Disclaimer: AtLA is property of VIACOM and Nickelodeon. No profit is made from this story.

The figure entered the hallway, half-shadowed in the dim light, the only illumination coming from the small lamp he held in his hand, flickering weakly in the darkness. The cowl of the man's hood hid his eyes and forehead, making it nearly impossible to distinguish his features. Yet former Phoenix King Ozai knew who this man was. He had been expecting him.

He stood in his cell. After the years he had spent in prison, deprived of light, he was almost unrecognizable as his former self, skin had become pale and sallow, and across his face it had become thin and taut. His cheekbones were sunken and the meager diet he was first to eat had resulted in his frame becoming thinner, less muscular. But there was no doubting that Ozai was still a powerful, terrifying man.

But somehow, despite everything, he had still maintained a sort of savage beauty. His face was still effortlessly flawless, his eyes still burned golden. His mouth was twisted into a cold, mocking scowl.

The man sunk to his knees, pressing his forehead against the ice-cold stone floor. Something flickered in Ozai's eyes, a new emotion rippled across his countenance, and his lips stretched up into a malicious smile.

'Arise.' His voice was rough and low, a parched, hollow ring to it.

The man lifted his head, but stayed bowing – the ultimate sign of respect. And, quite possibly, fear.

'My lord, we have received word that the plan is progressing steadily. Nothing is suspected.'

Ozai dipped his chin once in acknowledgement, but said nothing. For several minutes, there was pure silence. The man's hands began to shake, ever so slightly.

'Very well.' Ozai's voice was as smooth as a running river. 'So let it be.'

'…My lord?'

'Mmm.'

'Without seeming…' the man paused, his eyes darting nervously from side to side, 'intrusive, my lord, how are you planning from stopping,' he bit down once on his lip, 'the new Fire Lord from instantly attacking you?'

There was a harsh burst of golden light, and the man screamed, his head hitting the floor with a loud smack.

'Go,' he growled.

The man, moaning and whimpering, crawled away.

Ozai's mouth etched into a shadow of a smile, and, walking to the back of his cell and sitting down, resting his back against the cool wall, turned his face skywards. And then he laughed, a harsh sound. And somewhere, somehow, he knew that Azula was laughing too.

Because he was the Phoenix King. And he was going to rise from the ashes.

AN: So yeah ... Ozai's back. And firebending. I'm not going to say anything else because I don't want to give anything away :)

Q: OMG, Ozai's firebending! Aang took it away, remember?! STOOPID AUFOOR!

A: All shall be revealed. Trust me, everything has a reason here at Now and Then.