If Only
Part Two
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He was Fire Lord Azulon. Husband. Father. Grandfather. A Master Firebender. He had ruled the Fire Nation for seventy-five years. He was the one who had expanded the empire. He was a feared military leader and had commissioned the Great Gates of Azulon.
He was better than his father had ever been. Unlike Sozin, he had ruled with an even mightier fist of iron. Unlike Sozin, he had expanded the empire more than that man would have dreamed of.
Azulon knew himself to be a man that his father could only have envied to be. Azulon had found one weakness in himself throughout the years and that had been his family. Of course he had raised his sons to be true royalty of the Fire Nation. But unlike Sozin, he would give that occasional pat on the head or a small smile when they deserved it. That was only when they had done something to please him.
Yet he was a very hard man to please. He wanted, nay, demanded perfection. Azulon was that much of a perfection, or at least in his own opinion. When it came to his wife Ilah, he found himself caring for her good opinion. That was why he did not talk to her about the war. Or anything that related to it all. It was better that way. After she died though, the war became his only concern. Before…before it had been almost secondary…
There came a time when his most beloved first born lost his own son because of the war. A thought, however quick and fleeting, had formed that it was his father's fault. If the war had not begun, would his prized grandson have lived? Naturally he shoved such thoughts aside. Such things had always crept into the dark recesses of his mind. He was greater than his father. Had he not proved it?
His second son was less loved because of coming into the world second and the fact that he somehow reminded Azulon of his own father. It was something in his manner or his eyes. He did not know and frankly did not care. Than that second son had the foolish daring to suggest that he take his heir's place on the throne!
"Father, you must have realized as I have, that with Lu Ten gone, Iroh's bloodline has ended. After his son's death, my brother abandoned the siege at Ba-Sing-Se, and who knows when he will return home? But I am here, father, and my children are alive." The less prized son had said.
"Say what it is you want," Azulon snapped.
"Father, revoke Iroh's birthright. I am your humble servant, here to serve you and our nation. Use me." His son prostrated himself on the dark floor.
Azulon leaned forward with an accusing finger, "You dare suggest I betray Iroh? My first born?" The fire roared around him. "Directly after the demise of his only beloved son? I think Iroh has suffered enough. But you, your punishment has scarcely begun!"
Little did he know that that night would be his last. He did not expect the person who would do the deed of all of people to be her. She had reminded him of Ilah of all things. "I'm sorry," She had said with regretful eyes, "But I have to protect him." At first he had thought it to refer to the second son, but then he knew it to be his grandson.
And when he laid dying he had thought of the whole incident regretfully. It hit him like the comet named after his father…he had loved Iroh better because…because he was a good man. Something he could have been but was not. Ozai was like him…and that was why he had not cared for him. It hurts to see yourself, an exact mirror image…
Had his father felt that way? He recalled those words, "Don't become me." It was strange but he wanted to see him again, now of all times. If he could have laughed he would have for he was going to be seeing him. Very soon in fact.
He had not been the better man, perhaps with Ilah, at times…had he been? Azulon did not know. With Iroh…he need not worry…but Ozai…
His son and now he was sorry…
But it did not matter anymore for he could help that lost boy….
If only…
Azulon's breathing slowed to a halt.
Ozai…father…
...If only...
A/N:Thanks for reading and please review. I think to write ones for Iroh, Ozai, and possibly their children.
