A while back, Zuko stayed in an earth nation town. In the end he liberated the people from a group of thugs, while allowing its citizens to find out who he really was. The ending sentiment was this "go away, I hate you!" this doesn't seem like something Zuko would stand for so I figured there must have been something we missed. This is that missing piece.

In an ordinary Earth kingdom town, no differnt than any other now, a boy with a heart full of confusion and hate found a letter inside the sheath of a dagger he had grudgingly recieved.

Lee,

If your reading this it means that your town is safe, and you know who I am, what I am. You probably say you hate me, that I'm evil, horrible. Maybe you're right, but how would you know? You people see me as a figure, a symbol that stands for everything you hate and fear. But I'm not. I'm only human, I have my own fears and worries and pain, just like you. And if I am this horrible tyrants son, spoiled and cruel, then who is the person that fixed your roof (badly I might add), talked with you, walked with you, told you to never give up? Where did the man who was your friend go? Do you think I could fake that? I didn't.

There are things about me that you and your village would never understand. Would you blame me for my destiny, for where I was born? I have no control. I am more than a figurehead or a symbol and I dare you to disagree. My honor is so deeply bound within me that no mere title could tell you who I am. Prince Zuko, rightful heir to the Fire Nation throne. It is who I am, yes, but I am more. I am only a man. Only a man. When you say you hate me, and shun my memory, think first on this: I did you no harm, so what do you judge me by? I honor your opinion and ask that I not be forgotten.

Fire prince Zuko

Lee looked up, extremely confused. "So…" he said to himself " Maybe he's not who I thought?" he walked over to the window. He did have his father, the town was safe and he was still here so….

Maybe he's not that bad.

Lee turned to the table where the candle was burning low. He folded up the letter and hid it in his pocket. "After all, he did give me his knife"

Lee half-smiled and walked down stairs to dinner where he would find another letter, a different letter, one saying his brother had been found.

I felt like Lee needed to get his brother back. If this was Zukos doing, I do not know.

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