Ozai's evolution from a young man, to a man in his prime to old age. When will he ever learn? Three drabbles, loosely connected telling the story of a man's search for meaning in life. In the end, does he really find it?

Dawn of Youth

I know the truth.

I know you don't love me.

You are not capable of loving anyone but yourself.

You just hate.

You hate your father Sozin for ignoring you.

You can't escape his shadow.

You hate your brother Kuzon for outshining you.

Even his death won't give you peace.

You hate your dead wife, my mother for dying.

You drank like an animal after she past away.

Iroh and I just exist as the alternative to the disdain.

You coddle Iroh because he never disappoints you.

You love him more when his son dies

The two of you can be miserable together

You tolerate me because you don't want a revolution

I waited for you to acknowledge me.

The only thing you've really given me is hate.

As you choke to death, I bowed my head in thanks.

Hatred is all I have been taught

Hatred is all I will ever know

Hatred is all I can ever give

Thank you, Father

----

The Day In Its Prime

Once we were four. It was my father, my mother, my brother and I. We were very happy once. Father was very busy, Mother favored my brother but we were royalty and we had everything.

Then Mother died of a fever. Father was too tired, hateful and angry for a seven year old to understand. My brother, the war hero had no time for me. Eventually, I got rid of them, one by one.

I was left alone.

Then I found a new family. Once again, we were four. I, my wife and my two children. My wife was beautiful, but she favored the elder son. I would not let the younger, better one be ignored so I showed her my care. We were Fire Nation royalty and we had everything.

Then my wife left, where I don't know. My son, I banished and burned, tearing him out of my heart. My daughter I have sent on a fool's errand because I fear her knife in my ribs.

Once we were four.

Now I am left alone.

------

The Dusk Of Age

I watch you from my dungeon cell, where you so lovingly keep me. Oh don't worry, I don't mind. It's far more merciful than what I would have done to you.

I watch you walk with your blind Earth peasant wife and your two children running in front of you. You are a war hero, the most powerful Fire Lord in history and you have finally found happiness. You have won back the respect of all of the country, you have done everything your heart desired.

You said killing me would be too merciful and that I would have to spend my life alone, while you enjoy the happiness of your changing luck.

Ah, my son, how foolish you are. You think a life of watching you enjoy your hard-won joy is punishment? It is the world's greatest pleasure.

I am the one who made you this way. I am the secret of your success.

You would have been nothing without me, breaking you down so you could be built up stronger.

You are just too foolish to see that.

AN-What do you think of Ozai now?