Paper Clouds

Chapter Fifteen

By MiaVortice

*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: This is a work of fiction.

A plush settee was pushed against a wide window, and from where she sat across it, she watched the fireworks explode into the clear night sky. Their booming sound shook the palace and drowned out the noise from the coronation celebrations happening all over the city.

Katara made it through the coronation ceremony at dawn, having insisted on going despite Zuko worried she was too weak after her experience the night before. The mental and physical strain of visions where she saw what the dead did before they died varied, but it seemed that the stronger the emotions felt coupled with the length of of the vision determined how much she needed to recover.

"I won't be standing. I'll be seated nearly the whole time," she said that morning.

Physically, nothing was wrong with her. No injuries or trauma. Aang tried to explain it was chi that she lost, which caused her weakness and said that as long as she wouldn't exert herself, she would be fine with watching the coronation. Just in case, either he or Zuko were sure to say close. Azula also ordered court physicians standing by if she felt the slightest bit ill.

At the very least, worry over her seemed to distract Zuko from his father, who sat just two seats away, beside Azula, at the ceremony. He didn't come to see her the night before nor did he mention anything about it since. Katara thought he would surely come to her in the morning to demand what she saw, but Ozai didn't. He said nothing that morning aside from a few prayers and the royal vows echoed by both Azula and Zuko to their new Fire Lord.

Katara pushed her concerns from her mind. The coronation was not the time for her to try to clear up Ursa's last words. Aang said they would remain until the end of the week of celebrations, so she had some time and could think of a way to bring the sensitive topic up.

When they paraded around the city, Katara was with Zuko in a large palanquin carried by four kimodo rhinos. They were shielded from the adoring crowds by sheer red curtains that hung around them and she forewent the appropriate kneeling position in favor of stretching her legs out, seated between Zuko's, and leaning against him like a backrest.

No one could really see them and Zuko encouraged her to rest. Every block or so, he would ask how she was or assure her it would be over soon. He kept one arm around her and occasionally waved out of the curtains with the other one.

Their arrival back at the royal palace was a procession past the highest nobles of the Fire Nation. Lu Ten, wearing the second of his coronation robes, kept a stern, serious look on his face. His usual friendly demeanor was not fit for the situation, but he would relax once the major formalities were over.

Iroh, now simply titled Lord, followed behind his son, but wore a proud smile as he passed the rows of nobles kowtowed on either side of the walkway leading up to the palace. Beside him, Aang was dressed in rich orange robes with large beads draped over his body. He had presided over the start of the coronation, did an opening prayer, and led the temple in a final meditation before the coronation ended.

His glider was tied into a staff that jingled as he carried it beside him. "I don't have to do any more speeches, right?" he had asked Iroh.

"Not unless you want to do a toast later," the old man had chuckled.

Aang ended up doing one more toast, not to the Fire Lord, but to Lu Ten; the man who would carry the burdens of its title. Katara listened to it and found herself wiping her eyes at how strong and uplifting the speech was.

She refused to believe it was one of Aang's prewritten form speeches, but when he came to sit with them, he winked, looking immensely pleased with the crowd's reaction. "I told you it'd bring tears to your eyes."

Azula's hair was neatly woven into a red and gold head dress. Glass beads were dangling from its ends and despite what she claimed, Katara lifted it up and it was as heavy as it looked. Azula played a dual part in the coronation ceremony as a fire shrine maiden.

Katara was sure the cold look on her friend's face was real, as Azula did not want to be 'the one who holds a box with a pin'. She was riding a decorated mongoose dragon with four other shrine maidens on either side of her, holding up a silk canopy over her as they paraded. Upon reaching the steps of the palace, a soldier helped her down and she followed behind her uncle, still holding a now empty box that once held Lu Ten's golden fire emblem hair pin.

After her, Prince Ozai was helped off a palanquin also carried by four kimodo rhinos. His red robes reached the ground as he followed after the Fire Lord. He looked stern, but not angry. Iroh told Katara that he lectured Ozai to not look too sour, as it could be seen as disapproval with Lu Ten's appointment. Every little detail was taken into consideration.

The last of the royals to reach the palace was Zuko. While he outranked Azula by birth order, she had arrived before him as a shrine maiden. Not that he cared, though Katara did catch a brief look of surprise on his face when the Fire Sages read aloud the names of those still in line for the throne.

Azula was last, after Zuko. Ozai was first in line and would be so until Lu Ten had a child. The announcement reminded everyone that Lu Ten was still unwed.

"It's going to be a bloodbath," Azula whispered.

"I kind of feel bad for him," Aang said.

"No, let him suffer." Azula smirked. "Let him have a taste of all the scrutiny he's given me about suitors."

Upon arriving at the palace, wooden steps were pushed up to the palanquin and guards moved aside the curtains. Zuko stepped out, his hair pulled back and just long enough to be tied in a small bun. How the dressers were able to pin the flame emblem in so little hair was a miracle as far as Katara were concerned.

She followed after him, taking his hand to help steady her as she climbed out of the palanquin. The red robes were heavy and in the heat and humidity, she was sweating and could only hope it wasn't too visible. She stood at Zuko's side, his hand holding hers as he lifted his left arm. Her right arm rested above his as he escorted her into the palace under the gaze of critical nobles.

All she wanted to do was sit and perhaps remove a layer of robes and undo the tight braided hair coiled around her head. She had lasted until the midday meal and then finally tugged at Zuko's sleeve - a signal that she was ready to retreat.

Azula came with her and, at Lu Ten's insistence, gave her a room close to the festivities so she could at least hear the music and see part of the celebration. Azula's maids helped Katara undress and put her in her far more comfortable everyday clothes before undoing her braid. Metal pins and beaded clips she didn't realize adorned her were removed and each layer of her robes were hung on a stand to air out.

Finally, she was able to take a nap. As she laid in bed, she felt just how tired she was, but couldn't get to sleep before she returned to thoughts of Ursa.

Katara hadn't waited so long to convey a ghost's message before, so a sense of urgency lingered with her. In the morning, her mind told her. Ozai could not be taken from the celebration right then and there, anyway.

Azula returned to the party as Aang and Zuko came to check on her. It took some time to get away, Aang said. Zuko was cornered five times just leaving the celebration. Aang blessed the room to clean its energy and Zuko laid down beside her, urging her to sleep.

When she woke up, the sun had set and Zuko had fallen asleep beside her and was down to his last layer of robes. Unlike hers, his outer layers were draped over the foot of the bed. Katara smiled and snuggled closer to him. She felt his hand rest over her head and stroke her loose hair.

"Hungry?" he asked. His fingers slid through her long strands and she closed her eyes. It felt nice.

"A little."

"The fireworks are supposed to start soon...I think I can make it downstairs for some food and back up before anyone sees me," he said. She chuckled.

"Can you open the window so I can see the fireworks?"

"Aang moved a settee by the window just for that." He smiled. "Want to sit there?" He carried her across the room and on the settee before running back to the bed and getting some pillows to help prop her up. "I'll get us some dinner," he said as he leaned over her and caught her lips. She smiled and lifted her head to kiss him again before he stepped away.

"Something to drink, too."

"I'll be back in a bit."

Katara nodded. She turned to look out the window and felt him kiss the top of her head one last time before leaving. A few moments later, the first of the fireworks shot into the sky and exploded, filling the dark backdrop with bursts of gold-orange.

She leaned forward, resting her arms on the window sill as she watched the display. She didn't hear the door creak open, but caught the massive red door move from the corner of her eye. Still smiling, she turned around.

"You're back quick..." Her voice trailed off and the smile on her face faded. She sat up straight as the middle aged man stopped just behind the door as it closed, and bowed. "Your Highness..."

"My apologies for bothering you while you are resting, Katara." He sounded less like the man she had seen the last few days and more like the man she was acquainted with in the past: a solemn, reserved man who was preoccupied by his duties.

"Not at all, Your Highness." Katara pursed her lips. Was this it? Was this her chance to tell him and give him the reassurance Ursa tried to before she died? If it was, she would fulfill her purpose. Where should she begin? "I would like to apologize for calling you by your given name rather than your title last night. I was not myself-"

He lifted his hand to silence her as he remained standing across the room. "You lost consciousness for some time and didn't seem like yourself for longer. It would be petty of me to be angered by lack of formality in such a situation. In truth, I would like to apologize for not being of any aid to you."

Katara tilted her head to the side. "Sir, it was out of your hands."

"No, that isn't all. I took a gamble and knowingly put you in danger. I heard about your sight, which allows you to see the dead. Knowing that, I had Azula bring you to that building." Ozai seemed cautious as he tried to explain himself. It was an odd place for tailors to be placed, even royal ones. Katara would've been upset if she didn't want to find Ursa herself. Ozai unknowingly helped her this time. "I believed Ursa was trapped there as her death was not a peaceful one. If what I heard was true, then I thought you would be able to put her soul to rest should she have been lingering." He paused and seemed uncharacteristically unsure. "From what happened last night...was she?"

Katara narrowed her eyes.

"She was," Katara said. Ozai looked stung. Perhaps he wanted her to say otherwise or that the events of the night before were due to someone else.

"Then she was the reason you started acting...strange."

Katara held her breath. "What was strange - no. What did you see me do?" Ozai hesitated and Katara motioned for him to sit on a chair a few paces from her. He remained in place for a moment longer before slowly making his way across the room. He seemed to know he was out of place as he sat down. Katara tried to choose her words so as not to make things more awkward. "I'm afraid I'm not aware of what happens during such instances."

She caught a look of disappointment on his face. "Then, you don't remember what happened?"

"I didn't say that," Katara said. She looked at her hands and she knitted her fingers on her lap. "When my 'sight' takes me...back, sort to speak, I'm unaware of what my body is doing here, in the present. My mind is elsewhere; I'm seeing things that aren't really in front of me from a different time and through another's eyes. All I remember is that I walked across the garden."

She looked to Ozai, expecting him to fill in the information she was lacking. He exhaled a deep breath and looked past her, out the window.

"You started to walk across the garden and I ordered you to stop - I was not done speaking to you. You did not and I followed. When I tried to stop you, you walked right past, without so much as looking at me. From what I know of you, such an action isn't normal. I looked into your face and your eyes simply stared ahead, at the wall you were walking toward."

"There wasn't a wall there in the original building, was there?" Katara asked. Ozai looked ashen.

"There was a door. Your hand reached for a handle that was no longer there and when I tried to wake you from your daze, you wouldn't respond. I tried to leave to call for guards and your hand grabbed me..." He lifted his hand and touched the part of his sleeve where she had clung the night before. "Your strength...I never knew you were so strong."

Katara doubted it was her holding him back. "Then what happened?"

"I called for the guards. When you began to cry, I ordered for them to fetch the Avatar and my son at once. They arrived just as you collapsed and I tried to catch you to keep you from falling. It took some time longer for you to respond to Zuko."

She narrowed her eyes. "You called him your son and by his name."

A cold look reached Ozai once more and he frowned. "What do you suppose I call him?"

She took a deep breath. She didn't like his tone, but she had questions for him and she would get them answered.

"You didn't call him your son when he first returned. You spoke to him with such vitriol, he nearly left again." Ozai opened his mouth and, as if knowing he'd only say something to irritate her further, she cut him off. "I'ill tell you what I saw when Princess Ursa came for me if you tell me why you hate your son so much. And don't tell me it was because he disrespected you when he accused you. I know Zuko wanted to find out why his mother was caught in a fire and I know you forced an investigation to end. That's why he was upset with you and accused you."

"You think that his accusation was called for?" Ozai grabbed the arms of the chair and leaned forward, a snarl on his face. Katara held her ground, refusing to shrink back in surprise. "How could he think that I, his father, would kill his own mother?"

"Then why would you cancel the investigation to find out the truth?"

"Because I didn't want to her memory tainted!" Katara's eyes widened as Ozai shook. "I know where Ursa went that night and I know why." He looked pained, as if that knowledge drained the life from him. "I told you last night that no one mourned for her more than I. Zuko and Azula...they lost their mother, but I lost my world. With her, I was grateful for my place in life as a Prince of the Fire Nation because it led me to her. I would do anything to keep Ursa happy and the moments I spent with her and my family were the most joyous in my life.

"But I knew what she left behind on that island. I knew about the man she broke a childhood romance off with. I also knew that he would one day come for her and when that day came, she would leave." Ozai slumped back in the chair and lifted a hand to his head. His face was despondent as he stared at the floor. "But if she wanted to leave...if leaving made her happy, then I told myself I would let her go. She had given me ten years of a life any man could only dream of. It was enough."

Katara tears rim her eyes and she blinked to keep them at bay. "So you let her meet him that night. Ikem."

Ozai nodded. "I bid her goodnight and turned my back to her. I listened as she left our room - left me... to be with him." He sounded disgusted and he ground his teeth. "I thought I could accept it. I had planned to tell the children that their mother disappeared. I didn't want the memory of their mother tainted by the fact that she left them to be with another man. There were witnesses that night that saw Ursa entering the condemned building and that man leaving. I stopped an investigation Zuko requested so that no one else would find out about what she was doing.

"If you ask me if I regret doing so, I don't. Still...I didn't intend for the argument to escalate as it did. Zuko never liked arguing with me. I thought he would stand down; I expected him to. Before I realized what happened, I burned him...the only son my Ursa left me. As he laid screaming on the floor, I could only look at him. I saw the infant she laid in my arms all those years ago; a physical manifestation of how much I loved her...broken by my own hand." Ozai shook his head slowly. "I couldn't accept it."

Katara looked away. "You banished him."

"I couldn't look at the shame I brought to her. I couldn't look at him and not know the shame."

They sat in silence as Katara wiped at her eyes and Ozai closed his to collect himself. Katara readied herself for a question she'd been asking since the first day.

"Do you hate Zuko?"

"No." It was almost surprising to hear. "I hate what I've done to him. I hate what the sight of his scar makes me feel. I burned him. I had him banished to avoid looking at my shame. He has every right to hate me...to reject me as his father."

"Would you take him back?" Katara found herself staring past Ozai, at the unmoving figure who crept through the door and froze when he saw them.

"Why would he come back?" Ozai laughed bitterly. "I don't deserve my son. Why would he accept such a pathetic man who hurt him as his father?"

She met Zuko's eyes. "Why would you accept Mother leaving you?" Ozai tensed in his chair, his face filling with horror as he turned towards the door. "Everyone does something inexplicable because they care about someone. Don't think that I don't know that Katara went to try to see Mother at her own risk for my sake."

Katara shook her head to dismiss his concern. "It wasn't a risk at all. It was something I wanted to do."

Ozai turned his head away, his hands gripping the ends of the chair arms so tight, they were white. "What I did to you is hardly comparable-"

"Father." Zuko stood up straight. "This scar is unacceptable and I will never forgive you for it, however...I should not have accused you of such atrocities. That was a line I shouldn't have crossed. I only wanted to know what led to the events of that night."

Ozai closed his eyes. "If you were standing there the whole time, then you heard. Ursa was going to leave with her former lover that night and the building caught fire. It was old and dry, ready to fall apart at any moment and had I know that is where they were meeting earlier, I would've been more vigilant. The building caught fire and collapsed before she could leave. I know how much you loved her...I couldn't allow her memory to be tarnished. I didn't want you to hate your mother for leaving."

"But she didn't leave with him," Katara said. She pushed herself up in her seat and Zuko crossed the room to assist her. Ozai kept his eyes on Zuko as he swept down beside Katara, like he did the night before, and adjust her pillows and stroke her hair back.

"Servants will bring food in a bit," Zuko said as he caressed her face and kissed her softly. "Azula said she'd bring up a surprise, too."

Katara smiled and scooted further back against the settee so he could sit beside her. Ozai remained across from them, rooted in his seat. His shoulders sunk and a regretful look appeared in his eyes.

"There was a time when she looked at me like that," he said, almost unheard. "I wish I could believe that she meant it."

Was this what Ursa had seen since she passed on? A shell of a man so lost in his own pain, he couldn't even accept her reassurance? Poor Ozai, but poorer Ursa.

"Your Highness," Katara said. "You answered my question and fulfilled your end of the bargain. If you have a moment, I'll complete mine." She felt Zuko's hand cover hers and weave his fingers between hers. "Once the vision started, I was there and I saw through her eyes and knew her thoughts. I remember her relief as she saw you rush in and shield your son from the ceiling as it began to collapse. I know that even through her pain, she thought you were the most noble man she'd ever seen and was proud to be married to you.

"Her last thought wasn't of regret. It was reassurance. She wanted you to know that she wanted to stay here. That night, she went to reject Ikem, but a lantern was knocked over during their argument. It was an accident and neither of them were benders. The dry wood caught on fire and it spread quickly. Usra tripped and fell against the old bed. It collapsed under her weight and twisted her ankle in the fall. Ikem panicked and rushed out. That was when Zuko came trying to save her. It was difficult for her to stand and she couldn't get away when the roof began to come down. That was when the beam fell over her..."

Ozai lifted his hand to his mouth as he stared ahead of him. She knew he remembered and could see the pain in his face. In Ursa's memories, she felt a resigned acceptance upon the realization she wouldn't survive, but for Ozai to have come in and seen it, helpless to do anything...

"I couldn't save her." Ozai's voice was choked. "I lifted the beam and...she was crushed. Her legs were nearly torn off and her stomach...She was covered in blood."

"The guards dragged him away, but not before she told him she wanted to stay" Katara said, squeezing Zuko's hand as he stared down, pale and unnerved by what he just learned. "And she wasn't talking about Ember Island. She was talking about staying here." She looked back at Ozai and his tear covered face and sunken eyes. "She didn't want to leave the life she made. She wanted to stay at the palace. She wanted to stay with her children. She wanted to stay with you."

The old prince hunched forward, covering his face in his hands as he trembled in his seat. Beside her, Zuko shook and she wrapped her arms around him. He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as tears streamed down his face. Katara drew him against her, enveloping him against her body as he had done for her so many times before.

The fireworks were long over and the three of them remained seated with only the sound of faint music wafting into the room. She chose not to say anything as long moments passed. As Katara stroked Zuko's back, Ozai wiped his face with his sleeves, trying to regain his composure.

He grasped the arms of the chair and pushed himself up.

She looked up as he stood. "Your Highness?"

"I should go and return to the celebration," he said. The tremble in his firm voice almost went unnoticed. "If I'm gone too long, it will seem as if I disapprove of Lu Ten's coronation."

He turned around and Zuko looked up. "Father, are you all right-"

"Don't ask me something so ridiculous." Katara bit her lip, taken aback by how cold his voice sounded once more. "Of course I'm not all right." Ozai looked over his shoulder and gave him a glare. "For years I believed Ursa was going to leave me and only death stopped her. Now, I find out that it was death that took her away. And even worse, my ignorance of her wishes led me to burn my own son and send him away for eight years! Eight years, I lost my son with my own hand. I am not 'all right'," Ozai said once more, sounding so appalled by the thought. "But I am not so unwell that I would risk taking away what time with you she has given back to me."

Zuko's eyes widened as Ozai swept across the room and headed towards the door. He pulled the door open and paused before walking outside. Without turning around to look back at them, he spoke.

"Welcome home."

The door slammed shut and Zuko stared at it, as if unsure what else to do. Katara placed her hand on his chest.

"Zuko?" She lifted her hand and wiped at the corners of his eyes. He didn't answer and she wondered if her recount of his mother's death was too much for him or if it was his father's words that shook him. She placed her forehead on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She was still at fault for bringing that weight to him. "I'm sorry. I know you told me that I didn't need to look for your mother."

Zuko lowered his eyes. "Part of me hoped she wasn't here. That her spirit was at rest - not like all the ones you've seen so far who are tied to the living world, searching for something and suffering. If you couldn't see her, then she wasn't suffering...but I couldn't help but think she still would be."

"She loved you so much," Katara said. "When she saw you fall through that door, Zuko...she was terrified. I can't describe what she felt when your father arrived and saved you."

He nodded slowly and turned to look at her. "Did she stay on as a spirit because of my father?"

"Last night, he was there and we raised our voices. He said I thought he killed her, too, and when he thought about doing so...he was in so much pain. He was suffering. Your mother knew he didn't understand and when I looked at him, there she was."

"My mother?" Zuko asked, looking hopeful. Katara nodded and stroked his cheek.

"She looked so sad as she stood behind him. Her arms lifted and she put them around your father. She was behind him and did this." Katara lowered her head and rested it against his shoulder once more. She smiled a bit. "I see the connection now."

"To what?"

"To you." Katara kept her head against him. "When something bad happened and I was crying and shaking, you'd put your arms around me and keep your head against mine." She felt his arm go around her body and his chin rest atop her head. "She stayed for him, Zuko."

"I understand," he said as she tilted her head to look up at him. "The day we left the Southern Air Temple, I couldn't explain why I climbed on to Appa's saddle. I get it now...I wanted to stay with you."

Her arms rose and wrapped around his neck as his lips pressed against hers. Their eyes closed as they twisted their bodies, removing any space between them as he laid beside her on the narrow settee and pinned her soft, warm body against him and the cushions.

His hair fell around her face he placed his forehead atop hers. Katara relaxed beneath him and felt his warm breath against her skin. For a moment, she lost herself in a warm, heady feeling of bliss, content to be with a someone who made her so happy. Was this how Ursa felt?

Ah...she understood.

As Zuko lifted his head, she heard him whisper and her eyes flew open. He hovered above her, smiling with flushed cheeks and a look of hope.

"What...?" For a moment, she thought she misheard him. Perhaps she lost consciousness once more and she was seeing what some lucky spirit saw at one time in their life.

"I love you," he said, balancing himself on one arm as he lifted a small gold pin shaped like a flame and slipped it between them. She caught her breath as she stared at him with wondrous eyes. "And I want to stay with you in this life and the next, wherever it takes us. Will you?"

Her vision blurred and she felt something hot sliding down the corners of her eyes.

"If I wake up...and you're just a spirit..." She wouldn't know how she'd live.

He smiled wider. "You won't and I'm not."

Her hand wrapped around his hand holding the pin. "Thank you for coming with me on this journey, Zuko...I love you," she whispered. Her forehead met his as she choked back a laugh. "And yes, I will."

She'd never seen so much joy on his face.

He was elated and pulled her with him, wrapping his arms around her as she sat across his lap, giggling as he kissed her lips, her nose, her cheeks. He laughed, throaty and almost relieved as he fumbled with her hair. She reached back and pulled it up, working into a simple bun and then guiding his hands to place the pin in her hair.

As he lowered his arms, he stared at her with an awestruck expression, as if he couldn't believe she was in front of him. Katara looked back at him, her own look softening as her hands cupped his face. His eyes glistened in the lantern light as he seemed to take the sight of her in.

"Thank you."

She lowered her head and kissed him.

Gently, she felt herself tipping backwards, resting against the cushions of the settee as he moved on top of her, his mouth following the curve of her jaw and down her slender neck. He kissed the base of her throat and moved his hands beneath the band of her top.

She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, her hands combing up and down his back as he went lower and lower. The feel of his hands against her and the scent of his hair closed off the rest of the world and she didn't know anything but him at that moment.

"Food's here - ah!" Aang's unexpected yelp of surprise filled the room and Katara felt all her senses rushing in, reminding her of where she was and that the door was not locked.

"Aang!" Zuko was up and off of her. Somehow, before Aang's yelp was even finished, Zuko was already on the far end of the settee, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

Katara wanted to laugh at how disheveled and embarrassed he looked. She doubted anyone could see where his hands were from that angle and his flustered reaction probably surprised Aang more. After all, Aang always saw them together.

Katara pushed herself up and looked over her shoulder to tell Aang to put the food on the circular table in the room.

Her amused smile dropped from her face and a moment later she was scrambling to stand up, more flustered than Zuko. He stood up beside her and seemed to want to help her up, but hesitated touching her.

Aang wasn't alone nor was he with the servants Zuko said were supposed to bring them dinner. With a disgusted look on her face, Azula was standing just beside him. However, she wasn't who unsettled Katara.

Right beside Azula was a surprised, but giggling, tiny old woman in blue. She seemed both intrigued and pleased to find them in a compromising position. The same could not be said of the figure looming behind Aang with a look of utter displeasure.

"Gran-gran! Grandpa!"

Dressed in blue with a long beard and narrowed eyes fixed firmly on Zuko was a tall old man with silver hair and a tight lipped frown.

"Katara." Pakku's droll voice was clipped ad she lowered her head. "And you," he said, his sharp blue eyes boring into Zuko. "Must be the reason my granddaughter won't return to get married."

Katara couldn't move and no words seemed to come to mind as she stood across from her grandparents. Were they the surprise Zuko said Azula was bringing?

"Oh..." The princess' voice filled in the silence and Katara felt her skin rise at the smugness in Azula's voice. "I don't think you need to worry about marrying her off."

"Azula!" Zuko was halfway across the room before Katara realized it. He looked frantic. "Thank you for bringing them. Master Pakku, Elder Kana, please, have a seat." He motioned one hand to the chairs near Katara's settee as he wedged himself between the two seniors and his sister. "Aang, have the servants put the food on the table. Azula!" He turned around and Katara couldn't see the face he was making. "Can I see you outside, please?"

She was almost sure Azula was going to deny him, but after an agonizing moment, she agreed. She looked towards Katara's grandparents and bowed her head.

"I will send some more food this way for you, as well, esteemed elders. If you will excuse us..." She gave her brother a smirk as she turned around.

Two servants entered after her, each carrying a large tray of food.

"Well," her grandmother said as Aang helped her into a chair. "We seem to have intruded upon something."

Katara felt her face heat up. "Gran-gran, no. We were just talking. How are you two?"

"We're well, Katara, but we came here to see you. The Avatar has told us about your vision last night," Pakku said as he took a seat beside his wife. "We can get to your Fire Nation emblem pin later." She lifted her hand to her hair, forgetting that it was there.

"Yes, I'm sure you have much to tell us," her grandmother said, still smiling.

"Tell us first," Pakku said, leaning forward with a look of concern on his face. "How are you doing?"

"Well that was rude of you, Zu-zu," Azula said as she walked ahead of her brother. "Wouldn't it be proper to introduce yourself to your future in laws?"

"That can wait," Zuko said, his face still flushed red. "Why didn't you tell me her grandparents arrived?"

"I said I had a surprise."

"A surprise, not her grandparents!"

"I suppose you mean her parents," Azula said. "Who are also here."

"What?" He stopped behind her, his arms falling to his side as he stared at the back of his sister's head. "Her parents are here?"

"Father is talking to them," Azula said. She looked over her shoulder. "I noticed him coming from his wing earlier. Did you two have a little chat?"

Zuko let out a sigh. "Yes. Katara told him what happened in exchange for him telling her why he..." He paused for a moment and touched the scar across his eye. "Why he did this."

Azula stared at him, an unreadable expression on her face. "I see," she said in a dull voice. "Have you straightened out your differences?

"For the most part."

"Then is it my turn?"

Zuko narrowed his eyes. Was she angry at him? The thought suddenly filled his mind and he felt stupid for overlooking it. He was so consumed with his relationship with his father that his relationship with his sister was ignored, especially when she spoke to him so easily in the same smug, condescending voice she did with everyone.

Then again, she did shoot lightning at him when he first arrived and while Katara said that was the way Azula just was, part of him couldn't believe that wholeheartedly.

He grew too comfortable in the last few days and he frowned to himself. Despite his concern, he did want to see her again and he didn't mean to ignore their strained sibling relationship.

"Azula, I'm sorry about leaving without saying good-bye." Zuko jumped into it, not wanting to prolong the estrangement further. "What happened...it happened quickly and before I knew it, I was on a ship bound for the Earth Kingdom. I had little communication and I hoped that when Lu Ten returned, he was able to explain to you why I wasn't there and why I couldn't really write back often. I do regret not being there for important moments in your life."

"Important moments?" Azula raised one elegant eyebrow.

"Your graduation from school," he said. "Your firebending mastery test."

She lifted a hand and gave him a dismissing wave. "Is that all? Don't concern yourself too much with them."

"Still," Zuko continued. "You're my younger sister and I wanted to be there for you. We already lost mom and then I was sent away."

She narrowed her eyes and frowned. "If you're implying that I was lonely-"

"You were," Zuko said in a stern voice. "Because I was. For the first decade of my life, I had a little sister and suddenly, I existed in a vacuum without her. Even if we weren't close and argued all the time, I was glad you were there. When I saw Katara with her brother, I wondered how we would've turned out if eight years and an ocean didn't separate us. I was a bit intimidating to see them so relaxed around each other."

"That's because they're so simple," Azula said with a haughty scoff. "They've always been close as long as I've known them. Sokka enjoys teasing Katara so, but he is an attentive brother. At times, when we were younger, he tried to treat me as such and I nearly set him on fire for his impudence. I didn't want a brother such as him."

Zuko couldn't help but feel saddened by that. Was Azula that resentful? "Azula, I'm sorry-"

"I already had a brother and he wasn't a bumbling fool who felt the need to protect me every step of the way," Azula said in a sharp voice. "My brother was fully aware of my abilities and acknowledged me. He never saw me as inferior and wasn't afraid to fight me when it mattered. I didn't want Sokka as a brother, I wanted the one I already had."

Her tone was harsh and her glare was sharp, as if she were demanding an apology instead of telling him that she missed him.

"That's the sister I remember," he said, cracking a small, fond smile. "I missed you, too, Azula."

She clenched her jaw and he could see her eyes glisten for just a moment before she blinked back tears and maintained her impeccable composure.

"You're as soft as ever, dum-dum," she said, turning around. The edge in her voice was dulled. "Katara really can do better."

Zuko smiled. Dum-dum, huh? For as mature an outward appearance Azula put on, he supposed his sister was still his little sister. And for that, he was thankful. He walked forward, quickening his pace to catch up with his sister.

"She can," he said. "But it's lucky for us that isn't."

"At the very least, I can commend you on your taste in partner." She didn't speed up and seemed to allow him to walk alongside of her. "Will Katara be moving here?"

"No," Zuko said. "We don't plan to stay."

Azula looked somewhat concerned. "Then the Southern Water Tribe?"

"Not there either."

Azula stopped and gave him a suspicious look. "Then, my dear brother...what is your plan?"

"Do you know what you're getting yourself into, Katara? Considering everything that you've experienced so far, is this the decision you've made?"

She recalled her last conversation with her grandparents before they and her parents returned to the Southern Water Tribe. Katara walked down a now familiar corridor, to an unpainted wing of the palace.

Her family only planned to stay for a few days to give their greetings to the new Fire Lord and to try to catch her before she left once more.

Still, Katara couldn't remember the last time she felt a week dragged on. With parties every night, she thought that their time in the Fire Nation would pass quickly. Perhaps it would've, had the arrival of her family and the announcement of her engagement to Zuko not sent her into a vortex of stress and unwanted attention.

It had taken her some time to assure her family that she made a sound decision in continuing on with the Avatar and with Zuko. They were indispensable in her journey so far and she couldn't have progressed as she did without them.

"From everything we've read, my sight can't be sealed permanently. That's something I've wanted all my life, but Aang doesn't believe it can be done," Katara told them. "Or that is should be."

"But to live a life of seeing what others can't...to confuse the dead for the living and the living for the dead, as well as become engulfed in their pain whether or not you wish to be. Is that really what you want?" Pakku pressed. Katara should've figured he would be questioning her decision the most.

"What one wants and what one needs aren't always the same thing," Kanna said, calm beside Katara. "Like the world needs an Avatar, perhaps it also needs someone like Katara."

"Kanna, you've seen what it's done to her," Pakku said, looking worried. It touched Katara and she secretly forgave him for arranging prospective suitors for her back in the South. In the end, he would have to break the news that she had chosen another.

"And right now," Kanna said, confident. "I can see what it has resulted in. Katara has not fallen. She is strong and I've never seen her so happy." She grasped Katara's chin and gave her a loving squeeze. Katara was sure she was making a note more about her engagement than her vision.

Katara nodded anyway. It was important to her that those who had stood by her and watched her suffer all those years support her now, when she chose to keep the sight she fought so vehemently against for so long. "Records of those with similar ability were found in Ba Sing Se and almost all of them ended tragically."

"Almost?" Pakku asked.

"There was a man who accepted his vision and would take long walks alone, speaking to himself. He died peacefully in his sleep at at ripe old age," Katara said. "Of all the occurrences, he was the only one who didn't fight his sight, but embraced it."

"Do you believe that by embracing it, you won't suffer?"

"I believe that by embracing it, I will find balance and bring peace to those who died without it," Katara said. "That's why I'll continue to follow the Avatar and assist him where I can on his journeys. The more I experience and see, the more I control the outcome of what my vision grants me. I still can't tell the difference without confirming the reaction of others around me, but maybe that will come with time."

"Can you not embrace your vision back home?" Her grandfather had sounded disappointed. "Flying to the far flung reaches of the world won't be easy and your experiences won't always be pleasant."

"I know, but I can only do so much back home. Remaining abroad is the best way for me to get used to my vision. I've already put many souls to rest, Grandpa, but can do more."

"Always wanting to help," Pakku said, cupping her face affectionately with one hand. "My little Katara. You were always stronger than anyone gave you credit for. Myself included. I always feared the spirits cursed you, but perhaps they choose wisely."

"They did," Kanna said in a proud voice. "It would be good for her to stay with the Avatar, as well. Who better than to help guide her spiritually on her journey?"

Pakku looked resigned. "I suppose..."

"And her husband will be with her, too."

Katara's face heated up as Pakku's turned red with irritation. "They're not married yet," he said in a clipped voice. "Nor have I accepted him."

"It doesn't matter if you do. The point is that Katara has." Kanna squeezed Katara's hand. "It's a shame we can't stay longer. I would've liked to get to know him better."

"We're scheduled to visit the Southern Water Tribe in a few weeks, Gran-Gran," Katara said. "For the high tide festival. You can get to know him then."

"It's a shame he's been tied up in marriage negotiations with your father and Prince Ozai," Kanna said. "But, I suppose that is the nature of the matter."

Where Katara was leaving with Aang and Zuko in a few moments, her grandparents and parents left the day before.

The negotiations for what each family would give the couple and each other still weren't complete. Her family and Zuko's were unable to complete the marriage details. Ozai kept insisting that their official residence should be in the Fire Nation, even if they were off with the Avatar. Hakoda wanted his yet-to-be-born grandchildren in the South, especially if they were waterbenders. That launched Ozai into a tirade on Zuko's family's long history of firebending.

Katara decided to leave the negotiations to them. Her focus would be on her vision and aiding the Avatar with Zuko.

Katara's walk from the palace finally brought her to the entrance of the rebuilt wing. She noticed a pile of paints and brushes piled in one corner. Now that Ursa was at rest and Ozai was comfortable knowing that, he agreed to let the building be repainted to match the rest of the palace.

A few doors were closed, as there were still some guests remaining. Katara took a deep breath. The air was fresh and she didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Nothing drew her attention and a woman in red no longer directed her to a bare wall.

Months earlier, she had refused to give Zuko aid using her sight. In the end, she not only did it, but she had done so even after he told her not to. How much changed in so little time...

"Katara?" She turned around and saw Zuko approaching her from the hall, giving her a quizzical look. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

"No, no," Katara said, looking back up at the courtyard. Its bare, natural wood would be painted over the next day, once the last of the guests had moved out. It would become a harmonious part of the palace once more. "I just...I wanted to see if she's still here."

He stopped beside her and looked around. "Is she?"

"No. I don't see her at all."

"Does that mean she's at rest?" Zuko asked.

"I think so. Your father knows how she felt now. I've seen ghosts who sort of just linger with no malice or regret before, though. I saw some in towns and cities who didn't even acknowledge me, but the people they were following didn't see them. I don't know why they would stay behind. No one knows you're there."

"Maybe what they regret is leaving someone behind." She felt his arms wrap around her shoulders as he stood behind her. Katara leaned back against him and took a deep breath. She could understand that reasoning.

"You know, it's kind of sad. I wonder if it was like she was saying good-bye to your father all over again." She could still see the red figure embracing her living partner and the look of sadness on her face.

"Maybe. But what matters now is that she's no longer suffering." He kissed the top of her head and Katara raised her hands to hold on to his arm. "Come on...they're waiting for us." She turned them around and began to walk out, still holding on to him. In comfortable silence, they walked through the halls, to the courtyard where Appa was waiting.

Supplies were neatly strapped to his saddle and Aang stood beside him, talking to Iroh. Soldiers lined the courtyard as Azula stood waiting with Lu Ten by the stairs. She saw them first and stood up straight. "It took you long enough. Did you sleep in?"

"No, we just went for a walk," Zuko said. Lu Ten grinned.

"Sure...a 'walk'."

"Stop it."

"Everything is ready for your departure," Azula said, leading them down to the courtyard. "Do return and visit again sometime. Especially you, Zu-zu...this is your home."

"Thanks, Azula."

Katara chuckled and quickened her speed to reach Azula's side. "I'll miss you, too." Next to Appa, Azula stopped and Katara put her arms around her. The princess' hand patted her on the back.

"You can be a bit more affectionate, Azula. She's going to be your sister, you know," Lu Ten said with a lopsided smile. Azula gave him a sharp glare from over Katara's shoulder.

"If you wish to nullify your engagement to my brother, I'll understand," Azula said as she pulled away from Katara.

"And lose you as a sister?" She grinned. "Tempting." Zuko smirked.

"Are you two ready to go?" Aang asked, hands on his waist and ready to continue on. "We have a long way to go today."

"We're ready, Aang." Katara said. She looked at Iroh and bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Iroh."

"The pleasure is all mine." Iroh bowed back. She turned her attention to Lu Ten.

"Until next time, Fire Lord," Katara said, repeating her bow. "Thank you for having us."

"Thank you for all you've done, Master Katara." Lu Ten gave her a small bow of his head. "Take care of yourself and my cousin." He looked towards Zuko and smiled. "And you...you have no reason to stay away now, so I expect you to return often. That's an order from the Fire Lord."

Zuko smiled. He lifted his fist to his other palm and bowed. Before he could reach a full bow, he was pulled into a strong embrace. Crushed against his cousin, Zuko looked confused for just a moment before extending his arms and hugging Lu Ten back.

As soon as Lu Ten released him, Iroh took hold, muttering how proud he was of Zuko and how he couldn't wait until the wedding.

"Brother," Azula said as he turned around. Katara watched with interest from Appa's tail as she was lifted up. Azula didn't seem sure if she wanted to hug Zuko or not. Instead, after two awkward attempts to extend her arms, she opted to give him a bow. "Safe journey and safe return."

As if knowing it would make her uncomfortable, Zuko didn't hug Azula. He mirrored her bow and hid his smile. "At least this time, we're able to have an actual good-bye." Azula tensed as he stood up straight. "We'll see each other again soon, Azula."

He stepped back and prepared to climb Appa's side to reach the saddle where Katara and Aang were waiting.

"Zuko." A voice stopped him and he looked over his shoulder. Ozai stood several paces away, a stern look on his face. Despite clearing the air between them days earlier, Ozai still hardly saw Zuko since. Katara wasn't sure if it was because he was caught up in other things or if he just felt awkward around his son. However, she took comfort in the fact that he wasn't avoiding Zuko because he hated him.

The courtyard was quiet, waiting for him to speak. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Zuko stood up straight. He met his father's eyes before bowing and breaking the silence. "I will be leaving now, Father." It was a simple, formal declaration rather than a moving good-bye, but it was far more than either expected to part with.

Ozai closed his mouth and gave him a curt nod. "Then safe travels to you and your companions."

"Yes, Father." Zuko turned around and grabbed hold of Appa's fur. Katara leaned over the saddle and grasped his arm, helping him into the saddle. As he took his seat beside her, he heard his name once more.

"Zuko!" Everyone seemed to turn back to Ozai brought his hands to his chest as he bowed his head to Zuko. "Safe return, my son."

Katara watched Zuko seem to stare at his father a moment longer. He gave Ozai a small nod and replied in a firm voice. "I'll return soon, Father." Katara reached over and squeezed his knee as she smiled at him.

"Okay, everyone stand back!" Aang said from his seat at the front of the saddle. "Appa! Yip yip!"

A gush of air seemed to come from beneath the massive animal as Appa let out a snort. Below them, Azula and the others stepped back as the sky bison rose into the air. Katara looked over the edge of the saddle to wave as they ascended.

Zuko looked down, watching Lu Ten and Iroh wave back, and Azula and Ozai bow. They rose into the clouds and the royal family, the palace, and soon the crater city itself disappeared from view.

Katara leaned back against Appa's saddle. "So what's in the southern Earth Kingdom that they need you for?"

"They're rebuilding a temple and wanted the Avatar's blessing," Aang said. "It's an old, holy place, but a few day travel from here, so get some rest." He looked over his shoulder and smiled as Katara and Zuko sat beside each other, looking at him with patient eyes. "They're also rededicating an adjacent cemetery and wanted me to bless that, too. I don't know for sure, but I have a feeling there'll be those in need of your help there." He looked looked at her and Katara knew he already had his answer. "Would you be able to help?"

A small, proud smile appeared on her face as a sense of anticipation and determination filled her. "Of course." The wind swept past her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened her eyes once more. "It's what I was born to do."

Note From the Author:

It took several years longer to complete than I initially hoped, but it's done! Yay! Thank you all very much for your patience - especially to those who started reading way back when I posted the first chapter. There are some continuity issues, I need to go back and fix, but we'll see if I get around to them and my many typos. Despite how long this has taken, I am very grateful for your time and kind words.

I don't plan to write much more here, but I do Quick Writing Exercises (QWE) on my tumblr (miavortice) occasionally. So far, I have 6 short chapters - each chapter is roughly 10 pages whereas here, we're between 20-30 on average - of an AU Zutara, where she's a doctor and Zuko is her ex-fiancee who runs into her after his father is hospitalized in a snowboarding accident. It's a comedy. :D I also have a few chapters of an AU Urzai I'm particularly fond of, as I think there was so much potential. (Also a comedy.)

Feel free to message me there - I take requests. :3

Thank you again!

-MiaV