Chapter 16: Memories

Uncle Iroh couldn't take it anymore; he needed to know if his nephew was ok. Ever since he was banished, he felt like a father-figure to Zuko, always watching over him and listening to his problems. "He better be ok." Iroh muttered, almost running toward the palace doors. He opened the doors and slipped in silently, seeing something he thought he would never see again.

Ciara found herself on the sidelines with Iroh, but found Iroh looking away. "What's the matter?" she asked softly, her eyes now on Zuko and his father. Iroh sighed and looked up slowly, "This isn't a new sight for me, Ciara. For this once happened before… Two years ago, Zuko spoke amiss to a general.

His punishment was to fight the general, but instead of the general…it was his father. Zuko begged for mercy, not wanting to fight his father. But Lord Ozai didn't listen, but instead struck him. Afterward he was banished, for Zuko was now considered shameful. His only way to restore his name and honor was to capture the Avatar…"

Ciara nodded solemnly, she would have never believed that this could have happened. She turned her head toward Lord Ozai and glared at him, what kind of father was he…to strike his own son like that. Then all along, she was working faithfully for him.

Lord Ozai laughed, "Ah, this brings good memories." Zuko wore a blank expression, this was his chance to set things right. To show his father that he was wrong, not him. "So it does, but let me bring a new memory. One that will stay with you forever." he answered back in a drawing voice.

His father frowned and moved into his stance, watching his son with cautious eyes. He watched Zuko lunge at him, blocking with utmost ease. "I see your fighting hasn't changed." Ozai smirked. Zuko's mouth twitched with an oncoming grin, kicking his father's feet from underneath him, "That's where you're wrong." Ozai looked up at his son, his face was filled with anger, but his eyes had a hint of fear.

Ozai growled, a wall of flames erupting before Zuko, the heat slapping Zuko's bare arm. He cringed slightly, not of the fire but of the painful memories that filled him. He remembered so clearly: the anger, the fire, and the tears. It seemed he was now back two years ago, instead of him begging for mercy…he would make his father beg before him.

Zuko glared at the wall of fire, watching it dance and tease before him. He clenched his fists and waited. He waited for his father to step out of this barricade, to show his face to him, which would leave him out of his protection.

Come out father. I am waiting…

The flames parted and his father stepped forward, the dancing flames dieing down behind him. Zuko watched him, watching how he walked so gallantly, and the arrogance and confidence that he held. It was sickening that he could pull that off before him, which increased Zuko's anger and rage.

He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, before sending out an array of dancing flames. Ozai blocked the first few, but he soon faltered, seeing the blind rage in his son's eyes and realizing that he won't stop until he falls.

Zuko found himself before his father, who laid on the floor from to many hits. Zuko towered over him and said in a cold and taunting tone, "Don't worry father, you won't be alone on the ground. I'll leave you a parting gift." His right fist glowed a bright orange and red, a menacing grin played on his face, "I'm just wondering what side. Left or right, I just can't decide. Hmm, the left shall do then. But before I give you this gift, I have one more thing to say…you are looking at the now present lord of the Fire Nation."

Iroh turned away from the scene, not bearing to see this happen again. Even though he thought his brother was unjustly, it still pained him to see this act. He glanced at Ciara to see she did the same. Ah, I knew she was right for my nephew. For she is just like me…only a girl…and younger… Gah, I am old…but one clever old fox!

Lord Ozai looked at his son with a pleading look in his eyes, but soon his vision was filled with darkness and his ears were filled with laughter.

So this was how it felt…to me striked

on the ground…by your own kin and blood.

Zuko's breath was ragged and short, his posture now showing the exhaustion that traveled with him for the past two years and now. He looked at his father with triumphant eyes, and then turned around to face his uncle and Ciara. He smiled at both of them and walked over to them slowly, his footsteps echoing through the hall.

Ciara smiled back at Zuko warmly, dashing over to him and hugged him fiercely. Zuko stiffed from the sudden gesture, but relaxed wrapping his arms around her. "You did it. You defeated your own father." she whispered, releasing him and taking a step back.

Now it was Uncle Iroh's turn to hug Zuko, "Ah, and this good news for the Fire Nation. I hope you know what to do." Zuko nodded and grinned, "Of course I do, Uncle. Did you ever doubt me?" Iroh smiled weakly, "Uh…well… Anyway, this victory needs a celebration!"

Zuko frowned and looked at his Uncle squarely, "You're avoiding the question, Uncle." Iroh just smiled weakly again and replied, "What question?" Zuko sighed and rolled his eyes, "Just…drink your tea and leave me alone."

((Stormbender S.E. : Ah, about tea killing brain cells. To tell you the truth, I'm not truely sure...but I also love tea. (Green Tea rocks!) So there you go, the green tea made me forget the true answer. So there you go. ))