Firelord Zuko ~ An Aftermath Fanfiction

Zuko: Chapter 1

     Fire covered the walls and engulfed the ceiling, little Zuko held himself close as the walls crashed and burned around him. The fire lighting him, slowly overtaking his clothes and then his skin. He was covered in flames from, head to tow as he clinched his knees tighter to his chest. His mother's words ran inside his head "Goodbye son" She whispered in his ear as her body vanished within the flames of blue and deep orange.

     Zuko shot up in his bed, a thick layer of sweat puddled on his body. What a dream, he thought, as he wiped the sweat beading on his forehead. He stood up from his bed quickly flicking his hand in the direction of two candles on his table. The candle wicks combusted and lit up the room quite well. His mouth pursed into a small smile as he say down in a chair taking ink and qwill out of his cupboard. He began to write a note, this note was important, it would be delivered to the western Air temple, his last communication with the Avatar had come from there.

   Hello Avatar, Zuko here, I need you and Team Avatar's help. I have reason to believe that Azula is gathering an army in the firenation colonies, where she is hiding out. As you know, Azula's powers have only grown since her mental break three years ago, so I hope what Uncle Iroh and I have taught you is sufficient enough. With Team Avatar's help I'm sure you will prevail. Once you have gotten everyone together please stop by and see me so I can give you more information. If possible I would love to join you but as you know I have duties here as Firelord, we will see. I would like her back safely, I hope we can be able go help her in some way, her health was not in the best place when we last saw her.

     Zuko put his pen down as footsteps approached his door. A knock rang through the room.

   "Come in." He stated bluntly.

   'Zuko! I've brought you some tea, Jasmin, just like you like." Iroh walked in carrying two tea cups, he handed Zuko one and sat on the floor. "Zuko, I think it's time we have a talk. It's been three years since we have seen your sister. We know she is in the colonies but I am worried that this will cause you to enter a bad state o-" Zuko cut him off.

   "Uncle, I am older now. I am The Firelord. You do not need to worry about me" Zuko sipped his tea and looked away from his uncle to the note on the table. "I have called unpon the Avatar and his friends to find Azula and bring her to me. I want to help her, but I want her to not be a harm on any society." His gaze met Iroh's "Uncle, I need your help. I was wondering if you could take my place here while I go search for Azula with the Avatar"

   Uncle's eyebrows rose at the mention of the Avatar, the name he had heard about non-stop for the last four years now. He smiled and nodded to his nephew.

   "I can take your place for three months, but I am old nephew, I am not in the best state. Please be home soon." Iroh rose from his spot on the floor. "If you believe you're level headed enough to keep cool, you are welcome to look for her."

   "Thank you Uncle. I will be back in three months or less." Zuko wrapped the paper he had written and stepped towards his window. He placed his hands on his lips and whistled, sending out his other arm as a perch.

Squawk

  A red bird swirled around and into the window, landing on Zuko's outstretched arm. Zuko attached the letter to him and waved it out of the window. It left in a hurry heading west towards the western Air temple.

   "Come get breakfast when you're ready nephew." Iroh stepped out, gesturing to the guards to step away from in front of the door.

   Zuko headed to his bathroom attached to his room, he lit his hand and gestured to the lantern, lighting up the bathroom with a simple spark. Zuko looked at himself in the mirror, his hair had grown a significant amount, he had began wearing it in a warrior bun along with his great-grandfathers crown. A symbolic piece of connection between his family and Avatar Roku. He turned on the shower and stepped in, heating the lukewarm water with a wave of his hand over the facet. The water ran down his body as he let out a sign of relaxation. He washed his body and hair and stepped out, letting the steam release into the open air.