Chapter 1- The Dawn of a New Era
As the sun began its ascent into the sky, it rays peeked into a room in the back of a tea shop. The beams hit a small, bald boy, whose body had a continuous blue tattoo that spread throughout his body. Yawning, he rose and stretched his body. Opening his eyes, Aang looked around. Everyone else was still asleep. Yawning again, he walked up the stairs to the roof to meditate. When he reached the roof, he was surprised to see Zuko already there.
"Good morning Zuko." He didn't respond. "Zuko?" Still, he did not respond. Aang sat down next to Zuko, looking at him curiously. Zuko sat there silent, watching the sunrise. They both sat there in silence for several moments.
"I'm worried Aang", Zuko spoke. "About what", replied Aang. "The war is over, both your father and Azula are imprisoned, and you are finally at peace." "I know all of that", Zuko said, "but there is much more to worry about. I have a Nation to rule. And besides that, my people have reprobation due. We conducted a century long war, Aang. The Fire Nation has blood on their hands. We have done wrong, and for that we must be punished. Justice must be served."
"Zuko…" "No Aang" Zuko shouted, tears forming in his eyes. "The Nations hate us, and I don't blame them." His eyes lowered. "And possibly the greatest sin we have committed was… destroying the World's balance." "What are you talking about, Zuko?" Zuko sighed, and then looking Aang in the eyes he said, "We wiped out the Air Nomads. The blood of that massacre is upon me. I am forever indebted to you, Aang." Aang merely stared at him in shock.
"Ask me to forfeit anything- my love, my kingdom, even my life- and I will do it", Zuko said. "Zuko", Aang spoke slowly, "you owe me nothing. The wrongs committed against my people- it is not your sin. No blood is on your hands." It was Zuko's turn to be bemused. "I don't think you understand Aang. In the Fire Nation, the Fire Lord represents his family and people- past, present, and future. He is the Fire Nation incarnate. Therefore, any honor or wrongs incurred by the Nation is my burden. I must gain honor for the Nation, and atone for crimes committed in the name of the Fire Lord or our Nation."
Aang got up and looked at the horizon. "Zuko, I am not Fire Nation. I am the Avatar, and I say you owe me nothing." Suddenly Zuko turned to him, grabbed his ankles, and held his face prostrate to the ground. "Aang", Zuko said, "you must give me something to redeem myself by! I must restore honor to my people!" Aang knelt down to Zuko. "You need not redeem anything", he whispered. "All is forgiven Zuko- I have redeemed the world. That means the Fire Nation, too. All is well- balance shall return. It always does."
Zuko once again found himself staring into the Avatar's eyes. They were filled with love, compassion, and… forgiveness. "Aang, you never cease to amaze me." Said Avatar smiled, and rose, beckoning Zuko to do the same. "Just promise me one thing Zuko. Promise me you will help restore peace and balance. Help me in the next part of my journey." "It will be difficult", said Zuko. "There is much pain and destruction that needs healing." Aang nodded in agreement. "I never said it would be easy", Aang spoke, "but what will happen, will happen. We can only move forward."
Zuko turned and fixed his gaze upon the sunrise. "It is beautiful and terrifying at same time, the sunrise. The dawn of a new era." "Yes it is", Aang said. "But it will be wonderful- because we are going forth, together. Zuko smiled and nodded. "Yes", Zuko thought, "together we shall truly end this. United, we shall all aid in the rebuilding of our world."
The sun continued its ascent into the heavens, ushering in a new age.