I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender. The show is the property of Nickelodeon, and the creation of Michael DiMartino and Brian Konietzko. Those two are the real geniuses.
Enjoy!
"I have to do what?"
"Use your Spirit Flame to connect to the egg" the Chief explained. "Once you do that, the dragon inside this egg will bond to you. It will accompany you for the rest of your life. The legends say that they make wonderful companions."
Zuko could only stare at the egg. A dragon egg. A creature that, for a hundred years, his family and other powerful firebenders have dedicated themselves to killing. A creature that he was now expected to raise and nurture.
If his father knew, he would...
"No. I- I can't do it."
The Chief's face became one of shock. It quickly turned to indignation. "You would reject this great honor?! The dragons forgive you for the crimes of your ancestors, and you scorn their kindness?!"
"What? No. No! I just... I..."
"Chief. Please" Iroh cut in. "The boy is confused. Let me just speak to him for a moment. Please."
The Chief, still looking miffed, gave the order. "Everyone return to your homes! The test is concluded. Tomorrow, a new test will occur. If it is successful, a new dragon will be born."
With that, all the sun warriors left the plaza to return to their homes until tomorrow. Leaving only Zuko and Iroh behind.
"I- I can't do it, Uncle."
"Zuko..."
"I can't do it, Uncle! I'm a member of the Royal Family. My duty is to kill dragons to prove my power. I shouldn't hatch one. I shouldn't."
"Listen to me nephew, right now. You cannot kill that dragon. I learned this lesson myself years ago. When I first came here."
"But why Uncle? Fire Lord Sozin-"
"Was wrong about many things. The Air Nomad Genocide. The dragon hunts. Even the war itself. These endeavors have bought nothing good into this world."
Zuko could stare at his uncle. What he was saying was treason.
"Uncle, this is our family. We can't just go against everything they stand for."
"Even if what they stand for will not do you any favors?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You cannot destroy the Airbenders nephew. You need a master of that art to teach you. You cannot allow the Fire Nation to reign supreme over the world. Both you and Vaatu agree that it is the wrong course of action. And you cannot harm or abandon the dragon. Doing so would only mean the loss of much potential for your firebending."
Zuko's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean loss of potential? Wouldn't killing a dragon gain me more honor?"
"Zuko, what honor would there be in killing a baby?"
Those words cut deeper into Zuko than either was probably expecting. His body staggered back, and he almost looked ready vomit.
"Uncle. I -I won't..."
"Peace Zuko," Iroh said, putting his hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I- did not mean anything by that. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable."
The old dragon looked towards the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in orange tones.
"We should return to the ballon for now. We could both use a rest. Tomorrow we can return here."
"Alright, uncle. Let's go."
Both of them walked to their temporary residence for the night.
"You have now learned the true nature of fire it seems."
"Vaatu" was Zuko's only response. He was now sitting on a rock pillar. One that was above a pool of lava.
"I see you are now troubled by a different problem. Go ahead. Let me hear it."
Sighing, Zuko decided to explain. "The Sun Warriors say that the egg chose me to hatch it. Firstly, there's the problem that I don't know how to do that. The second issue is my father. My family. It was decreed that all who could best a dragon in combat would be seen as the greatest Firebending masters. To instead hatch a dragon and raise it..."
"Perfect. I don't see any issue with it."
Zuko frowned at the spirit.
"Didn't you hear what I said. I-"
"I heard your words exactly vessel. You are the only living being I can communicate with, who else would I be listening to?"
"Then why are you disregarding what I'm trying to say?"
"Because your insistence on acting like an obedient child is making you blind to the benefits this egg represents. I'll admit, raising the creature during its infancy may be challenging for one as reckless as you. But think about it. And I mean, actually think about. Don't just imagine owning a dragon and your father shouting deranged insults at you."
"My father would never..."
"We both know he would. Stop whining and listen. A dragon could act as your method of transportation. They are not just powerful, but they are remarkably fast in the air as well. That war ballon you have won't last forever."
Zuko frowned, but he said nothing. He hated to admit, but Vaatu did have a point. A dragon would be a really good fallback for when the War Ballon failed.
"And that's not even touching possibilities for the chaos a dragon could cause. Imagine it, our enemies panicking at the sight of you riding to meet them on a creature meant to be extinct."
Zuko had to fight back a grin. As many doubts as he still had, he would admit to liking the picture Vaatu was painting.
"Not only that, but having a dragon with you would only serve to increase your skill in firebending. They are the original masters of the art after all. It may even be able to teach you techniques no one else knows."
The chance to learn more advanced firebending than even Uncle? Could that make him stronger than Azula?
"That- does sound good," Zuko said. But then he frowned in thought. "But there's another problem. The Chief said I would need to use my Sprit Fire to make the egg hatch. I don't even know what that is."
"You honestly don't know what that is? I'm starting to wonder if humans can ever remember anything important." Vaatu lamented. "In essence, a Spirit Flame is meant to be the opposite of combative fire. While the fire used by warriors is meant to destroy, a Spirit Fire is meant to express."
"Express?"
"Yes. You saw the fire the dragons created? How the flames came in so many different colors? Well, this is similar."
Zuko listened with rapt attention. If he was to get the dragon for himself, he would need this information.
"Much like how every person is different, the flames produced by a bender's soul are different. This includes color, intensity, etcetera. The key to producing this fire is self-awareness."
"Self-awareness?"
"Yes. One must know exactly who they are in the moment they are producing the flame. It doesn't matter who they were in the past, or who they will be int he future. The important thing is to know who you are in the present time. And instead of producing flame to attack another, one must create fire with the intention of expressing who they are. Spirit Fire is meant to display more than anything else."
"That doesn't make sense. A fire that doesn't destroy?"
The lava beneath them both began to boil and rise.
"I suggest you figure it out. It would be best to get that dragon as soon as possible."
"Wait a minute. I never even agreed to..."
The lava burst upwards.
"Until next time vessel."
"Ah, good morning Zuko. Has resting bought you any clarity."
"Kind of," Zuko said as he groggily lifted himself. "I spoke with Vaatu again last night."
"What did he say?"
"He thinks I should hatch the egg. He also told me what Spirit Fire is."
"That is... quite generous of the chaos spirit to do. Maybe he sees you as a friend now. Or maybe he wants you to have a friend" Iroh says with a smile.
"Not really. He only cares about me getting a dragon because it will make the journey easier."
"Oh. I see" Iroh says in disappointment. He decides to change the subject. "What did he tell you about Spirit Fire?"
"A bunch of stuff that doesn't make sense to me. He said it's supposed to be about... expression? Something about knowing who I am when I am doing it."
"I'll admit, I have never heard of Spirit Fire until yesterday myself. I'm afraid I won't be able to help you in that regard. Perhaps we can ask the Sun Warriors when we see them. They are likely to be waiting for us back at the temple for the masters."
"Yeah probably," Zuko said, distracted in his thoughts. He was still trying to understand what Vaatu told him. A fire that doesn't burn?
"We should head out to mee them then. It would be rude of us to make them wait."
"Yeah. Let's go uncle."
Iroh had been right. The Sun Warriors were exactly where they had last been yesterday. The Chief stood in the center of the temple, while Ham Ghao stood beside him, holding the egg in his hands.
"Have you thought this over?" The chief asked.
Zuko sighed, before looking at the chief with determination.
"I'll hatch the egg. What do I have to do?"
A ghost of a smile appeared on the chief's face. "You must cover your hands in your inner flame. After that, you must grab hold of the egg. The dragon inside will recognize your flame, and react."
"Right, um" Zuko rubbed the back of his head. "I kinda know what Spirit Fire is, but I don't really understand how to create it. How am I supposed to make a flame that doesn't burn?"
"The key is in intention," the chief said. "Do not create a fire to attack or destroy. Look inside and know who you are."
"Who I am?"
"Yes. Who are you Zuko? Learn the answer to this question, and release the flame. We will wait."
Zuko, not knowing what else to do, kneeled down where he stood.
"Who I am? How am I supposed to answer that question?"
Ham Ghao, despite the perpetual scowl on his face, gently placed the egg in front of Zuko. When the man left, Zuko drew all his attention to the egg.
"I'm supposed to express who I am. But who am I?"
Zuko takes a deep breath, reflecting on what he knows about himself.
He was not a prince anymore. Being an Avatar, even a Chaos one, meant that he couldn't sit on the Fire Nation Throne anymore. It would have to go to someone else. Preferably Uncle. The last thing anyone needed was Azula in charge.
He also couldn't truly call himself his father's son anymore. But then again, maybe he never was. His father had always wanted a prodigious son. A son who was a master firebender, an expert politician and manipulator, and someone who wouldn't give up anything and anyone for victory. Zuko wasn't any of those things. His firebending was amateur at best, he couldn't lie to save his life, and he was unwilling to make anyone suffer on his account.
And right now? Now he was the Avatar. Actually, he was now an Avatar. Bonded to a spirit of chaos and freedom instead of a spirit of order and light. What that truly meant, he still didn't know. But that's not important.
The important thing is that he knows what he is right now.
He is a Chaos Avatar. He is the firebending student of his Uncle Iroh, the Dragon of the West. He is someone who has just learned the lost truth of fire bending from the dragons themselves. He knows that fire is life and energy, not rage and destruction.
He is a swordsman. He could never match Azula's firebending, so he took up lessons with Master Piandao in order to compensate. And he's good at using swords.
He is someone who needs to master the other three elements. Not only to prevent a spiritual imbalance as Iroh had said but also to save his country. Save it from becoming a monster that would forever distort what fire truly is. And in order for the people to recognize him, he needs to show them the power he possesses.
And to complete his mission, he needs the dragon inside the egg.
"Nephew. Your hands."
Zuko opens his eyes to sight he never thought possible.
His hands were covered in fire. But he didn't feel any pain. The flames that licked his hands felt, warm. And comforting.
And there was the color too. The fires around his hands were a crimson color, while the tips of the flames were purple.
"The red parts must be my fire. The tips, I'm guessing that has to do with Vaatu. He did shine purple when he was angry."
"The Spirit Fire has been made" the Chief announced. "Now, the egg must be held by the flames. Their bond will be created by it."
Not knowing what else to do, Zuko grabbed hold of the egg. His flames began to spread around its surface the moment he did. He might have been concerned about that, if not for the fact that the egg started to glow with the fire. Within seconds, Zuko was holding a composite of crimson, amethyst, and gold in his hands.
And then it stopped. Abruptly.
"Is-is that supposed to happen?"
"Give it, a moment" the chief responded. He looked confused as well. They did say it was a long time since a dragon had been born.
Zuko was about to ask again if there was a problem when he heard a sound.
CRACK
Looking down, Zuko saw lines appearing on the previously smooth surface of the egg. The cracks began expanding until parts of the egg were weak enough for something to come out of it. Like a small, scaly head.
More of the body followed until the front legs were holding on tot he edge of the broken eggshell. Zuko could see white hairs, a set of tendrils coming from its nose, and a small set of wings on its back. The dragon's body was red, and its eyes were red in color with a yellow surface.
"That is a very handsome creature."
Zuko turned to see Iroh staring at the dragon. His face had a look of pride Zuko hadn't expected.
He also didn't expect the new dragon to crawl out of the egg, and grab on to his shoulder with its front claws.
"Ow. Could you maybe calm down with those?"
"I wouldn't think much of it," the Chief said. "The dragon merely wishes to familiarize itself with you. As you are it's bonded partner, it is quite curious."
It certainly looked that way. The way the dragon's eyes were scanning him made it look like the dragon was judging him. Its red orbs were observing his chest, his arms, before stopping at his scar.
Then it did the last thing anyone expected.
It bought its head closer and licked Zuko's scar.
Zuko almost reared his head back. He would have done so if the lick itself hadn't felt weirdly comforting. Its tongue left a smoke trail, but the slight stinging feeling from its affection was... nice.
The chief spoke again.
"The dragon has been hatched. Now only one thing remains."
"What's that?"
"What shall he be called?"
Zuko paused when he head the question. He was doubtful he would even get a dragon. He had never even thought about naming it.
"I'm, uh, not sure. I never actually put any thought into that."
"Can you think of any right now?"
Zuko looked the dragon over. Calling it Red might be too obvious. "Sting" could work for now, because of the licking and scratching, but it might not fit once its an adult. Maybe...
"Licky?"
Both Iroh and the Chief deadpanned at the idea.
"If I could make a suggestion," the chief interjected, "perhaps "Druk" could serve as a suitable name. It means "thunder dragon".
"Thunder Dragon. Druk," Zuko repeated. He looked down at the little one in his arms. "Do you like that?"
The dragon rested its head on Zuko's shoulder. It looked tired.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Now truly smiling, the Chief sat down in front of Zuko.
"It is an honor to sit with the first dragon companion in over a hundred years. But now we must discuss the remaining issues."
Zuko frowned. "What issues?"
"The first problem is protection. Druk is the first dragon born in over a century. Taking him to the outside world would only endanger him."
Zuko's hand instinctively went to hold Druk, who was now resting on his shoulder. "I won't let that happen."
"Nor will I," Iroh said, standing to the side of Zuko and the Chief. "The dragons saw fit to show me the truth, despite all the mistakes I have made in my life. I would be remiss to allow one of the last of their kind to die."
The Chief nodded. "In that case, I suggest you both stay for now. At least until the young one can properly defend himself."
"How long will that take?"
"At least six months. Dragons are powerful creatures, but newborns are quite vulnerable."
"Hold Up!" A voice shouted. Everyone turned to see a steaming Ham Ghao walking towards them. "Chief, are we honestly about to allow two outsiders to stay with us?"
"Yes Ham Ghao, we will allow it," the Chief said sternly. "This outsider is not only the chosen partner of the dragon, but he is also someone who will restore balance to this broken world. Now show some respect!"
Frowning, Ham Ghao stopped speaking.
"I do believe that is a good plan," Iroh said calmly. "Our time here can be used to teach Zuko proper firebending. Once little Druk here is ready, we can use the war ballon to make our way to the Earth Kingdom."
"The Earth Kingdom. That's where I'll have to find someone who will teach me earthbending," Zuko thought. He was still uncomfortable with the idea. Doing so would solidify the fact that he is an Avatar. And he wasn't even sure if he would be that good.
But as he held Druk, who was about the size of one of those lemurs he had seen pictures of in children's books, he couldn't find it in himself to worry so much. And when Druk nuzzled his sleeping head against Zuko's neck, all ideas of making a different plan disappeared.
"Alright. I'm in. Let's do that."
So yeah, Zuko has a baby dragon now. I have to be honest, I'm a little disappointed that the show never let Zuko get his destined pet when he first touched the egg. It would have been cool to see him return to the Fire Nation to become Fire Lord with a fire-breathing lizard by his side. Also, seeing the Gaang's reactions would have been cool.
As for the Spirit Fire thing, I don't think it's officially from canon. I kinda just got the idea after seeing Jackie Chan's characters in the Karate Kid reboot. The way he held fire in his hands. I thought it was cool.
Anyway, I feel the need to clear something up. One of the reviewers has been asking me what makes Zuko's Chaos Avatar different from the past Avatars of order. The thing is, Zuko is still trying to figure that out himself. Don't worry, the further we get into the story, the more evident it will become that he is not like the line of Avatars that came before him. And his lineage will follow a different mission.
Ok, one last thing before this author's note gets too long. Do you guys want me to spend some time focusing on Zuko's developing firebending and dragon raising? Or would you prefer that I instead skip ahead to him, the dragon, and Iroh leaving tot he Earth Kingdom to learn earthbending? Personally, I would prefer to see him, Iroh, and Druk looking for a teacher, but I want to hear what you guys want. Let me know in the reviews.
Anyway, let me know what you guys think, and I will see you all next time.
Bye!