Shadows and Morning Light
Chapter 10 - Death is the Road to Awe

Appa landed on the shores of the murky bank of Xibalba. Aang sighed as he lifted Toph from his lap and placed her in Appa’s saddle, tightly wrapping her in blankets. He gazed down at her for a long moment. Even her lips lost color. His heart ached. Aang took a deep breath and leaped from the saddle and landed in the deformed shore. Appa took a step back, leery about the island. Aang placed his hand on the bison’s nose and smiled weakly, “Don’t worry, buddy, everything’s going to be alright.” Though he said it in confidence, he knew well that it was a lie. The bison groaned and slowly lowered down. Momo flew down and landed on the young Avatar’s arm. Aang hoisted him up and held him at arm’s length, “Sorry Momo, but I need you to stay here and take care of Toph.” The lemur chattered and flew up and over the saddle of the bison.

Aang turned around and stared into the thick of the forest. The familiar, putrid stench rolled from the rotting green brown forest. He winced at the memory of the foul odor and the deathly façade. He lifted his arm, covering his mouth and nose, and walked into the cluster of trees. It was a narrow path, but he felt he walked it hundreds of times before. It led to the large tree in the center. Aang stopped in front of its wilting withered branches. His arm lowered as he took cautious steps towards the trunk. The bark looked drier than usual. A tingle raced up his spine. Something felt out of place. He glanced around but saw nothing. He shut his eyes and reached out his fingers, ready to be violently thrown into the Avatar State once more and lightly touched the bark.

And then there was nothing.

Nothing happened. His eyes opened and he looked down at his fingers. They were against the tree. His eyebrows furrowed and he reached his hand forward, shoving his palm against the rough bark. Still, there was nothing. “Something’s wrong.” Aang looked up the tree at the brownish amber light coming through from the sky in the distance. The reek of the island was stronger than usual. Aang pulled his hand from the tree and took a few steps back, “What’s going on here?” His eyes squinted as he examined the twisted tree as though somewhere carved on its surface was the answer he needed.

--

“I don’t know.” Suki wrapped her finger through her hair as she slumped in her seat. This was another session of sitting and reading pamphlets of ideal romantic honey moon locations.

“I’m sure you’ll find one you like.” Katara smiled though she was beginning to think that they were not going to have a honey moon. Sokka didn’t seem interested in anything post-ceremony. In fact, he was borderline obsessed with making everything perfect for Suki. She one the other hand was worried that something was going to go wrong. She wasn’t sure what it would be but she was all but chewing her nails off over it. Neither person had even the slightest motivation to pick out a vacation spot. Katara shifted in her seat, her eyebrows pushed in a little. She pushed back and stood up, her hand automatically on her stomach.

“…something wrong?” Suki looked up with weary eyes.

“No, I’ll be right back.” Katara shrugged, “Just need to use the bathroom.”

Suki lifted a suspicious eyebrow, “Again? Didn’t you just go a few minutes ago?”

“It’s not a big deal. I probably just drank too much yesterday. It’s been like this all morning.” Katara shrugged.

“Are you sure?” Suki pushed back and stood up.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She smiled in return and left to the bathroom.

Suki stared in the direction of the bathroom as the door opened behind her. Sokka walked in, shut the door, arms full of more pamphlets. He set the down on the table, looked around the room and noticed the missing people. The Water Tribe warrior turned his attention to the girl standing beside the chair, “Where’s Iroh?”

“In a meeting…it’s running late…” She said as though completely distracted.

“So I take it Zuko’s going to be late too.” Sokka glanced back at the door, somewhat expecting to see them hurrying in at any given second. He then looked back at Suki and looked her over. She had a strange expression, somewhat concerned. Sokka pulled a seat out and lowered himself into it. “Where’s Katara?” He said, expecting she was either with a healer or at the meeting.

“I think she’s in labor.” Suki said without diverting her stare.

“Oh, well, we should just wait until…WHAT?” Sokka jumped up as the words sunk in.

Suki looked over at him, “She’s been in and out of the bathroom all day.”

Sokka’s shoulders slumped with discontent, “That probably means she drank a lot.”

“I don’t know.” Suki glanced back at the bathroom door, “She’s been fidgeting more than usual…”

“That doesn’t mean anything.” Sokka eased back into his chair.

“Sokka,” She turned to him, leaning against the table, “She’s nine months pregnant. It’s not like it’s impossible.”

--

He let out a deep groan in frustration. The afternoon was growing old and the shadows of the trees were growing long. He’d been trying for hours to enter the Avatar State to no success. He threw his hands in the air, falling backwards onto the ground, “UH! What’s going on here?” He clenched his fists over his eyes with a loud groan. He should have been able to go into the Avatar State but he was unable. If there was even the slightest doubt about nothing being wrong, that was pushed away. Aang sat up again and looked down into his lap, helpless and running out of ideas. Not far from where he sat, Toph was dying. His friends were far away, which was for the best, and he was in the position to save the world again but he had no way of actually doing it. His eyes shut tight, “Come on, Gaia; let me in.” He clenched his teeth and resuming a meditative stance. His arrows began to glow, faintly at first, but he could feel the warmth of the Avatar State slowly rising in his veins. Then, suddenly there was a flash of bright white light and a pain that shook his whole body to the core. It felt as though he was struck by lightening again. He toppled over, his head knocking against a rock, arrows glowing brighter than ever before.

His eyes eased open into a dark and foul Spirit World. Aang looked around for the movement he’d seen before that guided him to Gaia but found nothing. He slowly turned around; examining the place he’d arrived. It was different, it was quiet now. The only sound was the faint thump of his feet against the dried ground. As on the island, it wasn’t long before he found the tree at the center. This too had changed. It looked heavier than the first time he’d seen it, darker and lifeless. Aang’s eyebrows pushed in and he walked over to it.

“Gaia…I’m here.” He called out. Aang waited a moment but there was no response, not even a faint breeze.

“Avatar…” A faint voice replied from deep within the trunk of the tree.

“What’s going on? What happened here?” Aang gripped the bark, fingers digging just under the crusty scales.

“I have felt the world weep.” A distorted face began to push out from the core, “Issi is almost here…you must go.”

“No.” Aang turned his face away, “No!” He whipped around and shouted, “No, no, no!”

“Time has come to an end, Avatar.” His voice was weak.

“No! I’m the Avatar! I can set this right! Just let me help!” He cried out frantically to the face in the tree.

“You are too late, I’m sorry.” Gaia pulled back from the surface, sinking backing into the deathly hollow.

“Why are you doing this? I thought you said I could fix this!” Aang’s voice cracked.

“Your time has run out. Issi is coming…” The dim light of the spirit world seemed to darken with his words.

“Gaia!” Aang called for him as he disappeared, “Gaia…” He collapsed to his knees and rested his head on the bark. Time had run out and there was nothing he could do to stop what was about to happen. Aang lifted his head just slightly and then knocked it against the trunk. He groaned as his forehead thumped against the rough surface. He gritted his teeth, “No…I can’t let this happen…I can’t…”

--

“We’ve fully extracted troops and major industrial settlements from the northwestern area of the Earth Nation. There were some complications however. The extraction and relocation has left many in poverty and displaced. Also, we,” the councilman cleared his throat, “have quarantined all persons from that area showing symptoms or have been in contact with the plague spreading over the Earth Nation.”

“Are they being treated?” Zuko’s back straightened. Aang obviously hadn’t found a solution yet. It was taking too long. He was starting to think the young Avatar may have fallen prey to it as well. He shut his eyes for a moment and calmed his thoughts. Surely that wasn’t his fate.

“Yes, sir, the quarantined persons are being moved on a contamination transport to Omashu. King Bumi sent a message out informing there is a temporary treatment available in the city.” The councilman scanned over his notes, “As it seems, there is still not cure.”

“Has anyone spoken to the healers from the Northern Water Tribe?” He raised a hand to his chin.

“Yes, sir, Master Pakku and the healers have been traveling the world. It seems the illness is far reaching. They too are coming up short for a cure. There is only so much that can be done for something like this.” The man looked up in dismay.

“Continue updates on its location and progression.” Zuko said quietly as he took a glance at his uncle, “Also inform me the moment, if it occurs that it crosses Fire Nation borders.”

“Of course, sir,” the councilman nodded.

Zuko looked up at the man, “This is a personal request.”

“Thank you, sir.” He bowed and quickly took a seat.

“What is the current dilemma with removal of weaponry factories in the south?” Zuko’s eyes darted to another man, skinny and old.

“Well, uh,” He stood quickly, hands wrapped around several disorganized scrolls, “It’s, uh, you, eh-hem, see, there’s some, uh…hmmm,” He tried to clear his thoughts as he tried desperately to organize the scrolls, “some problems, with, uh, eh, the, um, pay of wor—

The doors swung open, the fames shivered in response as a young servant girl hurried to throne. She first stopped at Iroh and quickly whispered something in his ear. She then, unknown she held the attention of the entire council side stepped towards the Firelord. Before she could take a step farther, a voice echoed through the chamber, “Sorry to cut the meeting short, but I’m going to have to borrow the Firelord for a while.” Sokka bolted in, and dashed up the steps.

Zuko glared up at him as the younger boy grabbed his arm, nearly pulling him over. The Water Tribe warrior caught the angered glare, “Look, I said I’m sorry for bursting in, now let’s go!”

“Sokka, I’m in the middle of a meeting. This isn’t the time.” He held out a hand presenting the entire council to the younger man.

“On the contrary,” Iroh spoke up as he walked over to his nephew, “I do believe it is in fact the time.”

“What are you talking about?” Zuko’s head whipped around, brow pushed in and befuddled by the situation.

“I am sorry about the inconvenience, gentlemen, but this meeting will have to be postponed to a later date.” Iroh addressed the council. They looked back and forth to one another.

The second councilman to speak raised his free hand, “Might, uh, might I, eh-hem, ask what the, eh, um, rush to dismiss might, uh, um, be, sir?”

“That’s a good question.” Zuko looked up at Sokka as he tugged on his arm again. The young Firelord stood up, pushing the younger man off him, “Would you mind sharing with us what is so important that you have to burst in and end the meeting?”

Sokka took a step back, slightly offended and folded his arms, “Well I’m sorry to be such a nuisance but I just figured you’d want to be there when your child is born.”

“What?” Zuko’s voice quieted.

“You heard me.” Sokka snubbed.

Zuko glanced around the floor, wide eyed, and then turned back to the silenced councilmen, “Meeting dismissed.” Without another word, he was down the steps and out the door.

“I will send all necessary information at a later time.” Iroh beamed, “I am certain you all know the way out.”

--

Aang stood up. He felt heavier than usual. He stared off into the horizon. Something was coming and he could feel it in his bones, every fiber of his spirit and body could feel it. There was a faint light in the distance. Aang glanced around the forest once more and noted the burned down trees and the acorns strewn about the ground. He smiled weakly; recalling when he first discovered that even in death there is life. He reached down and picked up the acorn. Strange, things never seemed to exist in the same patterns in the Spirit World as they did in the world. He turned it over in his fingers. There on the back he found a gapping hole. Indeed, Xibalba was home to al things perished. Aang tossed it to the ground and looked to the horizon once more.

A faint white light glowed. The beams just barely reached him. It was warm; it was the touch of life. Issi was well on her way. Aang tightened his fist. He’d made up his mind. He loved the world and he was obligated to save it. Toph was dying and he would do anything to keep her alive. She was the world to him, and likewise he would do anything to save the world. No matter what that meant, he was ready for it.

--

Suki pushed back Katara’s hair. She’d been with her for nearly an hour. The sun was well past setting. The waterbender sucked in a breath and then let it out slowly. A pain shot up her spine for nearly the hundredth time. Katara cringed, squeezing tightly on Suki’s hand causing her to cringe in pain. If her hand wasn’t broken yet, it would be soon. Katara took another deep breath, “Where’s Zuko?”

“He’s on his way; Sokka just went to get him a little while ago.” Suki patted her hand, trying to comfort her though she knew there was little she could do.

An elderly woman walked over with a wet rag. She placed it on her forehead and patted back her loose hair, “Just keep breathing; you’ve got some time still, Lady Katara.”

“Is there anything else we can do for her?” Hakoda stood up from his place against the wall.

“I’m sorry, Chief Hakoda, there’s nothing left to do but wait.” She shrugged as a few of her younger assistance scrambled around the room preparing for almost anything.

“How are you feeling, Katara? Do you need more ice?” Her father sat next to her, putting an arm around her shoulder.

“No, no. I’m alright…” She sucked in a sharp breath.

The nurse turned around quickly, “Are you alright dear?”

“Yeah…I think…I don’t know…” Katara cringed again, “Oh, I can feel something…”

“Well, it seems like we won’t be waiting much longer now.” The woman said with a smile.

“Then it’s a good thing we got here!” Sokka said between pants as he stumbled into the room, Zuko following just on his heels and Iroh not far behind.

“Katara, are you alright?” Zuko rushed over to her side.

“Yeah…sure…” She cringed. Suki cringed as well and then slipped her hand away and sneaking over to Sokka. It was time for Zuko to take her place at Katara’s side. Without another moment passing, Katara grimaced as another strong contraction shot through her body, a painful groan escaped.

“Girls, could you get the supplies, it’s time to deliver the baby.” The healer instructed and then turned to Katara, “Are you ready, Lady Katara?”

“Yes.” She managed the breath out.

“Alright, well I need you to keep breathing, and you’re going to have to give a good push when I tell you to, do you think you can do that?” She beamed, somewhat excited.

“Please tell me I don’t have to watch this…” Sokka said as his face turned pale.

“Maybe we should sit outside.” Suki turned him away and escorted him out of the room.

“Ready?” The healer glanced up at Katara.

“Yeah…” She said between desperate breaths.

“Push,” She said affirmatively.

--

The white light stretched across the forest. The darkest place was the long shadow stretching back from Aang. Issi stepped closer to the young Avatar. She tilted her head, slightly confused by his presence. He stared into her eyes, though the light was piercing and stung. Aang straightened his back, “You can’t come any farther.” He said in the strongest voice he’d ever hear from his mouth.

“My time has passed and this is my fate.” She said calmly, her eyes focused on his, not even the slightest smile on her lips.

“I can’t let this happen. I love the world more than anything else. I will do anything to save it! Anything! And if that means I have to stop you, then I will!” Aang’s stare turned into a glare.

“Avatar…” Her voice wavered, “My child…”

“I cannot let you go any farther…I’m sorry Issi.” His eyes narrowed. Her melodic voice made his strength falter and grow weaker by the second.

“This is my fate.” She said solemnly.

“No, it’s not. You’re in control of your own destiny!” Aang flared.

“Death is not a destiny to be controlled.” She said.

Aang glanced around, she was right. Then something occurred to him, “No, it’s not something to be controlled but it can be, just like everything else.”

“Avatar,” She lowered her voice as though somehow saddened.

“I may not be able to bend in the spirit world…but there is something I can do.” He raised his eyes to her, “Issi, I will save you and I will set Gaia free. I can fix this. I can save the world.”

“No…” She said, glassy tears filled her eyes though her eyes did not become red.

“I’ll take your place.” He stared at her. “As the Avatar, I will take your place.” He turned around to the tree and placed a hand on the bark, “I command my Avatar Spirit to take the place of yours, Gaia.”

“What?” He pushed out from the tree, the bark peeling back, “What are you doing?”

“I’m saving the world I love.” Aang stared into his eyes with conviction.

“But…” Gaia trembled as the tree continued to pull away and wrap around Aang’s arm.

“And Issi, I command my spirit to take your place.” He reached out to her. Issi’s mouth opened as though to argue but then shut as she reached out, lightly touching his hand. Aang shut his eyes and turned away, “I set you free.”

--

Her nails dug into his skin as every breath she pulled in was released in a painful screech. Zuko’s eyes shut tight, cursing her long nails and hoping not to see blood drizzling from his hands. Even more so, he was hoping this would be over soon. The sun would be rising before this was done at the rate it was going. The healer continued to encourage Katara, then without warning quietly said, “Alright, just one more good push.”

Katara let out another pained yelp. Sweat rolled down her cheek and her breath completely ragged, was beginning to even out and slow. She leaned back, every muscle in her body felt tense, sore. Zuko pushed back her hair as she flexed her fingers around his hand. He leaned over and lightly kissed her forehead. Just beyond the sound of her heavy breath, they could hear a faint sound, small and almost as if giggling. Zuko smiled to himself, shutting his eyes and resting his head against hers, trying his best to contain the happiness that seemed to be overflowing. It was a strange joy, one he’d never felt before. It was nearly an ache.

“Congratulations,” the elderly healer said with a smile as she walked over to Katara with a red bundle, “You have a beautiful, healthy son.” Her eyes glanced up at Zuko as she handed the small baby over, her lips turned up ever so slightly more into a prideful grin.

Hakoda smiled down at his daughter and new grandson, “He’s beautiful.” His gaze turned up to the young Firelord, “What’s his name?”

“Kurzon…” Zuko said quietly, staring down at the baby. His skin was darker than his own, but it certainly was far from Katara’s complexion.

“He’s so sma—” Katara started but stopped abruptly, placing a hand on her stomach, “Oh…”

“Katara, are you alright?” Hakoda stood up, quickly examining her.

“Oh…” She groaned, clenching her abdomen.

“What’s wrong?” Zuko too rose to his feet, frantic and unsure of what was happening.

“Something’s….wrong…I don’t know…” She cringed and buckled, drawing the baby closer to her chest.

“What’s the matter?” The elderly healer turned around from cleaning up the water pan and towels.

“Oh my,” one of the younger healers glanced over her shoulder to the elder, “This is a surprise. It looks like we forgot about someone.” She turned back to Katara, “It looks like you’ve got twins here.”

“What?” Katara, Hakoda, and Zuko said in unison.

“Firelord Zuko, could you take the baby?” The elderly nurse instructed, “We need her to be able to deliver another baby. Do you think you can do it, Lady Katara?”

“Sure…” Katara strained as she handed Kurzon to his rightful father. Zuko’s arms wrapped around the small infant as he took a step back from the bedside and for a brief moment time stopped. The swirling world around him came to a sudden halt as he stared down at the tiny bundle that lay sleeping in his hold. The only sound that broke in was the steady beat of his heart and the quiet sweeping breaths from Kurzon.

--

“No, this is not right!” Issi grabbed Gaia by the arm; her usually pleasant expression was warped and twisted into agony and disbelief.

“There is nothing that can be done; this is the path he has chosen.” Gaia placed a hand over hers as though dismissing the situation.

Aang twisted around as the bark stretched down his back and up his neck, “I didn’t want this, I didn’t want any of this, but if this is what it takes to save the world, then I have to do it.”

“No, Aang!” Issi pulled away from her love and reached out to the airbender, “You cannot do this!”

“Issi,” Gaia grabbed her by the waist, pulling her away before Aang could even reach her fingertips, “This is the path he has chosen! He must not stray!”

“Gaia,” She turned around, her eyes welling, “We have lived for all of time, and we shall continue on for all of endlessness, he cannot do this. He came to me and spoke of the havoc of the world he loves. He spoke of the love he has, just as you have for me. Have you not heard these pleas and cries?”

“I have,” He turned his face away, as though to hide his shame.

“Should we not relinquish his duties of sacrifice so that he may have what we so long for and yearn to share?” She scooped up his hands and twisted her fingers with his, watching his expression change.

“I will never see you again, my love.” Gaia looked up at her with a pained expression, “I will die here and be among the dead for always.”

“In the whispers of the passed, in the final breaths and the grieving tears, my love will be sent to you as it always has been my dear Gaia.” She stepped closer to rest her head against his shoulder, “This moment will last for always just as you and I. Are you afraid?”

“Yes.” He whispered, “Death is a darkness that makes me tremble, a shadow I fear to tread in, for in death there is nothing. I have seen this for countless moons and suns.”

She lifted her head and looked him straight, her voice was cold yet somehow melodic and in an inexplicable way it was soothing, “My Gaia, the life of all things, do you not know the truth? Death is dark, for it is uncertainty; but we should not fear it for what lies on the other side is more alive that we can ever hope to be. We cannot know what is beyond our life and so we are afraid. All that begins, ends. All that is, will not be. And all that is brave and strong and courageous and unyielding, fears. Life is afraid of death for it is a doorway to things we cannot understand. For even the shadows fear the morning light.”

“Shall we ever be together again?” His voice was low.

“We shall, at the end of days.” She spoke softly, gently kissing his forehead, “Now, let us right was has been wronged so that it may never occur again.” Aang lifted his chin to see Issi standing before him; all but his upper chest and head were consumed by the dark Spirit World tree. His breath was long and deep and her glow of life was blinding. She placed a hand under his chin, “Aang, you have done for the world many great things; you have done all that has ever been asked of you and more. This fate is not yours.”

“You…called me Aang.” His voice was weak as though strangled.

“Life is the process of death.” Issi drew her fingers back and slowly pulled him from the tree. The bark stripped from his arms and body, breaking and flying off in every direction like shattering glass.

“I understand…” Aang’s voice barely made it out from his chest. A white light consumed his vision and the most beautiful butterflies he’d ever seen swirled around in shades of luminous yellow and gold, playing music so perfect and beyond the living his heart swelled, and then with a heavy thud the world went silent and dark.

--

“The sun’s starting to come up.” Sokka leaned against the window frame.

“I’m sure everything’s alright, you just need to relax. If something happened, they’d let us know.” Suki walked over to him, slipping her hand into his with a partial smile. He was worried out of his mind over his little sister. She didn’t want to admit it but she was too. They’d heard nothing but agonizing screams for hours. It was almost enough for Suki to reconsider ever having children. Though it was painful to listen to it was slowing down. There were longer silences since the sun started to rise. “If you want, we can go in and see how everything’s going.” Suki offered, resting her head against his shoulder. She was exhausted. Staying up all night and enduring the sound of one of her closest friends in pain was tiring, if nothing else.

“I’m not sure I can go in there.” Sokka rubbed his eyes with his free hand.

“Why?” Suki looked up rather surprised.
“Katara’s in a lot of pain and I know ‘big brother mode’ will kick in and I promised Zuko I wasn’t going to blame him for everything that went wrong. If I go in there, I’ll end up saying things that I don’t mean.” He turned, resting his back against the window.

“Sokka,” She stared up at him, “if you want to go in for just a moment, to make sure Katara’s doing alright, that’s fine. Even if you did say something, I’m sure Zuko would understand.”

“You’re right.” Sokka nodded. That was enough to convince him. Granted, Suki could have told him to do anything and he would have listened. He sucked in a deep breath and walked over to the door, placed his hand on the knob and then let the air out in one gust, “I can’t do this.”

“Yes you can. It’ll be alright.” Suki said reassuringly, though it was a little less reassuring that she hoped it would be as the pained sound of Katara echoed through the door.

“Ok, ok, I’m going to just go in for a second and make sure she’s not dying or anything and I’ll come right back out before I say anything stupid.” He said aloud as he tried to convince himself of what he was going to do.

“Just go in there.” Suki gave him a nudge.

“I’m going, I’m going!” He said defensively. Sokka stared down at the doorknob in his hand for just a moment before his turned it and pushed the door open.

He looked around the room. Several healers were running about frantically. Iroh was taking his time flirting with each of them as they passed and slowly making his way back and forth from one side of the room to the other. Hakoda sat at Katara’s bedside, her hand tightly gripping his as he swept back her raggedy sweaty hair. Her cheeks were read and she looked exhausted. Sokka’s attention drifted around the room again and spotted his target. Zuko was sitting in the far corner, away from the person he should have been cradling. Sokka took a threatening step forward but as his stare turned to glare he heard a strange sound that threw him off. It was light, a giggling of an infant. His knees turned weak as his eyes lowered ever so slightly and noted the small bundle of red blankets in the young Firelord’s arms. Sokka’s voice caught in his throat. He walked over to the firebender, cautious at first, but then with each step growing more excited until he was all but standing on top of him. Zuko looked up with a smile Sokka had never seen before. Sokka smiled in return and then looked down at the small baby. His bright blue eyes shined up at the Water Tribe warrior and a little giggle escaped. Sokka choked back a laugh, “So, this is my nephew?”

“Yeah…” Zuko said quietly as his gaze returned to the infant.

“Hey Kurzon,” Sokka knelt down and tilted his head, “You don’t know this yet, but I’m your Uncle Sokka.” He chuckled to himself, “I’m an uncle.” His voice was quiet and laced with excitement.

“I hate to burst this really happy moment and all, but what’s going on with Katara?” Suki gripped her arms, glancing over her shoulder at her friend.

Zuko’s eyes left the baby and then met with Suki’s and a slightly pained smile tugged at his lips, “…twins…” The words rattled out.

“What?” They replied flabbergasted.

“It seems Kurzon will not be an only child.” Iroh stepped in.

“And it seems he has a brother.” The elder healer called from the other side of the room. Her attention then turned to the waterbender, “You can relax now.”

Katara flopped back against the pillows, gasping for air. She shut her eyes for just a moment and when she opened them again, Zuko was at her side holding Kurzon, Suki and Sokka were leaning around him to get a good glimpse of the new baby, and Iroh and Hakoda were praising her from her other side. The elder healer pushed between them and handed down the second baby, “Here you go. Another healthy baby boy, I’m sorry I did not have a better blanket; the only color left was this blue one. Do you have a name for him?”

Katara looked up at Zuko. They were not prepared for two children, at least not of the same sex. A second name never crossed Katara’s mind. Zuko looked down at the other baby. His small eyes flickered open, flashing a bright gold. He turned his attention to the waterbender, “Roku.”

“Roku? Like the Avatar before Aang?” She stared up at him a bit confused by his choice.

“Yes and no…” He started hesitantly. Iroh looked up rather surprised. Zuko readjusted his position, “More like, Roku as in my great-grandfather Roku…”

“Oh,” Katara said lightly.

“…the Avatar before Aang.” Zuko quietly finished his explanation. He looked around, noting the attention he’d drawn, “I’ll explain later…”

“Yeah, that’d be good.” Sokka said somewhat offended to have not known this earlier.

Katara looked back and forth between the two babies, “They’re beautiful.” She mused over them for a moment longer and then looked up at her brother and husband, “I wonder where Aang and Toph are..."