Chapter Text
The first day of spring was in itself a holiday in the Hong household. As the snow melted and flowers slowly blossom, life returned to the mountain cabin as well. Ozai was relieved to survived another long winter. Though it was much better this year thanks to the Imiqs, he was ready to interact with his family more. Which lied the problem.
Ursa had not woken up yet.
She slept all winter and well into the first weeks of Spring after the pups woke up. Ozai assured them it was because the baby was coming soon so Ursa needed extra rest, but he knew he couldn’t keep away the worry forever. Thankfully, Zuko and Azula were distracted with the Imiq’s family visit soon for the Second Spirit Lights festival.
Finally, the day came. Ozai struggled to focus on baking the latest batch of honey biscuits. The other two batches had burned in the oven. He was exhausted from the lack of sleep and taking care of two very agitated dragon pups alone. Mr. Mushi’s story of losing his wife and child played over and over in his head. Ozai hoped to Agni that he was being paranoid, and that Ursa’s prolong hibernation really was due to her pregnancy, but he couldn’t shake the thought.
Ozai vaguely remembered Zuko and Azula sprinting outside yelling about something or the other. He was suddenly startled awake by a bright flash of light.
Wait, when did he fall asleep?
Ozai groaned then pushed himself off the kitchen counter and made his way to the living room. There had been so many fights between the pups lately. Ozai was getting tired of breaking them up.
“You two better figure out how to get along before the Imiqs arrive or…”
He trailed off when he saw Ursa awake. She had shifted into human form and looked still exhausted.
“Good morning, honey.” She said through a stifled yawn. “Have the pups already woke up?”
“Ursa!” Ozai ran over and hugged her.
She laughed some then licked the smeared honey off his cheek. “You smell sweet.”
“Spirits, I missed you.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. How are you feeling?” He cupped her cheeks.
Ursa gave him a tired smile. “I’m hanging in there.”
“And the baby?” Ozai placed a hand on Ursa’s stomach that had since grown.
“She’s a hyper little thing, really to pop out soon.”
Ozai’s eyes widen. Ursa grabbed his shirt collar.
“Don’t you dare freak out on me again. I still got a month or so left. We’re going to be fine.”
“R-Right. Yes. We are.”
“Also, your biscuits are burning.”
“My biscuits? What do you…” Ozai swore then ran to the kitchen to save the dessert.
Ursa chuckled as she eased herself to the couch and put on her robe. She honestly wanted to sleep a few more weeks, but knew her family was already missing her, and she them. Ursa rubbed her stomach as she took in the room. Pillows and blankets from their winter nest still littered the area.
“Saved them!” Ozai placed the evenly toasted biscuits on the stovetop then wiped his brow in relieve.
Ursa applauded. “What’s the occasion?”
“The Imiqs are coming over for the Spirit Lights Festival Spring edition. We were going to celebrate it by the garden.”
Both of them glanced out the windows at the sky heavy with storm clouds ready to burst at any second.
“We can celebrate here inside.” Ursa said.
“Are you sure?”
Ursa nodded. “It’s no problem. Besides, I don’t have the energy to transform again and clean the pups.” She raised a mischievous brow. “Unless, you want to?”
“Yeah right.” Ozai rolled his eyes.
Bathing Zuko and Azula was hard enough when they were tiny babies he could still pick up. Fire dragons and water did not mix.
“When are the Imiqs’ arriving-“
Ursa’s question answered by the pups shouting their friends’ names and bolting down the path. The parents chuckled and Ursa rubbed her stomach again while wincing some. Ozai was immediately by her side.
“If you’re not feeling up to it, we can reschedule. Or Hakoda and I can throw up a shelter and we’ll still have the party outside. Or-“
“Ozai. I’m fine. Really.” Ursa interrupted. “Bring them inside. I want to hear what this Spirit Lights festival is about.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Positive.” Ursa gave him a tired smile. “Everything will be fine.”
~*~
Sokka and Katara had only taken a few steps from the truck before they were pounced by the dragon pups now roughly the same size as polar bears. Thankfully, the plush grass and leaves broke their fall. Hakoda and the kids laughed goodheartedly while Kya fretted some.
“Careful!” she pressed. “I know we’re all excited to see each other again, but we must be mindful.”
Zuko whined apologetically while Azula transformed and bowed her head.
“We are sorry. It will not happen again.”
Hakoda raised his brows impressed. Azula’s Trade Language had greatly improved since he last saw her.
“Mom we’re fine!” Sokka crawled from under Zuko. “See! No scratches!”
“I know just…”
Hakoda placed a hand on her shoulder. “They’re alright.”
He gestured to Zuko helping Katara up with his snout. She laughed and rubbed his head causing him to purr. Kya slowly exhaled.
“Just a mother’s worry. That’s all.”
Zuko nuzzled and sniffed Kya’s hand. “Hello Zuko.” She chuckled.
“Brother greet them correctly!” Azula scolded.
He rolled his eyes and proceeded to the same to Hakoda before returning to the Imiq siblings who gushed over how big he has gotten since last visit. Azula scoffed then bowed again.
“Welcome to our humble home. Thank you for coming.” She said politely.
The parents shared amused glances. “Thank you for having us.”
Azula looked between them nervously. “Did I say it wrong?”
“No no.” Hakoda quickly reassured her. “There’s just no need to be so formal around friends.”
“That is what the book said in the manners section.” Azula scratched her chin. “Oh, and it said to help bring your stuff in!”
Azula darted around them and grabbed a large pot from the truck seat.
“Wait!” Kya warned. “It’s still hot…” She trailed off when Azula picked it up with her bare hands without so much as a reaction.
The parents watched her walk up to a waiting Zuko with Sokka and Katara on his back.
Hakoda smirked. “This is going to be a very interesting Spirit Lights Festival.”
~*~
Despite the weariness, Ursa was glad she woke up when she did. A moment later and she would have missed this interesting holiday.
Ozai asked them to excuse the mess, but the Imiq family didn’t mind. Part of the festival was bundling up and being cozy. What better way than in an actual dragon’s nest? Ursa’s heart warmed at their openness.
Sokka and Katara gave the dragons a lively retelling of the Spirit Lights history with colorful streamers they brought along. All the traditional stories were shared and food passed around. Kya shoveled out helpings of freshly made sea prune soup while the children played with the streamers.
“It’s a bit hot for the warm weather, but tradition’s tradition.” Kya gave Ozai a bowl full. “You left before the sea prunes finished fermenting. I’m so glad you get a chance to try it now!”
Ozai stared at the brown chunky soup and swallowed. “Thanks…”
Ursa tried some then purred. “Mmm it tastes like fish entrails!”
That did not help. Not wanting to be rude, Ozai braced himself then took a bite. The others laughed at his expression as it took all his will power not to spit it out.
Ursa happily stole his bowl. “More for me!”
“All yours.” He gladly surrendered.
“I’m hurt.” Hakoda placed a hand on his chest dramatically. “After all those Pai Sho games I let you win.”
Ozai rolled his eyes. “Oh spare me.”
“Don’t feel bad, Ozai. I’m told it’s an acquired taste for those outside the South.” Kya soothed over.
“I don’t see why. It’s amazing!” Ursa said. “Finally a fruit that tastes good!”
“You just like it because it tastes like fish.” Ozai teased.
“Exactly!”
Sokka and Katara came barreling over at the scent of sea prune soup, with the dragon pups close behind. Zuko and Azula had a similar reaction as their father, albeit less discrete, which meant Ursa got to finish off their portions also. She did not realize how hungry she was before and sea prunes were so much better than pickled fish reserves. Afterwards, Ursa felt herself nod off and body grow tired. She snapped up when Kya passed her a bag.
“What’s this?”
“A Spirit Lights’ gift!”
Ursa glanced over and noticed her children playing with their gifts. Everything felt fuzzy.
“Are you alright?” Kya asked concerningly.
“Hmm? Yes, yes. Just a bit tired, that’s all. Thank you for the gift.” Ursa opened the bag, revealing a bamboo hat with long flowing veils. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” She gasped.
“I’m glad.” Kya smiled. "It's from one of my favorite spirit tales. The Painted Lady."
“I feel terrible that I did not give you anything.”
“Are you kidding me? This is more than enough.” She gestured to their children and husbands having fun together. “I was worried about truly being accepted outside the South, but then we found you guys. So thank you.”
Ursa’s eyes teared up as she hugged Kya. “I should be the one thanking you. You all have been nothing but kind to us.”
She had all but given up on other humans, but the Imiqs proved there was still hope out there. People who not hunt them down or treat them as monsters. People who would welcome her children with open arms. Ursa rubbed her stomach.
What a wonderful world to be born into.
~*~
Hours flew by as the celebration continued.
Ursa grew more and more exhausted. Ozai checked on her periodically, but she waved off his concerns not wanting to ruin the mood. Eventually, Ursa quietly excused herself while the others were distracted playing Pai Sho with the old hen Lady Marmalade.
She shakily eased her way down the hall as the cramps grew worse than they ever had before. Ursa ripped off her veil as sweat drenched her skin and head spun. She scarcely remembered detouring it to the bathroom sink and gripping the edges as nausea hit her in waves.
Suddenly, everything went black.