Zuko had spent the past few hours almost inseparable from Izumi. He cradled the distressed girl, embracing her constantly and checking on her well-being. It was evident that Zuko was notably more anxious than usual.

Azula had known her brother her entire life and could interpret his emotions effortlessly. She could sense his anger and sadness even before he expressed them. However, she acknowledged Zuko's transformation since becoming Fire Lord, finding it more challenging to decipher his feelings.

"Do you remember what happened, sweetie?" Zuko inquired, as Azula turned around to look at her brother.

"No, daddy," Izumi replied, her face showing a small hint of fear.

Izumi was a unique child, embodying her mother's tough exterior and her father's compassionate nature. The girl somewhat resembles Mai, evoking a sense of melancholy in Azula. The girl had inherited her mother's facial features, slender physique, and fascination with knives.

Azula chuckled at the memory of walking in on Izumi chasing Bumi, the avatar's child, with two knives in hand. While Zuko viewed it as a dangerous act, which it was, Azula perceived it as a humorous anecdote to share with Izumi in the future.

Izumi had also inherited her father's striking gold eyes, indicating her potential as a formidable firebender. Born during the summer solstice, she was destined to possess greater power than most firebenders ever dreamed of having.

Upon realizing Izumi's firebending abilities, Zuko approached Azula with a proposition of training his daughter in the future. Initially hesitant, Azula eventually agreed after careful consideration. She began devising a training regimen for Izumi, prompting her brother to humorously question if she intended to start teaching his daughter immediately, considering that firebenders typically commence training at eight years old, while Izumi was merely three.

Azula gazed at her brother and smiled under her breath. She never admitted it, but she was always grateful that Zuko never abandoned her. In their youth, she would often tease him and try his patience, yet he was always the one to suggest a truce and seek reconciliation. Even after she nearly took his life in their Agni Kai, he forgave her and vowed to help her heal, which he did.

Witnessing such a kind soul endure so much suffering pained her. It was no secret that Zuko's life as Fire Lord had been challenging. Numerous assassination attempts had been made on his life, one of which resulted in the loss of Mai. He constantly clashed with most of his advisors, and on top of it all, he had the monumental task of rebuilding an entire world.

Most individuals would have given up by now, but Zuko remained resolute. There were moments when it seemed like nothing could deter him. He always managed to navigate through seemingly insurmountable challenges and just as he had begun the process of reconstructing the world, his country's capital was attacked, leaving his mother dead and his child traumatized.

Azula stayed by their side for a few more minutes before excusing herself and departing. She knew Zuko's daughter needed him, especially after the recent events at the palace. She understood her role as his most trusted adviser and closest friend, knowing she had to protect him while he focused on his daughter.

Upon entering the main deck, she instructed all personnel to leave, requiring space to contemplate and devise solutions for the predicament they were facing.

Zuko was exhausted. His new firebending instructor was pushing him to his limits, making it harder for Zuko to conceal his true power. It didn't help that his father was usually present during his training sessions.

The words his father had spoken still troubled him. There was a possibility that Ozai had just come up with the words on the spot, but a small voice in the back of his mind suggested that his father might be aware of his nightmares. Perhaps he was experiencing them as well.

However, Ozai did not exhibit any suspicious behavior that contradicted what Zuko had seen in his dreams. While he did show a heightened interest in Zuko's training, it could be because he finally recognized his son's potential power and how it could benefit him.

Either way, Zuko didn't appreciate his father's increased attention towards him. It will now be more challenging to remove Azula from under his thumb since he is keeping a close eye on him.

Today's training was much more challenging than previous sessions. The new instructor, who had only been here for a week, was already turning Zuko's life upside down. He forced him to start his training from scratch, revisiting the basics he had learned as a child.

The sessions typically lasted about three hours each, leaving Zuko feeling utterly exhausted. So drained, in fact, that at times he couldn't even make it to his room unassisted. Fortunately, Azula was usually there to lend a hand.

"You seem worn out, dum-dum. Is the instructor pushing you beyond your limits?" she playfully teased. In the past, he would have been irritated by her teasing, but over the past two weeks, he and his sister had managed to rekindle the friendship they had thought was lost years ago.

"It's not that," Zuko replied as Azula opened the door to his room. "It's the constant presence of father, always watching over me."

He collapsed face-first onto his bed, feeling Azula settle down right beside him.

"So what?" She raised an eyebrow. "Father always observes me during my training, yet I don't feel any pressure when he does."

Zuko raised his head to glance at his sister, who wore an annoyed expression. "That's because he is the one instructing you, Azula," he said, letting his head fall back onto the bed. "Besides, you are accustomed to his constant presence while training. However, this is new to me. We have hardly crossed paths in the last month, yet now he is always nearby, watching me all the time."

"You're just overreacting, Zuko," Azula said, examining her nails. "You've gotten much stronger in the past few weeks, and Dad is finally starting to take notice." She turned to face him. "Isn't this what you always wanted?"

Zuko realized that if he told Azula the truth, that he wanted nothing to do with their father, she would immediately become suspicious. It would be safer to bide his time and wait. "Yeah, but it just feels strange."

Azula swung her feet and stood up from the bed. "You'll get used to it," she said as she made her way towards the table in his room. She sat down in the chair next to it and started to read a scroll that had been lying on the table.

They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the silence. In the past few weeks, it had become normal for them to spend most of their free time together, and it was evident that both siblings enjoyed it. They weren't going to be rivals, not in this timeline; Zuko would make sure of it.

The silence was interrupted when they heard the door being opened. As Zuko looked up, he saw his mother walk in with a worried expression on her face.

"Your father has requested an audience with Fire Lord Azulon," she said. Zuko paled. No, this was too soon. They weren't supposed to see the Fire Lord for another four days. "Put on your best clothes and hurry up."

This situation was becoming problematic. His father would undoubtedly request the throne from Azulon, and their mother would disappear afterward. Zuko realized that his carefully crafted plan was beginning to reveal flaws, prompting him to consider changing his approach.

Leaving the room, he paused and glanced back to find Azula standing beside their mother. "Fire Lord Azulon, can't we just call him as grandfather?" she inquired. "He's no longer the powerful Fire Lord he once was."

Ursa turned to address her youngest child. "Azula, while Fire Lord Azulon is your grandfather and you have the right to address him as such, it is more appropriate to use his title," she explained, placing her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

Azula nodded in understanding before leaving the room.

Zuko smiled, recalling a different version of this conversation where Azula displayed disrespect and Ursa reprimanded her. He felt a sense of pride, knowing that his efforts had prevented Ursa from saying what he had witnessed in his dream.

"What is wrong with that child?"

He had been certain that those were the words that hurt his sister the most, especially coming from their mother. He felt quite content knowing that before his mother's departure he had at least been able to mend her relationship with Azula.

Azula had spent hours on the deck, contemplating their next course of action. Her expression was stoic, yet she was consumed by inner turmoil after her mother's tragic loss. Despite their initial differences, she had reconciled with her mother with Zuko's help before her sudden disappearance. Now, her mother was gone once more but this time irreversibly.

A solitary tear rolled down her cheek, landing on the paper in front of her. "Pull yourself together, Azula," she whispered. Those responsible for her mother's death would face consequences.

Lost in her thoughts, Azula was unaware of Zuko's presence until she felt his hand on her shoulder.

"Azula, we will ensure justice for your mother," he reassured. "But first, we must strategize our next steps. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and share with me."

She glanced back at the paper spread out before her. "I had assumed that after meeting with the Avatar, we would journey to Republic City and seek the council's assistance," she began. "However, I have just realized that many of the noble houses I suspect of treason hold significant influence there."

"So, Aang's assistance won't suffice?" Zuko inquired.

"I'm not sure," she replied. "I believed my plan was flawless, but the more I contemplate it, the more issues I uncover," she admitted, striking the table with her hand.

"Calm down, Azula," Zuko reassured as he rose and placed his other hand on her shoulder.

"Be quiet," she screamed, causing Zuko to look at her in confusion.

"I... I.m sorry," he said. "If I had known this would upset you, I wouldn't have come here."

"Not you, Zuko," Azalea replied, tears slowly starting to fall from her eyes.

Her brother looked at her puzzled. "Then who?"

She took a moment before responding. "They're back, Zuko."

Upon hearing those words, Zuko immediately embraced her, trying to calm her down. He knew that one day they would return. While she had recovered quite well, there was one thing that still haunted her. The voices. Though it had been years since she last heard them.

Drawing her closer, he asked, "Whose voice is it?"

As Azula returned his hug, he realized she was now crying. This was not good. He had lost his country and almost lost his daughter. He wasn't going to lose his sister. Not again.

"It's Mother's voice."

Zuko hugged her tighter. They would overcome this. She had always supported him, and now it was his turn to do the same.

"We will get through this, Azula. I promise," he assured her as she looked up at him.

"How can you be so certain?"

He had no answer. He didn't know how. All he could do was hope.

The meeting with Fire Lord Azulon had proceeded in a similar manner.

They arrived punctually and took their seats. Subsequently, their father initiated a conversation with the Fire Lord regarding the current affairs.

Fire Lord Azulon had always appeared somewhat aloof to Zuko. There were times when months would pass without any interaction, only to be suddenly summoned for a meeting.

Historians have depicted him as a distinguished military leader who had commanded numerous offensives against the Earth Kingdom and had successfully forced the Northern Water Tribe into seclusion. However, at present, all he did was occupy a throne and engage in occasional discussions. It was likely that he had not practiced firebending in years and had considerably diminished his abilities by now.

But the crucial point was that, similar to his own father, Azulon also showed favoritism. Zuko hadn't noticed it previously, but now it was clear to him. Azulon favored Iroh just as his father favored Azula.

Zuko believed that Uncle might not even realize this favoritism since he was often absent. This favoritism clarified many things. It clarified why Ozai always viewed Iroh with some resentment. It clarified why his father prioritized power above all else, as Ozai had once been in Zuko's position. He was born weaker than Iroh and had to strive his whole life to gain his father's recognition. Maybe he and his father were more similar than he had initially thought.

As Ozai and Azulon concluded their conversation, his father shifted his focus to him and Azula, posing various historical questions. The questions were relatively simple, intended only to showcase to Azulon the fact that Ozai's children were indeed well-educated. However, this was not the primary purpose of their interaction.

As endeavored to impress his father, much like he did in his dreams, he always failed to see the bigger picture of his relationship with his father. He persistently sought to demonstrate his superiority over Iroh to his Azulon, yet consistently fell short. Despite his strength and intelligence, Ozai consistently failed to grasp that Azulon saw right through him.

After a few more questions, Ozai inquired if his father would allow Azula to showcase her bending skills. Upon receiving the approval, Azula stood up and made her way to the midpoint between them and Azulon.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she assumed the initial stance and began one of the most advanced katas she had learned from her father.

Her movements were flawlessly executed, seamlessly transitioning from one to the next like water flowing down a river. She performed with such precision that most firebenders five times her age could not match. She was undeniably a prodigy.

However, as she concluded her demonstration and gazed up at Azulon, all she could discern in his eyes was indifference. He had witnessed this display countless times. Ozai always attempted to impress him through his children, but that tactic had consistently fallen short.

Yet when Azula returned to her seat, Ozai shifted his focus to Zuko and inquired if he would like to showcase his skills as well. Zuko was taken aback by the invitation. Throughout his memory, Ozai had never permitted him to demonstrate in front of the Fire Lord. Even Azulon appeared surprised by this development.

Zuko made the decision to proceed, and as he positioned himself in front of his grandfather, he assumed a stance and began his performance. It differed from Azula's display. Not as advanced, yet still quite challenging to master.

Despite the significant power he had acquired in recent weeks, he still lacked complete control over it. Consequently, his presentation was not as refined as his sister's, but the sheer potency of his flames was evident.

Upon completing the kata, he respectfully bowed and returned to his seat.

"Prince Ozai." Azulon finally spoke, "Why are you wasting my time with this pomp?" He questioned. "Just tell me what you want. Everyone else, go."

"You are mistaken, father," Ozai said, causing the old Fire Lord to raise an eyebrow. "All I wanted was to show you the improvements that my children have had since the last time you saw them."

WHAT!? That was the only thing going through Zuko's mind. What was his father doing? Why would he all of a sudden decide to pass up this opportunity.

No, if Ozai was not going to ask for the throne now, then it must be that he had found a different way to obtain it. But how? Every change that had happened so far was because of Zuko and his actions, and he had not done anything that might have changed Ozai's mind about the throne.

As Zuko regained his composure, he saw that Azulon was also surprised at what his son had said. "Very well, Prince Ozai," he started. "Your children have improved significantly, especially your son. I presume that you have started to pay more attention to his training."

"Yes, father."

"Well then if that's all you have for me today, I will ask you to leave me now. I have prior engagements to attend to." As they all bowed and made their way towards the exit, Zuko stole a few glances at his father. Azula and Ursa might have fallen for his little show, but he hadn't. He knew that he had something on his mind.

"You both did very well today," he said as he walked past them and entered his and their mothers room.

Zuko stood in shock and tried to process his next move. His father had further complicated his plan. But if before he had an understanding of his upcoming actions, now he had none.

Zuko had spent the past hour calming Azula down. The reappearance of the voices in her head posed a challenge she needed to address, and Zuko was unsure of how he could assist her.

She had insisted she could handle it on her own, but Zuko remembered the last time she heard those voices, which led to a breakdown and isolation for a few days. He couldn't allow that to happen again, especially not now.

After she had somewhat regained her composure, Zuko allowed her to rest and headed towards his uncle's room. If anyone could help untangle this situation, it would be him.

As he opened the door, he noticed Iroh seated at a small table, savoring some tea. Judging by the aroma, it appeared to be jasmine tea, his preferred choice.

"Uncle, may I join you?" Zuko inquired.

"Certainly, my boy." His uncle motioned towards a chair next to him. "Would you care for some tea as well?"

"Absolutely." He replied as he settled in. Over the years, he had developed a fondness for tea, and his uncle's brew was arguably the finest he had ever tasted.

"So what brings you here?" Iroh asked as he handed a cup to his nephew.

"Uncle, I don't know what to do." Zuko stated. "My people are being massacred, my home is being destroyed, and I'm slowly losing my sanity."

Iroh had to stop himself for a moment after he heard Zuko say that he was losing his sanity. "My boy, what are you talking about?" he asked as he put his cup back on the table. "Your psyche appears to be fully intact, so I don't understand the part about going insane."

Zuko gazed at his uncle and let out a sigh. He knew he could confide in his uncle about his conflicting memories, as he was likely the only one who could truly comprehend him.

So he began. He recounted his last encounter with his father, where Ozai expressed regret for his actions. Then he recalled Azula's descent into madness and her subsequent inability to recover. Despite this, he also remembered her remarkable recovery and how she had supported him in his mission to better the world. He also mentioned Azula's tumultuous relationship with their mother, both negative and positive.

"Zuko, I may not fully grasp what you're going through but," he began. "The most advisable course of action at this moment is to believe that the memories surfacing are merely a result of stress. That is the most optimistic assumption I can offer."

"And what would be the worst-case scenario?"

"The worst possibility is that you are genuinely beginning to lose your sanity," his uncle replied. "However, there are no indications of that, which is why I am inclined to attribute it to stress."

They swiftly changed the subject and moved on to discuss various topics. They passed their time by remembering hunting Aang or working at Iron's tea shop in Ba Sing Se. They conversed about many things, but somehow they circled back to one very painful subject.

"Uncle," Zuko began, "How did it feel to return home after the siege?"

Iroh sighed, "I thought I was prepared to face my father's wrath after my grand failure, but upon arriving home, I was surprised to receive a warm welcome from him."

No! No, no. When Uncle returned home, Azulon was already dead, and father had been crowned as the Fire Lord. What was Uncle talking about?

"Zuko, are you alright?" he heard his uncle inquire.

"I don't know, I just... I remember things differently," he replied.

"Nephew, what do you mean?" Iroh asked.

Zuko sighed. He couldn't explain the feeling, but he somehow knew different truths. In one version, when his uncle returned, Azulon was dead, and Ozai was the Fire Lord. In another, when he came back, Azulon was alive, and Ozai became the Fire Lord much later. But how? How did his father become the Fire Lord if Azulon was alive, and Iroh, the crown prince, had returned home?

"It must be stress, uncle. I just feel very tired," Zuko lied, not wanting to make his uncle think that he was more insane than Iron already thought.

"Then you must go and rest, Zuko," Iron said. "I'm sure that when you wake up, everything will be much clearer."

Zuko nodded in response, but before he could stand up, a thought occurred to him. If he didn't remember how Ozai was crowned in the version where Azulon lived, which means that he might not have been present during the event.

"Uncle," he said as he sat back down.

"What is it, Zuko?"

"Do you remember how my father was chosen as grandfather's successor?"