"I wish I knew then what I know now. Wouldn't dive in, wouldn't bow down.
Gravity hurts. You made it so sweet till I woke up on, on the concrete." - Wide Awake, Katy Perry

The boat ride home had made the young Fire Lord exhausted. Worry ate at him. His mother continuously told him that everything would be fine, but doubt still presented itself in the back of his mind. He prayed to Agni that the waterbender would not wake up, feel unimaginable amounts of betrayal, and sink their ship. They were surrounded by her element, and he knew better than to underestimate what she could do. There was a fierce power inside of her, and if turned bitter, he did not want to imagine the destruction. Fortunately, the young woman did not rouse from her sleep and when they docked, he carried her bridal style to the carriage.

His mother lagged a bit behind him as he walked. Zuko had sent word ahead of their descent from Fire Fountain City to his uncle saying he had a wonderful surprise in store for him. He no doubt knew that his mother was nervous to be back in the Capital. She had told him that even if it had been years since stepping foot into the Fire Nation (prior to moving the abbey), she was mostly nervous to be back at the royal palace. Since he was older—and her ruler no less—she had confided in him on the journey home.

"Is everything all right?" he asked, looking behind his shoulder. He noticed the conflicted look on his mother's face. Realizing his question was directed toward her, it quickly vanished and she met him gaze with a smile.

"Yes, dear," she nodded. The slight breeze in the air blew her hair back as they walked. "I'm excited to see my old friend."

"And Azula?" he asked. He bounced Katara lightly in his arms to readjust his hold and her head lolled to the side and came to rest on his chest. She had a peaceful look on her face; he wondered what she was dreaming about. She had not stirred once he had found her.

Ursa smiled. "Don't fret, my son, I will visit my daughter."

A wave of relief ran through him and he nodded once before turning his attention back forward. Guards had met them at the dock, and flanked on either side of his small party. A few feet away sat a carriage that would take them to the palace. As much as he felt happy to be home, he knew that his vacation was officially over. He wished Katara was awake so they could make a bet on how fast they would make him get dressed in his proper attire and wear his crown. He gave a rueful sigh. It had been quite refreshing not to have to wear his five-pronged, golden Fire Lord crown. But he could not complain. He was the Fire Lord, the ruler of the Fire Nation, and rulers did not complain.

Stopping at the carriage, a guard bowed and opened the door for them. Zuko leaned inside and carefully placed Katara on one of the cushioned seats. Then he moved out of the way and held his hand for his mother, who smiled at the gesture as she climbed the one step into the carriage. Silently following her lead, he sat beside the slumbering waterbender and let out a deep breath upon hearing the door shut and the driver yelling for the kimono rhinos to start their journey.

He felt his mother's gaze studying him. He ran a hand through his freshly washed hair and sighed once more. They came to a bump in the road and Katara fell against his arm.

"Yes, mother?" he asked, looking up at her with tired eyes. Her lucid amber eyes continued to stare until Ursa's delicate mouth fell into a frown.

"You've just arrived back to your city and you're already tired." It wasn't a question.

He shook his head. "Actually, I'm tired from the constant worry that Katara's going to wake up and not be who you said she would be. I know you think it will be fine, but something is telling me otherwise."

"If that is the case, my boy, you will have to deal with the consequences. You and your friends have thought about this moment before, I'm sure."

"Yeah," he replied. "But we never decided on what we would do. I guess we thought it would never actually happen." He glanced to his right, Katara's brown locks obscuring her features. He could feel her partially parted lips lightly graze his covered arm. If he had been shirtless, he would have shuddered.

"Whatever is meant to be will work itself out eventually. This is a bridge you are going to have to cross, no matter how much you dread it, or how much pain it causes everyone."

He knew his mother meant well, but the simplicity of her advice made him crack a smile.

"I like your advice much better than Uncle's. I never know what he is saying."

"Iroh is still a wise man?" she asked. "Good."

"Yes," Zuko agreed. "I wouldn't be who I am, or where I am without his guidance. He has done so much for me and I will never be able to repay him."

"I don't think your uncle wants retribution. I think continuing to be who you are is payment enough. I don't have to be around to know that he is proud of you."

"I know," he breathed. "But I still want to. I've learned to play the tsungi horn, and I even accompany him to the gardens some afternoons when I am not busy for a game of Pai Sho."

Ursa surprised him by laughing. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand—trying to look apologetic—but failed when her laughter deepened. The Fire Lord frowned, crossing his arms, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm sorry, Zuko. That's…that's definitely enough. That is all the Iroh I knew every wanted in life. A pal to accompany him in his interests: music and Pai Sho."

"That doesn't make it any less embarrassing," Zuko muttered, looking at the red curtain that covered the small window. The carriage had slowly greatly, which to Zuko meant they had entered the upper ring. "We'll be there soon."

Ursa placed a hand on her son's knee. He was taken aback by the affection, but quickly relished in his mother's comforting touch. Beside him, Katara snuggled closer to his arm, but did not wake.

"Do you love her?"

His attention was on the Katara, but he answered her question without a moment's hesitation. Brushing the wavy tendrils from her face he said, "I'll never stop."

Zuko heard voices lightly chatting as he approached the archway that led into the dining room. He could identify his uncle's, but the female whisper escaped him. Confused and intrigued as to why his uncle was dining with a woman, he sped up his leisurely pace and nearly tripped over his own foot once he took in the sight.

Suki was sitting to Iroh's left and a brunette male with his head down, but with a wolf tail that Zuko would recognize anywhere, was seated next to her. He felt a smile form as both members of the party looked up, startled. Suki's smile widened as she waved, and Iroh silently gestured for him to take a seat.

"Ah, Lord Zuko, it is wonderful to see you. How was your trip home?" His uncle asked as he set cup in front of him and lifted the tea kettle to pour him a drink.

"It went well, Uncle. Thank you." he turned his attention to the auburn-haired woman who now had a slight bump showing. "It's nice to see you, Suki. What happened to your husband?"

Sokka slowly raised his head. He looked like he had gotten run over by an ostrich horse. Bags under his usual bright eyes, he slowly raised his arm and waved at Zuko. Suki giggled at her husband's state, and the water boy shot a glare in her direction.

"You would feel like this too if you didn't have an excuse."

"Our baby is not an excuse, Sokka." Suki hissed as she slapped his arm. Sokka groaned and pulled his arm out of her reach. Iroh chuckled as he took a sip of his tea, and Zuko couldn't help but join in.

"It's great to see you both. Sorry I wasn't here when you arrived."

"It's all right," Suki said. "Iroh said you had business. But to answer your question about Sokka, he had a bit too much to drink last night."

"That's what I thought," Zuko laughed. "But yes, I had…business on an island a few hours away. I did not return alone, though." At this statement, Iroh smiled.

"Ah, yes. How is Lady Katara?" Iroh asked, masking his amusement at the married couples shock.

"Katara? Katara is here?" Sokka asked. He shot up straight in his seat, his brows furrowing as he stared at the Fire Lord. Zuko simply nodded.

"Yes, Katara is here. She accompanied me to the island. That is not what I'm talking about, Uncle," Zuko turned his gaze to his mentor. It was Iroh's turn to be intrigued. "There is someone waiting for you in your office. If I were you, I wouldn't keep them waiting any longer."

A knowing smile spread across Zuko's lips and Iroh excused himself from the group. Laughing, they waved him off and Sokka's expression turned serious.

"What is Katara doing here?" He questioned. Suki looked interested, but knew the Fire Lord too well to badger him with questions. She always left that to her husband—unless he did not ask something she wanted to know.

"My uncle sent her a letter saying it was urgent she come to the palace. But in reality, he was meddling." Zuko sighed, raising a hand to run through his hair but thought better of it when he remembered his top knot and crown.

"Well, where is she?" Sokka pressed. He eyed the archway and quirked a brow.

"She's…sleeping."

"Katara…sleeping…in the middle of the afternoon." The warrior dead panned. Suki snickered.

Zuko closed his eyes, resting his head on his crossed forearms in front of him on the table. He took a deep breath—mentally counting to ten—and when he raised his head, his face was set in a serious mode.

"Katara and I found my mother," Zuko explained. Before either of his friends could get a word out, he continued. "She has a special healing ability. She restored Katara's memories. She says that she also retracted some so she will wake up as the girl we all knew, and think she has been living in the South Pole. But something tells me that that will not be the case."

The dining room was silent with a heavy tension for a few heartbeats. Sokka's face warped into too many emotions too quickly for Zuko to register. Suki's mouth was slightly agape and her eyes widened as she looked at her husband. Zuko internally groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sokka spoke.

"I want to see her. Keep an eye on her."

"Sokka, did you hear what Zuko said? We need to figure out what we are going to do." Suki urged, resting a hand on top of Sokka's tan one. Sokka let out a bitter laugh, looking between the two of them.

"What are we supposed to do? We don't know who she will be until she wakes up. I'd like to keep an eye on her to make sure she's alright."

"I carried her to the infirmary. I told our physician to check her over."

"Thanks, Zuko," Sokka said as he stood up, gripping the side of his head as he headed for the archway. Suki waddled after him, throwing Zuko an apologetic look over her shoulder.

"Sokka, wait!" Zuko yelled as he stood up. He sprinted to his waiting friends in the doorway and frowned. "I didn't know she was going to do it. When we first arrived, my mom told her about her ability, but Katara never said she would take her up on the offer."

Sokka sighed. "I believe you, but that doesn't change the fact that my sister might be hurt when she wakes up. She's going to be angry, and we're all in this together. I'll make the brunt end of the fight since it was my idea, but she's going to be upset with us all."

"I don't think upset is quite the right word." Zuko muttered. The trio fell into another uncomfortable silence and he led the way to the infirmary.

"Your timing is impeccable."

"I know. A guard told me this is where I could find you."

"Yeah, I'm watching over Katara. What brings you to the Fire Nation?"

"I have some important information for Lord Sparky."

"What kind of information?"

"Are you the Fire Lord? If not, then it's not for you."

"Come on, Toph. You know I won't drop it until you tell me."

There was a sigh. And then, "All right, Meathead. I've found someone important."

"Important? Are they a bender?"

"They're an-"

"Mm…where am I?"

Katara felt herself pulled fully into consciousness. She blinked twice, letting her eyes adjust to the brightness above her. She looked around the white room and her eyes landed on two familiar figures by the doorway. Her brother, looking worse for wear, and Toph, looking like the striking sixteen-year-old blind beauty she was.

"Katara, are you all right?" Sokka asked, rushing to her side. He took a hand in both of his and the warmth made her smile. Warmth…

She blinked. "Where am I?"

"You're at the royal palace. Zuko brought you in here to make sure you were okay." Sokka explained as Toph slowly made her way next to him at her bedside.

"Hey, Sweetness," she greeted. "Long time never see."

"Toph, what are you—"

Katara bolted upright. Recent events muddled her brain and she closed her eyes, shaking her head. Anger surged through her as she opened her eyes, locking her deep blue on bright blue.

"Katara?" Sokka asked, worried.

"How could you?" She whispered, pulling her hand out of his grasp. She pushed the blanket off of her and jumped up from the bed on her free side.

"Sweetness, your vibrations are getting really erratic." Toph said, pointing a finger at the scantily clad waterbender. Her long raven hair was in two braids that cascaded down her shoulders and stopped below her blossoming chest. She blew her edgy bangs out of her sightless eyes as she waited for her attack.

"Aang," she clarified. "How could you keep such vital information from me?"

"Whoa, what's going on?" Toph asked, turning to gaze up at Sokka. The young warrior gulped.

"Katara kind of has her memories back."

"My memories mesh with the two years of lies I've been fed. I remember everything!" She yelled. Pain pulled at her chest and tears prickled her eyes. She dropped her head in her hands as a sob broke through her throat.

"Katara, I'm so sorry. It was my idea. It's my fault. I-I thought we could protect you! I thought you were lucky to be able to have what we all—what I—desperately wanted: to forget. I thought we were doing you a favor."

"If it's any constellation," Toph added. "It took a lot of persuasion to get a lot of us on board. Zuko and Sokka almost came to a brawl. Which I personally wanted to see, but that's irrelevant."

"How does that help? All of you lied! Dad, Gran…" Katara shook her head, warm tears falling between her fingers as she sobbed in the corner of the room. "I can't trust anybody!"

"I'm sorry, Katara." Toph whispered. "I never meant to hurt you, and neither did your brother."

"She's right," Sokka interjected. "We never meant for this to hurt you. We didn't want you to know how bad the world was at one point. You…you were learning to cope with life, and we wanted to make it as easy as possible."

"You kept the most important part of my identity from me! I'm a war hero! I was a master bender who trained the Avatar! Aang! He was OUR FAMILY! You kept someone who was important to us all—to the world—from me. How dare you!" She shouted, pointing an accusing finger at her brother and 'best friend'. Her cerulean eyes were darkened by anger, and sad at sight. Her bottom lip trembled as her brows furrowed in betrayal. She silently shook her head, looking up at the dotted ceiling panel. She let out a small sigh.

"Katara—" Sokka tried, stepping forward. He was still a ways from her, but she held up her hand.

"Stop! Don't come any closer!"

"But, Katara, you need to understand where we are coming from!" Sokka yelled, stepping closer. Katara's eyes darted around the room—looking for a weapon—and landed on a glass of water on the table next to where he had been sitting.

"Come any closer and I'll freeze both of your feet to the ground." She threatened, taking a defensive position.

"I haven't moved." Toph said sardonically.

"Toph," Sokka warned. "Now really isn't the time for your usual attitude."

Toph waved him off. "I understand she's upset. I've apologized. What more can I do?"

Sokka's shoulders slacked a bit at her words. Katara dropped her defensive stance and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Sniffling, she asked, "Where is Suki? Zuko?"

"Suki is throwing up, and Zuko is in a meeting."

"I'll let you tell Suki how upset I am. I'm going to talk to Zuko."

Sokka stepped in front of his sister's path, holding up a hand. "Katara, he's in a meeting. You know, with government officials."

Katara placed a hand on her hip. "So? I'm not going to wait to yell at the boy who made me feel for him all the while knowing this big secret."

"Made you feel? Katara, how long have you been here?" Sokka asked as he lowered his hand. His tone failed to hide its intrigue.

"I don't know. A week, maybe? All I know is I am upset and I need to speak with him. So if you'll step aside." She demanded. It was silent for a moment before Sokka sighed in resignation and stepped out of her path. She muttered thanks and set on her game face.

Katara marched right up to the guards that stood in front of the wooden double doors of the war room. Both of them gave her an acknowledging glance, but then went right back to staring off at a point beyond her. They're good, she thought.

"Let me in." She demanded. Her eyes never left the parting middle of the doors.

"The Fire Lord is in a meeting." Guard one said.

"Maybe you aren't familiar with who I am," she said. "My name is Katara. I'm the Fire Lord's ex-girlfriend. We broke up when I get amnesia. But now I remember everything I had forgotten, and I also remember the lies that everyone formulated to tell, as they say, to keep me safe. If you're unaware of whom I am still then let me say I am a master waterbender and I will bend your blood and force you away from the doors and enter anyway," She looked between the two guards as she finished her threat. A silent message must have been said between the two of them as they regarded each other because they both stepped aside from the doors.

"Much better. Thank you." She said as politely as she could and pushed the doors open.

Commander Jee, a man she recognized from their journey to Fire Fountain City, was speaking when she entered. She waited to hear the whooshing sound of the doors closing behind her before speaking. By this time, everyone was looking at her.

"You may leave." She said.

"Excuse me, Lady Katara, what do you think you're doing?" Commander Jee asked, glancing between her and the Fire Lord. The Fire Lord seemed as surprised as everyone else, but regarded her with an indecipherable look.

"I'm letting you know that you can leave this room."

"Fire Lord?" A different man asked.

Zuko raised his chin as he stared down the waterbender.

"Five minute recess," He ordered.

"Yes, sir," A few appointed members murmured as eight men stood and exited the room.

Once alone, Zuko stood from his chair at the head of the table. He discarded his outer robe and it landed on the chair with a light thud. He walked around the table until they stood face-to-face; a mere foot away from each other.

"Hello, Katara," he greeted. "What gives you the courage to interrupt my meeting?"

"Anger," she shrugged. "How could you, Zuko? You know, I understand Sokka would be thoughtless enough to formulate a plan like this, but for you to agree is something I can't quite wrap my head around."

"It took a lot of convincing, and by the time I realized what a mistake it had been, it was too late. I'm sorry, Katara." Zuko's brow was pulled down as he regarded her with a pained look on his face. Another painful lump formed in her throat as tears brimmed her eyes. She hung her head and let the tears fall.

"None of you have the right to decide what I should and should not know about life. Or what I have been through. My mother died, remember? I went through the pain of losing a parent at a young age and it made me stronger. I can take care of myself." She spoke through sobs. Zuko took a hesitant step forward and pulled her into his chest. She didn't fight him off, and his arms encased around her in his protective grip.

"I'm so sorry, Kitten." He whispered, his forehead resting on hers.

"I felt so alone all the time," she whispered. "But I took comfort in knowing that one day I wouldn't be alone. You made me feel whole again. I made the stupid choice of trusting you."

The way he stiffened against her told her he didn't like what he heard. His arms slowly fell to his sides and when she didn't move, he forced her to back up. Looking up at him with tear-stained eyes, she frowned.

"My mother once told me that those that tell you the most truth, loves you the most. You are the only person to tell me any amount of truth. You told me who Aang was. Granted, you left out vital information, you still told me. I guess you do love me."

"I do, I do. I love you." He murmured. The usual astounding brightness in his amber eyes had faded a dull color.

"I was going to stay with you," she continued. "When we returned, I was going to stay in the Fire Nation. Last night, I felt our connection. I knew this was right. But now, I can't stay. I can barely look at any of you."

"It wasn't supposed to be this way. My mother said she retracted your memories…"

"Oh, you want to know what your mother did to me?" she yelled. "Yes, she tried stealing my memories. I had to fight her off. That's why I passed out. It drained me of my energy."

"I didn't know, Katara. I'm sorry." He took a step forward, but she stepped back.

"I know you are. I'm sorry, too." She sighed, looking down at their feet.

"For what?" He asked. She didn't have to look at him to know he was confused.

She dug into her skirt pocket, revealing a moonstone. It was the gem that Iroh had given her during their meeting before they set off to learn more about the prophecy. She heard Zuko let out a small gasp, and when she looked up at him, his eyes flashed with anger.

"I'm sorry this couldn't happen." She explained, grabbing one of his hands and placing it against his palm. Folding his warm fingers over the moonstone, she felt them flex as he gripped the stone.

"Where did you get that?" His voice was low, level. But she knew that he was trying to control his temper.

"Your uncle gave it to me when I first arrived." She explained. She turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm with his free hand.

"Katara, please, tell me this isn't the end." He pleaded. She looked back at him and frowned.

"I'm afraid that right now, it is. I need my space away from everyone, and I know you. I know you'll respect that."

He nodded. "I will."

"Please, Katara, open up!" Sokka yelled as he continued to bang on her door. The side of his hand ached from the constant contact against the metal but he would not give up.

She had not spoken a word to him since she left the infirmary. A guard told him that their boat would be ready to leave within an hour, and that told him that she had requested to leave. He planned on staying for at least a week and letting Suki get an appropriate amount of rest in. But his wife assured him that it was important that they leave with her, and they be there for her even if she didn't want it.

"Go away, Sokka! Please, just go away." Her voice was muffled by the metal but he knew she was crying. Her voice was strained and he pictured a Katara with bloodshot eyes and tear-stained cheeks throwing her pillow at the door. That's usually what she did back home.

He sighed, resting his forehead against the cool metal. He banged once more before dropping his hand in defeat.

"I love you, Katara. I am so sorry that you feel betrayed. That was never my intention." He yelled through the door. Uncaring of whoever could hear him.

"I know, Sokka." She hiccupped.

"I will leave you alone now, but please understand that I am here for you. We are all here for you. I love you."

When she didn't reply, he took that as his queue to leave. As he turned to head down the hall to his own room he heard her start talking to herself.

"Aang, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to forget you. I'm sorry."

A/N: Apologies for my absence. I didn't plan on writing the whole chapter today, but when I sat down it just spilled out of me. Thanks for reading!