Note: This FanFic was not written by me! My friend started writing this and it's her first FanFic. So please, be nice:) She doesn't have her own account yet and I doubt she will anytime soon. I'm currently working on "Boy, Meet Boys." So be sure to check for new updates on that. Otherwise, enjoy this story and hopefully you'll grow to love both of our works.
On
a FURTHER NOTE: This CHAPTER has no Zuko and Jet action, yet;) AWW. It
really goes more in depth on Zuko's personal life. I believe it is
fairly-well written and I hope you all will enjoy.
"Time to arise, my nephew! Another promising day at the tea shop awaits us!"
It was about 6 o' clock in the morning in the renowned city of Ba Sing Se. Master Iroh, Zuko's vivacious uncle, was determined not to put this beautiful day to waste. The weather in Ba Sing Se was always rather pleasant, the warming sun and cool winds had never failed to set everyone in a positive mood. Everyone but one, apparently.
"Uncle, I don't know how many times I have to say it. I HATE working in that worthless teashop. We're never going to get anywhere if we keep wasting our time there. What we should be doing, is searching for the Avatar."
Iroh gave his nephew a somewhat, hesitant look. "Ah, Prince. You know what they say, 'The achievement of the mighty lion is of equal importance as the achievement of a meager butterfly.'"
"I don't even know what that means. And I DON'T CARE." Zuko shot back. He turned to face his uncle, and realized that his words may have offended him. He responded quickly, "And besides, you know I never wake up this early. Perhaps I'll head down to the shop when I've rested a little more." Sensing his nephew's apologetic tone, Iroh gave him a kind pat on the back. "You're a good boy, Prince. Just don't be in too late, all the good customers arrive before lunchtime." Humming a tune that Zuko was quite unfamiliar with, he left.
"Whatever." Zuko said to himself. He knew he wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep. He just laid there; his arms outstretched, engulfed in his own thoughts. To be quite honest, he had given up all concern of finding the Avatar. Being a refugee in Ba Sing Se left him with nothing: no hope, no quests, no destiny. The idea of finding the Avatar gave him a sense of direction. Even though, he knew it was practically unreachable.
He just couldn't believe what his life had become. It was only a year ago when he still was royalty among the Fire Nation. Going more in-depth in his past, his mind began to wander…
"Prince Zuko, sir. I have received news from your father."
"Speak."
"Fire Lord Ozai and his army have just overthrown the Earth Kingdom, he is requesting you and your sister Azula be present at the time of his coronation."
"Can't say I'm exactly thrilled."
"We are to depart tomorrow afternoon, at 1300 hours. You might want to get started on your packing, sir. I know you are aware that your father is very punctual, and your lack of regard is known to upset him. "
Without warning, a flaming orb was sent flying towards the commissionaire's face. The man was completely taken aback, thrown against a wall with so much momentum it caused the many hanging artifacts and paintings to fall. "You are in no position to give me orders! I suggest you heed my orders and send for maids to pack my things, before I make you do it yourself!" The commissionaire hastily arose, and nodded. Before departing, he took a quick gaze into Zuko's eyes. They seemed lifeless, without emotion. Zuko grew angry at the man's lack of compliance and yelled again. "Do not make me notify my father about your insubordinate behavior. I hear you and your wife are expecting a child in a few months. Wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her, am I correct?"
"Yes, Prince Zuko."
"Good. I'm glad you've come to realize… just exactly how worthless you really are." Unable to find any words to say, the man nodded. Zuko drew closer to him, and raised his arm as if he were to strike. The man flinched, and Zuko quickly shot his hand in the direction of the exit. Almost immediately, the man turned and left.
Zuko observed the array of fallen objects nestled against the wall. He knelt down, and picked up a framed painting that seemed to catch his eye. The frame was one of a kind, his uncle Iroh had sent the frame along with many other gifts to Ozai's family while Ba Sing Se was still under his rule. It was ebony-painted oak carved by a well-known artist who resided in the Earth Kingdom. The infamous Fire Nation emblem was engraved in every corner. The carvings appeared rough, almost repulsive, far from the precise and delicate carving of the frame itself. He knew that the Fire Nation symbols weren't carved by the Earthly artist, and it almost upset him.
He then fixated on the painting. It was a portrait of his family painted years ago. His loving mother, Ursa, was indeed very beautiful. This was painted just before she had mysteriously disappeared. She looked so happy, so full of life, unlike his father. Ozai, who had unexpectedly inherited the throne to Fire Lord after his Ursa's disappearance, appeared cold, and impassive. Sadly, that was how Zuko had always viewed his father. His father had never exhibited affection toward him. He never expected any from Zuko. He then gazed at his sister, Azula. She was Zuko's outrival, the favorite among the Fire Lords. No one could believe that Ozai's young daughter acquired so much suffice. It was a mockery toward Ozai's forefathers, and he hated Zuko for it. With a profound sigh, he fixated on the single young boy in the painting. He stared deeply into the portrait, observing the boy's youthful features. He appeared emotionless; he lacked the awkward smile any normal young boy would have, though he didn't seem at all at despair. He just looked empty. Unmistakably, Zuko could recall every empty feeling he had of his childhood. Moreover, he knew that despair was obscured deep within the boy. Sadness and despair had pursued him since the day he was born.
When his mother was present, he was more than content with himself. He abandoned the thought of ever being unwanted. He felt strong and confident, not frail and insecure.
As long as his mother was there, he felt alive.
When she vanished, it was as though she had taken his life away.
Strength was never to be an option ever again. Happiness was never to be an option ever again.
Just like his mother, Zuko's heartening life experiences were forever gone.
Moments later, Zuko's mind returned to reality. With a deep breath, he emerged from his bed, carelessly leaving it disheveled and quite shabby. With no consideration of the time whatsoever (It was long past lunchtime), he slowly washed and dressed into his tea shop uniform. On his way to the tea shop, he briefly reflected on how his morning went. "Maybe all that thinking wasn't the best way to start my day," he said to himself. Without further speculation, he arrived at the teashop, attempted to tame his tousled bed-head, and began his work.
Mystery Author Speaks:
So, first chapter, what did you think? I've already speculated that Zuko and Jet will meet in the next chapter, so don't give up on me yet! It took much research and time to formulate the plotline for this story, and I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Just to let you know, I am a HUGE Avatar: the Last Airbender fan. It's amazing, it changed my life;)
