11. Docking

Fear. For the first time in decades, Azulon felt a flicker of genuine fear. But alongside it, a triumphant pride. This, he believed, was the bloodline of Roku, the power he had craved to produce in his family.

“You have killed your father,” Azulon said. His voice almost trembled. “And you have redeemed Lu Ten. You, my grandson, possess a fire unlike any I have ever seen.” The fire lord then stood up as the flames behind him rose to match his stature. “Tell me, what would you like? I shall do everything in my power for you to receive it. Do you wish to be named Crown Prince immediately? Do you wish for command of the armies?”

The court held its breath. Zuko had only desired to decapitate the political landscape, not having expected a reward for it. He could ask for anything now.

But what did he want exactly? A high-ranking position within the nation would indeed satisfy his wants. Yet what he truly desired was the throne.

Of course, making a request like that would be contradictory. That’s what led to Ozai’s death.

There was, however, something he needed: to be where the Avatar would eventually rise from.

As such, he raised his head. “I don’t wish for any titles, my lord. What I do wish for is freedom.”

Azulon raised a brow. “Freedom?”

“When General Iroh returns from the front, broken by his loss, I wish to ease his grief by traveling the world at his side.”

It was a humble request. A request that removed the terrifying boy from the immediate political struggles of the capital, yet kept him within the sphere of influence.

Azulon smiled. “Granted. Go with your uncle then. Burn your path across the world, Prince Zuko, and let the nations tremble at what the Fire Nation has produced.”

The wall of flames then skyrocketed to the ceiling, causing everyone to bow. And on that day, Zuko had become the most feared firebender in the nation.

✟

Some time later.

Iroh soon returned to a capital that was quieter than he remembered. The siege had broken him, and the death of Lu Ten carved a hollow space in his chest where his heart used to be.

But the news waiting for him at the palace gates didn’t bring further despair. When he heard that Ozai was killed in an Agni Kai by Zuko, he was confused.

It wasn’t long until he found his nephew in the gardens, looking far too calm for a patricide.

“Do you feel burdened that you killed your father, prince Zuko?”

“Of course, uncle…” Zuko answered, not looking up from the pond. “But it had to be done.”

“What do you mean?”

“He tried to steal the throne while your son’s body was still warm. Such disrespect extended to the entire Fire Nation. Such a man without loyalty has no place on the throne.”

The explanation was cold, but it resonated with the deep, aching wound in Iroh’s soul. Although terrifying to think about, it was also loyalty like no other to one’s country.

When Zuko mentioned that he wanted to travel the world with him, the old general didn’t hesitate. He had nothing much left here but ghosts.

Not long after, early in the morning, the fire lord granted them a massive cruiser, a full crew, and enough supplies to last years. It was honestly more than what Zuko had requested.

On the docks, the whole family came to see the two depart. One such person actually surprised Zuko more than the others.

“Take me with you,” Azula demanded, gripping his sleeve.

“I would, but you’re still in school…”

“So are you!” she tried. “I’m gonna be bored here with you gone.”

In truth, Zuko’s teachings were homeschooled within the palace.

He looked down at her, only just now noticing that her voice lacked its usual venom. The death of Ozai had likely shifted something in her. She no longer had a father to impress, so she looked to the one person who had proven stronger.

“Perhaps when you’re a little older,” he said. “Till then, keep training like you have been.”

Azula narrowed her eyes, not in anger, but in determination. As she stepped back, Zuko could tell she had a new goal: to be recognized by the brother who had slain their father.

Ursa stood behind her. She wore the white of mourning, but her shoulders were unburdened. Ozai was gone. The monster in her bed was ash. Even now, she could barely look Zuko in the eyes.

Yet there was one thing unmistakable that she could not deny: he had freed her. And whether she stayed here in the palace or returned to her old life in her village was now her choice.

Zuko held her gaze for a moment. “Will you be okay while I’m gone?”

She was slightly taken aback because that was her line. When did her son become so mature?

“Zuko,” she began, meeting his eyes, “you’ve changed so much. But please, remember this: I’m still your mother and love you very much.”

“I know…”

There was a silent promise between them as she embraced him one last time.

Azulon eventually wished them well before they turned to the gangplank. Then, as the ship cut through the harbor waters, they left the capital behind.

“So,” Iroh said, sipping tea on the deck. “Where are we headed first?” Before an answer could be given, he gave a knowing look. “The Earth Kingdom has some of the best resorts, in case you were not aware, prince Zuko.”

Zuko leaned back against the railing with his arms crossed. The world waited to be rewritten. But to do that, he had to make a short stop at a place he knew would give him greater gains.

“Set a course for the Northern Fire Islands…”

Iroh almost spat out his tea. “Mind I ask why you would want to go there?”

“To visit the dragons…”