Chapter One: Old Fires*
The heat of the Fire Nation summer weighed heavily in the air, but it did nothing to soften Zuko's furrowed brow. He stood by the palace balcony, eyes tracing the distant horizon where sea met sky. It had been years since he last felt peace, if there ever had been such a time.
"Aang should be here soon," Zuko muttered to himself. He took a deep breath, steadying himself for the conversation to come. Old friends or not, the favor he was about to ask weighed heavy on his heart.
As the sun dipped lower, a gust of wind swept through the balcony, and in an instant, Aang landed gracefully before him. The Avatar smiled, though his eyes carried the same weariness Zuko had grown accustomed to seeing in his own reflection.
"Zuko," Aang greeted warmly. "It's been a while."
"Too long," Zuko agreed, forcing a smile as they embraced briefly. There was a moment of silence as they stepped back, simply studying each other. Five years had aged them both—Aang's carefree boyishness now tempered by the burdens of his role. Zuko, on the other hand, looked even more hardened by the crown.
They sat down at a small table set with tea, and for a moment, it was as if no time had passed. They spoke of old adventures, battles they had survived, and allies they had lost. Zuko could almost forget why he had called Aang here… almost.
Finally, the Fire Lord placed his cup down and met Aang's gaze with a heavy sigh.
"There's something I need to ask of you, Aang." Zuko's voice was quiet but firm. "It's about Azula."
Aang's expression shifted, eyes narrowing in concern. "Azula? I haven't seen her since... since then."
Zuko nodded. "She's been missing for four years. She was unstable after everything that happened, and I thought giving her time would help. But now, I've heard rumors…" He trailed off, tightening his grip on the edge of the table.
"What kind of rumors?" Aang asked cautiously.
"Bad ones," Zuko admitted, his voice low. "There's talk of her being involved in things... dishonorable things. Drugs. Theft. Even… prostitution."
Aang's face fell, a mixture of shock and sympathy. "Zuko, I'm sorry. I had no idea…"
"I've tried to find her, sent out scouts, but no one has been able to track her down," Zuko continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need your help, Aang. I need to bring her home, for the sake of my family... and the Fire Nation."
Aang paused, his gaze flickering away. "I understand. But this isn't going to be easy. She's unpredictable, and if these rumors are true…"
Zuko leaned back, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his thoughts. "I know. But I can't be involved publicly. I have a nation to run. That's why I'm asking you, Aang. You're the only one I trust to handle this quietly."
"I'm not exactly unknown ya know, hello, Avatar...but I'll publicly go on sabbatical. That should suffice."
"I know she was horrible to you. To everyone. But it hurts to think of her in this way."
Aang nodded slowly. "I'll find her. I'll bring her home, I promise."
Zuko closed his eyes for a moment, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Aang."