I just became inspired after watching "The Lion King". Well... needless to say, I want to use some of the ideas from that movie... but it will not be as if I were completely stealing the movie plot line... oh no! That's where creativity comes in! Just bits and pieces I will use. Some might not be visible unless you really look. I just wanted to put a disclaimer up about this so I won't get in trouble. Kays?
This fic is completely Alternative Universe!
Zuko will be the main star in this possibly depressing (or inspiring?)fic. This is a fic that all you Zuko fans might want to read.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender OR The Lion King. So I don't want to see police officers at my door wanting to arrest me for something I have publicly announced that I don't own! (Hears a knock at her door)
Me: ...
- - - - -
THIS IS IMPORTANT TO READ IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE STORY!
Background information: The Fire Nation NEVER started the war- there wasn't a war. As a matter of fact, all the nations cling to each other more so than one would hope. They all help each other even though there are those who have prejudice and racist thoughts in their mind.
Fire Nation: Those who are of the higher class and noble's are in the Fire Nation. They also have a middle class but a very strong military force. The people are quite biased and quick tempered, but they do help those of the poorer nations. They still have a monarchy and Fire Lord Ozai is highly respected all over the world by all people. Only men of the royal family can ascend to the throne.
Water Nation: The NORTHERN Tribe has a monarchy also. Those in the Northern tribe are also better off and are pretty much on equal ground as the Fire Nation. The Northern Water Tribe is a very stable but protected people. They also have a strong military, but they fight only at night and in the waters.
The SOUTHERN tribe is the poor people of the nation. Their tribe isn't as stable as the Northern nor is it better off. They usually are offered aid from the other nations, but they refuse unless under certain circumstances. They don't follow the monarchy of the north, but they do have a family who makes the decisions for the people in the Tribe. They also have a small protectors force- in our terms- secret agents.
The Earth Kingdom: They are mostly middle class. They have many, many soldiers who fight on land and play as constructors and miners if they can bend earth. Their land is where the nations come to trade, meet for special events, and find work. This is the land where the most laborious work is available for good pay. King Bumbi is in charge... but many are just waiting for the day he will "push up daisies". He has an heir- his great grand daughter- Bei. The people of the Earth Nation grown much of the produce for the world and special herbs for medicines the Air Nomads use.
The Air Nomads: They still exist. They don't take aid from the nations, but they graciously give it. They are known as the "medics" of the tribes. They take special care for the sick no matter the nationality, and use the herbs from the Earth Kingdom to help heal them. They are a peaceful people. Where they are called, they go, but they also are a means of protection for people from pirates with their escape and travel methods in land, air, and sea.
The only problems being faced are pirates who are greedy for money and expensive goods. Not much crime all around but a few robberies, which are soon cracked down upon. So nothing too dangerous is going around... except for the plots of certain people who want to see a certain monarchy fall.
That is where the story will begin...
- - - - -
Zuko grinned from ear to ear. He was finally able to stand upon one of the gigantic steel ships of his nation! This had to have been the most exciting experience of his nine-year-old life.
His head twisted to the side looking towards his father. His grin still held its place. The young father walked over to his young son, and he smiled too patting him on the shoulder when both were only in arm's reach. The bright golden eyes of the young boy shined even brighter as the father looked out into the horizon. It was beginning to become dark, and now that they were in the middle of the ocean they needed to be sure to turn in for sleep early.
The elder man turned back down to his excited son. All day the young boy had been running around the ship making conversation with everyone he came into contact with. It was a happiness that made the father aware that he had done something that would give another person unforgettable memories. Let us not forget this special time of father and son bonding. This had to have been the only time that Ozai had taken his son outside of the palace and into the kingdom. He had made many sacrifices to try spend this time with his son, but...
Zuko began laughing when he noticed some random animal crash into the side of another boat passing by.
This time here... with his boy, his only son, was very much well worth making a few advisors and prime ministers angry.
Even though this boat ride wasn't completely for pleasure, the Fire Lord and young prince seemed to make the most of it. They were on their way to speak with the old, old, old King Bumbi for certain trading rights. Usually they weren't denied of their requests, but they still needed to make sure everything was cleared. They didn't want to start another war like the one that happened with Avatar Ryoku- but that occurred over 100 years ago.
Speaking of the Avatar... who WAS the next Avatar?
From many, many years of research they discovered the Avatar's cycle. Since the last Avatar was of the Fire Nation... and the one before that was of the Earth Kingdom, he or she would either be of the Water Tribe or the Air Nomads. Maybe that avatar died... and a young one had recently been born? Shouldn't the cycle now be in the Water Tribes?
Zuko looked out to sea, his eyes still filled with joy and excite as he continued watching the people and boats go by. He was aware that they were headed towards some tribe... Earth Kingdom was it? Oh well. He wasn't too sure. All he cared about was the time he was spending with his dad! It came to a surprise when his father just stated one day "Would you like to come with me on a trip?"
Of course a young boy wouldn't miss this chance up!
He had seen so many ships out recently, of different nationalities. He saw some waterbenders earlier, who waved up to the ship in a friendly manner- of course (out of common courtesy) he waved back to them, the grin couldn't be held back.
He also noticed some from the Earth Kingdom wearing their earthy green clothing in their sturdy ships made of wood. They had also greeted the Fire Nation ship with cheerfulness. Many ships had passed... so many ships- too many to count, but it was still very interesting to the prince to see such a diverse world!
In the distance he noticed an older style boat. It was one-of-a-kind; maybe it was something that you would have heard of in the old history books...
He looked up trying to see the passengers. Possibly they were of the mysterious Nomad Airbenders. They were known to move in mysterious ways. No one truly knew where he or she was, but they had been seen around helping citizens of every nation. They were monks- a good people.
Waving his arm in the air, the prince of the Fire Nation tried to give his final greetings to the ship that was approaching.
There were some people on board who had paused to see what was approaching them. The men, to the observance of the prince, were all different... different clothing, different skin colors... different everything!
Almost as if they had noticed the young boy waving to them, they abruptly stopped and shuffled across the deck of their smaller and older ship.
Zuko blinked. That was... strange.
The prince noticed his father walk over once more after speaking briefly to a commanding officer. The Fire Lord looked to the surprised eyes of his son.
"Zuko?"
The boy pointed out to sea. Zuko didn't know much about ships of their crew, but he knew when something strange was happening.
"Papa. Why are those men running quickly on the ship in the distance?" asked Zuko in complete curiosity.
The father of the boy turned his vision over towards the oncoming ship. His amber eyes adjusting now that the sun was setting in the ocean. The ship... where had he seen something like that before?
Was it?
The older mans eyes widened in realization as horror crossed his features.
"Zuko... go to the captain's cabin... I don't think it's safe for you to be out-"
A loud sound was heard as it smashed into the ship. The impact brought a shock wave through the massive boat shaking it and making all standing stumble over.
All men immediately stood and began shouting orders here and there. The prince just started at his father in worry.
The Fire Lord grabbed his son dragging him to the cabin with the captain, but on his way he shouted over and over, "PIRATES! Prepare for battle men! PIRATES! Prepare for battle!"
The young eyes of the prince widened in realization and a new sense of fear crossed the face of the boy. Now he understood...
If only he knew what would await him in the future days.
The ship rocked again and he stumbled over onto the deck.
Men shouted across the ship.
Screams were heard.
The smashing of steal was noticed.
The prince closed his eyes. This couldn't be happening... it wasn't right! It was just a simple trip to the Earth Kingdom! It was-
The ship was hit once more.
His head slammed against the steering wheel of the ship; his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell limply to the ground.
- - - - -
Only a few days after the raid...
- - - - -
Azula's eyes widened.
"It can't be right," she said plainly shoving down sobs. "Daddy and Zuzu are on their way to the Earth lands!"
The queens lowered her head and her eyes.
"Daughter... my dear Azula." The mother's arms reached out and tightly grasped her only child. "Only a few soldiers survived... and they are critically injured."
"But daddy! He's strong! He must be safe-"
Tears fell from the eyes of the older woman. Her grip on her daughter tightened. "He died an honorable death protecting his crew and my son..."
"Then Zuzu-"
"Hasn't been found."
The young eight-year-old eyes widened, "He must be out at sea! He must have jumped over board and escaped! He MUST be alive!"
"As much as I would love to think that... they were surrounded by ocean. There were no lands around... just water," confessed the mother, her amber eyes darkening from sorrow.
The young girl shook her head, "But Zuzu can swim, can't he?"
The young mother couldn't understand... why didn't her daughter, now her only child, accept that her older brother was dead? It was extremely hard for the mother... she could barely keep her face straight! Maybe she could leave her daughter in denial for the time being... maybe she will soon understand the meaning of death when she becomes older...
"He could, Azula."
The large eyes of the little girl brightened up. "He must have gotten to safety then! I need to get a ship and look for him!" Her small hands grasped her mother's, "I'm going to need a boat momma-"
"There is no way you are having one!" exclaimed the widowed mother.
Tears started pricking at the young princesses' eyes, "B-but I need to search! Why can't I have one? Daddy would have let me have a boat!"
A lump formed in the throat of the mother.
Why?
Why did this girl have to use every resource she could?
She held back the sob.
"B-because you-u're too young Lulu. You need to be older, much older to properly run a ship-"
"Then I'll find a tutor to teach me to properly run a boat."
The mother closed her eyes. She didn't want her daughter to see her cry. "But you can't fight-"
"I can firebend a little!" argued the princess as she brought up a small flame in her hand. "I can protect myself."
"You will need to master the element if you wish to properly protect yourself, Azula. It takes years and years of training-"
"Then I'll get another tutor- many tutors! I'll get them to train me and teach me all they can!" cried out the young girl almost going into hysterics. "I'll do all I can! I need to find Zuzu! You must understand momma! Please!"
It couldn't be held back any longer. A loud and emotional sob sounded from the mother's lips as she buried her face in her palms.
The young girl's eyes watered once more as she tightly hugged her mother in this time of sorrow. She would prove her mother. She would not let her brother down. She would come for him. She would help him; she would!
Her amber eyes looked to the window noticing dark black clouds cover the once clear sky of dusk.
The somber emotions of the nation paralleled with the anguish the royal family felt. All were mourning... and all cried out as their nation was starting to slowly fall down and crumble...
It would be many years till the nation completely fell... they just prayed it wouldn't be too late. With the death of the Emperor and his son, the throne was available for a while... until Azula could produce a male heir when she became of age from some arranged marriage... or until a general of the Fire Nation military felt it was his duty to take control.
Silent hopes came that possibly... some miracle could occur. Until it happened... they relied on Azula's new mission... to find her brother- the lost (but new) Fire Lord.
- - - - -
AN: Is this original enough for you? I'll be sticking to this time for about five or six chapters before jumping to about 7 or 8 years in the future.
Let me know what you think of the story. Please review. I need to know who is interested in this fic so I could continue it. If it isn't as successful as I hope, then I'll put it on hold till I can get some motivation or inspiration.
This is a fresh story and I'm starting to form a plot line. I promise! This fic will NOT be the usual Zuko tries to capture the Avatar, Zuko captures Katara and they madly fall in love... you know... plotlines like that.
Till next time!