatic event, one he wasn't there to protect him from.

As Lu Ten kept reading and came to the part if the boy beating himself for not saving On-Ji. He had to pause and let his tears flow.

The need to run to him and hold him in his arms was almost unbearable at times, he'd walk to him if he had to.

But he knew that he had to wait here and gather as many weak points of the Firelords Army as he could.

So all he could do was to provide comfort with his words.

After finishing everything, Lu Ten came down the dungeons to visit his father, who told him to take a short break.

And thats what he did, standing here with the sand between his toes and letting his mind fly.

"Hey, handsome."

Sensu approached him and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"What are you doing ?"

"Just enjoying the view".

"Ohh so do I"

Sensu turned Lu Ten around and placed kisses on his cheek and neck."

The prince returned the favor, cupping the others cheeks and kissed his lips.

He missed this. Feeling like a normal adult since forever.

Hand in Hand the two of them watched the sun going more up the sky and Lu told Sensu about the moments he spend here.

"When all of this is over I want to take Zuko back here. Him and Katara, Aang, Sokka, Toph. I want them to see this place in a Firenation free of the tyranny of my uncle."

Sensu placed his hands on his hips and grinned. "What ?"

"I just realized I will be dating the Firelord in a few weeks".

Lus eyes widened at this comment and his cheeks turned red. Firelord ? Him ? He hadn't thought about it, with everything that happened, the question of the next Firelord was so far away.

"I...I dont know. My father would likely be the next one..."

But would Iroh want to be Firelord ?

Lu Ten and Sensu decided not to think about it too much right now.

Both of them got their clothes off and jumped in the cool water.

It felt great and refreshing.

If only it could always be like this.

----

"I'm very proud of you, young Sokka. Despite failing again and again, you never gave up and believed in yourself. It is an honor to have you as my student. And now that you have finished your final test..."

Piandao handed Sokka the meteor sword with a little bow.

"...it is my honor to give you this".

Sokka beamed with pride and took the sword from Piandao.

"Thank you for everything you have taught me, Master. I promise I will continue to train and one day be as good as Zuko".

Katara nudged her brother. "Not a chance".

"Prince Zuko, promise me to keep a close eye on your friend. And take good care of yourself. We will see each other again"

The teenager nods and bows respecfully, only to be embraced by Piandao. He smiled and returned the hug of his mentor.

"Thank you for saving my Uncle, Piandao".

After they parted, Zuko looked at Sokkas new sword. He was happy for his best friend, but he couldn't help but feel a little jealousy.

Watching him made him realize how much he missed his own weapon.

"I almost forgot Zuko, I have a surprise for you."

Before the prince could respond Katara covered his eyes with her hands.

"Actually its a surprise from all of us"

"What ?"

"Tada".

Zuko couldn't believe his eyes. Sokka held up two dao swords that looked almost exactly like the one Suki had given him all those years ago.

The only diffrence was that the blades weren't silver but black.

"The comet was bigger than we thought", Sokka explained. "And I thought... we thought you might be happy to have-"

The sentence was never finished. Zuko had wrapped his arms around Sokka and Katara at the same time. Aang and Toph soon joined the party and all five of them hugged each other.

Piandao watched with a smile. That was all he ever wanted for the little prince.

Finding true friends that would support him through the hardest of times.

"Thank you".

It was the perfect gift; Zuko couldn't have asked for anything better.

Chapter Text

Sitting around a campfire with your best friends and girlfriend is something totally normal for most teenagers.

But Zuko wasn't one of them.

The spooky horror stories his friends shared with him were the first time in his life he ever did something similar. Of course during his stay in the watertribe Kanna often told all of them stories, but this was the first time he got to hear Sokka and Katara talk.

And without sounding too biased, Zuko preferred Kataras.

Just as the tale reached its highest point, an old woman showed up behind them, scaring the bunch half to death.

Zuko was quick to grab his cape and hide his scar as best as he could.

"My, what do such young children like yourselfs out here ?", the old Lady asked with a kind smile.

Katara was the first one to regain her voice. "We were just setting camp for the night", she explained. The old lady nodded, her eyes dargestellt over each and everyone of them.

She seemed friendly, but Zuko knew that the first look wasn't necessary the correct one.

Even the most harmless looking Lady could be a potential threat.

The woman introduced herself as Hama and after some more chit chat, she invited them all to stay the rest of the night in one of her rooms.

Katara, Aang and Toph were eager to go, especially Katara seemed fond of Hama. But Zuko didn't like this. A random woman welcoming five stray kids to stay with her, who she knows nothing about ?

Wasn't that a little suspicious ?

But Zuko decided to keep this thoughts for himself and see where this is going. If things went south, he was able to defend himself with his new space swords.

Sokka really did no bad job there.

"I'm afraid some of you must share a room", Hama informed them, as they arrived at her place. "I hope this doesn't make you uncomfortable."

Toph and Aang immediatly agreed to get one room for themselves, so did Zuko and Katara. He slept better knowing she was safe.

Sokka gave them an annoyed look. Great, thanks for leaving my all by myself, he thought.

After Hama led Zuko and Katara to their room, The both of them stared at the comfortable looking bed and a realization hit them

This was the first time ever they would share an actual bed.

Zuko waited, while Katara got dressed in the bathroom attached to it. "Soo... what do you think about this Hama ?" Zuko asked, while getting rid of his scarf.

Felt good to breath again.

"She seems nice", Kataras voice was heard from the other room. "And I can't explain what it is, but she feels so familiar."

As she stepped outside, Zuko couldn't help but stare. Katara looked so beautiful in her nightgown, not that she was anything less than gorgeous without.

"You look great."

Katara herself Was impressed by what she saw. Sure Zuko with a bare chest wasn't new, but that doesn't stop her from admiring him with every new day.

Katara climbed in his bed and Zuko opened his arms to invite her to come closer.

The waterbender snuggled close to him and he kissed the top of her head.

"Don't you think its silly to hide behind a scarf ?", Katara asked her boyfriend. "I don't think Hama is a supporter of your Dad. We can trust her".

Zuko shook his head. "No, I don't want to take risks"

Katara understood and kissed Zukos chest, before her eyes closed.

---

When Zuko woke up in the morning, everything seemed normal. They hadn't been killed in his sleep and neither had been any of his friends.

After getting dressed, the couple went down the stairs, where Hama Was waiting with a few worden baskets. "Ahhh the two lovebirds are awake at last", she laughed. Sokka giggled behind his hand.

"Just in time to go shopping for a nice meal".

And so the gaang took off to the market to buy everything on Hamas list.

"Hey, the people here seemed pretty scared of some kind of ghost", Toph whispered. "Kidnapping people on every full moon ? And then me hearing voice coming from the mountain? That sounds suspicious, right ?"

"Our creepy stories have fussed up your head, Toph," Sokka argued. "That's nothing more than some urban legend"

Aang glared at his friend. "I believe Toph, when she says there she can feel them. Her feet have never been wrong before."

"Of course you would say that."

While the three of them continued to argue, Zuko decided to stay closer to Hama and Katara. Despite seeming nice, he couldn't shake the feeling about her.

Maybe it was all just for show to get close to Katara. Or perhaps she figured out who he truly was and wanted to use his girlfriend to get rid of him.

Whatever it was, he prefered to keep a close eye on him.

"How come your boyfriend never wants to take off that scarf ?", Hama asked Katara. "It must be hot under there."

"Oh, he has a... it's very personal. Not my place to talk."

"If the poor thing suffered cruelty from the Firenation, he shouldnt hide the marks from it." The elder looked down. "I know all too well how that feels like."

Katara shared a sympathetic look with her. "So... you are not from here ?"

"No, dear. I am actually-"

Her voice went down to a whisper, but Katara wouldn't have heard it either way.

Just as she got up a beautiful vase to inspect it, she noticed an older man.

He had gotten wrinkles over the years and she couldn't say If his hair had always been grey, since it had been hidden under the Firenation helmet.

But that face...

She would never forget it.

Kataras whole body started shaking and her mind went to places far beyond now. To her igloo to be exact, with her dear mother kneeling in front of that man buying vegetables right now.

As if it was nothing.

As if he didn't steal two little childrens mother six years ago.

Katara dropped the vase she was holding, The strenght left her body.

"Hey ! You gotta pay for it now." She heard the voice of the shop keeper. But it didn't fully reach her, she couldn't stand to breath the same air as the man who killed her mother.

Katara ran.

She ran as far away as she could, just like she ran when she was eight years old. It seemed like not much has changed.

----

Zuko was the first one to notice Kataras face. He wasted no time in following her, he needed to make sure she was okay. Or at least find out what got her so scared all of a sudden.

Because of course she was not okay, everyone could see that.

So Zuko wasted no time to get to her. "Katara ?"

She knelt on the bright green grass. Her face buried in her hands and wet from tears she sobbed and Zuko wanted nothing more than to hold her.

He carefully reached out with his hand.

"Can I hold you ?"

She nodded. The young girl wanted anyone to show her support and let her know she wasn't alone. Zuko was always her safe haven and when he wrapped his strong arms around her, it felt like the world immediatly became a better place.

She was almost able to enjoy the beautiful medow she didn't noticed she ran into, surrounded by firelillies.

As if she had not came face to face with the monster that killed her beloved mother.

"I saw him, Zuko". Katara sobbed. "It was him".

Zuko let go of her and stroked her tears off as best as he could with his thumb.

"Who ?"

"That man... he... is the one that killed mother."

The prince had never met Kya, but he knew she must have been a strong woman. Not only had she raised two wonderful children, but from what Katara had told her she protected her from the very same man who ended her life.

His girlfriend had told him everything on the southpole years ago.

And now that she knows he lives here, how should she handle the Situation.

"It is impossible to live, while people who wronged you won't suffer, isn't this right, my dear ?"

The pair didn't even notice Hama had followed them. She offered a hand to Katara and she let herself helped up.

A quick nod was all she managed. "I heard everything. Yon Rha is the man who did this to you, you say ?"

"You know his name ?" Zuko asked.

"Indeed. How couldn't I know about the former leader of the Southern Raiders?"

Zukos heart skipped a beat. He had heard about these barbarians, when he was younger.

How couldn't he put two and two together sooner ? He could have helped Katara, had he told her.

"If he is the one responsible for your mothers murder, he needs to be punished. And I can help you with it."

Kataras eyes widened at the suggestion. "What are you saying ? How could you possibly-?"

Hama wasted no time in sharing her secret with the two children. How she lived at the Southpole once and was a waterbender, just like Katara.

But then the Firenation came and kidnapped her.

Zuko felt disgusted by the actions of his grandfather and people who served his wish.

"How...How did you escape ?" Kataras voice was barely noticeable.

"I will show you. Tonight is a full moon and we are going to give Yon Rha back what he did to you ten times."

Her eyes wandered to Zuko. "Lee, if it is alright with you its going to be only Katara and myself. Waterbender buisness."

The prince looked at Katara. He hated to do this, but she gave him a nod and kissed his cheek.

It was a silent promise.

Ill be okay