This is my first fanfiction. Leave a review and tell me what you think. This will be an eventual Zutara and Azula/Aang. This is an AU! Changes from Canon will occur!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender

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The Fire Nation.

For over a century, since the dawn of the Great War, that nation had been uttered in fear, and even terror and hate. Fire Lord Sozin's vision of a world of only Fire had brought pain and strife to everyone, some more than others, and no matter how much time passed, people did not simply cease to remember. His descendant, his own great-grandson, Fire Lord Zuko had worked endlessly ever since the reappearance of Sozin's Comet to relieve the fear and show the other nations that the Fire Nation was serious about a lasting peace.

But contempt for the Children of Fire ran deep in the souls of many, coiled in the deepest recesses of their vengeance-filled hearts.

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A servant kneeled exactly three feet behind the Fire Lord's sitting form, "Here is the bread you requested, my liege."

The Fire Lord didn't react, and the servant was afraid that he had somehow displeased his sovereign, but after several tense seconds, the Fire Lord motioned him closer. The servant humbly jumped to his feet and journeyed towards Agni's chosen ruler, refusing to look into the face of the Fire Lord because, to do such, would be a sign of great disrespect to his sovereign, a crime punishable by death.

"You are dismissed," the Fire Lord's dismissal gave the servant the reprieve he was seeking. With his head still bowed, he quickly scurried away as respectfully as possible.

After grabbing the bread from the servant, Zuko held it in his palms, staring at the pond, at the Turtle Ducks. Multiple chirps erupted from the creatures' beaks and they swam closer, smelling the bread. Zuko smiled softly and tore off small pieces, dropping them into the pond. The Turtle Ducks acted like fire itself consuming the broken pieces within seconds, and he tossed more flakes into the pond, watching with fond amusement as the animals squabbled amongst themselves.

Eight hard and long years had passed since Sozin's Comet blazed through the sky, bathed the heavens with its red glow. At the beginning of his reign, Zuko had honestly thought that life would become easier, but he had been wrong, so greatly wrong. His father had made a disaster of the Fire Nation's economy and it had taken Zuko almost three years to clean it up. His uncle was a huge help, the best that he could have ever asked for. They would often write letters concerning the various topics and his uncle's sage advice was the main reason why Zuko was able to turn his nation's economy around so quickly, and the only reason that his temper hadn't threatened to raze the Caldera.

Months had been spent tirelessly reviewing everything that his father had done and upon completion, Zuko had realized that he would have to clean house. It had been worse than imagined, and he had quickly and vigorously gotten to work. All of his father's advisors and top military personnel were relieved from their duty. Any type of rebellion would have been treason and thus, execution and swift land and financial takeover by the Dragon's Throne. Luckily, Zuko had only had to order the deaths of a few of the old bitter and wretched hags.

Once all of his father's advisors and top generals had been either executed or forcefully relieved, he had quickly began putting heavy resources into finding his mother. And every time when Zuko visited his father's prison cell, the once-Phoenix King had been no help and had seemed cruelly amused every time Zuko had questioned him. After months had passed with no leads as to where her his mother was, Zuko had fiercely contemplated torturing his father for the information. He had signed the order several times, only to immediately set it alight with his fire because every time, nausea had threatened to overwhelm him; he had been told more than once that he was truly his father's son in his life, but he didn't want to be like his father, not at all. If he did torture his own father, he would essentially become Ozai reborn, and the thought was enough to stay his hand.

His uncle's advice must have been a gift from Agni himself, because after he had come so close to actually ordering his father's torture, he had actually stumbled upon his mother by pure happenstance.

It was quite surprising, actually, frighteningly similar to the time when he had stumbled upon his uncle bathing, the memory of retching ever-present. Zuko had sent his agents everywhere to try and pick up his mother's trail, but after each time, they would return with nothing to report. They were discouraging and after he had almost succumbed to the desire to torture his father, Zuko had adorned his Blue Spirit guise, venting his poisonous frustrations on some of the criminals in the Fire Nation.

Imagine his surprise when he had literally run into her in an alley in the middle of the night.

He had been in the Eastern Province looking to relieve his irritation on criminal scum when he had glimpsed a graceful figure dart into an alley. Thinking it to be a thief, Zuko had jumped off the roof and landed soundlessly in front of the figure, causing – who he noticed to be a woman – to stumble back in shock. He had loomed over her, and now looking back, his mother must have thought that he was going to rape her.

Their eyes had then locked – golden versus golden hidden behind a mask! – and he had frozen in place, hysteria threatening to burst through his mind in a shockwave of lightning. He had recognized those golden eyes, he had known those eyes. It had been fourteen years since he had glimpsed those golden orbs, but Zuko had always remembered how those eyes would sparkle at him when he had laughed in childish delight.

The woman was his mother, his missing mother, the Dowager Fire Lady of the Fire Nation.

During those moments, he hadn't moved, petrified that she would vanish before his very eyes like a delicious smoke after a crackling fire. He had watched unblinkingly as his mother's eyes narrowed in determination and anger, and she had then smoothly adjusted her stance, firing a hot blast of flames from her fist, followed by another from her foot in rapid succession.

It had only been Zuko's quick reflexes, which were borne from years of intense training, that he had managed to deflect the blow with his forearm, and with his other arm, bat the flaming-kick away at the last second. The show of incredible skill had done nothing to deter his mother, though, quite the opposite, actually. She had come after him over and over, blasting fire at him tirelessly, bearing a remarkable resemblance to Azula.

Zuko had finally had enough and tore off his mask. It had fluttered to the ground, catching his mother by surprise, but she hadn't stopped her attack. He had then caught her incoming fist in his hand, snuffing out the bright flames that had been headed straight for his already-scarred face. Upon finding her hand trapped, his mother had instinctively raised her gaze to meet his.

A breath had escaped out of her lips in a rush, blood draining from her face so rapidly that Zuko had been concerned she would faint. After another second, Zuko had let go of her hand and it fell limply to her side. His mother had blinked and swallowed, her lips parting in amazement and wonder and disbelief. "Zuko?" It had been whispered so quietly that he had almost missed it.

"Mom," he had whispered in confirmation. Tears had then welled in her golden eyes, beginning to spill down her cheeks, falling to the ground with the force of large boulders. She had looked so uncertain, as if she hadn't known what to do, and Zuko had then quickly made the decision for her, pulling her into his chest, wrapping her arms around her tightly, embracing her for the first time in over fourteen years.

His mother had tensed in shock, but soon, her arms wrapped around his own back, squeezing tightly, hysterically, fingers clawing at his shirt in desperation. "Oh, Zuko, my beautiful baby boy," she had choked out, shirt becoming wet from the force of her tears.

Tears had begun to seep out of his good eye and his composure had evaporated. Together, they had fallen to their knees, clutching one another. With a riot of emotions threatening to overwhelm him, he had finally managed to speak. "Come on," he had squeezed her tighter, almost afraid that she would disappear from his life again. "It's time for you to come home, mom."

It had taken a lot of convincing from Zuko, but Ursa had finally agreed to return to the palace. She had confessed that she had been too ashamed to return, especially since Ozai was still alive, and something about his grandfather, but Zuko had dismissed her concerns, citing truthful facts that would put her at ease. Then, after Zuko had held a Royal Banquet in her honor, she had demanded that he take her to visit Azula. In spite of wanting his sister and mother to reconnect, Zuko had hesitated. He himself visited his sister every day, because, no matter what she had done when she was Ozai's enforcer, he loved her, he always had and always would.

He had honestly not known how his mother would react upon seeing her once-loving daughter locked up, and that didn't even involve Azula's reaction. His sister was comfortable with his presence, especially since he had confessed many of the ways that he had resented her growing up. She, in turn, had then begun to finally open up about the… abuse she had suffered from Ozai after their mother had left, details that Zuko had never known about, details that enraged him so much that he had ordered several executions of his father's like-minded advisors.

Zuko had hoped that, just maybe, they would forgive one another, because despite what she would claim, his sister had changed, but Azula had always been unpredictable, even after her mind had finally begun to heal, and it had been thanks to Aang's suggestion.

Eventually, after hearing his best friend's advice, Zuko had dismissed the chi blockers from his sister's room to give her an incentive to reach towards after a year since her imprisonment. Aang had written to him, reasoning that if Azula had her Fire, it would cause her to heal faster because his sister had always thrived under goals being put before her. She had actually smiled a true smile at him when he had announced it, shock carved into her features when he had also announced that it had been the Avatar's idea, and she hasn't caused any trouble with her firebending since then. Yet. She had reverted back to the Azula from his childhood – a cunning, mischievous, and prank-creating sister - and Zuko was more than pleased, but every time when their mother was brought up, Azula would go stock still and order him to leave.

Zuko hadn't wanted ruin the great leaps forward that she had taken, but his mother had dismissed his concerns. He had relented and begrudgingly taken her to see Azula, and the results had been about what he expected.

Azula's voice had greeted them upon entering her room, "You've already visited me today, Zuzu. Do you need me for something?"

Zuko had clenched his jaw, knowing that the good mood his sister was in would evaporate once his mother entered. "I brought someone here to see you," he had said warily.

He had seen Azula raise a brow, "Is it the Royal seamstress? Because, if it is her, then it's about time. I am relieved that you finally see that I've earned the right to have better colors in my room other than just plain old white. It's been far too depressing in here for far too long, big brother." Even though she had changed and had mostly healed mentally, some things would always be the same.

Zuko had sighed and prayed that this would not blow up in his face; but he knew it was hopeless. "I found her," he hadn't needed to say more. He knew that she would understand, and she did. After several moments of staring at him incomprehensively, her eyes widened and her lips had parted in shock.

"Azula?" Their mother's voice had then drifted through the doorway and Zuko turned to face her while Azula turned away, features pale.

Although he had wanted to interfere, Zuko had known that this was something that both his mother and sister needed to do for themselves. Both women had stood silently, one staring and the other ignoring. It had been so quiet, and Zuko had half-expected it to remain that way forever.

After minutes of staring, his mother had breathed heavily, "I know that you probably hate me, Azula, and-"

His sister had then stood to her feet, whirling towards their mother, and her hands had been alighted with flames, filling Zuko with dread. "You left and abandoned us. You left us with our father, you know that, don't you? We had to suffer for years, both of us, under Ozai's monstrous hands. And you murdered our grandfather. Did you think that we wouldn't figure it out?" Azula's voice had never wavered, nor did it increase in volume. She was eerily calm; but Zuko had known that it was only the calm before the storm hit.

"I know that, and I hold myself-"

"No, you don't!" Azula had interrupted again, finally raising her voice, golden eyes burning. "You know nothing! You left us with a monster. Zuko isn't the only one with visible and invisible scars, mother." Azula's calm had rapidly begun to fade and was replaced with poisonous rage.

"And do you think that I don't know that?" Their mother had snapped, glaring back at Azula, mirroring Zuko's sister in appearance. "Oh, I know, believe me, I truly do. Who do you think had kept your father at bay for all of those years before I left? My scars are deep and visible and invisible, too." It had been said in a whisper. Both brother and sister had stared at her in surprise. Azula, though, had recovered first.

"And do you think that that makes it any better? No, fuck you and your flawed reasoning, mother. At least I had the strength to stay and not run away." She had hissed through clenched teeth.

Zuko had watched his mother raise an eyebrow, "And your mind broke, as a result, my precious daughter." Tears had then begun to spill down their mother's cheeks. "I should have taken you with me – both of you. Even though we would have been caught, I should have done so. You're right, Azula, I was a coward. After I killed your grandfather, I was in a panic that I had never yet experienced, and the only thought on my mind during that time had been surviving."

Azula's flames had become hotter, glowing brighter. "And yet, you had found the time to say goodbye to Zuko!"

He had winced and rubbed his heart, as if physically wounded, which is what it had felt like. He had never known that Azula knew about that, and he didn't know that she had been envious.

"I'm not the only one to blame, my daughter!" Their mother's hands had become aflame for a moment, before she had then composed herself. "Did you ever give me a reason to think that you would miss me, or that you would want a good-bye? No, you didn't, because you were your great-grandfather's daughter. You had wanted nothing to do to me, and it had never been more apparent than during that last year." Tears had stained their mother's cheeks and Zuko had wanted to reach out and hug her but hadn't dared. He hadn't wanted Azula to think that he was choosing his mother's side.

"You thought that I was a monster!"

"I never said that, but yes, I did think it at times." Their mother had stepped closer, like she was approaching a Dragon. "What was I supposed to do, Azula? I didn't know how to deal with you! Zuko, he had been so easy to handle as a child; he was truly his father's son through and through, but you, my daughter? From everything that Iroh and Azulon had ever shared, you bore similitaries to Sozin himself! It also didn't help that you were too clever for your own good, sharing so many traits with me that I can scarcely recall them all."

"Get out!" Azula had screeched, the candles in the room exploding with sapphire flames. "You are nothing but a lazy whore, and an even worse mother!"

Zuko had closed his eyes in sorrow, but they had snapped open when he heard his mother stifle a deep wail of a sob, "Yes, I was, and I can see that now, but you should never doubt that I love you and your brother with my entire being." Before he had been able to react, their mother had lunged towards Azula, pulling her into her chest. Zuko had been scarcely able to move, to even draw breath into his airways, wondering if an unforeseen Airbender was reaping vengeance on him for Sozin's crimes, stealing the very air from his lungs.

"You fiend! Let me go!" Azula's shrieks of animalistic intensity had been eerily similar to the day of Sozin's Comet when she had been chained by Katara after the Agni Kai. "I swear on everything sacred in this world, even the Avatar himself, that I will kill you!" It had been then, during that moment, that he had noticed that Azula hadn't summoned any flames to wound their mother, or even kill her.

Their mother had, to Zuko's immense relief, let go of Azula, but she had then fallen to her knees before his sister, golden eyes flooded with tears. "Fine, do it, Azula."

Zuko had finally rushed forward, "No! What the fuck are you doing?" He had roared in outrage, his voice booming through the room in a horrifying echo.

"No, you don't have a say in this, my love," his mother hadn't even looked at him. "This is between Azula and I."

"Like hell it is!" He had snapped, staring fearfully at Azula's frozen form, sapphire flames dancing across her fingertips. "I demand that you stop this madness. I am the Fire Lord!"

His mother had still stared at Azula, "My beautiful boy, it didn't work when your father did it, and it's not going to work for you, all right? Trust me, okay? This is my wish. If Azula does kill me, no harm will come to her, promise me?"

"Never! There's no fucking way that I am going to-"

Their mother had finally glared at him and the resemblance to Azula in that moment had stolen his breath. "You will, and you will not regret it, I promise. Now you promise me, okay?"

The look of utter determination and resolve in her eyes had convinced him, deflating his anger, but not his fear. "Okay, fine, I promise that no harm will come to my sister if she… kills you." The words had been bitter to say aloud.

Their mother nodded and turned back to Azula, whom was still frozen, eyes hazy, and Zuko was afraid that she had snapped out of reality, that all of the work that she had made had deteriorated. "Azula, my precious daughter, I put my life in your hands, okay? You swore on the Avatar himself that you would kill me, so here's your opportunity, my love."

Azula had finally blinked and her eyes filled with an immoral glow, "You are truly foolish, mother, but nonetheless, I accept." Zuko had watched in terror as Azula's sapphire-alighted hands slowly reached towards their mother's face. He had wanted to turn away, away from the knowledge that he had sentenced his mother to death and that he had caused Azula's mind to break once again, but he couldn't. His eyes had been riveted towards the sight.

Just as Azula's flames had begun to lick their mother's face, she froze, flames growing weaker, eyes twitching as tears filled them. Her hands began to waver and slowly, their mother wrapped her fingers gently around the shaking hands. "It's okay, my love, I'm never leaving you again."

Azula had then abruptly jerked back as if she were the one burned, "Get out!" Azula had screamed, "Get out! NOW, I said! Out! LEAVE!" Before his sister had been able to change her mind about her decision, Zuko immediately grabbed his mother by the arm and had yanked her out of the room, slamming the door shut.

"No one is to go in that room until I command. If I find out that anyone does, it will be your heads cleaved from shoulders, understand?" Zuko had then ordered to the four imperial Firebenders that always stood guard by Azula's room. They had all nodded in unison and took up their standard positions.

Zuko had looked at his mother and noticed the tears that were beginning to fall down her cheeks once again, but he knew that these were from relief. He sighed, feeling his stress finally disperse; it had blown up in his face, but an essential truth had been found: Azula wasn't going to kill their mother. He had then quickly pulled her along the corridors until they reached his own chambers. Zuko had glanced at the metallic skulls of his own imperial firebending guards and they swiftly opened the large dragon-like door and, just as swiftly, shut it once the two royals had passed.

Zuko had then taken off his crown and gently placed it on the mantle above the fire. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed softly. "That could have gone better," he had winced immediately after the words left his lips. When he was just plain old Zuko, the real him, he was always so awkward. When Fire Lord, he was effortlessly able to order servants and generals around.

He had sometimes wished that he had made more of an effort to cultivate friends during his childhood. That would have probably helped him become more socially adept.

He looked at his mother. She was out on the balcony looking at nothing, but also everything. He walked over and stood next to her. Neither said a word. Until finally the silence was broken.

"Yes, it could have," Ursa admitted sadly. "Although it's a relief to know that Azula won't kill me, it breaks my heart to witness what Ozai turned her into."

Zuko had then looked at her. He hadn't been able to recall a time in his life when she had looked so devastated. Tears were still silently running down her face and Zuko pulled her into a hug. She clutched at him and Zuko reciprocated.

"I'm so sorry," his mother had whispered. "It's all my fault."

"No, it's not!" Zuko had pulled away and gripped her shoulders tightly. "Don't you ever say that, understand? It's his! It's his fault! It was never your fault! Do you understand? Ozai is to blame, not you, never you." Zuko finished his rant by breathing heavily, "It's not your fault."

"But it is," his mother had whispered again.

"NO, IT'S-"

"YES, IT IS!" She had screamed. "He tricked me!" She had turned away and her hands curled around the railing, her knuckles whitening by the second.

"What are you talking about?" Zuko asked in bemusement. "Who tricked you? Was it… Ozai?"

She had then not answered for several seconds, as if she was searching for the words. She sighed quietly, "Yes, it was your father. When Azula told me that Ozai was planning to kill you, I confronted him, and he admitted that he was going to do it. He then told me he would spare you if I killed Azulon and he became Fire Lord." She had paused and shuttered. "I snuck in through the secret passage and your grandfather had already been in his bed. I thought he was asleep," she had sighed heavily and glanced at Zuko.

He had been unsurprised, for he and Azula had talked about that night often, and through her help, he had realized the terrible truth about that night. Zuko went to put his hand on her shoulder but his mother turned away.

"The plan was to inject him with a special poison that would create a heart attack, but that's not what happened." She had then grimaced.

Ursa breathed in deeply; she was about to kill her own father-in-law, her children's grandfather, the Fire Lord himself, Sozin's son. She placed the needle on his neck and just as she was about to insert it, Azulon's hand wrapped around her own and she felt a hand bruise against her chest with crushing force. Ursa flew back a few feet, winded and looked up in fear. She heard Azulon's fingers snap and all the candles flared to life under the Fire Lord's power. Upon realizing that she was no longer in possession of the poison, her eyes frantically darted around until she found it: it was laying on the floor, out of her reach. She was surprised that it hadn't shattered.

"I had always expected such treachery from Ozai, you know, but never you. I would have never guessed that you, daughter, would try something." Azulon's face was contorted in anger but Ursa could see the hurt underneath. After all, she and Azulon were very close. They played pai sho together every day and he always ate with her and the children when he could spare the time.

"I'm doing what I have to, father! What else could I do? You gave me no other choice." Ursa's voice was calm and clear.

She was in quite the conundrum. She could try to fight him with firebending, but this was the Fire Lord himself, a man with ninety years of experience. Ursa knew that she was talented, a prodigy admitted to the Royal Academy, but she didn't stand a chance against the Fire Lord, against Sozin's son. A victory against him was unthinkable.

She had achieved feats that only those of the Royal Fire Bloodline have, and that's when she met Azulon. He had taken an immediate interest in her and had swiftly introduced her to Ozai. She had fallen in love with him, and a few months later, they were married with Zuko on the way.

They had only been sixteen years old.

Azulon glared at her, his own golden eyes burning. "So be it," he launched a wave of fire and leaped towards her. Ursa's eyes widened and she summoned her own flame to deflect the wave while rolling to the side to avoid her father-in-law. She immediately shot a jet of her fire towards the Fire Lord, but he smacked it aside and shot his own blast at her. Ursa rolled again but wasn't fast enough - part of her cloak was burning. She quickly put the flame out while Azulon stalked forward. She glanced to where the poison was, a few feet next to her. Azulon didn't notice. Her chances of actually grabbing the poison and reaching him in time to inject it were very slim. She was about to die, and she just had to know why.

"I would have never thought you would order Ozai to do such a thing! How could you? My son is innocent, and if I succeed, he will become a greater Fire Lord than you!" Ursa cried out, unable to keep the devastation from coloring her voice. She had thought that Azulon would continue his assault, but instead, he froze and a look of bemusement crossed over his face.

Ursa saw her chance and took it. Since she was still kneeling on the floor, she quickly rolled to the side again, grabbed the syringe, and simultaneously shot flames out of her feet to propel her forward. She flew towards Azulon, whose eyes had widened and his hands became alight with flames, but it was too late.

Ursa was too fast.

She maneuvered her body so that she was flying towards his shoulder. Azulon raised his arm to block her, but she grabbed it and wrenched it towards the ground. His body jerked down, and she jammed the needle into his neck and injected the poison in one smooth motion.

Azulon quickly turned around and his elbow slammed into her head. She fell to the floor and looked up to see the Fire Lord pull the needle out of his neck. Ursa brought her hand up to her head and felt blood streaming down the side of her head. She glanced at Azulon. He gazed at the empty tube, "Poison" he muttered. He looked at her and suddenly chuckled. "I've lived through numerous assassination attempts, yet the one that actually succeeds is the one committed by my own daughter." He shook his head. "I have learned to trust my instincts through my long life and they have never failed me in the past. I sense that there is more to this treachery than at first glance." Her father-in-law sighed, "I can sense that I only have precious time left, so I will ask you once again, daughter, why did you do this?" Azulon grabbed a chair and pulled it toward her and sat down.

"You gave me no choice, father! I did what I had to." Ursa's voice shook and she wiped at the tears that were beginning to fall down her cheeks. "What choice did I have?" She whispered.

"And what in Agni's name are you blabbering on about?" Azulon demanded. He leaned forward and stared at her intensely.

Ursa suddenly felt uncertain, "Princess Azula had eavesdropped after the presentation," she murmured, watching her father-in-law carefully. "She revealed that Ozai was going to kill Zuko, and when I confronted my husband about it, he told me that you had ordered him to kill his firstborn so that he would know the pain of losing his firstborn son just as Iroh-" She was interrupted as Azulon bolted to his feet.

"You were tricked, you foolish woman!" Azulon roared. He glared down at her, but when he saw the tears spilling down her cheeks, he softened ever so slightly. He pulled her up by the hands and gestured for her to take a seat.

Ursa did and she had a terrible feeling, "What do you mean, father? I was tricked?" She questioned quietly, afraid of the answers.

Azulon stared at her for several seconds, face set in stone, "Do you believe me a fool, daughter?" He growled out. "Our family has just lost Lu Ten, second in line to the Dragon's Throne behind my heir, Prince Iroh. We need to show unity to our people, not prolicide and parricide! We do not act that way anymore; the Cousins' War ended centuries ago and it's in the past." He then shook his head in wonder or, perhaps, disbelief. "And do you honestly think that I would order Zuko's death, my own grandson, my own flesh and blood? Do you have such a low opinion of me, Princess Ursa?" Azulon clenched his jaw.

Ursa looked at him in surprise. "I didn't know what to believe, father, I didn't! I was scared and acted hastily." She was about to speak again but was interrupted.

"Yes, you seemed to jump to the conclusion that I would be willing to order my own grandson's death quite easily, Roku's granddaughter." Azulon's golden eyes burned like melted gold, "After today's debacle in the throne room, Ozai requested a private audience with me. He tried to fool me just as he fooled you, Princess Ursa, but I was unmoved unlike you. He tried to convince me to name him the Crown Prince, citing his reasoning that because Iroh no longer had an heir, his bloodline would die out, especially since he claimed that Iroh would not wish to remarry."

Ursa gasped, features paling in the light. "No, he wouldn't! Ozai would never. . ." Ursa trailed off, though, when she realized that what she had just said was a lie, the realization that Ozai would, indeed, attempt to seize the Dragon's Throne ahead of Iroh flushing through her. Her husband was no longer the man who she had married and fallen in love with. He would do anything to get the crown, she had known it for some time, but was too hopeful that she was wrong. He had changed into someone unrecognizable. A flimsy hope that the Face Stealer had stolen her husband's face, replacing it with someone else's, was easily snuffed out because she doubted that Koh had that power: to gift someone else control over another's body.

Azulon saw her realization and nodded "Yes, so, as you can easily imagine, I became incensed by his blatant betrayal of Iroh and told Ozai that he would know the pain of losing his firstborn, his heir." He paused and sighed, "I would never order my own grandson's death, Princess Ursa; I had thought that you would know that, but it seems that I was wrong. My intention was for Zuko and Azula to be given to Iroh for him to raise as his own."

Shock erupted through her mind as she sat there frozen in shock. After Azula had told her that Ozai was going to kill Zuko, she immediately went to Ozai and demanded to know if their daughter's accusations were true. Her husband had confirmed it, golden eyes looking at her expectantly, wanting to know what she would be willing to do to protect Zuko. Then, for the next hour, they had devised the plan to assassinate Fire Lord Azulon.

Realizing how much of a fool her husband had made her, Ursa fell to her knees before the Fire Lord, "My liege, my sorrow cannot express how terribly I have wronged you. I will admit, under my own power, that my intention was to assassinate you. I have always been your humble and loving servant, but you know as well as I do, that being a mother has been my first and foremost duty." Her eyes locked onto Azulon's, "I am very fond of you, my liege, always have been. You have treated me with such kindness, as if I was your own blood, but when it comes to my children's safety being compromised, I would do anything to make certain that the threat was neutralized or destroyed, no matter who the threat is. I can clearly see the folly now in trusting my husband's words, that he had preyed on my maternal instincts, knowing that I would fail to see clearly, and I hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me, my liege."

Azulon didn't say anything, glaring down at her for several moments before he continued, "Ozai was to lose his place in the line of succession and all titles as my second son were to be revoked, and his execution was to be considered." Her father-in-law suddenly seemed so tired; the poison was beginning to work. "The plan was for you and Iroh then to marry and sire more children. I would have forced him, provoking his loyalty to me, making him see that the Fire Royal Family was on the brink of disaster, and only a marriage would mend the wounds created by Ozai."

Ursa was numb, frozen in place. Her husband had manipulated her into killing his own father, and judging the paleness of Azulon's features, she would soon be his murderer, and all she felt was such sorrow and rage that it threatened to overwhelm her. "Father, I… am so sorry," she choked out, feeling the tears return.

"I can see now that you are not at fault. The blame lies at Ozai's feet." He gestured to his neck, "I am quite impressed that you pulled this off despite myself, daughter." Azulon chuckled quietly and then his features hardened, strength carved into his face in spite of the fact that his death was approaching. "My time is coming, my dear, and please know that I do not blame you for this, daughter. Besides Iroh and Ilah, you have always been my favorite person. Yet, in spite of that, you must be punished, daughter. You are soon to have murdered Agni's chosen ruler, anointed by the Fire Spirit himself, and committed patricide, something not seen in our nation since weeks after my father's own birth."

She closed her eyes and nodded her head in acceptance, "I will humbly abide by whatever you see fit, father, even if it is execution."

"Good, daughter, good. I assume that you and Ozai agreed that he would become Fire Lord after my death, bypassing Iroh, yes?" Ursa could do nothing except nod her head in shame. "If I've learned anything since when I witnessed your excellence in the Academy, it is that Ozai loves you fiercely, bordering on obsession ever since I introduced you two. So, I reason that you were to return to him after you killed me, correct, daughter?"

"Yes, father,"

Azulon closed his eyes, inhaling roughly, and then his eyes opened, a coldness shining within. "Then, as punishment to you both, you will immediately flee from the Caldera after I pass. It is your decision if you wish to take your children with you but know that if you do take Prince Zuko and Princess Azula with you, the entire world – and history, for that matter - will know of your crime. Ozai will slowly go mad without you by his side, and there is no better vengeance I can reap on my son then that. History will remember him as a monster, and it will be his own fault." Her father-in-law smiled and with a start, it reminded Ursa that she was in the presence of Sozin's son, of the man who had helped his father conquer half of the Earth Kingdom. "Although I grieve the loss of Lu Ten, daughter, I cannot help but see that fate has deemed it necessary, though. You should take pride, Princess Ursa. Your son will sit on the Dragon's Throne, and I foresee that my blood will have been well spent; my grandson will be hailed by the Four Nations over as a worthy ruler, and he will succeed where I, my father, and Iroh had failed in finding the Avatar."

She swallowed, fear beginning to plague her mind at the returned-Avatar's unholy vengeance. Would he destroy the Fire Nation and every Child of Fire in retribution over the Air Nomads' genocide? "Then my children will remain here; I wish them not to live like a fugitive."

"Then, as further punishment, daughter," Azulon's eyes were hard. "You will never be able to return to the Caldera unless your son, the future Fire Lord, seeks you out. You will stay at one of my homes in the Eastern Province, a place that Ozai would never expect. That is as far as my mercy runs, Princess Ursa, consider being grateful."

"I am, father, I truly am. If it takes my banishment to put my son on the Dragon's Throne, then I would do it a thousand times over." She hesitated and gathered her courage, "They say that when the Gardens of the Dead are near, the death-touched ones can glimpse the future. You have foreseen Prince Zuko becoming Fire Lord and beloved by the Four Nations, which tells me that, somehow, the Air Nomads will return, but what of Princess Azula? What do you foresee concerning my daughter?"

Azulon tilted his head, "My, you truly have gall, daughter, but I am feeling generous to my murderer. Very well, I foresee Princess Azula walking a dangerous, deadly path. She will be molded by Ozai into a monstrous weapon, and fear will be a walking shadow behind her." Ursa quivered at the foretold future for her daughter, more tears spilling down her cheeks. "But, daughter, Princess Azula will eventually find peace in the most unlikely places, because of one person who could truly help her heal. She will have her own nation, Princess Ursa, and she will find glory, her very name echoing throughout history, side-by-side with that of her future husband's."

Ursa smiled tearfully, "Then, I'm glad, father. I don't want my precious daughter to… suffer in life."

"Oh, she will suffer, daughter, but it will make her all the stronger, and when she is an adult, she will be thankful for that suffering." Azulon reached over and squeezed her hand. He then looked into her eyes, and stood to his feet, slowly walking to his bed.

She rose as well and put her arm through his. "I am so sorry, father," she helped him sit down on the bed and he weakly went under the blankets.

"I forgive you, daughter. Your punishment isn't something that I wanted, but nonetheless, had to order. I can feel Ilah near, Princess Ursa, and I have missed her so." Azulon gradually became weaker and Ursa gripped his hand as he weakly squeezed back, and she kept a hold of his hand until it became limp.

Fire Lord Azulon was dead.

His mother had been crying after her tale ended, and Zuko found that his heart was filled with insurmountable hatred. He had felt relief that his grandfather had actually cared for him, and that the reason that his mother had never returned was her honor of a dying man's wish, but they had both been overwhelmed by the need to kill Ozai. He had found his hands gripping the steel railing until it melted under his firebending. He looked at his mother, at the sight of her standing stock still, heartbreak carved into her features. Zuko had quickly pulled her into his arms, "Grandfather was right, mom: it's not your fault. As he said, the blame lies solely on Ozai's shoulders." Zuko had whispered into her ear.

Nodding her head, his mother had sniffed, "I know that it is, but I still feel responsible. I murdered your grandfather, the Fire Lord himself, and it was me who failed to see through Ozai's blatant lies. Because of my mistake, he beat you and your sister. He burned your face and made our daughter go insane." She had been crying softly and Zuko knew that he could deal with his father later.

His mother needed had needed him during that moment.

She had soon claimed exhaustion and Zuko escorted her to her room. He had nodded to the guards and they opened the doors. Once inside, his mother had gently removed her arm from hiw own and sat on her bed. "When you visit him, do not let your emotions cloud your judgment, all right?" She had whispered tiredly, climbing into her bed.

Zuko had frowned, "What are you talking about? I'm not planning to visit anyone." He had blatantly lied, not needing his mother to know of his intentions.

"Do not lie to me. I know that you will go visit your father as soon as I fall asleep."

Knowing that he was caught, he had clenched his jaw, "Of course I'm going to. He's ruined all of our lives!" Zuko had started pacing, feet digging into the floor.

"No matter what I say, I know you will visit him anyway." She had countered, frowning, "Just remember what I said, okay?"

"Yes, mother," he had muttered and exited the room, journeying towards his father's prison.

As soon as he had arrived, his father had laughed cruelly. "Well if it isn't my loyal son, the Fire Lord. Have you come here to ask again about your mother, boy?"

Zuko had promised his mother not to let his emotions cloud his judgment, but he was so close to exploding. "No, because I found her on my own," Zuko had smirked at his father's dumbfounded expression. "I didn't need your help; you have never helped me in my entire life." He had growled, feeling the flames begin to lick at his skin.

"That's not true, son." Ozai had pointed to his face, "I gave you my mark so that you would become stronger, so that you would learn respect." His father had stood up and crossed his cage and stood right before Zuko; they were eye-to-eye, identical colored-eyes locking. "I can see now that I had only succeeded with the former." He had smirked, teeth gleaming like a predator's in the dim light, but Zuko had caught a hint of pride in his father's voice and it had only made him more furious.

With a yell of rage, he had shifted into a firebending stance. Relishing in the look of fear that had found its way into Ozai's eyes, Zuko had let the fire flow. The steel cage had quickly melted and Zuko stepped inside with fire rushing through his blood. Ozai looked around at the remnants of his once prison and actually smiled genuinely. "You have grown very powerful, son," that time the pride in his voice had been unmistakable.

Zuko had stalked closer and kicked Ozai in the chest, sending him painfully into the wall with a surprised grunt of pain. He surged forward, and his hand had wrapped around Ozai's throat, squeezing very tightly, hands beginning to grow hot. "I so very badly want to kill you. But I won't. I could easily mark you as you did me, but I'm not going to, because I'm better than you." Zuko had reluctantly let go of his father's throat and Ozai sank to the floor, heaving in as much air as he could, golden eyes disgusted.

His father had stared into his eyes, eyes that Zuko had noticed were never more identical to his own than during that moment. "You should just kill me, Fire Lord." He had brought his hand up to his throat, lightly massaging it. "You clearly want to, I can tell," he had smirked up at him again, daring him.

Zuko's hands had curled into fists, and when Ozai noticed the action, his poisonous eyes had lit up in delight. Although the thought had crossed his mind, enticingly showing him a world where his father was dead, he had had other plans. Instead, he had twisted his body and swung his leg around until it connected to his father's temple. Ozai head had snapped to the side painfully and blood flowed down from his head in a small stream, but surprisingly, he had still been conscious. Glaring up at him defiantly, Ozai had snarled like a wild animal, and Zuko quickly hammered his fists into his temple until he had finally fallen unconscious.

After walking out of the cell, he had ordered the group of guards to take the prisoner to another cell, knowing that it would be asinine to leave his father in a room without a cell. Even without bending, his father was still incredibly dangerous. Finally heaving punches into his father had been cathartic, and as he had walked back to his room using the secret passage, peace and disgust had warred in his mind until peace won, spreading through his mind in a comforting blanket. That day, he had known that he possessed the willpower to never succumb to the dark and vile urges that existed inside him, to know that he was never going to become like his father.

Zuko blinked as he came out of his reminiscing, hearing the footsteps approaching from behind him. Without turning around, his mother's soothing voice drifted into his ears. "Your meeting will begin shortly, Zuko."

"I know, mother," Zuko smiled at her as she sat down next to him, chuckling as the Turtle Ducks greeted her, squawking happily.

She picked up some of the leftover bread and fed the ducks. "I'm worried about you," she said softly after a few moments of silence. "You work far too hard and your only companions are me, Azula, who is imprisoned, and your uncle. It's been years since I returned and Azula's healing, yet you've made no friends or any effort to contract an advantageous marriage for yourself."

"Mom, we've had this conversation before," he pointed out. "I'm fine, you should know that." Zuko knew what was coming next.

"You're lonely and I wish that you would give a nice girl a chance to love you, my beautiful boy." His mother stared at him.

Zuko sighed. There it was. "Mom, I don't need a girlfriend or a wife. I'm fine," he said tiredly.

"The Fire Nation and the Noble Houses would beg to differ, my son. They have been pushing their daughters and sisters at you like they are common whores. They seem quite lovely, and they might make you happy, and they would be willing to bear you your children, the heirs to the Dragon Throne."

"I'm fine," he repeated, wishing that she would drop the subject.

"But you're not! You are so lonely. I know all about the concubines, but that's not healthy. Currently, your best friend is your own mother." She gazed at the Turtle Ducks, "I know that you had to banish Mai and Ty Lee," she began softly.

"That was one of the reparations that I was forced to concede to the Earth Kingdom after the Great War ended." Zuko snapped as he closed his eyes. "I tried and tried, but Kuei, Ba Sing Se's King, was adamant that the conquerors of Ba Sing Se were to be given to him and put on trial, which would end with them being executed! When Mai and Ty Lee learned of Kuei's demands, they had willingly agreed to turn themselves in, trying to focus Kuei's ire at them instead of Azula, unwilling to see Azula handed over. Then, I broke them out of prison using my Blue Spirit persona, giving them the only choice that I could which included their survival. They understood, and I had to banish them for their escape from prison, and thus, their so-called 'treachery'. I have no idea what happened to them; I lost contact years ago, and Kuei, that little entitled prick, was not pleased when I told him that they had escaped custody." Zuko could feel his anger mounting and snarled, flames sparking across his palms. "That's the only reason that I haven't released Azula from prison! Even though her mind has finally healed, and you two are civil with one another, I can't do it! If I did, there would be another fucking war!." Zuko sagged and leaned against the tree.

"I know, my darling," his mom gently placed a hand on his arm. "But isn't there someone else who could fill that void in your life? Specifically, a girl?"

Zuko thought of beautiful blue eyes the color of the ocean themselves, a smile that was brighter than the sun and could melt any iceberg, and the peace that had settled in his soul whenever he had been in her presence.

Katara.

He looked at his mother, "No, there isn't, mother," he admitted, refusing to confess that the fact made him terribly sad.

His mother looked at him regretfully, "Well, maybe you will meet a nice girl someday. You mentioned your friends during the Great War," she suggested.

"I doubt it, mother," Zuko stood up and smiled gently, "I think that I've delayed my meeting long enough."

"Yes, of course," she gestured, "Go to your meeting, Zuko. Just remember what I said, okay?"

Zuko nodded and exited the Royal Garden. He made his way into the corridor and glanced around, making certain that they were no prying eyes. And when he was satisfied that he was alone, he put his flaming hand on a section of the wall and one of the many secret passages made its presence known. He stepped through and his footsteps echoed lightly as he journeyed, his mind easily finding the passage that led to the Throne Room. The passage then, after more minutes of walking, deposited him behind his Dragon Throne. It was now time for him to dawn the mantle of Fire Lord once again. The wall of flames roared to life and all the men bowed reverently before him.

He wearily settled on his throne, the conversation with his mother weighing heavily on his mind, and he was truly thankful that only his imposing silhouette could be seen by everyone in the room.

"All hail Fire Lord Zuko! Master of Agni's Eternal Flame! Keeper of the Dragon's Throne!" All the kneeling men cried out in unison. Zuko sighed, knowing that this meeting was going to be a long one.

XxXxXxXxXxX

That's all for chapter one! I'd really appreciate some reviews, everybody!

**Okay, eight years have passed since Sozin's Comet and Zuko's ascension to Fire Lord. Many things have happened since then. Most of this chapter is a filler and flashback, showing what has happened in Zuko's life since the Great War ended.

**So, I changed Ursa into a Firebender because, to me, it does not make sense for a non-bender to marry into the Fire Nation's Royal Family. Being a bender is crucial in the Fire Nation; nobody would accept a princess who couldn't bend. And I honestly think that Zuko bears far more similarities to his father than to his mother, and Azula is the opposite. Based on how Ozai was characterized in Canon, I see Zuko's personality as pretty much the same thing if he had continued down his path before seeing 'the light', whereas Azula's is from her mother, and possible grandparents.

**Azulon wasn't necessarily a bad guy; he had inherited the Great War from his father and continued Sozin's conquest. It never made sense, in Canon, when Azulon pretty much tasked Ozai to murder Zuko. Lu Ten, second in line to the Dragon's Throne, had just been killed. Why would Azulon, a man who has been sovereign for over twenty years, task Ozai to kill another heir to the Dragon's Throne? It didn't make sense, so I changed things up.

Also, the reason that Ursa doesn't return to her son after the Great War is that of Azulon. Although he isn't necessarily a bad guy, he isn't a nice guy, either. He gets his revenge on both Ursa and Ozai for their alliance to murder him. He has always liked Ursa, so he sanctions an 'out' for her situation so that she can return to the Caldera, but only if it is Zuko, when he is Fire Lord, who finds her, and no one else. I hope that it seems like a viable reason and action on Azulon's part because I truly like it.

So, leave a review and tell me what you all think! I'd really appreciate it!

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