The city was huge. Zuko had never seen it before, but this was much better than what the scrolls described. The dragon circled around the vast city, curious. Something about it was off.
It didn't smell like it was abandoned, lost to time as the Air Temple had. Although the city still had a sense of no civilization, but this city hasn't been touched a little longer than the Air Temples. So then why did he have a sense it wasn't all it seemed?
Zuko circled over tall stairs of what looked like some sort offering, when suddenly a rumble sounded. Before he had time to react two dragons took flight. Zuko panicked, almost colliding into one of them. They were huge! The prince was barely a little bigger than Appa. But these beasts could swallow him whole!
He was caught in their whirlwind as they circled around from above then below. One was red, the other blue. Zuko was powerless in their presence. He released a cry of terror as he was tossed and rolled around in the middle of them.
The dragons slowed down, allowing the prince to land on the ground. The ground shook as he landed at the bottom of the steps. It was more of a crash landing. Zuko was breathing fast as he watched the two dragons circled around him. The first to land was the red one, a male.
You are not one of us. What brings you here and what is your name?
I am former Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. The Guardian of Fire Lords gave me life when I was born. Now I'm fighting him off from erasing me.
He's consuming you? But to defeat him, it would require the opposite. The blue dragon spoke as she landed. Why come here for help?
The prince was wary of her, mostly due to his nightmare of two dragons whispering in his ears. She was also circling around him from behind. The action made him nervous as she was cutting off his escape. Even so he remained calm as he addressed her.
I was told I can find my answers here. I didn't know there would be dragons. I thought my uncle had slain the last one.
So then you're related to Iroh the Kind. He spared us and kept our location secret. The red dragon pondered. To help you, it would be considered treason to allow you to erase our creator from existence.
Is there another way? To separate him from me without killing us both? Zuko asked.
Why can't you live together in harmony? The blue dragon hissed.
We tried. He wants revenge against the Fire Nation for hunting dragons. He wants to harm my family. I can't allow it. Even if I don't follow their ways, they're still my family. Zuko explained.
A noble cause. Let us consider how we can help. In the meantime, you are welcome to stay Prince Zuko.
I am honored. He hoped it was soon. The exiled prince could sense the Guardian regaining strength after seeing hope for his kind.
The pair retreated back into their dens. Zuko breathed a sigh of relief. Once they were gone his body relaxed. To see fully grown dragons were terrifying. At first he felt huge in his dragon body, but now not so much.
"So the Masters let you live." A curious voice said. Zuko raised his head to the sight of a man in odd choice of wardrobe. In fact there was barely anything of a wardrobe.
Zuko tilted his head. The man laughed as more people appeared from hiding. They didn't have to hear his thoughts to translate.
"You thought this city had lost civilization? We have always been here. We simply do not agree with how the Fire Nation has become in the last one hundred years. I am the Sun Warrior Chief. And you are?" The man introduced.
Zuko reached out with a whisker, growing nervous. Even so it would be rude if he didn't answer. If these people lived with the last of the dragons then he assumed that the pair were protective over their human protectors.
My name is Zuko. My purpose here is to separate myself from the Guardian of the Fire Lords.
"I see. That is a very old spirit. Creator of the dragons I believe. And if memory serves me right all but one of his temples remain. Since it is not within this city, I can assume it is within the Fire Nation palace."
I was once heir to the throne. My father banished me. My sister hunted me. I have no home. I have no memory of what happened to my uncle after the Guardian almost consumed me.
"I see. What is your path then if there is a way to separate from the spirit?" The chief inquired.
I don't know. Zuko really didn't. All he understood was Jet had a point. There wasn't any reason to go back to what was once home.
"Then while you're here, you should mull it over. I trust in the Masters should the spirit is out of control." The chief turned and left the dragon to his thoughts.
What is my destiny? Zuko pondered.
A few weeks passed. Zuko learned more of the history of the Sun Warriors. When he wasn't learning, Zuko was flying. He was enjoying the time he didn't have to concern himself over not being hunted or trying to transform back.
Zuko never strayed too far away from the city. He wasn't risking being seen. He knew any sightings of him would mean his sister would be quick on the hunt.
The Guardian was regaining strength. Yet he hasn't made any attempts to continue where he left off. The spirit hasn't talked to him either. Zuko wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing.
Then one day, the dragons surprised him by joining in with one of his usual flight routines. The pair were on either side of him. Zuko sensed their approach and did his best to not panic.
Tell us what transpired for the Guardian to consume you.
Zuko relayed the whole story. He even included the bits and pieces of what he could remember that fateful day. The pair listened silently. When he finished the three of them flew in silence. The pair were taking in the story.
Now that I understand what took place, I have a theory. One of the dragons said.
What is it? Zuko was excited.
You cannot overtake him on your own. If the bond can be saved, then the both of you can renew it. Together you can overcome the spirit. The other dragon elaborated.
But what will happen to the Guardian?
If he has found peace that not all of his children are gone, then he will simply pass on into the Spirit World. The other beast replied.
I don't even know where Jet is. Zuko admitted.
Search within yourself. You didn't sever the bond, therefore there is a chance of you finding him. Follow your heart.
The pair left him with his confusion and returned to their lair. Zuko returned to the city some time later, body aching. He had spent more time in the air as he mulled over what the Masters told him. No matter what he couldn't find any sense of direction where Jet was.
That night, he dreamed again.
The Guardian leaped at Jet, aiming for the princess behind him. A claw was outstretched to grasp her. Azula moved to use Jet as a shield. A talon grazed his face.
His pained scream was the last straw. Zuko fought against the spirit with all his might, his inner flame close to going out. The pain made him whimper. Zuko turned and gained altitude.
He couldn't face the mistake he caused.
The Guardian continued to fight him. Zuko held him off, but the mental fight was draining. Soon his body began to feel the effect. Dizziness made them confused. Their stubbornness to keep going eventually wasn't enough.
Zuko collapsed on a round circle of some unknown temple. The last he remembered was the startled cry of a voice he didn't recognize.
I'm sorry Jet. Please forgive me.
Zuko jerked awake, heart racing as the memory came back fresh in his mind. Guilt and horror filled his heart. How was he supposed to reconnect the bond after what he had done?
Of the many years spent watching you, this is how you give into despair? The Guardian hissed.
Why do you care? Zuko snapped.
Because I have no need to stay in this world.
But how can he ever forgive me?
I'm amazed you haven't sensed it yet. The dragon spirit taunted. The Guardian retreated to his mind space. Zuko didn't get the chance to ask what he meant.
The prince sighed angrily. As he replayed the newly awakened memories, he sensed a desire to see Jet. It was the first time he felt resolved to find him. As the feeling became overwhelming, Zuko finally had a sense of direction.
He's in the Fire Nation? Wait, that's the direction of the palace.
"You found your destiny?" The chief eyed the young dragon. Watching the exiled prince he had seen the dragon raise his head in the direction towards the palace.
I don't know if it's my destiny, but I know where to go. Zuko noticed the chief nod. Weird, he didn't have to speak through a whisker. It was then he recalled that the first time had been the day the Guardian tried to erase his existence.
"Before you leave, I should warn you what would happen if you betray our secret."
In my honor as prince, I won't betray any of you.
The chief bowed. Zuko bowed his head in return. Beyond the skyline, the sun peaked over the horizon. As the warmth enveloped his body Zuko took flight. He followed the direction of the bond with Jet. Unknowingly this was the day of the solar eclipse.