Thank you, kathir, for suggesting the brother's name. But I believe I shall give the name to someone else. . .yes. . .someone else

-brainstorms and laughs maniacally-

It was almost night time. Kuzon was always really sleepy when the sun started to set. He knew this was normal, but he started to get sleepier than normal. Kuzon's father said it was a sign of a maturing firebender.

Kuzon sure hoped so. He went to the dining room for dinner. There was his mother and father in their same places as during breakfast. But someone else was there. To Kuzon's left was his older brother, Kozu.

Kozu was 4 years older than Kuzon, making him 15. Kozu attended the Royal Fire Academy at a higher level according to his age. Kozu had already attained his firebending. His eyes were as gold as the next firebender, and his hair was slightly messy like Kuzon's. But his was a little longer.

"Kozu, you left early today! How come?", Kuzon asked.

"I rise with the sun Kuzon. I woke up at dawn and went to school early."

"You know Aang comes tomorrow!", Kuzon exclaimed to his older brother.

"You only told me a hundred times", Kozu said with a hint of irritation.

"I can't help it! Aang is my best friend!"

The family ate their dinner, recounting their day to each other. Kuzon loved his family. His father praised him, even considering his lack of firebending. His mother loved him dearly. And his brother, while keeping up with sibling traditions, always looked out for him.

After dinner, Kuzon went off to bed. He got dressed and made sure all his homework was done. Before he blew out the candles he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in", he said.

Kozu came in, looking ready for bed as well. He stood in the doorway with his arms crossed, looking unsure with himself.

"What's wrong?", Kuzon asked.

"Nothing it's just, well. . .It's about Aang."

"What about him?", Kuzon questioned his brother.

Kozu never really took an interest in Kuzon's friend. Not even Aang who arrived in the Fire Nation two years ago to learn about different cultures firsthand. This made Kuzon wondered what Kozu wanted.

"Well, he's an air nomad. And some people around have been saying things about the other nations", Kozu said.

"Like what?", Kuzon raised an eyebrow.

"A lot of people have been saying how the Fire Nation is better, and that the others are beneath us."

"Who? How many?"

"It's just random people. I thought nothing of it until I overheard Father talking to someone in his study."

"What did he say?"

"They were talking about the Fire Lord. Lately, he's been talking about colonization."

"We already have a few colonies in the Earth Kingdom. What's wrong with that?"

"The Earth Kingdom is resisting a little bit. And. . .I don't think Aang would be that safe here."

"Why? He's an Air Nomad, this is between Earth and Fire", Kuzon reasoned.

"But some of the people around talk about the other cultures like their scum, like they're not even human."

"So?"

"Well, some of them seem a little hostile. Aang might not be as safe as he used to be."

"Everything's gonna be fine. Aang will come tomorrow and stay for a month, and we'll have fun like we always did."

"Just. . .just be more aware", Kozu said.

He left Kuzon to think about what he just said. Kuzon slept in bliss, awaiting Aang's arrival.

- - -

"Master Kuzon! Master Kuzon wake up!"

"I'm up!", Kuzon said in an attempt to quiet the voice outside his door.

This morning he got up a little bit easier. He went to his window and greeted the sun, taking deep breaths.

"Good air through the nose, bad air through the mouth", he said. This was how his father said firebenders breathe.

After Kuzon woke up a little more his eyes widened and a large grin grew on his face.

"AANG'S COMING TODAY!!!"

Kuzon quickly got dressed and went to breakfast. Today one of the days Kuzon and Kozu didn't have school. As such, all four family members were at the table. Kuzon was practically bouncing out of his seat.

"Kuzon calm down, you're as jumpy as a new born dragon", his mother chided.

"I can't help it! Aang comes today!"

Kuzon double checked all the arrangements and waited for Aang. Before long he couldn't wait anymore and went to the city docks where Aang would be sailing in. A Fire Nation vessel was sent eralier to retrieve him and soon it would be returning.

Kuzon got hungry around noon and left shortly to eat. As he walked around, he heard parts of other people's conversations.

"That airbender is supposed to come today by the nobleman Uzin's manor."

"Doesn't he come every year and spend time with his youngest son?"

"Yes, but I heard a rumor going arounf the Fire Lord's palace."

"Do tell!"

"He plans to do something about the air nomads. It was pretty vague."

"Maybe he'll enslave them all!"

"I wouldn't mind having an airbender dry my hair after every bath."

Kuzon's face reddened in anger. How dare they!? The air nomads were their friends! Kuzon even took it upon himself to learn a little bit about them. One interesting fact was that the temples only cared for one gender.

The Western Air Temple, closest to the Fire Nation, held only female nomads. But small facts didn't matter right now! What did matter was that his own people were insulting his best friend. Speaking of which . . .

"I'm wasting time here! I've gotta meet Aang at the docks!"

Kuzon finished his food quickly and raced back to the docks. He got there in record time, but still no Aang. Kuzon waited for hours. Soon it was sunset.

"-yawn-, Where is he?"

Kuzon was about to leave when a Royal messenger came to him.

"A message from the Fire Lord, to Master Uzin's second heir", he said bowing and handing a scroll to Kuzon.

Kuzon opened it and read it. "WHAT!?"

Kuzon

The air nomad, known as Aang, has been delayed.

The nomads report stormy weather and the expected arrival will be moved to a later date.

We assure you, your friend is fine.

You will see him again.

signed,

Fire Lord Sozin

After he read through it twice Kuzon ran home. He rushed into his home and barged into his father's study, forgetting customs.

"Kuzon! What has caused you to-"

"I'm sorry Father! But I got this scroll from the Fire Lord!"

He handed it over and Uzin read through it, eyebrows raised when he was done.

"I got this from a different messenger", he said giving Kuzon another scroll.

To Kuzon,

It is our sorrow to say that Aang has run away.

He was given a responsibility that was to great from him, and seemed to be overwhelmed.

A storm brewed the night we realized he was gone, and we fear he may be lost.

Trust we will notify you on any new information

in grief,

Monk Gyatso

"Ran away? He ran away!", tears formed in Kuzon's eyes.

He left the study and ran to his room. He laid in his bed and tried to hold back tears. Soon his mother came in and sat down by him.

"Kuzon, your father told me about Aang."

"How could he! I don't understand!"

"Aang is just a young boy. Maybe the monks gave him a task too mature."

"I could've helped him! I always helped him!"

His mother wrapped her arms around him. Kuzon cried into her shoulder.

"My son, everything happens for a reason. I'm sure Aang will find his way back, someday."

"I wish I told him how much a friend he is! Now I'll never-"

"Never say never Kuzon. You'll see Aang again."

Kuzon cried himself to sleep. His mother tucked him in. He thought today would be the worst day of his life. He only needed to wait unitl tomorrow to be proven wrong.