What happens when a certain change in time shapes a new future? That's right, Zuko's the Avatar. However, he isn't keen on being one, nor does he take it quite seriously.

Distorted Loyalty
Book 1:
Air
Chapter 1: Beginnings

83 GA.
Ba Sing Se.

Fire Nation troops marched by in synchronized formation, identical in beat as they made their way up the streets.

It was unquestionably another worthless effort in trying to gain the city of Ba Sing Se. Many times, have they tried to breach through its thick walls, and each time they retreated in defeat. The walls were covered in dust and ashes. Yet its citizens were unaware of the war taking place. Avatar Lokai considered that a good thing. Once they'll know about the Hundred Year War, who is to blame for all the pain and endless suffering other than himself? Perhaps he was being selfish now. Or perhaps he was just trying to avoid his fate.

Breath in…

Breath out…

He was a master earthbender. No doubt one of the best.

However, he couldn't bend fire or air at all. With there being no firebender willing to teach him, and the Air Nomad being extinct, chances of him fully mastering all four elements were near impossible.

Breath in…

Breath out…

There was no choice for him in the matter, especially now. He had to do this! No matter how much pain coursed through his veins.

He rushed past some fallen Dai Li agents, took in the sight of their still bodies, squeezed his eyes shut, turned his head away and ran towards the Outer Wall as quickly as he could.

Large balls of fire were shot from above. A quick tap with his feet launched him into the air, as he bent the water and whipped it against a soldier, who growled and threw her spear at him. He ducked their flames, turned on his feet and threw a large boulder at them–killing off several Fire Nation soldiers until eventually, his own comrades had fallen and he was surrounded by three Fire Nation soldiers.

Breath in…

Breath out…

A painful growl left his lips. Without having realized it, he fell to his knees which was now drawing blood.

A small yet powerful looking general took a step forward, and surprisingly, bowed his head ever so slowly. "Avatar Lokai. It is a great honor meeting you."

Lokai took a deep breath, but his determination didn't falter. He wouldn't let himself be humiliated in the presence of these soldiers. "You are…?" he managed to breathe out.

"You do not know?" As far as he could tell, there was genuine surprise coming from the general. "Hmm… One would think your education ought to have been a bit more…meaningful perhaps?"

Righteous anger welled up inside him. He slowly stretched his palms over the ground and hissed. "Soldiers, generals, Fire Lords. You people are all the same. It wouldn't make a difference–"

A thick stream of fire burned the flesh on his hands and he shrieked out painfully.

"No earthbending today, Avatar." A soldier warned, but before they could give another warning, Lokai managed to use his now aching hands and create a sinkhole, dropping the soldier into it and closing it off.

"Prince Iroh, watch out!"

Lokai aimed for the general – no, not general. He was a crown prince! Someone related to Fire Lord Azulon. This twist of events made him determined to end the man. He tried using everything in his power to stop them. Earth and water, but it wasn't enough. He was hurt too badly and most of his attempts were proven unsuccessful.

Once again, the soldier used fire to burn the flesh on his hands and feet. Once again, making him cry out in agony.

The pain was unbearable. He couldn't go on.

Faintly, he heard footsteps rush towards him. The rescue forces. Faintly, he heard the remaining two Fire Nation contemplate his fate. Faintly, he felt the Avatar Spirit leave his body.

"There are more of them! We have to act now Prin–"

"He must remain alive."

Why? Why did he want him alive? He had no time to consider. The remaining soldier had acted as quickly as the rescue force. Given in to seeing his weakened state, he took a stance.

There was fire.

A lot of fire.

He saw the burning ground turn blurry and fade into black. Anguish turning into…a peaceful silence.

"NO!" Avatar Lokai heard his brother from the rescue force yell desperately before his world turned into eternal darkness. Even though an echo of his thoughts could've sworn heard the prince cry out his name too…

He wondered why…

[✩]

There was a lot of panic inside the Fire Nation royal palace concerning the birth of a royal baby. Servants panicked and rushed to the birthing mothers' aid, not quite knowing what to do other than bringing in towels and a bowl of water whilst a professional nurse instructed her to push.

Minutes pass before the first cries were heard and a relief washed over the new mother. A healthy baby boy, the nurse said excitedly, before washing the baby and placing him in its mothers' arms.

Later that day, the Fire Sages traditionally gathered around the newborn, gave him their blessing and named him Zuko. Unbeknownst to the inevitable and challenging destiny bestowed upon him.

Ursa looked at her bundle with a strong sense of affection. Something she wistfully would never be able to feel for her husband, the manipulative and cold-blooded Fire Prince Ozai. At the same time, the father of the boy sat at her bedside and frowned disapprovingly as he observed their firstborn child. It was Ozai who said Zuko didn't have the spark, that he wouldn't be a bender at all. That he'd only bring humiliation in his ambition of becoming a possible heir to the throne. Therefore, he had ordered Zuko gone from the palace, much to the Fire Sages and Ursa's distress. They managed to convince her husband, stating that Zuko would be a bender. She promised him he would be, and in return, Ozai said she'd better be right.

Ursa tried everything to make her son show signs of fire bending. Going as far as to hire a fire bending teacher at just one-year-old. Unfortunately, there hadn't been any sign yet. And as years went by, she started doubting the promise she'd made Ozai. Especially after their second child was born. A female the Fire Sages named after the reigning Fire Lord Azulon–Azula, whom Ozai highly adored because she was born with certain spark he could not ever detect in Zuko's.

The day her son finally managed to bend fire was both a blessing and a curse. Not only did he accidentally set his own room on fire, a spark of curiosity had finally awoken within Ozai, and he seemed impressed and sometimes even proud of Zuko. Who in returned beamed and gracefully accepted the many torturous hours mastering the arts of firebending with his newly instructed tutor. It made Ursa wonder whether she needed to step in and have her son do things at his own pace. Exhaustion was evident on Zuko's face, but the determination to have his father be proud of him always seemed too overwhelming. It worried her greatly.

When Zuko was seven and Azula was five, Ursa would often see her son sulk and try to avoid his own sister. Rather finding amusement in being with her. A part of her very much liked it that way. Or perhaps she was just as clingy to him as was Zuko to her; giving her a sense of comfort to all she once lost. Yet she knew…Zuko was supposed to play with kids his own age. He was rarely outside of the palace. Instead, Zuko tried his best in completing the katas for firebending, or, whenever his father wasn't looking…took on his blades and waved them around clumsily.

The fun times were when his cousin Lu Ten would stroll with him through the market. Or when Iroh would tag along to go play hide and seek. Something she always found somewhat cute.

It was the day after Azula's eighth birthday that they had gathered to bid their Crown Prince Iroh and his son Prince Lu Ten farewell. Bowing respectfully as a royalty should. Wishing them luck on their return to Ba Sing Se in another attempt of breaching the Outer Walls, securing the invasion and killing off the Avatar–whom strangely hadn't been seen for many years now. Curiosity regarding the fate of Avatar Lokai and the state of the world triggered her to make plans for the future. For her family. A confrontation with the Avatar against her new family; it was something she feared greatly. And something she despised the current Fire Lord Azulon for. She felt trapped and thoroughly isolated. If only her parents were here…if only Ikem…

Everything horribly changed the year after.

Prince Lu Ten had been killed during the Siege of Ba Sing Se. Ozai urged his father to make him his heir, and Fire Lord Azulon ordered the death of her firstborn child. That night she conspired with her husband and struck a deal she knew even he couldn't refuse: making Ozai the new Fire Lord resulting in her banishment.

Everything she had done. She had done to protect him. That is what she told herself, and Zuko too. This way, Zuko would remain alive. Both her children would be safe…

She cried. Angry at herself for not being able to do anything only caused the hot tears to fall faster as one hand quickly swept away her tears. She repressed the sobs threatening to rip out of her throat, it wouldn't do to have anyone find her like this. The banished princess.

Underneath the full moon, Ursa stepped into the shadows, and no one ever heard of her again.

[✩]

"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher!"

Zuko woke with a start, gasping for breath. One hand automatically lit a flame as his heart seized up with fear of that nightmare: his caring mother, soothing his troubles before leaving him behind. His father…calling him a disgrace for speaking out of turn, for refusing to fight in an Agni Kai, and for being a weakling in general. Banishing and sending him on a quest to find the Avatar.

The Avatar.

Anyone he encountered would tell him it was a futile chase resulting in adding only more shame to his already humiliating status as banished Fire Prince. it was his father who said capturing the Avatar would restore his honor and his rightful place as heir to the throne. It took a moment for his heart to stop pounding and his mind to clear as he desperately looked at the Fire Nation flag pinned to his bedroom walls.

He just wanted to go home.

Well then, I'm awake. He thought gloomily.

Sleep always seemed like a paradise after the hell that lasted three years now. A sweet release from all his troubles. Subconsciously, his hand rested on the wrinkled skin under his left eye and he sighed, shaking his head and getting on his feet, opening his bedroom door and ambling his way up the main deck of his ship.

"Ah, my nephew. You are up early. Come sit, I have prepared some delicious tea."

Zuko scowled at his uncle who sat at his usual spot in the early mornings, drinking his self-made tea. Instead, Zuko watched the sun rise slowly as his inner fire flared up.

"Today is an important day."

"Yes…going on foot and leaving your crew behind is a huge undertaking. Even for you." Iroh took a silent sip from his cup before daring to look up at his unpredictable nephew.

"The ship's useless. If we're to capture the Avatar, we must look for him on fresh soil." Zuko countered.

His uncle blinked in surprise as if something bothered him greatly. "I recommend checking the Fire Nation colonies then. You'll never know what surprises you might find there."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "That's ridiculous uncle. What good would it do for the Avatar to be in one of the colonies?"

"Avatar Lokai might be looking for a firebending teacher. The last time I saw him he only mastered the elements of water and earth…" Iroh muttered softly, "The people of the Earth Kingdom were unable to teach him in the correct order of the cycle, thus making him a fragile and incomplete Avatar."

"I don't care whether he can or cannot bend other elements. Besides, that was sixteen years ago! The Avatar is thirty-two years old now. He ought to be a master and I will not falter in my ambition to capture and bring him to my father," Zuko turned to look at his uncle, "We've been searching for three years now. Trust me, the Avatar is still in Ba Sing Se. Hidden safely behind those ridiculous thick walls."

"You must do whatever you think is right, of course. I'll simply be there to guide you."

"Pack your things uncle. I suppose it'll be just us for a while now." Zuko said, moving back to his room, observing his most valuable possessions and deeming which one was worth taking with him. Once done, he rejoined with his uncle and other members of the crew as they bid their princes farewell and moved on–likely to be returning to the Fire Nation or whatever other military business they would be selected to, Zuko concluded.

When they reached the nearest village–Tamaki–they started inquiring on the whereabouts of the Avatar. But not before putting on some decent Earth Kingdom disguises which included Zuko using his knife to cut off his Phoenix tail that marked him royalty and replace it with a conical hat. Regrettably, both he and his uncle concluded the villagers wouldn't dare spill the beans to the likes of them. So, when they were in full peasant get-up, much to Zuko's displeasure, they could finally start.

"Uncle, got any valuable information?" Zuko asked after half a day, taking in the sight of villagers passing by and doing whatever business they felt like doing. "Honestly I thought getting info would be easier dressed up as peasants but it's as if the Avatar never set foot outside of Ba Sing Se."

"Not yet," Iroh said seriously, before unrolling something he'd snatched along the way and practically shoved it in his face. "but I've heard they have a tea shop right around the corner! They have a special brand. We should pay them a visit, so we can clear our minds and be on our way with high spirit."

Zuko scowled at him, jerking away from the flyer as he turned to walk away, but as soon his back was turned he let out a surprised gasp and forced himself down the bushes.

"Uncle down!" He gestured for him to follow suit. Fire Nation soldiers, and not just one of them.

Zhao, Zuko heard himself mutter under his breath. Anger shot through him as he tried to contain all his will-power not to move and confront him regarding their heated discussion last time. Something about his honor, and his weakness. Not surprisingly the subjects his sister and father loved to lecture him with as well. It pissed him off to no end that the guy had more power than him.

"What's he up to?" he grumbled darkly, unable to quell the sudden suspicion deep inside that told him this was one of the questions he simply didn't want to hear the answer to.

"Zhao and his men usually mean bad business, Prince Zuko. It is best if you stay out of sight." A gentle squeeze on his shoulders made Zuko sigh momentarily.

"I know," he finally gave in, "where was it you wanted to go?" A spark of excitement glistened in Iroh's eyes and Zuko knew he had to endure his frustration for a little longer.

[✩]

Zuko eyed the customers warily, feeling agitated one of them might turn out to be Zhao's men in disguise and that they would recognize him with all consequences that it might entail. When a whisper in his mind gave him the satisfying approval that Zuko needed he followed his uncle and took a seat. Scanning his menu card, he tapped against the rough texture of the wooden table before passing it to his uncle and scoffed.

Why had he agreed to go here? There was no time for tea while enemies lurked right around the corner. But then again, what were the chances of Zhao visiting a tea-shop?

Perhaps it truly was a stupid idea coming here.

His uncle smiled at the waitress. "Hello, my dear. You look lovely today. May I order a Jing Mountain Tea for two, please? I hear they are very tasty."

"Oh my, such a gentleman. Of course." The waitress giggled at him.

Iroh stroked his beard as he poured over his menu card. "But I must say I've never heard about the Gui Ping West Mountain tea…" he contemplated with great difficulty, making Zuko roll his eyes even further.

"Well, I can tell you they are very tasty too." She joyfully insisted.

"But what of the Rain Flower tea, or wait–" His eyes popped in surprise, leaning a little closer, "perhaps the Dragon Mountain?"

Zuko growled in frustration and threw his hands up in the air. "Uncle can't you be more decisive?!"

Iroh frowned. "We need a cup of tea filled with warmth and energy, so we can prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead. It is very important we choose the one most effective."

Zuko breathed in deeply, trying to calm the stress pressing down on his mind. Vaguely, he was aware of a group of children dressed in blue huddled up behind him, and upon closer inspection, noticed they were Water Tribe.

Deciding their conversation ought to be more entertaining than his uncle's, he listened closely as they–just as he predicted–spoke of Water Tribe stuff. Northern Water Tribe stuff to be more specific. Funny, they were planning on heading for the Northern Tribe then?

What caught Zuko by surprise, however, was the sudden subject of Avatar Lokai being dropped, increasing his interest tenfold. He dared a glance over his shoulder.

The female of the group leaned a little towards the two boys, "It's worth a shot, Sokka. I think it's time for the Avatar to come out and fight."

"Fine–but only if I get to eat seal jerky tonight." He couldn't quite fix his eyes on the other two boys with him, hidden behind a pillar, but the one speaking just now sounded somewhat annoyed.

"It's a deal."

Without a word, he rose from his seat and approached their table, his calculating eye fixing each of the three customers. "You're looking for the Avatar?" Zuko asked after a moment.

They turned to look up at him in surprise. "Um, no why would you think that?"

He could see them clearly now. Two Water Tribe peasants and a…he wasn't quite sure who the third and youngest boy was. But he looked awfully familiar somehow, which was strange because Zuko was fairly sure he never met a boy with tattoos wearing outdated monk robes. Who did this boy think he was anyway? Perhaps an airbender fanatic? Zuko cringed.

He pushed the thought aside and sat down quietly, "I heard you saying you were."

"Why do you care?" There was a certain alertness in the girls' voice.

Zuko sighed. "Because I want to know more about the Avatar and his…great destiny of purifying this world from the Fire Nation's evil schemes. I've heard the stories about him being in Ba Sing Se, but whenever I ask people here no one seems to know exactly where he is. Or whatever might have happened to him."

"I'm afraid we know just as much as you do." She muttered sadly.

"Why is it you want to know where the Avatar is?" The older Water Tribe boy questioned suspiciously, Sokka… was it?

Zuko didn't answer him though, his thoughts fiercer than ever. "…Then he must be in Ba Sing Se."

The bald boy with the arrows finally spoke, "You really think he is? I mean, they couldn't have locked him up in there forever. The Avatar needs to be free, we need him to save the world–"

Sokka crossed his arms and nodded. "Yeah! Not lock him up like they did the Southern Water Tribe Avatar. I wouldn't want to spend sixty years in a cell. It's basically the same they're doing now just a different nation."

"Well, at least Avatar Lokai's not stuck in a cell." The bald one exclaimed hopefully.

"We don't know that Aang." Sokka countered, shaking his head in denial.

"I doubt the people of the Earth Kingdom are as ruthless as the Fire Nation." The girl replied dryly.

Zuko remained silent.

"You don't know that either," Sokka retorted, "although I do agree with you on that one."

The bald boy–Aang, smiled and rested his hands behind his head. "So, you're hoping the Avatar will come out too, huh?"

There was a bitter smirk on his face. "It's what I've always dreamed of."

"Yeah, me too," Aang admitted. "All of us. Hopefully, we'll be able to meet him one day because I really need to speak with him. I heard some great stories about Avatar Lokai after my friends, Sokka and Katara, found me and told me all about the war in the past hundred years."

There was a flicker of confusion in Zuko's eyes, "What are you talking about?" he questioned suspiciously.

"Oh uh," Aang's eyes widened and he began to splutter, "I'm um, I've been living in a cave that goes deep underground. I missed a lot about the war."

"You're lying." Zuko shot back, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"He's speaking the truth. What is there to lie about?" The girl retorted, her blue eyes narrowing back at him.

No, he wasn't. There was something off about what he just said. If only he could lay a finger on it.

"Lee!"

Zuko groaned instantly. He hated that name. Clenching his fists firmly, and with his temper already getting the best of him, Zuko grit his teeth and gave a surrendering sigh.

Worst of all he hated the looks these kids were giving him: surprise. They were agitated by his mood-swings maybe. Because of his excellent hearing, Zuko couldn't help picking up the whisper, weird guy that one, and he shrugged it off as nothing. No more caring about the peasants, he stalked off to his uncle.

"Yes, Mushi?" He shot back annoyed, rejoining his uncle.

"I've decided on the Thousand Islands Jade Leaf. Simply because of its name, though the energy is in there. One sip will get you up and running for many hours straight." Iroh smiled brightly as Zuko waved his hand.

"Yeah, that's great."

Iroh nodded. "Did you make some new friends?"

"They are not my friends," Zuko spat. "I simply heard them speaking of the Avatar, so I went to check on them. They don't know anything about his whereabouts either."

"That is unfortunate."

Looking back at his tea, Zuko stared at his reflection for a moment. "I just don't get it, uncle, it's like he's vanished into thin air. And from what I read in reports, it states that the Avatar wasn't seen often outside of Ba Sing Se, but he tended to be, and his adventurous stories still circulated around the nations. But it's been dead silent for as long as I live!" Zuko's tongue found itself locked behind his teeth, eyes becoming shamed slits as he looked back at his uncle.

"There's just nothing to go by besides going to Ba Sing Se. Even though I know you keep telling me I shouldn't do that." Zuko mumbled hopelessly.

"Shush Lee, you are acting a bit too emotional right now. Calm yourself." Iroh urged, noting the looks people were giving him.

Suddenly, the entrance door slammed open. A man stormed in, panting heavily as if he'd just run a marathon. "Fire Nation troops are heading towards us! They just burned several parts of the village, run!"

Zuko's blood ran cold. He took a deep breath, careful to disguise it as normal, and fixed his uncle a knowing stare before moving away and jump over a counter in the far corner of the shop. As all ingredients and porcelain cups crashed down on the ground and shatter into tiny pieces, they silently hid themselves behind it while hysteria unleashed itself among the customers.

"Well, well," A familiar voice started, glee in the way his voice echoed throughout the shop. "Look at who we have here."

Zuko gulped. Zhao was here!

"The foolish Southern Water Tribe siblings and the air kid. You are coming with me child." He couldn't see it, but he imagined a sinister smirk creeping up Zhao's face.

Honestly, though, Zuko was somewhat surprised it wasn't him they were after. Which meant they still had a chance of escaping peacefully without triggering the Admiral's attention. He couldn't afford to have Zhao see him, he would likely force another Agni Kai or coax Avatar-related information out of him. He knew how much Zhao obsessed snatching the Avatar right under his nose, shaming Zuko even further in the process.

What did surprise him, however, was that Zhao's apparently been targeting those group of kids he just spoke to. And since they have a purpose of finding the Avatar, like him, Zuko couldn't help but feel something cold settle in his stomach. If those kids knew more about the Avatar they hadn't told him yet…

"After them!" He heard a firm order.

What followed was water splashing over his hat, a loud battle-cry and a gush of wind. Zuko blinked and turned to stare at his uncle in awe, who returned the astonishment. They didn't dare look up until after a moment, all soldiers had run out of the tea shop and after those kids.

Once the screams reduced to mere whispers, Zuko scrambled to his feet as fast as his body would allow him. He stumbled out of the shop, staggering through the woods and hiding in the bushes. There was a field of fire that wrecked his entire vision, heat burning against his face. And what for? The entire village was burning to the ground, all because of Zhao hunting some kid. Some strange looking kid fascinated by the airbenders, Zuko reminded himself.

Or could he be…

No, it couldn't. It shouldn't be possible. The airbenders are extinct thanks to his great-grandfather Sozin. There are no survivors, and it's been like that for a hundred years.

Then why was it that Zhao took a liking to him?

He had to know why.

"Prince Zuko! It is not wise to mess in other people's conflicts. This isn't your fight, and right now Zhao has no knowledge of us being here. We should leave immediately." Iroh demanded, panting as he approached him cautiously.

"But I must know what's going on, what he's after!" Zuko reasoned desperately.

He saw glimpses of men dashing through the forest, screaming and yelling orders.

"I know you do, but remember, there is always a next time if you leave now!"

Zuko cursed under his breath but nodded almost imperceptibly.

Decision final, he swiftly turned around and followed his uncle into the forest, far from the burning village that's probably left a scar on its citizens for good.