Chương 5: Book I, Act II: At What Cost? Chapter III & IV
Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose
Book I, Imbalance
Act II: At What Cost?
Music: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ijdkkaArBn2gKHCcVFHwFlsqIekC0nt-Gn2yUfJzTHo/edit?usp=sharing
Chapter III
She had spent countless hours there, unable to escape what she could only assume to be the darkest confines of her mind. Her only window to reality, once offered through that broken mirror, had long vanished. In its place, a bright light emerged, illuminating the cursed room she was unable to escape from. This mental construct had been transformed into a twisted, decayed version of itself, unrecognizable from before. The room seemed like it had fallen into ruin. The red paint peeled from the mildewed walls, and the gold in the pillars no longer shined. Cracks were creeping through the walls, barely holding together.
To her, it felt as if the room had shrunk. Or maybe Azula had grown? She didn't know, and she couldn't tell, for a second felt like a day in that dreadful, forgotten place. As if it wasn't enough, her ruined prison had done nothing to alleviate her thoughts, only flaring them. As the visions of her mother had become permanent, constantly tormenting her. Existence itself had become continuous pain. A never-ending nightmare. She didn't know if she had the strength to go on. She closed her eyes and surrendered, hoping that would bring her peace…
The light coming from the shattered mirror flickered. That sudden change was enough for her to open her eyes again. She crawled closer to it. The light slowly dimmed to reveal a dark image of another prison, one she had already seen, of padded walls instead of iron bars. It was a cruel joke of fate that mocked her attempts to escape. The sight of her still unresponsive body was crippling humiliation. Azula shut her eyes tightly and covered her face, crying. I'll never leave this place . A gust of wind made her stop; the air felt heavier now.
She raised her eyes to see a twisted version of herself standing before her. She quickly got up, putting some distance between them. Although the double's face was indifferent, her golden eyes pierced through Azula with a gleam of condescending superiority. She even seemed amused by her gesture. "Hmpf, giving up so soon? I thought I knew you better, but I guess you couldn't take the heat. She got to you, didn't she? " Azula raised an eyebrow, confused.
The room got colder as her doppelganger chuckled. "Tsk, tsk. You fell right into her trap." She put her hands behind her back as she paced around Azula. "Mother wanted to keep you here; she planned it from the start. She has always been afraid of you, afraid of your potential." The gold from the pillars was slowly melting into dust. "They all were pawns in her game. Think, Azula; think! She was always there, but you never saw her whispering into Zuzu's ear, Mai's, and Ty Lee's." New cracks began to form on the walls and ceiling.
Azula's fists clenched at the mention of her mother. "What are you talking about?"
Her double smirked knowingly. "She plotted your fall, turned your own servants against you, and when everything fell into place, she corrupted your mind. She riddled you with weakness in your moment of truth. She meant for you to fail, to be trapped here for the rest of your miserable life." Pieces of the cracked walls began to fall as her double continued.
"And you give up? Pathetic. You might as well end your life now; it is worthless." The rear columns began to crumble, taking parts of the ceiling with them.
"Shut up!" Azula clenched her fists and scrambled up with bloodshot eyes, pouncing on her doppelganger with a fire dagger.
Her double smirked, taunting her. "Oh, she's still got some teeth after all." She dodged at the last moment, letting Azula fall right past her. The version of herself stood where the mirror once was, a sly smile on her lips. Azula was burning with rage.
The double's face turned into a frown as she hissed, "Save it for her. She won't be able to keep you here much longer now that you know the truth. Avenge us; make that wretch pay for what she has done!" The shards, once dark, began to glimmer strongly with pale light, washing the room in bright white. The ruined building began to dissolve and sizzled as it was touched by the light. Then, the floor came loose under her, crumbling and flying away like ashes to the wind. Her screams drowned in the light, and she felt weightless for a moment, floating in nothingness before jolting back to consciousness. She opened her eyes and gasped for air. She had made it out.
* * *
Azula slowly opened her eyes, squinting against the harsh light that flickered from a dim bulb hanging from the ceiling. She attempted to move, but her body was stiff and unresponsive. Looking down, she saw that she was strapped tightly into a straitjacket, rendering her completely immobile. The small, windowless cell wrapped her in a suffocating embrace, its padded walls stained with yellowed patches from the dampness that lingered in the air.
The room was bitterly cold, an icy grip that seemed to reach into her very bones, an artificial frost designed to quench her firebending abilities. Water droplets wept from the ceiling near the door, freezing upon contact with the ground and forming a crystalline barrier that now obstructed the entrance. The only exit from this frigid tomb was a reinforced iron door, its surface adorned with a tiny rectangular window of glass, barely visible through the fog created by the cold air. A musty, oppressive scent filled the air, each labored breath a reminder of the walls closing in around her.
Desperate, she tried to break free with her teeth, but the fabric was too tough. As she panted heavily, her breaths came out in visible puffs of air. She attempted to conjure up flames from within her, but the chill in the air quenched any hope of a successful attempt.
She screamed in frustration, bashing and shaking. She felt a loud crack. A strap had come loose. Azula's eyes widened. Hope… She struggled harder; she could almost feel the jacket loosening. Then a loud thud came from the iron door of the room, the ice she had noticed earlier now cracking under the pressure.
A muffled, panicked voice came from the other side. "She is awake! Sedate her!"
"I'm out of here!"
There was a loud thud against the door, and she heard the ice crack. "Open that door now!"
Another thud. Louder, but the ice held firmly in place. "It's stuck!"
Her heart sank. Come on, come on! she screamed as the thudding continued. Felt the fabric from the jacket slowly ripping apart.
"Heat it now!"
She saw the ice slowly melting into a puddle. Her heart pounded against her chest. No, no, no, no! I won't go back. I don't want to go back! She pushed against the jacket and jumped, ripping the strap that held her to a chair and propelling herself out onto her face.
The door opened with a bang, and heavy steps rushed towards her. She kicked and screamed; but two of her aggressors gripped her tightly by the shoulders. Azula thrashed, managing to bite and kick one of them before being flattened against the frosty floor. Her screams faded when she felt a jolting, stinging pain in her neck. As her vision blurred, she could see another pair of shoes approach. Mother, you…
Chapter IV
The meadow was beautiful and serene, bathed in warm sunlight. Red flowers swayed gently in the breeze, Zuko felt a sense of calm wash over him as he walked through a patch of green grass. It was a rare moment of peace and tranquility…
He continued walking, noticing slight changes as he went. The sun was obscured by gray clouds, casting eerie shadows on the ground, and then the wind picked up, becoming stronger, more persistent. He felt the gentle touch of raindrops on his face. He closed his eyes, at peace.
When he opened his eyes again, a deafening clap of thunder shattered the silence. The once refreshing spray of water had turned to ashes, sticking to his skin and leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. It was like the world around him had turned upside down, the once vibrant flowers and grass wilting the landscape morphed into a barren wasteland. The breeze now turned into a chilling gust, carrying with it the sound of distant screams and cries.
Frightened, he quickened his pace, trying to escape the growing darkness. Unable to outrun it, he stumbled. On his knees, he saw before him a horrifying scene–soldiers clad in Fire Nation armor mercilessly slaughtering men, women, and children. The ground was muddied with wine-dark blood, the air thick with smoke and ash.
Standing atop a pile of corpses was his father, his eyes filled with a sinister pride. He helped him up. "Zuko, my son…" He placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Your legacy will far outshine mine. You have done well."
Panicked, he pushed his father away.
As the sky flashed with lightning, he looked down at his hands in horror to see they were stained with the blood of innocents. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks–it was all his doing. He wanted to scream, but his voice was drowned by the carnage.
He continued to watch in horror, cold sweat covering his body as the shadows twisted and danced around him, mirroring the atrocities taking place. He covered his face, his own terror and guilt suffocating him.
With a sudden jolt, Zuko awoke, gasping for air. It was so vivid… So real, it had taken him a moment to realize he was safely on Appa's back.
Aang was looking at Zuko with concern. "Everything okay?"
"Sorry; I… Had a nightmare." Zuko crawled closer to Appa's head.
For a moment, there was only the whistling of the wind.
"You know, I used to get them a lot too… After I saw what happened at the Southern Air Temple, I… I saw them every night. Sometimes, I still do. I felt guilty for not being able to help… for running away. I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone."
"I dreamt about my father… He looked older. He praised me, said that my legacy would far outshine his. I was happy until I found out why… I was standing on a pile of corpses and… and I was ruthless. I didn't recall doing it, but I knew I did… I knew I was to blame."
"Zuko, that's not you! You would never do anything like that ever. All this has just put us all on edge, that's all."
"Maybe you're right… Why don't you get some rest? I'll guide Appa."
"Thanks, Zuko. Remember: don't overthink it."
Not even five minutes later, Zuko could hear Aang's soft snoring. The thoughts returned. What if it was a premonition, a warning? He remembered his dreams with the blue and red dragons. They asked him to make a choice. That dream came true, and he made the wrong choice in helping Azula, to his eventual regret. But this… this was on a whole different level.
As the night gave way to the first light of dawn, Zuko noticed the sky transforming into a beautiful blend of colors. In the distance, the landscape began to change, with vast, verdant plains stretching out beneath them, and the impressive silhouette of towering mountains providing a natural barrier. He knew they were nearing Ba Sing Se when he saw the unmistakable sight of the Serpent's Pass winding its way through the waters.
Sokka stretched his arms and let out a big yawn. "Morning, Zuko. Are we there yet? I'm so hungry I could eat a bison."
Appa groaned.
Sokka froze for a beat. "Uh, another bison!"
Another growl.
"I mean… Sorry…"
Zuko chuckled. "We're almost there."
Sokka crawled closer to Zuko, carefully avoiding their sleeping friends. "Man, I would have loved it if we had brought some food instead of all of these papers."
"I still have work to do, Sokka; besides, we had breakfast."
"Uh, yeah, that was yesterday!" Zuko turned around sharply, gesturing at him to hush.
"Oh, right…" Sokka took one of the boxes, maybe scrounging for some food. He carefully pulled out one of the scrolls, tapping it. "Can I help? With your work, I mean. I can give you a few pointers on governing. You know, I was chief of my village for a few years." He thumped his chest. "I know a whole lot about that."
He raised an eyebrow. "Chief? I thought you were a warrior."
Sokka puffed up his chest. "It's one and the same, my good hotman."
"Don't call me tha–" He muttered something. "...Well, then I wouldn't mind some help."
"Great, let's get started." Sokka placed the box in front of him and started digging into it, taking out a handful of scrolls. "We have… Taxes on… That sounds boring. How about… Hmm, no…"
Zuko sighed. "Sokka..."
Sokka held out his hand, dismissing Zuko as he unfurled yet another scroll. "Wait, I think I've found something good." Sokka muttered something under his breath. "Nope, false positive. Hold it, there… Still looking for the good stuff."
"Sokka!"
Zuko tried to snatch one of the scrolls from Sokka's hand, but his friend pulled it away, frowning at him. "Hey! Be more considerate, Zuko! The others are sleeping."
"We're here!" They turned to see Aang pointing ahead to the ancient city of Ba Sing Se.
As they passed over the outer wall, they saw guards posted atop them, waving. The Lower Ring was eye-opening for Zuko. The people lived on top of each other–literally–in stacked slums. He had never seen anything like it. From above, it was much more impressive. The smell of the improper sewage systems was what struck him the most. It was evident to Zuko where fighting had occurred: abandoned Fire Nation tanks littered the streets; whole blocks of buildings were charred. This ring had borne the brunt of the fight. A large hole in the Middle Ring's wall revealed the trail of the attacks.
Mai rasped, "What is this place?" She immediately pinched her nose.
It was even worse than he remembered, like the citizens there had been left off to fend for themselves after the aftermath. Zuko looked at Mai and pointed at it loosely. "Lower Ring… Not looking in great shape."
"Did it ever?" Sokka quipped, but he quickly retracted after unamused looks from Suki and Katara.
Mai fanned her nose with her hand. "Ugh… The smell is worse than in Harbor City."
Not long after, they were already soaring through the Middle Ring, where the housing seemed starkly more organized. It wasn't a muddled mess of roofs and canvases. They even had some open spaces: parks and plazas with beautiful landmarks. But the scars of war still shone even there, the trails of destruction leading towards the center of the city.
"I didn't think the fighting had been so bad…" Aang's expression was grim.
Zuko's frown creased. "Yeah… And we still haven't seen all of it."
The people strolling around pointed at Appa as they saw him. In the middle of the Upper Ring stood the palace of the Earth King. Surrounding it, simple houses had become mansions that sprawled the terrain unimpeded. Governmental palaces with immense plazas were the landmarks that characterized this Ring. It was filled with a splendor fit for kings. But the open space of the ring proved to be a perfect battleground. Burnt Fire Nation flags still fluttered in the streets. Carts of soldiers were still collecting the weapons and corpses of their enemies that perished in that battle. Peace, but at what cost?
Aang placed a hand on his shoulder. "Zuko?"
He shook his head and clutched the reins even tighter. There was nothing he could have done, but now… "We cannot let this happen again..." Aang reassured him with a nod whilst the others surveyed that scene of death and destruction.
Katara broke the silence. "Looks like we were expected." She pointed towards the palace.
A welcome party had stood at the gates. Zuko steered Appa towards the ground nearby, landing softly. A general marched to the fore. "His Majesty, Earth King Kuei, welcomes Avatar Aang." A band started playing a lively number. The general jumped when he saw Zuko, and he stopped the band. "Fire Lord! Ahem… His Majesty Earth King Kuei welcomes Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang." He told the band to play again, only to facepalm, waving them off. "The anthem…" He threw his head back in frustration. "Ah, forget it!"
Aang grinned; he recognized the man. "General How, it's good to see you again!"
Zuko's smile matched Aang's. "Do not worry about it, General; this isn't a formal visit."
The General bowed to him slightly. "Avatar Aang, Fire Lord, please allow me to escort you and your friends to your new house. Our servants here will take care of your luggage." The servants formed behind How one next to another, their heads hung low.
Toph groaned, "The old one will do."
"I would have taken you to it…" The General's tone was soft. "...but it was destroyed. Sorry."
Zuko flicked his hand dismissively. "It's fine, General; just take us to the new one."
How motioned for them to follow. Zuko noticed the general deliberately avoiding the streets that hadn't been cleaned up yet. He saw Toph trying to slip away, but he stopped her. "Believe me; it's best if we go with him for now." She grunted and crossed her arms.
Mai sheltered her eyes. "This place is way too bright."
How smirked. "And it's going to look brighter. It's not often that we get state visits. Been a hundred years since the last one, actually." Zuko could already see the sheer disgust on Mai's face.
The "house" they were escorted to was massive, with a dark green and gold exterior, ebony black tiles, and imposing badgermole statues in the front yard. The interior was like a museum, with armor stands, paintings, and vases all displayed on their own pedestals. The main hall boasted green crystal chandeliers and portraits, with taxidermied animals on display, which didn't bring Aang much pleasure.
There was ample space for hundreds of guests. The place had more rooms than they could count, filled with the best fineries and amenities the city could offer. If someone had told Zuko this was the Earth King's palace, he would have believed it if it weren't for the massive building just a few hundred feet away from the mansion.
Sokka was in awe. "Wow! This place is beautiful."
Toph shrugged. "Meh, they all look the same to me."
He pursed his lips. "But... these tapestries look ama– Toph…"
Suki smiled and motioned towards a golden Pai Sho board in the main hall. "Care for a friendly game of Pai Sho?"
Mai shrugged. "Why not? Everything else is boring here."
How gave a polite bow. "You have everything you need here. There's no need to leave. Enjoy your stay in Ba Sing Se. His Majesty will see you for lunch before the celebrations."
A servant arrived out of breath and handed a note to the general. "A message from His Majesty."
How's expression changed as he read the message. "Fire Lord Zuko, it seems His Majesty would like to see you now…"
The group looked at Zuko, surprised. And he quickly nodded. "Sure… I will be there."
Sokka seemed offended. "Just Zuko? Are you sure he didn't mention us?"
"I'm sure," said How. "His Majesty's request was clear; he will see you shortly after meeting the Fire Lord."
Not wanting to keep the king waiting, Zuko followed one of the servants to his room, which appeared to be the biggest in the mansion in a central area. Whoever lived there had clearly left behind most of their belongings. What stood out the most was a large fireplace that had a gold square engraved in its mantelpiece with an inset jade character for stability.
He had brought his new work with him, dozens of scrolls packed tightly inside red metal boxes. A larger trunk had been set on the bed, and his ceremonial attire was neatly tucked there, along with the crown. It felt surreal that it was in his possession, but he shook off the thought and quickly changed into his regalia, straightening his attire in front of the mirror.
He didn't see a Fire Lord before him. He felt like an impostor, his father's harsh words echoing in his mind, reminding him of his past mistakes. Zuko shook his head, perhaps he did not deserve to be there, but he'd do his best. As he followed How, his mind was racing. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions: nervousness, excitement, and a sense of duty.
Soon they arrived. The palace was grand, filled with intricate carvings and rich tapestries. As the king's personal guard escorted them to the main hall, where they opened a massive, gilded door, revealing the vast throne room. Atop the throne, the stone badgermole overlooking it was an impressive sight, its claws clutching the emblem of the Earth Kingdom, the colossus dwarfing the Earth King and his advisors under its shadow.
The three advisors standing close to the King wore flashy, colorful robes that caught Zuko's attention. As he stepped forward, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort under the advisors' scrutinizing gazes.
"Fire Lord Zuko. At last, it is a pleasure to meet you in person." The Earth King's soft words broke the tension, and the rulers greeted each other with a nod while Kuei's advisors bowed to Zuko.
Zuko kept his composure. "Earth King Kuei, likewise."
"I hope your journey was pleasant."
"It was… Your Majesty, I must be blunt; I was concerned to find out, not long after I received your letter, about attacks near Hong Sha."
The advisors widened their eyes, and one even looked offended.
"I did not know of this. I– I was worried, for our intelligence indicated Fire Nation armies were still amassed in our lands."
He couldn't help but feel guilty about it all, he nodded. "I've given those armies orders to retreat. That should ease your people's fears. But I was warned that a high-ranking officer had perpetrated these attacks. I was here partly to warn you."
The King's expression grew serious. "I assure you I'll get my best men to look into it." He beckoned to one of the advisors.
Zuko took a deep breath, knowing the conversation was about to take a delicate turn. "Your Highnesses, for the time being, I think we must discuss a few delicate issues. You see, Fire Lord, the war has caused tremendous hardship for our people. Many have been made homeless due to your army's scorched-earth tactics. Our treasuries were sacked, royal artifacts stolen, and our granaries emptied. It is our shared belief that you want to begin an era of new cooperation between our two great nations–an era that will begin by resolving the issues that caused our people to grow apart."
Zuko nodded solemnly. "I cannot express how terribly sorry I am to hear this; but you can be certain that I'll help mend the scars of the war."
Kuei's face lit up with excitement. "Excellent! Our first treaty in a century! Isn't that wonderful, Bosco?" Zuko flinched when he saw the animal moving groggily; he had mistaken it for a rug. The animal looked back confusedly. "Our people will be joyful to hear this. As a gesture of goodwill, we can start the exchanges of prisoners of war today. You will be awarded the Order of Kyoshi and a pair of ceremonial fans for your efforts. We will have the new treaty ready to be signed in a few hours."
The advisors bowed and took their leave. A short while later, the main doors to the throne room opened.
"Avatar Aang!"
"Your Earthiness, it's good to see you again!" Aang bowed with a warm smile, accompanied by Katara, Sokka, and Toph. Momo wrapped around Aang's neck. The green-eyed lemur jumped to Sokka's head and soared towards the Earth King's pet bear, Bosco, who watched curiously.
"Please, Aang, come. Fire Lord, I've been meaning to show you something." The King's voice carried a hint of urgency as he procured a rectangular box from the throne and opened the lid to unroll a parchment. A map. Kuei extended it on the wall, his solemn expression speaking volumes.
"I bought this map on my travels. When I was told that we had been at war with the Fire Nation, I never expected this. Seeing it for the first time was… a bad experience, to say the least…"
Aang's eyes widened as he traced his fingers over the map. "I never realized the Fire Nation had built so many colonies in the Earth Kingdom." Zuko's brows furrowed in concern and guilt.
"For the Earth people, they're a constant reminder of the war, like an old scar." The Earth King's voice wavered, and he shot a quick glance at Zuko, who looked back at him.
"Oh, I… I– Fire Lord Zuko, I meant nothing personal."
"No, Earth King Kuei, you're right." Zuko's voice was firm. "After all the pain my father has caused, it's my duty to bring healing to the world. I'll remove those colonies. I'll do whatever it takes."
Aang's eyes sparkled with determination as he turned to the king. "But removing the colonies won't be easy. A lot of people's lives are gonna be disrupted. We need someone to oversee everything, to make sure it all goes peacefully. Someone like me!"
Bosco glared at Momo, who was now wearing the former's hat.
Zuko's eyes sparkled with hope. "Really? You'd want to do that?"
"Yeah, I'm the Avatar! Making stuff go peacefully is kind of my thing!"
"The Avatar's personal involvement will give the entire process an air of hope!"
Katara gestured to herself and her brother. "Sokka and I can help!"
Sokka sighed dramatically, putting on a show of disappointment. "Aww. I was gonna visit Kyoshi Island."
Kuei held his chin. "It'll be a movement – a movement towards harmony! We'll call it... We'll call it…"
Sokka beamed, his excitement palpable. "The Harmony Restoration Movement!"
"Yes! The Harmony Restoration Movement! I like it!"
Toph chuckled and shook her head. "What's with you and your goofy names for everything?"
"It's a gift." Sokka grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"My people are going to love this! I will announce it during the celebrations; they will be grand! Fire Lord Zuko, your actions here will mend our people's trust in no time. Tonight, we shall sign the new treaty together in commemoration of this historic day. Avatar Aang, you must be present too!"
"Whatever you need, Your Earthiness." Aang nodded, his expression filled with resolve.
'Wonderful! Please excuse me; I'm afraid I will have to cancel our lunch. There is a lot of work to be done if we want to have this ready by tonight. Oh, there need to be fireworks, yes! And–" The King left, immersed in his thoughts.
Team Avatar bowed and left the palace, deciding to spend the day at the Jasmine Dragon to relax until the celebrations began. Mai and Suki were engrossed in a heated game of street Pai Sho against each other as Toph listened to Katara's commentary on it; Sokka was preparing a canvas to paint what he said would be a "masterpiece"; Aang was outside the shop brushing Appa; and Iroh was cleaning his old Tsungi horn. But Zuko could not help but wonder if he had done the right thing.
Was he doing enough? Would it all be for nothing? Would he fail to bring peace? His mind was racing with doubts and fears, and he felt more alone than ever. It was then that his uncle noticed him sulking in the corner and waved him over.
"What's troubling you, Nephew?" His Uncle's voice was filled with concern.
"Nothing… I…" He let out a tired sigh. "I just don't know if I'm doing the right thing."
Iroh's face softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Oh, but you are, Zuko. You have kept your heart open to the people of the world. You put the needs of everyone before your own. Maybe you should give yourself some time to enjoy life's special moments with your friends."
"But what if I have to choose? What if I am wrong?"
His voice was calming and soothing. "Like a tree in Autumn that loses its leaves only to regain them, you may lose your way only to find it again."
Zuko let out a deep breath and tried to take his uncle's words to heart. He knew he had to trust himself and his decisions if he wanted to bring about a new era of peace. His uncle smiled and hugged him, and for a moment, Zuko felt a glimmer of hope that everything would be alright.
"Is that mind of yours settled now?"
"In a way…" Zuko smiled and patted his uncle's shoulder. "You never run out of riddles, don't you?"
Iroh grinned, raising his finger. "Like the phoenix-eagle–"
"Uncle, I get it!"
His uncle laughed heartily, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "You have nothing to worry about! Go out there, enjoy the day."
Zuko felt a sense of relief and gratitude towards his uncle. His words had eased his mind, allowing him to think more clearly. He knew the stakes were higher, that his decisions would carry a far larger impact than he could imagine. It couldn't be that simple. His father's words echoed in his mind, "The throne comes with many pressures, and those pressures will change you!"
He stared defiantly into the distance, for he was determined not to let the weight of the world break him… And if it did, he would be ready. He took a deep breath, feeling lighter and more hopeful for the new world they'd build.
The afternoon went unimpeded as they all enjoyed their time. Zuko even made tea for everyone; and this time, his Uncle was impressed by his tea-making abilities. Later, Sokka proposed they should all fly to see the fireworks that Kuei had planned. To the surprise of exactly no one, Mai was opposed, complaining about the idiocy of cheering and gawking at colorful explosions. Toph sided with her; nevertheless, the group chose to go, while Mai adamantly preferred to stay behind.
Kuei wasn't kidding when he said the celebrations would be grand. The Upper Ring had flooded with people, their cheers rising through the night. As the King announced the treaty, the fireworks exploded into vibrant colors, creating mesmerizing patterns across the sky. The sound of the explosions resonated in the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the onlookers.
Zuko's gaze, however, was fixated on the destruction that the Fire Nation had brought to the city. He was reminded of the viciousness of his father and how ruthless he became. As the fireworks continued to light up the night sky, Zuko found himself becoming more and more withdrawn from the festivities. His thoughts grew darker, reflecting on the path that led him down a dark road, the pressures that his father spoke of, and how he could avoid becoming like him.
But despite his efforts, he realized that they were only human, and humans were fallible. He couldn't shake off the dream he had of his father, the dragons, and the lingering doubt about his intentions. After all, it was said that even light had a drop of darkness.
He had no alternative but to do his best to make the right decisions, and if those same decisions led him down a dark path, he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if it meant sparing the world from another tyrant.
As Aang and the others conversed and reveled in the moment, Zuko's senses were drowned out by his thoughts. He was so deep in contemplation that he barely registered the laughter and the fireworks around him.
His thoughts turned to Aang. He realized that there was only one person he trusted to do what was right, even if it meant ending his own life. He knew that if he ever lost sight of his goal, Aang would be the one to stop him. With a heavy heart, Zuko made a decision. If the time ever came when he was in danger of becoming like his father–
Aang turned to look at him, snapping Zuko back to reality. "You, too? Your new Majesty Fire Lord Zuko, sir, turn that frown upside down! It's happy time!" Aang's voice was cheerful, but concern lingered in his eyes. Zuko looked away, hesitating, struggling to find the words to express his thoughts. "Zuko?..."
Zuko's voice was uncertain. "I visited my father in prison the other day... I've been meaning to ask you for a favor, Aang." His eyes searched Aang's face for understanding.
"Sure. Anything."
"If you ever see me turning into my father, I want you to–" Zuko paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I want you to end me."
Aang's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"
"Even now, after everything that's happened, my family's legacy is still a part of me. That's why it's my duty to heal the scars that the Fire Nation has left on the world. But the Fire Lord's throne comes with a lot of pressures. And if I'm honest with myself... I need a safety net. The world needs a safety net. That's what I need you to be, Aang–the safety net."
"Zuko, you're not your dad! And you're my friend! How can you expect me–" Aang's voice broke, his hands trembling at his sides.
"As your friend, I'm asking you. If you ever see me go bad, end me. Promise me, Aang." Zuko's eyes were filled with determination, his voice quivering with the weight of his request.
Aang stared at Zuko for a moment, taking in the sincerity and the fear in his friend's eyes. He looked away before sighing heavily. "Fine. I promise."
The once lighthearted mood had turned sour. They returned to the celebrations to sign the treaty, and the king's advisors and aristocracy congratulated Zuko while suggesting highly suspicious trade deals. Yet, all Zuko could think about was the weight of the promise Aang was now carrying. Aang's usual playfulness had been replaced with brooding, and their conversation dwindled that night.
As they stood amid the festivities, the two friends exchanged uneasy glances, each lost in their thoughts. He placed his hand on Aang's shoulder. "Thank you… For doing this."
"I still can't understand, Zuko… Why?"
"Take a look around, Aang. All this… this is more important than the both of us. Whatever happens, you cannot put me ahead of it, before what we are trying to create…"
With sadness in his eyes, Aang nodded solemnly.
Despite the uncertainty, Zuko knew they could trust one another to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their commitment to create a better world.
The next day, they were already heading back to the Fire Nation. Iroh had packed a meal for them, which Sokka appreciated very much. Zuko was sad to be separated from his Uncle, but he could not abandon his duty. He waved back at him as he slowly faded into the distance. He eyed the red metal boxes full of scrolls and sighed. Might as well start now .
He brought one next to Sokka, who was already munching on some of the sweet treats. "Sokka, care to help?" With a full mouth, Sokka nodded enthusiastically.
Together, Zuko and Sokka spent most of the day poring over the scrolls, exchanging thoughts and comments on the various policies and proposals they found within. Sokka had actually given him some sound recommendations. The two became increasingly engrossed in the documents, their brows furrowing as they delved into the intricacies of Fire Nation politics.
Eventually, his eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep, his head drooping over an open scroll. Katara gently nudged him awake, and he groggily rubbed his eyes and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from sitting for so long.
His vision was still blurry from a night spent poring over the scrolls; and as he looked around, the landscape had shifted to the familiar volcanic terrain of the Fire Nation. A sense of urgency filled him as he realized they were already close to arriving at the capital.
Katara, noticing his disheveled state, smiled sympathetically. "Seems like you guys had fun. Oh… Here." She passed him a plain scroll with a white ribbon. "It must have rolled over to my side of the saddle."
"Thanks… I hope I finish reading it by th–" Zuko's words trailed off as he unfurled the scroll, his eyes widening in shock as he read its contents.
She noticed his expression. "What's wrong, Zuko?"
His voice shook slightly. "This needed my approval… By tradition, a new Fire Lord gives soldiers their pensions and retirement allowances as a sign of gratitude for their service…"
"It doesn't sound that bad. It's not like a bunch of soldiers are going to go crazy for not getting their payment… Right?"
His expression darkened. "You still don't understand… Payments are never late. Never. If I hadn't read all that-" He gestured loosely at the scattered scrolls. "I wouldn't even be aware of it!"
"Um…" said Aang uneasily. "Guys, I don't want to interrupt you back there, but… I think you should see this."
They exchanged worried glances before turning their attention to the scene Aang was indicating. As they arrived, a thick column of black smoke greeted them. Below, Harbor City was thronged with battleships, and columns of soldiers were forming near them.
Nearing the heart of the Caldera, Zuko's heart sank. Tumultuous crowds had amassed by the outer gates of the palace, barely held back by a thin line of imperial Guards. The chaotic cacophony of cantankerous curses and clashing armor echoed through the air, as protestors and soldiers alike fought.
Whilst they watched in horror, a chill descended down his spine as his father's sneer flashed in his mind. "Do you really believe you can handle it all on your own?"
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