Zuko was proud of his lineage and responsibility to maintain peace. There were few times in which Zuko wished he did not bear the burden of Fire Lord. But as he sat in lotus position on the high throne, his hair pulled back into a high topknot and clothing stiff and heavy, he longed for nothing more than to be in the loose travel robes he wore so often in his youth.
With the arrival of the Avatar, memories of their adventures flitted about his mind. A part of him wished they could have forever travelled the world and brought with them peace and balance. Aang and Toph both led busy lives, teaching their respective elements. He knew Katara missed them dearly; sometimes he would find her sitting on a balcony of the lofty palace. She would remain there silently and gaze at the star-studded sky, remembering the a thousand nights she had spent sleeping under it. Zuko knew she was happy as Fire Lady and that the people loved their exotic monarch, but he wished that he could provide his wife with more freedom. More chances for her to see Sokka, who was busy frantically reinforcing the Southern Water Tribe as their new chieftain.
The telltale whistle of glider began to sound in the distance. Soon after, Aang flew into the throne room and settled on the ground. His tattooed head bowed down as he kneeled before the Fire Lord.
"Rise, old friend," Zuko laughed as he stood up and brushed off his imperial robes.
Aang grinned, "Zuko, it is so good to see you again," he paused, surveying the palace, "how long has it been? 4 years since i've been here?"
Zuko nodded, "Yes, though I have seen Toph since then."
"Yang and I have been travelling the world in search of lost air nomads, "he said, " the work is tireless, with no time for dear friends."
As Aang moved towards him, it was apparent how tired he looked. The last time Zuko remembered him looking this weary was before the defeat of Ozai decades ago. "No need to provide excuses, Aang, I know that you are busy," he smiled, " being the Avatar is hard work."
"So is being the firelord," Aang added, as he pointed at the row of towering portraits – of Sozin, Azulon, Ozai, and countless others who gazed down at them proudly. Their faces provided a constant reminder of the dignity of his people; the power of his lineage, the power to bring about both great good and great evil.
"Yes, but the fire nation is enjoying a rare stretch of peace since my father's fall," Zuko reasoned, "I have had to retract many colonies from the Earth Kingdom but for the most part I have had an easy time of it."
The Avatar formed a ball of air, which he glided on as he spoke, "We've grown, the two of us. The gray streaks suit you, Zuko."
The Fire Lord laughed, shaking his head, "You're still the same to me," he paused, "but with more wrinkles."
"I think the wrinkles are more from fatherhood than my Avatar duties," Aang said.
"As are mine – I never would have guessed that I would be father." He shook his head.
"I know, you were always an angsty one," Aang joked, dodging a swipe from his friend, "How Katara agreed to marrying you is beyond me."
Zuko shook his head. It was good to see the Avatar once again. "I feel like my work as a parent is easy. Zahara has always been rather serious, sometimes I think she would be just fine without me. Urzon has more of his Uncle Sokka's," he paused," humor."
"Yang is similar to your daughter, always searching, never resting and enjoying the turtleducks around him," Aang said, "Sometimes I forget he is still so young, but I suppose we were much like them at that age - governed by some higher purpose."
Zuko nodded, "They're only approaching eighteen, the two of them."
"Yes, but for Yang and Zahara that means adulthood, " Aang commented, "It makes me feel like an old foggy." He grinned as he stretched his worn limbs.
Zuko's laughter ceased as he though of his daughter and of her future. "As my friend, but also as the Avatar, I feel as if you should know something," he stated seriously.
"And what is that," Aang questioned, a more serious expression arising on his seemingly forever youthful features.
"As you know," he began, "Zahara's coronation as princess of the Fire Nation is approaching."
Aang nodded," And?"
"I plan to name her as my heir, officially and before all the fire nation nobles," Zuko whispered," And to step down as Fire Lord."
Aang stared hard at his friend, trying to remain calm. "But you are young! Why the hurry? Surely being Fire Lord isn't too much of a pain," he replied.
"You and I both remember what happens when a successor, ungroomed, takes the throne after the death of the Fire Lord," Zuko stated.
"But that was Ozai!" Aang proclaimed, "Zahara is of a purer spirit than your sister. She takes after her mother in that way." He added, "Yes, she is ambitious, much like Azula –"
"Zahara is nothing like my sister. Nor will she ever be," Zuko coldly interrupted.
"Forgive me," Aang replied, "I am only saying that she has inherited your lineage's finest qualities: ambition, charisma, and an unparalled strength in firebending," he continued," but that she has the compassion and optimism of your wife, my dear friend. It is the balance that will make her successful."
Zuko stepped forward. "Certainly, I am confident in her abilities. I simply want to be there as she transitions into the position." He sighed, "I will not make any of my ancestors mistakes."
"Very well," Aang nodded, sensing that argument with Zuko was futile at this point. He wanted his friend to be happy, and if that meant allowing his daughter to assume the throne, so be it. Zahara was skilled enough for this position, of that he had no doubt.
"With this change will come great responsibility for her. I know she is ready but nevertheless I worry that she is too young," Zuko muttered. He shook his head, "it must be done."
"Soon all the men of the four nations will want her hand in marriage," Aang added, laughing, "that is what you should be worried about."
Zuko's smile faltered as he said, "I do not want a single boy ruining my daughter, let alone a whole trove begging for her hand in marriage."
"You have nothing to worry about, "Aang soothed, " Zahara is smart, smarter than you were at that age," he added with a wink.
"I suppose you're right," Zuko sighed, "you usually are."
"And you have grown far wiser for admitting that, " Aang agreed.
Yes, he was happy old friends had returned, even if his duties as Fire Lord that loomed above him were soon to loom above his young daughter. She would be powerful; this he knew. How he wished his father were here to see how peaceful the Fire Nation could be and could remain.