So... it's been a while. A long while. I don't really have an excuse beyond...life? Graduation, grad school, a car accident, and a new job later...I didn't really have time to write.

Chapter 50

Katara

It wasn't until the door clicked closed and he was gone that Katara started to worry. A ball of unease formed in her stomach and wouldn't leave; chills ran down her spine and grew worse longer she stared where he once was.

He'll be fine, she told herself. He's always fine. It's just Lu Ten. It's probably coronation details...or Song and Yue fighting again. It's nothing to worry about. Nothing.

She let out a breath. Surprisingly, it was steady and even. Good.

The silence between Katara and Azula lingered in the air, both focused on the closed door. While they'd never gotten along, something had changed in Azula for the better, and Katara recognized it for what it was – positivity born out of trauma and difficult decisions. Whether it was caused by Tiang's death, Ozai's machinations, or Jet's absence, she didn't know. But if Azula could prove she was beyond her upbringing, couldn't anyone?

"Do you think he's okay?" Katara finally asked, breaking the silence. She didn't expect Azula to answer, but she asked the question anyway. "Why did Lu Ten want Zuko?"

"Probably torture? No, wait...definitely torture." Azula replied, reaching under Katara's bed to retrieve the bag full of jewels and valuables that she so hastily kicked before.

Could it be? Lu Ten isn't that kind of person. Not to his family.

A choked sound came Katara's throat. She hurried to the teapot on her table to pour fill a cup. With a huff, Azula pulled the bag from its hiding place, and swung the bag over her shoulder. The clash of necklaces, bracelets and whatever else Azula had shoved in there seemed much too loud in Katara's bedchamber. The water tribe girl's eyes darted towards the door, half wondering if someone would come in and see them together. Azula glanced her way, taking note of the stricken look on Katara's face.

"Relax, It's a joke." The Fire Nation princess gave a weak chuckle, before looking down, wincing. "I've never been good at those."

Grimacing, Katara swallowed the tea heavily, though it had long grown bitter and cold. "Right..." She gave a weak chuckle, clearing her throat.

Silence stretched between the two girls once more, this time even more awkward and painful.

"So..." Azula started to say, glancing at the door once more. "I'm going to go...give my best to Zuko when he gets back." She gave Katara a small wave goodbye before made her way towards the door.

Katara watched her go. Azula's smile appeared confident, but there was a nervousness in her gaze as she turned away. Azula could be thinking that Katara wasn't looking anymore, but when she reached the bolt, Azula let out a breath of her own. The pit in Katara's stomach grew larger.

"Wait!" The words bubbled up out of Katara before she could stop them. Azula turned, eyes widening before she calmed, an expectant look on her face. "I don't think you should leave now."

"Why?" Azula asked simply, a calm expression on her face. "I haven't even told Mai and Tylee that I'm going. The less they know, the safer they are."

Azula paused here, and for a moment, she looked uncertain, her brows furrowing. "Do you think that it's stupid to go after him too?"

"No." Katara said fervently, crossing the room. "But Zuko's right. There's still 4 days left until Lu Ten's coronation. Your father will notice if his only daughter disappears."

"Let him notice." The princess remarked petulantly, but though

"That's a dumb idea." Katara's hands fell to her hips, as she gave Azula a judgmental look. "And I think you know that."

"I…" Azula began, still looking away. "I worry that I'm going to lose my resolve. I was going to run before but—,"

"What?" Katara couldn't help but interrupt. How long had things been going on between Jet and Azula?

Azula chuckled lowly. "Your birthday. The night my mother died. The night Uncle Iroh died."

"That's…quick." She tried not to let Azula see the judgement in her eyes.

"Quicker than you and my brother?" Azula shot back coolly and Katara felt a little ashamed. Yeah, kind of. Clearing her throat, Azula continued. "Anyway, my father found out and made it perfectly clear that if I chose Jet, both of us would die."

What? I thought Ozai loved Azula.

She could only stare at Azula, mouth open. "But I couldn't let him die. So, I told Jet that I would never leave with him."

"Did he believe you?"

Azula sighed and met her eyes, she saw the frustration and the sadness contained within. "It doesn't matter if he did, or if he didn't. I don't know if I'm crazy for leaving behind my entire world to be with someone that told me he hated me, but I won't stay here to be used as a tool."

And despite all that she'd gone through recently, Azula's voice was strong as she spoke. In that moment, Katara saw the Azula that had been there since before her mother had died. She recognized the kindred will and determination in Azula's eyes that matched her own determination as of late.

"You won't." Katara agreed just as fiercely, and Azula exhaled in relief as the bag of jewelry dropped to her side. Katara also acknowledged, reaching forward slightly to tap Azula lightly on the shoulder. The other girl flinched at the contact, but hesitantly relaxed once Katara had stepped back. Even so, the Water Tribe girl tried to contain her sincerity. "You might regret it down the line, but I don't think you will."

A noncommittal sound left Azula's lips. "Lu Ten wouldn't hunt me down, he'd be glad that I'm gone. My father on the other hand…" She trailed off, not wanting to speak the words.

But she didn't have to. They both knew exactly what Ozai was capable of, and exactly what he'd do if he felt betrayed.

A yawn escaped Katara's lips. She tried to hide it behind her hand so Azula wouldn't notice, but the girl would have noticed the stretch that she tried to execute subtly. She still felt impossibly drained by the last week, and the very thought of the next four days was enough to make her want to crawl into her bed and sleep for days.

"You should get some sleep." Azula remarked bluntly, awkwardly thumbing the drawstring of the bag at her side. "I should go."

"No, I should wait for Zuko to get back. He'll probably want to rant about Lu Ten." Katara chuckled lightly.

Azula grimaced slightly, though to her credit, she recovered well, maneuvering towards the door. "Whatever you and Mai see in my brother is something I'll never understand."

Following Azula as the other girl opened Katara's bedroom door and stepped out, Katara chose not to comment, instead she changed subjects.

"So, what are you going to do now?"

The other girl shrugged, maneuvering to the door, replying absently. "I'll play the dutiful daughter I suppose, bide my time until I can leave. He won't marry me off until after Lu Ten is crowned. Anything sooner would be too suspicious."

"Good luck Azula," Such a paltry sentiment felt inadequate in light of their current situation, but it was the only thing Katara could say. Azula would need luck to not only lie to her father and Lu Ten, but to run away successfully. "If you need help—,"

"Not likely." Azula sneered – or was that a grin – before ducking out of the doorway, and it slid closed behind her.

She was alone.

Kya

Kya could not even try to sleep.

Even though the sun was barely lighting up the sky, the evening air was still depressingly humid. Kya's hair constantly threatened to escape the thick bun at the base of her neck – she'd already had to re-do it twice. The evening sun stretched her shadows across the marble floor as she walked. Pakku had trailed next to her leisurely, hands clasped behind his back. She tried not to look at him.

"Any news from my son?" Pakku asked her, though she wasn't sure why he asked in the first place.

"Which one?" Kya snorted lowly and Pakku grunted dimly, clearly, he did not find that so amusing. She sobered quickly. "You know I haven't."

"Pity." Pakku made a 'humph' sound. "Hakoda needs to get the North under control. Arnook's not going to settle so easily."

She sighed, knowing this particular conversation wouldn't be the last of this discussion. She paused, rolling her shoulders to ease some tension. She came out here to avoid this conversation. Pakku stopped short and looked at her expectantly. "Sokka's there. It's fine." She told him, but he didn't look reassured.

"Kya you need to—,"

"I don't need to do anything, Pakku. I trust Hakoda. I trust Sokka. Your son and grandson." She told him fiercely. "If you disapprove so much, why didn't you go with them? Better yet, why didn't you stay home? I could have easily made this trip alone."

But Pakku just grinned at her. "You're dancing around the subject."

She scoffed lightly. "Maybe I don't feel like talking about it. You act as though I'm doing a terrible job. why don't you lead the tribe yourself, Pakku?"

As of late, her father-in-law seemed to constantly make things difficult as a matter of pride. He always had something to say, or a complaint. She knew he disapproved of Katara marrying Zuko. He disapproved even more of Sokka and Suki. After Katara had left for the Hana Matsuri, Sokka had confessed his feelings for the Kyoshian girl, practically distraught at the thought of Suki marrying one of the Fire Nation princes. Hakoda and Kya had been thrilled; Suki was practical and kind and familiar enough with Water Tribe customs.

But now, now with Yue permanently tied to the Fire Nation as well, perhaps Pakku was worried about his grandchildren more than he let on.

Pakku looked both thoroughly offended and rebuked, his long and narrow face tightening as he stared at his daughter-in-law. "Forgive me for wanting our secrets to remain secret." He grumbled under his breath. "Who knows what Katara has told Prince Zuko? Who knows what Sokka told that Kyoshi girl? Speaking of which, why would she join the Hana Matsuri if she chose Sokka in the end?"

"She went with him to the North Pole, didn't she?" Kya snapped, nearing the end of her patience threshold. "We've argued about these things for months; my decisions won't change."

He was silent after that and resumed walking ahead of her. Kya fumed internally, but as she resumed her pace, catching up to him in time – he seemed to be waiting for her.

"We've all got secrets." Pakku said quietly, volume so low she had to strain to hear him. "I don't trust the young Fire Lord to match up to his father, but I do know what it is to have a son who tries – and fails – to live up to his father's reputation."

"Are you worried?" She asked him, gentler this time.

Pakku gave her a wry grin. "I admit, when you picked my younger son over my older son, I was surprised. Arnook was always more ambitious than Hakoda, I had thought he made a better case for himself." Pakku admitted tentatively.

But Kya shook her head as the memory of her rushed wedding came back to her now. It was so long ago. "I didn't love him. That's what mattered more to me."

"Did you ever think that you chose wrong?"

"Never." Kya said firmly, no uncertainty in her tone. "He tried to kill Sokka."

"And you gave him mercy anyway." Pakku rebuked her. He'd always been displeased by that decision.

Kya sighed once more, the painful memories coming easily now. "I couldn't ask Kanna to pass judgement over her son. I couldn't ask Hakoda to execute his brother."

"They would have." Pakku replied resolutely.

She knew they would have as well. But she would not ask it of her family.

"We can't change the past, Pakku." Kya murmured to him, "We only have the future to look forward to."

There were a hundred regrets buried in that sentence, but she tried to keep her own words in mind. They continued onward in silence, aimlessly wandering the halls. Ursa was busy, she hadn't seen the other woman since Ozai had called for her this morning. And the rest of the palace was eerily silent. Barely a servant walked the halls, and those who did would pause, bow to them, and then continue on their way quickly, hurrying to their destination as though they didn't want to be seen. It was…unnerving.

But Pakku couldn't resist one more complaint. "I can't believe that Katara would choose to spend the rest of her life surrounded by all this…red." He spoke the last word in mild disgust.

For a moment, Kya contemplated dropping by Katara's room, just to confirm once more that her daughter was as comfortable with this as she appeared to be. But she thought better of it. Katara had enough on her shoulders as of late, and Kya did not want to add more to her worries.

"She'll get used to it." Kya spoke wistfully, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't say that louder, Pakku. The last thing we should do is insult our hosts—,"

Wait.

They were not alone.

A cloaked figure ducking out of a doorway in the distance stopped the pair in their tracks, Kya's words dying on her tongue. There was a small white package in the woman's pale hand that was quickly shoved in a sleeve. The woman tried to close the door silently behind her, but the click echoed into Kya's ears deafeningly. Startled by its sound, the unknown woman jumped, looking around for any passerby. Her golden eyes met Kya's eyes for the briefest of moments – but she would know them anywhere, illuminated as they were by the evening sun.

Ursa?

Kya's hand flew to her mouth as the gasp of the woman's name left her lips quicker than she could think to stop it. The figure turned in their direction momentarily before gasping softly and turning away. Kya could only step closer, certain that the cloaked woman was her friend, but increasingly puzzled as to what she was doing.

Up ahead, Ursa had paused, and Kya saw her shoulders slump in defeat. The other woman turned, as her posture sagged, weariness and dark circles evident on her face as Kya came closer, Pakku right on her heels. She wore a dark red cloak over a simple dark gown, her hair free from its typical style, bound behind her in a long braid.

Ursa's lips pursed, she seemed to be waiting for Kya's judgement. But Kya could give no judgement. When it became clear that the Water Tribe Cheiftess wasn't going to speak, Ursa's lips parted in a sardonic grin. Though whether she was mocking Kya or herself was unclear.

"Hm. I suppose if I would be found out by anyone, I'm glad that it's you, at least."

Kya didn't know what to make of that. She quickly gave Ursa a once-over. As if knowing what she was looking for, Ursa chuckled playfully once again before reaching within the cloak. From her sleeve, she pulled out the white parcel that Kya had seen and held it up for inspection. She couldn't tell what it was exactly, but a cursory glance told her it was tea leaves – or something like that.

"I suspect that you – that both of you – have questions." Ursa said, nodding to Pakku who stood at Kya's right hand, expression impassive. As if expecting that reaction, Ursa put the white packet away once more. "And I will answer them – but not here."

Ursa moved to turn away, but Kya reached for her friend's wrist. It was thin, thinner than it should be for someone living in the lap of luxury. Her blue eyes met Ursa's gold.

"Tell me the truth, Ursa." Kya spoke, willing her voice to sound firm. "No holding back."

A soft smile broke through her friend's weary appearance.

"No holding back."

Zuko

"Well?" Lu Ten asked, waiting for Zuko's response as he read Uncle Iroh's Will. "Do you have an explanation?"

Zuko finally tore his eyes away from the damning page. Uncle Iroh...wanted me instead? Impossible.

He should have known when Yue walked in before him that there would be trouble. And the longer that he waited outside, the more he was convinced that Yue was the cause of that trouble. Standing opposite Lu Ten, in the dark robes of the Fire Lord, it was easy to see what Uncle Iroh must have looked like 20 years ago. But the facial features of the cousin he loved were contorted in an expression of rage.

"Yeah, my explanation is that you're paranoid." Zuko told his cousin, eyeing both Song and Yue with suspicion. "Who tried to convince you that this was true? Them?"

Lu Ten shook his head. "No, they haven't. Nor has anyone else. This is between you and me. No one else."

Zuko wanted to ask Lu Ten why, if this conversation was truly between the two of them, then what were they doing here?

But Zuko didn't say that.

"I thought the Will would be read at your coronation?" He stared at the words on the page, trying to make them make sense. But no amount of staring would change what was written there.

Lu Ten waved off the question. "There's no crime in looking things over once or twice."

The younger prince agreed with his cousin only slightly, before the inked words drew his attention again. This time, he didn't get the chance to read it once more.

The young Fire Lord marched up to his cousin and snatched the paper back, crumpling it slightly in his grip. Their eyes were level. "You've read it four times. You still tell me that you have no opinion?"

Zuko waved his hands exasperatedly, gesturing to his uncle's so called will. "What opinion could I possibly have? Lu Ten, I don't know what that is! For all you know, your Mom could have forged it."

Lu Ten didn't believe him, the look in his eyes said it all. "When would she have the opportunity? We've all been running ourselves ragged since he died – and you saw how she looked."

But you don't deny that she would forge it.

But what was the alternative? It was horrifying to think that Uncle Iroh could do such a thing. It wasn't in his nature to be preferential or cruel, disregarding anyone he loved. The thought of him favoring his son over his nephew and vice versa was laughable. Things like that were more in line with his Aunt, or his Father. But Uncle Iroh? He would never.

"Listen to yourself." Zuko looked around in frustration, turning away from the enraged Lu Ten for a moment before meeting Lu Ten's eyes and pointing at the document in Lu Ten's hands. "Does it sound like Uncle Iroh to play favorites? Did he ever? Even when we were kids?"

But Lu Ten wasn't convinced. Lu Ten's mouth set in a hard line, his eyes narrowing. "You act as though you knew my father better than I did." The young Fire Lord said flatly. "Maybe you did if his will is anything to go by."

Zuko felt a headache forming behind his eyes. A hand came up to rub at his forehead as he gave Lu Ten a withering look.

"I know you're stressed right now, what with the coronation and Yue's pregnancy and everything," He gave a pointed look at the two others in the room, who were decidedly not looking at him. Turning back to Lu Ten, he finished, "But don't take it out on me."

"Well, what else am I supposed to think?" Lu Ten took a step forward and began pacing in front of Zuko, back and forth he went, leveling his accusations with a cold voice and hands clasped together. "Your mother spent a lot of time alone with my father before he died.

"Did your parents use my father's weakened state and gratitude to get him to change his Will? Do you honestly expect me to believe that they haven't devised a plan to influence the Fire Nation by controlling the child that would be half Water Tribe?"

As he added the last bit, his eyes shifted over to Yue and Song for the briefest of moments. Was Lu Ten ashamed of his child's ancestry? Zuko wondered absently,

Zuko didn't care one way or another. If he and Katara ever had children, they would belong to both the Fire Nation and the Water Tribe, and he would love them all the same. Besides, it's not like it mattered politically. Zuko was neither the heir nor the spare. No one would care much if he and Katara disappeared to an isolated part of the Fire Nation to just...be.

The more Zuko thought about it as the days grew closer to his eventual wedding, the closer he grew with Katara, the more that idea of a house with the just the two of them appealed to him. It wouldn't be a small one - they were royalty after all – but they'd be comfortable. Furthermore, Zuko had a feeling that the idea would be well-received by Katara too.

"I thought you weren't even sure that it was your child?" The biting words came out before he could stop them, and Zuko regretted them as soon as they left his lips. So much for diffusing the tension.

That won't help at all, idiot.

Lu Ten paused in his tracks, eyes meeting Zuko's sharply. "That's not the point of this conversation."

"But you don't deny it."

Zuko hadn't meant to be cruel, but the words he spoke were cruel nonetheless, as he saw Yue's confident face blanche on the other side of the room. Song quickly glanced at her, looking almost giddy with excitement. Zuko, not for the first time, wondered what ever happened to the kind person that Song once was. Yue moved away, edging towards Lu Ten's bed, and sitting on it with a quiet sniffle.

Shifting his focus back to his cousin, Zuko could see the change in Lu Ten's expression. He was becoming more upset with every turn in their conversation. If Lu Ten was trying to project an air of strength, to Zuko he only seemed to be getting more and more unhinged – oddly reminiscent of his mother, Zuko thought to himself, much to his chagrin. The young Fire Lord stood opposite to Zuko, his face flush with anger, his shoulders tensed, and his hands balled into fists with white knuckles.

"As I said, Zuko," Lu Ten repeated lowly and slowly, "That is not the point of this conversation."

Zuko didn't reply at first. He took deliberate, painstaking effort to school his expression into one of calm. Although he didn't fear that Lu Ten would hurt him, or arrest him, or anything, Zuko did want to continue to help his cousin. Because he'll need it.

"Lu Ten." Zuko started, trying to keep his voice even and placating. "After Uncle Iroh died, I told you that you could always count on me to tell you the truth. Have I ever done anything against you? I didn't tell your parents about Yue, and I didn't tell them about Lieutenant Jee pacifying the military rebellion instead of you."

As he finished that last sentence, Zuko heard a quiet gasp from behind Lu Ten. Both of their gazes shifted to land on Song, who had a delicate hand pressed to her lips and a confused expression on her face. "I apologize, I..." Song trailed off before looking away entirely.

Lu Ten's eyes snapped back to Zuko's more furious than before. Damn it.

Trying to recover, Zuko changed direction. "Think about it. What would I have to gain by deposing you?"

Lu Ten's reply was mocking. "What do you think? You'd be Fire Lord – or rather your Father would."

"My Father?" Zuko questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

Does he think I'm with my father? He, more than anyone, should know that I'm not.

Lu Ten laughed in a way that Zuko hadn't heard in a long time. The young Fire Lord began pacing again, giving Zuko occasional contemptuous looks.

"Come on, Zuko. A Fire Lord who can't even firebend?" Seeing Zuko's look of incredulity, Lu Ten took the opportunity to elaborate, speaking to Zuko as though these conclusions should have been apparent. "Why else do you think your father is trying to get me to depend on him? Why he suddenly wants to be with your mother again when he hasn't so much as looked at her in 15 years?"

"That's uncalled for, Lu Ten." Zuko said lowly, in warning to his cousin that he was edging close to a line.

But Lu Ten continued on as though he hadn't heard Zuko speak. "I mean, he suddenly supports your marriage with Katara, when no one else in this country will? Katara's parents may rule the Water Tribe, but no one thinks of her as royalty Zuko. Your marriage to her will give him a people he can exert control over and then he can take my throne with force."

"Lu Ten, stop." Zuko pleaded for what felt like the 100th time. "This isn't like you. Be reasonable. I'm trying to help you."

"I don't need your help Zuko." Lu Ten replied stiffly, pausing in his pacing, and clasping his hands behind his back, fixing Zuko with a pointed look. "And I don't need your father's help either."

Out of the corner of his eye, Zuko could see that both Yue and Song were intently watching the interaction between the two of them, Yue apprehensively flicked her eyes between them both. In complete opposite to her rival, Song's smug grin became all that Zuko could see and focus on.

He's right. Zuko couldn't help but think sarcastically, eyeing the pair. Why would you need my help, Lu Ten? Apparently, you've got all the help you need right here.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Zuko crossed his arms over his chest, asking his cousin bitterly, "Send Katara back home? Send me off to be a Fire Sage or exile me to Ember Island?"

Lu Ten inhaled sharply before turning to face Zuko with a contemplative look in his eyes, his head cocked to the side. The barest hint of a grin appeared on Lu Ten's face. But it was cold, chilling even.

"That offer still stands, Zuko."

Zuko snorted in disbelief, arms crossing over his chest. "You can't be serious."

Lu Ten turned to fully face him now, slowly moving closer to Zuko doing his best to appear intimidating. He stopped when he was only a few inches from Zuko. Zuko could feel Lu Ten's breath on his face. He could feel the heat radiating from Lu Ten's torso – something he never noticed before. "Are you really defying an order given by your Fire Lord?"

"You're going to order me?" Zuko snapped.

"You can go willingly, Zuko, or I can make you." His cousin, his brother looked at him with cold eyes as he spoke the words.

"I can't believe–" Zuko took a step backwards, shocked. His mouth dropped open before he quickly closed it again, the barest hint of a sneer crossing his features. He turned away from his cousin before his expression could sour further. "You've lost it. Talk to me when you've returned to your senses."

Zuko rolled his shoulders, feeling aches from the tension ebb away, resolving to leave before he lost his temper completely. He'd just about had it with Lu Ten right now.

"Don't walk away from me!" Lu Ten spat at his back.

Katara

Not long after Azula left, Katara decided to take a quick nap on one of the lounge chairs dotted around the room. She couldn't sleep in her extremely comfortable bed, because as tired as she was feeling now, she likely wouldn't wake up until tomorrow at least. She had a feeling that Zuko would need her tonight. So she settled down for a quick nap.

And quick it was, because it wasn't much later when she woke up, jolting as if awaking from a nightmare. \She looked around for the cause but could see nothing. Even so, she felt more refreshed than she had in days. The moon had just started to peek over the horizon as the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the mountains to the west. The sky was a deeper purple than before, but not yet the black of night.

Despite the beauty of the evening, worry still gnawed at her chest, but she tried to dismiss it as her being silly. It couldn't have been more than a half-hour since Zuko left, she tried to convince herself, if something were wrong, he would have sent Gu Zhi to let me know.

But she couldn't stay in this room for the time being. She'd only walk around for a bit, just to take the edge off and stretch out her stiff muscles. Maybe she'd go and visit Yue, or her mother. Yue likely needed an ear to rant about Song, and Katara still felt like her mother needed more convincing about why she should stay.

But…Yue would probably only frustrate her further, and their conversation might quickly turn antagonistic. To be perfectly honest, that sounded like a conversation that could be better had tomorrow.

She stood up and stretched, a groan leaving her lips as her hip and back ached slightly. Turns out those expensive looking couches were just set dressing – and not meant to be slept in – a lesson that she would feel tomorrow. A walk would do her good now. Just a quick one, just once around the garden.

Of course she hadn't figured that her new room was now much further away from the garden.

Still, she pressed on, already committed to the path her feet now tread – in more ways than one. She absentmindedly walked towards the garden, remembering her first days in the Hana Matsuri. She hadn't known what would come next, and if anyone had told her, she probably would have boarded the next ship bound for the South Pole. It was unbelievable, and certainly never the life she'd imagined for herself as a child. But could she find fault with it?

Fire Lord Iroh's passing left a dark cloud in Katara's heart, one that gnawed and tugged at her every time she saw Lu Ten's eyes – or saw Zuko's grin– or heard the Fire Lady cry. It wasn't fair that one man decided Iroh's fate, and cajoled and twisted others into doing his bidding, Ursa especially.

For a moment, Katara felt almost blinded by rage towards Ursa. What was she doing? Knowing what she did about Ozai, how on earth could she just stand there and watch him go through with his plans? How could she be an active part of it? The thought sickened her. She broke up Lu Ten's family. She was the reason for Yun Xi's distress and Lu Ten's insecurity.

All for Zuko's sake, she'd said. Was she trying to secure her throne for Zuko? Murder off Iroh and Tiang, and then Lu Ten – she might even be manipulating Ozai into a false sense of security before killing him too – leaving room for Zuko to ascend.

But that theory was difficult to come to terms with.

If it were true, and Zuko found out, he'd never look at his mother the same again. He was having a hard time reconciling with her actions of late – more murder might just break him. Ursa didn't seem like the type of person to risk Zuko's ire, regardless of the goal. Pain was one thing, outright hatred and revulsion was another. Besides, Katara's mother was a good judge of character by all accounts. She wouldn't be friends with such a person – regardless of what bond they shared as young women.

Katara groaned, running a hand over her now tired eyes. She'd reached the garden, muscle memory doing most of the work for her. Leaning against a pillar, she closed her eyes and tried to calm down.

I wish there were an easy answer. I wish things were different.

She wished there were no poison, that Iroh was alive, healthy, and whole, and she was able to travel with Zuko back to the South Pole as he'd promised her all those weeks ago. It was an impossible wish, but one that entered her heart fleetingly.

"This way." She heard a low voice say from behind, accompanied by footsteps – more than one person if she guessed correctly. Suddenly, the voice that spoke before they gasped and stopped short. "I can't win with you Water Tribe members, can I?" It was almost light-hearted, but the tone was dripping with slight annoyance.

Katara turned back the way she'd come, and there she saw Ursa, her mother and Pakku staring at her wide-eyed, looking like naughty children caught doing something they shouldn't have been. Kya offered Katara a gentle smile, but suspicion was already implanted into her brain. Something was up.

She stepped closer, and she could hear Ursa groan lowly.

"What's going on?" Katara asked all three of them as she came closer, but her eyes never left Zuko's mother's. "The truth, please, this time."

Ursa swallowed heavily before sharing a glance with Katara's mother and grandfather and opening her mouth to speak. But the response was unexpected.

If Katara was expecting an answer, laughter wasn't it.

Zuko

The anger boiled over before he could stop himself. He whirled around to face his cousin with a sardonic look in his eyes, an expression that rarely came as of late.

"You know, Uncle Iroh never would act like you are, Lu Ten. Being Fire Lord was only one part of him." Zuko spat. "But with you? It's everything."

Lu Ten staggered unsteadily backwards like Zuko had struck him. For a second, Zuko considered stopping now, Lu Ten had finally shut up, after all, but Zuko didn't want to. The same thing would happen again, if not tomorrow then the day after. If his mother had her way, Zuko would never stop being looked at as a threat. Accusations of his own poured out of him, aimed at Lu Ten, everything he'd ever thought since this mess began.

Zuko shook his head in frustration. "Do you even want to be Fire Lord? Or are you doing it out of a sense of duty to your parents? Would you even care so much if your Mother didn't care so much? If Song didn't care so much?" Zuko's lips curled into a sneer as Lu Ten stared at him in horror, mouth agape. He couldn't see Song or Yue from where he stood, but Zuko imagined their expressions were similar.

The air began to warm around Zuko as he spoke and got more animated, but Zuko didn't notice. He was too riled up, to focused on telling Lu Ten exactly what he needed to hear, even if he didn't want to.

"You want to be Fire Lord? Great." He pointed at Yue and Song. "Pick one of them to be your Fire Lady and get on with it! Because having them constantly fighting and at each other's throats will only make your reign harder. Then, figure out what's going on in this country because none of us have a clue about what's going on outside of these walls!"

Lu Ten stared at him, eyes wide. Zuko scoffed under his breath.

"Katara and her family don't want to kidnap Yue, they want to keep her safe because in case you haven't noticed, there's a lot to be worried about."

His sarcastic answers probably weren't doing him any favors in Lu Ten's eyes, but Zuko didn't really care about that right now. The gentle approach wasn't working anymore.

"Could we have kept a tighter leash on Zhao once he was demoted? Probably. Should we have investigated the truth behind Uncle Iroh's poisoning or what happened to the food aid sent to Kyoshi? Definitely. But we didn't. These problems were left to fester because Uncle Iroh got sick the minute he was crowned, and all our focus shifted to that."

Lu Ten defended himself, face reddened in his anger. "How was I supposed to know what was going on? No one told me anything!?"

"Did you even ask?" Zuko replied simply, apathetically, trying to ignore the distress on Lu Ten's face.

He continued, stepping closer to Lu Ten as his innermost thoughts came easier now, with no filter. "You didn't. All you've ever wanted was to be the Crown Prince, to have all the fun but none of the responsibility. How many times did I cover for you to Aunt Yun Xi and Uncle Iroh, so you could sneak out and be with one person or another? How many times have I listened to you vent when the pressure got to be too much? How often have I come to you when I was struggling or in pain – did it mean nothing? Obviously, it didn't, because you look at me like I'm a traitor.

He stopped for a moment, allowing both himself and Lu Ten time to process what he said. It was harsh, yes, but it needed to be said.

"Don't think I'm attacking you. I'm only telling you this because I care about you. You're my closest friend."

Zuko fought to keep his tone level continued to walk forward, staring Lu Ten in the eyes, until they were only inches apart, but the positions of before were reversed. Zuko felt more confident in front of Lu Ten than he ever had.

"But I haven't done anything to you Lu Ten. Nor do I plan to. I don't want to be Fire Lord. So, whatever it is you're feeling right now, don't take it out on me – or Katara, or Azula – because we aren't responsible."

Zuko added his sister in there for good measure because He knew that Lu Ten blamed Azula for Uncle Iroh's death, if for nothing other than being the only reminder that Tiang ever existed. But Lu Ten didn't know what he knew, how much Azula had changed.

The two of them stood there, almost nose to nose, trying to get a read on the other. Zuko could feel the temperature change in the air as their emotions manipulated the environment immediately around them.

Lu Ten grimaced, an awful sound leaving his throat as he tried to find what he wanted to say. "Zuko... I didn't -," Lu Ten started, before he broke off, his brow furrowing. "Zuko..." He began again, but this time there was a hardened edge to his voice, and Lu Ten's expression morphed from one of surprise, to suspicion.

Nothing I said got through. Zuko prepared tried to prepare himself for whatever counter Lu Ten had coming. But what Lu Ten said next, hadn't even crossed his mind to consider.

"Zuko...," Lu Ten repeated his name for the third time, the wariness on his face solidifying and mixing with hurt and anger. "When were you going to tell me that you could firebend again?"

Zuko's stomach sank. It was like all the confident air from before was knocked out of him with Lu Ten's words. It was silent for a moment as Zuko tried to find his resolve once more.

"That's your only takeaway?" Zuko said incredulously, derision seeping into his tone. "Out of everything I said, all you took from that was that I can firebend again? No one knows."

His mother knew, but it's not like Zuko would tell his cousin that. Lu Ten stared at Zuko, dumbstruck at the confirmation. His mouth opened and closed a few times. For a moment, it looked like there was a flash of happiness amongst the surprise before his eyes narrowed and his lips widened into a sneer.

"You spoke a lot about friendship and loyalty Zuko, but this – getting your firebending back – is monumental. It changes...everything. I understand not telling my mother or Ozai...but me? You didn't tell me because you don't trust me." Underneath the bluster and posturing was genuine hurt that Zuko could find in Lu Ten's eyes.

"It's not like I didn't want to – it just never came up." Zuko broke the staring contest first, guilt forming within. He was still angry, to be sure, but felt that Lu Ten was also justified in his hurt – this time.

"Never came up," Lu Ten repeated with a broken chuckle and a sad smirk on his lips. "Sure."

Lu Ten turned away from him, moving closer to the window, Zuko in his periphery. If it were under better circumstances, Zuko might have joked about how poetic it was that he was flanked by both Yue and Song on either side – like something out of a portrait. But setting and circumstances as they were, Zuko did not speak. He'd talked enough, and it'd had basically no effect.

"I can't look at you right now, Zuko. You were like a brother to me – I told you everything. But now..." Lu Ten said flatly, his hands clasped behind his back. "You will not attend the coronation ceremony tomorrow. You will not appear in front of me until I allow it. Maybe, in time, I will reconsider."

Zuko didn't speak, only nodded at Lu Ten's words before turning to leave. It would hurt not to see his cousin be crowned, but if this is what he needed to ensure a peaceful transition of power, then so be it. But it was Lu Ten's next words that gave him true pause and cause him to stop in his tracks.

"—And as for your upcoming marriage..." The words came out of Lu Ten's mouth with an arrogance and superiority that had the added effect of sounding especially cruel.

"...I believe we all need to have a long conversation about that."

He could see Lu Ten's gold pupils shift to look at Zuko, and though Lu Ten did not turn away from the window, Zuko was sure that the other man could see the betrayal and outrage written all over Zuko's features. For a split second, the hard lines of Lu Ten's face softened as they looked at each other, but it was gone so fast Zuko was sure he imagined it.

"Fine." Zuko forced himself to say between clenched teeth, before storming out the door.

Katara

"I'm not going anywhere until I know what's going on." Katara said firmly, her gaze flickered between her grandfather, mother, and future-mother-in-law warily. Something about the three of them together skulking about Something was up. Something was wrong.

Ursa looked around once more, and Katara also couldn't help but take a cursory glance around herself. The halls were empty despite the late evening hours, and Katara suspected that Ursa had something to do with that as well. When Ursa looked at her once more, Katara was surprised to see the guilt in the older woman's expression.

"You have questions, I'm sure. You've also been the most injured party these past few weeks, Katara, and for that, I am deeply sorry." Ursa sighed, resigned, and met Katara's eyes, her face was blank and open, no longer as guarded as it had been. "You – and my son – deserve answers."

"I'd say so." Katara replied stiffly, and she should probably feel bad for the way Ursa flinched, but she needed answers.

Ursa was silent for what felt like forever. She opened and closed her mouth a few times. She seemed to be trying to figure out what to say. Whatever it was, it would take a lot of courage.

"It will be easier to speak if do so as we walk to where we need to go." Ursa began, and gestured Katara to walk alongside her as they stepped into the garden proper.

The princess did so, but not without casting looks at her grandfather and mother, who followed behind, giving her nods of assurance. It was still surprising that they did not look suspicious of Ursa in the least. Maybe they knew what the Fire Princess was about to say. Maybe what they knew erased all doubt in their eyes. Katara would have to wait and see.

"Where are we going?"

Ursa cleared her throat. Katara watched Ursa's profile in the evening light and had the feeling that the older woman's serene expression hid turmoil inside. "I have many secrets, Katara, secrets that have hurt a lot of people."

"Zuko said you're a murderer." She blurted out before clamping a hand over her mouth. From behind the pair, Kya made a noise of protest at her direct accusation, but Katara did not look away as she watched Ursa's expression. It did not change. So, lower, softer, she asked for clarification, "Are you a murderer?"

Ursa gave a soft, sad smile but did not slow her pace. "Yes."

Katara couldn't help but stop, astonished by the casual admittance of something so heinous. She admitted it, I didn't think she would…but to finally have clarity…this is going to be a nightmare to explain to Zuko.

Her thoughts were broken by Ursa's next words.

"However, I didn't kill everyone that my son thinks I did."

What?

Ursa gestured for Katara to continue walking, and she followed along almost dully, her mind struggling to process exactly what was being said.

"I-I don't understand."

Ursa paused and turned to her once more. Despite the steady gaze, there was a hint of relief hidden behind those golden eyes.

"My son likely thinks that I am working with Ozai, doing his dirty work so he doesn't have to sully his own hands, because I still love him. He also believes, like you probably do, that Iroh's blood is partially on my hands."

"I never said—," But she was right. What other conclusion were they supposed to draw?

Ursa shook her head. "Zuko isn't entirely wrong – I was doing Ozai's dirty work – I adopted Azula, gave you Schisandra tea, and killed Tiang on Ozai's orders."

So, it was Ursa that knocked her unconscious on her birthday?

"Why?" Katara couldn't help but ask, though she knew that if she stayed silent, she'd get more answers faster. "Why would you do that? Knowing what I've gone through and knowing what it would put Zuko through?"

She was angry, no, furious, unable to process how the sweet woman she'd met at the South Pole could do such things. It might not have started out that way, but the truth was that Ursa had used her as a pawn to achieve her goals, no matter how noble she might consider them. She manipulated everyone.

I was right when I told Zuko that. She thought. I just didn't know how right I was.

Ursa resumed walking away from her, and Katara could only follow, her relatives on her heels. "How could you?"

The words tore herself from her throat with barely restrained anger. This was betrayal of the highest order. She knew everything that Ozai was doing, all that he planned, and she told no one. Ursa was still walking away as she spoke.

"I had no choice."

"There's always a choice."

Katara said this as convincingly as she could but found that the words rang hollow in her ears. Was there a choice? Her reflexes gave her no choice when she was confronted by Zhao, and though Azula and Zuko had the freedom to choose with how they dealt with Ozai and Lu Ten respectively, even she could admit that sometimes any other options could be considered intolerable.

The humid air hung between them in an uncomfortable silence for a moment before Ursa continued. If Katara had been paying attention, she would have noticed that they were heading toward the tunnels that she, Zuko, Azula and Yue had frequented in the past few months. But when the group stopped at the large metal tunnel door, she could have laughed at the sight of Ursa prying the door open that the younger royals had used so often.

It opened to more humid and stale air, though it cooler by virtue of being underground. The group entered, and Ursa closed the door behind them, elaborating as they began the deep trek to the heart of the Fire Nation Palace.

"Tiang was not my first. The first was Zuko's grandfather."

She's so…nonchalant about it.

She felt her chin practically hit the floor at the words, and she glanced around to see if anyone was nearby, but Ursa just laughed quietly, the pleasant smile still on her face did not match the subject in the slightest. "Don't look so worried Katara, I've asked Gu Zhi to allow me some privacy tonight."

It didn't make her feel better.

Another not so comforting thing was that Ursa didn't look the least bit apprehensive or apologetic. Her eyes were hard as she stared off down the tunnel. There were torches sporadically placed on the walls, flickering their shadows in long strokes, but no signs or markers to tell people where to go.

When Ursa spoke next, the pain in her voice nearly broke Katara's heart as they moved further down the darkened tunnels.

"He had hurt my son beyond repair. I was terrified at the time, but I would do it again if I had to." She chuckled darkly, sighing wistfully. "I wonder if Tiang would be flattered that she and I used the same methods to achieve our goals. Ah, she'd probably hate me even more."

Unable to listen to the macabre words that sounded so unlike Ursa, the 16-year-old spun around to her mother and grandfather. The two didn't seem a bit surprised at the news. Did they know? How long did they know? If they knew, why didn't they say anything? How could they keep quiet?

For a moment, she was comforted by the knowledge that Zuko was off with Lu Ten doing who knows what.

If he were here…if he knew the truth…Katara grimaced, I…don't know if he could take it.

But Katara's mother took her hand, thinking that the soured expression on her daughter's face was a reaction to the revelations that she'd just heard. But it wasn't. The idea was increasingly easier for Katara to process. It hurt her to think of Ursa as a murderer because it was unfathomable for Zuko to consider Ursa as a murderer.

"But…with Tiang…" Katara couldn't help but want to hear more, to try and understand the woman that – up until recently – she'd thought of as just another kind soul trapped behind the walls of this palace, a woman under the manipulative thumb of her husband.

Ursa continued her story with the same unapologetic tone. "I killed her to stop an even more heinous crime from taking place. What she planned—what my husband planned, would have ruined the entire world." Ursa's eyes dropped to the floor, the words coming slower, softer now.

"You might think me wrong for deciding their fates, and perhaps I am. Perhaps I will be punished for it in time. But I saw no other way."

Katara still couldn't understand. What Ursa had kept secret, the lies that she'd told, what she'd done, it surely took its toll on her. She looked at Ursa, studying her, but she could find no fault, no weakness, no crack in the quiet confidence that the princess exuded "But how could you deal with that alone?"

Ursa chuckled bitterly once more. "Because no one else could do it. Ozai hadn't looked at me in 15 years. No one else could hide from Ozai the way I could."

They turned a corner now, entering a part of the tunnels that Katara had never been to.

"I let him believe that I am utterly devoted to him, when the truth is, that I am 15 years past that point. Did I love him once? Yes. I did. Is there a part of me that wishes he were not a wicked man? Also, yes. But just as I am no longer that naïve, he is no longer the man I fell in love with – his ambition has tainted the both of us.

"If my soul is forever ruined by my actions, then so be it. But I have a clear conscience—there are many others in this world who could not say the same."

Katara may have been young, but she wasn't stupid. If what Ursa said was true, and what she implied was true, then there could only be one logical conclusion that could be drawn here.

She whispered almost inaudibly, "Fire Lord Iroh isn't dead."

"Correct."

The first thing she felt was relief. So much relief that Katara thought she might cry. But behind the satisfaction and relief that Katara felt, there was even more frustration that she still did not have all the pieces put together.

So, where is he? In the tunnels? She wondered, feeling ridiculous for asking herself the question. Where?

"What about his illness?"

Even in the low light, Katara could see that Ursa was grinning at her with genuine pride. "Believe it or not, when you extracted almost all of the poison from his system, after your nighttime excursion with Zuko—," Katara pretended not to hear her mother's quick inhale or the cantankerous noises her grandfather made, though Ursa's wicked grin said that she'd heard them just as well, "—he was nearly healthy. All he really needed was rest, and time."

"But what about all of those doctors? And the Will? And his death?" The questions kept coming

Those things sent Fire Lady Yun Xi into a downward spiral and turned Song into someone that Katara barely knew. If this was all planned…

"I'll leave it to him to tell you everything that happened, he was always a better storyteller than I, but the short of it is that I convinced him to play along. Iroh knew that Ozai needed to believe that the throne was in his grasp."

But she still couldn't make sense of it. "Princess Ursa, why keep this hidden? Why not arrest Tiang instead?"

"Because only Iroh's death would make Ozai come out of hiding." Ursa said this matter-of-factly, but the truth was, it was not as simple as it first appeared. "If Lu Ten did not assume the throne as a weak Fire Lord, if Yun Xi did not take drastic action to secure Lu Ten's future, if Zuko did not believe I had gone back to his father, Ozai would never have believed it."

"But why not tell Zuko?" Katara asked, and it was at the mention of her son's name that Ursa's calm expression faltered. She paused once more. Katara stood, expectantly.

"I didn't want Zuko to have to lie to Lu Ten or have him take the chance at lying to Ozai." Katara's mother reached forward, placing a gentle hand on Ursa's shoulder in comfort. Ursa spoke, her gaze unwavering. "If there will be blame, let the blame fall on me."

There was a melancholy to her words that made Katara think that Ursa truly regretted the impact that her actions had, that Ursa wasn't trying to shift blame at all. But the words she spoke in combination with the person Katara thought she knew was irreconcilable.

Ursa continued, "Ozai believes he will win because I made him believe it." She paused here, chuckling quietly to herself. "You know, I think if he knew the truth, he'd be almost impressed with what I've done."

Katara caught the white of Ursa's teeth as she grinned in the torchlight.

She seems unbelievably proud of herself, andKatara didn't know what to make of that thought.

Reaching to take one off the wall, Ursa as the older woman reached for a torch.

"So…where exactly are we going?" Katara asked her, the question feeling foolish on her tongue. Like a child, waiting for instructions.

Ursa led them to a tunnel that was significantly smaller than the ones that came before it. The stones under her feet were rougher, more uncomfortable under her sandaled feet as they walked. The path seemed to narrow as they went, shrinking in so much in height that Ursa and Pakku had to bend in some places.

"There are bunkers down here for the Fire Nation royal family in the event of a siege, or other catastrophe. The ones for the Fire Lord and Crown Prince are still relatively well maintained, but the ones for the royal children have all but become unusable."

"Isn't that risky? Keeping Fire Lord Iroh right under Ozai's nose?"

"On the contrary, it's the last place he'd look. Ozai is too overconfident for his own good. He wouldn't believe in a hundred years that he could be outsmarted." The pride was dripping off every word Ursa spoke.

"When you and Zuko started using the tunnels, I grew worried that you'd found him. I might have scared Zuko when I asked him what he knew."

"He has absolutely no idea. None of them do." Katara muttered. "Zuko thinks you're a murderer because you've been lying to him!"

Guilt bloomed in her chest.

"And now you're making me lie to him too."

She didn't want to lie to Zuko. She thought he deserved to know, as did the rest of his family. Why should she get to know the truth and they couldn't? It wasn't fair. It wasn't right.

"It won't be for much longer." Katara's mother spoke from behind, moving next to Katara and looping her arm with her daughter's. Her mother rubbed smooth circles on the back of her hand with her thumb. As upset as she felt, Katara was comforted by the gesture.

Ursa's head was bent, and suddenly the pride was washed away as heavy shoulders and hollow words remained. "Yes well…if my son will hate me…then he will hate me. But everything I have ever done, has been for his sake."

Katara didn't know if she could forgive Ursa for what she'd done. Causing so much pain to the Fire Lady, Lu Ten and Zuko seemed both inexcusable and unforgivable. Though, Ursa seemed content to accept any and all punishments and consequences for her actions. The Fire Lady would undoubtedly be livid when she knew the truth. Lu Ten would probablybe relieved, and Zuko…he'd almost certainly be a mix of the two. If there really was no other way…what would she do in their situation?

But she didn't have time to think. They'd stopped in front of a metal door that was propped up in a haphazard way, diagonally in the door frame. There was only a little room at the bottom to sneak through, created by a triangular opening. Ursa motioned for them to enter, eyes meeting each of the Water Tribe members in turn.

Lifting her chin, she told them seriously, "Now, with the coronation in a few days, we need to plan."

Zuko

He walked down the hall to Katara's room, feeling more desperate to get to her with every breath. His boots echoed off the dimly lit hallways, and if he'd been thinking clearly, he'd have wondered where all the servants had gone, especially since Lu Ten had rehired them all.

But he didn't particularly care at the moment.

Even though he knew Katara would ask why he looked upset, and that she would make him relive the conversation over again by talking him through it, and despite knowing that she wasn't going to be happy with the end result, he needed her now.

This was a mess.

Zuko didn't know where it all went wrong. Lu Ten wasn't against him, he couldn't be. Before, Lu Ten said he trusted him, that he'd trusted Zuko more than anyone else – even his own mother! What changed? Why? And where did that Will come from?

It was complete and utter nonsense. He'd meant what he said. Uncle Iroh was the fairest, nonjudgmental father-figure he could have ever hope to have. It wasn't like him to play dirty. He'd meant the other thing he said too. Zuko didn't want to be Fire Lord, yet Lu Ten seemed convinced that Zuko meant to take it from him. That sort of thing was his father's thing, not Zuko's. He was content to just be, especially now.

Why wasn't that enough?

Why were his opinions pointless to those around him?

Before he knew it, he'd arrived at the intersection of three hallways. He paused for only a moment, determining where exactly he wanted to go. Straight ahead was Katara's new room, where she'd been staying the last few days, and to his left, was his mother's. To his right, was his own, but he wouldn't go there. Being along just made it easier to think about things he'd rather forget.

He couldn't go to his mother with his worry and the news of Lu Ten's decision. He'd resented his mother for the longest time. It had crept up on him gradually, so slowly he hadn't noticed until the frustration all but consumed him. Zuko didn't realize just how much he resented his father for stealing his mother away. He'd won her over with sly looks and whispered words – so much so that she'd do whatever he willed. Staying or going when he asked her to, killing when he asked her to. Zuko's mother had given him her heard, and Ozai had turned it black as coal.

He continued straight.

My mother isn't stupid, and my father isn't an all-powerful charmer. She'd have to be at least somewhat willing to follow him, and that makes it so much worse. He's taken advantage of lingering feelings for his own benefit.

He scoffed. At least it's on brand.

But when he got to Katara's door and opened it, he found the room empty. Everything was as he'd left it, save for the tea pot and cups that were empty discarded on the table. It was like she'd vanished. He thought about checking with Azula but decided that Azula and Katara didn't have the kind of relationship or feelings that would lend itself to girl talk.

And he wasn't going to his mother's room. In the past, perhaps. But now, now there was every chance that his father was in her room as well, and that was a sight he would give anything to never experience.

Sighing miserably and feeling more than a little upset and sorry for himself, he made his way back to his own room reluctantly. When he got there, he disrobed, lay on top of the well-made bed, and tried to not let the tears that had been building in his throat fall. He gave up after a few minutes.

With a choked sob, and a hand covering his mouth trying to stifle the sound, he curled in on himself and tried to sleep.

Katara

The sight of dignified Princess Ursa squeezing herself through the small triangle at the base of the door would be It would be comical if Katara weren't trying not to freak out right now. Through that door…was Fire Lord Iroh? Alive, healthy, and whole Fire Lord Iroh?

It was impossible to think about.

Looking back at her family, her mother's face was weary but calm, looking onwards steadily. Pakku's lips were pressed together in a line, though whether that reflected his thoughts about what Ursa had just said, or where they were going was hard to say. Katara's mother nudged her forward, and she too crouched down once Ursa had gotten through, squeezing herself through the uncomfortably small opening.

The room she was in was not large. It wasn't lit at all, the only light was provided by Ursa's torch that she held aloft. As her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, she heard her mother and grandfather groan as they joined the pair. There were a few toys scattered about, deflated balls and what looked to be a komodo rhino rocker. There were long tables with small and large chairs placed against them, and large cots along one wall, but they were much too large for children to sleep in.

"This way."

Ursa motioned for them to follow her and they did so, she led them deeper into the room, through a door covered by a tarp long since eaten by moths. In this room, eight or nine small cots lined the wall opposite the door, and more toys than were in the larger room were strewn across the floor. It looked as though in addition to sleeping, this space doubled as a schoolroom, because several small chairs and tiny writing desks were facing a platform upon which a larger desk was placed. Behind that desk was a large storage unit that held scrolls stuffed into every space possible.

For a moment, she wondered when the last use of this place was. Exactly how many children had hidden down here while waiting for whatever that upended their lives to be over?

A dim candle was perched precariously onto an unsteady desk that rocked back and forth as the weight upon it shifted.

Behind that desk, reading, with a cup of tea by his side was Fire Lord Iroh.

He looked up as they approached, as his eyes registered their presence, she couldn't help the beaming smile that were so wide it hurt her cheeks. She heard her mother gasp, but she was concentrating too much on the man in front of her to register it completely.

He looked rested. He looked healthy. He looked whole.

"So," Iroh's lips broke out in a grin himself, and Katara would have given anything if Zuko could be here and see him – and hear him! "You've all found out our secret then?"

The jovial nature of Iroh's chuckle filled her with warmth and she couldn't stop the unrestrained giggle that escaped her. In response, Iroh patted the seat next to him. She looked to the rest of their small party, who wore identical expressions of happiness but didn't move. She realized that Iroh meant for her to sit next to him.

Probably more tentatively than she needed to, she made her way over to him, winding around the small chairs. But before she sat down, Iroh held up a hand, stopping her in her tracks.

What's wrong? Have I done something wrong?

But he wasn't looking at Katara, he was looking past her, at Ursa with a grim expression on his face.

"Ursa," he intoned with all the seriousness of a war declaration, "We'll need more tea."

I was contemplating whether I wanted Azula and Katara to hug at the end of their conversation – but I decided against it. Azula even tentatively hugging someone seemed much too out of character – even for me.

Guess who we get to see next chapter? And we learn what really happened the night Iroh "died".

So sorry you guys had to wait. I went through every chapter and updated/edited it to get rid of as many plot holes, typos, and lost plot threads as I could. Let me know if something doesn't really make sense.

LM