A Light In The Dark {Zuko}

Prologue

The family kneeled before the throne, their faces pressed to the floor in submission and respect. The girl snuck a look to see the grey haired Fire Lord sitting atop his throne above a wall of flames. He stared down at them with a face speckled with age and devoid of emotion. When his sharp golden eyes met hers, he glared slightly, scaring the girl enough to whip her head back to the floor.

    "Rise."

The girl kept her gaze downward as they rose. Her Father helped her to stand next to him, her spine straight. He let go of her hand quickly before stepping forward. Her Mother quickly took her other hand, squeezing it with assurance. Her other hand, the one her Father had briefly held, gripped the end of her tunic to keep from shaking.

    "Fire Lord Azulon," her Father clasped his right arm across his chest and bowed his head in salute. "We have come, as you have requested. It is the highest of honors to be in your presence."

    The girl glanced up to see Azulon wave a pale hand in dismissal. "I don't need your pleasantries, Ryozo. I've known you since you were a child." The Fire Lord gave him a small smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "My heir tells me you've shown great leadership in the colonies. He has personally requested to have you in his unit, under his new title as general. Do you accept such a request?"

    The girl couldn't see her Father's face when he bowed once more. "I do, my lord."

    "Good. You shall be promoted to Colonel for your loyalty and service to the Fire Nation. Continue doing us all proud, Ryozo."

    "Thank you, my lord."

    "I assume this your family," Azulon gestured to the group of people standing stock still behind him. "They'll be well taken care of and provided for while residing in the Capital. I've arranged for your belongings to be placed in a new home close to the palace. Your children will attend the best academies, where they will be given a proper education. Nothing like what they would've received in the colonies. Being descendants of one of the greatest generals in our history, I expect great things from them."

    "That is...most generous, my lord," Ryozo stammered. "I do not think I deserve such kindness."

    Azulon fully smiled and gave a quick and harsh laugh. "I owe it to my dear friend, your Father, for what he has done for this nation. With you as his son and heir, I now fulfill my life-debt owed to him by securing your future, as well as your family's safety." Azulon glanced at us before waving his hand once again.

    Ryozo backed away slowly, never turning his back on the Fire Lord as he took his place next to his family. The girl saw a small smirk on his face, pride filled his eyes. When the girl caught his stare, he winked before looking back to the Fire Lord, who hadn't dismissed them yet.

    Azulon gestured towards the doors to his left, which opened at his command. Four people entered the room before bowing to the Fire Lord. When they stood straighter, Ryozo clenched his fist at the sight of them. He knew them and would never forget his childhood friend, whom he didn't label as a close "friend" anymore.

    Prince Ozai was a tall man with long black hair and a chin beard. His face was serious as he stood next to his beautiful dark haired wife, Ursa, who always possessed kind eyes. She was holding a toddler with ribboned piggy tails in her short hair. The toddler stared with a sharp clarity to her golden eyes. Standing next to Ursa was a boy. He was halfway hidden behind Ursa, who used her free hand to rub his shoulder in reassurance.

    "Colonel," Azulon began, catching the room's attention once more. "It's been a long time since you've seen my son and daughter-in-law."

    Ryozo nodded, bowing his head to the newcomers before giving Ozai a swift smile. "It's been too long, Prince Ozai. I believe the last time we saw each other was on your wedding day. You looked just as beautiful then as you do today, Princess Ursa. I see your daughter carries that same beauty."