I do not own Avatar. Either version.

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The painting was definitely romanticized. Iroh wasn't that tall. His hair had been receding back at the time, and it was much grayer than the portrait showed. And the fact that he wasn't smiling made it even less realistic.

"Who painted this? He didn't do the best job depicting Uncle Iroh."

"His name was Jon-La. He also did my portrait over there."

That portrait might have been accurate. Zuko had missed that time, so he wouldn't know. Kiyi in that picture was a tall, powerful, and compassionate woman. Her portrait was distinct from those of past Fire Lords by the warm smile she had on her face.

"The world was changing. So I did as well," Kiyi said. "A smile seemed more fitting for a world at peace than a frown would."

"I agree. It does look better on you too."

Kiyi smiled. "Thank you. Now come along. There is only one place where we can discuss in private."

Zuko continued to follow behind Kiyi as the two walked through the palace. They were followed by two guards who said nothing. Just like the guards in Zuko's time. So maybe not everything had changed. Although the armor they wore was less intimidating. There were less plating and more robes. It was probably intentional.

They kept walking until they reached a private room. Kiyi turned to face her soldiers.

"Keep watch outside this door. I do not want anyone listening in. Understood?"

"Yes Lord Kiyi!"

"Good. Guard your posts well."

Zuko and Kiyi walked into the private room afterward. Kiyi directed Zuko to a table next to a window. There was tea ready.

"Would you like a cup?"

"Please."

Zuko and Kiyi both took seats while Kiyi poured him a cup. Zuko happily took the cup and took a sip. It was ginseng.

"We are alone Zuko. What would you like to know?"

"Where do I start?" Zuko rubbed his head as he tried to gather his thoughts. The tea was helpful in that regard.

"Kiyi... what happened? How are you the Fire Lord?"

Kiyi quietly took a sip of her tea before she answered.

"It's a long story Zuko. Are you ready for it?"

"I've been gone seventy years Kiyi. I can wait for answers."

Kiyi scoffed humorlessly. "Right. I suppose I should start after the war ended. What do you remember from that time?"

"I remember that Ozai was... removed from power. And I have some snippets of what happened with Aang. But I don't know what happened after that."

"A lot. A lot happened after that Zuko," Kiyi said before taking another sip. "Iroh and many in the Fire Nation were furious over what had happened to you. It was expected that you and Aang would be working together to usher in a new era of peace. When you disappeared, many people didn't even want to continue the negotiations."

"That sounds dangerous."

"It was. If things had gone any worse, the war might have restarted. That's why Iroh had to put his personal feelings aside and work with Aang. If they wanted to bring the world back into something resembling balance after a hundred years of war, the Avatar and the Fire Lord would have to do so together."

Zuko held his head down as he digested the information. He was glad that his uncle cared, he really truly was. He was also happy that his uncle was also able to bring some peace to a world that needed it. But what he didn't like was the fact that he had missed all of it.

"What did they do?"

"A number of things. Creating Republic City and the United Republic was one. You passed it during your... visit," Kiyi said diplomatically. She was not going to judge Zuko for what he had done. He was well in his right to be enraged.

"Why did they do that? Create a fifth nation?"

"It wasn't the original intention. Initially, they were trying to settle a dispute over how to best deal with the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom. Aang wanted the Fire Nation to return them to the Earth Kingdom, and Iroh initially agreed. But that changed when the residents fought against the return. They had all developed a unique culture in those hundred years, and they were not willing to conform back to the Earth Kingdom."

Kiyi took a long sip.

"Long story short, Iroh, Aang, and Earth King Kuei agreed to simply let the former colonies go. When the lands were granted amnesty, they became their own nation."

"A fifth nation? That must've been hard to get used to."

"Not really. I was only a child when it happened I grew up in a world that had the Republic, so I got used to it quickly and easily. Besides, there were other problems in the Fire Nation for me to deal with."

"Like what?"

"There was a lot. War reparations, dissenters, foreign hostilities. But by far the biggest issues were the Ozai Society and the line of succession."

Zuko's blood ran cold at the first one. His father had a cult? That sounded... horrifying.

"Ozai Society?"

"Yes. A group of nobles and soldiers wanted Ozai back on the throne. And if not that, then a return to Sozin-era society. They were a problem for about ten years until they were stamped out."

"By what?"

"Iroh. He was ruthless when he sought them out. He offered them a chance to change, but those that didn't were punished harshly. Some members of Mai's and Ty Lee's families were sentenced to life in prison. So were a few generals."

"That makes sense. But how did you become Fire Lord?"

"Who else could do it? Azula was... unfit for the role. And Iroh was already past his prime. He needed an heir and I was available."

"But you're not..."

Zuko was silenced when Kiyi held up her hand. She took a short sip of her tea, eyeing the door as she did. What was she searching for?

"I am the daughter of Princess Ursa. A member of the Royal Family. As such, I was the only available heir to take the throne. And after years of training under Fire Lord Iroh, I was ready to take his place."

"Even if she isn't Ozai's daughter," Zuko realized. That information must have been kept hidden to avoid giving the Ozai supporters any ammunition to keep fighting. And if Kiyi was trained by Iroh, then she should be more than powerful enough to maintain power.

Zuko poured the rest of his tea down his throat. "Is there anything else I should know?"

"If it concerns the Fire Nation, then not really. The country has been stable for the past two decades. No major incidents," Kiyi said calmly. "Though if you were to ask about family, then you could meet mine."

"Yours?"

Kiyi smirked. "It's been a long time Zuko. Did you think I was celibate this entire time?"

"No! No. I didn't mean anything like that. I..."

"It's alright Zuko. I know what you meant. It hasn't been as long for you as it was for us," Kiyi said assuredly. "I was married for a short time before I was coronated. He was actually an artist from Caldera."

"An artist?"

"He was nice. He was actually the apprentice of the person who made the royal portraits. It's how we met."

"You said "was". Does that mean...?"

"He was named La Jin. And he... he passed a few years ago," Kiyi said sadly. "Though our children are still around."

Zuko's eyes widened. "Children?"

"Yes. I have a son and a younger daughter. My son is actually next in line after me."

"Your children. Wait, wouldn't that make them my...?"

"Your niece and nephew, yes. Though both are older than you, if I'm correct."

"Older than me? How old are they?"

"Lu Ten is approaching thirty, while Mai is in her mid-twenties."

Zuko froze.

"Lu Ten? Mai?"

Kiyi paused to consider the best way to explain. "I named my son after Iroh's son. He was like a second father to me, so it seemed appropriate. And Mai... she was always kind to me when I was growing up. I hoped my daughter could carry on that kindness."

Zuko's hand was shaking slightly. "Is Mai- my Mai, is she...?"

Kiyi shook her head. "I'm sorry Zuko. But after you disappeared, Mai decided to keep fighting for peace on her own. In your memory."

Kiyi sank into her chair. "She went on many missions on behalf of the Fire Lord. Including one she did not return from."

Zuko almost asked what that mission was. He decided not to ask. He didn't want to know how Mai died. Because of him.

"What about your children?" Zuko asked, trying to change the subject. "What do- what do they do?"

"Lu Ten is a General in the United Forces. It's a military group that services the United Republic."

Zuko's eyes widened. "Your son works for a foreign military? How does that work?"

"The United Forces accepts members from all over the world. After the Fire Nation disbanded most of our military, my son decided he still wanted to serve. But don't worry, when the time comes for him to assume the throne, he will be up for it."

"Oh," was all Zuko could say. A military that served the world? That was a strange concept to understand. "What about your daughter?"

"She serves as an ambassador to the other nations. Her job is to share the Fire Nation culture and strengthen foreign relations."

Kiyi smiled as she finished her tea. "I think she may have become ambassador as a way to get out of the palace. Not that I blame her for wanting to see the world. Being stuck in here can get a bit stuffy."

"I know the feeling," Zuko said as his mind wandered back to his childhood. He stopped reminiscing when his memories got darker.

"Perhaps we should call it here for today. The sun is starting to set."

She was right. The sky was becoming an orange collar.

"You can sleep here tonight Zuko. You're family, and I won't be throwing you to the streets."

"I don't really have anywhere else to go," Zuko deadpanned. "What about Druk? I don't think he can sleep in the palace."

"We have some empty stables. We can clear them out easily enough to give him room."

"I guess that can work. Do you have a guest room I can use?"

"Actually, you can use your old room. It's not occupied."

Zuko recoiled.

"What?"

"Iroh always ordered the servants to keep your room clean. He always thought that you would return. And I- kept the practice. It's the way you left it."

Zuko didn't know what to say. They had kept his room ready? For seventy years?

"Do you want me to walk you there Zuko?"

"Yes. I would like that," Zuko whispered. He didn't think he would be able to muster more than that.


"Even the door is still the same."

Kiyi had just left, letting Zuko enter his own room. A room that he last saw a week ago, from his perspective. A room that had been empty for seventy years, on orders from two Fire Lords. His uncle and his sister. They kept it open for him.

Opening the door, Zuko peered inside.

It really was the way he had left it. A red lamp was still next to his bed. The carpet was still sprawled out by the entrance. Even his desk was unchanged. It seemed that only the dust had been cleaned off of it in the past several decades. All the scrolls he had left were still there.

But Zuko didn't want to deal with any of it at the moment. He had just spent the day learning information that he was decades behind in learning. His head was starting to feel light from all the facts and events that he would have to remember. Some of them even sounded too fantastical to be real.

A Fire Nation prince serving in a foreign military?

Shaking his head, Zuko fell onto his old bed. The scent of old cinnamon was gone, but the sheets were just as comfortable as he remembered. The familiar comfort helped Zuko to fall asleep quickly. Once his eyes were closed, his rest commenced.


The Next Morning

Zuko woke up a little while before the sun rose. It wasn't something that happened often. The last time he remembered this occurring was back when he was learning waterbending. He had to learn to connect with the moon, which meant spending less time with the sun. it had taken him a while to get used to it.

Now wanting to wait much longer for the sun to truly rise, Zuko decided to get out of bed. If he recalled correctly, he knew where the stables were. He could go and see Druk.

He decided that sneaking out through the window was the best way to get to him. Zuko didn't know if any guards were stationed outside his door, and he didn't want to risk finding out. He didn't feel like talking to anyone right now.

Opening his window and stepping out to the fresh air, Zuko realized that the palace hadn't changed too much. Most of its infrastructure was still the same. Which meant that it was easy to scale the walls until he reached the ground. And once he was on the ground, he made his way to the stables.

When he got to the stables, he realized that the Komodo-Rhinos were not having a good time. They had all retreated to the opposite end of the stables, their eyes widened in fear. It didn't look like they had slept much.

"I guess you still got it, huh bud?"

At hearing Zuko's words and feeling his hand on his nose, Druk opened his eyes. He opened his mouth to give Zuko a lick on the face. A lick that Zuko did not appreciate.

"Was kinda hoping I could save taking a bath for later," Zuko muttered as he tried to get the saliva off of himself. As he did so, he also tried to figure out where he should go.

He didn't know if the temple of the Fire Sages was still standing. He also didn't know why he would go there.

The courtyard was a possibility. A little early morning firebending practice would probably be good for him. Especially after being stuck in cold ice for so long. But he didn't know it had been moved. He also doubted that it hadn't been renovated in the past seventy years. Would it still be the same?

He doubted the gardens would be the same either. Even if the pond was still there, they might not have Turtleducks anymore. And would be the point of going there without any Turtleducks?

"Do you have any ideas Druk?"

The dragon responded by huffing smoke at Zuko through his nostrils. It felt warm, which helped clear the morning chill. It also helped clear Zuko's mind.

"Your right. I should probably see them."


The Royal Graveyard was exactly the same, which made sense. It was meant to house the ashes of fallen members of the royal family. Its static nature was meant to help those that visited learn the lessons of the past.

The only difference to Zuko was the three new headstones he was standing in front of.

"I know it's been a while. But I wanted to see you guys."

Zuko stood in front of three graves. Ursa. Azula. Iroh.

"It must have been so long for you three. But- Agni, it feels like only a week since the last time I saw you all."

Zuko kneeled down to face the gravestones.

"Azula had just run away after we found mom. Iroh was preparing for his coronation. Everything... everything looked like it would finally start to go right. Ozai was gone, and that was even better."

Zuko meant what he said, even if Azula was gone, he had no doubt that she could be found. And mom was finally with him, letting him reconnect with a family member he thought he had lost. And he had friends. They may not have gotten along at first, but Aang's group and his own had managed to find a middle ground. A compromise. They became friends from that.

And then Aang reconnected with his past lives. And ruined everything.

Zuko shook his head.

"Sorry. I forgot where I was going with this. Actually, I didn't know what I was going to say beforehand."

Zuko stared at Iroh's headstone. He tried to imagine what Iroh would tell him if he was still here.

"Speak honestly and from the heart nephew. They will understand your intentions."

"I wish you were here uncle. I wish all of you could be here."

Upon mentioning him, Zuko suddenly remembered a proverb his uncle had told him a long time ago. Back when his father had just banished him, and his scar was still fresh.

"A bird cannot fly backward Prince Zuko. Forward is the only option."

When he said that back then, it was to try and get Zuko to see the truth. He was so obsessed with gaining his father's love, he ignored all the damage that the Fire Nation was causing to the rest of the world. He was even willing to participate in that damage if it meant having his father not hate him. And at that time, Zuko was too stubborn, too angry, and too hurt to know what Iroh was even talking about.

But now, seventy years later, the same proverb had a new meaning.

Zuko stood up and paid his respects to his family. He was aware that a firebender needed a drive in their life to fuel their flame. It was past time that he found a new drive.


Kiyi was watering the plants in her garden when she felt someone walk behind her.

"You're not surrounded by any enemies Zuko. You don't have to sneak around like a thief."

"Sorry. I guess I'm just used to it."

Kiyi stood up to face her older (chronologically) brother, who had a focused look on his face.

"What is it Zuko?"

"Kiyi, is there anything in the world happening now?"

Kiyi frowned. "I'm sorry?"

"We spent yesterday talking about the issues that lead to now. But what's happening in the world now? I know it's imbalanced."

"What makes you say that?"

"The fact that Aang is a frail old man now. He can't do much to fight for peace. And the fact that I've been gone for seventy years means that Order overcame chaos for too long. Again. Chaos is going to retaliate."

Kiyi sighed.

"I assume you want to stop it?"

"I've been asleep for seventy years Kiyi. I think it's time I did something."

Kiyi had to debate with herself. On the one hand, she wanted to try and convince Zuko to calm down. This was her first time seeing him in seventy years. She didn't want to lose him so soon. Especially since he hadn't met her family yet.

But deep down, she knew it wouldn't work. Zuko had always been stubborn, and it was unlikely that he had changed.

"If you are looking for social problems, I would look at Republic City. It's not as pristine as it tries to be."

Zuko's eyes narrowed. "Tell me more."


This is where I will be stopping for now.

The next chapter will see Zuko beginning to establish himself in Republic City. Though he still will be stopping by the Fire Nation from time to time. It's where his family is, and having a dragon will make the trip easier.

Anyway, please leave reviews, tell me what you think, and I will see you all next time.

Bye!