Zuko wasn't sure why he was doing this.

Perhaps it was the simple fact that Katara had told him; that was weeks ago, months really… Since the time she had gone down when the guards had come to say he was ill. She hadn't pushed it- that was something he loved about her, she'd never push him to do something he didn't want to do- but that hadn't meant she wouldn't drop hints every now and again. Though he didn't like it, she had continued to visit his father, despite her growing body and her own health; but in truth, it almost was like she enjoyed going. They never talked much of their visits, but Katara had once told him that despite it all, she felt bad for him. "He's a lonely, aging man Zuko… He's weak because he has nothing left." But, he had never gone to see him. Had never even thought to himself that maybe he should go… What was the point? What was there to say? Zuko felt nothing but contempt for the man who unfortunately was his father.

"Are you even listening to me?"

Katara's annoyed voice broke into his thoughts and he turned to her, flashing an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry," he started, but she sighed, shaking her head. She was in a foul mood as of late- but he couldn't blame her. She was growing closer and closer to the date of birth, and while she would never admit it, she was growing nervous. But worse than anything, she had been forced into bed rest, the healer sent to her from her grandmother had ordered it. And in truth, it made Zuko feel a little better knowing that she was finally resting and not off doing something, somewhere.

"I said, what about Padme?" Ah, that's right, they had been talking about names for their unborn child. She was grimacing then, a flicker of pain and then it was gone, her smile flashing. "I'm fine." She said before he could ask, gesturing for him to remain seated beside her.

"What about Kya?" He asked, a question to answer her question; he saw the emotion etched into her blue eyes. "I know how important she was to you…" He murmured, tipping his head down, his forehead touching hers. He felt her hand slip into his and give it a squeeze, her eyes closing for several long moments.

"I think we'll have to wait to meet them first," she said sitting back, her hands folding across her big belly, her gaze warm. Though they knew the child's destiny, they didn't even know its gender. Of course all of the court had its predictions- but Katara was happy knowing at least this part could be a surprise. She couldn't believe that her time was coming closer and closer… Soon enough their child would be born and their lives would be entirely different. It still felt like yesterday that she had been out fighting for peace in this nation… Peace that had been mostly achieved. Since the removal of Roku as the rebellion leader, most of the men had dispersed. Every now and again there had been a few who thought they could make a difference, but all in all, things had remained calm and peaceful. They kept Roku under lock behind bars, with guards posted just outside the door at all times. He had, surprisingly, received no letter nor any visitors since being caught- like with Ozai, no one saw the use left in an old man behind bar.

"You should go see him, Zuko…"

Her words brought him back and his head snapped up, golden eyes fixing upon her blue ones. His brow arched and he sighed, knowing this was a long time coming. She had kept her mouth shut but she couldn't keep it to herself forever. "You don't have to forgive him… But just see him." She continued, folding her arms over her chest, head tilted slightly to the left. "And then maybe forgiveness will follow."

Zuko sighed, shaking his head. "Katara, it's not that easy… I…"

"Forgiveness isn't ever easy- but everyone deserves a second chance, Zuko and you know that." She turned to him, reaching out to touch his hand with hers. "I almost didn't give you a second chance, remember?" Of course he did. How could he ever forget? Zuko remembered all of those moments he had shared with her- sleeping outside her tent all night, pleading with her, fighting with her… Silently begging her to forgive him for what had transpired at Ba Sing Sei. He had truly thought that she never would have forgiven him, so deep was her hate and her distrust. Of all people, Katara was one who held a grudge, who never forgot… If she were the one pressuring him to offer forgiveness, then maybe…

And so, that was why he was where he was.

The guards bowed low to him as he descended the stone steps into the jail. He had dressed in simple robes, his hair loose and his finery left behind. The prison was dark and cool, the floor damp after the recent storm they had had. Zuko nodded to the guards who stood outside of his father's cell, gesturing for them to disappear for a while. They headed down to the end of the hall, to stand at the base of the stairs, out of earshot but close enough just in case. Turning back towards the cell, Zuko reached out, grasping the knob of the door; he pushed it open and stepped inside, allowing the door to swing closed behind him.

Ozai sat up- he had not been expecting anyone. Katara had sent word that she would not be able to see him until the baby was born, bed rest she had said. It had reminded him of when Ursa had been about to give birth to Zuko, she too had been put onto bed rest and she had hated it. But as he looked at the figure in his door way, Ozai knew it certainly was not Katara. In truth, he might not have recognized him right away without the help of the scar. His son had grown, no longer a boy but a grown man, a king in his own right. Zuko had always been a slim child, lanky as a teen but he had grown into his body, tall and strong. His golden eyes were wise beyond their years and they focused upon his face.

He stepped further into the room and from his pocket he pulled what Ozai could only assume were candles. A moment later Zuko raised a hand and the three candles ignited at once, the room cast with flickering light and dancing shadows. Lifting one of the candles, Zuko came closer, holding the candle high- his eyes swept across the room and then found Ozai's face, meeting the familiar eyes with the smallest of grimace. "Father," he greeted, his face a mask of stone, not one single emotion crossing his features. Even his voice was almost unrecognizable- no longer a child's, but a man's deep tone.

"Zuko." Ozai replied, quite unsure of what to say nor what to do. He had never once expected Zuko to come and see him. Of all people, he had always been the least likely. "You look well, son," he spoke quietly, keeping his eyes upon Zuko, who stood still and silent beside the table. Zuko then set the candle down, and drew up the chair to sit across from him, his face cast slightly into shadow by the aim of the candles. "I'm surprised to see you." He then said rather bluntly, surprised when he saw the smile slide into place on his son's face.

"I'm surprised too, honestly," Zuko said, shaking his head, reaching up to run a hand through his messy locks. "I never planned on coming," he admitted a moment later, sitting forwards, watching for anything to cross his father's face. To his surprise, he saw it, the smallest flicker of something. "Katara convinced me." He saw his father's lips twitch with a smile, a foreign sight that Zuko had not seen in many years. "She reminded me of a time that she almost didn't give me a second chance, no matter what I did to try and convince her," he found himself telling his father of the time in Ba Sing Sei, where he had betrayed Katara to fight alongside Azula against she and Aang. He told him of the Western Air Temple, of trying so hard to gain back the trust he had lost from Katara. Shaking his head, Zuko continued on, telling his father of taking Katara to find the man that had killed her mother- only to see her come out stronger than ever before. She had amazed him back then, he remembered, seeing the true power of her bending, of her compassion, of her ability to forgive. That had been the moment that earned him a spot in her heart, she told him, the moment that she knew she could trust him again.

His words slowed and he fell silent, his gaze on the floor; he heard the squeak of the mattress as Ozai rose up, coming to stand before him. As he looked up, he felt the warmth of his father's hand on his shoulder, warm and familiar despite all of the years that had passed between them. There were so many things that Ozai wanted to say, but he knew this first visit was not the time. Perhaps there would be another chance, but if not… at least he had this. "Don't let them go," he said to Zuko, his eyes finding his son's, giving his head a nod. Zuko stared up at him for a long moment but then he too nodded, rising up to stand before him. He tucked his arm to his chest and bowed, a gesture he might once have felt disgust at doing to the man. For the first time in many years, his father no longer looked like the enemy.

Without another word, Zuko went towards the door, turning back for only a quick moment to offer his father a quick smile. Then he was gone, the door swinging closed behind him. Zuko already knew that this visit would not be the last.

[ x x x ]

Water was rushing all around her; it was noisy in her ears, overpowering that of her racing heart. She thought she heard snippets of voices, she even swore she saw her mother's face hovering in the distance… Coming to, Katara blinked into reality, realizing a moment later she had relieved herself in the bed. Groaning, she pushed herself up onto an elbow, only to feel a sharp jolt of pain across her lower abdomen. A sharp intake of breath and she was sitting up, throwing her blanket away from her. "Mai-" she called out softly, the single attendant waking instantly at the call.

The woman was older and had birthed many of the children and even some of the adults within the Fire Nation. She had even been present for both royal births- Zuko and then Azula. Mai was up and at the young queen's bedside, a candle flickering to life at the sweep of her hand. "It's time?" The woman guessed, to which Katara nodded, fear creeping into her blue eyes. "Don't fret now, all will be well." Mai said with a wide grin, rising up to head to the door where the guards always stood watch, along with the young page boy. "You there," Mai said, gesturing to the boy who was nodding off on a bench across the way. He instantly leapt up, eager to do the bidding- he was young, but he was loyal to Katara. She had been kind to him from the very start and had asked him of all the boys to become her page, despite his youth. "Go fetch the maids, tell them the queen's time has come. And then go to the Fire Lord and let him know what is happening." The boy nodded vigorously and then was off at a run, stopping off firstly at the chamber where Katara's maids slept. He knocked loudly, repeatedly, until he heard the disgruntled voices behind the closed door. A few seconds later, the door opened and a sleepy-looking maid stood in the doorway, her eyes looking down upon him.

"Mai has sent for you, it is the queen's time!" He parroted the words back to the maid, who gasped and turned, shouting for the maids hidden in shadow to get up at once. Trusting that they would follow through, the young boy raced down the corridors, taking one left to arrive in the hall that held Fire Lord Zuko's chambers. His guards exchanged a glance as he approached, panting from his run, though he offered a quick bow before he spoke up. "I must speak to the Fire Lord, it is important. It is about his queen." The guards nodded, stepping aside to allow the boy entry.

Zuko could not sleep.

He had been up for hours now, his golden eyes glossy with his weariness. Across his desk were various negotiations with the Earth Kingdom's King over a minor trade dispute- but that wasn't what was keeping him up. In all honesty, he wasn't sure what was bothering him, but he was thinking about going to Katara's chambers when a knock sounded on his door. Who would be coming to him so very late? At once his heart turned over and he could not help but to think the worst. But, to his surprise, it was a young boy, not even in his teens by the looks of him, dressed in blue; he recognized him a moment later as the page boy Katara had chosen just after her coronation. He bowed low but as he rose up, Zuko saw the look upon his face. "Sire, I come to tell you… The queen has gone into labor!"

Labor… Labor?! Zuko jumped up, his face a priceless expression of worry and shock, and had the boy been old enough to understand the fears of a first time father he might have laughed aloud. "Thank you-" he cringed, falling silent, not knowing the boy's name- Katara always chided him about such things. She always knew all of the servants names, from those in the kitchen to the maids who helped her dress each day. There wasn't one person whose name she didn't know.

"Daisuke, my lord." The boy prompted with a bow, but looked up in surprise when he felt a warm hand upon the top of his head. Looking up into the eyes of the Fire Lord, the young boy froze, unsure how to react to such an honor.

"Thank you for bringing me this important message, Daisuke," Zuko said with a smile, causing the kid's face to break out into a huge grin. And just like that, Zuko was racing from his chambers, the door slamming closed behind him, leaving his guards standing there in confusion. His fears were momentarily forgotten as he burst firstly into the presence chamber of Katara's rooms, which was already full of various female attendants; at his arrival, they all offered their bows, but their focus was for once not on him.

Pushing past the women, he headed into the bedchamber itself, which was empty aside from Katara and her two chief attendants. She was pale, he noted, but she smiled as he appeared, giving him great comfort. Once at her side, he sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning over to brush his lips against hers. "Are you alright?" He asked, one hand reaching out to lay across her swollen stomach, the other tenderly touching her cheek. Katara's hand enclosed his and they both could feel the twitchy movements as their child prepared to make their entry into this world. "Are you in a lot of pain?"

"So far so good," she laughed, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. It seemed like she would be the one offering encouragement that night. "It comes every few minutes." As the words left her lips, her face contorted with pain and her grip on his hand tightened to that of a vice grip. "Or not," she mumbled a few moments later, when that contraction had passed, leaving her a little queasy. Her own fears were squashed- there was no time to fear what was to come, besides… Child birth was nothing compared to what she had already faced in her life.

They traded small talk for a short while, Zuko doing his best to distract her from the pain of her contractions by asking her opinion on the trade dispute and other such things. But, mid sentence, she let out a little cry unlike any of the others and at once her attendants were swooping in. "My pardon, my Lord, but the birthing room is no place for a man." The older woman said, shooing him away from the bed; he held tight to Katara's hand, and she clutched at him, shaking her head.

"He stays," she commanded through gritted teeth, her hand still grasping at his. The two attendants, Mai and Lady Chiyo who had been sent for a day before, exchanged a look but did not press the matter. Although, Katara and Zuko would later laugh over the mumbled "you had better not pass out" comment that they had both heard from Chiyo.

And so, Zuko was right at her side through the entire labor- he offered her his hand throughout it all, though his fingers certainly wished he hadn't. He had never known what strength Katara actually possessed until she was gripping his hand with all of her strength, screaming out as she brought their child into the world. With an unhappy shriek, the child was in Chiyo's hands, kicking its little legs and wailing loudly. Beside him, Katara sat back against her pillows, obviously exhausted but her eyes were gleaming in the candlelight. "Is it…" She trailed off, her voice a thread, and Zuko held fast to her hand as Lady Chiyo brought the now bundled baby towards them.

"The child is a boy," Lady Chiyo said with a wide smile as she held the baby out for its mother to take. Extending her arms, Katara sat up as she took the now quieted baby into her arms, tears springing into her eyes. "He is healthy and strong." Chiyo said with a nod and then the two quietly slipped away, into the presence chamber to make the announcement. A moment later, both she and Zuko heard the cheers that went up at the news of a healthy prince. It would only take a few minutes for the news to spread throughout the entire castle and at once the head of Zuko's council was sending off the hawks to the various nations- including one addressed to Katara's father and grandmother in the Southern Water Tribe.

"A boy," Katara whispered, her tears freely falling, though her lips were curved with a beautiful smile that lit her up from within. Zuko slid closer to her, one arm draped lightly over her shoulders, his other palm gently brushing across the baby's downy head of dark hair. "He looks like you," her voice caught, turning her head to bury her face in the crook of his shoulder, her heart full of so much love that it might burst. "He's perfect," she murmured, her voice muffled against his skin. It wasn't until a moment later, when she heard the sharp intake of breath that she turned back, her stomach turning over in fear. "What-" she trailed off, her eyes widening as the baby's eyes fluttered and then opened, revealing eyes as blue as his mothers. It was true, he looked much like Zuko, but his coloring was that of Katara's. "He needs a name…" Katara looked up and over to him, pinning him with her bright blue eyes. Zuko smiled and kissed her quickly, knowing without a doubt what their child's name should be.

"Name him for your father," he urged, his breath warm against her ear, and a shiver raced down her spine. Looking up in surprise, she turned to him, her eyes widening. "You don't need to say anything," he said, not even giving her a chance to protest, or to say anything at all. Zuko shrugged, a chuckle escaping. "He's only our first, certainly not our last." He said, by way of explanation. Besides, Zuko knew this child would not be his heir, would not rule the Fire Nation when he was gone; instead, it would be their second born who would take on that title. This little one had a much bigger destiny ahead of him.

"Hakoda- Hak for short," Katara said, turning back to look upon the infant she cradled so closely to her chest. "Prince Hak…. Avatar Hakoda." She nodded, liking just how that sounded. "My father's head will grow twice its size," she laughed, imagining the look upon his face when he learned his first grandchild would be named for him. "It's perfect."

[ x x x ]

"Haaaak!"

The child skidded to a halt, his blue eyes bright in his little face, flinching now that he had been caught. He rocked on the balls of his feet, clearly not wishing to turn around and face punishment for misbehaving. It wasn't his fault, anyways. "Hakoda," the same voice said, this time a little bit more sternly, but he felt a warm hand on the top of his head. With a little, grumpy huff, the child folded his arms over his chest, eyes closing, lips pursed in a perfect pout.

It was all she could do to keep herself from laughing out loud; Hakoda was most certainly Zuko's son, why, she had just seen that same pout that same morning. Katara patted the child's head, ruffling his dark locks, which elicited a giggle as he finally tilted his head backwards to look at her, their identical eyes meeting. "Mama, I-"

"Oh no, I don't even want to hear it," Katara said, wagging her finger at him, trying to look stern; bit in truth, it was hard to stay upset with her first born. He was a sweet child, his personality almost a carbon copy of his father's. Though a little moody, he was quick to smile and always full of life. In truth, it wasn't just Zuko that Hakoda reminded her of. "Well, come on then." She gestured for him to follow after her, and he was on her heels, careful to avoid stepping on the hem of her royal blue gown. "Uncle Iroh says you missed your lessons again." Katara said, turning to look at him over her shoulder, watching as he pouted once more, a hand reaching up to grasp the back of his neck, a gesture she had seen in his father hundreds of times before. Hakoda was nearing five now and he spent three afternoons a week with his beloved Uncle Iroh, who was teaching him the history of the four nations and their bending elements. Normally, he lived for such afternoons- he loved sitting on the floor while the grandmaster story-teller recounted the tales of the fire nation's dragons or the great water lion turtle who first granted the power of water bending. But, as sweet and good-natured the child was, he was also rambunctious and quick to become bored. "What was so very important that you had to miss, hmm?"

The boy grimaced, knowing his excuse wasn't exactly important. "Well, I…" He began, his eyes turning up to his mother's face; she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Hak loved to see her smile and loved the many hours a week they spent together. Though, these last few weeks she had been less apt to play as her stomach grew bigger with the new baby. A new brother or sister, he knew would be born anytime, as it was spring and spring was when babies were born. At least, that's what made sense to him. The flowers bloomed in spring, so why not babies? Secretly he hoped for a baby brother who he could learn to use a sword with, for his father had promised to teach him when he was only a little older. "I thought I saw a flying bison." He finally admitted, taking the young woman by surprise. It was clear to even him and so he sighed, his cheeks flushing with frustrated embarrassment.

"A flying bison, really?" Katara asked, not entirely surprised to hear such a thing coming from her young son's mouth. His imagination was strong and this certainly wasn't the oddest thing to come from his lips. She could immediately see his frustration and she did her best to look contrite. "Well, tell me what you saw," she went on, reminding Hak that his mother was the one person who always took his stories seriously, no matter how outrageous they might have seemed.

"One just like the boy has!" Hak proclaimed with a grin and Katara slowed to a stop, pivoting her body to face her son. "The boy in the statue," he explained a moment later, pointing out the window that just overlooked the garden, where Aang's memorial still stood after all these years. Katara felt her throat closing up, felt tears welling in her eyes. "Mama, I'm sorry, please don't cry," Hak whispered, suddenly fearful at the tears in his mother's eyes- he didn't know much yet, but one thing he did know was it was never good when your mother cried.

Wiping at her eyes, Katara forced a smile, her voice calm as she spoke. "Where have you seen this boy, Hak?" She asked, tilting her head slightly, her dark hair tumbling across a shoulder. "Has he spoken to you before?"

At her question, Hak immediately brightened, his smile reappearing. "Oh, well yes, his name is Aang. He comes to play sometimes," he bowed his head, suddenly feeling a little shy, a little unsure of himself. It felt strange to admit to seeing someone no one else saw; Katara suddenly remembered a moment from the year before, when his governess had said she kept hearing him talking to someone, but when she'd go into his room, there would be no one there. "He says he knows you."

As they turned the corner, Katara drew to a stop, her breath catching in her throat, a hand coming to her swollen abdomen. She knew that pain, she knew her time was coming; Hakoda was looking up at her, concern in his eyes and so she forced a smile, waving him on. "You go on now, get to your lessons." Hakoda hesitated a moment, his brain already working, trying to decide if leaving his mother's side was the right choice. But then she was flashing him her beautiful smile and Hak nodded, skipping away, towards the chamber where his lessons took place. Katara swore, as she watched him go, Aang was there, floating behind Hak as he went along, his gray eyes turning to her for only a moment. And then he was gone, leaving her unsure if she had even seen a thing.

[ x x x ]

The princess came screaming into the world only a few short hours later, much to Katara's relief. Her labor was short and the birth easy; Zuko, away for the day on business arrived a moment too late, when the princess was only but a few minutes old. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here," Zuko whispered as he sat down beside her on the bed, his hand gently stroking their newest addition's soft hair. "She's beautiful," he could not help but to stare in awe at the little princess, a mirror image of her mother, though his own coloring. As her eyes fluttered, he caught their golden hue from behind her dark lashes. Though a few weeks early, it was obvious that the baby was healthy and strong.

"Where is Hakoda, he must meet her," Katara craned her had around Zuko, gesturing for the maid in the corner to find the prince. She returned with him in hand only a few moments later, and the little prince shyly approached the bed where his parents sat, a squirming bundle in his mother's arms.

"Hello, son," Zuko greeted with a grin, reaching down to lift his son up onto his lap. "Would you like to meet your new sister?" The little boy nodded as he peered over his father's arm and into the face of the baby. She was pretty, he noted, and had to glance back at his mother to realize she looked just like her. The baby blinked, revealing eyes of gold, eyes much like his father's. "What do you think of her?"

"He told me it would be a girl." Hak said, his vocals soft, like a breeze so gentle you might not have even noticed. Both Katara and Zuko exchanged a glance, as Zuko asked him who, who said she would be a girl? Hak sighed, as if he was irritated by their lack of understanding. At once, Katara was thrust back to their conversation earlier in the day. "Aang did," he clarified, turning his eyes upon his parents, both who blinked back their shock to nod, silent as they waited for him to say more. A smile flashed and he turned back to his baby sister, reaching out with a gentle touch, his fingers tracing the outline of her pudgy little cheek.

A few, short hours later, both children were sleeping; Hakoda in his own bed and the newly christened princess Izumi in her cradle beside Zuko and Katara's bed. Though tired as she was, Katara could not sleep; she lay alone in the bed, knowing Zuko would join her at any moment. Her mind churned as she processed the day's events- from Hak's confession about seeing Aang, to the early birth of her daughter. Closing her eyes, she leaned back against her pillows, a deep sigh escaping… Katara… Hearing the whisper, her eyes snapped open and she was sitting up, looking this way and then that way, but of course, there was no sign of him. Leaning back once more, she closed her eyes, allowing for sleep to finally take control, and she eased into unconsciousness, her body relaxing, her one hand lightly clutching at the blankets.

Katara…

She spun, eyes searching for him. He was calling out to her, his laughter floating along, the warmth of it spreading through her whole being. She closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath; when she opened them, there he was, his ageless face bright with a smile. "Katara," he greeted, gray eyes meeting hers, his mouth twitching with mirth. "I'm sorry if I scared your boy, I couldn't help myself," he said, somewhat apologetically, which earned a laugh from her. "He's just like Zuko," Aang confirmed, laughing himself, feeling somewhat sorry for his dear friend. "Your little girl is beautiful," he added, remembering watching as the baby came into the world of the living, her porcelain features a reflection of Katara's. "I just came to say goodbye…" He trailed off, turning to look west, to where the horizon was, to where he needed to go.

"I know…" She said softly, reaching out her hand as he reached out his; of course, they could not touch, but she smiled anyways. "He's like you too," she told him then, and Aang grinned, knowing that already. He had spent much time with the boy, he feared too much of his personality had rubbed off on his successor. "I thought… I thought you weren't coming back til the very end," she then said, recalling the very last time they had met in this world. Aang's eyes darkened and he reached out, his ghostly hand cupping her cheek.

"I had to come back, just one last time… The next time I speak to someone, it will be your son when he enters the Avatar state for the first time." Aang saw the fear flutter across her features and he knew she remembered the uncontrollable power that being the Avatar brought to a person. "I'll take care of him." Aang promised with a nod and a bright smile. "And he'll have the best bending masters possible." He stepped back, his form becoming a little less there, fading slowly from sight. "I'll always be around. I'll always look after you… all of you…" Katara nodded, watching as he turned away, towards the bright shining light appearing on the horizon.

And then, just like that, he was gone.

"Katara?"

Waking with a start, she opened her eyes, only to find Zuko's face peering down at her. "You were mumbling," he said, helping her sit up, noticing the tears sparkling in her tired eyes. Down the hall, in his own chambers, Hakoda was waking from a similar dream, feeling as if his very first friend had been taken from him. "Was it a bad dream?"

She remained silent a few moments, taking a second to peer into the cradle beside the bed, to where the baby lay fast asleep. Then, turning back to Zuko, she smiled, shaking her head. "No, not a bad dream," she said softly, reaching out to take him by the hand. She was happy, in truth, knowing that Aang had officially crossed over, that he could truly now be at peace. She leaned against him, happy to feel Zuko's arms fold around her, his chin resting atop her head. He held her gently, rocking her slightly as she told him of the dream, told him of Aang's goodbye.

A little while later, Zuko knew she had fallen back asleep. Carefully, he untangled himself from her, pulling a blanket over her. He couldn't really explain why, but he suddenly knew there was something he had to do. There was someone he needed to see.

[ x x x ]

The young royal family sat in the throne room, both Zuko and Katara in their places on their golden thrones. Zuko was dressed in cloth of gold and crimson, while Katara donned robes the color of twilight. Hakoda stood at his father's knee, dressed in gold, while baby Izumi was wrapped in white silk, settled happily in her mother's arms. Hakoda impatiently rocked, stilled only when the double doors opened wide, revealing a great, big man accompanied by a few others. The man was unfamiliar to him, but as he squinted his eyes, he noticed the man looked a little bit like his own father.

"Father," Zuko greeted, rising when the man before them had swept a low bow. "Rise," he said with a sweep of his hands, offering his father a small smile. Zuko could never release him from prison, he could never set him free- but Zuko knew he suffered everyday for his sins. He suffered for all he had done, for all he had hurt over the years as Fire Lord. The world would never see him as a normal man, he would die hated by the entire world… and that was enough to make Zuko pity him. No, he no longer hated his father, and it was all thanks to Katara. She had taught him to forgive him, despite his sins, despite the things he had done, including scarring him in more ways than the one upon his face. "Your grandchildren, Hakoda and Izumi," Zuko gently pushed his son forwards, and the boy gave a stiff bow to the older man, who though he was not well dressed, Hak could see he was important. Katara rose then, coming forward to Ozai, to offer him the sight of his granddaughter's face.

"How old are you, boy?" Ozai asked, stooping to the young prince's level. In truth, he knew the boy was nearly five, and that the baby was only days old. Four- but I'll be five in the summer! Came the response, the boy's chest puffed out, as if he were a man and not a child. Ozai could not help but to be reminded of Zuko at that age; the little boy met his gaze then, and he started, the same, piercing blue eyes of his mother's. They traded talk for a little while, until Ozai spoke up, saying it was time to return to his cell.

Zuko caught his arm, walking him from the room, the guards several steps behind as they went. "They're beautiful, you should be proud." Ozai told his son, clasping him on the shoulder as they came to a stop at the double doors that lead outside. Zuko nodded, his throat closing up, his chest tight with emotion. Ozai offered him a small, pained smile and then he was gone, walking away with the guards behind him, returning to where he knew he belonged.

Two nights later, a messenger came, to tell Zuko that his father had passed. And just like that, one era ended, and another was to begin.

[ x x x ]

"Push, now pull back… Push…. And pull back. Yes! You've got it!"

Katara watched with pride as Hak raised his hands, the water curling around his biceps listening to his every silent command. He was a natural waterbender, as was expected, and it had been only days before that the first spark of Earthbending woke within him. His smile was wide and bright as he turned to face her, his pride apparent, the water rising all around him. It would be only a matter of months before his Earthbending would be ready to be learned, to be mastered, and so… he had to master his first element. Across the room, Ikumi sat, her thumb in her mouth, her golden eyes wide as she watched her mother and brother. She too, Katara knew, would be a bender, though from her father would she have to learn.

"That's enough for today, Hak," Katara said and with a wave of her own hand, the water was in her grasp, and Hak's eyes widened, his mother's skills never ceasing to amaze him. Though he was only seven, he was learning fast, and everyday he could do something new. But still, it felt like it would be forever until he would be as good as her. As he joined her, her hand reached down to gently touch the top of his head, droplets of water clinging to her slender digits. "Come, Izumi," she called out, and the two-year-old princess toddled forwards, taking her mother by her other hand, the other still at her mouth. Katara smiled a secret smile, knowing a secret that she had not yet even revealed to Zuko- she was pregnant yet again. Teaching Hak was even more important now- she only had a certain amount of time before it'd be impossible for her to teach him.

They returned to the castle and as they walked, she could see Zuko waiting in the doorway for them; Izumi gave a squeal and ran towards her father, her little chubby legs taking her as quickly as they could. Hak went next, shouting out about his newest bending skill, and Zuko was laughing as he swung Izumi up, all the while trying to listen to his son's exuberant chatter. Katara could not help but to stop and stare, her eyes welling up at the beauty of her little family. A moment later, Zuko's eyes fell upon her, as beautiful as ever, a glow to her she thought he didn't recognize. As she approached, his arm slid around her waist, his other arm holding tight to their small daughter. Hakoda bounced around their feet as he went on and on about bending, unknowing how much was still to come for him. Zuko smiled, leaning in to kiss her, wondering if she knew just how much he truly loved her and their children. But from the smile she flashed, he knew she did indeed know.

All together, the little family returned into the palace, Hakoda taking his mother by the hand as they went. It was a beautiful thing, to be part of something so special, to love someone so much, Katara thought as she looked from face-to-face and as her one free hand absently touched her still flat abdomen. Looking up, she caught Zuko's eyes and laughed, her dark hair tumbling around her face as she turned to ruffle their son's equally dark hair. His blue eyes peered up at her and Hak, though he could not explain it, felt as if his heart might burst, that was how happy he was. As he looked to the right, he caught a quick glimpse of a smiling face and dark gray eyes, and then it was gone. His guardian angel, his mother had told him once, that was who this Aang person was; he smiled to himself and held tighter to his mother's hand, her skin warm against his.

True happiness was theirs and the time of war and turmoil was over. Zuko's rule had been stable and calm since the birth of Hakoda and he could only hope it would remain that way for the rest of time. The world would need the Avatar at some point, but he just hoped it would not be to fight a war. Zuko planted a smacking kiss on Izumi's cheek, which caused the little one to burst out laughing. They were happy, and that was all anyone could ever want.