Chapter 17: The Truth of the Past

The morning sunlight bounced off the trees and slipped through the large windows, illuminating the room. The birds chirped cheerfully, and the wind blew through the small village, passing by a giant statue of an armored woman in green.

Zuko blinked. He felt as if he was still dreaming, there were hazy pictures of people running past, and muffled shouts that seemed so far away. He closed his eyes, exhausted. What was going on? He didn't want to know. Everything was confusing; all he wanted to do was to drift off again into a peaceful state he was in before.

The next time Zuko felt awake was when he felt something trace across his face. Instinctively, his eyes shot open to see a girl yelp, and pull back her hand in shock. He blinked a few times; to make sure he was truly awake. He slowly pulled his hand into view, experimenting the maneuverability of his fingers. He breathed, feeling the air rush into his lungs. He glanced around the room, only to find unfamiliar faces. He finally looked back the girl before and sat up.

"Where am I?" he suddenly asked. The girl stepped back, slightly, pulling her fingers near her mouth.

"R-Recovery Center…" she stammered. "Kyoshi Island… I'll go call the doctor!"

"Wait!" Zuko reached out to the girl to stop her. "Where is everyone else?"

"E-Emergency Care," she stuttered before turning and running out of the room.

Zuko frowned. Why was she so afraid of him? And they were in the emergency care? His heart constricted, remembering what happened. His uncle had deliberately transferred a dangerous amount of heat to his body to knock him out. It was a complicated, yet simple trick to use when defeating weaker opponents. Zuko felt confusion and anger cloud his head again and pulled a hand up to his forehead. If he was being honest, Zuko felt slightly grateful his uncle had done that, he had been hyperventilating with exhaustion over the verdict of Katara.

He sighed, and mediated on his breathing. It was the first time in what seemed like forever, he was able to sit comfortably and think. There was a lot he needed to ask his uncle. After a moment of silent breathing, a shuffling sound of footsteps approached him.

"Zuko?"

He glanced up at the call of his name, only to see his uncle walk in through the door.

"Uncle…" he breathed, not sure what to feel.

"How are you feeling?" He asked seriously, when two other people walked in after him.

"Zuko!" Aang chirped happily, jumping into the room.

"Finally," Toph sighed. "I thought you were never going to wake up."

Zuko frowned and began to slide his body off the bed. "How long was I out?" He looked towards his uncle for an answer, while twisting his body to feel for any aches and pain. Surprisingly, he felt none.

"About a week," he simply stated.

Zuko's jaw dropped. A week? He had been out for that long? "W-What?" he stammered. He swallowed his anxiety and looked towards his visitors. "And… Katara?"

"They are both fine, nephew," he replied. He stroked his beard and slightly raised his eyebrow. "In fact, I think you should go visit the siblings."

He nodded slowly. Katara was okay. She was alive. He would be able to see her again. Tears of relief threatened to escape his eyes, but he pulled them back with a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

"Okay, let's go."

The village was an unfamiliar territory to Zuko. He had always lived in the mountains, away from the community of people that made up what was called a 'village'. Wooden houses were built next to each other, food stands were open, children were running around the hill playing with each other, and Zuko felt this island was swarming with life. Warm rays of sunlight poured down oh his face. He felt his inner fire flare at the sun's energy. They four began to walk up a small hill to a large house at the top, when he noticed Toph's strange attire.

"Toph," he began. "Why aren't you wearing shoes? Don't your feet hurt?" Zuko frowned at the girl, waiting for her response. She had anklets and material on the top of her foot, as if she deliberately didn't want anything under her feet. He noticed Aang smirked slightly at Toph, and suddenly trip on a large rock that Zuko swore wasn't there before.

"Hey!" Aang yelled, stumbling to regain his balance.

"I hate shoes," she replied nonchalantly, as if nothing had happened. "I can't see if I can't feel."

Zuko raised an eyebrow, confused at what she said. Was she depicting a wise metaphor as his uncle does? She definitely didn't seem like the type.

"I'm blind, Zuko," she finally said, turning her face in his direction. Zuko noticed the haze in her eyes; gray clouds hovered in her irises. He stopped walking.

"Er—What?" He waited. Frowning at the girl, waiting for a 'just kidding!' or a joking laugh. There was none. And uncomfortable silence filled the air. "Then… how do you earthbend?"

"I see through earthbending," she stated. "Because I'm blind, I can catch the slightest of vibrations through the earth with my other senses. It's like I see with my feet. I can even feel your heartbeat."

"That's…" Zuko breathed. "Crazy." He finished, still unsure of how Toph was able to walk around normally, much less earthbend. She shrugged, and walked first into the large wooden house. The three men followed quickly after her, and entered into another room in the back. There were a few beds spread across the floor, when Zuko spotted Katara in the farthest one in the back.

"Katara…" he muttered to no one in particular, his strides lengthening; eager to see her.

"Careful, Zuko," Iroh said to him. "They are both recovering on their own." He nodded in response, not really listening to his uncle. He walked to the side of her bed and looked down at her. Much of her color had returned, and her face seemed peaceful and steady, sleeping quietly under the blankets. He felt the weight of the world leave his shoulders, seeing her safe and sound. He turned the next bed, to see Sokka resting in a similar manner. There were bandages and gauzes wrapped around his head and face, hiding the injuries he had sustained over the days.

"It's best not to wake either of them."

Zuko turned to see a tall older woman in white, walk in with a short gray haired man. He immediately assumed she was the doctor. She walked over to Katara and laid her hand over Katara's forehead, then did the same for Sokka.

"I see you are up and fully recovered," she remarked at Zuko. He quickly gave her a bow and cleared his throat.

"Yes, thank you for your help," he replied. He had really meant it. She shook her head and smiled.

"You were quite a mess when you came in," She responded honestly. "But not as bad as these siblings. I had to patch up the brother nearly every inch of his body… but for the sister, there wasn't much I could do."

Zuko's heart froze, he prayed that wasn't what he thought it meant. Wasn't she getting better? What did she mean that she didn't do anything? He gave her a look of confusion before the lady walked over to Katara again and gently lifted the blanket. She carefully lifted Katara's shirt and exposed her clean, toned stomach. Zuko almost gasped in embarrassment, but kept his gaze down.

Wait. Clean stomach?

Zuko glanced back at Katara's skin and frowned. There was a thin red line that extended from the top of her bellybutton to the covered area of her chest, but nothing more.

"Uncle…" he said, not lifting his gaze from Katara's stomach. "Wasn't she hit by lightning?"

Iroh remained silent, not meeting his eyes. Zuko finally brought his eyes towards the doctor. "What's going on? You said you didn't do anything?"

The older woman just sighed, and gave him a small frown. "I don't know. I haven't seen anything like it. She just rapidly healed on her own." She pulled down Katara's shirt, covering her body again under a blanket. "Every day I checked up on her, the lightning scar would have healed drastically, until it came to this thin line as you see it. When she first came in, the injury had covered her entire stomach and back, but now it has been reduced to this."

Zuko continued to stare at Katara. Just what was going on with her? He was immensely thankful she wasn't dying or getting worse, but the unnatural speed in which she healed, worried him. There was a thick silence that hung in the air until the doctor cleared her throat and began to take her belongings.

"Other than that, they will both be okay, I am sure of it," She turned to the old man who walked in behind her and gave him a small smile. "Oyaji, I must return to my village for there are other patients waiting for me. Send me a messenger when these two wake up."

"I am grateful for your help on such a short notice," he replied with an inclination of his head. "I wish you safety on your travel back, and will update you when needed." She gave a soft smile to the old man, as she walked out, nodding in farewell to Aang and Toph near the door.

The old man with kind eyes, looked towards Zuko and Iroh. "It is fortunate she was able to come and help you," he said. "I officially welcome you to the village." The two firebenders bowed simultaneously, and thanked the man. He turned to Aang and Toph with a smile. "And I must thank you youngsters, you have saved my village again. Truly, I am in your debt."

Aang waved his hands in front of him in protest. "I only did what was needed, sir Oyaji. Your warriors need rest." The old man gave another smile to the beaming duo in front of him and began to walk out.

"I must get going, feel free to explore the village. We may not have much, but peace is always welcomed here." Iroh and Zuko nodded, giving the old man one last smile before he walked out.

"Zuko," his uncle called after a long silence. He turned his head, surprised to see serious faces plastered on the three of them. "We should leave them to rest." He paused, giving Zuko a concerned look. "There… is someone you should meet."

He raised an eyebrow, wondering who this person was. He was reluctant to walk away from Katara again, but he knew she needed her rest. There was nothing he could do for her as of now. He quietly sighed, and brought his full attention to his uncle.

"Who?" he casually inquired, partly curious.

"It's not someone you know of, but she knows of you," he replied. Zuko frowned, not liking the scenario. Some woman who he didn't know wanted to see him. Strange. "Nephew, I am sure you have many questions you would like answers for," he continued. "She can give you the answers, much better than I can."

Zuko shifted his eyes and sighed. There were so many questions and confusion buzzing around his head, he didn't know what was what anymore. It was true; his steady, peaceful life had turned upside down so quickly. Ever since Katara saved him after he ran away, everything had flipped into chaos.

"Okay" he finally gave in. "Where is she?"

A look of nervousness yet relief passed through Iroh's face. He gave a small smile and began to walk back. "I will take you to see her."

He breathed, steadying his heart. For some reason, he felt that whatever he was about to hear would be heavy to bear. After calming himself, he stepped out of the care room, following after his uncle, while Toph and Aang trailed behind him. He could tell there was some sort of serious atmosphere hanging down on them.

They walked upwards the hill again and into the woods. Zuko frowned, looking at his surroundings. They were clearly walking away from civilization and everyone else. The birds chirped through the woods and bounced of the trees. After climbing for about five minutes, Zuko saw a small wooden house in the back. It was secluded; yet close enough for a walking distance. Iroh stopped his march and looked back at Zuko with a sorrowful expression.

"Go on in," he urged. Zuko made a face at his uncle and looked back at the house.

"Aren't you coming with me?" he asked innocently. He was becoming more and more nervous with their suspicious behavior.

"No, my nephew," he shook his head. "This is something you must face… Go on, she is waiting."

Zuko took a step forward, a frown still plastered on his face. He took another unconfident step until he stood in front of the door. He turned back for the last time before lightly knocking on the wooden frame and slowly opening the door.

The first thing Zuko noticed was nothing. The room was completely dark with no windows or light, causing him to squint his eyes and glare into the room. Was this some kind of joke? Had his uncle and everyone decided to play a trick on him? He sighed in disappointment, wondering what was really going on. Maybe this was some kind of alone time that they thought he needed. He lowered himself on the hard floor and called fire to his palm. He screamed.

There was a silhouette of someone in front of him. The room suddenly seemed to get brighter, and the torches that Zuko could have sworn, weren't there before, lit up the room. An old woman sat in front of him, her hands folded neatly on her lap, and a small smile on her lips. Her eyes freaked Zuko out, as he noticed them to look clear, almost as if they were staring into his very soul. He pulled a hand to his mouth, embarrassed of his sudden scream. He expected his uncle or someone to come bust in but no one did. Zuko cleared his throat and stared at the old lady, giving her a small bow.

"Uhmm… I heard you wanted to see me," he began. Great first impression, he thought.

Her clear eyes stared into his gold ones. "Zuko," she breathed. He shivered, her voice almost seemed out of place, as if it wasn't coming out of the small body in front of him. "Prince of fire, you have grown immensely. I'm sure you have many questions you wish to ask me."

Zuko gulped, and nodded. He didn't even know where to began. There were so many things that seemed off and unusual.

"Who… are you?" he began. "And how do you know me?"

The old lady closed her eyes and released a soft sigh. "I am the prophetess of this generation. The seer to the people and the mouth of the spirits."

Zuko stopped breathing. Okay, so this lady is a highly spiritual person. He let out deep breath and stared at the old lady, it was no wonder she looked so unusual.

"It was I, who spoke of the prophecy of the prince of fire seventeen years ago." He scratched his head, trying not to show his confusion and look stupid. Who was this 'prince of fire'? He could have sworn she called him that before. She opened her eyes again and looked straight at Zuko. "Your father…"

"You knew my father?" Zuko spluttered, interrupting her sentence. He leaned forward in impatience, eyes eager to hear what she was about to say. Every time he brought up the subject of his parents to his uncle, he had refused to say much of anything. He didn't even know their names; he had been trying to get his uncle to tell him, which resulted him in running out of the house that day. To know that someone was willing to talk about his parents filled him with nervous excitement. The old lady's smile seemed to widen with understanding.

"No child, I know your father," she continued. "Many, many people know your father." He frowned again, not understanding the old lady's words. "He is—after all, Fire Lord Ozai, the ruler and the supreme king of the fire nation." The lady spoke quietly, yet an authoritative power rang through the small room.

Zuko blinked, and shook his head to make sure he had heard that right. He was in complete denial. There was no way. "My father…" he spluttered out. "You say, is Fire Lord Ozai?" Zuko could have asked that question a million times, yet still not believe the answer. It must have been a joke. He struggled to form words or thoughts in his mind. His father—whom Zuko thought to be dead—was the Fire Lord that everyone hated and feared. He froze. "Then…" his tongue seemed to dry up. "Princess Azula…" he couldn't finish the sentence.

"Is your one and only sister," she concluded for him. Zuko felt his entire body go numb. This was not happening. He didn't even know what to feel. The girl he was fighting on the ship, the princess he came to fear more than anyone, the one that had almost killed him and Katara… was his sister. Zuko's hands began to shake against his will.

"Then… then… why am I here?" he yelled, all his past anger, devastation, anxiety and frustration suddenly building up in his chest. "Was I… abandoned? Has my uncle lied to me my whole life?! Is he… even my uncle?" he choked out the last question, his throat tightening in fear. His voice rose and tears threatening to fall from his eyes. Was it sadness? Or anger? He didn't know. "How do I know to trust you anyways?"

"Calm your emotions, child," she simply replied, raising a hand. "All will be revealed in due time. I will tell you a story of the past, many years ago… when I was a blinded seer for your father."

Seventeen years ago…

The spirit of celebration was in the air. A princess had been born to the fire nation. The daughter of fire was crowned in jewels and fine silk from over the world. She was cradled in the arms of her mother, Fire Lady Ursa. A small two-year-old prince was holding the free hand of his mother.

A few months later…

A messenger rushed into the palace, eager to get the important call to his Fire Lord. He approached the large double doors and fell to one knee, clasping his hands together.

"Fire Lord Ozai!" he called. "The seer is here to see you! It is said to be of high importance."

After a moment the large double doors opened, and an old woman walked past the messenger, and into the throne room. He clear eyes glanced around the room and fell upon the Fire Lord. He sat behind a wall of flames, flickering near the bottom of his face.

"Fire Lord," the prophetess began. "I have received a vision from the spirits. Clearer than anything before."

"You dare come into my presence again, even after I have warned you of your demise with your foolish predictions."

The old lady slightly flinched but did not back off. "Haven't these foolish predictions of mine turned into your reality?" she tested. "Fire Lord, you must learn to respect the spirits." The wall of fire blazed at her words. She could feel his anger emitting from his fire like an untamed animal.

"You. Will. Learn respect, seer." His voice echoed dangerously throughout the hall. "I do not look towards anyone, for there is no one higher than I."

The old seer simply shook her head. There was once a time she admired the young Fire Lord's ambition, but things had changed. He was no longer the honorable man she knew. She saw that this would be the last and final prophecy she would give him.

"The Blood General has returned," she began, ignoring the Fire Lord's glare. The fire subsided noticeably, as he looked down at the old woman in spite. He stayed silent, waiting for the old lady to explain herself. The name seemed familiar, but it did not click with anything in his head. "The one who commands an army by blood, who controls the skies and the waters below. Land he passes will shrivel and dry, ice will coat the earth in his wake."

"The ancient spirit of an old water tribe general," he repeated, his frown deepening in his forehead. He remembered the mentioning of the general long ago, but because there was so little information on it, he never bothered to remember the details. "And?" He finally growled, his patience dropping.

"If you—Fire Lord—can get your hands on the host, and control the powerful spirit, dominating the remaining nations will be in your grasp," she concluded, lightly regretting her words as soon as she said them. "The sheer potential the Blood General holds for destruction is unimaginable."

There was a silence, as the words sank in his mind. He would be known as the Phoenix King, the supreme ruler of the world. The taste of desire and ambition began to spread in his mouth. His chest rose with the flames, eager to hear and achieve what he wanted the most. Power. Ultimate, unparalleled, authority over the nations.

"However," the old lady interrupted his raging thoughts. He glared down at the seer, waiting for news that appeared to be unfavorable. "Your son, Zuko, is fated to kill the Blood General. He will destroy your greatest weapon and block your path to dominating the other nations, ultimately overthrowing you."

"…What?" He snarled, not asking for clarification. His anger began to rise infinitely, and the flames in front of him augmented with his rage. His own son—would dethrone him? Impossible. He would never let that happen. "Leave, your blasphemous claims are not accepted under my rule."

"You cannot avoid it," she forcibly continued. "He will slay the Blood General and end your reign as king. Your own son will be your fall, Fire Lord Ozai."

"Leave!" he yelled. The large double doors opened at his call, and two soldiers came running in. They grabbed the old lady by her arms and began to pull her out. She lightly struggled for balance, and glanced back at the man before her, knowing that it would be the last she saw of him.

"It is destiny," she concluded, stepping out of the throne room. "He is destined to overthrow you. And you are destined to fall."

With her final words, the large doors slammed shut, leaving the outraged Fire Lord in the room. For a moment, he sat in the silence, unable to think of anything but his anger. He roared loudly, sending the flames to blaze towards the high ceiling. He breathed hard, as if he came back from an intense battle. Never. He would never allow his own son to overthrow him. He was powerful, invincible, the ruler of the mighty fire nation. Just as his murderous impulse was starting to lower, familiar footsteps echoed from the back of the room.

"Ozai?" A soft voice called out to him. He turned to see Ursa walking up the steps, a concerned look on her face. She brushed her hand against his arm; Azula comfortably cuddled up in her other hand. "What happened? I heard the seer came to see you."

The flames roared again, as he though about her words. "Ozai," she quietly yelled, pulling her hand behind her. "You're scaring them." He looked down to see Zuko, peaking at him from behind Ursa's legs.

'He is destined to overthrow you'

Ozai frowned at his son, observing his large golden eyes that seemed to be nothing but pure and innocent. A threat. This small two-year-old boy that hid behind his mother was his biggest threat. Of course, he could have chosen to dismiss the seer's words and move on, but she was right. Whatever sorcery she used to speak her prophecies, they always came to be. A small spark of fear ignited as he stared down at Zuko. He wouldn't have it. Even if it was his son, there was no problem. All those who oppose him must be taken care of. He inwardly smiled, feeling the rush of his decision course through him.

"It's nothing to worry about," he coolly replied, looking back at her deep honey eyes. "There were some disagreements, but we came to a conclusion. She won't be coming back."

Ursa bit her lower lip, knowing not to question his words. She hadn't missed the odd stare he gave their son. An intuitive feeling of worry spread through her. She wasn't an ignorant woman or a Fire Lady for nothing. She had definitely heard him yell in frustration a moment before.

"If you say so," she softly replied, giving one last stroke on his pronounced cheek. She slowly turned, before catching a small spark of bloodlust in his eyes as he stared at their son again.

A/N: It is revealed! I'm sure you guys are connecting the pieces and figuring out the situation by now. If not, the next chapter will be the ultimate reveal. I'll be starting it off continuing the flashback, which will take up most or at least half of the next chapter. For all flashback scenes, I'll be changing perspectives without warning for you guys to get a better understanding of what happened. If you get lost or confused, just ask me! Don't be shy now :D
I also sped up the timeline a bit for my story, so that Ozai takes the throne before Azula is born.
A quick shout out to Skatzaa who took the time to convince me of making Toph and Aang together, and others who requested it! I'll do my best to give them a little love too.

Review and PM me if you have any questions or suggestions (: See you soon!