You don't know who I am. But not many people do anyhow. Hopefully, you will get to know me through this. But I am not the important one here. It is my master you know and hate, that is, if you are not of the Fire Nation. He is a prince, you know. Zuko's father is the Fire Lord Ozai, ruler of the Fire Nation. Princes should be regal, respectful and loved by all their people. I, Sing, know who he is, but hardly anybody else does. When will they find out? I sure hope it's soon.
Prince Zuko's mother took me from my family when I have very little, five or so, after her husband captured my village in the South Pole. I wish I could remember them better. I'm sure they were perfect. She needed me to mind her son; her powerful younger daughter required all of her attention. He was even a year older than me, to top it all off. In the beginning I was told three things: stay with Zuko, give him what he needs and keep him safe. How she expected me to do that at such an early age is a mystery, but I've been doing those three things for the last eleven years, in moderation.
I saw gradually, as we matured together, who he was; I felt sorry for him. Living in his sister's shadow, constantly being compared to Azula when, at the time, she was a much better bender than him. Lord Ozai ignored his still talented son while his daughter was his most prized possession. Prince Zuko trained very hard growing up; he had a trainer, as well as his legendary uncle, Iroh. Sitting in on their sessions, I wish I could have been a student of Iroh's. I knew I was a waterbender, but being ripped apart from all the people from my tribe, and any waterbenders for that matter, left me with no choice but to abandon my gift.
One day about seven years later, after begging Uncle Iro, Zuko was allowed into an important military meeting between the military leaders of the Fire Nation and Lord Ozai. I, of course, followed behind Uncle and was led into a blood red room lit only by lanterns, as is typical in the Fire Nation. Zuko and Uncle sat with the other leaders, and the discussion began. I sat next to the door, and patiently waited, not really paying much attention. I heard snippets about attacking another Earth tribe, a powerful one, and much heated debate followed. I lost interest again, until one angry voice rose about the rest. "You can't just sacrifice an entire army like that! They are people too, Firebenders, just like us. They live and die for our nation," cried an angry Zuko, shooting to his feet and glaring at the elders. I grew scared, and saw concern on Uncle's face. "Now Prince Zuko," he said, calmly, "you are out of place. Sit down and listen to your elders."
But it was too late. By speaking out against a military leader, that meant Prince Zuko would have to battle him in a fire match, Mi Kai. The conceited prince quickly prepared himself for battle, rashly thinking about the old man he had to defeat to keep his honor. But he was mistaken. By shaming the plan the man spoke of, Zuko really insulted the Fire Lord, the whole Nation as well. So it was not an old man who met him on the battle field. It was his father.
He was terrified. He begged for mercy on the rock battleground. Zuko threw himself at his father's feet. "Get up!" his father yelled. "You show cowardice. You shame me. Get up and fight like a man." Zuko did not move. Lord Ozai stepped back several paces. The only noise in the arena was the cries from Zuko's teary face. I felt scared for him and turned away. A flash filled the room, and a sickening scream filled my head.
I cared for Zuko for the next nine months outside the Fire Nation. He was banished by his own father; his only chance of returning would be if he captured the avatar, master of all elements. Ourselves, Uncle Iroh, and a crew of warriors and sailors loyal to Uncle have been living at sea ever since.
His scar is what defines him now. The left side of his face, starting at his eye, is red with scar tissue. It was frightening to look at for the first couple weeks, but I quickly learned I had to not look at it, but look past it and care for Zuko. He often took out his pain and anger on me. Even after he recovered, I received the grunt of his frustration. My body is littered with bruises, burns, scars. I take them in stride now, and I'm hurt more than physically by his actions. Even so, he is my Master.
Our travels are sporadic, and quick to change, depending on where the avatar appears to be. Zuko has chased him all over the world and may continue to do so until Aang, the avatar, is captured. I merely wait in the prince's room most of the time, but I follow him almost everywhere he goes, alone or with his warriors.
Uncle Iroh is very kind to me. He asked that I call him Uncle, instead of General. He makes sure I am healthy and is a huge help keeping Zuko's temper under control. Zuko shows him occasional respect, but he loves his Uncle dearly, since he is the only family he can trust anymore. Uncle is the most calm, composed, balanced man I know. I have only heard stories about him. He is called the Dragon of the West. Or rather, he was. He is old now, and it is his brother, not him who is the Fire Lord.
I will tell you my travels as clearly as possible. I don't see everything in the world, since we are the bad guys, so to speak. Firebenders are the most dangerous benders, in my opinion. Most that I've met are angry souls, and many don't have respect for their power. I've seen forests that grew tall for years burnt to the ground in a matter of minutes. It makes me sick, but I could never say that in my position. In fact, I really can't talk much at all. Especially with Zuko. The only times he speaks to me are when he orders me to do something or is mocking me. But there have been times when he is quiet, and he will open up a bit and talk to me. Sometimes not expecting me to say anything, sometimes silently begging me to. That is how I know Prince Zuko.