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Borealis: A Zutara Story	By : jaded_priceless Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > AU/AR - Alternate Universe/Alternate Reality Views: 33524 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, Avatar: The Legend of Korra, any historical figures or events, or easily recognizable persons, places or things. I make no profit from this work of fanfiction

Chapter List
- 273
- 274
- 275
Chapter 271
They were preparing to go back in when Ming pointed at the sky, it had grown dark and they could see small bits of fire going up towards the heavens.
Mu spoke; it was the first thing he had said with coherence, “Someone is taking mercy upon them. Kali, our goddess of death is also the guardian of the night sky. She’s attracted to the light. They are calling to her down to them. Death releases the fire inside all of us and we go to be one with Agni. Each tiny bit of scattered flesh also contains a tiny bit of soul. She will seek out that light and gather it in hopes of gaining favor with Agni. He scorned her eternal wetness and hellish darkness in favor of the warmth and fire of a mortal dragoness. Their child was the first dragon to breathe fire.”
Katara looked up at Zuko and he kissed her on the forehead before whispering, “I too was taught that, we all were. I found the truth by accident. I was avoiding punishment and something led me to the forbidden section of the library. I thought it was myth that fire and light can only be equaled by water and dark until I met you. You are my refreshing shade and I am the restless ball of fire destined to seek you.”
Chu-hua was waiting for them when they arrived as one group in Zuko’s room. “Your father told me the Waterbender was a bad influence on you. I went to Azula’s room first expecting her to be the one to think of sneaking to the roof. She was pouting; by the number of scorch marks on the walls and ceilings I knew she had never left. But you, little Zuko was the one to defy me. I think your father would be pleased to know that.”
The others stiffened but Chu-hua laughed, “There is no need to fear. A prince must have loyal followers if he wishes to take the crown. I will consider this as an act of fealty towards him not an act of insubordination.”
She stared at Katara, at Ming, Qiaolian then back at Katara, “It is a dangerous path this young fool is treading, it is best you all know what is at stake should you decide to follow him.”
Natsumon stood at attention and saluted, “Permission to speak, Admiral?”
“Permission granted,” she replied jovially.
“I grew on up the body of Agni’s wife. I know his blessing and mercy are without limit yet, I cannot help but find merit in the words of Fire Lord Kozulon, ‘To show our gratitude for the one who has given so much to us we must refresh and replenish that which has allowed us to live thus far so the bounty will remain until after they days of our children,” he recited before introducing himself, “Admiral Chu-hua, I am Natsumon, catapult and communications specialist for the 74^thdivision of the military, Deathfire squad, warrant officer by rank. I am seeking permission to transfer to the 58^th Army division so that I can remain here and fertilize Agni’s newest gift so that it may grow healthy and strong. I am willing accept a demotion so that I might sta-.”
Chu-hua cut him off with a wave of her hand, “Nonsense. Permission to transfer granted. I’d wager someone as clever as you will find himself advancing in rank. Most are unwilling to speak the truth to their superiors because they are unable to phrase it in a way which will not get them fired. Mung will appreciate someone able to deliver such sweet smelling shit. Come with me, I’ll make the introduction. He’s in a good mood.”
“The rest of you, take them back where you found them and secure them for the night. Then secure yourselves. The food and drink will only last for so long before people remember those worthless idiots we toyed with were once friends and comrades. I do not wish for the memories of the lost to ruin the evening. My room will be unoccupied; Jianjun, Jianguo, and Mu guard the Water Tribe boy and the Avatar until I tell you not to. Flippy but not Grumpy or Grouchy can join you.
“They are currently being guarded by the civilian crew. It is best they also remain in place for the evening. Fan and Kentaro will bring food,” Chu-hua’s voice took on a ferocious but motherly tone as she cautioned, “This time I mean it, no little brats are to venture outside the four walls I’ve assigned them to. Understood?”
“Yes, Admiral,” they replied in unison.
Chu-hua smiled brightly, “Good, in the absence of my own stupid teenagers I’ve developed a slight fondness for you. Do not make me regret my affection.”
She patted Katara’s head gently, “You make me feel as though my own daughter became far less vexing the moment she sprouted hairs and smelt a different odor coming from her phoenix.”
She turned to Ming sighed while shaking her head, “Be glad you have a son, they are far less trying.”
She tapped the shell of Qiaolian’s ears and admonished, “And you keep these big things covered. I am not the only one in this city who managed to knock off that self-righteous prick’s hat only to be astonished by big floppy ears it was hiding.”
The Admiral waited until Qiaolian rearranged her hair to step into the hallway and motion they should follow her.
It was easy to guess why Chu-hua had been in such a good mood but Zuko and Katara were still trying to figure out why Chu-hua had been so generous with Qiaolian when Fan and Kentaro arrived. The men left soup, rice, grilled meat and vegetables and a few raw items for Katara to use. Having gotten nowhere with guessing, Zuko decided to ask. Fan seemed to know more about his cousin than anyone else he knew.
Fan tilted his head at him, “You don’t know?”
Zuko shook his head and muttered, “If I did I wouldn’t have asked.”
Fan sighed, “Yer cousin always did say you were a little slow, yer Mam is a member of the Kumanishi but she had to earn her mother’s name. Her mother is the youngest daughter; she married the House of Zhuán’s oldest son. She lost status when she took his name and became a member of that damned clan. Your mother grew up with the stigma of the Zhuán name. It didn’t help that her sorry ass Pap was the way he was and everybody knew it. Well and then there’s you. Chir’ren don’t pick the men that make ‘em so they shouldn’t be held accountable for what those men do.”
Once the cook explained Chu-Hua’s odd behavior he turned to Katara, “Missy Katara we’ll be back with more work for you. I don’t know what Chu-hua was thinking putting those two bottomless pits in the same room. Yer brother and Mu might eat those beefy twins if you don’t start cooking breakfast soon.”
Katara giggled as she imagined Sokka and Mu down on all fours nibbling on one of the twin’s legs while the Zhao’s slapped at their heads trying to get them off. That small bit of levity was enough for her to be able to eat and keep down her food. Zuko was able to eat after seeing her doing so.
Zuko noticed she was still smiling when she finished her meal and commented, “I am surprised you’re in such a good mood. Not that I’m complaining but I expected you to be more upset.”
Laughter could be heard in her voice as she replied, “Can’t you just see Sokka and Mu chomping on the twins like those puppies we saw in the stables attacking Balou?”
Zuko laughed, Balou, the little girl Mu had decided would be his first apprentice was just as loved by the puppies as their mother. Each day they would see two of them attached to each leg of her pants happily gnawing and growling while she crossed her arms over her chest and waited for them to drop off. “So which greedy gut would pounce on which twin?”
Katara shrugged, “It depends, which one do you think has the most gristle?”
“Zhao 1 would make more if got your brother on his knees in front of him. He doesn’t like Fire Nation boys.”
Katara’s jaw dropped, her eyes widened and her giggles sputtered into chokes, “That is wrong Zuko, that is so wrong. I think I’m going to be sick. Oh my La and Yue that is so wrong.”
After making several gagging noises her face cleared and she frowned in contemplation, “Aside from the disgusting mental imagery and the fact my horndog brother really likes girls. Those two would make a really compatible couple. He’s so much like Sokka I bet even Dad and Gran-Gran will like him. I wonder if we can get Zhao 1 to sleep in an igloo? Can he cook?”
“Not unless you eat charcoal,” Zuko snorted.
Katara shrugged, “Oh well so much for the happy couple. Guy or not he might have had a chance if he cooked like Fan and learned how to make stewed sea prunes like Gran-Gran.”
Zuko raised his eyebrows in surprise, “You do realize what you’re saying about your brother?
“Yes, his love of food knows no gender,” Katara smirked before bursting into another round of giggles as she imagined Zhao 1 in the furs of those who preferred their own gender eyeing her brother while Sokka eyed his stew pot.
Zuko managed to stop laughing long enough to ask, “Is there anything that you love so much that everything else can be forgotten?”
Katara’s smile slowly left her face and she curled in on herself. She closed her eyes and took deep breathes to slow the way her heart was pounding. She opened them when she felt Zuko’s chest brushing against her knees and his hands on her shoulders.
“Katara? What’s wrong? Are you hurting?”
“My family. My family is the one thing that I love so much that all else can be forgotten,” Katara replied somberly. She had forgotten again that Zuko had done such terrible things when she’d seen Sokka in the stables earlier. He had grown. He was both taller and broader than she had ever noticed the times she’d seen him with his shirt on. Today was the first time his shirt had been off. His formerly sunken in chest and scrawny back were actually showing definition. Her brother was actually getting enough food to start growing again. His brown skin had deepened to a richer hue from working outside in the sun. She could tell the fresh air and freedom, however imaginary and limited, was good for him. He seemed calmer and more relaxed; his face did not have that same pinched and drawn look he’d worn on the Ursa. She hadn’t seen Aang up close yet but had heard Chu-hua herself had taken him walking. It was the topic of discussion in all the homes she’d visited the day before, the Fire Nation Admiral had been seen walking from one end of town to the other with a group of large soldiers towering over the tiny Avatar.
Zuko remained quiet and continued to hold her. Katara had closed her eyes and was drifting off to sleep when Fan returned. She patted Zuko on the shoulder, “I’ll get it. If I’m this tired I know you must be worn out.”
Katara stared quizzically at what Fan had brought before her face softened. The food was already washed, chopped and in a pot she knew Kentaro had made. She now understood why Fan attributed his success as a chef to his husband. The newly crafted pot fit perfectly inside the fireplace even with the thin layer of cooking bricks molded to the outside of it. It would heat slowly, evenly and be perfectly cooked by morning.
Fan winked at her, “It’s got a little sumptin’ extrey for the nerves inside it. Nothin’ quite like onion likker to soothe the achin’ spirit.”
Katara lifted the lid of the pot, “Is that why your potatoes always taste so good?”
“Now, don’t go tellin’ all my secrets Missy. You get that to cooking. I got one in the princess’s room that Lady Ty Lee is minding and one in Chu-hua’s room being watched by Ying Shu. Thattun’s sealed o’course on account of Mu and your brother. The brat’s dagger will pop it off. We’d best be going. Gotta heapa rice stuff to make for the ones can’t handle their likker.”
Once Fan left Zuko began rearranging the room. He moved the privacy screens away from the walls they’d been resting against and set them up around the tub. Katara watched as he covered them with blankets then tied their ends to furniture. The two regular size tubs had been filled and the large one had been pushed beneath the bed. Zuko pulled it out and put a pinch of bath salts in it before alternately scooping water from the smaller ones.
“I can do that you know,” Katara stated as she watched Zuko’s ridiculous actions. She lifted an equal amount of water from each tub then dumped them in the larger one and swirled the water to dissolve the salts. She left just enough water in each to Waterbend their dirt off and allow them a quick wash before they soaked.
They fell asleep while in the tub and woke up sometime in the night. There were no jokes about wrinkles this time. They crawled into bed and went straight to a troubled sleep.

Arraye: There are several reasons Ozai can’t kill Iroh; a few of them are mentioned in chapter 77 and 149. In The Old Masters episode Iroh tells Zuko, “History would see it as just more senseless violence, a brother killing a brother to grab power”. The Fire Nation people are unaware Ursa killed Azulon and that he still planned for Iroh to succeed him. All they know is that Azulon named Ozai his successor after Iroh’s only child died. He had no other heirs to secure his line. Ozai has two children and his line is secure.
As long as Iroh is alive Ozai can also say he was named successor because it is what is best for the nation; his brother has gone mad. The Fire Nation people know their heroic warrior prince abandoned the battle field after the death of his only child. The war has been going on long enough that they all know people who’ve changed after a loved one’s death but Iroh says he has been to the spirit world to look for his son and bring him back. Iroh decided to leave the palace to follow his banished nephew on a fool’s chase around the world. Most sane people don’t trade in a luxurious home for a small boat. Sane people don’t turn against the soldiers of their nation to help their enemy. It helps that Iroh also plays crazy while he is in jail. What kind of person kills his crazy brother instead of locking him up where he can remain safe from harm?
Ozai also knows that Iroh still has supporters in the military and among the people. If Iroh would have fought for the throne it could have caused a civil war. If Ozai kills Iroh he would make him a martyr and could incite a civil war.
And then there is also the fact that Ozai loves his big brother.
11.21.14
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- 275
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Borealis: A Zutara Story