A. N. : Basalt is made when lava is cooled extremely fast, like when falling into the ocean. It then sometimes makes cool rock formations that are, in some languages (such as French), called "organs" because of the big number of "pipes" (rock columns). So that's one thing the title refers to - the volcanic eruption are Roku's island. It is also a pun on the metaphor about hearts sinking like stone. Why I pay so much attention to titles is a mystery even to me.

Zuko is pretty sure Roku hates him.

What other reason would he have to remind everyone of the – mistakes ? horrors ? – wrong deeds of Zuko's ancestors, if not because he thinks Sozin's actions will be reflected be his line ?

That's what the beliefs of old say, anyway. The things Mother talked about – you've got greatness in your blood Zuko, don't forget that – the things Father called Spirit-tales for old ladies, the things Azula sneered at, the things Uncle spoke of with deference while Zuko barely listened.

Just as the movement of stars can be predicted from their previous behavior, so too is the future of people written in the past.

And so Roku must think Zuko will kill the Avatar, or let him die, or hunt him down in order to do just that, like that didn't happen already, like Zuko didn't change.

Like Zuko can't be trusted.

The Avatar says the story was about friendship, and about the potential in everyone to do both good and bad – he gives Zuko a hopeful smile, like he thinks Zuko will buy it, like there wasn't a horrified silence when he finished Roku's tale, like the others haven't been avoiding Zuko's eyes since, like all of them aren't aware that this was nothing but a warning.

Zuko feels sick.

He has his arms wrapped around Lin – the sun is setting, he should feed her before she falls asleep for good, how she hasn't complained yet in hunger is a total wonder – and is so focused on breathing that he barely hears Toph ask if friendships can really last for multiple lifetimes.

At this point, Zuko honestly thinks they don't even last for a single life, a single month even, and so neither says nor does anything when the others start holding hands – Jet stays aside too, looks at Zuko, at the group, sighs –

Toph calls to them eventually, after Sokka gave up on his scientific skepticism. Come on Sparky, Stalker, she says, and the Avatar holds out his other hand with the same hopeful smile he had earlier when lying about Roku's intentions, and Jet takes a step and looks at Zuko, before taking the Avatar's hand, holding out his own –

But the sun is setting and Zuko needs to feed Lin, and he has no patience for this kind of hypocrisy, not after Roku, not after Jet, not after it's been made abundantly clear that he isn't trusted and that this likely won't change.

He turns, walks away, to the food reserves and the bison.

The other's protests sound hollow.