Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender does not belong to me, but to Michael Dante DiMartino. Midori is my own character.
Becoming Fire Lord Zuko
Nothing is free. No freedom or peace comes without loss. During the war some lost few, some none and others everything. Yet others gained from their loss.
Zuko stood between the plane of loss and gain. In a limbo of feeling.
He could see the ghost of his past; the young banished prince merely a boy striving to be accepted, the wounded child seeking mother's guidance, but beyond on that stood the man. The man who had no family, but a family of friends that proved water does run deeper than blood.
Zuko's golden eyes reflected the copper and rose sunset as he gazed onto the horizon. Today he had lost but tomorrow could he gain? Subconsciously he knew he was dangling the ring by his index finger inches from falling, but he felt a sense of unawareness. The ring that once seemed to radiate with charm and nobility looked faded, the gold band dull, now with the centered ruby holding the only lasting appeal. The ring was now light, no longer carrying the promise without truth he had given Mai. As a boy he loved her. As a boy he learned from her, but as a man he needed more. Not more than the skin needs but that which the heart seeks.
He felt almost shameful, but not for being Zuko instead of the Fire Lord Mai wanted. He felt shame in the absence of pain. He had let her go without protest. After the retorts, the piercing demands, the spiteful words, he had felt her presence lingering outside the closed door…waiting. But Zuko never came.
He felt almost shameful, but not for failing to be the romantic prince chasing down his lover. He felt shame in the quenching freedom he had obtained. He felt light. As the simple realization of his new acquired freedom dawned on him like the removal of a veil his face lit up, his thin pink lips creased into a small smile. Without another fleeting thought he left his previous position by the windowsill and turned towards the corridors of his palace.
The maroon robes that three years ago Zuko seemed to drown in now clung to him like a second skin, moving effortlessly with him. His topknot was a bit thinker now that his hair hung to his clavicle, his cheekbones a bit higher with age, and his skin still glowing in a peach hue.
To the onlookers Zuko appeared as the great Fire Lord, the peace bringer, Master Firebender, and essence of the great Fire Lords before him.
Yet as he rounded the corner giving curt nods and encouraging smiles his thoughts of the stories soon to be shared clouded his mind. He knew they were coming even before the palace announcer had a chance to clear his ancient voice. Zuko began to speed up his pace, almost to the point where he ran, but as well as he could run in robes as close to etiquette protocol as possible. He rounded another corner with an immediate halt, the Fire Sages were passing by, his smile creased a bit deeper, shoulders became a bit straighter, walk became more graceful and fluid, but his eyes became colder.
Once out of the critical view he quickened his pace back to the almost jog he had then continued onto the palace courtyard.
Their entrance blew the Fire Nation flags close to off their hinges along with hiding Zuko behind a gust of dirt and fallen leaves. Zuko raised one of his arms over his face, causing his robe to act like a shield against the debris.
"Zuko!" Aang leapt down in another gust of wind, this one smaller and almost warm. His overeager smile already planted on his face. Zuko felt his heart swell as the rest of the gang followed behind Aaang.
"Hey Sparky."
"Hello Zuko"
"What up Jerkbender!"
And those names set him at ease as only family could.
Chatter filled the once desolate palace as Team Avatar recalled stories. All trying to out voice one another. The usual you've grown was thrown around with a few you havent's that caused the tremor of laughter to echo rambunctiously through the corridors.
"You won't believe what happened to Toph in the village!"
"Remember when our last trip to Kyoshi island?"
"Oh Zuko you gotta here this!"
"Fire Lord Zuko" Everyone became silent.
The wide smile that previously encased Zuko's face vanished with the flatter of the eye as the tiny announcer stepped forth.
"Dinner is ready your highness."
With that the chatter intensified. Sokka laced his fingers through Suki's now leading the group to the dining room. Katara and Aang continued behind, filling Zuko in on the new Southern Water Temple construction while Toph followed only a small smile as her acknowledgement of the story. She had hated the Water Tribe visit, you can't see well on frozen water.
Once seated only a fleeting glance was given by the guest to the absence of Mai. They say outsiders sometimes have a better view of what's occurring inside.
Zuko chuckled casually to Aang's last story before standing with his arms raised in a subtle demand of silence. All eyes seated before him twinkled with the joy of appreciation and admiration.
"Friends, I would like to formally welcome and thank you for coming in preparation of the Third Annual Peace Festival & Summit."
Zuko raised a gold glass and everyone followed. "I think new winds are upon us."
A/N Hope you enjoyed the story! Please review and if you have some stories you'd like my read I love reviewing :)