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Ursa sat at the pocket mirror lined with jewels and hummed softly as she ran an oversized comb through her long hair. It was hard to believe a year ago, she was a simple village girl fleeing cruel soldiers who raided and burned her village. Ursa didn’t have a coin to her name or a place to lay her head. Now she was living in luxury and treated like a princess by a powerful spirit lord who fancied her. It was a spirit tale come true.
She had her doubts at first, naturally. But as time went on, the spirit lord’s adoration only grew. Ursa had no idea what he saw in her. She was a cowering, rain-soaked, shivering mess when she first stumbled into his bathhouse. But he was very kind and gentle despite his intimating appearance and massive size. Ursa admitted she’d developed feeling for him as well.
It was silly really. How could it ever work out; a spirit and a human. Still, it didn’t stop the butterflies fluttering in her stomach every time he was near. There was a light knock at the door.
“Ursa? Are you awake?”
Her heart skipped a beat as a smile grew on her face. Speak of the Facestealer. Strange she didn’t hear his booming footsteps like usual. No matter.
“Well I am now.” She said playfully as she flipped her hair then began combing the other side.
“I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“If I tell you, then it’s not a surprise.”
Ursa hummed. “Is it a bouquet of fire lilies that are actually on fire?”
“No.”
“A golden teapot that pours its own tea?”
“You’ve been hanging around Iroh too much.”
“A choir of opera singing badger-frogs?”
“What?!” He laughed. “You’ll have to open the door and see for yourself!”
Ursa sighed dramatically. “You’re no fun.”
She placed down the comb then smoothed down her ruby and gold silk hanfu. Ursa opened the door while looking up, expecting to see the spirit lord kneeling down to greet her like usual. But instead, he was standing at the doorframe looking her in the eyes.
Ursa gasped. “Ozai y-you’re…”
“Surprise!” He smiled. “I finally mastered the size reduction spell!”
Ursa laughed in disbelief as she threw her arms around him. “Oh Ozai this is wonderful!”
He spun her around laughing. “I knew you would think so! It’s only good for twelve hours though.”
“What about the bathhouse?”
“The Phoenix King is not going to go down if I take one day off.”
“Good because you need to rest more.” Ursa chided.
“Spirits don’t need to rest as often, remember?”
“None of that.” Ursa waved off then grabbed his hand. “Come, let me show you mine world!”
Ozai grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
~*~
Moonlight filtered through the flower petals covering the sky. Ursa held Ozai’s hand as they weaved through the bushes before finally coming to the garden’s bridge that overlooked the stream.
“Is this where you disappear to everyday?”
“Not every day.” Ursa sat the basket down then gestured for Ozai to sit beside her. “But most days, yes. Isn’t the sight beautiful?”
Ozai gaze at her. “Yes, it is.”
She caught his gaze and flushed some. “Oh, the rice cakes!”
As soon as Ursa opened the lid, the ground trembled slightly. A group of rather important looking spirits approached. Thankfully, they did not see the couple yet.
“Do you trust me?!” Ursa asked alarmingly.
Ozai blinked. “Yes-“
As soon as the word left his mouth, Ursa grabbed his hand and jumped into the stream. They landed on a lily pad and hopped across others to under the bridge.
“Ursa-“ Ozai gasped.
“There’s a secret tunnel under one of these rocks.” She felt the walls.
“We didn’t have to hide. I don’t mind if they see-“
“Oh my! Would you look at this?”
Both Ozai and Ursa froze. The spirits were right above them.
“A tiny little picnic basket. It must belong to the human. How… pathetic.”
“Eating meals by herself again? I suppose Lord Ozai grew tired of using her as a paper weight.”
“Now now, that would imply she’s actually useful for something.”
Laughter broke out.
Ursa hunched her shoulders. Ozai scowled. How dare they! He marched out before Ursa grabbed his arm and gave him a pleading look. Ozai sighed. They were spared for now, but not without punishment. Ozai launched fire above them. Not even a second later, sharp cries ranged out as the spirits’ feet were burned. Ozai then turned to Ursa.
“How long has this been going on?”
“I-It’s just light teasing.”
“How long?” Ozai pressed.
Ursa looked away, ashamed. “Please Ozai. I don’t want this day ruined.”
Ozai sighed lowly. “Very well.”
He knew those voices. The pen will be receiving new cow-pigs soon. Ursa’s voice snapped him back to reality.
“Ah! Here it is!”
The wall opened up, revealing a dark tunnel. Ozai summoned a small flame before Ursa cupped his hand over.
“Do you not want light?”
“It’s better without. Trust me.”
Ozai doused the flame then let her lead him in. The second Ursa closed the door, hundreds of glowing crystals lit up the tunnels. Ozai gasped.
“Beautiful right?” Ursa picked up a crystal. “They’re like the ones in The Cave of Lovers in Omashu. This one lead all the way back to the bathhouse.” She walked ahead. “Come. It’s almost dawn. We must to get back before-“
“Do you enjoy living here?” Ozai asked suddenly. “You’re not a prisoner. I can send you back to the human realm whenever you please. Surely the war is over by now.”
Ursa grew silent for a moment. “There isn’t much for me to go back to.”
Ozai swallowed the lump in his throat. Ursa stopped and took his hand.
“It was only light teasing. I’m not going to let it drive me away from you.”
Ozai flushed. “From me…?”
Ursa nodded, face equally red. “Y-You’re so kind and interesting and… this may sound foolish but I… I developed f… I…” Ursa squeezed her eyes shut then took a deep breath. “I’m in love with you.”
Ozai was at a complete loss of words. Ursa turned around and covered her face.
“Foolish! J-Just forget I said that! Agni what’s wrong with me? Foolish stupid-“
Ozai placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her around. Ursa cringed, until she saw his golden eyes sparkling with unshed tears. He gently cupped her cheek, still too overwhelmed to speak, and leaned in closer and closer until they lips met and the world slipped away.
~*~
Twelve hours were not long enough.
The thought replayed in Ozai head for the hundredth time as he slowly came to the realization he was back to normal size; the spell having worn off in his sleep. The sleepy haze was quickly replaced by worry as he glanced around for Ursa. He relaxed when he found her asleep on his bare chest. She stirred some before settling down.
Ozai slowly exhaled then covered her with his hand. So it all wasn’t a dream. Ozai smiled to himself. How lucky and undeserving he was to find someone so special and dear like Ursa. Who loved him despite their differences. It was too good to be true.
He was close to drifting off again when the phone ranged sharply, startling them both awake. Ozai covered his eyes with the crook of his arm and groaned.
“Damn work.”
“Huh… what…?” Ursa murmured, still half asleep.
“It’s my desk phone.” Ozai removed his hand, allowing her to sit up.
“Oh.” Ursa rubbed the sleep from her eyes then leaned against his hand. “Good evening.”
“Good evening, Firelily.” Ozai smiled softly then nudged her. “Ursa, I have to get to work.”
“Hmm? Now?”
“Unfortunately.”
He felt around the bed for her discarded clothes before finding her outer robe and handing it to her.
“You were wonderful…” Ursa said tiredly while slipping on the robe.
“You take all the credit for that, my dear.”
Ozai scooped her up then gently laid her on the bed before retrieving his own robe.
“When… when can you make another spell?”
“Soon.” Sooner than soon. Right now if he could. “Rest, my love. I’ll return soon with breakfast.”
Ursa hummed before falling back asleep.
Ozai went to his office, feeling high as a kite. Even the bothersome report about an unhappy guest wanting to have a word with him didn’t dampen his mood. Ozai couldn’t remember the last time he was this happy. An hour or so later, Ozai returned with the breakfast he promised. Ursa was still asleep, so he left it on the bed close by for her to reach easily.
The evening went on. Things were a bit hectic after his unexpected absence yesterday, but nothing Ozai couldn’t handle. Regardless, he was eager to return to Ursa at dawn. Despite the rush at closing, he went to the garden to pick a bundle of fire lilies for her.
“Brother, there you are.” Iroh waltzed in. “You weren’t in your office. Didn’t you receive my message?”
“Apologies. I have been very busy this evening.”
Iroh smiled at his brother who was looking lovingly at the flowers.
“How is Lady Ursa?”
“Absolutely wonderful.” Ozai sniffed the flowers. “Did you need something, brother?”
“It is the fifth evening of the month.”
Ozai sucked his teeth. “I completely forgot-“
Iroh waved him off. “Think nothing of it. The tea will still be good on another evening. Go be with the dear lady.”
“Thank you, Iroh.”
He chuckled to himself as Ozai left. It was about time.
~*~
Ozai flicked his wrists to light the candles. He then glided across the room and knelt down to knock on Ursa’s door.
“Firelily?”
He frowned when no one answered. He definitely sensed her presence here. Was she still in his room? Dread slowly filled Ozai’s stomach as he opened the door.
“Firelily, are you-“
He was immediately bombarded by a foul smell of old food and vomit. Ursa laid curled up on the soiled bed, shakily clutching her stomach and covered in sweat.
“URSA!”
Ozai dropped the flowers and rushed over. “What’s wrong? Where does it hurt?”
“M-My stomach… It’s-“ Ursa’s face twisted in pain before she vomited. “I-I’m sorry…”
“No, don’t be. I’ll fetch the healer.” He caressed her cheek with his finger. “Just hold strong, my love.”
Ursa managed a nod.
Alarmed, Ozai rushed out the room and summoned the onsite healer spirit. The deer spirit came immediately, peeved by the early morning request, but wised enough not to show it to the Spirit Lord. Ozai paced back and forth in the office as he checked Ursa over.
“Lord Ozai.”
“How is she?!”
“The human-“
“Lady Ursa.”
“My apologies. Lady Ursa, is fine. It was merely morning sickness.”
“Morning sickness? Explain.”
“As you know, time in the spirit realm is different from time in the human realm. Since Lady Ursa came here without dying first, she still has her mortal body which has not fully adapted to the spirit realm. Some processes will slow down, like her aging. Others will speed up.”
“Meaning?”
The spirit took a deep breath. “S-She’s pregnant, my lord.”
Ozai couldn’t breathe.
“The child is growing rapidly. I suspect they’ll arrive in a few weeks instead of months. It will be very hard on her body.”
“Will she live?”
The deer spirit hesitated.
“Will she live?!”
“I-I can’t be sure…”
Ozai’s heart shattered. He leaned against the desk and covered his face.
“Returning her to the human realm may increase her chances. But I don’t know how it will affect the child.”
“Get out.”
The deer spirit bowed then hastily left. Ozai gritted his teeth. How could everything go so wrong so quickly? He needed to see her. After composing himself, Ozai opened the door and gazed down at his lover.
Ursa leaned against the massive pillow with a hand resting on her stomach. She was no longer shaking, thanks to the healer spirit’s magic, but she still looked weary and in pain. She gave him a small smile and waved him over.
“Honey. Come here.”
Ozai knelt down and rested his head against the side of the bed. Ursa stroked his cheek.
“Did Healer Chiyu tell you?”
“Yes.” Ozai managed.
Ursa gave him a watery smile. “You’re gonna be a father.”
Ozai closed his eyes to keep the tears from spilling out.
“Do you not want children?”
“Not if it kills you…”
“We don’t know that. Healer Chiyu merely stated the process is sped up. Childbirth for human women is always hard. It’s a fact of life.”
“If you return to the human realm then…”
“I won’t be with you.”
Ozai opened his eyes. “Ursa…”
She leaned against his cheek as tears poured down. “Don’t send me away. Please.”
“I promise.”
~*~
Humans were small.
Ozai knew this. But this child. His child…
Agni. He was literally the size of his thumb.
“Would you like to hold him?”
“I…”
What if he dropped him? Or accidently crushed him?
Ursa rested a hand on his finger. “It’s okay, honey.”
She opened up the rest of his hand then laid the baby onto his palm. The child stirred and whimpered some before opening up his eyes. Agni, he looked just like Ursa. Ozai’s eyes watered.
“He’s so small…”
Ursa chuckled some then leaned against his chest. “Well, he is a baby.”
Ozai swallowed.
“A name.” she whispered. “He still needs… a name…”
Ozai caressed Ursa’s cheek with a thumb from his free hand. “The honor is yours, Firelily.”
Ursa smiled wearily. She then leaned over and rested a hand on the baby’s head.
“Zuko. After my father, Jinzuk.”
“Zuko…” Ozai repeated.
“It means beloved.”
Ursa kissed Zuko’s head then leaned against Ozai’s chest again. Her body grew transparent. Ozai’s heart dropped.
“Ursa! Hold on! I’ll-“
Ozai tried to pick her up but fingers when right through her body. It was too late.
Ursa smiled sadly as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I love you, Ozai. Take good care of our baby.”
She closed her eyes then completely faded out of existent.
“URSA!”
Zuko cried as his father jolted him around from leaping out of bed too quickly.
“URSA!!!”
Iroh opened the door, alarmed. “Brother what’s-“
“Ursa faded!”
Iroh’s expression fell. “No…”
“There’s still time! I can bring her back!” Ozai held up his hand with the wailing Zuko inside. “Hold him!”
The second Iroh took the tiny child, Ozai bolted passed him to his study. Zuko continued to cry and cry.
“Oh little one…” Iroh cupped his hand then held it close to his chest. “I’m so sorry.”
~*~
“Brother.”
“I’m close Iroh. I know it.”
Ozai raised his hands and spoke the incantation. Golden sparks appeared before quickly fizzling out. Ozai slammed a fist against the table.
“She faded, brother. There’s nothing to bring back.”
“No. I-I can still…”
He summoned more sparks only for them to fade out again. Ozai pressed his hands against his head. This was all his fault. He should have sent Ursa back to the human realm but he was selfish and didn’t want her to leave. Now she’s gone forever.
Iroh placed a hand on Ozai’s shoulder.
“Ursa’s not completely gone. She left a piece of her behind.”
Ozai uncovered his face. “She did?”
“Indeed.” Iroh opened his hand reveling the sleeping baby. “A piece of her and a piece of you wrapped together.”
Zuko stretched and let out a big yawn. He then opened his eyes and stared at Ozai before reaching out to him.
Take good care of our baby.
Ozai’s heart twisted. He gently picked up the baby and laid him on his palm. Zuko grabbed his finger then fell back asleep while clutching it. Something wet slid down Ozai’s cheeks. Iroh hugged him.
“Everything will be okay.”
~*~
Raising a child was hard. Especially a tiny curious one like Zuko. The boy had no fear. The second he could crawl, he was gone. Racing across the floor. Knocking over things on Ozai’s desk or counter. Trying to climb on everything. Nearly getting crushed or trampled which gave Ozai a heart attack every time. Several times he use his magic to levitate the child out of harm’s way which only thrilled Zuko more.
On more than one occasion, Iroh had found his brother under the shrinking spell passed out on the desk or bed with little Zuko finally asleep on his chest. But Ozai couldn’t use the spell forever. Work still needed to be done. Still, Ozai didn’t give up. He promised Ursa after all.
“I can’t wait until you grow up.” Ozai sighed while watching Zuko scale the golden bead counter.
The boy’s foot slipped causing him to fall, but Ozai was prepared. He stretch forth his hand to allow for the boy to land safely on it. Zuko stared at him upside down before bursting out into giggles. Ozai smiled and tickled his stomach with his index finger.
“You absolute menace.”
“Again! Again!”
“No it’s time for bed.”
“Pwease Daddy?” Zuko rounded his eyes.
“Nice try. But my word is final.” Ozai stood.
“But-“
“No buts. Bedtime. Now.”
Zuko angerly puffed out his cheeks and glared up at him. Ozai chuckled, causing the toddler to get even more upset. Without warning, he jumped off his father’s hand.
“ZUKO!”
Before Ozai could activate the levitation, there was a bright flash. A small red dragon appeared in Zuko’s place and crashed onto the desk, spraying scrolls, inkstones, and littered gems everywhere. Ozai dove and caught the dragon up before he could hit his head but left Ozai face down on the ground.
He groaned. That actually hurt. Ozai lifted his head and gawked at the little dragon cupped in both hands.
“Great Elder Agni…”
There was another flash before his son returned, dazed and confused. Zuko whimpered then broke down crying.
“Calm down. You’re alright.” Ozai soothed over as he held Zuko close.
His mind raced. A dragon shifter!
Agni have mercy on him.
~*~
Years were as a drop of water in a rainstorm. There was no telling how much time passed. But as far as Ozai was concerned, it was too many too quickly.
Zuko grew from a curious troublesome child to a quiet young adult in the blink of an eye. His dragon form grew the most, filling up a good portion of rooms and looking Ozai in the eyes. But his human form, well, humans were small. Ozai was fine with that. Zuko looked like Ursa the most in human form. It was bittersweet on most days.
Nonetheless, days at The Phoenix King bathhouse carried on as usual. Zuko took on a delivery job and visited his uncle in the Emerald Forest often but was always back in time for morning tea with his father. He didn’t socialize much with other spirits just like Ursa. Ozai worried he was also harassed for being half human, but Zuko always said he was fine. Everything was fine.
Until she showed up.
It was a rainy evening. Zuko didn’t show up for breakfast, which didn’t concern Ozai much. Sometimes he would skip it if running late. Ozai continued with his duties as usual until his phoenix returned with an urgent report.
A human was on the property.
Ozai’s heart leapt. The last time this happened… He ordered the phoenix to fetch them immediately. Hours went by and still no word. Frustrated, Ozai tossed aside his quill and set out to track down the human himself when he sensed two presences coming. Zuko’s… and another’s.
The human.
Well, that saved time. Ozai used his magic to open the doors then returned to his desk. Moments later, Zuko walked in holding hands with a human girl. She was slightly damped from the rain and wore Zuko’s outer robe around her shoulders. Her mouth fell open as she gazed up at Ozai.
“Katara, this is my father, Lord Ozai.” Zuko introduced.
Ozai raised an unamused brow. The girl blinked then bowed politely. “H-Hello.”
“Father, this is-“
“Human.” Ozai folded his hands. “You should not be here. This is a bathhouse for spirits. Not your kind.”
“M-My apologies. I was separated from my father and brother and got lost here. But Zuko here showed me around-“
“That is Master Zuko to you.”
The girl winced.
“Father-“ Zuko hissed.
“I have no time for this. Take her back to the human realm then return to your duties.”
“The river is high because of the rain so she cannot cross now. She needs a place to stay until the water level lowers.” Zuko countered. “We have plenty of room here. She can stay-“
“With the Yuna workers.”
Zuko gaped at him. “Father-“
“If she stays, she works. This is a business not a hotel.”
Zuko stared at him in shock. “That’s not-“
“A problem!” The girl interrupted then bowed. “Thank you for your generosity, Lord Ozai.”
He grunted. “Be on your way then. There are customers to attend to.”
“I’ll walk you.” Zuko offered.
“No. Sephina will show her the way.” Ozai summoned the phoenix to escort her out. “You and I need to have a word.”
Zuko sighed. The human shot him an emphatic look before being ushered out by the fire bird. Ozai flicked his wrist, closing the doors.
“What was that for?!” Zuko demanded. “She was just lost. Why did you treat her so coldly?!”
“Watch your tone with me.” Ozai said sternly. “You are to have nothing to do with her.”
“Why? She didn’t do anything!”
“Because I said so. Now attend to your duties.”
Zuko climbed onto the desk to force Ozai to look at him. “This is because she’s human isn’t it?”
“Enough Zuko.”
“That’s not a good reason to look down on her! I’m human too!”
“I said ENOUGH!”
Zuko turned his head as angry tears burned his eyes.
Ozai sighed. “Son, listen to me. Humans don’t last long here. It’s best not to get attached and send them home as soon as possible.”
Zuko tightened his fists. “Is that what you did with mom?”
Ozai saw red. “Get out.”
“Father-“
Ozai stood and pointed “OUT!”
Zuko flinched before shifting into dragon form and flying out the window. Ozai collapsed into his seat and buried his head into his hands. A tear slipped down his cheek and splattered on the finance scrolls before more followed.
~*~
Zuko did not return that morning.
He was gone all throughout the day and missed breakfast again. None of his deliveries were made. Finally, on the dawn of the second day just as the Elder Sun Spirit’s light peaked over the horizon, Zuko flew to his window. He shifted mid-air and landed on the window sill before jumping down. The second he landed; candles flared to life startling him. Ozai crossed his arms and loomed over him.
“And just where have you been?”
Zuko glanced away, uneasy. “I’m tired. Can we talk about this in the evening?”
“No. We are talking about this now.” Ozai said firmly. “And do not lie to me. That human’s scent lingers on you.”
“Fine! I was with Katara! Happy now?!” Zuko snapped.
“You disobeyed me. And have been neglecting your duties.”
“I’m sorry, but Katara’s not a bad person! She’s kind, funny, and-“
“Enough! You are confined to your room until the human is sent back.”
Zuko looked up at him alarmed. “Father don’t-“
Ozai left the room then put a magical barrier around it. Roars came from inside as Zuko rammed and clawed at the door. Ozai’s heart sank at the sound of his distressed.
“This is for your own good, son. I promise.”
~*~
Filtered moonlight.
A canopy of flowers.
A hand curled around his.
“Ursa.” He breathed.
She kept walking; leading him through the flower bushes pressed on all sides.
“Ursa.” He repeated. “Firelily.”
“Come, Ozai.”
Her hand slips out of his as she raced forward.
“Ursa!”
No. He can’t lose her again!
He sprinted blindly through the foliage calling her name. The once beautiful colors distorted all around him. When Ozai finally broke through, he was back to normal size and at the main bridge in front of the bathhouse instead of the small secret one in the garden. Something prevented him from going further. Ursa stood with her back towards him, facing the river that crossed realms.
“Ursa-“
“How is he? Our baby.”
Ozai paused; guilt laid heavy on his heart. “He is… in love.”
“How wonderful.”
“…with a human. I fear he will make the same mistake we made.”
“We were a tragedy but not a mistake. Never a mistake.”
“You faded Ursa. You’re gone.”
“Am I?”
“This is a dream. You’re not here. You’re… you’re not anywhere…”
“A dream is a place, isn’t it?”
Ozai glanced up, confused. “What?”
“Memories are roads of the heart.” She finally turned and looked at him with sparkling eyes and a tired smile. “I’ve been searching a long time for yours’.”
Ozai fell to his knees. Had he known…
“Ursa… I’m so sorry…”
A hand caressed his cheek.
“Don’t let fear close your heart, my love. Promise me.”
“I promise.”
A loud crash sounded, waking Ozai with a start. Immediately, he knew something was wrong as he felt his magic shift. He got up from his desk and rushed to Zuko’s room but it was too late. The magical barrier was gone. Ozai threw the door open in time to see the human girl climb onto Zuko’s back.
“Zuko!”
He spared his father a brief look, one full of both anger and disappointment, before flying out the window.
~*~
Iroh had expected something along these lines sooner or later. He knew his nephew, and he knew how rash he could be once he made up his mind.
He was certainly his father’s son.
Iroh had gotten the children settled down with tea, cookies, and bits of sagely advice when he sensed his brother arrival. Zuko sprung up alarmed, picking up on the same magical traces, before Iroh assured him that he will handle it. Zuko and Katara shared a nervous glance before reluctantly agreeing. Iroh wasn’t sure if they were still going to try make a run for it, but if so, then they will deal with that problem later. Besides, he had a good feeling his gamble would work out.
“Greetings, brother.” Iroh said pleasantly while closing the door behind him.
“Zuko! Is he here?!”
“Yes-“
“Move aside!”
Iroh stopped him. “Patience brother. Let us talk for a bit.”
“I need to see him!”
“And you will, just be patience. Zuko is in a very fragile state right now.”
Ozai took a deep breath. He sensed Zuko inside and was physically well. That was the important part.
“Very well.”
“Come sit here.” Iroh guided him to a bench. “Remember when you first met Lady Ursa?”
Ozai glanced away as his chest tightened. The dream was still so fresh on his mind.
“You never said aloud, but you knew she was the one.”
“And still is…”
“Zuko has found the same. Even more, actually. A piece of himself never known before.”
“Humans don’t… They’re not…” Ozai paused to collect himself. “I don’t want him to get hurt.”
“He’s hurting now, brother. He has been for a while.”
Ozai looked at him alarmed. “What?”
“I think it’s best if you two talk. Actually talk.”
Ozai nodded, silently giving Iroh the go-ahead to fetch Zuko. Moments passed before the teashop door opened again and Zuko stepped out with a nervous yet tired expression.
“Son, are you well?”
He glanced away.
“I’m not crossed with you. Come, sit.”
They sat in silence for a bit before Ozai finally spoke.
“You truly like her, don’t you?”
Zuko nodded. “When I’m with her, I feel normal. Not some sort of… half breed freak.”
Ozai’s heart twisted. “Who called you that?! When I find them I’ll-“
He stopped short when Zuko curled in on himself. Ozai sighed.
“You should have come to me about this sooner.”
“Wouldn’t have solved anything.”
“Zuko listen.” Ozai lifted his chin with his finger. “You are no freak. You are my son and you belong here no matter what any fool says.”
Tears rolled down Zuko’s face.
Ozai brought him close for a hug.
“I-I’m sorry.” Zuko whispered while clutching his robes.
“As am I. I kept the whole truth from you out of self-preservation.”
Zuko pulled back, confused. “The whole truth?”
“About your mother.”
Zuko’s eyes widen. Father never talked about her. Ever.
“Is she…?”
“Gone? Not truly.” Ozai finally realized what she meant in the dream. “As long as we remember her, as long as we love her, she’ll live on forever.” He gazed at Zuko with a sad smile. “You remind me so much of her. So much.”
Tears slipped down Zuko’s cheeks. “Tell me about her…”
“Ursa of Hira’a was a brave free-spirited woman who lived fully and loved deeply.” He looked towards the patch of fire lilies gently blowing in the wind. “And in the end, she had no regrets.”
~*~
The train station stood proud and strong in the mist of the grassy plain. The river had dried with the rising sun, revealing the stone path across realms once again.
Katara was offered a place to stay. She was not bad company, Ozai had come to known, and regretted dismissing her so quickly. But, the human world was a peace now and Katara had family and responsibilities to return to.
“Safe travels, Katara.”
Much to Ozai’s surprise, Katara hugged him. “Thank you, Lord Ozai.”
Ozai patted her back then stood with Iroh to give them space. The two watched the children walk to the edge of the hill then embrace tightly, neither wanting to let go. They then shared a brief kiss before Katara turned her head and tearfully left. Zuko let her hand slide out of his. Ozai’s heart ached for them. Deep down, he knew what he had to do. Ozai walked over and knelt down beside Zuko who was still longingly gazing at Katara.
“Go with her.”
Zuko’s eyes widen. “What?”
“You belong here, but you also belong to your mother’s world. It is past time you see it for yourself.”
Zuko threw his arms around Ozai’s neck.
“I love you, Father.”
Tears burned Ozai’s eyes. “I love you too, my son.”
Zuko ran down the grassy slope towards Katara. He caught up to her before she reached the train tunnel, pressing a hand against her back to keep her from turning around and breaking the spell. Together, they entered without a second glance.
Iroh sat beside Ozai with tears of his own.
“He’ll be back, brother. He always comes back.”
~*~
The years past slowly now. Iroh came over for morning tea though he has his own business to tend to. Ozai pointed this out numerous times but Iroh waved him off. Still, it was good to have company. It just wasn’t the same anymore. There are some mornings when Iroh couldn’t make it. Ozai tells himself he doesn’t mind.
On morning, on a particularly still day, Ozai sensed it.
Abandoning the tea, he rushed out the bathhouse, across the bridge, and all the way to the grassy hill. He arrived just in time to see a figure emerge from the slope. His hair was longer, features sharper much like Ozai’s, but eyes still very much the same.
“Zuko.”
He smiled. “Father.”
Ozai knelt down and embraced him. Tears stung his eyes. He was still so small.
“I missed you, Father.”
“I missed you too, my son.”
“There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Zuko pulled back and unwrapped a small bundle Ozai didn’t notice he had strapped to his chest. Inside was a little child no older than one year old clinging to Zuko. She blinked up at him with wide blue eyes. The same shade he remembered Katara having all those years ago.
“Father, this is your granddaughter. Ursa.”
Tears ran down his face. “Ursa…”
“Would you like to hold her?”
Ozai couldn’t speak; only carefully opened up his hand. Zuko laid the child down. She gazed up at him absolutely fascinated.
“I think she likes you.” Zuko chuckled.
“Zuko…” Tears flowed down his eyes. “Thank you.”