A/N I did use dialogue from the final episode for this chapter. I don't own it or the characters.
I can do this. Deep breath in. Just stay calm, and he'll tell me what I need to know. Deep breath out.
Zuko enters the prison and slowly walk down the hall. The guard that looks at him remembers him from when he visited his Uncle and knows he isn't to speak of this. At least, that's what Zuko is assuming by the man's hastily lowered eyes and hurried footsteps going the other way.
His stomach twists in knots of either nervousness or excitement as he opens the door. He tamps it down. He has to be calm, firm, to get what he wants. Maybe even a little forceful. If his father sees any weakness, he won't tell him what he wants to know.
"I should count myself lucky. The new Fire Lord has graced me with his presence in my lonely prison cell." The voice seems to drip with hatred.
"You should count yourself lucky that the Avatar spared your life."
"Hmph"
" Banishing me was the best thing you could have done for my life. It put me on the right path; perhaps your time in here can do the same for you."
"Why are you really here?" He seems bored. Like he has more important things to do than talk to his son.
"Because you are going to tell me something." Zuko hardens his voice. "Where. Is. My mother?"
Ozai laughs. Short and bitter.
"I lied. Your mother is dead, boy. Now, leave me. Go play Fire Lord and see how well you do."
Zuko's stomach drops to his feet, but he manages to keep his voice steady.
"I've asked around the city. There were people who saw her leave that day." He's bluffing, but it's really his only card to play.
"I've killed or imprisoned anyone who may have known anything. They are gone." Ozai snarls. He's not quite admitting anyone in the city saw anything, but...
"Evidently, you've missed a few." Zuko keeps pressing his luck.
"Very well. I did banish her. I did not kill her. It would have looked too suspicious, two members of the royal family dying in the same night. I don't know if she's still alive or where she might be. Sorry that I can't be more help."
Zuko can't help the small fireball that flies from his fist into the wall.
"Temper, temper." His father chides. "Can't be destroying your image now, can you? I'm sure there are plenty of people who are less than happy with you already, and would be glad for any excuse to overthrow you."
Zuko ignores him and stomps out the door.
Where could she be? She wasn't a firebender, so maybe she tried to pass as Water Tribe. But the Poles would have been hard to get to. Although it's been a few years. She's had time. The Earth Kingdom is huge! Where would she be? She had family somewhere in the Fire Nation. Maybe I can find them. Maybe she hid with them. Should I ask Azula?
His feet take him towards his sister's cell.