Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Zuko tied on his shoes then stuffed a crushed beer can into the overflowing bag near the door, wincing at the crunching metal sound. He stared at the bag for a moment before snatching his gym bag off the ground and heading out.

He balanced on top of the road barriers while absentmindedly gazing at the ocean a few meters away. If he closed his eyes, he could pretend that everything was normal again. That his sister was just up ahead yelling at him to hurry up and stop embarrassing her. He opened his eyes and saw nothing but an empty street.

It was going to be a long summer.

~*~

Basketball was Zuko’s release. Practice was the only thing that kept him grounded since the accident.

His teammates cheered as he made another basket. Zuko missed the dirty look Chan gave him as he sprinted back down the court. He was about to go for another lay up when Chan tripped him. Losing his balance, Zuko fell hard and scrapped his knee.

“That’s what you get for being a try hard, Scarface.” Chan sneered at him only loud enough for Zuko to hear.

Zuko gritted his teeth and let out a low growl.

He’ll get that bastard.

~*~

“I’m disappointed in you, Zuko.” The coach scolded as he leaned against the desk. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Chan started it! He tripped me on purpose!”

“So, you broke his nose?! He may have to get stiches!”

Zuko balled up his fists and angrily looked away.

“So what? That guy’s a jerk.” He grumbled.

The coach sighed heavily. “Zuko, this is the third fight you’ve been in this week. You’ve been unnecessarily aggressive and uncooperative lately. I understand why but it’s getting out of hand and putting your teammates in harms way. I’m going to have to kick you off the team.”

“WHAT?!”

“Unless you apologize to Chan and show some discipline, don’t bother coming back.”

“You can’t do that!!!”

“I just did.”

The coach shut the door leaving Zuko in the gym office alone.

He kicked over a chair before storming out.

Zuko didn’t know where he was going. He just didn’t want to go home yet. Father was still there drunk as usual. Zuko leaned against the bridge railing and stared out the ocean. A mild summer breeze whip across Zuko’s face and he breathed in the salty air. His mind drifted back to a happier time when his family used to go to the aquarium together.

He walked aimlessly through the town. Without realizing it, Zuko found himself at the aquarium’s entrance. He numbly watched the crowd of tourist pour in excitedly. His heart ached, remembering all the times he raced Azula to the doors. Zuko almost turned to leave before an employee handed him a flyer. He looked at the painted whale leaping on the paper before stuffing it in his gym bag and walking in.

Zuko hovered close to a tourist group then broke off on his own. The dim lights soothed his scar which had tightened up from being in the hot sun. He ran his hand along the tanks watching the fish follow his every move.

“Zuko, is that you?”

He turned and saw Ming nearby.

“Spirits it’s been so long! Look at you! All grown up now! Are you looking for your mom?”

“Uh yeah...”

“She’s in the back fixing the tanks. I’ll take you to her.”

Ming unlocked the employees’ only door with her key card then beckoned Zuko to follow. The hallways were littered with supplies and pipes going every which way. Zuko squinted in the bright artificial light. It was a starch contrast from the low lights of the aquarium display room. Ming veered off and opened a side door.

“Ursa, Zuko’s here to see you!”

He stepped in and saw his mother screwing a large pipe back into place.

“Zuko? What wrong, dear? Did practice let out early?”

He didn’t want to tell her he was kicked off the team, so Zuko nodded instead.

“Okay. I got some tasks to finish up so feel free to wander around.” Ursa said as she kissed his head then headed out the door.

Zuko sighed heavily. He strolled through the maze of hallways looking for a door back to the main room. He should had asked for directions. Zuko hit his head hard while ducking in between some pipe lines. The sound echoed eerily through the abandoned halls. Zuko suddenly got the feeling that he was being watched.

He was probably just paranoid.

Zuko wandered into a different room this one filled with opened air tanks. He peaked over one and jumped back against a diving suit rack when a large sea turtle blew some saltwater on him. Zuko hung back up a suit he knocked down then took a closer look at the sea turtle. It stared back at him with curious eyes. Zuko felt a smile creep on his face.

The diving suit fell off the rack again. When he went to move it, the suit sprung to life and hoped into a different tank.

What the-

Zuko rushed over and peaked in to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. Instead, he was greeted by a girl with impossibly blue eyes. Zuko yelped as he tripped over his own feet and fell back. The girl laughed then leapt out of the tank and sprinted out the door.

“Hey wait!!!”

Zuko clumsily got back up and rushed after the girl, following the sound of her bare wet feet slapping against the floor. He caught her balancing on the edge of the whale tank before diving in.

“Hey!”

Zuko quickly descended the stairs to the lower level then pressed his face against the tank. The girl placed her hands where his rested against the glass and smiled widely at him. She wore a simple outfit consisting of a loose white t-shirt and blue jean shorts. Her dark brown hair floated around her like a halo and her blue eyes matched the ocean water perfectly.

“My name’s Katara. What’s yours?”

How was she talking underwater?

“I’m…” Zuko gapped, still not processing.

“I’m?”

“I’m…Z-Zu…ko…”

Katara beamed. She then shot upward impossibly fast and spread her arms apart.

“ZZZUUUKKKKOOOOOOOO!!!”

Katara glided effortless through the water, spinning and twirling, as the fish circled all around her. Zuko stared in complete awe.

It was like she was flying.

“A mermaid.” He whispered to himself.

“Not quite.” Ming walked up from behind him. “Katara and her sister were found washed to shore. They were raised by dugongs at sea and have to keep wet because their skin dries out faster than other humans. We’re keeping them here for research.”

“Is that legal?”

Ming made an eh sound and shrugged her shoulders. “It is government sanctioned but it’s best not to tell the public.”

Zuko continued to watch, not taking his eyes off Katara once. He suddenly flashed back to the last time he visited the aquarium. It was at this very tank when Zuko saw a massive humpback whale covered with glowing white stars giving it a ghostly appearance. He was so young but he stilled remembered the way his heart raced as it soared passed him.

Ursa called him, snapping Zuko out of his trance. She was going to drive him home since she had to work afterhours. Zuko gazed back at the tank but the mysterious girl had disappeared.

When they returned home, Zuko poured through his old marine life books about whales until early in the morning.

That night, he dreamt about stars, oceans, and eyes that held both.

Chapter Text

It’s hot today.

Zuko laid with his head on the desk, sweating through his shirt, as he rapidly bounced his leg up and down. Why did he even come to school today? Classes were over and he wasn’t allowed in practice anymore. What was the point?

He groaned dramatically before shooting up and pushing the desk. Zuko shoved all the desks away to release his frustration. He then laid in the center of the clearing. Zuko spread his arms apart copying what Katara did in the tank as the fish surrounded her. He stared at the ceiling imagining if it was a sky full of stars instead. He flashbacked to the ghost whale again this time swimming in an ocean made of stars.

He suddenly heard footsteps and raised his head as his heartrate sped up. The footsteps soon faded and Zuko felt the tension seep out of his muscles.

When did he start playing hide-n-sneak at school?

Zuko nearly dozed off when someone called his name causing him to almost jump out of his skin. He sat up and saw Katara wrapped in a dark blue blanket standing at the door.

“There you are. What are you doing on the ground?”

“Er…nothing. Wait, what are you doing at my school?”

“I came to get you. C’mon I want to show you something.”

She jogged away leaving Zuko scrambling over desks to catch up with her. Zuko found her laying in a water trough right outside the building and remembered what Ming said about the sisters’ skin drying out easily. He suddenly felt dread creep in as he wondered what kind of experiments they were performing.

“Are… are you okay?”

“Yeah, this will only take a moment.”

“No I mean, you’re not being torture at the aquarium, are you? Ming said they were running experiments and doing research that wasn’t exactly ‘legal’. And then you just randomly showed up at my school not that I mind… uh what I mean to say is, y-you can talk to me if you’re in trouble or being held here against your will. I can help!”

Katara sat up. She had a far away look on her face before answering.

“I’m not being tortured or anything. The people at the aquarium are really nice. They just want to make sure my sister and I are alright since we’ve been in the sea so long.”

“Oh. That’s good…”

Zuko wanted to smack himself. He felt so stupid.

Katara got out of the water trough and wrapped the blanket back around her to seal in the moisture.

“Thanks for your concern though.” She smiled warmly.

Zuko awkwardly scratched the back of his neck as his cheeks heated up. What was wrong with him? He didn’t act this way around Mai during the brief period they dated.

“You… wanted to show me something?”

“Oh yes! But it’s not till tonight. I thought we could hang out until then.”

“…Hang out?”

“Or is it hung around?” Katara tapped her chin. “I’m still learning the phrases. It’s just my sister’s still in the hospital and there’s no one my age at the aquarium so…”

“Yes!”

Katara jumped and looked at Zuko in surprise.

“I mean uh… you did use that phrase correctly. And I guess I can show you around town while we wait.”

Katara blinked a couple of times before grinning at him.

“Great!”

~*~

The two left the school campus together as Zuko pondered what he could show Katara. Besides visiting the aquarium, there wasn’t much to do in this small coastal town. He tried to think what he did in his spare time before the accident. Play basketball. Go to the movies. Race Azula.

Azula…

“Zuko look!” Katara tugged his arm and pointed at a vendor. “It’s the sweet snow!”

He studied the vendor before realizing what she was talking about.

“Ice cream?”

Katara nodded excitedly and told him that she tasted it at the aquarium once. Zuko offered to buy her a cone.

“Oh no I couldn’t.”

“I don’t mind. Just think of it as part of the tour. Besides it will help keep you cool.”

Katara eventually agreed. She gawked at all the different flavors assuming they only had white sweet snow like aquarium. After much pondering and taste testing, Katara settled on blueberry while Zuko chose mango.

They continued to roam around town while eating their ice cream. Soon Katara needed to rehydrate her skin again which gave Zuko an idea. He guided her to a creek under a bridge which was his old hang out place. It had a beautiful view of the ocean where the creek emptied out but that wasn’t the best part.

“What are these little birds?” Katara asked curiously as she soaked in the water.

“Ducks. I think they have a nest around here.”

The ducks swam up to Katara inspecting her for food.

“They’re so cute!”

“They must really like you. They usually don’t swim up to people like that.”

Katara looked like she was going to say something but opted against it. Instead, she took a deep breath and submerged herself completely underwater. Zuko stuck his legs in the creek as he watched her.

This girl was definitely a mermaid.

~*~

Dusk came sooner than either of them expected. Katara led Zuko to a small cluster of rocks that stretched out into the ocean while eagerly watching the night sky. She seemed to come more alive as evening approached and the sun slipped below the horizon.

“Katara it’s getting kind of late. I’ll have to go home soon.”

His mom was still working late hours, but Ozai definitely would have noticed he wasn’t back yet. If Zuko stayed out too long, he wouldn’t be able to use practice going into overtime as an excuse.

“Hold on. It’ll be here any second.”

Katara continued to watch the stars. Zuko admitted it was quite beautiful. The night sky was clear and it seemed like they could see miles and miles into space.

Something caught his eye. A small white speck twinkling in the distance. It grew bigger as it was hurled across the sky leaving a shining trail of rainbow lights sparkling in the distance.

Zuko stood mouth fully agape. His heart was suddenly filled with an indescribable warmth.

“Did you see that?!” He exclaimed as the light faded out. “It was amazing! What was it?! A star? A meteor?”

“I don’t know. It always shows up before the Birthing Festival.” Katara turned and smiled softly at him. “I thought you might like it.”

“Incredible.”

Zuko smiled so much that his cheeks hurt. At this point, he didn’t care that he’ll get in trouble for breaking curfew. He was happy. Something he had not felt long long time.

“Thank you Katara.”

Chapter Text

“Zuko where were you last night?! Why didn’t you tell me you got kicked off the team?!”

Zuko bit his lip as he hastily tied on his shoes. He managed to sneak in last night without hearing an earful from his father. Clearly, he had no such luck this morning.

“Look at me while I’m talking to you, boy!”

Zuko continued to ignore him as he grabbed his bag practically ran out the door.

“Zuko!!!”

He growled under his breath as his ears still rung from Ozai’s booming voice. What so he’s dead to the world when Zuko actually needed him but only wakes up to scold him?! A voice in the back on his mind told him that he was being unfair. That only made him angrier. Zuko sent a rock flying down the street before taking a deep breath to calm himself. He was going to see Katara today and didn’t want his sour mood to ruin things.

Ming greeted him at the front and unlocked the employee’s door for him. She told him not to keep Katara out late again since she technically wasn’t supposed to leave the building.

He wandered around the back halls before realizing he was lost again. Zuko somehow ended up in the office wing. He highly doubted Katara would be hanging around here. He was about to leave when he saw his uncle’s office room. Maybe he could give him directions.

Zuko stuck his head through the door and saw his cousin, Lu Ten, working on a complicated machine that looked like it was used for recording. Zuko was about to get his attention when Lu Ten flipped a switch that played a whale song.

A huge wave crashed over Zuko. The song echoed from deep within him vibrating every fiber of his being. He saw the ghost whale again, swimming in a glittering ocean surrounded by hundreds of different sea life. They all sang along to this enchanting, eerily familiar song.

The vision ended as soon as it came. Zuko grabbed the door frame to keep from falling.

“Oh, hey Zu. What’s wrong?”

Zuko stared at his cousin in shock. That vision felt so much more realistic than the others. How could he possibly explain it to Lu Ten without sounding like a lunatic?!

“T-That song…”

“Yeah, weird whale song, right? Each whale has their own unique song. It’s how they communicate since sound travels a lot farer in water than air. I’ve never heard this one until recently but now it’s all they’ve been repeating. It’s like the whole ocean is singing this song.”

Zuko thought about the strange comet or whatever it was he saw last night. Maybe that had something to do with this song? But again, how was he supposed to explain that to Lu Ten?

‘Hey coz, last night a mermaid girl showed me a rainbow star that fell out of the sky. Maybe that’s why the fish are acting weird!’

Stupid.

“You’re here looking for Katara aren’t you?”

“Um…”

“Thought so. I heard about your cute little date yesterday.”

“That wasn’t a date!!! We were just hanging out!”

“Sure.” Lu Ten smirked as he watched his little cousin’s cheeks turn bright red. “C’mon Zu, I’ll take you to her.”

~*~

“I take it that you and Mai called quits.” Lu Ten said after a brief moment as they made their way through the winding halls.

“Yeah. I’m sure Uncle will be glad to hear. He never liked Mai.”

“Hmm.”

“Besides, a relationship between two depressed people wasn’t meant to last.”

“Zuko- “

“That was a joke.”

“If you ever want to talk- “

“I’m fine!”

Lu Ten gave him a concerned look before sighing deeply. His cousin was a horrible liar but Lu Ten couldn’t help him until he was ready to receive it.

They soon reached the whale tank Zuko visited yesterday. He saw Katara sitting in the corner with her head against her knees. Her hair floated around her with a mind of its own. Zuko’s heart sunk seeing her like this. Did she lie about the experiments and not being in danger?

Lu Ten gently knocked against the tank. Katara lifted her head and smile when she saw them. She swam towards them then placed her hands against the glass. Zuko put his hands against hers.

“You came back!”

“Hey Katara. Are you alright?”

“Wait, I’ll come up. Then we’ll talk.”

She shot up to the top with a trail of fish following her.

“How does she speak underwater?” Zuko asked quietly. That question had been nagging him for a while.

“What are you talking about? She didn’t say anything.”

“Yeah, she did. Just now she told me she was coming up to talk.”

Was Lu Ten messing with him again? Zuko glanced at his cousin but his genuinely confused expression told him something different. Zuko’s train of thought was interrupted when Katara came downstairs to meet them. Lu Ten excused himself and casually mentioned that the door to the docks was unlocked if they wanted fresh air.

~*~

The two sat at the edge of the dock with their legs dangling in the water.

“Katara are- “

“Do you believe in ghosts? Or soulmates?” she asked suddenly.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Do you?”

Zuko looked at the boats bopping up and down on the ocean before closing his eyes to gathered his thoughts. If anyone would understand and not call him crazy, it would be Katara.

“Recently, I’ve been having visions of this… ghost whale. It’s like the whale made out of stars or something. I saw it again today when my cousin played back this whale song. It felt so real…”

“You saw her.”

Zuko opened his eyes and found Katara staring intensely back at him.

“Her? Who- “

“What’s your earliest memory?”

“I don’t know!” An image of his father carrying him on his back flashed in his mind. Zuko quickly pushed it away. “Katara what’s going on? What’s with all these weird questions?!”

“I… it’s nothing. Forget it.”

“No, it’s not nothing! Does this have to do with why you looked so sad in the whale tank? Katara please, you can trust me.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she furiously blinked them away.

“Katara…”

“I’m dying.”

Zuko heart stopped.

“What?”

“The… The doctors said because I was in the ocean for so long my lifespan is shorter. And they won’t let me see Yue. I-I think she might… She promised she wouldn’t leave me this time! She promised…”

Katara was crying.

Zuko felt terrible for her. He was never good with comforting people and didn’t know what to do. She was dying and her sister may already be dead. A sharp pain shot through Zuko’s chest and tears began to well up in his own eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Katara. That’s something we have in common.”

Katara wiped her tears and looked at him surprised.

“What do you mean?”

“My sister, Azula, she… my dad took us for a drive one day. We got into a pretty bad car accident.” His fingers involuntarily brushed the large scar on his face. “It was touch and go for the both of us for a while but she…”

Zuko paused and took a deep breath to try to stop his wavering voice. It was the first time Zuko’s talked directly about Azula’s death in months.

“W-What I’m trying to say is… I understand. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Tears streamed down his face as he felt Katara hug him and sob against his chest. He tensed at first, before hesitantly wrapped his arms around her.

They stayed that way for a long time.

Chapter Text

It was already sunset by the time Zuko made it to the beach. He closed his eyes and listened to the waves crash against his bare feet. The past week had flown by as he spent more and more time with Katara. They didn’t do anything in particular which was the beauty of it. Zuko had never met anyone he could let his guard down just be himself with.

He heard a small chiming sound as the waves washed back into the ocean. Zuko opened his eyes and saw someone sitting on a rock a few meters away from him. The person was wrapped in a blue blanket and had long white hair that was flowing in the breeze. She was a bit paler than Katara and had blue eyes that resembled the sky on a clear day.

Yue.

Did Katara know she left the hospital? Is that why she wasn’t at the aquarium today?

Zuko approached her but Yue spoke before he could ask his questions.

“It’s pretty special that you can hear the sand receding back to the water. Most people can’t.” She looked at him with a knowing smile. “It’s good to see you again, Zuko.”

Zuko frowned.

“Have we met before?”

“Not in this universe.”

He cocked his head to the side. Normally Zuko would had written it off as hippy nonsense and given a sarcastic response but it has been a very strange summer. The girl does seem vaguely familiar.

“Does Katara know you’re here?”

“Not yet. Why were you hoping to meet her here?”

“I… she wasn’t at the aquarium today so I thought she was finally allowed to visit you in the hospital.”

“I see.” Yue stood and wrapped the blanket tighter around her thin frame. “I’m heading back now.”

“I can walk you if you like.”

“No thanks. Not to seem rude but last time we met you was hurling fire at my face.”

“W-WHAT?!”

Yue sighed and told him not to worry about it. Zuko sat down on the rock and watched her leave.

What a strange girl.

~*~

The next day, Zuko went back to the aquarium and saw Katara and Yue excitedly talking to one another. They seemed so happy to be reunited. Zuko was glad for them but also felt a prick of sadness as he thought about Azula. He excused himself to give the sisters some privacy and wandered the back halls. After a week, he finally learned his way around the place.

“Right this way, Mr. Sozin.” an employee said from another room.

Zuko froze and hissed under his breath.

What was he doing here?!

Zuko silently backed away from the door leading to the main floor then sprinted back to the whale tank where Katara and Yue were.

“Let’s go.” He said as he grabbed Katara’s hand.

“Why what’s wrong?”

“My father’s here. He can be… disagreeable.”

Katara and Yue exchanged a glance.

“This way.” Yue opened an exit door.

It led to a different section of the docks where an unattended boat sat. The three hopped on and Katara began fiddling with the controls.

“Does this thing even work?” Zuko asked mostly to himself.

His question was answered as the motor roar to life. Katara eased the boat forward out of the docks into the open sea. Yue stood at the bow of the ship breathing in the salty air as Zuko stayed in the cockpit with Katara. He watched the town grow smaller and smaller in the distance.

“I didn’t know you knew how to drive a boat.”

“I don’t.”

“WHAT?!”

“I just pressed buttons and it moved.”

“Katara!!!”

It was one thing to sneak out of the aquarium. But stealing a boat for a joyride was another whole level! His parents were going to kill him!

“Calm down. We’ll be fine.”

Zuko bit his lip. They were in so much trouble. But it was such a nice day out and he had not been out at sea in a long while. He was beginning to enjoy himself when the engine stuttered and died as the boat slowed down.

“And now we’re stranded. Great.”

“You could have told me to turn back at any time.” Katara gave him a smug look. “Admit it, you're having fun out here.”

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose and groan as Katara left the cockpit to inspect the engine. He messed with the radio as Yue and Katara lifted the hood to the engine. Black smoke poured out of it causing the girls to have a coughing fit.

“Uh Zuko.” Yue called out. “I don’t suppose you know how to fix this do you?”

Zuko tsked. “I don’t even know how to use the coffee maker.”

“What’s coffee?” Yue asked.

Katara shrugged.

Zuko continued to mess with the radio as he swore under his breath. He really should have paid attention when Uncle showed him how to use it once. He couldn’t get anything but static. Suddenly he heard splashing all around the boat. Zuko looked up and saw dozens of flying fish and dolphins leaping out of the water as they swam by.

What the-

Zuko raced to the deck where Yue already discarded her blanket and jumped in.

“What’s going on?!”

“Can you swim?” Katara asked excitedly.

“Yes but- “

“C’mon!”

She dove off the side of the boat without hesitation.

“Wait!”

Zuko grabbed a snorkeling mask that was lying on the deck and hastily strapped it on. He then grabbed the rope that was attached to the boat and peered over the edge. Huge spotted whales swam right under him.

This was crazy.

Zuko jumped in while clutching the rope. The current pushed him backwards knocking the snorkel mask off. He held on to the rope for dear life as he drifted farer and farer away from the boat. Zuko could feel the large animals glide pass him kicking up more currents as they swam. Then he heard it.

The whale song.

It was so much clearer than the recording. The song echoed all around him as he felt the vibrations of the whales singing along. Lu Ten was right. It was as if the whole ocean was singing this song. Zuko hesitantly cracked his eyes opened, expecting the salt water to burn. It did for a second then he got used to it.

Zuko was in awe. It was a completely different world. The whales effortlessly soared around him making him feel like a small leave caught in the wind. He was so enamored that he lost his grip on to the rope. He was tossed around as he plunged deeper into the ocean. Zuko panicked as he struggled to regain control of his limbs. What if one of the whales hit him?! And where were Katara and Yue?!

He was suddenly jerked upward and dragged onto the boat. Once on deck, Zuko coughed up seawater and gagged for air.

“You said you could swim.” Katara said as she patted his back.

“I can. Just not in the middle of a freaking whale pod!!!”

“He’s not ready.” Yue whispered firmly.

“Not yet. Just give him some time.”

“We don’t have much longer. The Birthing Festival will be here soon.”

Zuko wanted to ask what they were whispering about but he was too busy hacking up his lungs. He felt lightheaded and dizzy from the ordeal and his ears rang from the whale song. Zuko groaned and leaned against the side of the boat.

“Better?” Katara asked in concern.

Zuko nodded and noticed Yue giving them an almost sad look.

“I need to check on something. Don’t wait up.” She said before diving back into the water.

“Yue!” Katara climbed onto the railing telling Zuko she was sorry before he caught her arm.

“Katara wait! Please just tell me what’s going on. What’s with the whales and the song and this 'Birthing Festival'? And what am I not ready for?!”

Katara looked at the ocean then back at him.

“I will… but just not right now. You’re going to have to trust me.”

Zuko sighed deeply and let go. He didn’t like being left in the dark but he didn’t want to intrude on her either.

“Okay. I trust you.”

Katara gave him a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Thanks, Zuko.”

She then disappeared under the waves.

~*~

“You’re in so much trouble, boy! You better be grateful a passing boat picked you up when they did!”

Zuko groaned as he dried his hair with a towel. His mother was off campus for the day which meant Ozai was the first to hear about their little boat misadventure. He just couldn’t catch a break today.

The banging on the door continued.

“Zuko open the door! NOW!”

Zuko yanked opened the door and saw his father scowling at him. He scrunched his nose as he smelled the beer on his father’s breath.

“WHAT?!”

“You stole aquarium property, got stranded at sea, then have the audacity to raise your voice at me?!” Ozai growled. “That was highly irresponsible!!!”

“What do you know about responsibility?” Zuko muttered.

“Excuse me?!”

“The accident was your fault in the first place! Ever since Azula died, you just sit around in your room and drink all day! The only time you actually talk to me is to yell at me for something I did wrong! You’re never there for me!!!”

Ozai was taken aback. He looked genuinely hurt but Zuko was unable to shut himself up.

“I know I’m not your favorite but you didn’t have to ice me out entirely!!!”

“Zuko- "

He ducked past Ozai, ran to his room, and slammed the door shut. He slid against the door to the floor and brought his knees to his chest.

There was a soft knock.

“Zuko…” Ozai said quietly. “Son… I…”

“Go away!”

There was moment of silence before Zuko heard footsteps slowly retreat down the hall.

He cried himself to sleep that night.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure about this, Iroh?” Ursa asked as she reread the data. “They’re still so young. It could just be malnutrition.”

“I’m afraid there’s no other way we can help them.” Iroh sighed deeply and took another sip from his tea. He had been observing Yue’s steadily declining condition for a while. Her sister would soon follow. Iroh had only seen something like this once. It looked like history was repeating itself.

“So what, do we just sit back and watch them die?! Surely there has to be a professional who can help somewhere!”

“Ursa, we both know what would happen if word got out about them. The girls would be coped up in a lab for the rest of their days. The government has already been suspicious of that meteor that fell a few weeks ago.”

Ursa pinched the bridge of her nose. She knew Iroh was right but it didn’t help the slightest. It just felt like she was giving up on a dying child. Again.

“All we can do is make their last moments enjoyable.”

Ursa looked up as a thought occurred to her.

“I have an idea.”

~*~

Zuko didn’t go straight to the aquarium. He needed time alone after the fight last night. He’d thought he’ll feel relief for voicing his feelings after holding them in for so long. He did in some way. But he mostly felt like absolute crap.

“This sucks.” Zuko sighed as he tossed a piece of bread to the ducks. They quacked happily for the free food. “Well, at least you’re having a good time.”

Zuko tossed more crumbs to them then gazed out at the horizon where the creek emptied into the ocean. He wondered if Katara and Yue ever returned to the aquarium after jumping off the boat.

His phone buzzed startling Zuko for a second. It was a text from his mom telling him to come home soon and that he wasn’t in trouble. Zuko groaned. She found out about the fight somehow. He thought she was done meddling in Ozai’s and his relationship, opting to burry herself with work instead, but it looked like she was back on it.

Zuko stayed at the creek for another hour before heading to the aquarium. Ming told him Katara and Yue had returned but they were not here because Ursa took them somewhere. He assumed it was back to the hospital for more tests. He hoped they were okay.

He wandered town a bit, ignoring the messages from his mom, before finally returning home a few minutes before dusk. He saw his father sitting on the front porch with a beer in hand.

“You took your sweet time.”

Before Zuko could respond, the door swung opened.

“Zuko, there you are! Didn’t you get my messages?” Ursa fussed as she dragged him inside. “Your yukata is on your bed. Hurry and put it on so you’re not late.”

“Late for what?!”

Surely she wasn’t talking about the Summer Solace Festival. He had not attended it in years. He usually skipped it to hang out on the beach with Azula and her friends.

Zuko begrudgingly put the bright red yukata on then tied his hair into a topknot. He’ll go to the festival for about 10 minutes then probably go to the movies or something. Zuko considered putting on normal clothes underneath before Ursa yelled at him to hurry up again.

“There he is!” Ursa exclaimed as Zuko walked out his room.

“Mom- “

He stopped short when he saw Yue and Katara dressed in yukatas with their hair up also.

“Surprise! Mrs. Sozin took us shopping!” Yue smiled.

She wore a pale blue yukata with moon phases on it while Katara wore a darker blue one with ocean waves. The girls laughed at Zuko’s stunned expression. After several photos, Ursa shooed them out the house.

“Bye Mr. Sozin.” Yue waved as the trio walked out the house.

Ozai waved back then asked Zuko if he brought protection.

“DAD!”

“What? You said you wanted me to be more involved in your life.”

“We’ll take care of him.” Katara said reassuringly. “I know we don’t look it but we’re pretty strong.”

“And these hairpins can double as weapons.” Yue added.

“OKAY!” Zuko grabbed both of their hands and dragged them away. “WE’RE LEAVING NOW!!!”

“Zuko why are you so embarrassed? Your father was just looking out for you.” Yue asked curiously.

“Please don’t talk about it…”

~*~

It was a short walk to the festival grounds. The lanterns shone brightly as they danced in the breeze. It felt like the whole town came. There were many activities like yo-yo fishing and goldfish scooping. Zuko and Katara followed Yue through the grounds as she excitedly bounced from booth to booth. It was nice to see her so lively since she was so reserved around Zuko during the brief time he knew her.

“Zuko, you have to try this!” Yue shoved a cone of cotton candy in his face. The candy got caught in his hair and he had a hard time pulling it out causing all three of them to laugh.

“I don’t think pink’s your color.” Katara teased.

“I don’t think it’s yours either.” Zuko pointed at the strawberry shaved ice staining her mouth and dress.

“Oh, would you like more so you two can match?” Yue picked up a cup and flicked the ice at him.

“Hey!”

A game of chase broke out as the teenagers pelted each other with shaved ice. Katara stopped short in front of a booth selling assorted jewelry and trinkets. Zuko almost doused her in lemon shaved ice before he noticed her longful gaze. She was completely transfixed on a dark blue choker necklace with a cerulean stone on it.

“Pretty necklace.” Zuko said as he stood beside her. Katara didn’t respond.

“Ka- “

A large scoop of shaved ice landed right on Zuko’s cheek.

“Whoops.” Yue giggled.

Katara snapped out of her trance and let out a light hearted laugh.

“Oh, haha very funny.” Zuko used his sleeve to wipe away the ice then scooped up a big chunk from his bowl. “C’mon Katara, I think Yue needs to be taught a lesson!”

Zuko lowered his spoon when he noticed Yue’s expression shift. It looked like she and Katara were having a mental conversation before she spoke again.

“Actually, I don’t want to ruin my dress anymore.” Yue said softly.

“Oh. Okay.” Zuko awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, we can just walk around then.”

The girls went on ahead while Zuko remained at the booth a little longer. He looked at the necklace Katara was eyeing as the cogs in his brain turned. Soon, the cashier drifted over to his side of the booth and asked if he needed anything.

“How much for the blue necklace?”

~*~

The rest of the night went by quickly. All the while Zuko worried if he did something wrong. Katara’s mood had seemly dropped out of no where and he felt guilty although he knew it wasn’t his fault. He walked the girls back to the aquarium while messing with the necklace in his pocket.

“I heard they’re doing the fireworks soon. You two should check it out.” Yue said casually.

“Yue- “

“Go on without me. I’m really tired. Goodnight!”

She quickly closed the side door, leaving Zuko and Katara stunned for a moment.

“You don’t have to… I mean if you don’t want- “Zuko stammered.

“No! I mean uh… “Katara looked away and hugged herself. “We should talk.”

They sat at the edge of the docks behind the aquarium and watched the festival lights shine in the distance.

“Zuko, remember on the boat I told you that I would tell you everything? Well… it’s… you see…” Katara sighed. “This is really hard to put into words.”

Zuko felt dread well up in his stomach.

“Take your time. There’s no rush.” He said gently.

“I just thought I’d be fine and could wait until the Birthing Festival but then I saw that necklace and it reminded me of my mother’s and everything came crashing back and…”

“Are you homesick?”

“Yeah. I really miss my family.” Katara touched her bare neck then looked him in the eyes. “And my loved ones.”

Zuko’s heart sped up.

“I’m sorry.” He pulled out the necklace from his pocket. “I know it’s not your mother’s but…”

Katara gasped softly as tears formed in her eyes.

“Zuko…”

“M-May I?”

Katara turned so her back was facing him and brushed her long hair to the side. Zuko fastened the necklace on her. This felt so familiar. So natural. So… right. Katara looked up at him with intense burning eyes.

“Thank you…” she whispered.

“You’re welcome.” He murmured.

They lean in closer and closer, lips inches away from touching.

Fireworks loudly erupted in the distance startling both of them. They awkwardly scooted away from each other while blushing furiously now that the intimate moment was over.

“S-So those are fireworks? Pretty.” Katara stammered.

“Yeah. Sparkly.”

Zuko screamed on the inside as his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. What did he just do?! Zuko stole a side glance at Katara who was looking at him out of the corner of her eye also. She out a breathy laugh earning a shy smile from Zuko.

Whatever happened between them, he knew without a doubt Katara felt the same way.

Chapter Text

The storm raged furiously outside destroying everything in its path. Zuko pressed onward, soaked to the bone, as his flimsy umbrella did nothing to protect him from the elements. In the distance, he heard the whale song calling out to him. It thrummed with the thunder creating an eerie powerful harmony like whole ocean was falling from the sky.

Zuko kept going. His mother texted him that morning saying the girls were missing again. That couldn’t be. He personally saw them to the aquarium the other night. With the marine life acting strange and typhoon closing in, the staff barely had any time to look for the sisters. So Zuko took it upon himself to find them.

He saw a crowd gathered by the beach. Zuko pushed through to get a better look hoping it wasn’t one of his friends washed to shore. Instead, he saw dozens, maybe even hundreds, of bizarre fish lining the beach. There was also a large fish lying limply against the rocks surrounded by scientists recording it. Zuko caught a glimpse of long dark brown hair under a poncho and recognized her immediately.

“Mom, what happened?”

“We don’t know. They just showed up overnight. First the aquarium animals’ erratic behavior now this.” Ursa pointed to the massive dead creature before them. “This is a megamouth shark. And those fish on the beach are ribbon fish. They’re all deep sea creatures. I have no idea how they ended up at the surface.”

Zuko bit his lip. Something wasn’t right. He needed to find the sisters fast. As Zuko left, he heard his mother telling him to go home because of the incoming typhoon. He couldn’t just yet. Zuko kept trudging along the beach. The wind died down for a moment and he could finally relax his tensed muscles. In the distance, Zuko saw a something on the sand.

His heart lurched.

Abandoning his umbrella, Zuko ran full speed towards them. His fear came true when he saw it was Katara lying motionlessly on the ground. Zuko checked her pulse. She was alive but wasn’t breathing.

No. No. No.

He needed to act now! Zuko checked his pockets only to discovered he left his phone at home. Should he run to town? Should he try CPR? Zuko clutched his head as he let out a string of curses.

“Screw it.”

Zuko placed his hands over Katara abdomen and did the chest compressions while panically muttering the lyrics to Stayin’ Alive. Was it 30 beats or 50?

Crap. Crap. Crap!

He tilted Katara’s face upwards and opened her mouth. Zuko hesitated for a moment. This wasn’t how he wanted his first kiss with her to go. Was this consensual?

‘She’s dying idiot!’ his brain screamed. ‘Do something!!!’

Zuko closed his eyes, puckered his lips, and leaned forward.

“What are you doing?”

He opened his eyes and saw Katara staring at him with a bewildered expression. A beat passed before Zuko’s brain finally caught up with him. He screamed and shot back so fast he landed on his behind a couple of inches away.

“I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!”

“So, you tried to kiss me?!”

“NO! I WAS PERFORMING CPR! I’M NOT INTO THAT STUFF I SWEAR!!!”

Katara sighed heavily and clutched her head. She looked so much thinner.

“A-Are you okay?”

Katara looked up and saw the ribbon fish scattered across the beach. She shakily asked where Yue was.

“I don’t know. She disappeared last night.”

“I thought we had more time.” Katara whispered to herself.

“Katara- “

Zuko was cut off by Katara grabbing his arm and pulling him up.

“We need to hurry!”

She let him straight into the ocean. The water was freezing but they didn’t slow down. Zuko opened his eyes and saw Katara practically running on the seafloor. His heart thudded in his ear. Everything was in slow motion. Zuko couldn’t piece the whole puzzle together but he knew this was it. Their time together the past month was leading up to something big. Zuko wrapped his hand around her wrist, securing their grip.

He’ll follow her where ever she led.

~*~

The rain picked up again not that the two teenagers could get any more soaked. After emerging from the sea some distance away, they walked wearily hand in hand along the intersection. Zuko was exhausted and frozen to the bone. Katara wasn’t fairing any better.

A red and blue semi-truck stopped beside them and offered a lift. The teenagers piled in after a simple thank you and the truck took off down the road. Katara slumped down against him and fell asleep as Zuko stared out the window. The pelting rain and wind formed images of sea creatures swimming beside the truck. Zuko wasn’t sure if it was real or not.

He gently squeezed Katara’s hand. It was so small compared to his.

"I’ll protect you, Katara. I promise.”

~*~

Zuko wasn’t sure how much time passed. It was warm and sunny when the truck driver dropped them off.

“This way.”

Katara lead him into a forested area. The shade was a welcomed relief as they ran down an unmarked path. They soon reached the forest line that expanded into a beach and ocean below. There was a research boat resting on the water and tents on the sand. Zuko saw a girl sitting in the shallows with unmistakable white hair blowing in the wind.

“Yue!” Katara waved.

She turned and smiled at them as Katara ran down to embrace her. Zuko let go of her hand and watched them reunite.

“Took you two long enough.”

Zuko turned his head and saw his cousin sitting in the shade not far from him.

“Lu Ten?!”

“Dad said hi.” He mentioned casually. “And don’t worry about your parents. Told them you were on an official scientific life changing field trip.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Observational research. And sunbathing.” He stood and stretched. “Come onboard and change. You look like you just crawled out of the ocean.”

Zuko followed his cousin onto the small research vessel. He showered off then changed into some swimming trunks left out for him. Zuko went on deck and saw Katara and Yue in the ocean waving at him to jump in. Zuko did without a second thought.

The tropical water was cool and refreshing. Zuko hesitantly opened his eyes. There were coral reefs scattered around and colorful fish darting from one place to another. He saw Katara and Yue swimming just ahead of him with dugongs. It was incredible to watch. Zuko read about the large creatures but he’d never dreamed he’ll actually swim with one. Yue guided his hand to show where to stroke the gentle giant. The girls laughed as it nestled Zuko’s hair leaving it in a spiky mess. They spent the rest of the day exploring the bay and swimming with the sea creatures. It was nearly dusk when Lu Ten told them to catch dinner while they were breaking for air.

“On it!” Katara volunteered as she dove back down into the depths.

“You two, help me set up, please and thank you.”

“Last time he was left in the kitchen alone, he almost burned the boat down.” Zuko smirked.

“We better hurry, then.” Yue laughed.

“I heard that!”

Katara suddenly popped through to the surface with a plump lobster and wide smile.

“Excellent!” Lu Ten grinned. “Tonight, we dine like kings!”

~*~

Zuko laid on his back watching the stars with a small smile on his face and a stomach full of seafood. They had eaten dinner by campfire then spread out sleeping mats on the beach because it was too hot for all of them to stay in the small research boat overnight. Also, because the kitchen still smelled like the rice Lu Ten burned.

Spending all day in the water then camping all night under the stars was something Zuko had not done since the Ember Island trips. For a long while, his life was stuck in winter. Cold and dark. Buried under a frozen harsh exterior. But now it the ice had melted. Zuko was no longer existing just to exist. He laughed freely. He had friends again. He had a reason to go on.

It finally felt like summer.

He was awoken by soft moaning. Zuko shot up and saw Katara lying on top of her mat shivering and covered in sweat. He felt her forehead then flinched. It was burning up. Zuko wetted some napkins left over from dinner then placed them on her forehead. Katara still looked like she was in pain. Zuko glanced at the boat quietly bopping on the water and saw Yue standing at the shore’s end facing the ocean. Should he get Lu Ten? Katara continued to groan. He didn’t want to leave her while she in pain. Zuko gently took her hand and rubbed soothing circles on it as he tried to think of ways to comfort her.

He flashed back to a memory he thought he’d long forgotten. He was incredibly young as his father carried him on his back to the beach house after rescuing him from nearly drowning. Zuko remembered him singing softly to calm him down. It was so long ago…

Tears suddenly welled up in his eyes. Zuko swallowed the lump in his throat then began quietly singing.

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours I pray
To be only yours

I know now you're my only hope

Katara’s tensed body relaxed as her breathing evened. Zuko sighed in relief. It looked like she was going to be alright. He switched out the napkins then settled down beside her. It was dark and quiet as if the whole beach was asleep. After a while, Zuko joined Yue on the shore. He saw tiny sparkling things glowing in the water and wondered if it was another vison.

“Bioluminescence.” Yue said watching him. “They’re plankton that light up when they’re disturbed.”

She demonstrated by walking through the surf leaving a trail of light behind her.

“It’s like they glow not to be seen.” Zuko thought out loud.

“Glow not to be seen…” Yue repeated slowly. “Kind of defeats the point if you ask me.”

She looked at Katara soundly asleep further on the beach.

“Fever, I think. It’s gone down now.”

“It’s a metamorphosis. Her body is trying to adjust to living on land. The same thing already happened to me.”

Zuko nodded. That’s why she was in the hospital so long.

“Katara told me that you two…" he looked down, unable to say it out loud. "Don’t have much longer.”

“Yes. She’s right.”

Zuko swallowed hard. He didn't want it to be true. Zuko knew Yue didn’t want his pity but he couldn’t help but feel for them.

Yue held out her hand.

“Let me show you something.”

Zuko accepted and they plunged into the water. Yue extended her free arm and snapped her fingers. The entire ocean lit up with the glowing creatures.

“Go through the pockets of water to swim faster.” Yue said before she let go darted further ahead.

Zuko concentrated hard as he extended his senses all around him. He felt a slight shift of a current running through the ocean. Zuko entered it. He was carried forward at impossible speed catching up with Yue almost immediately. She smiled in approval then snapped her fingers again lighting the path before them. It was like swimming through a sea of stars. The fear and worries from earlier were momentarily swept away.

~*~

It was still night out but the first rays of morning were on the horizon when the two returned from their late swim.

“That was incredible!” Zuko said excitedly as he collapsed onto the sand.

“I knew you’d get the hang of it.” Yue chuckled as she sat beside him.

Zuko drew on the sand. “I never knew how intricate the ocean was. How each creature contributed to a much greater purpose of maintaining such a delicate balance. It’s like its own universe, you know? Ah, I’m rambling again.”

He looked up and saw Yue staring at him. Her long white hair fell loosely around her and had some of the bioluminescence creatures caught in it giving her an other worldly appearance.

“Yue?”

“Thanks for being there for Katara. I’ll be leaving sooner than expected.”

“Leaving? Like right now?” Zuko took in her thin frame that had gotten smaller since this morning. “Yue…”

She kissed him. It was so unexpected that Zuko was too surprised to move at first. He pushed her away when he felt something slide down his throat.

“Yue what the heck?! What did I just swallow?!”

“I'm sorry. It was the only way to pass on the meteor. I’m entrusting it you with now.”

“The rainbow star?”

“Remember what happened to me. You’ll need to do the same thing to Katara during the birthing festival.” Yue waded farer into the ocean. Her skin was turning into glowing water and melting into the ocean.

“Yue, wait! We can figure this out!" Zuko yelled desperately as he went into the water after her. "There has to be another way!!!”

Yue turned and smiled at him. A single shining tear slid down her cheek.

“Goodbye, Zuko.”

There was a loud explosion when her spirit left her body and shot across the ocean. Zuko screamed as he was thrown back from the force.

He did not wake up that morning.

Chapter Text

Zuko’s dreams were haunted by raging seas, swarming fish, exploding stars, and bright colorful lights. He was completely dazed when he finally woke up. The atmosphere had shifted. Everything felt…different.

He groggily sat up. His limbs were as heavy as lead and his brain was swimming. It felt like he was underwater and stars danced around his head. He clutched his stomach as his insides cramped up. Zuko groaned and laid back down on his bed.

Wait. How did he get to his bed? The last thing he remembered was standing on the beach with Yue before she...

Zuko swallowed hard. He wasn’t sure what happened or what that meteor she passed on him was doing to his body. Zuko shakily pushed himself off the bed ignoring how the room swayed. He made his way down the hall and smelled fresh food. That was strange in itself, considering how Ursa usually just brought home take out after work. Much to Zuko's surprise, he found his father in the kitchen cooking.

“You look like crap.” Ozai said without facing him.

“…What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” he scoffed. “Eat something. You’ve been asleep for a full day.”

“A full day?” Zuko repeated as he rubbed his aching stomach.

Eating was the last thing he wanted to do. Ozai wordlessly handed him a can of ginger ale.

“Um… thanks?”

Ozai didn’t answer as he returned his attention to the food on the stove.

“R-Right.” Zuko stood awkwardly at the door while messing with the soda lid. His father had not cook anything since before Azula died. “So… uh… are you… um… feeling better?”

“I wasn’t the one who got food poison during a camping trip and dragged home unconscious.”

“Yeah, food poison. That’s what it was. Definitely not because I swallowed a magical space rock or anything.”

Ozai turned and frowned at him. “Do I need to call an ambulance?”

“No! No. I’ll just…” Zuko gestured to the door he was backing up towards. “Thanks for the soda.”

“Don’t stay out all night again. Your mother worries.”

Zuko shuffled to the front porch and sipped on the soda. It settled the stomachaches but his mind still swam. Zuko wanted to sort out the conversation he just had with Ozai. He wanted to know if his father truly was getting better and not going to slip away again. But Zuko just couldn't focus. His mind bobbed up and down like the sea, scattering his thoughts in the waves. Zuko grunted. It was so frustrating! He needed to get to the bottom of this. He also needed check on Katara who was no doubt missing Yue.

If Katara was still alive that is.

‘No. Don’t think like that.’ Zuko chided himself. ‘She’s fine.’

Zuko threw the can into noticeably less full bag by the door then set off to the aquarium.

~*~

It was so hot out despite nearly being dusk.

The sun boiled Zuko alive as he slowly made his way down the street. His scar tugged at his face and he quickly became dehydrated. What was going on?! He only left the house a couple of minutes ago but it felt like he’d been walking for hours. He needed shade or something cool to press against his burning skin.

There was a flee market nearby. Zuko verged off the sidewalk towards it and took shelter under one of the canopies. He leaned against the counter feeling hazy and sluggish. All Zuko could think about was the unbearable heat slowly sucking all the moisture out of his body. People walked past him completely unbothered except for the couple of concerned looks thrown his way.

Zuko rubbed out the sweat leaking into his eyes. Maybe he should had eaten something after all. When Zuko reopened his eyes, he saw Katara standing a couple of feet away from him. She looked just as exhausted and had red rimmed eyes. Zuko swallowed hard. He knew the feeling all too well.

He straightened up as Katara approached him. They stared at each other for a moment as the crowds of people obliviously carried on. Katara placed her hands on Zuko’s shoulders. He wanted to comfort her but he felt too tired to move his heavy limbs. Katara looked like she understood. She silently pushed his forehead against hers.

As soon as they touched, Zuko was swept away by another vision of the ocean. It was much more vibrant than the other ones. He felt the waves of water wash other him and the thrumming of the whale song deep within his stomach. The ghost whale soar threw the waters, followed by all kinds of sea creatures as the heavens opened up and poured out stars. Amongst all of that, he saw Yue’s spirit riding on the ghost whale’s back.

Zuko gasped and broke away. He looked at the ocean in the distance then back to Katara who gave him an expecting look. Zuko nodded firmly.

He knew what he had to do.

Chapter Text

It had been a long hard day. Ursa’s usual habit of burying herself into her work did not work this time. There was nothing else the scientists could do for the animals except observe and take notes. Her interns were already covering that.

Ursa sighed wearily as she trudged home. Of all days for this to happen it had to be today. She did not stop by the usual fast food noodle place to order take out. Zuko was probably still asleep anyway and Ozai… well… she did not have high hopes. He still needed time.

They all did.

She took off her shoes toss them onto the porch then slipped into the kitchen fully prepared to steal some of Ozai’s beer to drink the night away when she stopped dead in her tracks. Ozai stood at the edge of the table that was cleaned and neatly set with smoked salmon and various side dishes. A pink cake decorated with cherries sat in the middle.

Ursa couldn’t breathe. She covered her mouth as tears slipped down her face.

Ozai’s gaze didn’t meet hers as he held her close.

“I’m sorry.” he whispered.

“It’s not your fault.” Ursa choked out when the sobbing lessened. “Azula would had loved this.”

“I meant for not being there for you or Zuko.” Ozai swallowed hard fighting his own tears. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Ursa repeated. “I haven’t been there either. I’m sorry.”

Ozai kissed her forehead and hugged her tighter as they grieved together. They stayed that way for a while.

“Is Zuko still asleep?” Ursa asked as she wiped away the tears. “He needs to be here too.”

“He went out.”

Ozai glanced out the window at the darkening sky. Dread settled in his stomach.

Where was his son?

~*~

It was dark by the time they reached the beach. The night sky soothed Zuko’s aching skin making him feel more alive and alert. Although his father’s warning about staying out late ranged in the back of his head, Zuko and Katara trekked forward hand in hand.

He recognized the direction they were heading. It was the cluster of rocks Katara took him to see the meteor at the beginning of summer. Marine life swam passed them some leaping and soaring above the waves.

“The Birthing Festival is about to start.” Katara looked at Zuko. “Ready?”

Zuko squeezed her hand. “Yes.”

They dove into the cold water teaming with life all heading one direction. Zuko let go of Katara’s hand as he looked for the pockets of water to swim through like Yue taught him. Katara stayed nearby racing through the water with fierce determination.

It was a starch difference from when Zuko first swam with a whale pod. This time, he flowed in sync with the massive creatures. Just up ahead, he saw Yue’s spirit, white and transparent like the waves, riding the ghost whale ahead of the pod.

“Yue!” Zuko called out.

He grabbed onto a whale’s fin as it raced forward. Zuko glanced to his right and saw Katara was gone. She was there a moment ago! He returned his attention to ghost whale as it dove down deeper. The marine life swam in a spiraling circle around it. Zuko let go of the whale fin and swam to the surface for air.

The night sky was completely blackened out. There no telling where the ocean ended and sky began. It felt like he was swimming in the void. Shivers ran up Zuko’s spine.

“Katara! Yue!”

The meteor inside his stomach throbbed and Zuko clutched his sides. He caught a glance of the ghost whale shining brightly below him as it rapidly swimming towards the surface. Ignoring the cramps, Zuko tried to swim out of the way. Much to his horror, the ghost whale’s mouth enclosed around him. Zuko caught one last look at the starless sky before descending into the depths. Air bubbles escaped his mouth as Zuko screamed. He kept pushing and fighting to break free of the current dragging him down to no avail.

Was this how it all ended?

At least he could finally see his sister again.

It’s been so long…

Something nuzzled his cheek. Zuko cracked open his good eye and saw a tiny blue seahorse floating near him. He gently cupped it wondering if it was swallowed up too. Zuko glanced around. The water was dark with deep sea fish swimming around. It looked nothing like what he expected the inside of a whale to be.

One of the creatures lunged at the seahorse. Zuko quickly kicked it away and brought the tiny fish closer to him as more deep sea creatures attacked. They swarmed around him, scratching and biting. Zuko growled in frustration as he fought to protect his companion.

Eventually, the creatures left. All that remained were deep sea vent creatures glowing white against the darkened waters. A large globin shark glided under him. Zuko marveled how life continued so far from the sun. Every sea creature’s memory was stored inside the ghost whale.

The seahorse swam around his face happily as Zuko let out a victorious grin. It swam downwards, beckoning Zuko to follow. The water became warmer and brighter until they swam through what looked like a small cave.

Zuko fell through onto some sort of gelatin sponge. He groaned as the stomach cramps morphed into agonizing pain. He had no idea where he was, what happened to the seahorse, or if he was even in water or not. His insides twisted into knots making Zuko nauseated and lightheaded before passed out from exhaustion.

~*~

Zuko didn’t know how long he was out or if he was even alive. He imagined lying on the bottom of the ocean with barnacles and algae slowing covering his body, reclaiming him to the sea. As his mind wandered, his subconscious took control and released buried memories.

He saw deep blue eyes.

They were lined with red markings and peaked from under a bamboo hat.

They sparkled in the light of a thousand glowing rocks.

They held fiery passion as they reflected streams of floating water.

It all came crashing down on him once Zuko realized why they were so achingly familiar. Those were Katara’s eyes.

Different faces. Different eras. But the soul remained the same.

A hand on Zuko’s forehead brought him back to the present.

“You got her here safely. Well done.”

Yue.

“Rest Zuko. Your part is over.”

“My… part…?”

“Yes, you got the meteor here safely. It has awakened now and will become the center of a new universe.”

“Universe?” Zuko tried to sit up but he couldn’t move.

“Keep your eyes closed for the next stage. You won’t be able to handle it.” Yue brushed the hair out of his face, whispered goodbye, then vanished.

Wait!

The world swirled around him, humming and alive. Something was happening. Zuko tried to move again but sleep was pulling him back under.

“What are you doing dum-dum?”

Zuko froze.

“A-Azula?! But you’re dead!”

“I’m aware.”

“...Am I dead?”

Zuko heard her snort.

“Not yet dum-dum. I know what you’re going to ask. How are we talking then?”

“How?”

“It’s the meteor. It connects memories and spirits together. Especially those who have strong bonds.”

Zuko swallowed. “I missed you, Lala.”

"I miss you too. And Dad and Mom." Azula let out a short breathy laugh. “Don’t do anything stupid, Zuzu.”

Zuko smiled.

He didn’t know how long he laid there after Azula’s spirit left. He thought hard as he processed the information. Out of all the memories the meteor gave him, those of Katara were strongest. Though Zuko was overjoyed to talk to his sister again, he needed to see Katara one more time.

Sleep continued to call for him. Deep down, Zuko knew if he gave in, he would miss his chance.

The whale song echoed all around as the walls and ground pulsed along with it. Zuko’s heart speed up. It was now or never.

He opened his eyes.

Chapter Text

Zuko did not simply see the universe.

He became it.

His body dissolved into millions of sparkling stars before his spirit shot upwards to the heavens. The stars flew in every direction lighting the darkness with hundreds of colors some which Zuko’s never seen before. A bright fire encased around him as Zuko continued to ascend.

Out of nowhere, Katara swam up to him and broke through the fire barrier. Patches of her skin became transparent as sparks from the flame hit them. Katara gave him a small sad smile before she reached into his chest and pulled out the meteor. Zuko gasped as his body rematerialized and the energy drained out of him into Katara. Zuko stared in horror. He suddenly remembered happened to Yue on the beach. Katara moved to swallow the meteor before Zuko grabbed it. He couldn’t let Katara meet the same fate as her sister!

They wrestled over the meteor, spinning out of control as the lights spiraled around them widely. Katara looked at him with wide frantic eyes. She grabbed the meteor with one hand at the same time Zuko did. The energy split in between them, freeing Katara enough for her upper half to reform.

“What are you doing?! I need to complete the Birthing Festival so the universe can remain balanced! Give it back!”

“No, I can’t let you do it! Especially after remembering our life together!”

Katara’s expression softened. “You remembered?”

“I remembered all of them! The vigilantes turned into spirits. The secret lovers from waring villages. The heroes that ended a 100 year war and lead a new era of peace.” Zuko’s voice cracked. “You knew this whole time!!!”

“I couldn’t bring myself to tell you! I’m sorry.” Tears poured out of her eyes. “I loved our time together in this universe no matter how short. But I have to complete my role.”

“I can’t lose you again!”

“Zuko, you never lost me to begin with. We’re always connected.”

Katara gently cupped the scarred side of his face. Zuko closed his eyes and leaned into her warm touch as tears escaped.

“We will meet again. I promise.”

They kissed passionately. Zuko swore the stars shined brighter as they embraced in the ocean of lights.

He slowly let go of the meteor. The energy returned to Katara filling her entire body with a dark matter as she ate the meteor. A deafening explosion sent shockwaves all around them as stars quickly filled the void in swirling and orbiting in strange patterns. Zuko grabbed Katara’s arm and held her close as they fell from the sky back into the ocean. Katara disappeared from his arms on impact. Zuko gasped and searched frantically.

Was she already gone?

“Katara!”

Just ahead, he saw fish swarming around Katara the way they did when he first met her at the aquarium. This time, her body was completely made out of stars and small universes that were quickly dissolving into the ocean. Fish scooped up the stray stars eating them like plankton. The only human feature left were her deep blue eyes that reflected the ocean.

“See you later, Zuko.”

Wait…

Time slowed as Zuko swam towards her.

Katara no.

Don’t go yet.

WAIT!

I want to be with you!!!

Zuko stretched out his arm and grabbed something hard just as she dissolved completely, her eyes being the last thing to leave. A bright light shot up from where Katara was straight into the sky, past the atmosphere and space itself. Zuko was knocked back from the force and floated to the surface.

He drifted on his back looking at the heavenly light and the stray stars slowly rose from the ocean to join it.

Zuko numbly watched them with an aching heart. He was exhausted and cold. Something dangled limply from his hand. Zuko lifted it up and saw it was Katara’s necklace. Tears slipped out blending into the ocean. Zuko closed his eyes and tenderly pressed the blue stone against his lips.

“See you later, Katara…”

~*~

Ursa steered the small boat while scanning the horizons. Iroh suggested they vender out there to look for Zuko since he was most likely with the sisters. He also went on about meteors and stars which Ursa had no idea what he was talking about. A bright light like she’d never seen before suddenly shot up from the oceans.

“I see him!” Ozai shouted.

He dove into the water as Ursa cut the motor and ran to the bow. She searched the waters, dreading the worst. She couldn’t lose another child!

“ZUKO!!!”

Ozai returned half dragging, half carrying, the barely conscience teenager. Ursa helped hoist him onto the boat then quickly checked him over for injuries before hugging him tightly. Ozai released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

“What were you doing out here? We were worried sick!” Ursa said frantically. “Where are the sisters?! Are they…?”

“Ursa.” Ozai placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

Ursa took a deep breath and looked back over the horizon. The bright light had faded leaving the early rays of dawn peeking through the clouds.

“I got him.”

Ozai gently took Zuko from Ursa’s arms so she could drive the boat back to shore. Ursa caressed Zuko’s face before returning to the cockpit.

As the boat sliced through the water, the sun grew higher. The atmosphere felt different, like it was the beginning of a new era.

Zuko stirred as he cracked open his eyes.

“…D-Dad?”

“I’m here Zuko.” Ozai wrapped a towel around the shivering boy. “I’m here.”

~*~

Zuko walked along the shoreline feeling Azula watching over him.

The air felt cooler with autumn on the horizon. School had already started and after patching things up with Chan, the coach let him back on the basketball team. These days, he played basketball more fun instead as a release. It was nice. Things were slowly getting better both at school and at home.

Different. But still better.

Zuko heard the sand returning to the sea and felt the sisters’ spirits nearby on the ocean breeze.

He lifted his arm that had Katara’s necklace tied around his wrist. It sparkled in the sunlight.

A small weary smile crept on his face.

They would meet again.