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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Kiss of Fire
Epilogue – Sweet Tomorrow, Part 3
o0o0o0o
35 years ASC (1136)
Katara
Often rulers or notable figures of a Nation would find a way to immortalize themselves, whether in a good or bad way. My husband was known as the man who ended a war and a century of tyranny and despotism. With Avatar Aang, he created a set of laws that everyone had to follow, regardless of nationality. The world's rulers had signed this code of human rights. Slavery was forbidden. Women were equal to men. Discrimination based on nationality or Bending ability was also forbidden. Some would call them 'golden rules'. He and the Avatar had their names firmly in history, having earned their right to be remembered, and would not be forgotten for a very, very long time.
I wanted to be known as more than just wife of Fire Lord Zuko, the first Water Tribeswoman to marry a Fire Lord. Well, really, the second, but the truth of Agni and his mate was lost to the ages.
Sometimes, when the mood struck me, I would meditate and travel within my past lives. It was interesting and sometimes painful to do so, comparing different past lives. I couldn't expect all of them to be happy or blissful, and there certainly had been a few miserable ones there. I often thought of the life where everyone had known me as Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. My experiences in the last years of Sozin's War had helped to shape me into who I became. But because of Azula, I hadn't been able to participate in the aftermath of the war's end. Zuko and Aang – among others, of course – had done so much work to bring peace and stability to the world.
I felt cheated by Azula. When she couldn't kill her brother, she had simply gone after the next convenient target. But as I thought about how the War had affected me and so many other people – whose stories I shared and heard – an idea occurred to me.
When I was little and still living in the Northern Water Tribe, I had listened to stories of the War from my father – Miumi's father – and his brothers and peers. Amigaitut had fought in – and survived – the Siege of the North. I remembered seeing him back then when I was there with Aang. Small world, huh?
Many of these stories were educational and eye-opening. I thought, why not collect these stories and put them in a book? People could submit their stories, what they had gone through, what they had seen and how it affected them. It would make the war more real, more personal, if future generations could read these stories and learn from them.
When I approached Zuko with this idea, he was enthusiastic about it. But instead of taking over the projects like plenty of husbands would have, he gave me full rein on it. I could choose the stories I wanted, and put the book together however I wanted it. I was given a staff of messengers and scribes to command as I pleased. Yes, Zuko really is a great husband. Oh, this project was going to be so awesome.
o0o0o0o
36 Years ASC (Spring 1137)
Zuko
As I looked out at the wedding banquet before me, I could not help but think of how considerably more festive my life had become since I married Katara. Before, I had only held gatherings as needed, such as summits and other necessary occasions to fulfill my duty as Fire Lord. Now I could just sit back and enjoy parties. Sometimes I would just invite Sokka and his family to spend a vacation here, or Aang and his children, or Toph. Adi had given me my first grandchild several years ago, and soon after the child's birth, she came here to Sozun with my granddaughter while Levi stayed behind in Omashu as regent. Ying-ying was pregnant, so soon enough I would have another grandchild.
I felt a hand on my arm and turned to see Jun. She was dressed in an elegant black silk robe edged with gold. Despite her age and the liberal amount of gray in her hair, her face was still relatively smooth, with crows' feet I could barely discern even as she stood close to me.
“I really appreciate you putting this on for Jasmine. I know I already said it before, but I just have to say it again after seeing all of this.” She smiled as she glanced at the courtyard. Lanterns were strung along the verandas, and the tables were set with elegant tablecloths and adorned with lavish displays of flowers.
This wedding was smaller than the one I had for my son, but Jasmine had specified that she wanted a quieter wedding despite my offers to give her the kind of ceremony that I would give to any of my children. I nodded as she looked back at me.
“I only wish Uncle were here.”
“So do I.” Jun replied in all seriousness. Since Uncle was dead, I stood in his place to 'give' Jasmine away to her husband, Kysh, while Peony, as Kysh's adoptive mother, stepped into the role of matron of honor.
Kysh and Jasmine were both teachers at the university, teaching history and music respectively. Their courtship had been slow, going on for over five years. Sometimes they had seemed more like friends than people romantically interested in one another. My own Court pressured me to marry Jasmine off to some high-ranking nobleman or some such, as proper of a daughter of the famed Prince Iroh. We were both grandchildren of Fire Lord Azulon, and some men saw Jasmine's hand as a way to increase their own status. Jasmine was now just shy of thirty, but I refused to meddle in her affairs. Some of the courtiers had objected to her betrothal to a man of no noble blood, but I would hear none of it even as I bore Jasmine and Kysh's on-and-off relationship.
It had taken but a few months for Katara and me to know that we were meant for one another, but for others, I knew it took more time. And the wait was well worth it.
“Iroh would be so proud of her. And you.” She smiled at me. “I know you wish your uncle had been more forthcoming with you, but believe me, it was his intention to tell you all along. It was his plan to bring Jasmine here when she was old enough, but... well, I was just as surprised as you when he...” She shook her head. “He was the only man I ever loved. I couldn't have asked for a better father for my child, or a better man for myself.”
“Then why not marry him?”
“Love has nothing to do with marriage. At least, not always. But our lives were so... different. He had a duty here, and I never begrudged him for it. He offered me a life of comfort and luxury, and I seriously thought about it. But after staying here for a few months, I got bored and restless. It was not your uncle's fault, and I am forever grateful that he did not try to force me to stay here.”
“Well, at least now I know where he went on these trips of his.” I smiled wryly as she smirked.
I turned to see Kysh and Jasmine emerge from the hallway, bedecked in their wedding regalia and followed by my wife and younger daughter. Kysh looked so different from the lame boy that had been rescued from a life of abuse. He had a thick, neatly-trimmed beard, and a twinkle in his eye as he regarded his bride.
Kuzon and Ying-ying were already seated, the latter being fanned by a servant as she sat back, her hands on her round tummy.
“I'm hungry.” Zeyi pouted.
“I'm hungry, too. I always get so bored at ceremonies and receptions, they take so long.” Jun said as she looked at Zeyi. “Would you like to sit with me?”
“Yeah!” Zeyi had taken an instant like to Jun, and Jun seemed to enjoy having the Princess around. She offered her hand, and Zeyi took it as we made our way down the stairs to the head table.
o0o0o0o
36 Years ASC (Summer 1137)
Kuzon
I held my first child in my arms, looking at the tiny little face and hands that peeked from the blanket. I almost couldn't believe I had a son. Even seeing my wife's rounded womb couldn't prepare me for the sight of a little baby in my arms. I touched the little hands, wondering how fingers could be so tiny. As I looked down at my son, he started crying, and I panicked. What had I done? Did I hurt him by squeezing too hard or touching his hands?
“Oh, Kuzon!” Ying-ying let out a soft laugh. “Don't look so terrified!”
“It's that obvious?” I asked as I looked up at her.
She smiled at me. “The baby's just hungry.” She held out her arms. As soon as our son started feeding, he stopped crying, and I let out a sigh of relief.
“That was almost too funny.” she said as she looked up at me with another smile. “Gosh, the look on your face was priceless!”
I blushed.
“Don't feel so bad about it. You'll be a good dad. I'd rather you look like that than annoyed that the baby was crying or something like that.” She nestled into the pillows, looking so content, staring down at our son with half-lidded eyes.
I sent out a prayer of thanks to Agni for a healthy delivery. Ying-ying had spent the entire night in labor, and I hadn't gotten any sleep because I was so nervous. I lay on the bed next to her, resting my head on the pillow, thankful that her ordeal was over.
I felt her stroking my face with her free hand. “Just relax and I'll take care of you.” I heard her whisper.
“I thought you were supposed to take care of the baby.” I muttered. Ying-ying was a wonderful wife, warm and nurturing. Any time I had a long and hard day, she was always there to give me a massage or cuddle with me.
“Who says I can't take care of both of you?”
“Isn't it the husband's job to care for his wife and children?” I shot back. I enjoyed it when she teased me, she always knew how to make me smile.
o0o0o0o
37 Years ASC (1138)
Katara
I always enjoyed the tours I took with my husband when we went around the Fire Nation, especially riding on the back of his dragon. Every few years, he would do this, visiting the cities and villages so he could see for himself how they were doing instead of merely relying on the reports of his governors and representatives. I enjoyed the change of surroundings, especially when we went to the former Colonies, where the towns were more diverse than they were on the Islands due to their location on the Great Continent. The governors would wine and dine us, and I certainly didn't mind being a guest – I had hosted enough events at the Palace to know how much work went into it. It was nice to be at the other end sometimes.
As our palanquin was carried through the gate to the Governor's mansion, Zuko squeezed my hand. Our daughter was distracted, looking out the window. Kuzon was in Sozun, ruling in his father's stead.
“I need to warn you first. You already know this Governor.”
“I do?” I raised my eyebrow. Why should it be a concern for him? Sometimes Zuko would promote one of his courtiers to a governor or mayor if he deemed them worthy enough.
“Yes. I mean... from before.” he whispered as he stared at me, and I nodded in understanding. “It's that Mai.”
I held back a snort. Knife Girl? “Her? Seriously?”
He gave me a wry smile. “She actually has a knack for this. She started off as a magistrate, but I appointed her almost ten years ago to this province, and the reports have been good.”
I nodded. On our way, the countryside looked well-tended and prosperous. I knew that the governor was named Mai, but I hadn't thought that it could be the same Mai, since it wasn't an uncommon name. One of my own servants had that name!
We climbed out of the vehicle before Mai and her assistants recited the proper greetings and bowed to us. As she did, I got a good look at her. She hadn't changed much, still wearing mostly dark red and black. I wondered if she still carried anything sharp in her sleeves.
This visit wasn't much different from the others we made on our tours. Zeyi was ecstatic to be out of the Palace City, and always loved the opportunity to travel. This was her first time out of the Fire Islands. She wasn't even ten and she was already a handful, being smart and headstrong, already skilled at Waterbending and martial arts. If she chose, she would be a good Ambassador.
Zeyi curtsied in response to Mai's bow, and I could see the bemusement in the aide's faces. My daughter could be quite the charmer and at a young age had learned just how much she could accomplish by batting her golden eyes or using a bit of coquetry.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I stood on the veranda, looking at Mai's garden as I took a deep breath of the night air. I was full from the delicious banquet her cooks had prepared for us, and was about to turn in for the night, eager to snuggle in my wife's embrace. I was host so often that it was nice to not think about the menu or the comfort of the guests or other details. Even though I enjoyed being Fire Lord, the position could be rather demanding sometimes.
I stepped onto the pathway, touching a fire-lily with my fingers before I plucked it, thinking it would be a nice treat for Katara. I lifted it to my nose, inhaling its scent and feeling the silken petals brush against my chin.
My heat-sense told me that there were several guards around the veranda, but I was given a wide berth. I stood there for a few more minutes, simply enjoying my surroundings before I sensed someone come closer. I turned to see Mai walking along the veranda, and remained silent as she stepped off it, approaching me and bowing as she stopped several feet away.
“It's been a long time, my lord.” she said. I nodded.
“I trust that you are happy in your position. I hear good things about your tenure as Governor.”
“Very. I never thought that I might follow my father in his footsteps. But it's nice, even if the paperwork does get boring sometimes.”
“Believe me, I know all about paperwork.” I replied. Mai smiled at me.
“But I'm not complaining. I'm very grateful for the position. I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile for the Fire Nation, and that means a lot to me.”
“I don't assign such positions to people unless they're qualified for it.” Under the moonlight, I saw a flush of pleasure on her face, and I looked away. All these years ago, Mai had been one of the women who tried to ease my loneliness. But no woman had ever succeeded. The courtiers had encouraged me to marry her so they could have a Fire Lady. She had the proper bloodline, and she obviously wanted to be with me. She would have done whatever I asked of her, but that was a small comfort to me. The more she tried to gain my attention, the more I knew that I couldn't love her, or anyone else. I simply could not marry someone I did not love. Katara was always my Fire Lady.
“I could have done more for you. If you had let me.”
“That time is long past.” I replied firmly. I turned away from her before I returned to my apartments.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I stirred as I felt the weight of my husband's body settle onto the mattress, and I opened my eyes to see him with a fire-lily in his hand.
“I love you.” he whispered as he traced the petals along my face. I smiled at him before I slid my hands along his shoulders, pulling him in for a kiss.
o0o0o0o
40 Years ASC (1141)
Zuko
In old times, the Western Air Temple had been populated by nuns, but at this time, it was a co-ed home, hosting Aang and some of his children and their husbands or wives, along with a number of acolytes. He no longer lived exclusively in Kyoshi, and some of his adult children had established themselves here, having children of their own.
Being here brought about memories for Zuko and me as we took walks, visiting spots that we had enjoyed forty years ago. The strawberry patch that we had played and fought in was bigger than ever, and we took the opportunity to 'refresh our memories' then and there, eating strawberries afterward. We visited the bath-house where Zuko admitted his feelings for me, and also the spot where we made love for the first time. At times, it was hard to not be overwhelmed by my memories, thinking of not just Zuko and myself, but the rest of the gang, Bending with Aang, watching Sokka and Zuko fight, or watching Aang and Toph Earthbend.
Though some of the buildings had been damaged when Azula attacked, they had been repaired, and with people living here, this place was no longer as lonely and eerie as it had before. And it was a rather nice vacation for Zuko and myself, much like Ember Island. There weren't as many servants hovering about, and I always welcomed a change in scenery, as well as spending time with Aang. We even Bended together, for old time's sake, and we had so much fun.
Near the end of our visit, Aang and I were taking a walk.
“I have something for you.” he told me. I looked at him as he took a flat bundle from his robe. I guessed it to be a packet of papers, which was revealed to be correct when he unwrapped the cloth that bound it.
“This is for the book you're putting together. A few other Avatars contributed to this as well so it's actually a few stories altogether. Kyoshi had quite a few things to say about Chin the Conqueror... I know this is supposed to be about Sozin's War, but...”
“No, actually, that's a great idea. Thank you so much for this. I'm almost done with the book, and this will be the perfect addition!”
“Glad I could help.” He smiled down at me, and I could not help but return the grin.
o0o0o0o
41 years ASC (1142)
Katara
The book was complete. It had taken over five years and sifting through thousands of stories to put together a volume. Despite the fact that I had to reject many of the submissions, the book was rather thick, and already I was considering compiling a second volume.
Despite all the time that had passed since the end of the War, I knew there were still people out there who were still willing to fight, whether for patriotism, greed, or mere fighting spirit. I hoped this book would enlighten at least a few minds, and if it did, then I had succeeded.
I walked to the Imperial Dungeon with a copy of said book in my hands. I had seen Ozai a couple of times since my first meeting with him, and he was as bitter as ever, if not more. Sometimes it surprised me that he was still alive, because I knew that if I had been locked in a dungeon for four decades, I'd go over the edge. Given everything that Ozai had done, he was lucky to still be alive, for I knew that there were plenty of people who would love to get their hands on him if they had the chance, and with what he had done to Zuko's mother, he was lucky indeed that his son did not give him a death sentence. If anything, the Dungeon was the safest place for him! Though I doubt Ozai would appreciate the irony in that...
I approached the cell, not at all surprised with the former Fire Lord's current state. His hair was now completely gray and white, and crow's feet lined the corners of his eyes and lips, but he still radiated an aura of quiet strength. I knew that he did exercises in his cell, though that did him little good since he had nobody to spar with and would never be free again.
“Good morning, Ozai.” I stated as I approached the bars. I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he quickly collected himself, staring at me calmly as if this were a daily occurrence.
“It's been a while since your last visit, daughter-in-law.” he stated, his voice taking on a mocking edge as he referred to me. I let it roll off me as I shifted the book in my arms, allowing him a better view of it.
“I brought you a present.” I said. Today was his birthday, and though I knew it was petty of me, I decided to pay him a visit on this day and give him the book. Zuko refused to observe or celebrate his father's birthday in any way, nor did the former Fire Lord receive any sort of concessions on this day. “I'm sorry there's no cake, but this will last longer than dessert.” I said sweetly. I bent down to slide the book through the slot that was used to pass meals. Ozai merely glared at me as I maintained my smile.
“Oh, cheer up, father-in-law! I'd think you'd be happy to have someone visit you on your very special day.”
“It has been far too long since anyone has observed my birthday.” he muttered. I would feel sorry for him if not for all he had done. Zuko always tried to make my own birthdays very special, as well as the special days of the children and grandchildren. And we all worked together to make sure Zuko enjoyed his own birthdays!
“Things really changed on that day, didn't they?” I asked in a gentler tone. “One minute you were the mighty Phoenix King, on top of the world, filled with the power of Sozin's Comet, about to conquer what was left of the Earth Kingdoms, and then the next...” I shrugged. He stared at me quietly.
“Things got worse for you, I know.” I gestured to the cell. “But things got better for so many people. And for the world itself. I hope one day you understand that. I really do. Zuko does, and he's a better and happier man for it.”
“Oh? Should I apologize for everything I did in the past? Should I grovel before the Avatar and tell him that I regret everything that happened in the War?” he replied snidely.
“Only if you mean it.” I offered him a sad smile. “Happy birthday. Enjoy your present.”
o0o0o0o
43 Years ASC (1144)
Zeyi
I loved Waterbending. I did it every day, rain or shine. Sometimes I wondered what it might be like to Firebend whenever I watched my father or brother Bend. Or to be able to bend all four elements like Avatar Aang. Bending felt so... right and natural to me. And Mom was an awesome teacher. But it did get lonely sometimes because we were often the only two Waterbenders on the whole island.
Sometimes I felt like I didn't belong here. It didn't mean that I wasn't treated well; I knew my parents loved me and I got along well with my brother and sister-in-law, but I felt so different, like a fish out of water. Sometimes being a Princess felt so confining. Being part of the royal family carried expectations and responsibilities. How many times had I had to stand next to Mother or Father or Kuzon, welcoming courtiers, dignitaries, and ambassadors, putting a pleasant smile on my face so no one would know how bored I really was? I also hated courtly functions and sneaked away whenever I could.
As I got older and learned more of the world around me, the less I wanted to be part of Court. A Princess usually got married off to some nobleman, or she could choose to take a vow of chastity like my great-aunts Li and Lo did. Neither one sounded appealing to me. I wanted to see more of the world, and not just when I went on trips with Mom and Father.
“Princess Zeyi!” I heard a servant call out. I remained silent, hidden within the branches of a willow tree near the pond. I wasn't in the mood to put up with the flirtations of the young noblemen, and the last place I wanted to be was at some stupid party, even if it was the Winter Solstice celebration. Sometimes I felt claustrophobic in a crowd of people.
I ignored the calls and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath and relaxing against the trunk, bundling my jacket around myself. The breeze through the leaves made a quiet, peaceful rustling sound. Trees had always been one of my favorite places to hide ever since I could climb one. Before I knew it, I was dozing off.
“Zeyi!” My father's voice broke through my daydreaming, and I looked down at him. He and Mom were always able to find me because they had mastered their Bending to a level where they could sense other people with their elements. I looked down at him and crossed my arms.
“Come on down, the party's almost starting and you still need to get dressed.”
“I don't want to go.”
“This is an important party. It is our duty as the Royal Family to make an appearance.”
“I didn't ask to be a Princess.”
Father's expression softened a little as he looked up at me. “Come down, and we'll talk, okay?”
o0o0o0o
Katara
Our grandchildren loved parties, because it usually meant they got to stay up late and eat all sorts of treats, as well as run around with the other children and play with firecrackers. At least, they could only play with the firecrackers under adult supervision, but they loved it nonetheless.
Iroh and Lu Ten were quite the pair, and we all enjoyed doting upon them. In a break from tradition, Zuko refused to declare which one of them would be Crown Prince after Kuzon. He did not want rivalry, and would decide who was more qualified for the role when the boys got older. As I heard them screaming and laughing, sparklers in their hands, I smiled at my daughter-in-law, and she smiled back as she shook her head slowly.
I knew she wanted a girl after having two sons, and I couldn't blame her. Zuko already had quite the brood of descendants to boast of. Adi and her consort had four children – Gili, Aitan, Eyal, and Inbar, and it appeared as if Kuzon might rival his sister in the amount of children he had. There was a joy in having grandchildren, and seeing our children go through what we had to go through as parents. I glanced at Ying-ying's belly, knowing she was expecting within the next month.
“At least you have a nursemaid to keep an eye on them. You need your rest.”
“Oh hush!” she snapped back playfully. “I hear the same thing from Kuzon!”
I laughed. “When I was pregnant with Zeyi, Zuko also fussed over me.”
“I think this one may be a girl. It hasn't kicked me as much as Iroh or Lu Ten did.”
“Don't make that assumption.” I replied with a gentle smile. “Zeyi was quite the kicker.”
“I'm not surprised to hear that, knowing how she is now.” We both laughed. The sound of a fight met our ears, and we rushed to it, seeing Zeyi wail away at a young nobleman, her fists fast and sure as she pounded him.
I pulled her off him, and the young man slunk away. I spun my daughter around to glare down at her.
o0o0o0o
Zeyi
Ugh! Stupid asshole! Fighting wasn't ladylike, but I didn't give a shit, and I wasn't going to let this jerk get away with what he said! Before Mom could say anything, I ran off.
As soon as I got to my room, I kicked off my fancy slippers and pulled off the intricately-embroidered robe that had belonged to my grandmother before I glared at my reflection. All I was to the Court was a pretty face. That boy I had been beating up was bragging to the other boys about how he would get a kiss from me, and that Waterbenders were supposed to be really great in bed and that was why Father had one as his wife. It'd be a cold day in hell before I kissed any of these stupid boys! I have to admit though, it was fun to beat him up, instead of just sparring with someone.
I pulled the fancy pins out of my hair, happy to have my hair looking normal again. It seemed stupid to wear a hairdo that was too damn complicated for you to do yourself, and I hated sitting around while servants did my hair. Once I was in more casual clothing, I felt much better even though I knew my parents would come up to yell at me sooner or later.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I looked at Katara before I knocked on the door to our daughter's room. I knew that Zeyi was not like most of the other noble girls, and I was just fine with that, but I had no idea just how unhappy she was.
We entered her room, seeing her doing stretching exercises.
“Zeyi, after our talk I thought you would behave yourself at the party.” I said. I had given her a short lecture on how the privileges of being a royal came with responsibilities and how we all had our part to do. We represented a Nation, not just ourselves. Beating someone up was hardly a good representation of that!
“You didn't hear what that boy said.” she groused. Katara reached out to touch her shoulder.
“What did he say, sweetie?”
Zeyi glanced at both of us before she told us what she overheard.
“Well... I can't say that defending your family's honor was exactly the wrong thing to do.” I replied, trying to not sound too approving. I had heard that Waterbender rumor before, to be sure. When the War was still underway, I had heard of Water Tribe women taken captive by Fire Nation soldiers, and could not help but recall Chit Sang's story about his mother.
“Zuko!”
“What?” I asked. “That was an inappropriate thing to say about the Fire Lady and Princess. I did not raise our daughter to be a meek little lady. Nor do I expect my wife to be one.”
I saw the twinkle in my wife's eyes as she fought back a grin.
o0o0o0o
50 Years ASC (1151)
Katara
As I looked at the faces surrounding me, it was almost hard to believe that we had all worked together to help end the War. Had half a century really passed? Sometimes I remember the days of the War as if it were still yesterday.
The original gang had decided to have a get-together to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the war. The world also celebrated, but we decided to have a private one of our own.
Despite his age, Aang still had a touch of softness in his face, making me think of the twelve-year-old boy I had freed from the iceberg. He had done a wonderful job in fulfilling his roles as the Avatar and as progenitor to the new Air Nomads. With the help of Fire Lord Zuko – among others – he had ushered a new era of peace and stability. I could not help but feel proud of him, especially when I remembered how young and afraid he had been before, unsure of his position as Avatar and torn between his duty and desires. He caught me looking at him, and smiled at me. I smiled back.
Sokka and Suki sat together, looking like the perfect couple. There was a time where they thought they might never see one another again, thanks to Azula, but here they were, happily married for nearly fifty years, recognized and respected as master warriors in their respective fields. Age had done very little if anything to their skills, something they had been happy to demonstrate earlier this morning in a friendly sparring match with one another and with Kuzon.
Toph sprawled across a divan, just about as unladylike as she could be despite the fine green and gold silk gown she was adorned in. She'd had two more daughters, Lin and Suyin, and among her accomplishments were passing on the art of Metalbending, a skill that was valued in the law enforcement corps of Republicn City. Age had only made Toph tougher than ever, and anyone who thought they could take advantage of an old blind woman was quickly – and firmly – corrected by said woman.
Of course, there was Zuko and myself. We had watched our children grow up, and Iroh was on his way to becoming a fine young man. Ironically, it was Lu Ten who took more after Zuko's uncle. Ying-ying finally got the daughter she wanted, and Kuzon named her Miumi after me. To our surprise and delight, she was an Airbender, fulfilling my prediction that Zuko's bloodline would run through the four elements.
Having the grandchildren around did help me cope with Zeyi's absence. I missed my daughter fiercely, but it would be cruel to force her to stay at Court just because I wanted her close. She was a young woman now, and we had found a role which suited her perfectly – that as Ambassador as well as a Waterbending teacher.. Being the daughter of the Fire Lord and a master Waterbender gave Zeyi a unique position, and being Ambassador allowed her to make full use of that as well as giving her plenty of travel time. She got what she wanted – to be able to see the world. Every time she came home, I could see how happy she was.
Zuko and I were very lucky to have our happiness. Our marriage certainly was not without its quarrels, but we had weathered them and watched the prosperity of both our children and the world. Having had our lives directly affected by Sozin's War made us appreciate the peace all the more.
“I have an idea.” Sokka spoke up as he looked around at us. “How about I paint a picture of us? It feels like something I should do to mark this event, plus I'd love to.”
“Whatever you paint, I'm sure it'll look great.” Toph replied.
“Why, you...” He scowled for a moment, shaking his fist in mock dismay.
“Believe me, he's gotten much better.” Suki explained, looking at her husband with open fondness.
“I've had fifty years to practice, after all.”
“I'm sure Kuzon would be happy to share some of his art supplies with you.” I smiled. Kuzon had his own studio, and for him, the art was almost like meditation. He had such a serene look on his face when he painted, and it was a great hobby to partake in. Several of his paintings were prominently featured through the Palace, and if he hadn't been born a Prince, doubtless he would have chosen a career as an artist.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
“...Wow.” I looked down at the picture Sokka painted. He hadn't been kidding when he said he had fifty years of practice. He was no master, but it looked rather decent, and we were all easily identifiable in it.
“You did a great job, Sokka.” Katara smiled at him before looking back at the picture. Instead of painting us all as we were now, he had painted us as we had once been. No gray hair, no wrinkles. He had painted us all in dramatic poses, with our weapons or Bending. Katara let out a quiet sigh and put her hand on her chest.
“Are you okay?” Aang asked. She smiled at him.
“This brings back memories.” She gently touched the picture. I looked at Sokka.
“I would like to have this picture. I'm willing to pay for it, of course.”
“Nah. It's on me.” He smiled at me, and I grinned back.
o0o0o0o
Katara
It was wonderful to see the easy camaraderie between my brother and husband, especially when I remembered the first time they had encountered one another, when Zuko came to my village looking for the Avatar. Who would have guessed back then that they would become such good friends? Or with the Avatar?
I walked outside with Toph. I knew she felt left out when we were talking about the painting even though she wouldn't admit it out loud.
“I can't believe so much time passed! I remember meeting you and Sokka and Aang and running away from home to join you.”
“Believe me, I know. We're grandmothers! Imagine that!”
“Time flies by when you're having fun, right?”
“Of course it does.”
“I'm really glad when you came back.” Toph admitted in a quieter, serious tone. “After what Azula did... well, the group just wasn't the same. Everyone loved you. The fact that Azula was dead too meant little because it wasn't going to bring you back.”
“I think the spirits felt the same way, so they gave me a second chance.” I smiled wryly. I had kept Agni's full revelation to myself, but I did say just a little, to help explain to the others. “And I'm glad they did, because I get to see the results of all our hard work.”
“Hard work, indeed. We had to deal with rebels and black-market traders and people who wanted to continue the war for profit among other things...”
“Remember, I got kidnapped by Enki.”
“Oh yeah, that.” Toph wrinkled her nose. “He was so full of himself.”
I nodded, remembering his antagonistic attitude towards anything and everything Fire Nation. He had died several years ago at the Boiling Rock, having never left the prison once he set foot in it. I knew I should feel bad, but remembering how he treated Kuzon and the lives he was willing to throw away hardened my feelings towards him.
We continued walking through the gardens, Toph barefoot under her robes. I saw Aang meditating near the pond, looking peaceful with his hands folded in his lap. Toph nudged me. “Go sit with him. I'm tired anyway,”
“He's a lucky man.”
“Damn right.” she shot back. We laughed again before parting ways. I approached Aang and put my hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and smiled up at me.
“I had a lot of fun being with all of you again. Just like the old days.” he said as he looked up at me. I sat down next to him.
“We really had a lot of fun back then, didn't we? How many people ever have such an adventure?”
“I'm glad you and Sokka came with me. It wouldn't have been as much fun by myself.”
“Of course not. Besides, you needed friends.”
“You were a great comfort to me. Many times. I don't think I could have done it without you.” Aang's gaze was wistful. I recalled the visit to the Southern Air Temple and Aang's discovery of the corpses of the monks that had raised him. I remembered wrapping my arms around him and holding him close, doing what I could to comfort him. He had lost so much. I placed my hand on his arm.
“I'm honored to be your friend.” I squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back before pulling me into a hug.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I sat down with a cup of tea, letting it warm my fingers as I waited for my wife. The reunion had truly been enjoyable, and I had more things planned for the next few days for all of us to enjoy. I glanced across the room at the ornate mirror on the wall, seeing the salt and pepper in my hair and the crows' feet around my good eye. I had been Fire Lord for fifty years. When I stepped back to think about that, I sometimes found that mind-boggling. I looked back at all the years, thinking about everything that had happened and what I and my Nation had gone through.
I lifted my head as I heard the door open, seeing Katara come through it already dressed for the night, her hair draped across her shoulder in a thick braid. I lifted the other cup of tea from the table and held it up for her.
She sat down, cuddling up to my side as I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. I gently ran my fingers along her forehead and hairline, idly stroking the soft skin. If Katara had not come back to me, where would I be right now? Probably amusing myself with some faceless concubine to try to chase away the loneliness, I mused. Nobody could ever replace Katara, or cause me to feel as much passion as she did. I looked down, pressing my lips to her temple. She looked up at me with a faint smile before placing her hand on my chest.
“I love you.” she said.
“Love you more.” I shot back teasingly.
“Really?”
“My love for you burns hotter than any flame.” I replied.
“Mmm. Good to know.” She wrapped her arm around my middle, squeezing it. We basked in comfortable silence for several minutes, simply enjoying our tea and one another's company.
I set down my cup. “When you cuddle up against me like that, it's hard to not enjoy it... very much.” I let my voice become a soft purr, and she smirked at me.
“It's been a long day, my lord. Do you think you can handle me?” she teased. I growled at her playfully.
“There might be snow on the roof, but the fire burns as hotly as ever.” I shot back.
“That's something you've proven in the past... though I might need you to remind me, my lord.” Her grin was seductive and playful. I chuckled softly, eager to show her yet again just how much I needed her. Some things were indeed worth repeating.
“Gladly, my lady.”
o0o0o0o
Whoo. Go Zutara! If you thought this chapter was good, the last one is totally going to kick ass! As always, please enjoy, and don't forget to leave a review!
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Kiss of Fire