Father hung the flag, the next morning, on the castle walls, most likely to show off the new flag we created. Ever since we went to Ember Island, I've been less...mad. Is it because I let it out? Because I told everyone how I was feeling? Its strange, to not be as angry as before, but, I still am. What is the right choice? How do I do it? Why can't I tell Father how I feel?
"Zuko, come with me," Father said, after his guards put up the flag. "I want to tell you something." Father led us inside. Then he took a turn down a hall I walk through constantly. The hall has paintings of the other previous Firelords. He stopped in from of Sozin's portrait.
"You know Firelord Sozin," he started. "He was the greatest Firelord to ever rule. He created the factories, started our armies, and even named the upcoming comet. No one has ever surpassed him." Where is he going with this? "My brother, Iroh, was in line to be the next Firelord."
"Why did he not, Father?" I asked. Uncle never told me why he didn't. He just said that he declined. "He chose not to be Firelord because he said that he'd have no power." Father growled a little. "What does that mean?" I asked.
"He said that the Firelords were all continuing on this 'war' and he would have no power to stop it. He wanted to stop colonizing the other nations. He wanted to stop our spreading. Father disagreed with it so I stepped up to be Firelord." Father hesitated before saying war. He paused. "I have hope in you, Zuko. I have hope that you will become a great Firelord. You will continue to grow our nation." He looked at me. "That is all." Then, he walked off.
He has hope in me? That I will become another Firelord to continue colonizing? Another one like the Firelords before me? Father really thinks I will become like him, and all those before me, selfish, cruel, and unkind. But…I don't feel that's right. Should I find my own destiny or follow the destiny created for me?
"What are you doing standing here, Zuzu?" Azula's voice said behind me. I quickly turn around. "Oh, nothing."
"Are you sure?" she checked. "You've been kind of distant lately."
"Yeah, why?"
"Because I care about you, Zuzu. I'm not heartless."
"Sorry," I said. "Father was talking to me and then I never left."
"Oh? So you like Firelord Sozin's portrait?" She raised an eyebrow. "Uh,"
"Oh whatever. Whatever you're doing, Zuzu, I will never know." She waved a hand and walked away.
What would Uncle say? 'Chose your own path.' That doesn't help. Oh come on, Zuko! Why don't you say something to your Father! Tell him how wrong he is! The Fire Nation shouldn't be threatening people's lives just to grow! Its wrong! But, why can't I say so? Why can't I change?
Why did the Avatar say what he did? Why did he say we could be friends? I can't even speak out against my Father! I don't even know which path to take! I can't do this without Uncle! Why did I have to leave him alone? Why did I betray him? Why was a so rude to him? Why did I lose my temper?
On the way back to my room, a palace guard stopped me. "Prince Zuko!" I looked up to see who it was. He's one of the guards who usually stand outside of the war room when Father is in there. "I wanted to compliment your choices for the Fire Nation flag! You have really great taste!"
"Uh, thanks?"
"Sorry if that was weird," he said. "I just thought it was a great improvement from before. Just, the darker Fire Nation symbol, the brighter flag, it looks nice, Prince Zuko!"
"Thanks," I said again. Its kinda weird but I'll let it slide. The guard walked off, kinda happy. I had no idea that a flag would make someone happy. If only it could make me happy.