A/N: I thought of writing Ozai when I stumbled upon a bad case of writer's block. In addition to trying out something new, I'm also taking the chance to explore this character since I don't see much of it here on ff. I feel like Ozai is much more than Fire Lord or Phoenix King and this is my attempt at unraveling him. There will be a few parts to this, and I'll probably be done with it soon and then get back to my other fic.


I, Ozai


Prologue

He looks up into the eyes of the Avatar—the boy that would be his killer. He then takes a look around, briefly, and takes in his surroundings. The world—his world—was on fire, as it should have been since his grandfather's time. It would be the last thing he remembers before he dies, he thinks.

Ozai turns his gaze back to the young monk. Death by the hands of a mere child…what honor is there? He stops struggling against his earthen bonds and freezes when Aang touches him, one thumb pressing against his chest and the other pressing against his forehead.

What is he doing?

Something seems to split apart within him when the Avatar's eyes and tattoos glow bright blue. Ozai's jaw hangs loose as he tries to scream, but he does not hear his voice. He is vaguely aware that he is dying and wishes the airbender would make it quicker.

When everything goes white, Ozai remembers for the last time.