Chapter Text
Ozai settled down with a hot cup of tea as he watched the snowflakes quietly drift down. He was glad he went ahead and brought in the firewood last evening before the winter storm rolled in. Moments later, there was a knock at the door followed by excited whispering. Ozai chuckled, already knowing who it was. He sat aside his tea then opened the door.
“Hi Mr. Hong!” the Imiq siblings said at the same time.
“Hello Sokka and Katara.” Ozai said warmly as he let them inside. “Let me guess, you’re here for the pups?”
“Yep! It’s a snow day so it means we can stay all day!” Katara said excitedly. “Dad drove us up the road and we hiked the rest of the way here all by ourselves!”
“Impressive.”
“Dad also carved us some sleds!” Sokka pointed to the sleds he was trying to fit through the door.
“Sokka leave those outside! You’ll get the floor all dirty!”
He rolled his eyes but pushed them back out regardless. Ozai chuckled as he sat out more cups.
“Sledding you say?”
“Yeah! We’re going to teach Zuko and Azula how to race Water Tribe style!” Sokka posed dramatically.
“Are they still asleep?” Katara walked further in and looked around.
It was still early but the siblings wanted a head start so they’d have all day to play. She stopped short when she saw the three dragons curled up together on a pile of blankets and pillows in front of the fire place.
“Oh!” Katara gasped.
“What?” Sokka followed her. “Whoa!”
Katara shushed her brother. “They’re sleeping.”
“Hibernating actually.” Ozai ushered them to the kitchen table and poured them tea.
“Dragons hibernate?” Sokka asked. “Like bears?”
“Not exactly like bears but pretty similar. I was surprised too. They never did so when we lived in the Fire Nation so I suspect it’s the cold.”
“It’s not even that cold!” Sokka gasped.
“Yes it’s like Spring back home.” Katara agreed.
Ozai shook his head. “I’d never survive. I haven’t even seen snow until moving here.”
The siblings gaped at him. “What do you get in winter then?”
“Rain.” Ozai laughed at their shocked expressions.
“What do you do while they hibernate?” Katara asked.
“Tend to the house and wait for spring.”
The siblings exchanged sad glances.
“They don’t sleep the entire winter.” Ozai reassured them. “Zuko and Azula have more active days. We think they may grow out of it with time.”
“But you’re still alone most winter…” Sokka said quietly.
Ozai was silent for a moment. Winters were pretty rough, especially the first one up in the mountains. The solitude was similar to his childhood days spent home alone while his father and brother where out dragon hunting for months at a time. But that was not anything the children needed to hear. Before Ozai could come up with a reasonable response, Katara shot up.
“Spend the Spirit Lights festival with us!”
“Yeah you should come!”
Ozai blinked. “Spirit Lights?”
“It’s a Water Tribe holiday.” Katara explained. “At the beginning of each winter, the spirits of passed loved ones come to visit.”
“It’s actually the aurora borealis caused by charged particles colliding with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere.” Sokka interrupted.
“The point is!” Katara glared at her brother. “It’s a special time to spend with family and friends. No one’s supposed to be alone and since you’re our friend, you should spend it with us!”
Ozai hummed. “Well, if it’s okay with your parents.”
“They won’t mind. Mom’s been inviting people at the clinic but everyone has a different polite way to say no.” Sokka rolled his eyes.
Ozai sighed. “That’s Arrowwood for you.”
“So it’s settled.” Katara cheered. She then put her coat back on and headed towards the door. “C’mon Mr. Hong!”
“Is the celebration today?”
“No but I didn’t come all the way up here to not go sledding!”
“Oh yeah! I forgot about that.”
“How’d you forget when you insisted on pushing both sleds up here?”
Sokka made a face at her then tried to down his tea as quickly as possible. “Ah! Too hot!!!”
Katara rolled her eyes again. “So are you coming, Mr. Hong?”
Ozai swirled his tea around then thought why not. It’ll be a welcomed break from the mundane winter schedule.
“I’ll get my coat.”
~*~
Ozai stoked the fire then paused to massage his aching leg. Though sledding with the Imiq kids the a few days ago was a lot more fun than expected, in hindsight it probably wasn’t the best idea. Ozai wasn’t as young as he used to be and though his leg healed, it never fully recovered from the evil spirit attack. Still, Ozai couldn’t say he completely regretted the little snow excursion. Hopefully, Zuko and Azula could join in next year. Once Ozai finished with the fire, he caressed Ursa’s snout.
“The Imiqs invited me over for to celebrate a Water Tribe holiday. I’ll return in a few hours, okay?”
Ursa exhaled slowly, but didn’t wake. Ozai leaned over and kissed her forehead. The pups stirred and whined. Ozai rubbed their heads.
“I’ll be back soon. I promise.”
They woke up and whined again.
“You want to come too huh? Well if you are able to stay awake, I’ll bring the Imiqs over here for the celebration. How does that sound?”
They nodded, but the heavy sleep in their eyes said otherwise. Sure enough, Zuko drifted back to sleep seconds later. Azula shifted into human form with some strain then grabbed Ozai’s sleeve as she fought to stay awake.
“I wanna come to…”
“Blueberry, you know you can’t go into town.”
“But… I can talk… human now…”
“Yes, but it’s just to be safe. Besides, you can barely stay awake.”
“Can to… I did.. yesterday…”
Azula tried to stand but slumped down into Ozai’s arms.
“I think you should stay here.”
“Not… fair… I want… friends…”
Ozai swallowed the lump in his throat. “You will, someday. I’ll bring back gifts for you and Zuko so you two won’t feel left out, okay?”
Azula hummed. “Okay…”
Ozai laid her between Ursa and Zuko then wrapped a blanket around her.
“Stay warm. I’ll return soon.”
Ozai looked over his family once more before retrieving his coat and walking stick then headed out. Thankfully, the snow had lightened up some so he didn’t have as hard of a time making it to the main road. There sat Hakoda’s truck with the man standing by it waiting for him.
“Ready?” He grinned.
Ozai glanced back at the cabin then nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
~*~
It would be a lie to say Ozai wasn’t nervous. Despite being friends for months and coming over the to the Imiqs’ house numerous times, Ozai felt out of place. He wasn’t exactly social growing up. Turns out constantly ranting about both dragons and dragon hunting didn’t get you invited to parties.
Hakoda was still easygoing as ever with his terrible jokes and goodhearted teasing that eased Ozai’s nerves some. Apparently, his kids told him all about their sledding adventure which he found hilarious. It was nearing dusk by the time they arrived at the small house laughing about the whole matter. Kya, dressed in a fancy blue parka, greeted them warmly at the doorway.
“Thank you again for inviting me.”
“Nonsense! You’re part of the family now.” Kya waved them in. “I hope you’ve still been resting that leg.”
Ozai shared a nervous glance with Hakoda. “Absolutely.”
Kya narrowed her eyes suspiciously before the children ran in and saved them. They were also in traditional wear like their mother.
“Mr. Hong! You made it!”
“Did Azula and Zuko come to?”
Ozai shook his head. “No sorry. They’re still hibernating.”
“Hibernating?” Kya questioned.
“Like bears but not really.” Sokka answered. “More like raccoons and skunks who are less active in winter due to-”
“Yeah that’s great.” Katara interrupted as she grabbed Ozai’s hand and dragged him to the backyard. “Come see outside! We decorated it for the festival and even dug a fire pit!”
True to her word, the backyard area was converted to a true Southern Water Tribe campsite with seats surrounding the fire pit and instruments laid out. Katara explained the tradition of storytelling around the fire while waiting for the Spirit Lights to arrive. Ozai admitted it did sound fun.
Soon the festivities began. Kya gave Ozai a blanket made from seal skin to keep warm, which he greatly appreciated. Despite the bitter cold, he felt warm from the laughter and company.
“I wish Ursa and the pups were here to see this.” Ozai mentioned. “Maybe next year.”
“Oh! Oh!” Sokka waved his hand like he was in class. “I have an idea! What if we had another Spirit Lights festival in spring when they wake up!”
“That’s a wonderful idea, Sokka.” Hakoda said as Kya and Katara agreed. “What do you say, Ozai?”
He smiled. “They’ll love it.”
~*~
Iroh was at his wit’s end. Every time he’d nurse his father back to health, he would fall ill once again then brushed it off as nothing happened. Azulon didn’t have much time left. Iroh knew that. He was sure his father knew that also but didn’t care.
Well he did.
After Azulon fell asleep thanks to Iroh’s extra strong herbal tea, he bundled up and headed out to the Water Tribe healing clinic. Surely Kya could answer his questions.
Iroh shivered and coughed hard as the bitter wind hit him. The locals said it was only going to get worst. Agni, he’d never survive. After an eternity of trudging through the snow, Iroh finally made it to Healing Hands clinic. The was shocked to see it was closed. It could certainly be due to the awful weather.
“Closed for Spirit Lights Festival Observation.” Iroh read the sign on the door. “Spirit Lights?”
“Oh Mr. Mushi!” Kya leaned over the fence and waved. “Over here!”
Iroh carefully made his way over. He almost didn’t recognize her in the blue traditional parka lined with fur and beads.
“My son said he saw someone walk up to the front door and I figured it must have been you.” She said while struggling to open the gate. “I apologize. I don’t have the key on me. We’ll have to cut through the yard.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry to disturb you during your holiday.”
“It’s no problem. Let me guess, your father’s fever flared up again.”
“Unfortunately.” Iroh said grimly.
“I think I have the thing, but I would be able to treat him better if I could do an in-person visit.”
“Father is… particular about visitors.”
Kya hummed. They both knew what he was implying. Kya was disappointed but not surprised. The older generation was very stubborn and dead set in old ways. At least his son wasn’t like that.
“Ah, here we are!” Kya popped open the latched. “I’ve been getting on Hakoda about fixing this old thing for months. Please come in.”
“Thank you, Kya.”
In the yard were several bundled up figure huddled around a fire pit laughing and eating. Kya, being the ever diligent hostess, introduced them to Iroh. Her husband Hakoda, children Sokka and Katara, and family friend.
Mr. Hong.
He was just as bundled up as Iroh on top of being wrapped up in a gray fur blanket, but there was no mistaking those golden brown eyes and sharp features.
“Pleased to meet you.” He smiled politely.
Iroh coughed. “Likewise.”
Did he recognize him? Was he playing along to keep the peace?
“Please make yourself at home while I fetch the pills.” Kya guided Iroh to a seat close to the fire right beside him. “I’ll get something for that cough too.”
Iroh nodded his thanks. Katara followed her mother inside to help while Hakoda and Sokka continued the story. It was actually quite interesting. Iroh tried to lose himself in the story until he spoke.
“I take it this is your first winter as well.”
“Yes.” Iroh answered shortly.
“Fire Nation, right? The tea you made had a very unique flavor.”
What was he doing drinking his tea? Did he give it to his beasts as well? Iroh highly doubt they could even digest it.
“An old recipe from relatives there.”
“I thought so. It reminded me of my mother’s.” He spoke softer. “I thought I’d never had something like that again.”
Iroh’s heart twisted as spared him a glance. The man’s eyes harbored a familiar grief while he gazed into the fire. Iroh shivered as another gust of wind hit them. The man took off the blanket then wrapped it around Iroh.
“Here. I think you need this more than me.”
Iroh was too stunned to thank him. The boy he knew would never do such a thing for anyone. Now that he was uncovered, Iroh could get a better look. His eyes automatically landed on a long scar that ran across his left cheek.
Oh Agni…
“And that’s how Kuruk became the first ever Wolf Warrior!” Sokka exclaimed.
The adults applauded as Sokka bowed. Kya returned with the medicine.
“Here you are, Mr. Mushi.”
“Thank you.”
The little girl, Katara, jumped up and down excitedly. “Stay for my story, Mr. Mushi!”
“Seal pup, don’t force him. He just came to pick up medicine.”
“It’s quite alright. I can stay a bit longer.” Iroh said without thinking. He silently scolded himself for missing the perfect opportunity to leave without arousing to much suspicion. Katara cheered then began her tale.
One about Water Dragons.
Of course. Iroh nearly forgotten who he was with. He braced himself for ridiculous lies and blind worship, but the story was surprisingly emotional. Katara was quite the little storyteller. With her brother helping with props, she retold the ancient story of Water Dragons befriending the people of the Southern Water Tribe. It was eerily similar to the notes he found all those years ago. Iroh found himself tearing up at the end.
“Where did you hear this legend?” he asked.
“It’s no legend. It’s true! Gran-Gran told me! There used to be hundreds of water dragons before the Southern Raiders came and killed them all.”
Iroh’s breath hitched.
“It was a terrible horrible thing to do because dragons are cool and fun and don’t deserve to be hunted down just because some stupid people who don’t know anything think they can just barge in and-”
“Yes thank you, Katara.” Hakoda interrupted quickly while Sokka motioned at her to shut up.
She huffed and crossed her arms. “Well it’s true!”
“So Mr. Mushi, do you have any interesting stories you would like to share also?” Kya changed the subject.
Iroh traced the rim of his tea cup. “None come to mind, I’m afraid.”
“I have one.”
“Alright, let’s here it!” Hakoda clasped the man’s back.
As he took his place in front of the fire, Iroh noticed his limp and the way he favored a walking stick. Iroh’s heart twisted once again.
He told an old Fire Nation spirt tale about the Fire King Spirit falling in love with a human woman, despite their differences and the world frowning upon their relationship.
“Then Savita traveled to… I can’t remember where exactly.”
“The Mountain surrounded by eternal mist.” Iroh answered.
“That’s it! You heard this story before?”
Iroh gripped the blanket. “A long time ago. My mother used to tell it to me.”
“Mine’s too.”
He continued with Iroh filling in the gaps whenever his memory lagged.
“They then wed and had three children who became the sun, moon, and stars. Thus the world prospered in the Era of Balance and Peace their union brought.”
The Water Tribe family gave a standing ovation. Iroh found himself cheering along. It was soon time for the spirit lights to pass overhead. Hakoda had made a telescope to observe them with. As the children fought over who got to use it first, the man returned to his seat beside Iroh and gazed up at the sky.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Indeed.” Iroh agreed.
“Perhaps she will visit tonight.”
“Your mother?” Our mother.
“Yes.” He said quietly. “I don’t know how true the legends are, but it’s nice to think about. Almost as they’ve never left.”
“A beautiful thought indeed.” Iroh clutched his aching chest. “What I wouldn’t give to see my wife and son again.”
He closed his eyes. “I’m so sorry. I can’t possibly imagine.”
“No. You cannot.” Iroh snapped.
“Excuse me?”
Iroh glanced at the parents quelling their children not to far away then lowered his voice. “I’ve heard the rumors of you and your…demons.”
The man growled. “Think what you want, but I love my mate and children with all my heart. I know it’s not traditional, but I would do anything for them. Anything.” He brushed the scar on his cheek.
Iroh looked away as shame filled him. “I know.”
He rose and thanked Kya and Hakoda for their hospitality.
“Do you want to see the Spirit Lights first?” Kya asked.
“I’ll walk you.” Hakoda offered. “There could be black ice out.”
Iroh politely declined to both offers. He bowed then took his leave.
“Bye Mr. Mushi!” the Katara and Sokka waved.
“Goodbye children.”
He paused in front of the man who refused to look at him. Iroh wanted to say something, anything, but instead he left without another word. On the way out, Iroh overheard him speak to the others.
“I must leave as well. I promised Ursa and the pups I wouldn’t be long.”
“Of course. I’ll drive you.”
Iroh hardened as bitterness filled him with every step.
~*~
Only when Iroh walked into the motel room, did he realize he still had the fur blanket wrapped tightly around him. He sighed and shook off the snow. He would have to return it before father noticed. Iroh felt another wave of emotion as he recalled that man wrap the blanket around him. He had changed so much and was yet still the same.
They talked about mother. They told old spirit tales together. They were finally getting along after so so long.
Then he chose those demons over his own brother. Again.
But the scar and limp. The way he spoke so lovingly and protectively of them as only a husband and father could.
Azulon moaned. Iroh was by his side immediately, already opening the pill bottle.
“Father, hold on. I got-“
“Ilah…”
Iroh’s eyes watered. “Father it’s me. Your son, Iroh.”
“Ilah… I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to… please… Ilah…”
Tears ran down Iroh’s cheeks. “Here. Swallow this father.”
He gave Azulon the pills and brought water to his lips.
“I’m sorry Ilah… I’m so sorry…” He muttered over and over before drifting off.
Iroh slid to the floor and pulled the fur blanket around him again. If he had been a better brother, then none of this would have happened. His family wouldn’t have been so broken and lost. Iroh wiped his face. Even if what the Imiqs’ said about dragons were true, it changed nothing.
He was still alone.