The Eternal Flame (ATLA)

Chapter 2: Locked in Servitude

Kira sat in her room. The cold metal was pressed on her legs as she leaned against the wall, holding a small, well-worn doll in her hands. It was made of soft cloth, stiches for eyes and a mouth. The hair was made of wool strands and the red dress was cotton, just like Kira's. She held the small stubs for hands, making the doll dance on the floor.

Today was her sixth birthday. To her left, there was already a tray with half-eaten rice porridge and fried pork. There was a piece of paper with her parent's writing, congratulating her for turning six. But Kira could care less. Today was just another day. The next day would be the same. She would rot -

"Kira."

Kira jumped at the sound of her mother's voice. She rose, clutching the doll's hand.

"M-mama?"

"Come to the door."

Kira walked slowly, pressing her hand to the metal. It gave way. The door swung open. Michi stood in crisp red robes, her hair pulled back into an elaborate knot. Her eyes were mirrored in Kira's.

"Someone is here to see you." She said it with a breathy voice, eyebrows creased and a subtle shake in her hands.

"Who?"

"Someone important."

Michi stepped aside, pushing just a breath of her fingers against Kira's back, ushering her through the hallway and towards the drawing room.

Kira stopped at the entrance of the drawing room, laying eyes on a new face. He turned to her with sharp eyes of gold, long hair flowing out from a topknot, secured with a crown bearing the Fire Nation insignia.

"There you are," he said in a low voice, "The missing child."

Ukano stood to the side, bowing his head to the man.

"L-Lord Ozai, please. Have mercy."

"Ukano," Lord Ozai said, "Groveling now is useless."

Ukano looked up at the lord with wide eyes. He gazed at Kira, his daughter, and his face crumpled in more fear.

Lord Ozai raised his hand to Kira.

"Come. Sit."

Kira slowly nodded. She crossed the threshold, perching herself on the edge of the chair that sat opposite to the man.

"Do you know who I am?"

"..."

Lord Ozai turned to Michi and Ukano. "Does she not speak?"

"She does," Michi said quickly, giving a look to Kira, "Kira, show some respect."

Kira pressed her lips together. She stared at the man, puzzled. She had never seen this man before in her life.

"You are not in the books."

"Pardon?" Lord Ozai turned back to Kira.

"The books I am given," Kira said, "Those are who I know because I... I do not go outside... anymore."

Kira nervously fidgeted with her doll. Aside from the doll, they had given her books to read. Most of them were already old and worn, as if giving her new ones wouldn't make sense. At least with the worn ones, if she burnt them, it wouldn't matter.