Sharp golden eyes opened at the sound of echoing footsteps.
Zuko immediately sat upright. The footsteps became louder as they audibly moved through the silent corridors of the Palace, nearing his bedroom.
Stepping out of bed, he heard them halt for a moment before retreating. He rushed to the door and opened it. A cloaked figure walked down the hall without turning around to face him.
Zuko stepped forward to follow the figure, but stopped when he noticed a scroll lying just outside of his door. With a frown, he picked it up and broke the seal.
"You need to know the story of your great-grandfather's demise. It will reveal your own destiny."
Confused, he look up but the figure had already disappeared in the darkness.
"Roku came to me in a dream." Aang announced during breakfast on a hot summer morning.
"He did?" Elyrie's eyes widened in surprise.
"No need to be so shocked," Sokka shrugged as he picked up his own bowl, "Roku is a regular visitor in Aang's dreams. Being the bridge between our world and the spirit world and all."
"Oh, of course," Elyrie nodded sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her neck. She was still getting used to some of the more mystic elements of traveling with the Avatar. She knew about them of course – she had experienced spiritual encounters herself. But the casual mention of the late Avatar Roku was somewhat surreal to her. Maybe because last time you saw him, she thought wryly, you were knocked unconscious.
And Zuko had carried her back to safety.
"Why did Avatar Roku visit you?" she asked, blinking rapidly to ease the burning in her eyes. She hated that a heavy feeling settled in her chest every time she thought about him – but it would lessen with time. It was her mantra at the moment: time heals all wounds.
You just need some time, she said to herself as she started interlacing her fingers to prevent herself from fumbling with them, You have done it before in worse situations.
"He wants me to visit his home on a volcanic island." Aang answered her with a full mouth, "He said I need to learn about his history with Fire Lord Sozin if I want to know how to end the war."
"Where is it?" Toph asked, "Is it a big island?"
"Just a couple dozen miles west from here, I'd say," Elyrie estimated as she took her bowl from Katara, "His home island is uninhabited now, so we don't need to worry about being spotted."
"That is a relief," Sokka visibly relaxed at the idea of going to a deserted place, "At least we'll be far away from crazy explosion-blasting idiots."
"But why now, Aang?" Katara asked as she started spooning the porridge in her own bowl, "Why only tell you now about their shared history?"
"Because of the Summer Solstice tomorrow." Aang answered, "The line between the two worlds is at its narrowest then, just like the Winter Solstice. He can explain the whole story to me."
Elyrie stopped with her spoon between her bowl and her mouth. If the Summer Solstice was tomorrow, then so was her birthday.
My birthday, she thought to herself as she played with her spoon. Born on longest day of the summer, almost 22 years ago.
Not that she was in an particular celebratory mood - on the contrary. It wasn't as if her 21st birthday had been celebrated. It had been almost two years ago that she had last seen reason to celebrated it. With her Father.
"Lily," her father's voice came from behind the door, "Can I come in?"
"Of course." Elyrie answered from behind her desk. She was hiding behind a stack of books and the desk was scattered with papers and notes. Her curls were piled on top of her head, creating a messy bun. It was the only thing visible behind the mountain of books.
"What are you reading?" Jian asked his daughter as he picked up the book on top of the pile, flipping through the pages.
"About Princess Zeisan," Elyrie replied, rubbing her eyes carefully with the tip of her ringfinger, "Professor Saki told me about Fire Lord Sozin's sister and that she left the Fire Nation to pursue other interests."
She yawned loudly as she stretched out her arms above her head. "I think I lost track of time," she held her hand for her open mouth as she yawned for a second time, "But it is weird that I can't seem to find more information about the Princess. It seems like our historical records only documented Fire Lord Sozin."
"Well, he was an important Fire Lord," her father answered as he placed down the book.
"Yeah, maybe," Elyrie answered vaguely as she looked at her father. Her eyes seemed relaxed and content with reading for hours, Jian noted. She had the eyes of a scholar.
The shade of blue was almost identical to Thyra's, but their eyes were so different at the same time. Thyra's eyes were always moving and active, reflecting her fiery spirit – like the waves during high tide. Elyrie's eyes were calmer and more thoughtful – like a deep lake, diving deeper to uncover the secrets hidden below.
"Well, I wanted to ask you something," Jian continued, smiling at the comparison he just made in his head, "I was thinking about your upcoming birthday next week. How would you feel about having your portrait painted?"
"My portrait?" Elyrie repeated.
"Yes," her father nodded with a smile, "You are turning twenty years old. Such an important occasion deserves to be celebrated."
"I would like that," Elyrie said after a few moments with a warm smile, "After all, I believe that I was six in my last portrait."
The portrait still hang in her old house. And on her birthday, her father had gifted her an unedited scroll about Princess Zeisan from the Catacombs.
Elyrie shook her head at the memory. Once upon a time, it had been a celebration. A festive occasion, but now there was almost no one left who knew it was her birthday. Of course she could tell the rest of the group about it. They would surely celebrate with her, but it was different. She missed the time when people just knew about it. Even in Zhao's camp, Jin had made sure to make her feel special. And Kun had known too.
No, this was not the moment to celebrate. That would come after the Day of Black Sun. That is, if there was an after.
The giant portrait of his great-grandfather took up the centre of the wall. Zuko narrowed his eyes as he studied the stern-looking man he was related to.
Fire Lord Sozin was painted as any other Fire Lord: he wore long, black robes, adorned with red and gold accents. In his topknot, he wore the traditional five-pointed flame crown of the Fire Lord. In his left hand he held a long scroll, which symbolised his influence on Fire Nation history. His right hand was turned up to show a flame in his palm, signalling his firebending abilities. Above him, the comet that now beared his name passed over. At his feet were half a dozen Fire Nation soldiers painted, signifying his military buildup and the beginning of the war.
Zuko squinted his eyes to make out his face: his jaw was squared, as were his cheekbones. His appearance was more blunt than that of his son Azulon, whose long, sleek features were passed down to his own children and grandchildren. Sozin's hair had been the traditional black colour, but his beard was striped with grey in his portrait.
"It's never too early for a sitting with the court painter, Zuko. Make sure he gets your good side." His sisters voice interrupted his thoughts as she walked past him.
Zuko clenched his jaw for a moment, but he turned around to his sister. "Wait," he said hastily, "I need to ask you something: What do you remember about our great-grandfather's history?"
Her amber eyes – so like those of their great-grandfather – took on a mocking glance.
"Oh, Zuko, it's so strange how your mind works," she sighed before she motioned to the portrait, "Fire Lord Sozin began the war, of course. He spent his early years secretly preparing for it. He was as patient as he was clever. He famously waited for the comet, later renamed Sozin's Comet, and used its power to launch his full-scale invasion of the world. In the end, he died a very old and successful man."
"But, how did he die?" Zuko asked frustrated. He knew this part of the history, but nothing about the very end.
"Didn't you pay any attention in school, Zuko?" His sister said in a bored tone, "He died peacefully, in his sleep. He was ancient."
Zuko turned on his heels and walked away from the Royal Gallery without so much as a word to his sister. He was not in the mood for her mocking. It had been frustrating enough to dig to all the books in the Royal Library about Fire Lord Sozin. Not one mentioned his final moments.
"Typical," he mumbled to himself as he walked back to his room, "Who would want to know that the legendary Fire Lord was a mere mortal, like the rest of us?"
With a groan, he let himself fall on his bed. It was scattered with books, so he pushed them aside. From his pocket, he took the scroll and read it again.
"What does it mean?" he asked out loud after reading it a dozen times again, frustrated at the lack of progress. He threw the scroll away as he started to pick up the books that took up his entire bed. Unceremoniously, he stacked them on top of each other on the floor and pushed them aside. He looked for the scroll, but saw that it had landed on the lamp next to his bed.
To his amazement new words had appeared on the paper in red, contrasting with the black ink of the original message. With a gasp, he picked up the scroll again.
"The Fire Sages keep the secret history in the Dragonbone Catacombs."
"But, there is nothing here." Katara looked around as Appa landed on a small island. The ground was hard and black - not a single strand of grass or flower was visible. It was eerily quiet: it was obvious that no birds or any type of other animal lived on the barren island.
"You said he lived here," Sokka frowned as he slid down Appa's tail, "But there aren't even houses on this island."
"Yes, there are. An entire village, hundreds of houses-," Toph said as she placed her palm flat on the dark earth, "All completely buried in ash."
"Almost a hundred years ago, a catastrophic volcanic eruption took place that buried the island village beneath several feet of ash." Elyrie filled in as her eyes went over the hard earth. It was very difficult to grasp the fact that an entire village was once standing here and wiped off the earth in a matter of hours.
"It is how Avatar Roku and his dragon Fang lost their lives, trying to defend the island." She added as she started walking upwards on the steep hill, following Aang.
"Did Roku live here all his life?" Aang asked her over his shoulder.
"No," Elyrie shook her head, "I believe he spent only the last part of his life on this island. He was born a nobleman in the Capital, before he left to start his training as the Avatar."
"Got anymore historical facts for us on this tour?" Sokka asked sarcastically, wheezing for air once they were halfway up the hill.
"We once had a succession conflict named the Camellia-Peony War." Elyrie replied without hesitation as she looked over her shoulder at Sokka, "It was between Fire Lord Zoryu and his illegitimate brother, Chaejin. The conflict involved the various noble clans..-"
"All right! Point taken, you are a history-nerd." Sokka yelled back. Elyrie turned around and continue to walk backwards up the mountain, facing Sokka in front of her.
"Thank you." She winked at him, "Did you know that Fire Lord Sozin had a sister, Princess Zeisan? It is rumoured she left the royal family to join the Air Nomads because she identified with their philosophy of freedom."
"Really?" Aang halted and turned to look at Elyrie with a frown, "I never heard of her."
"She is a bit of a mystery," Elyrie admitted, "Despite being the sister of the most famous Fire Lord in our recent history, very little is known of her later life."
"Just know that I won't carry you when you sprain something walking like that," Sokka mumbled as he lifted his hand and moved his indexfinger in a circle, motioning for her to turn around again.
Elyrie turned back with a lift of her chin and continued the climb to the top.
"Was she a Firebender?" Aang asked once she caught up with him, "The Princess, I mean?"
"No," Elyrie shook her head as she halted just before a flat stone, placed horizontally overlooking the bay below, "Texts mention the rivalry between the siblings, but nothing about her firebending abilities. She was, however, an advocate for closer relations between the Air Nomads and the Fire Nation."
"So one wanted to be buddies with other nations and the other was a psychopath?" Toph frowned as she sat down on the earth, "Hard to believe they were raised in the same family."
"Hmm," Elyrie nodded vaguely as she thought about it. It seemed that sibling rivalry in the Royal Family was mandatory. She never actively thought about it, but it had been the case with Zuko and Azula, with Ozai and Iroh and with Sozin and Zeisan. Talk about your messed-up family, she mused as she saw Aang taking his place on the flat stone before her.
"Wait here," Aang said, "I'll tell you everything when I return." He placed his fists together, sat down with his legs crossed and closed his eyes. Slowly, Elyrie saw him inhale through his nose and exhale through his mouth. Then, the part of the arrow that was just visible under his black hair started glowing, followed by the tattoo's on his arms. He seemed to turn into a statue as he sat there.
"And now?" Elyrie whispered, not quite daring to speak out loud during such a moment.
"Now, we wait." Katara answered as she sat down on the ground next to her brother and Toph, "There is no telling how long his trip with Roku will take."
"I see," Elyrie said pensively as she sat down as well. She placed her palm on the black ground, feeling the rough exterior under her fingertips.
Aang moved in his trance. He extended his hand and lifted his right leg, as if he was mounting an invisible Komodo-rhino.
"Is he okay?" Elyrie asked as she saw his face change from a pensive expression to one of shock. She stood up in alarm, but Katara gently tugged at her sleeve.
"Yes," Katara said, tugging again to make her sit her down again, "His body follows the movements he makes in the spirit world, that's all."
"Elyrie, all joking aside," Sokka asked as he tapped on her knee, "What more can you tell us about Fire Lord Sozin?"
"The usual, I think?" Elyrie answered, "He was Fire Lord from 58 BG till 20 AG, and the one that started the war – or the Great March to Civilization as it is referred to here - with the power of the comet. Therefore, it was named Sozin's Comet."
"The one he used to eradicate the Air Nomads?" Katara interjected, "How powerful is this comet?"
"The very same." Elyrie admitted, "There are various sources written on the comet. It is said to fuel Firebenders with the power of a hundred suns. As you all know, my bending is stronger during the day because of my original source," she pointed upwards to the sun to accentuate her point, "But it is comparable with the stages of the Moon for waterbenders: a full moon gives the waterbenders their maximal potential. A comet gives that to us, but a hundred fold."
"Sounds terrific." Sokka mumbled.
"It is also believed that the power granted from Sozin's Comet is what allowed Fire Lord Sozin to live as long as he did," Elyrie concluded, "He lived to be a 102 years old."
"So let's hope that Aang defeats the Fire Lord before the Comet comes at the end of the summer." Katara drew her knees closer to her chest and hugged her legs, "It would be a terrible thought to have the current Fire Lord live that long."
"What made Sozin start with attacking the Air Temples?" Toph asked Elyrie, "Was it just because of Aang?"
"I don't know," Elyrie said pensively as she counted on her slender fingers, "There were 12 years between Roku's death and the first time the Comet arrived. But even before Roku's death, the Fire Nation had already established colonies in the Earth Kingdom. So my guess is that he tried to take down a younger Avatar? After all, Avatar Roku had been far too powerful to challenge to further expand the Fire Nation."
"But what I don't understand," Katara asked, "You say that the colonies were established before the Comet. Why didn't Avatar Roku stop the expansion? Isn't the Avatar suppose to support the idea of balance?"
"I've asked myself the same question once Aang said that Sozin and Avatar Roku share a history together," Elyrie tapped her finger impatiently on the earth beneath her, as she turned around to see if Aang was still in his trance. She had so many questions for him after this.
"Weren't you taught about this in school?" Sokka asked with raised eyebrows, "Isn't this like the pinnacle of your history?"
"Avatar Roku? Certainly not." Elyrie turned to him with a serious expression, "Besides, it's complicated since most of the history that is taught is propaganda. "I don't know what about Roku or Sozin is factual, because it is difficult to distinguish it from the propaganda."
"What do you mean?" Toph leaned in closer, her hand folded under her chin and her elbow placed on her knee. Elyrie saw the seriousness in her milky-green eyes, without her looking directly at her.
"Well, for example: we were taught that the Air Nomads had armies and fought the Fire Nation Army," Elyrie explained, "To us, it is described as a legendary battle, not a genocide that eradicated an entire culture."
Katara stared at her with her mouth hanging open. "So children are taught that it was a victory?"
Elyrie nodded. "When I was eighteen, my father showed me historic texts he kept in our library. They contained a eyewitness account of a soldier who was present at the event," she interlaced her fingers again, "he described the horror he witnessed as they set fire to the Air Temples."
When her father shown her, she remembered she had been at a loss for words. He had explained that the victors wrote history, but it was always one side. He had reminded her to be open for different perspectives. And only now had she realised he had urged her to be critical and to realise that not everything that was written down was gospel.
"That is horrible," Sokka agreed, "The more you tell about your government, the more I despise it."
Elyrie saw the corner of his mouth tug upwards slightly. She was glad he was joking about the matter, but she realised that history was a very fickle thing.
"How was the history taught in the Water Tribe?" she asked, placing her chin in her palm and leaning towards Sokka and Katara.
"We didn't study written texts or old documents," Katara lifted her shoulders, "Our history is passed down by the generations. Our Gran-Gran taught us, for example, about the raids the Southern Water Tribes used to endure. They took all the waterbenders with them." Her bottom lip started to tremble slightly as she turned to her brother.
"And in the Earth Kingdom?" Elyrie saw Katara's uneasiness and turned to Toph, "What did you learn?"
"Mostly stuff about old generals, Avatar Kyoshi and a bit of Fire Nation-jadajada," Toph shrugged as she scratched behind her ear, "I didn't pay much attention anyway."
"Surprising," Sokka mumbled before Toph elbowed him swiftly in his ribs.
"I wonder what Aang can tell us," Elyrie looked over at the squatting Avatar, "Maybe he can tell us what truly happened."
It takes one desperate generation to change history – or even erase it, she mused silently, One generation to change the texts, one generation to teach the texts and the next generation grows up with that knowledge. And so, the lie becomes history.
With his cloak secured around his shoulders, Zuko silently walked down the stairs into the Dragonbone Catacombs. As he descended, he felt the warmth of the summer air fade away. Instead, a cool breeze and the smell of old parchment invaded his senses. From the walls, dozens dragonskulls followed his movements.
As he reached the bottom, he started walking down the dimly lit corridor. Around him, he saw the names of the Fire Lords who had reigned long before Sozin. The Catacombes were originally created to serve as the burial grounds for all of the Fire Lords in the nation's history, including the first Fire Lord who assumed power following the fall of the warlord regime in the disaggregated Fire Islands. The dark, twisting hallways lead to different chambers dedicated to the reigns of past Fire Lords, as well as to different aspects of Fire Nation history.
The catacombs were periodically expanded to accommodate crypts for each successive Fire Lord, and the walls were painted with an ever-growing mural depicting the nation's history, including its myths and legends.
Elyrie would love this, he thought involuntarily as his eyes went over the names of the Fire Lords. Reaching in his pocket, his fist enclosed the ring that was still hidden there. And happy birthday, he silently added despite himself.
Finally, the corridor lead the Sozin's tomb. Zuko halted before the ornate metal door bearing the figure of his great-grandfather. As with the entrance, the door could only be opened with firebending. Placing his left hand over the emblem, Zuko ignited a fire blast. The fire filled the door, leading to the face of the statue's eyes, nose and mouth.
With a loud, creaking sound the metal door opened and Zuko stepped inside. As his eyes adjusted to the darknes, he saw that the tomb itself was a round room, lined with large funerary urns. On either side of the door were statues of dragons rearing back on their hind legs. The room was centred on an enormous coiled stone dragon, which wrapped protectively around a small urn. In front of the dragon was a wooden table on which the five scrolls were placed.
"The final testimony of Fire Lord Sozin." Zuko read out loud as he reached for the first scroll, covered in spiderwebs and dust.
He sat down and felt his heart beat in anticipation. Carefully opening the scroll, he began to read the words that had long been sealed off for the rest of the world.
As I feel my own life dimming, I can't help but think of a time when everything was so much brighter. It was the time I was still Prince Sozin. I remember my friend, Roku. We shared everything together when we were younger.
But everything changed on sixteenth birthday: Roku and I shared a birthday as well, and we celebrated it together. It was then when the Fire Sages arrived. At first, I was concerned for my father's health. But they didn't come for me. They came to announce that Roku was the new Avatar.
Soon the day came when my friend Roku had to leave the Fire Nation and face his destiny as the Avatar. He needed to travel the world so he could master the other elements. When we said our goodbyes, I gifted him my headpiece - the royal artifact, worn by the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation.
Twelve long years passed before I saw my friend again. When Roku returned, he was a fully realized Avatar, and I had changed as well. My father had passed away, making me the Fire Lord. Despite our changes, our friendship had endured the test of time. And not much later, I became his best man at his wedding. On wedding days, we look to the future with optimism and joy, but I had my own vision for a brighter future.
I was destined to become the Fire Lord, Roku was destined to become the Avatar. It couldn't have been a coincidence that we were friends – it was an amazing stroke of fate. Together, we could achieve anything. During Roku's absence, I had observed the prosperity of our homeland: Our nation was enjoying an unprecedented time of peace and wealth. Our people were happy, and we were so fortunate in so many ways. I felt it was my destiny to share this wealth with the rest of the world.
But Roku disagreed with me. He didn't consider it as a possibility – "The four nations are meant to be just that: four." he said to me.
He wasn't able to see my vision: the four nations had always been divided, but times were changing. In our hands was the most successful empire in history.
And it was time I expanded it.
But my vision came with a price: Roku was furious once he discovered the colonies I had established at the edges of the Earth Kingdom. Our confrontation was violent and destructive. I had underestimated how powerful my old friend had become. I was at his mercy, but he spared me in the name of our past friendship. But it came with a warning: even a single step out of line would result in my permanent end.
Roku and I didn't speak or see each other for twenty-five years after our battle. I spent most of my time in the Capital, governing the development in my Nation.
One evening, the city rumbled on its foundations. It wasn't an earthquake, but the rumbling of the volcano on the small island Roku had made his home. Roku's island was a hundred miles away. But I could still feel it rumbling and see the black plume of smoke.
I had never seen anything like this catastrophe.
I still don't know why I mounted my dragon that night – maybe it was because I knew Roku would try to stop the inevitable. He could never succeeded on his own. But he had spared my life once in the name of our past friendship.
I arrived just in time: the second volcano had erupted as well. The air was thick with smoke and toxic gasses. Roku had been battling the volcano on his own without success. But I saw what I always had know: together, we were capable of achieving great things.
I redirected the heat of the volcano, while Roku bended the fountain of fire in craters along the mountain. For the briefest of moments, I stumbled and almost fell down. Roku created an earth shelf just in time to save me.
We battled the elements for a while, but at last we were forced to retreat. Roku had warned me about breathing in the toxic air. I managed to avoid it; he himself wasn't so fortunate.
It happened in less than a second: I saw the gas shoot up directly in his face. His breathing became ragged and he lost his footing. The Avatar was disoriented and weak, collapsing amidst the chaos of the volcanic eruption.
He raised his hand to me and for a second, I pondered to take it. Then he coughed again and I knew he was dying.
And without him, all my plans were suddenly possible. The vision for the future – the future of our nation – was bright and clear. I could achieve anything – but I needed to do it alone.
And thus, I left him.
With Roku gone, and the great comet returning, the timing was perfect to change the world. I knew the next Avatar would be born an Air Nomad. So I wiped out the Air Temples. But somehow, the new Avatar eluded me. I wasted the remainder of my life searching in vain.
I know he's hiding out there somewhere. The Fire Nation's greatest threat: The last airbender.
"What?" Zuko blurted out. His eyes lingered on the last words before he turned the scroll around, "This can't be it! Where is the rest of it?!" He turned the parchment over and back, but there were no more to be found.
"You mean, after all Roku and Sozin went through together, even after Roku showed him mercy, Sozin betrayed him like that?" Katara asked with wide eyes.
"It's like these people are born bad." Toph commented with a frown.
"No, that's wrong." Aang shook his head, "I don't think that was the point of what Roku showed me at all."
"Then what was the point?" Sokka asked.
"Roku was just as much Fire Nation as Sozin was, right? If anything, their story proves anyone's capable of great good and great evil. I mean, look at Elyrie," Aang pointed at her to strengthen his point, "She is Fire Nation, just like the everyone living in this country."
"Technically, she is half-Water Tribe," Sokka commented, "Which I personally think explains the fact why she is a decent Fire Nation-person."
"I've grown up in the Fire Nation without any knowledge of my connection to the Water Tribe," Elyrie argued, "And for the record: I was always a decent person."
"Yeah, but blood is thicker than wat..-" Sokka began before he ducked to evade a slap with the metal fan, "Hey! Don't make me take back those!"
"But you're missing the point, genius." Elyrie said as she lowered her fan with a small smirk.
"Ah, yes," Sokka said before he turned to Aang, "What was the point again?"
"The point is that everyone, even the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation have to be treated like they're worth giving a chance. And I also think it was about friendships." Aang said, a careful smile curving his lips. Elyrie saw the hint of hope glitter in his grey eyes.
"Do you really think friendships can last more than one lifetime?" Toph asked softly.
"I don't see why not," Aang assured her as he took her hand. Katara took Toph's other hand, and Aang extended his hand to Elyrie. She took it with a grateful smile.
"Well, scientifically speaking, there's no way to prove that-.." Sokka began, before Katara interrupted him. "Oh, Sokka, just hold hands!"
"You sent this, didn't you?!" Zuko kicked open the door to Iroh's cell with a fury, "I found the secret history, which by the way should be renamed history most people already know! The note said that I needed to know about my great-grandfather's death, but he was still alive in the end."
"No, he wasn't." his Uncle answered calmly. He sat with his back against the stone wall, completely at ease. It was as if he had expected Zuko to show up in such an agitated state. He wasn't even fazed by his obvious anger.
"What are you talking about?" Zuko asked confused. He was more uncertain than ever about what the point was of him learning about the shared history of Sozin and Roku. They had been friends, yes. But in the end, it didn't matter.
"You have more than one great-grandfather, Prince Zuko," Iroh said slowly, as if explaining it to a child, "Sozin was your father's grandfather. Your mother's grandfather was Avatar Roku."
It was as if his legs suddenly refused to hold him up any longer. Zuko fell to his knees as he grabbed the bars of the cell.
"Why are you telling me this?" he asked through gritted teeth as he clenched his eyes shut. He couldn't be related to the Avatar – that was impossible. The greatest threat to the Fire Nation, the one enemy able to destroy them all.
"Because understanding the struggle between your two great-grandfathers can help you better understand the battle within yourself." Iroh answered, "Evil and good are always at war inside you, Zuko. It is your nature, your legacy."
No, no. It can't be happening. Zuko shook his head and placed his hands over his face, almost willing himself to forget the words. This isn't who I am, this can't be what I am.
"But, there is a bright side." Iroh continued and Zuko looked up, "What happened generations ago can be resolved now, by you. Because of your legacy, you alone can cleanse the sins of our family and the Fire Nation. Born in you, along with all the strife, is the power to restore balance to the world."
Iroh stood up and turned to the wall. He removed a lose stone and reached inside. When he retracted his hand, Zuko saw that he held a small bundle in his hand. Iroh slowly walked to the bars as he carefully unwrapped the bundle.
Zuko saw the gold reflecting the moon in the small ornament – and he suddenly knew what it was.
"This is a royal artifact. It's supposed to be worn by the Crown Prince." His Uncle handed him the artifact, once worn by both his great-grandfathers.
As the shock started to ebb away, Zuko stood and extended his right hand to take the headdress. He stared at it and felt the heaviness of what he just discovered finally settle in his chest.
I wanted to know the reason why I'm here. Why I am the way I am and I'm feeling the things I feel – the anger, the confusion and the sorrow.
His eyes met his Uncle's. Without looking away, Zuko slipped his left hand in his pocket and took out what he had been keeping. In front of his Uncle, he opened his fist and showed him the sapphire ring on his palm.
For the first time since Ba Sing Se, Zuko saw softness in the eyes of his Uncle. The sight made the heaviness in his chest more bearable as a feeling of warmth and comfort spread through him. It had been a long time since he felt like this.
"It is your choice to make, Prince Zuko."
Some of you might recognise the quote I used "It takes one desperate generation to change history (..). And so, the lie becomes history."I wish I could say I wrote that, but it is from 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros. In my opinion, it accurately depicts the dangers of erasing history – just as is done in the Fire Nation.
The small part about Princess Zeisan is canon and came directly from the Avatar channel on Youtube. For anyone interested, it is a good addition to the lore regarding Sozin and the beginning of the war.
Also, did you all see the new trailer of Netflix serie? I am so hyped! :D