Part 13

Katara's POV:

Katara woke from her sleep almost expecting to have woken up back in the holding cell. She turned to face Zuko, chuckling as she found him knocked out. He had been so persistent about staying up but she had a feeling he would pass out eventually. Standing up from her seat she stretched her arms outward, letting out a soft yawn. Gazing out into the distance it was clear they would arrive soon. It was hard not to be fearful, hoping they wouldn't be heading right into an attack.

Spending a week in prison had opened her eyes to quite a bit. For starters, as much as it disgusted her to admit - family is not always everything. The betrayal on her brothers end left a hole in her heart. Family has always been the most important thing to her, and it was devastating to see how much Sokka has been corrupted. It was clear who really had her back; Her father, Toph, and Aang. Of course she could not leave Zuko out of that list. In such a short time she found him to be her greatest ally and her strongest connection. He had already helped her so much she hoped she would be able to repay the favor one day.

Lost in her thoughts she almost did not notice Zuko had woken up.

"Hey there sleepyhead."

"Hey! I wasn't asleep for that long..."

"Suuuuure."

Taking a seat down in front of him she sighed, knowing she would have to ask the harder questions eventually."

"So.... What's the plan now, Firelord Zuko?"

"Hmph, I was afraid you'd ask me that..."

"Is there a plan?"

"I don't want it to be the plan Katara, but I need to send out reinforcements to protect my nation until I can think of a better plan."

"I hate to say it but I agree with you, this needs to be put to an end but you also need to protect yourself and your home."

Zuko only nodded her way with a smile, both turning to see land in the distance. To Katara's surprise a sea of Fire Nation soldiers waiting to greet them. Zuko tensed up, clearly assuming he would able to simply slip in without much attention.

"Looks like uncle opened his mouth about this."

"Clearly..."

The two of them made their way onto shore, a group swarming in to cover the young Firelord and herself. Zuko quickly pushed them off, asking what the current condition of the royal city had been. Surprisingly they had already began reinforcing the city and rebuilding much of the damage caused by the last attack. The palace was almost entirely destroyed, construction had began but was not close to finishing. The soldiers led the two into a vehicle, transporting them to one of the unharmed guest houses located on the palace's property. They assured them it would be safe to stay there for the time being.

Both Katara and Zuko sat in silence, the man grasping her hand tightly. She couldn't blame him for being nervous to return, there was so much on the line.

After a short ride they finally reached the outer limits of the royal city. The vehicle stopped, both quickly exiting. Zuko paused, eyes focused on the palace. The damage was severe - only the bones of the structure remained. Any outsider would never imagine a palace once stood in its place. Katara squeezed his hand reassuringly, pulling him the opposite way towards the guest house. Three soldiers led them inside, quickly exiting to where they would be stationed outside.

Zuko was clearly tense and on edge, knowing he would have to execute his decision soon. The army's general was set to meet with him within the hour.

Zuko's POV:

As soon as he saw just how severe the damage from the first attack was, nerves overcame him. His next decision would feed into Sokka's hopes for war, but he refused to stand by and let his nation fall.

After days of travel and little sleep the man was physically and mentally exhausted. Knowing Katara was in the same condition , possibly worse he easily convinced her to take a nap while he met with the General. Showering quickly he pulled his shaggy hair into a tight bun, tightening his royal hair piece. His royal robe and armor were already placed out for him. After managing to make his appearance seem presentable, he made his way back into the living room where the General would meet with him shortly. To his surprise, Iroh barged into the house, bags in hand.

"I come bearing soothing Jasmine tea courtesy of the White Lotus."

"Is now really the time for tea, uncle?"

"I am sensing some tension you must calm your nerves before the General comes - and of course you must offer your guest a beverage. Were you able to find Katara?"

"Yes she's sleeping...."

"The young bender is lucky to have you as a friend."

He could only nod, forcing a smile his way. Iroh made his way into the kitchen to steep the tea. Friend. The word stuck out in his head - pain similar to a bee sting. Would she always be just a friend to him? How could she possibly think of him otherwise amidst all of this chaos. Zuko sighed , realizing he never even got much of an opportunity to sit down with her to make sure she was okay.

Iroh returned with the tea, pouring a cup for him. His nerves still troubling him he accepted the tea for once, giving into uncle's 'tea voodoo' lifestyle. A stern knock was heard at the door, the General quickly entering, taking a seat down adjacent from the young Firelord.

"Thank you for coming to meet with me, General Lin."

"It is my pleasure, Firelord Zuko."

"I would like to start this meeting by discussing what preventative measures have already been out into place."

"Yes, per your order we have set up reinforcements at every border, including all major naval posts. We have only had to attack a single wave of Southern Water Tribe ships. No losses or damage on our end. No losses reported on their end but significant damage. In addition to this, General Iroh ordered a bill for crisis relief, we have already began the cleanup process and construction of all damages will be completed by the end of the month, including the palace. Our newfound allies of the Earth Kingdom have continued to offer us supplies and volunteers. We have also received word of support from Avatar Aang."

"I want to thank you for assisting in leading our nation into the right direction. Of course we are here to discuss my next plan of action. Clearly if we have already had to divert one attack, others will be planned if not already. Unfortunately I do not think reinforcements will be enough. At dawn I want a full fleet of ships and at least 10,000 of our soldiers dispatched to the Southern Water Tribe. We are coming in full force but I want to urge you of something important. I want as few casualties as possible, there will be no acts of violence toward unarmed civilians unless directly threatened. If you locate General Hakoda or General Sokka I want them unharmed and captured to be returned to my custody, and that is an order. Hakoda will be brought into our protection for the time being, Sokka will be directly sent to a holding cell if captured."

"Yes Firelord Zuko, I will send out the order momentarily."

General Lin rose from his seat, bowing towards Zuko before exiting. Surprised that Iroh remained silent, he finally chimed in with a warm smile.

"My young Zuko, I am very proud of you, and your mother would be very proud of you as well."

Standing from his seat, cup of tea still in hand, he exited the home leaving Zuko to his thoughts.