Embers

Ch 1 – Scars

.:.

"Blood. Crimson water that stained the purest of land. Blood was the mark placed upon the world in the Great War, where the Fire Nation left us scarred and burnt in their climb to greatness. However, the past is all behind us. The velvet smear on the land is slowly washing off, and people are rebuilding their homes, and their lives. Hope was beginning to take root once more, and balance and peace was restored."

Those were Katara's words. Even as Fire Lord, I couldn't equal half of what that girl is. So loyal… So hopeful. Two traits I haven't been so generous in lately. Its only been a few months, and Mai… With her gone I haven't found the strength to lead. Uncle has been tending to the counsel lately, but I can tell his age is wearing him down. No amount of tea can make up for days of lost sleep.

The Avatar is busy helping rebuild, setting order to the spirit world and creating hope. He has done a great job; the kid's only twelve and he knows how to bend a crowd's feelings as easily as bending air. Still, he can't be everywhere at once, and I must make up for the years of pain my Nation inflicted- upon everyone. Visiting the Water Tribes was the first public pleasing I have done since taking the throne, and already they're throwing chunks of ice and even penguin eggs at me. How can I gain their trust when they've nothing to give?

The only thing not wrong in my life lately was my mother. News is, that she was seen in an Earth village not too far from Ba Sing Se. I plan to visit, as part of my rounds. Maybe she heard of my coronation…

BANG!

I was cut off from my rare cheerful pondering by an idiot servant. Did they know to knock? Barging in and yelling, it was either an emergency, or news of Mai… or my mother.

"My lord, the gatorwhales are getting restless. You should depart now. General Iroh is already onboa-"

"I know that. It was his idea to use those beasts as transport anyways. Go get water for the shrine; Mai's flowers are wilting."

"Yes, sir."

The huge, floating Palanquin was making me seasick. The gatorwhales were incredibly sloppy as water horses, making me miss the steady churn of our steam boats. The soot from our ships tainted the water, so Uncle declared a ban on the engines, at least until we found a way to stop it. That meant we had no machines, no factories to produce our steel… We were no longer a threat.

After a few more hours of this torture we arrived at the Bei Ling coast, a remote part of the Earth Kingdom barely touched by the Fire Nation. The people here are farmers, peasants who are disregarded even by their own nation. The crew began to set up the pedestal, a small raised dais about the size of a badgermole. I would have to give the same speech once again, ask for the forgiveness of the village, and rebuild the town's prominent buildings. Then… Then I can inquire about her…

"Lord Zuko, the preparations are ready. The await your speech… Er, if I may, I suggest you speak with your Uncle. He has been acting odd lately. Something is bothering him- you too, my Lord. Is there… something on your mind?"

"No."

"Is there-"

"Just leave!"

"Yes, my lord."

Was it that apparent that I am anxious? And Uncle… He must know it too. I haven't spoken with him about mother yet, but I have a feeling he will help me. He has to. I am Fire Lord aren't I?

Standing in the doorway was the Dragon of the West himself. How could he be so carefree all the time? Was it ginseng?

"Uncle, I-"

"Zuko, have you ever seen how a morning fog clouds the horizon?"

"Uncle now's not the-"

"You cannot see through it, but when it lifts, your path will be clearer than ever."

"How do you do that Uncle?"

"Do what? I was simply reading my fortune for today. You know Zuko, as a dragon, your horoscope says that today will be a day of rest. It is funny how a simple slip of paper can know so much about the world."

Typical. I shouldn't jump to conclusions so often, but Uncle Iroh has a way knowing what to say, without saying it. We have been together for quite a while now, yet I still am surprised at his wisdom.

"Rrrgh, whatever Uncle. I have a speech to give."