Chapter Text
The world around them was filled with a mournful ocean and a damning, haunting, unnerving silence. Katara had sighed her hands aching from excessive healing over Aang’s wounds as she bit back her tears seeing the mangled flesh on his torso. It was harrowing times like this where his body, unresponsive and pale, that she remembered that the world; herself included, had placed so much on the shoulders of a mere child. His lips were chapped and ragged; his ribs were beginning to protrude against his paled skin. It had been weeks since he had last opened his eyes and it was getting to everyone on the ship. Most of all, it was grating on Katara. The longer she tried, the more she realized how much she depended on a mere child to liberate the world. How selfish the world was, to put so much child and hope into a twelve-year-old boy. Especially one who desired nothing more than to just be a child. As she finished healing the young Airbender again, she waited in vain for a response from him, her breath hitched only to be met with nothing. With a defeated sigh, Katara took back her bowl of water and headed for the door giving the boy one last look for the night.
“Please, Aang. Please wake up. You’ve got to wake up.” We need you. Her voice crumbled as she disposed of the bloody water and made her way towards the main deck feeling the gentle breeze of the ocean against her face inhaling the salty night air. The moon light contrasted greatly against the darkness of the night sky, illuminating with the twinkling stars. She looked up to the moon and let out a pitiful cry letting resentful tears roll down her cheeks.
“Yue, I’m…so worried.” She confessed. “I’m so scared of what we’re going to do if he doesn’t wake up. We can’t wait for another Avatar. And--” She swallowed heavily against a sob. “And I don’t want to lose him.” She allowed herself to weep softly against the railing of the ship, her clothes still carrying the faint scent of smoke from the battle in the caves still haunted by lightning that pierced through his body and how her blood froze watching him drop lifelessly. Azula’s eyes glimmered in triumph as he fell, her fingers smoking and the damning smirk she had on her face haunted Katara every time she closed her eyes. She gripped the railing tightly as she felt the water push against the side of the ship. She was still clinging to hope, hearing the ragged breath that Aang had made when she had healed him ontop of Appa. He had given her a small smile, his eyes half open as he gazed upon her before surrendering to darkness again, her only remants of hope being the shallow breaths he took on his own. No matter what Katara did for him, all Aang seemed to do now is keep on breathing. Breathing and withering away, slowly. Right before her eyes.
“Please spirits, don’t take him from us yet.” She begged softly in hopes her pleas would be heard.
The days and nights dragged on without his lightheartedness and felt heavy without his laughter. Toph paced around the ship, anxiety gripping her as the days went by in need of proper earth to stand on. Sokka had locked himself inside his room working on their next moves on how to survive and keep the fight going even without Aang (as much as he hated the thought of not having him by their side in the future).
If Katara wasn’t healing Aang, she would be worked on her bending in solitude or against the crashing waves against the side of the ship. The more days passed, the more uncertain everyone had become that he would ever wake up. Katara had made her way down to Aang once again gathering her bowl of water as she prepared to heal the wound again only to have the bowl be knocked over as the ship was brought to a sudden halt. Clamoring on the deck above them made goosebumps rise on her skin bending the water from the floor up, freezing it to a point for a quick weapon. She gave a quick apologetic glance towards Aang’s door before heading out the door ready for battle. Rushing up on the deck, Katara noticed the deformed metal on the side of the ship and the swimming Fire Nation shoulders swimming towards their own ship. Angry shouts and demands were being thrown out from both ships, as scrambling feet pounded against the floor.
Quickly, she rushed to the side of the ship bending the water between the two sides and pushing them apart, gaining distance as the enemy ship prepared to launch their catapult. The roar of the flames and the whistling piercing the air rang through everyone’s ears as Toph launched her own counter attack with the sounds of the crackling earth at her disposal and the aid of others telling her where to strike. With a smirk, Toph aimed her earth disk straight towards the joints of the catapult satisfied with the cries of the bent metal collapsing on itself as she was fed another disk sending it straight towards the towering quarters in the middle of the ship. The enemy responded with an attack towards the hull, piercing through the metal and pulled back leaving a large hole taking in ocean water immediately. Narrowing her eyes, Katara focused at the disturbance of water being flooded into their ship, breathing deeply before freezing the water around the hole making a makeshift cap to keep them afloat. Once the hole was patched, Katara glared towards the attacking ship. Determination in her eyes, she readied her stance.
“I’m going to give us some cover!” She announced before bringing rise to the water between the two ships to give them a thick cloud of steam as the ship took the opportunity to flee the situation. As they were gaining distance, Katara strained forcing a whirlpool beside the other ship to give them more time. The anger and panic of the Fire Nation soldiers slowly faded as they moved out of earshot much to everyone’s relief. Toph let out a soft sigh once it was announced that they had lost the enemy as she sat relaxing.
“That was way too close.” She breathed out before turning to her comrades. “You two were great!” The Duke grinned brightly. Katara rushed up to her brother and father as they took off their helmets.
“What happened?” Hakoda rubbed the back of his neck abashedly.
“I’m afraid Bato and I weren’t convincing enough when they asked what we were doing in this area. It appears we were going the wrong way.” Sokka gave a half-hearted shrug.
“We can’t really expect this hiding thing to be perfect, I mean everything has just gone into disarray.” Hakoda nodded.
“Still, we need to make sure we can keep ourselves hidden as best as we can to avoid another attack like that. I don’t think we’d be able to take it.” He turned to his daughter giving her a thankful smile. “I don’t know what we’d do without your sister’s quick thinking regarding that hole.” Her eyes darted away from her father as she bit the inside of her cheek.
“Yeah, you should do something about that, Dad.” She turned her back on them and sighed, guilt weighing on her shoulders. She didn’t have to see her father’s face to know how she hurt him. “I’m going to go back to healing Aang again.” Before another word could be said, she made her way towards the quarters. Sokka placed a hand on his father’s shoulder knowingly, giving him a small but saddened smile.
“Just give her some time, Dad.” Hakoda nodded and hesitantly made his way towards the rest of the crew they had and made fast plans to maintain the ship.
~~
An incognizant silence loomed over the Fire Nation as it seemed as though the world around Zuko stood still. Bliss befell the nation as their new Fire Lord was the only one burdened with the realization of what he had done. Zuko looked over the night sky, his body quaking against the railing of the balcony. The beautiful view of the very beginnings of sunrise became irrelevant as the rising sun was going to shine light on what he had done. It was all he could focus on. It was only a matter of time before someone saw the aftermath of his fight with his father.
The cold lifeless look on his face burned into his mind. The way his hair was splayed out as he wheezed out his last breath on the floor. The strong look of hatred that he had for his only son, permanently etched on to his face. The metallic waft of blood that surrounded their noses as the warmth of life was fast fleeting from the former Lord. Zuko’s throat was dry as his lip quivered and eyes filled with tears as he felt himself sink to the ground the deed weighing on him. It had been so easy, almost too easy to end his life. It almost fascinated him realizing how soft the man’s flesh was, how easily the unbreakable man crumbled to his knees in a pool of blood. The man he had feared for his entire life, the man who burned his face and banished him like he was nothing cast him into the world to perish; the man who had seemed so impenetrable, snuffed out by his son’s hands. Hands that Ozai had dismissed as weak. Despite all the cruel words, the inhumane and heartless treatment his father had given him in abundance, the grueling and twisted feeling of guilt and revulsion dominated him as a mangled cry and bile spilled from his throat. A shattered sob washed over him as he gripped his stomach in fear he was going to spill again, the fresh memories of what he had done threatening to build up in his throat again.
He longed for the sun to never rise again not wanting to deal with the repercussions of his actions. He swallowed back the vomit that was begging to rise as he recalled the absolute mortification in his father’s eyes before he ended him. He willed himself to stand once more, stand above and for his people as he took long deep breaths steading himself, releasing himself from the railing and stepping back to look over what he had stolen from his father. The quiet unassuming land below him, living their lives, truly unprepared for what the light of the sun was going to reveal to the entire Nation. Zuko grabbed the crown, adorning himself with it bearing the weight that came from what he had done.
You know it needed to be done. He told himself as he dared to look himself in the mirror. You know you had to end his life. You did it for your people. His heart racing and hands shaking, he rinsed his mouth out and steadied his breath before he made his way down to the common area, his shoulders back and face steeled as he was going to begin his first day of rule without weakness.
~~
Devastation and awe rocked the world into silence upon hearing what happened in the Fire Nation. Shock reverberated to those who heard of the deadly strike that had slain the Fire Lord. Quiet fearful weeps filled the Fire Nation as his assailant was crowned before those who attended, in uncertainty and disbelief. Zuko stood stoically as did his newly freed uncle, who had placed the crown on his top knot. Reluctance lowered the crowd to their knees as they accepted their new ruler. Underneath the citizen’s feet were the hasty steps of those in fear as they fled the country from the wrath of their new Fire Lord. The sounds of the screams from small babies flooded their ears as tears dripped down to the floor as they continued to trek down to escape.
After what seemed like ages, they climbed to the surface once more to meet at the docks. High Class and other loyalists to the previous Lord, looking towards the ships to flee to the Earth Kingdom. The nervous nobles parted as Azula had walked through, her hands behind her back and chin high before turning to her crowd watching over the bowed bodies before her.
“I know you’re all shaken by the treachery my brother has committed. To think that he had not only fooled his people, but his loving family who had welcomed him back home in open arms.” She began calmly.
“And the idea of fleeing your homes to avoid the radical changes he’s bound to make frightens you. But you have no reason to be afraid. You—the true loyal members to the crown, the rightful and just people of society will be dutifully rewarded once we come back stronger than ever and avenge my father and I will take the crown to make sure that his glory and ideals will be reinforced and cultivated as they should be. You have come with me because you have faith in the rightful heir. And you know for a fact that I and thus we will be victorious.” She turned again and pointed towards a ship smirking as the warriors that had accompanied them quickly made their way towards the ship and boarded it preparing for the voyage. Plentiful praises were overlapping as she had her chest out in pride.
You can have your little speech now, Zu-Zu. She sneered as the nobles rushed in on the ships, panicked cries and hushed whispers amongst her as she turned back towards her nation, her brows furrowed in rage. But I will be back.
“For far too long, the Nation has been at war with the world.” Zuko began calmly, unaware of those who had fled from him. “And for a long time, I had believed we as Fire Nation were superior. In my three years of banishment, I had seen the world and been among the people we only hear from stories of war we get from our returning troops. I have seen their happiness and their sorrow. I have listened to their hopes and their dreams of peace. I have seen what this war has done to them first hand, and I have seen what it has done to us as a Nation and as a people.” Unsure but hushed murmurs bubbled from the once silent crowd from a brave few, watching as their new Fire Lord took a small pause letting them assess his words.
“A long time ago, Four Nations had lived together in harmony. And the Fire Nation had burned one to ash. And we continued to pillage and hurt so many, and in the process, we lost ourselves. I have heard how the world views this Nation first hand. It breaks my heart for so many people to fear us, despise us and treat us like monsters. But we were acting monstrous. The world had lost their trust in us. And we had lost our honor. Today is the beginning of how we can regain our honor. I understand that many of you must be afraid, wondering what happens next.” The silence was deafening and air grew thin. Zuko took notice of the countless eyes, filled with doubt and fear as their new ruler spoke over them. He knew word traveled fast on how he arose to the throne. He recalled the horrified look of the unlucky serfs who had bloodied their hands to clean up what was once their Fire Lord. Protective mothers held their children close to their bodies and the men despite keeping a brave face were taken aback and defensive. Zuko took a deep and pained breath.
“Taking my father’s life was one of the hardest things I had to do. But I knew for the betterment for our people and the world, it had to be done. With this new reign comes a new era, and hopefully we can begin to reach an end to this long and grueling war.” Without another word, Zuko and Iroh had made their way off their stage leaving the people in confusion.
“That was a nice speech, Pr—I mean Fire Lord, Zuko.” Zuko took a deep breath once more leaning over and relaxing his shoulders.
“You don’t think it was too much?” Iroh shook his head with a soft smile.
“You did fine, Nephew. I am very proud of you.” An uneasy smile grew on his nephew’s face. “Though are you certain you want me as your advisor?” He asked.
“Of course.” Zuko nodded. “You’re the only one I trust with guiding me.” The elder man nodded.
“You have not chosen an easy path for yourself, Nephew.” He stroked his beard, his face scrunched in frustration. “And you definitely came into power in a very unorthodox way to say the least. This will lead to a lot of resentment. I do hope you’re prepared for that.” Zuko avoided his uncle’s gaze unwilling to ask if he was one of those people who resented him.
“I have no doubt that many of the nobles have fled and Princess Azula is nowhere to be found. You will have to fight constantly for your crown and possibly your life.”
“I don’t doubt that Uncle, especially after knowing what I had done.” Iroh froze for a moment, still trying to wrap his head around what his nephew had done; seeing the tears on the young boy’s face, crying like he would when he was a child, his hands outstretched and bloody. His breath was ragged, a mixture of him running all the way towards him and the growing instability that came with realizing what he had done. His hands shook as Zuko’s eyes darted from his vicious hands and towards the elder his voice a deathly whisper. The horror in his wide eyes burned into Iroh’s memory.
Uncle, what do I do?! In the dim light of his cell, blood was illuminated and glistening from his young nephew’s hands. Tears flowed frantically, as his mouth wavered, a garbled pained noise, unsure of what to say next. Zuko looked down at his hands once more, before flinching at the sight, watching a long viscous dribble venture its way to the floor as he held out his hands in a mixture of disgust and pure terror. The new Fire Lord looked over to the elder, a wild yet fearful look in his eyes. Desperation quaked in his voice.
There’s so much blood, Uncle. He squeezed his eyes shut rejecting that vivid memory as he looked back to his unnerved Fire Lord, the crown glimmering atop his head.
“And no doubt there are loyalists who are still here, probably plotting and trying to keep things in the order they are accustomed to. You have to be strong and keep your people’s faith. And with this mission to help heal the world from the scars of war, you have already made some powerful enemies for yourself.” The Fire Lord exhaustedly sighed.
“Well, you’re my advisor, what do you think I should do?” He was met with silence as he continued to stroke the bone white beard.
“You first need to reign control of your house. This is where you are most vulnerable. This is where you eat and sleep, Fire Lord. Make sure the people around you in the most intimate of times are those who have your best interests in their minds.” Zuko nodded, clenching his fists.
“Thank you, Uncle.” He gave the older man a gentle and loving smile, turning his head towards him. “I knew I made a good decision making you my advisor.”
“You flatter me, my Lord.” He grinned bowing in a slightly mocking fashion, knowing his nephew didn’t like the formalities between them. Zuko laughed softly as he walked down with his Uncle keeping his eye on the staff as they bowed to him as he made his way down the hallways.
“And don’t worry about the generals. They’re more scared of you now that you’ve overthrown your father. Just remember what I taught you, and stay true to yourself.” With a determined nod, Zuko made his way through the doors walking in the long dark war conference room sparking the fire in front of him as he sat calmly without speaking. The remaining generals had filed in staring at the silhouette above them as they bowed to him and then to each other and sat at the table. Iroh had sat himself down with the other generals with a gentle smile on his face. After a few moments of silence, Zuko took in a deep breath.
“Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, generals.” Zuko greeted, keeping his voice stable as he held his head up.
“With this sudden regime change, I know the Nation needs time to recoup and rebuild, so I want our soldiers to return home. We need to focus on rebuilding and strengthening ourselves shortly before we are to go out into the world once more.” The Generals' backs had straightened as they listened to him intently. “We need to defend ourselves from any outside attacks and inside rebellions.” The men nodded.
“Then, My Lord, what do you think we should do?” One of them asked carefully. “How do you want to handle those who rebel and those who wish to attack from the outside?” Zuko looked at Iroh as he gave him a curt nod.
“We will divide our focus on two facets. The sea and the inside. We need to do right by our people first before we can outstretch.” The General sat down once more as Iroh watched the men deep in thought. Another man stood.
“My Lord, how can we protect our people when they are so divided? There will be many nobles who will not be complying with the new regime and they hold much power within the Nation.” Zuko rose his hand silencing him.
“I have already thought of that. I am finalizing the plans to accommodate for that and that will be discussed with you all in a later meeting.” The General quickly nodded and sat back down looking between the other men, his shoulders starting to hunch. The man to the left of the second General began to stroke his beard. Zuko continued to explain what needed to be done and what he had expected as Fire Lord. Something he had once dreamed of since he was a child, finally being in his grasp brought an unholy churn to his stomach remembering what it took for him to get to this coveted position. There, he sat in the very seat of the man he had just slain not too long ago. Zuko knew that all those eyes that were upon him, hanging onto his every word, were no doubt thinking the same thing.
Once the meeting was concluded, Iroh stood up and walked to the Fire Lord. Zuko covered his face with his hand as he shook his head.
“You did very good for your first meeting, Nephew. I’m proud of you.”
“They don’t take me seriously, Uncle.” He argued. “I could tell they were testing me.”
“They’re wary of you, Fire Lord Zuko.” Iroh countered. “I admit, you are young, and I can only guess what your father has said about you before…” He trailed off as Zuko shook his head.
“I know, Uncle. I know what I’ve done.” His fingertips dug into the skin of his arm at the thought of how disturbingly easy it was. And the sounds of his cruel laughter interrupted into haggard breath by his hands, watching his body drop; how something he thought was so powerful and untouchable became so fragile in an instant all by his own son’s hand. Iroh let out a small sigh placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
“You know, if you ever need to speak with someone my Lord. I am always available. Do not harbor any pain you hold.” Zuko squeezed his eyes shut, forcing the dark thoughts out of his surfacing mind for the moment.
“I’ll be fine, Uncle. Now it’s time for our own meeting. To see what we can do next.” He pushed himself up as Iroh began to follow him out of the meeting room, his fingers dancing nervously amongst each other, wondering what the future held for him and his Nation.