It was late in the afternoon, long after lunch, and the Gaang was relaxing on the palace grounds after Zuko had given them a tour. Their planning and work were far from over, and even though making plans for peace would not be as physically strenuous as it was making plans and preparing for war, the team was enjoying the break.
The guards and soldiers around the palace, however, remained on high alert in the event that Ozai supporters might attempt a coup, but the Fire Nation's Order of the White Lotus network heard no word or whispering of any plots.
Hakoda and Bato joined the others of the Southern Water Tribe in walking the palace grounds, while Team Avatar continued relaxing in the garden. Suki and her Kyoshi Warriors practiced training moves while Chiara, Katara, and Aang stood in the fountain gracefully guiding the water around them. Toph was lying on the edge of the fountain with one foot swaying back and forth in the water "watching" the activities through vibrations. Zuko and Sokka lounged nearby, each focused on a different scene—the former on a specific waterbender and the latter on a particular Kyoshi Warrior.
What had started out as relaxing water katas among the waterbenders became entertainment for those who were watching the dazzling exhibition. Most of the guards posted around the area had never seen waterbending before the princess's post-war healing in the courtyard, and the smooth, flowing movements were quite different than what they were familiar with in firebending. As guards in the palace, seeing firebending as entertainment, especially during Ozai's reign, was rare, something witnessed mostly in villages of the outer islands, vacation spots, and the colonies. It seemed a strange, yet fascinating, sight to them now as the three teens dressed in Fire Nation clothes were bending water in the heart of the Fire Nation. To Zuko it was the most magnificent sight his eyes had ever seen in that fountain as his attention was fixated on Chiara. He took in her every movement as she drew up a stream of water, the loose droplets sparkling like diamonds around her. He enjoyed the way her long, dark coils were catching the rays of the sun as they flowed and bounced with her motions. Reminded of their day of relaxation at the river near the Western Air Temple, he was tempted to jump up and playfully attack her as an excuse to get close to her and wrestle her to the ground. He restrained himself from doing so, more out of fear of what Amiku might do to him than of his misbehaving in a manner unbefitting royalty, but he wondered if they would ever have freedom like that again.
"Sir," whispered Kaito interrupting his thoughts, "General Iroh is requesting you and the princess's company."
Not taking his eyes off his princess, the prince stood up and stepped into the fountain where she continued waterbending, smoothly adjusting her movements wrapping the water around him as if he were just part of her routine. He grinned at her fluid inclusion of him, and he was tempted to perform the familiar moves with her in a waterbending dance. As she moved a stream of water around them, Zuko reached out to it mirroring her movement while creating a flameless heat so strong the stream gradually evaporated, surrounding them with steam.
Toph sat up waving her hand around in the thickened air. "Did you guys just turn this place into a sauna?"
Chiara was giggling.
"That's a lot of steam, Hotman," said Aang. He drew up water and tried heating it into steam, but he had trouble doing it simultaneously.
"Uncle wants to see us," Zuko said to Chiara.
"Uh oh," said Toph lying back down. "Sounds like you two are in trouble."
"We'll make sure to blame it on the Avatar," said Zuko taking Chiara's hand and stepping out of the small pool.
Aang's eyes grew wide, and losing his concentration, his water splashed around him. "What? Are you joking?"
Toph was laughing. "Yeah, he's been doing that all day."
"It's getting kind of creepy," said Sokka. Though his eyes had been on Suki, his ears were on the conversation. "Like maybe we should be worried we're going to wake up in prison."
"Is that what you think of me, Water Tribe?" said Zuko, feigning hurt. "I wouldn't put you in the prison. It'd be the dungeons for you."
"Ha!" laughed Toph and the others, except Sokka.
"Yeah, you guys keep laughing," he said. "The joke'll be on you when you realize he's serious."
"Hey," whispered Zuko as they walked by him. "Don't you have a sister to watch?"
Sokka glanced back at the fountain where Katara was moving the water around Aang in a manner similar to Chiara's style around Zuko, and Aang was trying to heat it up.
"Hey!" he yelled towards them as he stood up to head to the pool. "What kind of magic water moves are those?! You don't need to be doing any steamy moves!"
Zuko and Chiara entered the palace giggling as they could still hear Sokka yelling at Aang and Katara. They followed Kaito who was leading them through the halls.
"My prince is taking sadistic pleasure in torturing Sokka," said Chiara.
Zuko was still chuckling, as were Nai and Izin behind them.
"You know," he said, "I really am."
She giggled. "It's good to see you enjoying yourself, even if it is tormenting Sokka."
"Kaito," said Zuko, "everyone in the garden is free to roam the palace without guards."
"Are you sure, sir?"
"Yes. Any place they shouldn't be is already guarded. But I trust them with my life, and I want them treated like family...except without escorts."
Kaito did not argue with him. "Yes, sir. I'll take care of it."
"Although I am tempted to have someone follow Sokka around," he said in a thoughtful voice setting Chiara to giggling again.
Kaito led them to the Fire Lord's office where two Imperial Firebenders stood guard at the door. With their faces covered, no one recognized Ezo who bowed low to the prince and princess before opening the door for the couple. Upon entering the antechamber, Ezih greeted them.
"Prince Zuko, Princess Chiara," he bowed low.
"Ezih," said Chiara nodding to him.
"This way."
They followed him into the main office. Iroh stood quietly at the window, his hands joined behind his back while he was gazing out over the palace grounds. Hearing them walk in, he turned towards them and gave them a bright smile.
"You were having such a good time in the garden, I quite regret calling you away," he said.
"Don't, Uncle. We've just been relaxing until you needed us."
"It's good to take a break from responsibilities, especially considering the road ahead." He motioned them to a table. "I wanted to enjoy tea with my daughter and son-in-law prior to resuming our duties."
"How are you feeling?" Chiara asked him as they knelt down.
"Much better," he answered. "It's amazing how rested one can feel after sleeping in a comfortable bed."
She gently smiled at him understanding just how uncomfortable prison mats and bedrolls could be.
While they were kneeling at the table, Ezih entered with a tray holding two teapots, cups, and teacakes.
"Thank you, Ezih," said Iroh.
"General," he bowed low before leaving the room.
Iroh removed the lid of one of the teapots and inhaled the aroma before doing the same to the other. Lifting the second teapot, he poured its contents into a cup.
"This is a special blend I made for Mina when she was carrying Lu Ten," he said placing it before Chiara. "I also made it for Princess Ursa when she carried my nephew and niece. I recommend at least one cup a day."
He began pouring the other tea for him and Zuko, and they all relished their peaceful moment together.
"At one time, I saw this in my future." He held his hand out motioning around the room. "But I must say it was from a very different path and had a very different future."
The sadness in his voice was subtle, but it did not escape Zuko and Chiara who both understood it as a reference to Prince Lu Ten.
"But I cannot adequately express how pleased I am that you are both here now to share this future with me," he said, his voice distinctly lighter.
Chiara's eyes sparkled with tears, and she placed her hand on his.
"To see the young man and young woman you have become...it...it is heartwarming."
They continued drinking their tea and enjoying their quiet time together.
--------------------
Iroh poured the last of the tea from the pot.
"I suppose it's time we take the next step," he said. "Ezih," he called.
Ezih stepped into the office from the antechamber. "Yes, General?"
"More tea, please. Just the ginseng."
"Of course, General," he said as he removed the teapots from the table.
"And send for the Avatar."
Ezih bowed and turned away.
"Oh...Ezih," said Chiara.
He turned back to them.
"Have Izin call on Aang."
He bowed. "Yes, Princess."
She smiled at the questioning looks Iroh and Zuko were giving her.
"Your nephew has quite a sense of humor," she said. "Aang may feel more comfortable if someone he knows is sent for him."
Iroh raised an eyebrow at Zuko who gave him a guilty smirk.
"I'm happy to hear you're having fun with the guests," said his uncle, a pleased look on his face.
"Yeah," said Zuko softly. "It's...it's nice."
"Friendships are important, Nephew. Learn from your ancestors, and do not to let ambition get between you and your friends."
"Yes, Uncle."
"I have looked over the list of...of guests," started Iroh. "It seems we have quite a few warriors from the Southern Water Tribe."
"They were prisoners from the invasion during the eclipse," said Zuko.
Iroh nodded having known much of the details of the failed invasion from information relayed to him by the Order of the White Lotus. "I met Chief Hakoda when he came to the camp outside Ba Sing Se before he chose to join the air fleet. I'm sure he must be anxious to lead his men home, but I would like to begin negotiations with him before he leaves."
"Of course," Zuko agreed. "The Fire Nation has caused irreparable damage to the Southern Tribe. We can never undo their suffering, but we have to work to repair what we can."
"I agree," said Iroh. "We will do just that; however, our first priority will be stabilizing our own Nation. We cannot hope to help others until our own government is secure and the citizens are aware of the benefits of the peace we are trying to obtain."
"I understand, Uncle."
"We will also have to work out terms of peace with the Earth Kingdom. I believe the Avatar will be of benefit when it comes to our diplomatic relationship with them."
"I'm sure Aang will be happy to play peacemaker," said Chiara.
Iroh took a long, slow sip of his tea, his eyes downcast as he pondered over the next step.
"Finally, we must make amends with the Northern Water Tribe."
Zuko and Chiara both stared down at their cups, their minds suddenly lost in their memories of the Siege and its aftermath.
"The Fire Nation suffered a great loss during the Siege," said Iroh slowly, "as did the Northern Tribe. And though we cannot bring back the dead, we must work to bring peace to both of our people." He looked at Chiara. "I believe you..." His eyes moved to Zuko. "...and you will be most beneficial in reconciling our Nations."
Zuko was puzzled. "Chiara I understand," he said, "but I don't see how I can help with the Northern Tribe."
"Family is very important to the Water Tribe, Prince Zuko, and you may not be part of the Tribe, but as Chiara's husband, you are still family."
"Do...do you think they'll accept us...me?" he asked. "You still believe some of our own people will struggle with our marriage, but what about the Water Tribe?"
"I cannot speak for them, but Master Pakku seemed to find hope in it, and he is a difficult man to please." Chiara softly laughed knowing just how difficult Pakku could be. "And as I've said," he continued, "the Water Tribe is all about family. It may be easier for them to accept your marriage than our nobles."
Zuko looked down feeling overwhelmed. "There's so much work to be done. I'm beginning to think it was easier training for battle."
Iroh chuckled. "Don't worry, Nephew. We'll get through this together. And we will not be alone. There are people we can trust who will help us."
--------------------
Ezih entered the office holding a teapot with a timid-looking Aang standing behind him.
"The Avatar, General," announced Ezih.
He stepped forward to place the fresh tea on the table leaving Aang standing alone at the room entrance. Looking at him, Iroh found it hard to believe that the young, nervous-looking teenager was the same person who defeated his powerful brother in battle, even taking away his firebending.
"Come in, Avatar Aang," he invited.
"Am...am I in trouble?" he asked in a small voice.
Zuko and Chiara were snickering under their breath.
"Despite what my nephew may have told you, you are not in trouble," Iroh assured him. "Since we will all be working on bringing peace to the Nations, I wanted to invite you to tea before we begin."
Aang had not been expecting such a casual meeting with the future Fire Lord.
"We even have tea cakes," offered Iroh motioning to the treats before him. "Though I must admit, they are not quite as delectable as my daughter's."
Chiara smiled at his compliment. Aang immediately lightened up at the invitation and bounced happily over to the table where he helped himself to a tea cake while Iroh set about pouring him a cup of tea.
"Have you been enjoying yourself during your stay?" Iroh asked him.
"Oh, yes, Iroh...General...future Fire Lord, sir."
Iroh softly chuckled. "Iroh is fine."
"It's really beautiful here," said Aang. "Zuko gave us a tour. And we really enjoyed the spa."
"Is that so? I was not aware that my nephew enjoyed the spa." He looked at Zuko. "I guess he has changed more than I thought."
"I didn't go to the spa with them," said the younger prince. "We were in the garden."
"Ah, yes, that sounds more like you, Nephew," he smiled.
He set a cup in front of Aang.
"We've been discussing the future and we were hoping for your assistance in our peace talks with the other Nations, especially the Earth Kingdom."
"I'd be happy to help you!" said Aang excitedly. "That's what I'm here for."
"That's terrific. Then I would like for you to join in the meetings with our advisers when we discuss our plans for the negotiations."
"I can do that."
"And your input will be welcome."
Aang enjoyed the idea of working on peace in a room by talking and not by fighting. "Of course, Iroh."
"Now, I'm quite anxious to hear about your day during Sozin's Comet."
Aang beamed as he began to tell Iroh the details of his battle with Ozai.
--------------------
That evening, Iroh arrived early in the banquet hall to greet the guests who had been staying in the palace. He met with the former prisoners from the invasion, guards and prisoners from Boiling Rock, and he was happy to be reunited with several members of Zuko's old crew.
==================================
The day after Iroh's return, he gave Chiara permission to visit Azula at the hospital, and after breakfast, she and Zuko, along with their guards set out for Heiwa Island.
The night Azula was sent to the hospital, the staff had been informed of the change in leadership in the Fire Nation. Many wondered what it might mean for their Nation. Years earlier, rumors of the thirteen year old Crown Prince's Agni Kai, burning, and banishment by his own father had spread through the Fire Islands. Over the years, those rumors would be followed by stories of the prince's treason, his heroic actions in Ba Sing Se, his subsequent disgrace after freeing General Iroh, his scandalous marriage to a Water Tribe barbarian and possible spy, his further act of treason in joining the Avatar, his traitorous (whispered daring) feat of breaking into and out of the "inescapable Rock" for his savage wife (whispered Princess). Now the rumors that the Fire Prince's wife was a healer unlike anyone in their Nation had ever seen were being spoken about more openly than before. Many, especially those employed in the Fire Nation hospitals and the healers in the smaller villages, were curious and wondered if such fantastical stories of healing had any truth to them.
Before Azula had been brought to the hospital, Healer Kang, the chief healer, had never met any of the members of the royal family. He was thankful for the messenger hawk preparing him for a visit from the royal couple who had sent him his most recent patient, though he was not sure what to expect of the couple, his only knowledge of them having come from propaganda and rumors. But he was quite sure he preferred to meet Prince Zuko over Fire Lord...former Fire Lord Ozai, especially if any of the stories whispered among the healing communities were to be believed in regards to Ozai's treatment of palace staff.
When the prince arrived, it was not how he carried himself that gave away his identity nor the accompaniment of guards, but it was the legendary scar on the left side of his face covering his eye. It was not difficult to believe the rumors of the palace staff when seeing the proof that Ozai's cruel treatment extended to his family as well. Kang's eyes lingered over the scar momentarily before he dropped into a low bow, but the ever-present healer inside him briefly wondered if the young prince's vision had been affected by the injury.
"Prince Zuko, Princess Chiara. It's an honor to have you here. I am Doctor Kang. I'm in charge of the hospital."
Zuko nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Doctor Kang, for accommodating my sister."
"Of course, your Highness."
"How is she?" he asked.
"She has been quite...uh...apathetic."
"How so?" asked Chiara.
Kang's eyes moved to the princess, and he could not help but wonder about the rumors of her remarkable ability to heal.
"Since the sedatives wore off after she was brought in, she's refused to speak to anyone, and she hasn't eaten anything since her arrival."
"We'd like to see her," said Zuko.
"Yes, your Highness."
He took them to the third floor of the facility where he led them down a corridor. Stopping at the last door at the end of the hall, he turned to them.
"We've never had any of the royal family, your Highness, but we tried to make the room as comfortable as possible for the princess," he said. "And we were warned she could be a flight risk, but we decided to forgo restraints until we can evaluate her further."
Zuko looked at Kaito and Nai. "It's probably best if you wait out here."
"Are you sure, Prince Zuko?" asked Nai. "I mean...I saw her handiwork on Princess Chiara's back."
It was becoming clear to the doctor that the rumors of the waterbender's imprisonment and supposed execution by Princess Azula were more fact than fiction.
"It'll be okay, Nai," Chiara assured her.
Nai reluctantly nodded, and she and Kaito stood off to the side. After the doctor unlocked the door, Zuko and Chiara entered the room. The walls were covered with red and gold cloth panels to give the illusion of being in a palace room despite the small size. There were no windows to allow the sunlight to enter (or patients to exit), and lanterns on the wall currently provided all the light inside. The furniture was simple and consisted of two small tables, a chair, and a small bed where they saw Azula's still form lying listlessly staring blankly up at the ceiling.
"I told you I don't want any food," she said in a low, deep voice without moving otherwise.
Chiara immediately stepped over to her. "You need to eat."
Azula closed her eyes when she realized who it was that spoke. She was filled with a mixture of emotions including anger and hatred, but a part of her that kept her from immediately acting on those feelings remembered the calming sensation from Chiara's touch.
"I seem to recall you refusing food when you were in prison," she said bluntly, trying to force herself into verbal defensive mode.
Zuko, having little tolerance for Azula's disrespect for Chiara, took a step closer to her. "You're not in prison."
She opened her eyes and slowly turned her head towards him. "This place may not have bars, but it's still a prison. At least Father allowed you the comforts of your own bedroom at the palace."
"Did you allow Chiara any comforts when you kept her chained inside a mountain?" he growled deeply taking another step towards her. "Have the doctors here put scars on your back...?"
Chiara placed her hand on his arm stopping him from advancing.
"Azula....," she said as she knelt down next to the bed, "...refusing food will not help your health."
Azula turned away from them. "And living in an insane asylum will?" Though her voice was still low, there was an unmistakable tone of anger.
"Actually, yes, it will," answered Zuko curtly.
"This is a hospital," said Chiara. "You're not meant to be here forever."
"I'm sure if Zuzu has his way I will be."
"If I had my way, you'd be in prison," he said, his voice also low, but audible.
Azula turned her head slowly to glare at him, but then her view was obstructed by a vial of water Chiara was dangling in front of her breaking her focus on her brother.
"Let me help you relax," she said sweetly.
Again Azula wanted to be angry, but there was a desire in her for that calm, mellow state she felt two days earlier. Not wanting Chiara to suspect that she was eager for her treatment, she just gave her an indifferent shrug. Chiara moved behind her head, and after pulling the water from the vial, she began her technique.
While she worked, Zuko sat down in the chair and lit the candles that were on the table nearby increasing the light in the room. Aside from the relaxing, serene feeling that washed over Azula, her mind seemed to grow a bit clearer. At that moment she had no responsibilities, nothing to prove; she felt a sense of freedom she did not know existed.
When the treatment was finished, she felt it was too soon.
Chiara knelt next to her. "Feel better?"
She again shrugged indifferently not wanting to give her sister-in-law the satisfaction of knowing just how much better she felt due to her treatment.
"Would you like to eat now?"
At the mere suggestion of eating, Azula now felt the urge to satisfy her hunger pains. "I suppose," she said still trying to sound disinterested.
Chiara looked up at Zuko who stood up to step outside and instruct the doctor to have food brought to the room. When he walked back inside, Chiara was sitting on the bed helping Azula sit up.
"I don't need your help," snapped Azula pulling away from her. "Are you going to try feeding me too, like an infant?!"
Zuko felt heated by her reaction, and he was just about to rebuke her.
"Only if you want me to," said Chiara calmly, completely unfazed by her snippy attitude.
Azula scowled at her. "I don't need you two in here watching me eat."
"Do you mind if we join you?" Chiara asked her.
"Yes, I do."
"Is there anything else you need?"
"Gee, I'm locked in a crazy hospital," she said rudely. "What could I possibly need?"
"Watch your tone, Azula," scolded Zuko lacking Chiara's patience for his sister's insolence. "We're trying to help you."
She huffed and rolled her eyes at his admonition. "Maybe I don't want your help."
"Come on, Chiara, let's go," he said stepping over to her reaching for her hand.
Azula, not ready for them to leave, looked up at him. "Fine. I'll be more civil, Brother," she said in a less than civil tone.
Zuko stood next to Chiara who was still sitting on the bed next to Azula.
"So tell me...," started Azula softly, anxious for information, but not wanting to sound eager, "...what's become of Father?"
"He's in prison," said Zuko with no emotion in his tone.
There was a moment of silence as Azula contemplated whether or not to admit what she considered inevitable.
She opted to speak her thought. "You know prison won't hold someone as powerful as him."
"Oh, I think it'll hold him just fine," said Zuko. "And if it doesn't...well, there's not much he can do."
Azula lifted an eyebrow. "You're not afraid he'll come after you or your concubine?"
He scowled at her. "He can't even firebend," he said deeply.
"What?"
"The Avatar took away his firebending."
He did not try to hide the smugness in his voice, and he took pleasure in seeing her eyes grow wide with fear at the mere thought of any firebender losing their ability especially one as powerful and intimidating as Ozai.
"How...how is that possible?" she asked, a rare nervousness in her tone.
"He's the Avatar. It's his duty to keep balance in the world, which means taking away someone's ability to bend their element if they're abusing it."
He spoke his words slowly and clearly wanting them to sink deeply into her mind, which they had. She remained silent, refusing to betray again just how rattled she was by the idea of having her firebending taken from her. Though now another thought occurred to her.
"Can he also give a nonbender the ability to bend?" she asked softly.
Zuko pondered the question wondering if it was possible for Aang to make a nonbender a bender.
"I don't know," he said.
"So he couldn't make a certain waterbender a firebender?"
His lip curled slightly now realizing she was curious as to how Chiara was able to firebend. "I don't think it's the same thing," he said. "I guess a certain waterbender is just really talented."
Chiara laughed under her breath, but Azula huffed at him.
"Talented," she scoffed rolling her eyes.
"If you're interested in learning how to bend water, Azula," he started, "then spend the next twelve or thirteen years practicing with a waterbender. Maybe you'll pick it up."
"That's why you think she can bend fire? Because she just practiced all these years?"
"Well, I can assure you it wasn't the Avatar's doing," he snapped back, though a soft giggle escaped Chiara at his remark.
Azula moodily looked away frustrated that she did not learn the secret of Chiara's firebending.
"So...so Uncle's Fire Lord now?" she finally asked.
"His coronation's at the end of the week," he said.
A member of the staff entered with her meal. After placing it on the table, he bowed to the three royals before leaving the room.
"Are you sure you don't want us to join you?" Chiara asked her.
Azula rolled her eyes. "Not if I want to keep my food down."
"Your welcome, Azula," spat Zuko sarcastically, agitated by her continued rudeness. He took Chiara's hand and led her towards the door.
"Let me know if you need anything," said Chiara before Zuko pulled her out of the room.
Doctor Kang was anxiously waiting for them in the hall.
"She's eating?" he asked.
"Yes, Doctor," answered Chiara. "We'll return again to check on her in a couple days, but please let me know if there are any changes before then."
"Of course, Princess."
She looked up at Zuko. "Would it be okay if we visit other patients?"
He had not considered the good she could do for others in the hospital, but he found the idea appealing and he turned to the doctor. "Doctor Kang, my wife is a waterbender healer. We'd like to visit any patients you have that could benefit from her gift."
Kang's curiosity had been piqued since he first heard the rumors of her healing. That the inferior bending of the savage Tribes had healing qualities had been unheard of before those recent stories that leaked out of Boiling Rock.
"Of course, your Highness. I must say I'm quite intrigued by such a method. Is this something common to all waterbenders?"
"No, Doctor," answered Chiara. "Not all waterbenders can heal."
"Forgive me if this is too bold a request, but...but may I observe your technique?" he asked. There was a timidity in his voice that made it clear he was worried about repercussions in making such a request of the royal family.
"Certainly," she said. "Doctor Asa was interested in it too."
Kang was familiar with the palace physician, and he took the information as a good sign that he might not have to fear any consequences for his curiosity. He escorted them around the facility starting with the simplest of cases where he observed Chiara cure illnesses and relieve pain. He was fascinated by the glowing water and the look of relief and comfort that followed. It took only a few minor cases before he led her to the most complicated and difficult of injuries and illnesses. Though she made it clear that the severe injuries often required several treatment sessions which she would be willing to do upon her subsequent returns, he was delighted to see such instantaneous results after her initial treatments.
Confounding him even further was the young prince's own form of heat healing. Whenever Zuko found it could be of use, he joined in assisting with the injured to the amazement of staff and patients alike not only at his unknown and unique skill, but also that a member of the royal family would condescend to touch even the lowest peasants of the Fire Nation. And joining the rumors of his fearsome, fiery reputation the prince earned from leading the breakout of Boiling Rock Prison would be the new tales of his extraordinary gift of healing fire.