~ Prologue ~

With a quick tug on the reins, Zuko slowed his ostrich horse to a steady trot. Glancing up at the sky, he noticed the dark clouds he'd spotted earlier now looming dangerously overhead. The beach house itself wasn't far off now and he knew he'd make it there within the hour. But with the impending storm, Zuko resolved himself to quicken his pace. Giving his heels a firm click, he set off down the road, kicking up a cloud of dust behind him.

As he rode through the main town, Zuko couldn't help but shudder at the eerie silence surrounding him. There were still several hours before midnight and yet the streets were dead. It was to be expected; the poor weather they'd been having lately wasn't exactly helping attract tourists. Having returned to the island upon his retirement, Zuko knew the island wasn't like the one in his memories. Things had changed in the many years he'd been away; people had changed.

It didn't take Zuko long to spot the vacation house's tall wooden gates. They stood over a dozen feet tall and were covered in climbing green vines. To many they could have been terrifying, but the small white flowers blooming along the edges lessened their harsh appearance considerably.

When Zuko approached and lowered his hood, the two soldiers on guard duty moved aside. Neither of them recognized him at first, but his signature scar gave away his identity. Also, the speed in which he approached told them he had urgent business inside. Without hesitating, the two pulled the gates open and Zuko charged past.

A lone figure stood in the yard and watched Zuko dismount his ostrich horse. He tied the reins to a post and then strode over to exchange greetings.

"Rina," he smiled, lifting the young girl into his arms. She giggled softly and buried her head into his chest, ecstatic to see her grandfather after so many months.

Zuko had promised Izumi he'd watch her youngest child while she left on official business. Since his last visit to the capital, Rina had changed significantly. She was much taller now – the top of her head reaching his waist. Her hair had grown longer too, completely unlike her previous hairstyle. Before it was short and unruly, well suited to her stubborn and wild personality. He recalled the battles she and her mother would have every morning in the bathroom about brushing it. Now it was tame. Her long inky black tresses contrasted beautifully against her bright porcelain skin.

"It's chilly out; we should head inside," Zuko suggested, noticing his granddaughter shivering slightly. All she wore were her pyjamas and a pair of slippers. Rina nodded and followed him inside.

The main door opened to a large spacious room decorated simply. After spending years on the road, Zuko had grown accustomed to living without luxuries. Only a small family portrait hung along the back wall. It had faded with time, but one could still see the smiles of the family if one looked closely.

"Who're they?" Rina asked, walking up the to portrait.

Zuko smiled, the dimples in his cheeks becoming prominent. "That is me when I was younger," he replied, exhaustion and sadness revealing themselves in his voice. It hurt him to think that only he was left in the world out of those in the picture.

"And who is she?" Rina pointed to the woman seated on the left. She didn't know what drew her to the woman, but perhaps it was the kindness in her eyes. They reminded her of her own mother, Izumi.

Zuko smiled softly and stared at the woman's soft expression. "That is my mother."