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Post by laurinha on Oct 12, 2007 8:08:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the story, Nan. It made the wait for Season 3 much more bearable and is making the current season's lack of, well, you know. Sigh. Your ending is already much happier and I can't wait to see the last three chapters. And when this is over, I'm looking forward to more of your Duty fic.
But, guess what? I found your Guanyin! Over at ASN in the Painted Lady thread, someone posted about the Buddist Guan Yin and I realized where you had gotten your inspiration, right? I love the attention you give to detail.
Anyway, thanks again for writing and looking forward to more great stuff.
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Post by wildimagination on Oct 14, 2007 0:23:06 GMT -5
Nandi, this is an awesome story. If it's any consolation, I like your story better than how season three is going. Yours and a couple others'. ;D
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Oct 14, 2007 5:53:12 GMT -5
Chapter Eighteen
Iroh tugged at the collar of his dress robes as he strolled the hallways. It had taken weeks to get everything in order, to repair the damage from the battle, to get the reluctant Zuko to agree to it, but the day had finally arrived.
Somewhere along the line it had been announced that the wait was due to the fact that a soothsayer had foretold that the coronation should not take place until the approaching comet arrived, that its power, in the past so destructive, would bring peace and prosperity, not only to the Fire Nation, but to the entire world. The other nations, represented by Zuko’s allies, hadn’t exactly been too keen on the idea, but by the time the reconstruction had been completed it was a moot point, summer was ending and the comet was an obvious glow in the sky, day and night.
“Ah…there you are.”
He turned to find Pakku approaching. The waterbending Master was dressed in what Iroh could only assume were the formal robes of his people, though he had to wonder at the animal head he wore on his own.
“We just received word.” He said. “Arnook and Kuei will be arriving shortly. I think it would be advisable for one of the royal family to be there to greet them.”
“Yes.” Iroh nodded in agreement as he fell into step with the taller man. “It is a most unusual occurrence.” He said. “The rulers of two nations present at the crowning of the third. I don’t believe such a thing has ever happened before…”
“Our world has become a much smaller place.” Pakku said.
They walked down a broad staircase into one of the palace’s many courtyards to find Bumi beaming at them from behind an obnoxiously loud outfit of bright greens. Aang stood beside him, a complete contrast, in subtle shades of saffron and gold, Momo twining himself about the young Avatar’s shoulders. Sokka was absently tugging at the fluffy white tails of some indiscernible animal that hung from the collar of his robes in an effort to get them even on either side.
“Come on, Toph.” Katara’s voice came from behind.
“I feel like an idiot.” The little earthbender grumbled as she folded her arms across her chest. She was wearing a gown of soft greens, her hair held back from her face with jewelled pins. Her companion was dressed similarly, but in shades of blue, and the every-present scraps of white fur.
“Whoa.” Aang breathed.
“You two look great.” Sokka beamed.
“Really?” Toph questioned.
“Absolutely.” Sokka confirmed, a little startled to see the colour rise in the small girl’s cheeks.
“So…we gonna go meet these royal guys then?” She said quickly, trying to cover her lapse in decorum.
“Yeah…” Aang smiled at his friend’s slight discomfort. “I guess we better get down to the harbour.”
“No need.” Bumi grinned. “They’ll be here in two shakes of a gorilla-goat’s tail.” Then he looked up. The others exchanged curious glances, wondering if this was just Bumi being Bumi, or if there was something else behind his behaviour, until they noticed Pakku was also looking skywards.
Aang’s eyes widened as a thought stuck him. He began to scan the skies with growing excitement. In all the days they’d spent helping with the rebuilding he hadn’t dared ask about it…he’d feared the answer, but now…
“What’s got into Twinkle Toes?” Toph asked.
Momo let out an excited chitter and launched himself straight upwards.
“APPA!” Aang cried delightedly, throwing himself upwards with a powerful blast of air. All necks, barring Toph’s, strained back, eyes towards the skies as the young Avatar arced gracefully to land on the creature’s massive head. The bison landed gracefully a few moments later, his six massive feet touching down soundlessly on the cobblestones. He let out a delighted bellow of his own at the boy clinging to his furry forehead and the trio of youths that crowded around him.
“Your friend was heaven sent.” Kuei grinned as he slid down from his back. “I never would have been able to rally the troops without him.”
“Appa was with you?” Aang turned wide eyes on the Earth King.
“We thought you knew.” A familiar, feminine voice called down from Appa’s broad back.
The group looked up into the beaming face of a young girl. She was dressed in formal Earth Kingdom attire, her auburn hair full of tassels. It took a moment for anyone to recognise her.
“Suki?” Sokka frowned, squinting as he tried to imagine the elaborate mask of make-up.
“I see you’re as bright as ever.” She grinned as she slid down Appa’s furry side, crashing into him and sending them both tumbling to the ground in a fit of giggles.
Iroh glanced at Toph as she let out a snort and a barely audible “Terrific” as Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe climbed down behind her.
“What are you doing here?” Sokka asked. “I mean it’s great to see you…really, REALLY great to see you…but…”
“She came to me as soon as I started recruiting people for the attack.” Kuei said, unaware of the connection between the two young people. “She was determined to protect me, she felt responsible for the fall of Ba Sing Se, though I can’t imagine why.”
“Probably because Azula stole her clothes and just waltzed into your confidence because Sokka vouched for the Kyoshi Warriors.” Toph grumbled.
“That’s pretty much it.” Suki admitted as Sokka pulled her to her feet.
“So Appa’s been with you all this time?” Aang asked, sensing it was best to change the subject.
“Pretty much.” Kuei nodded.
“After the failure of the Day of Black Sun, the Earth King and I realised we’d need to gather as many warriors as we could to launch another attack.” Chief Arnook explained. “Our final attack.”
Sokka froze at the sound of the man’s voice. He’d been so happy to be reunited with Suki he hadn’t noticed him, and now that he had, he was reminded of the North Pole…and of his daughter. He lowered his head and turned a little away from Suki, though no one noticed his discomfort.
“So Chief Arnook suggested I take Appa in order to travel to my own lands to recruit anyone left who was willing to fight…he is the fastest way to travel…and I had a lot of ground to cover…” Kuei smiled as he patted Appa’s broad side. “In the meantime, Arnook and his troops planned to launch a rescue attempt to free the warriors who’d been captured.” “We were quite surprised when we received word that they’d already been freed.” Arnook continued. “By a mix-matched group of warriors…led by the Fire Lord’s son.”
“I wasn’t quite as surprised…I’d met him after all.” Kuei added with a smile. “Though I found him rather conflicted, he seemed to be quite a decent young man.”
“We had never considered allying ourselves with anyone from the Fire Nation.” Arnook added. “But his knowledge of Fire Nation military and his connections within their ranks certainly helped to turn the tide.”
“Though I must say…” Kuei continued. “I’m quite surprised he’s waited this long to hold the coronation. Is this the usual practice in your lands?” He looked at Iroh.
“No.” Iroh shook his head. “The succeeding Fire Lord is normally crowned almost at the death of the one who preceded him, but Zuko felt the peoples’ health and well-being was more important.”
“I like him already.” Arnook smiled.
“Your Highness…?”
Several heads turned at the enquiry, except for the one who was actually addressed.
“It’s for you.” Toph said as she leaned towards Iroh.
“I’m still not accustomed to being addressed in that manner again. I’ve been ‘General’ and ‘Uncle’ for too long…” Iroh whispered back before turning to see Shen and Namida.
“You need to prepare yourself for the ceremony.” Namida said with a reverent bow. “Shen and I will see to the needs of the Avatar and his companions.”
“If you will excuse me?” Iroh bowed to the group before heading into the palace to find his nephew.
~~~~~~
It didn’t take him long.
Zuko was standing at a large window from which he could see the temple grounds where the ceremony was about to take place, Itoko sitting on his haunches beside him, both watching the people streaming into the vast courtyard before it, at the colourful banners that fluttered in the breeze all around the area, and the bright comet that hung in the sky above it all.
The height of the window and the folds of the coronation robes that flared out behind him made him look so small. His hair had been brushed until it shone like ebony silk and styled in the traditional way, or as close as it could be, it only reached to his collar. The lower half of the crown already sat upon his head, awaiting the golden flame to complete it. Though he stood straight and tall, his shoulders rose and fell a little more rapidly than normally, the only outward manifestation of his nervousness. Iroh smiled. Zuko had never been good at public occasions, and this one was focused entirely on him. He silently thanked Agni that Fire Nation weddings were private affairs. Though no date had been set, it was another ceremony that could not be delayed much longer.
He had crossed the room and was about to say something when Zuko beat him to it.
“It should be you.” He said quietly, his eyes not leaving the sight before him. “It should always have been you…”
Iroh let out a low breath. He’d been expecting this. He knew Zuko was reluctant to take the crown. He’d known he hadn’t felt he was worthy even before the Avatar had told him about his nephew’s doubts. So he was prepared for it.
“It was you who united the nations.” Iroh said. “It was you who organised the armies. It was you who stood with the Avatar at the end.”
“I didn’t do it alone…”
“But it was you…and you alone…who relit the Eternal Flames in the throne room by your mere presence.” He smiled at Itoko who had been watching the exchange with great interest. “And then there is your friend here…”
“Itoko?” Zuko frowned.
“You don’t know what he is, do you?” Iroh asked. By the look on his nephew’s face he could tell he didn’t. “He is a kylin…a creature that is as much spirit as flesh. They only appear to noble rulers, to benevolent kings. And he came to you…not me.”
Itoko rose gracefully to his feet and nudged Zuko affectionate. Zuko smiled and ruffled his mane.
“Now come…the world awaits you.”
~~~~~~
The coronation itself was kind of a blur to Zuko, though he could recall that it was not much like the one he’d attended in his youth. Ozai had long since been laid to rest, in a private ceremony with only the family attending. The Council thought it inappropriate to praise his accomplishments given the vast number of non-Fire Nation people in attendance, so a small break in tradition had been allowed. The high priest spoke instead of the past, of the harmony the world had once known, and the promise of those days returning.
Iroh had to nudge him when it was time for him to move to the centre of the dais to stand in front of the flames that would have been his father’s funeral pyre but were, in this case, merely symbolic. He thanked Agni that his legs hadn’t given out on him. He took a deep breath to steady himself as he kneeled, keeping his eyes lowered so he didn’t see just how many people were before him.
“By the right of succession…” He heard the high priest say, knowing he was holding the golden flame aloft. “…the crown now passes to the first born son…”
Zuko closed his eyes as he felt the golden flame slide into place with a slight click.
“Hail Fire Lord Zuko.” The priest intoned.
Zuko knew it was his cue to rise, and as he did the Fire Nation natives lowered themselves to the ground in a low, respectful bow, but amongst the other nations present cheers erupted. The young Fire Lord had fought with them, and they knew his people didn’t question the word of the Lord.
With his crowning, the war was truly over.
The prostrate Fire Nation citizens looked up at the exuberant bodies clad in blue, green and orange that surrounded them. With a little uncertainty they rose to their feet and joined in with their enthusiasm.
~~~~~~
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Oct 14, 2007 5:53:29 GMT -5
“This is highly unorthodox.” Namida sniffed at the crowd’s reaction.
“He’s an unorthodox Fire Lord.” Shen smiled as the young man moved to join the rest of the royal family. “And just what we need if I might say so.”
“This place could use a little lightening up.” Seung agreed. “Just go with the crowd, Namida, and have a little fun.”
~~~~~~
Ursa was the first to meet him. She bowed respectfully to her Lord, then gently stroked the cheek of her son. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, Mother.” He said. “The worst of it is over.”
“I thought you were going to pass out.” Azula snorted.
He glared at his sister. She’d been fairly quiet since their father had fallen. She was no longer in favour, her power-base had been broken, but Zuko knew she could still be a danger to him. The Council had debated about what to do with her, but Zuko felt she would remain loyal to the crown and she was yet to do anything to suggest otherwise, though he had been discussing certain measures with the Council members he trusted most to limit her power and lessen her threat.
Finally she bowed to him, though Zuko could see it was reluctant, showing her respect to her new leader. He knew she wouldn’t make a public play for the throne, but he knew he’d still have to watch her.
Then he turned to his uncle, who bowed immediately, only to be pulled into a powerful embrace.
“I am very proud of you.” Iroh said. “You have come so far…”
“I would never have gotten here without you.” Zuko whispered to the old man.
An animalistic snort caught their attention and Itoko nudged them both. Azula backed away as the creature pushed bodily into their midst, she still wasn’t sure what to make of him, or the looks he gave her. It was almost as if he could read her mind, and was warning her not to do harm to her brother or she would suffer dire consequences.
Zuko smiled and stroked his noble head.
“And I would have been lost without you.”
“Now, my Lord.” Iroh said with a smile. “I think you have some guests who wish to show their respect.” He glanced over to where the Avatar and his companions were standing at the far end of the dais.
“Right…” Zuko said softly. He let out a deep breath, adjusted the trailing tail of his robes and set off back across the dais. Iroh accompanied him while Ursa led her daughter in the opposite direction.
The group’s conversation ceased as they saw him approaching. They had all known him at his lowest, his most conflicted, and for some, at his darkest. Though they all knew he’d been born royalty, none had seen him look more regal. Iroh chuckled as the little earthbender, unaffected by his nephew’s physical transformation, reached up and punched the newly crowned Fire Lord playfully in the arm.
“Way to go, Sparky!” Toph grinned. “Or do I have to call you Fire Lord Sparky now?”
“You look good in a dress.” Sokka said as he regarded him with a wry smile before offering his hand. Zuko took it in a traditional warriors grasp, a mutual sign of respect.
“You know it’s the women around here that wear fur.” He countered with a wry smile of his own.
“Yeah?” Sokka bristled. “Well…your hair looks funny!”
“Oh, good one, Sokka.” Toph sarcasmed.
“Yeah…that was pretty lame.” Aang agreed.
“At least you can see with it tied back like that.” Katara smiled as she stood on her tiptoes to give him a peck on his scarred cheek, her actions drawing a frown from both her brother and the young Avatar, and a darkening to the Fire Lord’s unscarred cheek. “You really have changed.” She said.
“I told you I had.” He smiled back. Then he turned to Aang.
“It’s been a strange and twisted path…” He said.
“More for you than me.” Aang said.
“True.” Zuko nodded. “I have to admit…I never expected to be standing here with you…”
“Me neither.” Aang smiled. “But I’m kinda glad we are.”
“Avatar…” Zuko bowed respectfully.
“Fire Lord…” Aang bowed in return.
“Now if you’ll excuse me.” Zuko said to the group. “Shen and Namida will see you to the banquet.”
“You’re not coming to your own party?” Katara arced a brow.
“I’ll be there.” Zuko assured her. “I just have a few things to take care of first.”
“The Fire Lord cannot very well attend such a soiree in his coronation robes.” Iroh grinned. “These things are antique.” He tugged on Zuko’s sleeve.
“And they’re awfully white.” Sokka nodded. “You don’t want to spill anything on them.”
“They also move like lead, and weigh as much.” Zuko grumbled. “I’m sweltering in these things.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah…” Toph waved him off. “Go slip into something more comfortable, just don’t expect us to wait for you.”
~~~~~~
“Aw…man…” Sokka whined as he leaned against an ornamental column. “I forgot how boring these things can be. Can we eat soon?”
“We can’t eat until Zuko gets here.” Katara pointed out. “It’s all in his honour.”
“What is taking his Lordship so long?” Sokka grumbled, folding his arms across his chest. “He was only changing clothes. It takes me five minutes to change clothes.”
“We’ve noticed.” Suki said playfully as she neatened his collar, though she didn’t notice Toph curl her lip or grind her teeth.
“Fire Nation robes can be fairly complex.” Aang said. “They consist of multiple layers that kind of show the status of the individual. The more layers you have the more important you are. And no one’s more important than the Fire Lord.”
“So let me get this straight.” Sokka rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “They live in the hottest country in the world and wear more clothes than anyone else?” He glanced over to where Azula, under the watchful eye of her mother, was trying to blend into the decorations on the wall. He could see at least five layers on both of the royal ladies and could only guess how many lay hidden beneath the heavy-looking outer robes.
“No wonder they’re so cranky all the time.” He muttered.
~~~~~~
“There’s no way I’m going to be able to quietly slip in, is there?” Zuko sighed.
Iroh studied his nephew for a moment. Inconspicuous he was not. The combination of his scar, his ornate formal robes and the golden flame on top of his head made it impossible for him not to be noticed. And even if he somehow managed to pass unseen, his animal companion would be sure to draw attention.
“Not a chance.” Iroh chuckled.
Zuko stepped into the banquet hall silently, so silently Iroh had to wonder if he was wearing any form of footwear under his robes. He couldn’t recall the boy wearing anything on his feet outside of the leather guards Bumi had given him since their parting of the ways back in Ba Sing Se. He frowned slightly, it was hardly proper for the Fire Lord to walk around barefoot at a formal function. His frown faded as he noticed that the young Fire Lord was greeting people in the right and proper way. Despite all his misgivings, Zuko had been raised to live this life, three years spent away from it had not changed everything about him.
He continued down the line of well-wishers, mostly Fire Nation nobility toadying for position…or to keep it. Zuko had ultimate power now which made him a figure to be feared by many who had formerly ridiculed him. He could conceivably take away everything they owned, everything they were, with a simple word, so they were quick to offer their allegiance. For the most part Zuko, though pleasant, ignored them. It wasn’t until he spotted Kuei and Arnook that he showed any sign of anything but regal indifference.
He bowed respectfully to them both, each returning the gesture in kind.
“What a magnificent creature.” Kuei gushed as he gazed at Itoko, who tossed his head proudly at the compliment, as the Earth King reached out to stroke his glossy scales. It was no secret that Kuei had a fondness for animals…the more exotic, the better. But his awe quickly faded.
“I see your sister is still alive.” He said flatly.
Zuko felt Iroh stiffen slightly as he followed the older man’s gaze. Azula was casting a sidewards glare at Ty Lee who was moving her upper body in time with the soft but lively music that was filling the room. Mai was sitting on the perky girl’s other side, looking bored as usual, though she did sit up a bit straighter when she noticed that he was looking her way.
“I know the pain that she…” He paused, lowering his head as he turned back to address the king. “…that BOTH of us…have caused you.” He raised his head, golden eyes meeting hazel. “But she is my sister…and, for the time being, the only viable heir to the throne.”
“And you don’t see a danger in that?” Arnook asked. He was well aware of Azula’s nature having heard the tales from those who had witnessed her treachery firsthand. She has attempted to kill the Avatar after all.
“By our laws she cannot take the throne for another two years.” Zuko said. “By which time there will be other measures in place.”
“By that time there will no doubt be another heir.” Iroh grinned as a slapped Zuko on the back.
Zuko could feel the colour rise in his cheeks. He knew his uncle desperately wanted to see a grand niece or nephew, a cute little bundle to dote on and spoil. And he wasn’t the only one pressuring him. His mother, along with most of the Council, Jirho in particular, had been pushing for him to set a wedding date. But it was a ceremony he was even more reluctant to participate in than the one he’d just been through.
“There is that.” He admitted. “But there are other options I’ve been researching.” He could almost feel his uncle’s startled gaze on him. “But tonight is not for political discussion…we will have enough of that in the coming days. Tonight is for celebration.”
~~~~~~
A gong sounded and the Fire Nation citizens, knowing the cue, moved towards the long banquet table.
“Finally!” Sokka threw his arms up in the air. “We eat!” He glanced up and down the massive table. “Um…do we have assigned seats?” He asked as various well-dressed people began to sit at various places along the table’s length.
“You will be closer to the head of the table.” Shen’s soft voice came from behind them. “Guests of honour and all that.” He smiled.
“Sweet.” Toph beamed. “Rubbing elbows with the Fire Lord.” She said loudly enough for some of the prim nobles to glance her way.
“Though I must warn you…” Shen smirked at her enthusiasm. “As a member of the royal family, Princess Azula will also be up there.”
“Maybe we could eat in the kitchen.” Sokka suggested.
“And insult the Fire Lord?” Shen arced a brow. “Don’t worry…she won’t try anything…she owes her brother her life…that has humbled her somewhat.”
All attempts had been made to make the seating as diplomatic as possible. Azula, it turned out, had been placed between her uncle and her mother on her brother’s right-hand side, where she stared at the table setting in front of her. Zuko was, naturally enough, at the very head of the table, Itoko curled up on the floor behind him. The Avatar and his companions sat on his left, with Toph directly opposite his sister, the blind girl being most likely to be the least offended to be facing her. Hakoda sat with his children and Pakku. Arnook, Bumi and Kuei had been seated on the right so the Earth King couldn’t see the girl who had taken his city. Haneul, Guanyin and Rafu sat across from the visiting royals, the closest counterparts from their own kind. The Council and their families took the next several seats on both sides, then the nobility and high ranking military that had been invited filled those that remained. Ty Lee and her parents were seated almost at the far end of the table, Mai with them because her parents had not yet returned for Omashu.
The conversation was light, with Zuko listening more than contributing and Azula not saying a word. Iroh regaled them with anecdotes of his travels with both his nephew and the Avatar, he always did tell the best stories. Zuko’s eyes would wander from time to time along the length of the table. The people were enjoying the food, the wine and the company. He knew that outside the palace similar feasts were being enjoyed. He would catch sight of fireworks blooming in the night sky from time to time. His people, his allies, they were celebrating too.
He glanced back down the table again, Iroh taking a break in his storytelling to sample some roast duck. Anyone who caught his eyes would smile at him, especially the nobles’ daughters. He was a little startled by the looks they gave him…he’d thought Mai and Jun had been predatory…but he was a far more desirable prize now. There was one girl, halfway along the table on his left, who would blush, duck her head and look away anytime his eyes fell on her. He thought her reaction odd until he noticed she was sitting with Jirho. His eyes widened at the realisation and he suddenly found the plate before him extremely fascinating.
~~~~~~
After the meal the music resumed and several traditional Fire Nation performers had been engaged to entertain the Fire Lord’s guests. Ty Lee had discovered that the acrobatic troop was from her old circus and had to be forcible restrained by her parents from joining in with their performance.
“She’ll never change.” Mai shook her head with a slight smile, then noticed Azula’s scowl. “What’s with you?”
“I can’t believe it’s come to this.” She muttered, glaring at her brother. “He’s weak…he couldn’t even finish me.”
“You’d rather he’d killed you?” Mai arced a brow.
“It would have proved his worth.” She snorted.
Mai looked around the room, at the people of different nations interacting easily. The borders were open now, people could travel anywhere, see anything. Zuko had helped bring peace and now the world was full of endless possibilities. That, Mai thought, certainly proved something.
“Seems Ty Lee’s not the only one who’ll never change.” She said flatly.
~~~~~~
It had taken him most of the evening to find a small amount of peace. The balcony was dark, quite and allowed him a wonderful view of the capital and beyond. He could see the fires of the revellers below as he absently stroked Itoko’s mane. People were dancing, both in the palace behind him and the streets before him, something that had been frowned upon since Sozin’s time. He watched as more fireworks lit up the sky, smiled at the awed response of the people who saw them.
“Sparky...” A voice complained from behind him. “…you’ve got way too many wooden floors in this place.”
He glanced back over his shoulder at Toph who had one hand on the doorjamb while she shifted uncertain feet on the lacquered mahogany, her other hand reaching out in front of her for something to grab hold of.
“I don’t think the architects had blind earthbenders in mind when they designed the place, Toph.” He said, offering his arm to her. He drew her over to the balustrade to stand beside him.
“What are you doing out here?” She asked.
“I needed some air.” He admitted, his eyes tracking more fireworks as they shot skywards. “Besides…I always loved fireworks.” He smiled as they erupted against the inky blackness of the sky. He looked down at the diminutive earthbender, his smile fading. “I wish you could see them.” He said sadly.
“What are they like?” She asked.
“Like flowers of fire and light.” Zuko said. “The bloom in seconds…then fall like shooting stars.” He sighed. “I guess that doesn’t really help a lot.”
“I can understand the flower bit.” She said. “I can hold a flower…but the shooting stars…” She shook her head.
Zuko thought for a moment.
“Have you ever felt snow…or falling leaves…?”
“Yeah.” She nodded.
“Sort of like that…but made of tiny sparks of fire.”
“Gotcha.” She nodded again.
The stood in silence for a while, watching and listening to the night around them.
“So…” He said after a while. “Did you come out here for a reason?”
“I just needed to get some air too.” She said softly, lowering her head.
“Really?” He asked sceptically.
“Alright…” She snorted. “I couldn’t stand the mushiness any more.”
“Mushiness?”
“Aang and Katara…Sokka and Suki…all in there making goo-goo eyes at each other.” He was going to ask how she could tell but thought better of it. “Love and romance.” She made a gagging face. “It’s all so disgusting.”
“I wouldn’t know.” Zuko sighed. “It’s all been decided for me.”
“Do you have pre-arranged-marriage cold feet?” She teased. “Don’t worry. I met her. She’s nice…kinda bland…but nice.”
“Maybe I want more than that.” He said softly. “Maybe I want more than a proper little noble who’s been raised to become a proper little princess. Maybe I want someone who wants to be with me because of WHO I am and not WHAT I am. Maybe I just want someone who WANTS to be with me…not someone who’s expected to be…”
“You’ve got someone in mind.” Toph grinned.
“No…” Zuko shook his head. “Not as such…I just think that if two people are going to be together for the rest of their lives there should only be two people involved in making that decision.”
“You know…you ARE the Fire Lord.” She reminded him. “You could just tell them to go to whichever level of hell you think is appropriate.”
“It’s not that simple.” Zuko said. “I may be the Fire Lord, but with that comes certain responsibilities. Certain…duties…”
“Look…I know I don’t know you all that well.” She admitted. “But from what you’re uncle has told me you’ve been doing your duty, doing everything that was expected of you all your life and all it’s ever brought you is pain and misery. He said the only time he’s seen you content lately was when you were doing what wasn’t expected of you.”
“I don’t want to hurt anybody…” Zuko frowned. “My mother made this match herself…she’ll be heartbroken. And then there’s the girl and her family…the Council…the people…”
“Then do it tactfully.”
“Tactfully?” Zuko chuckled. “You really don’t know me, do you?”
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Zenjamin
Ba Sing Se Zuko
Toko supporter
Posts: 2,617
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Post by Zenjamin on Oct 14, 2007 13:42:23 GMT -5
humm. you could extend this well beyond one more chapter if you wanted to. once azula hears that there will not be an heir any time soon she will start to cause trouble.
anyways. good work, as always.
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Oct 15, 2007 2:29:19 GMT -5
Well...there's two more chapters...going for the 20 now... By my Fire Nation law, Azula can't take the throne unless she's married, and she can't get married until she's 16, so Zuko's got 2 years before she can even think about taking over. But wait until Azula finds out about the 'other measures' Zuko's about to put into place I'm working on pics to go with this one...but I've only finished one I will be a very unhappy Nandi if there isn't some variation on this theme in the actual season three...
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Post by ReelTrebleMaker on Oct 16, 2007 17:48:12 GMT -5
Whee! I love that picture! How unfair to everyone else-- you can write AND draw Avatar! Insane, man... This fic just never fails to make me happy. Once it's finished, I'm going to reread it from the beginning and love it even more !!!
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Oct 17, 2007 3:06:59 GMT -5
You can always try my other fic Duty (<- shameless plug)...it's AU and has an actual ship in it...a fairly crack ship, but a sweet ship. I've got it planned to about half-way through season two...I'll be returning to it as soon as I finish this. It's amazing how big a change one little twist of fate (not facing your dad in an Agni Kai at 14) can make... And here's the Fire Lord and the waterbender one...
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sunnyflowers
Momo
What I imagine, I can make happen
Posts: 28
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Post by sunnyflowers on Oct 24, 2007 21:42:00 GMT -5
great story! I have also read Duty, and I am looking forward to the ending of this one, and you continuing the other.
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Zenjamin
Ba Sing Se Zuko
Toko supporter
Posts: 2,617
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Post by Zenjamin on Oct 31, 2007 5:37:52 GMT -5
naaaaannnndiiiii!
its been a week with no up-date
wana, yadna, dnanya, blanya bla!
[/zuko voice from the abridged series]
(i dont think i spelled the whiny gibberish right)
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Oct 31, 2007 5:46:50 GMT -5
I'll get there...
Of course...I now have ideas for two more based on the real season three...
Or I might be able to work them into one big fic...they spring from the same source...
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Zenjamin
Ba Sing Se Zuko
Toko supporter
Posts: 2,617
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Post by Zenjamin on Nov 7, 2007 0:45:27 GMT -5
Its been 23 days since i last enjoyed The Road Less Traveled.
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Nov 7, 2007 1:33:37 GMT -5
Its been 23 days since i last enjoyed The Road Less Traveled. Oh...ha...ha... Sorry...it's been too hot to do much more than lie on the couch and go 'gah' of late...now it's suddenly freakishly cold...
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historyman12
Fugitive Iroh
IS IT JULY 14TH YET?
Posts: 4,822
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Post by historyman12 on Nov 15, 2007 16:32:44 GMT -5
are you EVER goign to update nandi?
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Nov 17, 2007 2:11:23 GMT -5
Sure...things have just been a little nuts lately...which is not conducive to a creative environment...
I have written a page though...
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