Death: I apologize for the long wait. But, now that finals week is over, my stress has been lowered by a whole lot. And, with it, I was in a super writing mood and this was the first story that I finished among the others that I've been working on. And, I've made it long, again. I have no idea why this story likes to have long chapters compared to my others. Maybe I'm just secretly hoping that people would like this even though I'm practically new in the cartoon world of fanfiction.
Anyway, a lot of the plot is going to be revealed in here. And, I have a warning. It's a tad sad towards the end.
Disclaimer: Let's see...if I owned Avatar the Last Airbender, there would be yaoi involved. So, yeah. I don't own it.
Chapter Three – Dwindling Embers
=3=
Aang wobbled as the Ocean Spirit retreated from his mind and body. Somehow the Moon Spirit was brought back to life, thus returning balance and harmony. Before the connection to the Ocean Spirit faded, he felt the spirit seemed relieved as its anger receded. Happy the two beloved spirits were reunited, Aang also let go of his resentment towards Zhao.
The young airbender stood blinking at the horizon as dawn approached. Aang felt at peace, as if a great weight he had been carrying was lifted. What's more the tribe has been able to drive off the invasion, so the North was safe. The invasion was a failure, and that was a huge success for the young Avatar.
"Aang!"
He turned to greet Katara as she landed Appa near him. Aang greeted her with a broad smile. The hug from Katara was a big bonus to end a big battle.
"Honestly, I did not believe we could win." Sokka interrupted the moment. "I mean, I knew we could, but I was starting to have a few doubts towards the end."
"Sokka, we won. Just enjoy the moment." Katara rolled her eyes, letting go of her warm embrace.
Aang was about to say something to the elder boy when a roar reached their ears. The three young heroes of the North peered down to see a familiar firebender bending colorful flames at the warriors encircling him and his fallen comrade.
"Hey…isn't that Jerk face?" Sokka blinked, recognizing the almost complete bald head and pale peach colored outfit.
"I've never seen him bend fire like that." The young waterbender observed in a flat tone. She seemed fearful and amazed, the two emotions conflicting so much Katara couldn't decide whether Zuko was an enemy in this situation for once.
"Wait, isn't that his uncle he's protecting? He looks hurt!"
Without confirmation, Aang leaped down, easily landing with the help of a few bursts of air.
"Aang, wait!"
The young monk ignored his friends' cries as he ran closer to the fray. As he came close, Aang felt disturbed how much heat Zuko was letting off from his flames even from several feet away. It felt like a hot summer desert that somehow appeared in the middle of an iceberg.
"Hey, pup! Calm down!" One warrior yelled.
"He's gone mad! How in the name of the Spirits can we calm him down!?" Another growled out.
When he was close enough to see what was going on, yet far enough away from the strange colorful flames, Aang examined the scene. He saw the blood. Iroh was helplessly trying to stop the bleeding as he calmly spoke to his nephew.
"Zuko, stop attacking and really listen. I doubt they would really kill me. Remember, waterbenders are healers. They can help us, Zuko."
But the old man's words fell on deaf ears. The prince continued his assault on the men around him. It was then Aang got an idea.
"Quick! Someone fetch a healer!" The monk shouted. "Maybe if we can heal his uncle, he will see we are not a threat!"
Chief Arnook, who had appeared on the scene when troubling news spread about two cornered firebenders, gave him a look as if he seemed relieved someone was thinking rather than reacting. He then ordered someone to bring Yugoda, the lead healer.
"Are you sure?" The warrior hesitated. "To bring her here could be fatal."
"Then bring her and a few others who could heal! The more healers, the best chance we have to heal the old warrior or knock the young pup out." Arnook argued.
Aang frowned, clearly disapproving the last bit. "You won't really do that to him, right?"
The chief stared at him. "You know this kid?"
"Well, yeah." Aang shrugged. "It's kinda hard not to when he's been chasing me all over the world since I woke up from the iceberg in the South."
The man considered the Avatar's words for a moment. His blue eyes watched Zuko as he easily fended off the best men with spears as if they merely flies. He sighed heavily before turning to the small monk once more.
"Do you think you could get through to him and calm him down?"
Aang bit his lip. Before he could answer, Sokka and Katara appeared. The elder sibling yelled in surprise and wordlessly pointed at the Fire Nation prince. Aang turned to see what was wrong. His eyes widened at the sight.
Zuko stood in a defensive stance as his body was practically engulfed in his own flames. Yet somehow he did not seem to be effected by them, since he wasn't being burned. What Aang was so transfixed on though were the colors.
The flames shifted from color to color, almost creating a rainbow show before their very eyes. And from the look on Iroh's face, Aang assumed this sort of thing did not happen very often.
The young airbender shivered when cold, pale gold eyes locked to his. There was something that was not right about those eyes. It was as if he's not human anymore. Maybe he's being possessed like he was by the Ocean Spirit?
Without breaking eye contract, Aang answered the chief's earlier question.
"I can try to talk to him. I don't know if he could hear me, but it doesn't hurt to try."
Not waiting for a reply, Aang tentatively stepped closer towards the flaming individual.
"Aang, I don't think this is a good idea." Katara whispered, reaching forward in an attempt to grab his wrist.
Zuko visibly twitched at the motion from his peripheral vision. Taking the hint the young waterbender stayed back.
"He's in pain, Katara. The least I can do is help." The monk continued to make his way to the teenager before him.
Zuko didn't step away, which was probably a good thing. But when the young Avatar was four feet away the former prince actually growled. It was a growl deep from within his chest, almost animalistic like that of a dragon's. Aang quickly held up his hands and stopped where he stood.
"Take it easy, I'm just here to help."
Gold eyes narrowed.
'His behavior is definitely not human. But, why does it make me think of a dragon?'
"You know, you're not all bad." Aang voiced whatever came to mind, just to keep the one sided conversation going.
"I mean, you're just trying to protect your uncle, right? Family is family, and you'll do anything to protect them." Aang dared to crack a smile despite the situation.
"So, in a way, you're just normal. Sure, you're a hothead and sometimes you do really stupid things. Like that one time when you burned down the village on Kiyoshi Island? Or that one time you braved through that really big storm, when your ship could have capsized? That could have cost the lives of your crew, not just yourself. So yeah, you're not the brightest, but that doesn't make you inhuman! And deep down, I think you're just a big softie."
If he were honest, the airbender wasn't completely sure if Zuko understood a word he said. He wasn't responding with words as he normally would. His eyes didn't show recognition at the meaning behind Aang's words. It was as if his head was not completely there.
'At least he isn't attacking anymore.'
From just the outside of his peripheral vision, Aang saw movement. He recognized Yugoda and a few of her waterbending healers. He noticed that she hesitated, for Zuko was still tense and ready to attack. If she were to move now, the flame covered firebender would surely burn her.
Aang continued to speak, to distract the banished prince to focus solely on him.
"So, if you can hear me at all, please listen. We're going to help you and your uncle. I promise, nothing bad is going to happen to either of you. But there's a little problem. We can't help if you won't allow us. Please, Zuko, I think we've all had enough deaths today."
Aang took one step forward. Zuko snarled, and this time he did launch an attack. But he wasn't aiming for the airbender. Aang realized with horror that Zuko was aiming for Arnook!
With a yell, Aang sprang between the purple white flame and the chief. He didn't have time to think, he simply took action. Moving his arms with fury Aang created an updraft and lifted the flame off of its course and up towards the sky.
Once saving Arnook was accomplished, Aang assumed an airbending stance to fight. He blinked when he realized Yugoda had taken the small opening and made her move.
He watched, biting his lip hard as Zuko went limp. The healer stepped away to avoid the still burning flames. Iroh, who had been silent up until now, was screaming as he awkwardly caught his nephew. And with a flick of his wrist the flames dispersed and died out.
"Prince Zuko!"
Around them, many gasped. Not only did they capture the general of the Fire Nation, but two princes!
Already knowing their identities, Aang didn't show the same surprise. If anything he seemed more relieved as he stepped closer to the pair. Yugoda cautiously knelt down, her hands once again covered with glowing water as she inspected the unconscious form. He noticed she ignored the small cuts and bruises, focusing more on any unseen internal injuries.
Every few seconds Yugoda's eyes traveled to the scarred face. She was tempted to mend it, Aang could tell. There were a few moments when he thought of Zuko, he thought maybe, just maybe the scar could be healed. He knew it might do wonders with Zuko's personality.
But now was not the time. Yugoda had other wounds that needed her immediate attention.
"How is he?" Aang inquired gently, knowing healers need full concentration.
"He's got a few cracked ribs, but nothing too serious. He's not bleeding inside, and yet it feels like his life is still slipping away from me…" She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Aren't firebenders supposed to be warmer on the inside than other benders?"
"Technically, yes." Iroh answered. "It is where our inner fire resides. Our inner fire is what gives us life and the ability to bend. What is wrong?"
"He feels cold, as if his inner fire is dying out." Yugoda answered.
Frowning, Aang had a bad feeling in his gut. "And that's a bad thing, isn't it?"
Without responding to him the healer called for the others to come over. One of them started to close Iroh's wound while Yugoda issued orders to the rest.
"Clear the main healing room. We're going to need everything we know if we're going to bring him back from the brink of death."
"What are we going to do with the wounded warriors already there?" One of the women asked.
"Move them to different rooms. Make sure at least a few healers go around to keep an eye on them, as well as take in other warriors that need our attention. In the meantime, I need the best healers to help me with this boy." Yugoda then turned to the chief, her voice stern.
"I request these two are to be in my care. Fire Nation royalty or not, they need our help. If they are to die here in the North, the Spirits will turn against us in allowing a prince to pass on. As long as they are in my care, I will not allow it to happen. Not after suffering serious casualties from the invasion. The tribe has had enough problems to face. Will you wait until I deem them worthy to face their trials?"
Aang wondered what she meant by trials, but before he could voice his confusion a warrior voiced his concerns.
"What does it matter if they die here or not? They're Fire Nation!"
"They are royalty. We cannot mess with royalty with both the world and spirits in disarray. If we let this young pup die without even trying to save him, the spirits will be angry at us. He may be of Sozin's line, but believe it or not spirits are connected to the royal line." Yugoda held her ground. But she continued in a softer tone. "Besides, as a healer, I have the ability to see into his soul. Though I only had a peek, I can feel the pain and suffering this pup has gone through. The least I can do is help him through his inner turmoil."
Aang didn't know healers could do that. He might have to ask Katara if she ever saw into anyone's soul later. But what he was most grateful for was that he was not the only one who wanted Zuko to remain alive.
All eyes turned to Arnook, anxiously waiting for his answer. He stood there considering Yugoda's words. After a moment he came to a decision that was more of a compromise.
"Very well, they will remain in your care. However, I cannot ignore the possibility the young pup might attack the moment he awakens. I would like to assign some guards in the purpose to protect you as well as protect the Fire Nation princes." Arnook answered. "Will this be all right with you?"
Yugoda hesitated, but seeing as these two firebenders needed protection just as well as her healing, she nodded.
Aang raised an arm. "Um, Chief Arnook? I would like to volunteer as one of the body guards."
"What!? Aang, why would you want to do this? He tried to kidnap you in the middle of an invasion!" Sokka immediately voiced his disapproval, waving his arms over his head dramatically.
"Exactly! Why should we protect Zuko after all that he's done?" Katara exclaimed, for once she was in an agreement with her brother.
"But think about it for a second. If Zuko had not done what he did, Zhao would have found me first. If Zuko was able to overpower Katara, who is to say Zhao couldn't do the same?" Aang paused to allow his question to hang in the air. "The only difference though, is that Zhao would most likely not have allowed me to live. Zuko's drive in capturing me was that I remain alive. Zhao would not be so merciful."
Iroh nodded in agreement. "That man attempted to assassinate my nephew just before he proceeded with the invasion. If Zhao could so much as dare to try such a thing to a former Crown Prince, he would have no qualms to do the same with Avatar Aang if given the chance."
Those around to hear what the old general had said bore grim expressions from the news. The chief was the first to speak.
"You know him more than we do, Avatar Aang. Do you believe you will be able to stop him if he decides to fight?"
Decision already made, Aang nodded. "I know he's an enemy, he's made himself an enemy since the day we first met. And yet for some reason I can't help but feel that there is some good in him. He just hasn't had the chance to realize it."
"You don't need to do this, Aang." Katara frowned, clearly upset. "Remember how he set those pirates after us? And how he worked with that weird lady with the monster to hunt us down by using my necklace? My mother's necklace? How is any of that any evidence there is anything good about him? All he's done up until now is hurt people as he stubbornly tracks you down to capture you!"
Her words hurt. Aang flinched, nervously nibbling his lip. Why couldn't she see what he saw? Above all she should be the one to understand the most.
"You don't understand Katara. Maybe it's just me being a monk, but even I can see he's not totally evil. Think about it. Just take away all the anger and frustration, and everything else associated with the Fire Nation, and all there is left is someone who is just trying to earn the right to return home."
Speechless at his determination, Katara had lost her dispute. She angrily huffed and turned away so as not to look at him or at the two firebenders. Aang felt a twinge in his chest. His attempt to show her what he saw in Zuko had failed. Still he hoped some day she would see what he sees.
"So, Chief Arnook, is it all right I be one of the body guards?" The monk turned his attention back at the leader of the tribe.
Arnook took a deep breath in.
"All right, I can't really think of anyone else up for the job. And since you are so determined to take this responsibility, I will allow it. I trust that you will take your job seriously. Later I will send a few other warriors to guard outside of Yugoda's healing room." His voice was tired, not just physically but mentally as well.
"Avatar Aang, if you are to be my bodyguard, then I have one request. You have to do as I say when I need your help like getting us more water and such. Also, General Iroh, was it? I am going to need your help to learn more about this inner fire. I believe this is something critical to help him heal." Yugoda was in all waterbending healing mode.
"It would be my pleasure." Despite the situation, the old man gave a charming smile.
And with that, Aang followed the healers. He couldn't help but walk with a little skip in his step. Although he worried over Zuko's health, he was in the best care one could wish for. The young Avatar seemed too optimistic about the dire situation at hand.
=3=
Iroh sighed at the strange predicament he and his nephew were now in. In a way, at least it was better than being executed. Right now his worries were all on Zuko. His shoulder ached if he moved the arm too much, so Yugoda had it put into a make shift sling. The old general would gently use his free hand on Zuko's forehead.
He could feel a fever breaking through again. On one hand, it was helping the inner fire grow and expand to a healthy flame. On the other hand there was danger in the fever. It was higher than the one Zuko had before the invasion. This fever would not just go away after one night.
"This isn't normal." Yugoda commented, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Where did this fever come from?"
"It is a response to his inner flame nearly dying out. It helps the inner fire rekindle, however, if the fever continues for three days he will not be with us. On sunset of the third day the inner flame would have spent all of its energy from the fever." Iroh explained with a grim expression.
"That's a short amount of time to calm the fever down." One of the healers frowned.
Aang, who had been sitting quietly and listening in, furrowed his eyebrows. Iroh noticed the boy's expression.
"Was there something you wish to say, Avatar Aang?" the old general gently inquired.
Since the monk's arrival here, Yugoda specifically told him not to interfere or say a word unless it was something important. Although Aang fidgeted a lot, he kept his mouth shut.
"I was just wondering…why is it three days? This fever thing, I mean. I've never heard of such an illness that could take a firebender that quickly. My friend Kuzon always told me that no amount of sickness could harm anyone in the Fire Nation so long as they had a strong inner fire, whatever that meant."
Both eyebrows of the old general shot up with interest. "By Kuzon, do you happen to mean Kuzon of Byakko?"
In an instant Aang was in a brighter mood. His shoulders, which had been slouching as he watched the healing ordeal, was suddenly up to his ears while a wide grin spread across his young face.
"Yeah! We used to play together whenever Master Gyatso brought me to the Fire Nation. Do you know him?"
"I have to say I have never had the honor of meeting him in person. But I have heard of him, yes. Some of them I fear were not good things." Iroh frowned, his free hand leaving Zuko's forehead for the first time for his beard.
At that the young avatar slouched once more. "What do you mean? Kuzon was a good person. He wouldn't do anything bad."
"Do not misunderstand me, Avatar Aang. I was not accusing him of being a bad person. As I said, I had never met him, so I cannot say if the rumors about him were true or not. But since I do not blindly agree with all rumors, I will say that he has my respect." Iroh's declaration was sincere.
"Now, before we go into wild stories and stray off topic, I believe you asked me a question." There was a brief smile on the old general's face. "First, we of the Fire Nation are not immune to all illness. We like to think we are, but in truth, we have the same probability of catching the cold as the next person."
At that last bit Aang couldn't hold back a little giggle.
"And second, we have a belief that all events, whether it be good or bad, come in three."
Aang tilted his head. "Why three?"
"I was getting to that, young avatar." Iroh chuckled. At Aang's guilty expression, the old general laughed even more. "I was not reprimanding you, Avatar Aang. When he was younger, Zuko always asked me questions about the most interesting topics he overhears when he shouldn't have."
At the mention of Zuko in his younger years, Aang blinked. "What was he like? When Zuko was younger."
Iroh sighed. His face deepened to one of distress, one that made him seem several years older. Aang instantly felt guilt rushing through him like a flood.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
"No, it's all right. You were simply curious. And I doubt you would use any information about Zuko against him." Iroh's hand lowered to his nephew's forehead. "But now is not the time to tell about ancient history."
"So, the reason behind our belief everything comes in threes is simple. As you may already know, our culture surrounds fire, yes?" At Aang's nod, Iroh continued. "Well, the sun is also fire. And the day goes through a cycle as the sun moves across the sky. There is when the sun rises, when the sun is in the middle of the sky, and when the sun sets."
Iroh gave a pause to let his description sink in. It was said an air nomad could sniff out the answers to all riddles. He watched as the young avatar pondered over the words. It was amusing to see such varying expressions shown through. Teaching Avatar Aang was proving to be quite refreshing from that of his nephew, who either threw a fireball or brooded until the point he could explode.
"So…you're saying that the life of the sun is the reasoning behind that belief?" Aang tentatively answered.
"I see that the legends of the air nomads about finding the answers of a given riddle. And yes, you are correct. The sun is what gives life to all, including our inner fire. We can sense the sun as it rises for a new dawn. Also, the belief of everything comes in threes is also due to the stages of our lives. The beginning is when we are born. The end is when we die."
"Wait, shouldn't that be the second of the three? Death is the end of everything, isn't it?"
"And here you are as an Avatar." Iroh shook his head. Still he couldn't help but smile. "There is what happens after death, which is where spirits go to rest. Or at least most spirits go, anyway. Those that are unrest or something holding them back, those spirits stay to haunt us, but more often they end up being manipulated by stronger spirits, spirits from the Spirit Realm that hold no part in this world."
Aang face palmed his forehead. How could he have forgotten something as important as the Spirit Realm? He's the Avatar!
"But…if everything is in three, how does that explain the fever and the inner fire? Has it always been three days for the inner fire to go out from a high fever?"
"For as long as recorded history could dictate, yes. It has always been three. I do not know if it is a mere coincidence, but as the days go on and night comes, the inner fire is strained beyond its limits. I am always amazed with these sorts of things that the inner fire would remain so strong to last through two nights. But it is only so long before our inner fire could continue such a fight."
By the sound of his voice, Iroh was worried about Zuko's health. What the healers had said was right. Three days to calm a fever was too short.
For the first time, Aang was starting to have doubts about the young prince's survival.
=3=
The first day Zuko's fever was extremely high, high enough to cause much concern from all healers. Throughout that entire day Aang or one of the other guards were sent on errands to fetch water by the gallons. That first night Aang was so tired from the day's labors, not to mention he had little sleep in the aftermath of the battle, he promptly fell asleep leaning against Iroh while in the middle of a conversation.
The second day, there was hope. The fever had lessoned, but was still there. Zuko's breathing was no longer labored or quick gasps. A number of times he would twitch. His hands would quiver while his legs would kick without warning. It was as if he were having night terrors, the kind that he could not wake from.
Yugoda and Iroh did everything in their power to wake Zuko up, but their attempts were fruitless.
That second night, both Katara and Sokka came. The warrior claimed he was bored with nothing to do, while the waterbending girl offered her help. Her voice was firm, as if she didn't want to do this, but she couldn't just sit around and do nothing either. And it was apparent to her now that for some unknown reason, Zuko was important to Aang, though she could not fathom why.
Aang didn't seem bothered by her behavior, he was simply glad she came to help at all.
The third day revealed a horror Iroh had not wanted to face. The fever had not broken when the sun had risen. And the night terrors seemed to have worsened. Sparks would fly from Zuko's hands. He would groan in pain, but what agony he felt Yugoda and the other healers could not explain the source, other than it was the terrors he was facing in his coma.
As the sunset slowly crept on them, Iroh became increasingly worried. Zuko's thrashing had grown worse to the point Yugoda had to request the help of her guards to restrain his limbs. Aang had to watch as the warriors tied him down. Everyone kept a watchful eye on the restraints as Zuko continued to thrash.
"He will get through this, right?" Katara inquired with a tremor in her voice. Having to witness Zuko in this condition was getting to her. No one should have to die like this, slowly and painfully.
"I don't know. Zuko has always been stubborn. When he received his scar, he took it with stride, even if it were to cost him his hearing and sight. He never allowed the scar to burden him in a fight." Iroh heavily sighed. "But this…he's facing alone. Whatever inner demons I have been unable to root out would surely give him pause. I can only trust in Agni that his stubbornness will save him."
"I wish I could do something to help him." Aang barely whispered out. But he meant it, though he knew there was nothing he could do in this situation.
The only thing they could do now was pray.
=3=
Zuko did not know how long he had been here on the edge of the life and death, but he knew he just wanted out and he wanted out now. For reasons he did not know, he was ten, the age where everything went wrong in his life.
And with the change of age came the nightmares.
The nightmares of losing his mother, of Azula torturing him on a daily basis just to spite him, and the day he foolishly challenged an Agni Kai. These nightmares plagued Zuko and no amount of running in any direction could he flee from them.
A few time he tried to fight back, to release flames and hurtle them at the source of his misery. Each time he did the moves, there was no flame. Not even a spark was ignited.
Foolishly believing it was because he was stuck in a ten year old body, Zuko had the notion he was too weak to even summon the only weapon he had. And thus, for what felt like an eternity, Zuko had been running for his life. He did not know where he was going, or where his goal was so long as he could get away from the horrors.
At some point all of the nightmares converged into one being, solidifying into a familiar form.
Zuko paused, telling himself he only needed to catch his breath. At the same time he glanced over his shoulder to see a blue dragon staring at him as if he was going to be the next meal.
With a cry, Zuko bolted. In his blind panic, he tripped over a convenient root of a tree. Turning on his side, the young prince tried to free his ankle when the dragon lunged. Zuko froze, unable to move as he watched as the beast's mouth opened wide, glistening white teeth promising to ensnare him.
Zuko screamed with all his might, tears running down his cheeks as he prayed for an end.
But with his scream, his ears heard a roar. Before he could register that it was not the blue dragon, a familiar orange flickering gold in the light. Leathery red orange wings spread afar to give the illusion she was far bigger than she was, and a familiar tail wrapped protectively around Zuko's small body.
The young prince stared with awe as Xia He roared at the blue dragon, which skidded to a halt so as not to collide into her. Zuko could feel the tense in the air as the two sized each other up. The blue dragon began to pace, watching for any opening to lunge.
Xia He hissed, her tail curling closer around Zuko.
'This dragon is nothing but a form of all of your fears, your guilt, and your darkest thoughts, Prince Zuko. You have the power to drive it back. Do not give in to temptation! Do not fall for its trap. Do not fall for your inner demons!'
Zuko gulped. "But…but I…"
'Are you not a Prince of the Fire Nation? You have the line of Sozin's blood, as well as the line of Byakko! Those lines are among the most powerful and most ancient of the Fire Nation. With this in mind, you potentially have a power that has been long lost! Drive it away! Fight!'
Xia He stepped back without breaking eye contact from the blue dragon, leaving room for Zuko. He couldn't explain it, but her words gave him courage he had never felt before. A fire was building up inside him, and he could only let it out as it continued to swell and build up like a volcano about to erupt.
When he stood up, his body grew until he was his normal sixteen year old self. When the transformation was done, Zuko released a roar as he lunged forward. As he ran to attack, his body went through yet another transformation, this time he felt searing pain.
Suddenly he was on all fours, and yet he was still leaping for battle. Unfamiliar wings beat behind him, but he paid no attention to them. Claws were swiped at the blue dragon's face, his head striking like a snake while jaws caught his target by the neck.
With a twist the two rolled on the ground, flattening a few trees in the process. When they were done, Zuko was on top while his opponent was exposing its belly. The beast struggled and squirmed in an attempt to free itself, Zuko sneered.
'I will run no more! Leave me! Let me have my peace! You are not going to control me no longer!'
In his mind, these thoughts were directed solely on his father. If he were in a calmer state of mind, Zuko would not think of such things, such hate towards the Fire Lord. But he was in the moment of a power surge, barely contained in what little self control he had.
And just like that, the blue dragon disintegrated. All of his fears was pushed back, away from his consciousness and locked away behind a tight door. In his delight Zuko did not realize he was somehow suspended in the air until another dragon appeared.
It was red, and by the scent it was a male. Zuko tensed, ready for another battle until he caught sight of a human upon the new dragon's back. Alarm bells rang loud in his head, for if memory was right, the old man that was coming near was none other than Avatar Roku.
"Well, well. I was right to have one of my daughters marry into the Byakko line. I had never thought anyone within Sozin's line could hold this much power." Roku pondered his thoughts aloud.
There was a loud hiss as Xia He took flight, snarling and growling at the old Avatar. She even dared to snap her jaws at one of Fang's legs. With an annoyed snort Fang only swerved out of the way while making sure its master was out of the orange she dragon's reach.
"It is good to see you have not changed, Xia He." Roku sighed. "You are still sore about the arranged marriage? Are you not grateful to have an heir like Zuko?"
What?
'Be quiet, old man! It is because of you the Byakko line has been tainted by Sozin's blood! This cub is mine to guide, not yours. You already have Avatar Aang in the palm of your hand! There is no reason why you should take an interest with Prince Zuko.'
Roku raised an eyebrow. "Since when can I not have the obligation to show concern for any of my heirs? Besides, Prince Zuko can decide who will guide him. He is not the type to be claimed unless he gives the word."
Again, what?
The orange dragon let out a feral growl and continued on arguing. While the two carried on the dispute, Zuko was too stunned over their earlier words to really listen.
If what the two had said was any indication, then Zuko was not only of Sozin and Byakko's line, but of Avatar Roku as well.
His chest contracted, as if he was hit by a boulder, no by a mountain. This could not be true, he told himself over and over. This was all just some trick of the mind! Just like the blue dragon being all of his fears converged to create the beast. Or just like for some reason or another Zuko was no longer human right now.
'Face it, Roku, you proposed the arrange marriage knowing full well my son will not turn down sending off my grandson for a union that will ultimately meet Sozin's line! You did it out of revenge. This was why I heavily opposed the marriage! Not just because my favorite grandchild was going to be the target of politics.'
Revenge.
It was something Zuko knew very well. Even as a young child, he saw firsthand what nobles would do to the extreme in the name of revenge. Some would openly dare to cast their eyes upon the royal line, only to be removed and never seen again. Zuko thought that just because he was part of the royal family, then he would be untouched by danger.
The day he learned of Fire Lord Azulon's death and the mysterious disappearance of his mother, it was a slap in the face.
Zuko's had enough.
Without warning, the banished prince barged between the other two dragons, not caring if he accidently smacked Xia He or the fact he budged Fang hard enough to almost throw Roku off. As Zuko ran away, or to be more specific, flew away, he roared.
=3=
Aang awoke from his nap when he heard a familiar roar. Eyes snapped open the air nomad straightened up just in time to witness Zuko tore through the restraints. Once all limbs were free, two of the guards came forward. With a twirl of legs in the air the young prince sent his attackers towards the wall.
By now Aang was on his feet, Sokka and Katara at his side as they readied themselves to attack. But what struck them was the fact Zuko had not even used his flames. Sparks were ignited from his fists, but he had not used them. Instead the young prince fixed his gaze on Iroh.
"My, my, nephew, such a dramatic way of waking up. You've had us worried for the past few days, you know." Iroh attempted to joke, but his smile disappeared when Zuko responded with a snarl.
"Tell me uncle, that I am only of Sozin and Byakko's line, and only of them."
Iroh frowned more out of concern than disappointment. "You have met spirits, haven't you."
It was more of a statement than a question.
"That's not the point, uncle!" Zuko yelled. "Just answer my question!"
"Breathe, nephew, and calm down. I would know how to answer if you would be a bit more elaborate. Who did you meet?"
Zuko paced around the table he had been laying on, breathing in deeply before he answered.
"Xia He of Byakko, if what I heard right that is her name. And then there was…" Zuko cast a quick glare Aang's way. "Avatar Roku."
A chill ran through Iroh. If what Zuko was indicating, this will not turn out well. Aang looked like he was about to ask questions, but Iroh held up his hand to the young Avatar. The monk got the message and closed his mouth.
"Nephew…"
"Tell me that I am not related to…to the Avatar! Tell me, uncle!" Zuko was growing more frantic. "Tell me that what they said was all a lie! Please, uncle!"
Iroh closed his eyes, breathing in to concentrate. He could not see the terrified look across his nephew's face. It was hard enough to listen to the pleading sound of his voice. He could not face the tears that were welling up in the corner pale old eyes of the young man he considered his son.
He had not meant for such news of family history be known to Zuko now. Iroh was hoping to save the information when the time was right. Yet the spirits had to interfere in family matters just as well. But this was something Zuko had to hear. Even if it were to break his heart, it was better to come clean now than lie and then tell the truth later. Zuko would never trust him if Iroh would do that.
"I am sorry, Prince Zuko."
It was all that he needed to say. And Zuko fell to his knees as he did something he hadn't done in public or private since his mother disappeared.
He cried.
=3=
Death: Well, there. Get some action, more of Aang and his group, and wrapping the chapter up with some sad drama. Normally I have a cliffe hanger in the middle of action... It would seem this story likes to be the exception of everything, thus far. But, at least I have not given away what Zuko looks like as a dragon.
That, my dears, is my way of torturing you since I couldn't end this chappie the way I wanted. Don't get me wrong, I am very satisfied with how this turned out. I just had a complete different idea to begin with, but this came to me in the middle of writing and it was a lot better to me personally.
It was sort of inspired by the dragon Smaug (am I spelling that right?) from the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Those of you who have seen it, you know exactly what I mean. Those of you who have been unfortunate and not seen it yet, then I highly suggest you do! Go see it now! Then you'll understand what it is that I am talking about! It's awesome.
Anyway. Please enjoy your holidays and leave a review and tell me what you think~