A/N: Okay, so first chapter takes place in the past, setting up everything. Starting next chapter, it'll all be the present. Also, this is loosely inspired by the game Bioshock Infinite. Not the entire plot, but the basic set up and whatnot. There will be some mature stuff in this story: sex, details of abuse, language, all that stuff. Also, go to my profile and get a better summary of the story. Also, Aang is NOT the Avatar in this series and the Air Nation is still alive.

Eleven Years Ago

"We, the followers of the Four Sages, have chosen Ozai of the Fire Nation as the new Father of Caldera. May his ten years of service be fair and just."

There was a roar of applause, mostly from those that were from the Fire Nation and its surrounding colonies as Ozai stepped forward. He was a strong looking man, broad shoulders and carried himself with power and regality. His hair was up in a top knot, most of it flowing past his shoulders. Before him stood four hooded men; the followers of the Four Sages. Each had a different colored robe on: red, blue, green, and yellow. Ozai kneeled down before them, lowering his head. The roaring from the crowd grew even louder as he was presented with the head piece that dignified him as the new Father of Caldera, the ancient city that brought together all four nations.

Standing behind everything was a young boy and girl. The boy had a timid look on his face, watching as his father was adorned the new ruler of Caldera. Next to him was the girl, his sister. She had a look of fierce determination and pride that made up for the lack of pride coming from the young boy. Next to the boy was another old man, who had a slight tea belly, but had more poise and grace than anything else. He saw the timid nature of the boy, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder and smiling down at him.

"Today is a day for celebration, Prince Zuko," the man said. "Your father is the ruler of a land that promises peace."

"I know, Uncle Iroh," the boy known as Zuko said. "I just miss my mother."

"We all do, brother," the girl snapped.

"Easy now, Azula," the old man, Iroh, warned her.

"Uncle, where is cousin Lu Ten?" Azula asked, not looking away as their father began making his speech to everyone.

"He's coming from Ba Sing Se," Iroh said. "Our family needs to stay together."

"Family is most important," Azula said, turning and offering a warm smile to Zuko, who returned it back.

Ozai's speech ended with another roar as he raised his arms into the sky. Around him, his new Imperial Guards, all firebenders, shot flames up the pillars, the flames spewing out the top of the pillars. Zuko rose to his feet now, keeping his head down as his father walked past him. Once he did, Zuko and Azula turned and followed suit with Iroh right behind them.

"Father Ozai, if you and your family will follow us, we will show you to your new quarters," one of the servants said, presenting the Fire Nation symbol and bowing to the new Father of Caldera.

"We have to move?" Zuko questioned.

"Of course, Prince Zuko," Ozai said, the annoyance evident in his voice. "We are now rulers of this city."

"Ten years of ruling these people," Azula said, smiling.

"Precisely," Ozai smirked as the servant led them through the Palace of Caldera. "Now, children, get some sleep. You begin your firebending training tomorrow."

"Yes, father," Zuko and Azula said as the servant opened the door to the room that they would share.

"Zuko, would you like to get some tea?" Iroh asked, his arms folded in his sleeves above his chest.

"Yes, uncle," Zuko said with a nod.

Zuko bowed to his father, not seeing the annoyed look on the ruler's face. Zuko turned and walked next to Iroh as his sister went rummaging around in their new room. Zuko looked like a young version of Ozai, his hair up in a topknot. He had piercing gold eyes that, when applied, carried pride and regality, just like Ozai. He was dressed in the traditional Fire Nation armor, his hands clasped behind his back as another servant led Iroh and Zuko to the Dining Hall.

"So, are you ready for your training tomorrow?" Iroh asked as they sat down.

The young boy shrugged, cupping his hands together as a small flame sparked above his palms. He made it dance between his fingers, never moving his eyes from the fire as he snuffed it out.

"I'm not sure what else I can do," Zuko said. "Father expects so much from me."

"You'll be fine, Prince Zuko," Iroh smiled. "Now, let us enjoy some ginseng tea."

"Faster! Stronger! That is mediocre at best!"

Zuko, only eleven years old, did his best to ignore his father's insults. With sweat dripping down his face, he did his best to mimic his trainer's moves. His gold eyes watched as the old firebender moved gracefully and carried himself with power as the red and orange and yellow flames erupted from his hands. On the other side, Azula was matching the moves perfectly. The flames that erupted from her were just as large as the trainer's, earning praise from both him and Ozai. For two weeks, they had been training non-stop, trying to reach Ozai's level of perfection.

Zuko sighed, moving through the forms once again as he tried to produce the same fire that his younger sister was producing. As Zuko moved, small puffs of fire came from his palm. As he spun on his heel, the fire erupted in his palm, sending him flying backwards off his feet. His body hit the ground hard, causing a low groan to emit from his mouth as he rolled over the top of his head.

"Get up, Zuko!" Ozai's voice rang harshly. "Get up and prove yourself!"

He struggled to his feet, still disoriented from the explosion that sent him flying. Zuko tried shaking it off, looking over at the trainer and Azula, who had a grim look on her face. The sound of voices yelling around him echoed in a distorted tone in his ears. The voice was getting louder and louder, almost like it was getting closer. More voices began jumbling in his head as he finally got his vision focused in time to see his father coming down on him. He let out a yelp as he felt the back of his father's hand against his face, sending him back to the ground.

"How can you be my son and not even firebend properly?" Ozai roared, grabbing Zuko by his topknot and flinging him to the ground.

The trainer and Azula froze, not knowing what to really do as the Father of Caldera lifted Zuko up again, turning and slapping him with the back of his hand once again. Zuko cried out in pain, trying to wrestle himself free from Ozai's grip.

"You will learn firebending," Ozai snapped. "The easy way or the hard way."

"Please, father, stop," Zuko cried out.

Ozai only grew angrier. No one knew what was going to be done next, but they all watched in horror as Ozai raised his hand, engulfing it in flames.

Zuko's screams could be heard all throughout the Palace of Caldera.

He was writhing on the ground as the guards quickly responded. Zuko had his hands to his face, rolling around and screaming his lungs out. Ozai only backed away, a snarl on his face as he watched the guards pick up Zuko. Azula was standing to the side, her eyes wide as she watched her brother being carried off.

That night, Iroh and Ozai engaged in one of the fiercest verbal battles ever recorded. Ozai preached that Zuko was weak and needed to be toughened in order to become a future ruler of the Fire Nation, and maybe even Caldera. Iroh called his younger brother a monster and arrogant man that cared nothing for his family. And it showed, as Iroh was always visiting Zuko every chance he got. Ozai only visited Zuko the day after the accident to see the extent of his work.

"Prince Zuko? May I enter?"

Zuko looked up from his bed, still unaccustomed to being able to only see with one eye, as his left eye was still wrapped in bandage. Since the accident two months ago, Zuko kept himself locked in his room. They had shaved off all of his hair, only leaving a ponytail at the top of his head. He was staring at the door with for what felt like forever before there was another knock. Zuko quickly snapped away from the memory, turning away from the door and sighed.

"Come in, uncle."

Iroh walked into Zuko's private room within the Infirmary Wing, bowing slightly to his nephew as he closed the door behind him. Zuko said nothing else, still looking off the side as Iroh approached the bed, sitting on the edge. Zuko only peered over as he felt the weight shifting on the bed, his one eyes catching the hurt and broken look that was present in his uncle's stare.

"What is it?" Zuko asked. "You look sad."

"I'm hurting for you, nephew," Iroh croaked, looking intently at Zuko. "I cannot imagine the pain you are going through."

Zuko knew that Iroh meant well, but there was something in Iroh's words that threw him off. He narrowed his one brow, feeling the other trying to knit closer to the other one as well. Zuko let out a snarl as he leaned forward, his body fueling with rage as he stared at his uncle.

"No, you can't," Zuko snapped. "You can never know how I feel."

"Understand, Zuko, I'm only here to provide comfort."

Zuko scoffed, shaking his head and leaning back into his pillow with his eyes wild. "Comfort? There is nothing for you to do to comfort me."

"Then tell me, Zuko," Iroh pleaded. "I know I am not your father, but I am here to help you through this."

The prince stayed quiet for a moment as he stared down at his lap. He knew that Iroh was the only one that was going to help him. He knew, deep down, neither Ozai or Azula would come to visit him. In these two months, Zuko wasn't even sure if he remembered seeing his father come to visit him. But here was Iroh, who had his own son in Lu Ten, always at Zuko's side through all the turmoil. After his mother disappeared, it was Iroh who returned and comforted him. And now, with this, Iroh was there again.

"Don't leave," Zuko whispered, fighting back tears as he looked up to Iroh. "Don't leave me, uncle. I can't lose you."

Iroh said nothing else, only coming closer and hugging Zuko. The scarred prince grabbed onto his uncle tightly, not hiding anymore and letting the tears fall as his body began rocking with sobs. He could hear his uncle shushing him, mumbling that everything was going to be okay. But there was too much for Zuko to handle it.

"I won't leave you, Zuko. I won't ever leave you."

Seven Years Ago

"Your hair has grown out nicely," Iroh said.

Zuko said nothing, only stared down intently at the plate filled with komodo-rhino meat. It was exactly four years since his father attacked him. On the left side of his face was a reddish scar. It was over his eye, down his cheek a little, up his forehead and over his head. It was darker towards his eye, softening around the edges as it expanded outwards.

In those four years, Zuko grew into a completely different person. He spent the first few months in the Infirmary Wing. He never spoke a word, only laid there and stared up at the ceiling with the bandage wrapped around his face. Iroh would also visit him, but Zuko never said anything, only listen as his uncle spewed words of wisdom. Azula would come to visit him sometimes, rambling on about their father and how he was planning to make some changes to Caldera and help provide for the Fire Nation and its colonies. Zuko never said a word, only stared at the emptiness around him.

When they had taken off the bandage, and Zuko first saw the damage that had been done, he snapped. It was like the fire inside him literally exploded out of him. Half of the Infirmary had been burned before Iroh managed to control the raging flames that came from Zuko. When Ozai learned of this, he only spoke on how Zuko was finally able to bend fire properly. The fallout between Iroh and Ozai was immense, Iroh almost forcing Ozai to disown Zuko so that Iroh could adopt him on his own. Ozai refused this, however, wanting Zuko to grow into a warrior, not a tea master, as he had put it.

Zuko began spending more time alone after he was released from the Intensive Care. He would spend time for Iroh once in a while, being the open person he wanted to speak to. He rarely saw his father. It wasn't that he wanted not too, but because Ozai was too busy making his way to becoming a tyrant more than a peaceful Father of Caldera. Zuko scoffed every time he thought about it, wondering how the Four Sages couldn't see how despicable Ozai was back in the Fire Nation.

"Zuko? Did you hear me?"

The prince of Caldera finally looked up, snapping out of his brood.

"What?" Zuko snapped.

"I said that we should go and continue your sword training," Iroh said. "Master Piandao will be pleased to see you again."

"Sure, whatever."

The servants came and followed Zuko and Iroh outside the Palace. There was palanquin already waiting for them, the two stepping inside. Zuko adjusted his robe, fitting the hood over his head and shaggy hair. Iroh saw this, reaching up and taking the hood down. Zuko shot a glare at Iroh, narrowing his eyes at his uncle.

"What was that for?" Zuko asked.

"Do not hide who you are," Iroh said. "Embrace what destiny has given you, dear nephew. Everything will resolve itself."

Zuko scoffed. "I'm a marked prince, uncle; a prince that has lost everything, even respect from his own father. That's all I ever will be."

"I do not believe that."

"Then you are a fool," Zuko snapped. "A simple, old fool."

The rest of palanquin ride was silent, Zuko keeping his eyes just outside the curtains that shielded him from the outside world. The world passed him by, watching as those who knew whose palanquin that was stopped and bowed the Fire Nation symbol to the outside. Zuko scoffed at all of them, crossing his arms over his chest before noticing that Master Piandao's temple was coming up.

One thing that Zuko took up after his scar had healed was sword training. Iroh took him to Master Piandao, one of the best swordsmen in the entire world. He moved to Caldera years ago, training those who he deemed worthy. And there were very little that he deemed worthy. Most were looking for power, greed, or something to boast over their rivals. Zuko came in as a humble and broken man, loss of everything that was right in his life. Piando accepted him as his pupil almost immediately.

The palanquin stopped, Zuko stepping off first and strode into the temple. He bowed to Fat, Piandao's butler and sparring partner. Zuko stepped into the Common Hall, seeing Piandao sitting there with a cup of tea.

"Master Piandao," Zuko said as he bowed.

"Ah, Zuko, you're early," Piandao said, putting down the tea. "Shall we begin?"

Piandao didn't show pity towards Zuko when they trained, fighting full force and getting the most out of Zuko. It showed as they were sparring in the courtyard, their metal swords clanging off each other as they fought. Zuko was fond of the dual dao swords, having mastered them with ease that made Piandao very impressed. Zuko loved that, wanting to be pushed to his limits.

They were in the Courtyard, both of them handling their own swords. Zuko had finished creating his own dual dao swords a few months ago and this was one of his first tests with the swords. Piandao was charging down at Zuko, forcing the young firebender into a defensive posture. Zuko crossed his swords above his head, blocking Piandao's strike. He didn't notice the boot that was coming to his chest, making him stumble back and turning on his feet.

"Stronger, Zuko," Piandao said. "Do not hold back."

Zuko let out a low growl, spinning on his heel and swinging downwards on Piandao. As the master went to parry, Zuko trapped the blade between his, flipping the single blade away from its owner. He slid forward, crossing the blades over Piandao's neck with fire burning in his eyes.

"Impressive," Piandao said. "At ease."

The young prince sighed, forming the broadsword before he sheathed the blades. He sat down at the steps, breathing heavily as sweat dripped off his bangs. Zuko could feel the dampness beginning to form around his scarred eye. Piandao sat next to him, seeing Zuko breathing heavily, which was something that was out of the ordinary. Behind that stoic expression, Zuko's mind was racing.

"Is something troubling you, my pupil?" Piandao prompted. "You never get out of breath during our practice sessions."

"I've been thinking a lot lately," Zuko said.

"Is it because it's been four years?"

"No," Zuko snapped harshly, shaking his head and calming down from his little outburst. "No, it's not that."

"Then what is it?" Piandao asked.

Zuko sighed. "I'm thinking about leaving Caldera. I can't stand to be here anymore with that monster."

Piandao raised a brow, obviously confused. Zuko let out another sign, rolling his sleeves and showing bruises and burns. None were as severe as the one of his eye, but they were there. Piandao examined them closely, narrowing his eyes. A majority of them were old and forever part of Zuko's body. But Piandao saw the new ones, the fleshy scabs and small trickles of blood that weren't properly cleaned off. With a deep sigh, Piandao returned his gaze back towards his pupil.

"How long?"

Zuko swallowed. "It's never stopped."

"Does Iroh know?" Piandao asked.

"No," Zuko said as he rolled his sleeves down. "This is why I need to leave. I can't be here anymore and I can't keep lying to Iroh and Azula."

"Your firebending has improved and your sword skills are far beyond exceptional," Piandao said, nodding his head. "I believe that you will be fine."

"My uncle cannot know," Zuko snapped. "Not yet. He'll learn eventually, but not right now. He's already distant with Lu Ten, this would only make it worst."

"You have my word, Zuko."

Zuko rose and bowed to Piandao. "Thank you, master."

"Now, shall we continue?" Piandao smirked, raising his sword to Zuko.

Five Years Ago

Tonight was the night.

For two years, Zuko had planned his escape from Caldera. With Piandao and Fat, the trio had set up a plan with some guards that were easily taken advantage with money. They would sneak Zuko out on a carriage that was heading to Ba Sing Se. From there, Zuko would make his way out into the world and away from Caldera. Even to this day, Iroh didn't know. Zuko was sure his uncle was suspicious, but not fully aware of what was happening with his nephew.

He was sitting alone in his room, listening as he could hear his father yelling and bickering with advisors in the office that was just across the hall. Zuko was waiting for the moment that he went to bed and fell asleep. That was the most opportune moment to make his move and escape the hell that he had been in for six years now. Every time Zuko doubted himself, he would touch his scar. The hellish scenes always played in his mind, giving him cause to leave this behind.

The only guilt that Zuko felt was leaving Azula. Sure, they didn't have the closest of relationships, but they managed. Azula was the perfect child that Ozai always wanted. If Azula was a boy, it would make Ozai even happier about it. Zuko wasn't sure how he would tell Azula, or even if he should tell his younger sister at all.

"Why are you just staring at that wall, Zu-Zu?"

As if she could hear him thinking about her, Azula strolled into his room, arms crossed over her chest. She was wearing red and gold robes over her sleeping clothes. Zuko said nothing, only turned and acknowledged his sister. He didn't see her frown, only heard her footsteps come closer before he felt the weight shifting on his bed.

"Stop being so gloom," Azula whined. "I swear Mai is just rubbing off on you."

Last year, Zuko was shown a line of girls that Ozai had picked to be his betrothed and be the one that would produce new potential. Two of them were Azula's best friends. One was Ty Lee, one of ten sisters from a traveling circus family. She was the complete opposite of what Zuko expected. She was loud, bubbly, and always talked about people's auras. It made Zuko sick to see someone so giddy all the time.

Then there was Mai. Mai was the daughter of some rich business man from the Fire Nation. Obviously with money, Ozai was easily tempted. She was tall, slender, but carried a dully and monotonous personality. Zuko learned quickly that she was fairly skilled with knives, so he made it a point to never try and anger her. But then again, she rarely showed any emotions, so Zuko was never sure if she was angry and sad or anything that had to deal with expressing yourself.

"It has nothing to do with Mai," Zuko mumbled.

"Then why are you being so pouty?"

"I'm leaving."

He was met with silence. It wasn't what he was expecting.

"Leaving?" Azula repeated.

Zuko nodded. "I'm leaving Caldera. I can't live here anymore with Ozai and his cruelty."

"So you're just going to leave me here then?" Azula snapped.

"You think I want too?" Zuko said, turning on her. "I wish I could take you with me, but I can't. You wouldn't want to leave anyways, being the favorite."

"The favorite?" Azula raised a brow.

Zuko nodded again. "Father has been beating me ever since he gave me this scar. He doesn't lay a finger on you. You're the lucky one."

The siblings sat in silence for a while before Azula started laughing. Zuko raised a brow as he stared at her, confused on this sudden outburst. Eventually, Azula calmed down, wiping away a stray tear that escaped during her laughter. She then narrowed her eyes at Zuko, shaking her head.

"You're weak," Azula quickly said. "Running away from your problems like a scared little turtle-duck. You're weak, Zuko."

"What?"

She was standing now, marching to the door with anger. She stopped, turning on her heel and glaring wickedly at her older brother.

"Father was right," She hissed. "You were lucky to be born."

Zuko said nothing, only watched as her sister turned and slammed the door behind her. A single tear trickled down his scarred cheek as he dropped his head.

"Goodbye, Azula."

"What do you mean Prince Zuko isn't in his room?"

Ozai's voice carried more anger and annoyance than concern as the servant cowered from the Father of Caldera. He had just come to inform Zuko that breakfast was ready in the Dining Hall, but the room was empty. The bed had been made, the sheets and blankets pressed firmly. There was no note or anything.

"The guards are checking everywhere in the palace, Father Ozai," the servant stammered. "We are waiting for them to return with what they find."

"That little brat will pay for this," Ozai growled out.

"He's probably off crying about something else this morning," Azula snickered from her father's side.

The Father of Caldera said nothing, only sat at his dais as he waited as the guards marched into the room. They presented the Fire Nation symbol and bowed before Ozai. The leader said nothing, only nodded to let the guards begin speaking.

"We've searched the entire palace, Father Ozai," a guard stated. "Prince Zuko is nowhere to be found."

Ozai nodded. "Very well."

By the same time the next day, they had given up the search for Zuko. Ozai made nothing of it, saying that Caldera had to move on without him. Azula fell in line, obeying Ozai but never saying anything about her encounter with Zuko the night before. Iroh left soon after, traveling the world with his son, Lu Ten.

Zuko was already on his way to Ba Sing Se, hiding in the carriage with a hood covering his face. He was banishing himself to an exile. He was carrying a heavy heart, knowing that he was leaving behind people he cared about and that cared about him. But this was who Zuko was now. He was the Exile of Caldera, fleeing all that had ruined his past, but not his future.