Chapter Text
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
Sunset light penetrated a dimly lit room where two men were sitting across each other at a wooden table. Scalding porcelain teacups were placed in front of them, while a heavy silence fell upon the room. One of them was older, his long hair already white. A shiny gold headpiece in a flame shape majestically adorned his top knot. A red scar around his left eyes contrasted with his pale skin, and accentuated his amber-colored gaze as he stared at his grandson.
Fire Lord Zuko sipped his tea, and grimaced – tea still tasted like hot leaf juice to him despite all these years. It had been more than fifty years since he became the Fire Lord, and even at almost seventy years old, he could still go on for fifteen years. Lots of reforms had to be taken during the first years of his reign, so things were hectic; but now, the Fire Nation had reached a stable state, which gave him more peace of mind.
However, even if his nation is tranquil at the moment, it wasn’t the case at the Royal Palace. His grandson, Prince Iroh, decided to shake the traditions. Against his mother’s will, the eighteen year-old young man made the choice to leave the Royal Family – temporarily – and join the United Forces, the military protecting the United Republic of Nations. That new nation was founded by Zuko, and his friend, Avatar Aang, to regroup people coming from the Four Nations, so they could live together in harmony.
Iroh glanced at his grandfather, while fidgeting on his chair. He looked stressed, droplets of sweat rolling down his temples. His jet black hair was arranged in a slicked back side part hairstyle, very different from the traditional Fire Nation top knot. He had been wanting to join the United Forces for a long time now, but he didn’t tell his family about his decision until last week. His mother, Princess Izumi, flew into a rage. She was very keen on keeping traditions, so hearing about her own son going to join another nation’s military made her blood boil.
However, nothing could stop the young prince’s dream, not even his own mother. But, he at least wanted his dear grandfather, whom he admired a lot, to give him his blessings before he departed. The silence had lasted for too long, and had become unbearable. Iroh couldn’t stop tapping his leg from nervousness as he impatiently waited for his grandfather to speak.
Everything was already planned. He was to leave tomorrow morning, at dawn, on a ship that would bring him to Republic City, the capital of the United Republic of Nations, two days later. He registered under a fake name, Tao, so nobody would know he was the prince of the Fire Nation. Iroh didn’t care about people finding out he was from royal blood, but what bothered him was that he could be treated differently. He didn’t want people to approach him because he was a prince. He wanted to be a normal soldier, like any other.
The young prince took a sip of his tea – he appreciated drinking tea – and looked up at his grandfather again. The latter took a deep breath, and, after long minutes of heavy silence, he finally talked.
“The military path is not the easy way, Iroh. You will come across difficulties that you’ll need to overcome. Physical strength won’t be sufficient. You’ll need a strong will, and stay true to yourself to succeed. Are you prepared for all of this?”
Zuko was speaking slowly. He knew that Iroh was a strong boy, both physically and mentally. He not only inherited the name, but also the nobility of Zuko’s late Uncle. However, the Fire Lord couldn’t help but worry about his grandson. Zuko himself was chased out of the Fire Nation at only thirteen, and Iroh was already eighteen. But Zuko had his Uncle’s support all throughout his voyage. Iroh will be alone…
“I am, Grandfather. You taught me everything, and I will work hard not to disappoint you,” the young prince replied confidently, with the most serious expression he ever had on his face.
Zuko exhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a few seconds. His grandson was dead set on pursuing his dream. Nothing could make him change his mind. “Please stay safe,” he muttered to himself. He stood up, and took his teacup. “I wish you a good trip, Iroh.”
Iroh’s face lit up. His grandfather acknowledged his decision. That made him so happy, but he didn’t let it show on his face. He respectfully bowed to the Fire Lord before he left, and Iroh stayed alone in the dark room. The pressure had finally subsided, and he collapsed into his chair, letting out a relieved sigh. After a while, Iroh walked to the window, and stared at the starry night. It was his last night in the Fire Nation. Starting tomorrow, he will be Tao, a new recruit of the United Forces.
“I can’t wait to be tomorrow,” he said, looking up at the moon, and left the room in turn.
Little did he know that news of his enlistment had leaked and reached the ears of one of Republic City's most wanted criminals...