Nearly a year passed in the Fire Nation without incident. The war continued unabated. Soldiers continued to march into battle. Generals continued to give orders, leading to victory or death. The Fire Lord watched over it all, ensuring that all was to his satisfaction, for the good of the Fire Nation...which, to his mind, was for the good of the world. And Zuko continued his studies in Firebending, tactics, strategy, and statescraft under his tutors, and under his Uncle and cousin. He worked to shape himself into the Prince the Nation needed, one the Fire Lord - and Mai - could be proud of.
However, his passion and empathy for the people of his nation was both his greatest strength, and his greatest weakness. Thus, when he was allowed to attend a war meeting in the Fire Lord's war room, he spoke out of turn against a plan that was foolhardy, wasteful of life, and doomed to failure...as it relied on the enemy being too stupid to see through an obvious trap. This, unfortunately, led to a confrontation that - in more ways than one - was fated, both now and in the future.
As Zuko stood up and turned to face his opponent for the Agni Kai, he felt his confidence and certainty drain out of him. It was not the general whose plans he had denounced that stood across from him. It was his father, the Fire Lord, standing tall and proud, ready to face off against him.
"Are you prepared to face the consequences of your actions, Prince Zuko?" Ozai demanded calmly, taking his stance. "The price for your disrespect?"
Zuko swallowed, trying to clear the dryness from his throat. "I-I am, Fire Lord," he stammered, struggling just to remain standing in his stance.
Ozai nodded with a firm grin. "Good. Then I will allow you the first strike. Attack when ready. I will make this quick."
Zuko stared up at his father, his mind racing as he considered all possibilities. As he struggled to remember every detail of his teachings in fire bending - as well as those techniques Cadence and Iroh had mentioned, which were derived from the other styles of bending - his mind instead jumped to his lessons in statescraft...in tactics and strategy. After a time, realization washed over him. He knew the only option available to him. "I yield, Fire Lord."
The crowd gasped in shock, and Ozai scowled. "What?" he demanded angrily. "What do you mean you yield?"
Zuko went down to one knee, bowing his head. "There is no point to fighting a battle that cannot be won."
Ozai's face curled into an enraged snarl. "You will learn both courage and respect," he growled out, gathering his fire. "And suffering will be your teacher."
Zuko lifted his head, his eyes closed. "...I accept the consequences of my choices," he managed to say, his voice quavering.
The flames struck across his face, and everything went white.
Three days later, Ozai was surprised as Iroh entered his throne room. "I humbly request a private audience with the Fire Lord," he spoke calmly.
Ozai raised an eyebrow, but waved his attendants out. As they left, Ozai stepped out from his circle of flames to once more speak at Iroh's level. "What is it, brother?" he asked.
"I have just come from Zuko's side," Iroh explained as they walked to the window together. "He is recovering...but he will carry the scar of what you did to him all his days."
Inside, Ozai winced, but he didn't let it show on his face. "Do you feel I acted too harshly?" he asked calmly.
Iroh shrugged. "I believe you acted as you had to, given the situation. However, I feel I must present Zuko's case, as he struggled through the pain of his wounding to present it to me."
Ozai schooled his features to listen. "Continue."
"Zuko knows he spoke out of turn in the meeting, and knew when he did so," Iroh explained. "However, he believed it was important enough to speak, for the sake of the people of the Fire Nation, and was ready to accept the consequences. Had it been an Agni Kai against the General, he would have battled with all his might, win or lose, and accepted."
"Then why hesitate against me?" Ozai demanded. "Because I am his father?"
"No," Iroh replied. "Because you are Fire Lord, and he is the Prince."
"I do not understand the distinction. Enlighten me."
Iroh held up three fingers. "From what Zuko has managed to tell me, he saw three possible outcomes should he fight you in the Agni Kai. The first and most likely was that you trounced him utterly, leaving him humiliated and shamed...a shame he would never recover from, meaning he could never be Fire Lord. When you eventually died, the throne would pass to Azula."
Ozai couldn't suppress a shudder. "That would be a disaster for the Nation and the world," he stated bluntly. "Azula lacks the capacity for empathy. She cannot sympathize with the pain of others. I...have had to work to forge her into a weapon - carefully wielded - to prevent her from becoming a monster. She would not do well as a leader, nor would the nation."
Iroh raised his eyebrow in surprise, not having expected such a forthright answer, nor such a dispassionate analysis of Azula. However, he decided to move on. "The second possibility would be if he performed well against you, managing to push you back or even injure you," Iroh elaborated. "That would be interpreted one of two ways. The first is that you went easy on him because he was your son, implying you didn't think he could hold his own."
"That would be the same result as if I'd bested him soundly," Ozai interpreted.
Iroh nodded in confirmation. "And if the people didn't believe that, then your image as our invincible Fire Lord would be shattered, since you were hard pressed by a 13 year old. The people's faith in you would waver, and the nation would become unstable."
Ozai paused in his walking. "And...the third possibility?"
"That he somehow won," Iroh concluded. "The only politically sound result of that would be you immediately passing the crown, as he would have triumphed over you."
"The nation would collapse under a child ruler," Ozai murmured. "The war effort would crumble. And then there's Azula."
"Indeed," Iroh agreed. "From the moment you became Zuko's opponent in the Agni Kai, there was no way he could fight you without bringing disaster - whether eventual or immediate - to the Nation and the people he has been raised and taught to put first in his thoughts. So he did the only thing he could...nothing." Neutral Jing, he thought silently. Bumi would be proud of how well you absorbed his lessons through Cadence, my nephew.
Ozai stood in silence for a time. "What can I do, then?" he asked finally. "How can I make things right with Zuko...without weakening myself?"
Iroh shrugged. "Perhaps you can give him a task that takes him out into the world...something he can do to prove himself, to make a man of him."
Ozai stared into the flames for a time. "...I believe I have just the task. And I can send you and Cadence with him, ostensibly to guide him, but also to ensure he comes home in one piece."
Iroh nodded. "And if you see him off in person, he will know...that you understand why he did what he did."
Ozai smiled softly. "You were always the wiser of us, brother," he murmured. "I am glad I can count on your wisdom."
Two weeks after his wounding, Zuko stood at the ramp of a ship, looking up into the Fire Lord's eyes. Aboard the ship was a crew, his Uncle Iroh, and his cousin Cadence. Ozai stared down at him firmly. "Prince Zuko, you have shown you do not presently have in you what it takes to be the Prince our nation needs. However, in your heart is the fire that can forge you into that Prince...and I give you that chance to achieve it. You have at your disposal our nation's fastest battleship, and a hand picked crew. With your Uncle's guidance, you will accomplish your mission, and return with glory to your name, and honor to your people."
Zuko nodded. "And what is my mission?"
"To complete the mission Sozin tried and failed to accomplish 100 years ago," Ozai explained. "Find the Avatar...and bring him back to be locked away, as an enemy of the Fire Nation."
Zuko nodded. "Understood." Bowing low, he turned and boarded the ship, ready to face his destiny.
Ozai... Firelord on one hand, Father on the other, and it's hard for both hands to meet. You've done well to make him into a rather... agreeable character. Still have cause to be irked at his actions, but then when we see what happens under it, I can't help but respect him somewhat.
too
Someone pick up that phone already
THe paths of time and fate are back on track, despite these...intriguing abnormalities. Well done.
I am kinda put off my this sane Ozai. It feels like he is some how not a certified nut job. So how will he change to how he was in the show?
Is it wrong that I'm rooting for the Fire Nation now? Cause I am. You've done such a wonderful job portraying Ozai as a real person that I can't help but want he and Zuko to have a happy ending.
And now, we wait.
Hard to tell if you're actually softening Ozai, or if it is all a ploy to have Iroh and Zuko unable to interfere with his plans...
So two more years before Aang shows up right?
6496276
Yup.
Its nice to see the Fire Nation be just misguided in doing what they think is right instead of some other real world nations from the past.
Also that tidbit with Zuko's possible thoughts was very thought provoking. I wonder if the original writers of the series ever thought about what you pointed out.
6496245 It hasn't really changed him.
Think of it this way, Ozai hasn't yet been 'betrayed' by Zuko and Iroh, but if/when (author dependent) he is, that would drive the man we've seen so far to madness, would it not?
6496254 I think it's a little both of, actually. He does not want his brother and his son opposing his actions all the time, but he doesn't want them completely out of his life. As for Azula, I assume his decision to place her in charge of the Fire Nation during the finale, when he becomes Phoneix King, is done out of desperation, because a suitable heir is not available.
So Zuko still gains his scar but still has a way to still be Prince. I like where this is going.
I like this Ozai. I don't want him to go back to the way he was in the show.
Hmmm, well I like how he's been portrayed here. Maybe due to Cadence workin' a little love magic unconsciously? (Not that kind of love, ya doofs.)
6496323
Personally, I think that, while he might be a better person in this timeline, it'll actually be HARDER to turn Zuko to their side than it was in Canon. The burning need just isn't there, and he isn't as damaged by his father. Which means that it'd be up to Cadence to try her best. :P :D
The Fire Nation is still evil though. Can't change that easily
6496377
Or Azula to do her worst.
I'd make some puns but that would probably scar some of the people interpreting it as a burn joke. Despite what was fixed in time more or less, Zuko is still ship shape to face the world and heck, he's definitely better than before and not consumed with pride/anger. Then again, dangers lurk in still waters and it is still some time before things go south.
I haven't read the story yet, but Avatar: The Last Airbender and My Little Pony? Uh... yes!
Even Fire Lord Ozai fears his daughter? Azula must probably be a psycopath since she was in diapers.
6496404 You have earned yourself an honorary diploma from the Jack Aubrey School of Punnery and Gunnery, and a level in the Dashing Swordsmen Prestige Class as all your puns seemed to be on point.
Still it will be quite interesting to see where the story goes.
This is a much different Ozai that was depicted both in the show and its subsequent comics. "Azula was born lucky; [Zuko was] lucky to be born"-Fire Lord Ozai. Not to mention how Ozai conspired with Zuko's mother, Ursa, to gain the throne earlier by poisoning his father, Fire Lord Azulon, with the result of Ursa leaving, never to return. In the show, Zuko isn't simply sent out on a mission to find the Avatar, but banished from the Fire Nation, with his only hope of returning being the Avatar. This is a very interesting depiction of Ozai.
6496475
Remember, this is an alternate universe of both 'fim' and 'the last airbender'.
I like this Ozai, but you're taking a maaassive liberty with Avatar canon. I'm sticking on for the Cadance though.
6496504 I'm well aware of that. I was just comparing this Ozai to the one from Avatar proper.
At least Zuko explained his reasoning and his dad approves and is showing he's not a disgrace. Still, I'm guessing Cadence will press Zuko to befriend Aang over capturing him, especially when she realizes he's an actual air bender and can teach her more directly. Plus, Zuko won't be so desperate to capture Yang to regain his honor, so it might become more friendly rivals or something.
And thus, it begins.
6496246 Just keep in mind that this is still the guy that plans to raze the earth nation in a few years. Perhaps it was just a last resort in his eyes, but he genuinely believes a world ruled under the Fire Nation is the best option, and he'll do anything to get it.
6496404 I both love and hate this comment so much, I'm so conflicted.
Uh oh
, but yeah wasn't as bad as I was expecting, now it will be harder to get Zuko on team avatar since his father actually respects him in someways now.
6496722 it's the calm before a very very very long storm... Like years of it
6496722 I was thinking the exact same thing.
Another enjoyable chapter. Good job.
6496472 Avatar is an easier medium for me to come up with the puns since it's been out for quite awhile and our expressions just really mesh well. If you can find what pattern I'm doing for the puns here, you get a cookie.
Oh dear...
At least he's got that much mercy, he's not going to be sadistic to his own son for no reason, whatever flaws, which are numerous, may be.
I suppose not, no.
His head, not heads. Also, at least he's taking this better than canon Zuko, as much as this is likely to mould him into the emo Prince we know.
So he does feel somewhat sorry.
Fair enough I suppose.
Most likely.
No, because you're the FIRE LORD, you know, Fire Nation head honcho?
He has a point.
Agreed, wait WHAT?! I'm agreeing with Fire Lord Ozai. I, wow. But yeah, she'd make a crappy Fire Lord even if she was sane.
Precisely.
Exactly. Say what you will about Zuko, but bottom line he's still a child.
Aye.
That might work.
Good idea. I keep agreeing with Ozai whom you've made LIKEABLE, that takes some SERIOUS skill.
That might work.
And here, we, go.
quickmeme.com/img/91/91a3da64d70b5606a966d9e962fde2b11cffb3ce507c8276d4be5de58b0fd1f5.jpg
The funniest thing is than even insane Azula on the throne is way better than what happened in the baseline. Because baseline is basicly throwing hundred years of war effort and infinite sacrifices into the toilet. Because nothing changed, absolutely nothing. I personally think that most evil being in this cartoon is Avatar him/herself. Because he/she is basicly a jailer: "You try to change anything and step out of your cage? Die, criminal!". Kyoshi stopped Chin the Conquerer, Aang stopped Ozai...
Hundreds of years without changes, hundreds of years of useless staying on the same level. It took Ozai nearly conquering a whole world, an acievement that Aang was unable to undo completely to start progress. And look where world got in less then century! Republic City for all four nations! Advansed bendingmerged technology, "arcanotech" as in would be called in other fantasy worlds.
I hope that Azula will be more successfull here than in baseline with her lightning strike and Aang will die without any resurrection. Then this world will have chance to change and grow normally. Without Avatar.
Technically, he will briefly succeed. Making the capture is much easier to do than keeping him imprisoned. Honestly, the only way I can see a capture of the avatar working is wrapping them in metal with just a hole to breath and eat out of before they learn fire or earth bending. Then you got avatar in a can, because they can't physically move, but they are still alive.
6497454
Actually the only way that plan would work is if he caught him at the start, cause once he learns earthbending metal becomes useless.
6497501 Sort of like how he actually does about a day or so after Aang gets out of his cryo freeze experiment? Also, Toph is the first metal bender in history. As in, at this point, only fire benders can reliably alter the physical form of metal via high heat.
The more things change, the more things stay the same. Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
6497509
Preferably with less 'Fail' along the way
6497549 Actually, at all. Hence why the earth bender prison is a completely metal platform out in the ocean rather than, say, a rock quarry with fire nation guards.
6497559
Saka managed to stage a rather daring escape, and he was mostly the comic relief.
But this is going to be a slightly altered story with a different set of outcomes overall, especially since the horseshoe has yet to truly drop here. Iroh knows
You've made a sensible and reasonable Ozai I can actually like. I'm terrified. You terrify me. How did you DO that?!
6497588 Actually, Katara was the only one there and she pointed out in an impassioned speech that they could earth bend coal. All of a sudden, they had a revolt lead by a water bender and then Aang showed up. They tore the place apart and got on a boat to head home.
6497519 to borrow a lesson from Bioshock: Constants and Variables
6497834 Sounds good to me.