Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Agni was Raava’s youngest child. A bit of a reckless boy if you’d like to know. He was though deeply loved by his mother. Differently from his siblings - he liked his human form and often walked on earth along the benders and non-benders. Agni would appear every now and then in the body of a youngish, athletic male with dark like night hair and golden irises, that would look like flames. He would look like any boy from a well off/influential family. He was hard to spot, easy to blend into the crowd.
Almost every self respecting village and town on the Fire Nation’s archipelago would claim to had him intervene into their history at least once. Truth to be said: he hardly ever bothered himself with the mortals and their problems. He was mostly looking for an adventure and love… Agni loved once, a beautiful woman named Zara.

She was a Calderian, she lived by the coast. Her father was a head of one of the Fire Nation’s great clans. Agni spotted her by one of the huntings. Her face was lighten by flames of the fire that was put in the middle of her family’s residence.
Zara had beautiful eyes, Agni fell in love in by instance. Golden irises. To this day it is a great honor to have them, blessed by Agni himself may be their owners.

That’s why Agni chooses such eyes for himself, every time he visits the mortal world.

_

The rainy season in Caldera has just started and once it starts the rains fall constantly until the annual Sun festival. Around 3 moons of humidity and drizzle, with breaks for down pours and storms.
By the weather even an untrained eye could tell - the summer’s being over. The crops’ picking season was now the past. The villages on Fire Islands would go quiet for a while. Oppositely to the towns and bigger agglomerations.

Streets in the capital were full of life! The merchants’ selling every imaginable good. As the ships were turning home before the yearly typhoon season. Life on the Hari Bulkan being busy as well, that was the time of Big Politics and everyone knew it. Ministers were called to the Royal Palace almost everyday. The court life was almost dead, the Fire Lord at this time was hardly recognised as a monarch but the nation’s leader and an executive power.

Mayumi strolled the streets with her grandfather. Actually it could hardly be called strolling as they basically ran from one market stall to another, trying to find the yellowest chrysanthemums the Fire Nation could offer.
To Mayumi, it was not an ideal evening. But one does not simply deny on their 90-year-old grandfather’s wish. The rainy days were also one of the few in which her grandpa could go out in public without getting easily recognised. The scar covering half of his face, not helping them at all.

Today but, they could wear cloak with hoods without differentiating so much from other market clients.
“Remind me sir, why weren’t the last ones good enough?” Yan scowled. Gia instantly gave him a look. ”Sorry.” He raised his hands up. “It’s just, that it’s getting late and I’m cold.”
“You should’ve put on the warmer shoes then.” Mayumi commented.
“Good one, Princess.” said Gia and Maya smiled at her.
Zuko ignored the little conversation behind him as he and Sorin found what they had been looking for. “Perfect” Zuko thought to himself. Two moments later the group of five was returning back into the palace with two perfectly yellow bouquets.

“I’m sure grandmai would love them, gramps. Not a sight of orange in them.”
“Thank you dear. I’m glad you understand the importance of it.”
Although Yan was walking behind them, he could hear their conversation well. He sighed. He was new at the palace and wasn’t exactly the most diplomatic type of person. He only got this position as his family was loyal to the crown and him being extremely talented in the art of archery.
“The Fire Lady hated the colour orange, may the flame burn over her soul forever.” Sorin whispered. “The more you know.”
“That’s sweet you know. But I’d rather take whatever flower and spend the evening somewhere dry.”
Suddenly all eyes were on him. Not only Gia’s and Sorin’s. Princess Maya and Lord Zuko were staring at him as well. “Should’ve kept my mouth shut” Yan thought. The only words he heard from Lord Zuko weren’t directed at him, surprisingly he turned to Gia.
“Go easy on him. He just hasn’t been in love yet.” Everyone low-key laughed and the continue walking into the palace’s direction.

When they arrived, the butler took Lord Zuko’s and Maya’s coats and told them that the dinner was going to be served in half an hour if they wished to eat with the Fire Lord. Gia went with Zuko to his quarters and Maya decided to wait in Sorin’s office.

Sorin wasn’t exactly a guard. No. More of an adjutant, at least that was how Iroh would describe his role. He kept track of May’s schedule. She was after all one of the most important Fire Nation’s politicians and a possible heir to the throne. Mayumi also worked part-time at the Harbour City’s University, which she was very proud of. That all managed Sorin; without him Maya would have been dead already.
Sorin used to be her guard when she was younger, since she had started working and helping the Fire Lord, his work duties shifted. Now, in charge of protecting the Princess was Yan. He was from Shuhon, a little younger than Mayumi. They haven’t known each other for long but connected easily. Yan was after all a part of a known family. He knew the burden of a title and expectations that came with it. Even if at the lower bar.

Mayumi sat herself on the couch by the window and opened it. She lit a cigarette and inhaled.
“I really will tell the Fire Lord if you won’t stop doing that.” Sorin said, his arms crossed.
“Cool. Yeah.” She ignored him.
“Maya-“
“What do you want from me? Go, please, go. No one’s stopping you. But for Agni’s sake do it in a few days. Let my mother have her annual grieving moment tomorrow alright?” She sounded slightly annoyed.
“Of course your highness.”
“Appreciate.” She took another breath and then remembered that Yan was also in the room. “You’re free to go for today, Yan.”
“Oh, yeah. Sure. I will.” He said, a bit lost.
“Be here tomorrow at two hours after sun rise” Sorin called at the leaving guard. Yan saluted fast and left the room.

Sorin sat by the desk and took a sip from his cup. He had a habit of leaving warm drinks to cool off to drink them later.
“So- how are things with my brother.” Mayumi broke the silence. Sorin having almost spilled the coffee all over the documents.
“How?”
“Your expressions at my passive aggressive comments about my brother have changed.” Mayumi could see Sorin’s brain working and analysing every situation when one of them would mention Iroh. Was it really that visible?
“Oh Agni, Iroh told me!” she said with irritation. “Besides I suspected that for quite a while. Tho for long I thought it was mostly his crush-“
“Could we please not talk about that now?” he interrupted her.
“Sure thing.” She closed the window and sat at the other side of his desk.
“And how are you?”
“Tired.” She sighed. “Worried… Should I keep counting?”
“No need.” They stared into opposite directions, trying hard for their eyes not to meet.

“You know he wasn’t right for you anyway, right?” Sorin tried to comfort her employer. And a friend after all.
“Cut the garbage Sorin. I don’t wanna hear your racist bullshit.”
“You know, that’s not-“
“Oh yeah, then what? You’re not the grumpy, cranky Fire Sage to tell me that! I know what I was getting myself into and I accepted it!” She shouted. “I just don’t know how could I be so stupid to oversee that he was using me like everyone else had had before!?”
He handed her a handkerchief which she understatedly declined, her eyes remaining dry.
“I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” he apologised.
“It’s alright. I’m just mad I wasted so much time on him.” Suddenly she stood up. “I should get ready for dinner. See you tomorrow.”
“At sun rise as always, Princess.”
She smiled and closed the door to his cabinet.

Chapter Text

Zara… How long ago was that again? Over 6 thousands years? Maybe… Agni got so confused about his mortal love. It was long ago but the memory of her still felt like a yesterday’s dream. He never came on earth again for a life. He mingled with human every time in a while, when he got bored or got any clue of where Zara’s spirit could be. But he never stayed longer than a day. In fact he hadn’t spend a night on earth since then. That way it was easier, that way he didn’t have to tell his sisters that.

But now he’s gotten another clue. He was fighting the urge within himself to just run straight to the underworld and demand freeing Zara’s soul from dark spirits. No, that could not have worked. Besides getting to the underworld wasn’t easy in the first place. He would have to ask Erda for help. Oh in Raava! How much he hated relying on his sisters!

He was planning on visiting her by the next sun. That meant he had some time to prepare before setting off to her court.
Agni stood on the terrace that was showing his land - a small island in the upperworld, somewhere near to the spirit and mortal world. Close enough to both of them to pass by sometimes but far enough for him to actually not care what was happening there. “Oh Zara, how I wished your soul wasn’t trapped in human body. How I wish you were spiritually different…”
“Interrupting?” Sounded the voice from behind.
Agni turned around and saw his favourite court member. Even though he was low-key wishing, he hadn’t been interrupted.
“No. What? Wan, never.” He tried playing it cool. After all Wan was his longest friend. They had known each other for 10 000 years. After that time you cannot hide anything, even if you’re one of the most powerful spirits.
“You shouldn’t come to earth so often. You act human-like.” Wan pointed.
“I know… I was thinking about Zara…” he admitted.
“I recognise your form now! That’s when you guys met!”
Indeed Agni was presenting in his old human form now. From his younger days, of course;). He usually kept his natural appearance, when he was half-translucent and oddly warm. Not now though.
“I know where she might be.”
Wan sighted and Agni turned to him feeling offended.
“I don’t think you should get any hopes… you know how your last clues got you to nothing…” Wan said with worry.
“No no! It’s different this time! There’s a big havoc by the dark spirits since Vaatu-, my father, got locked up again.” Wan just kept looking at his friend like he was crazy. “You don’t understand, they’re in less favourable position to bargain. I can actually find out where she is!”
Agni’s eyes were now burning with pure fire and passion. That made Wan worrying. After all after a big fire come a lot of ashes once it’s out.

Agni didn’t even notice Wan leaving. He was in some sort of trance ‘till sundown. Meanwhile Wan started preparing everyone on their little Island for Agni’s soon absence. “That is not gonna end well” Wan thought.

Chapter Text

The last Fire Lady - Mai, passed away almost twenty years ago. That was a big loss to the royal family and the Fire Nation. She was beloved by many. A great mother and even greater wife, it was easy to assume that her husband would abdicate after her passing, he hasn't been the same ever since. They were a great team and when she died, he had no one else to share his troubles with.
The last decade of his reign is usually seen as a separate era. The decisions took the Fire Lord longer to be made, he would spend much less time in the public life, showing up only to political and social events where his presence was mandatory. He was often tired and sickish, shifting more and more of his responsibilities onto the Crown Princess and his sister Princess Azula. It was only a matter of time for Fire Lord Zuko to officially give up his title.

The Fire Lord Zuko's reign officially ends in 167 AG when he abdicates in favour of his only child - Crown Princess Izumi. His decision is met with a relief from the gouverneurs and politicians, while the public grieves Zuko the Peacekeeper. His daughter although gains popularity fast. Her reign is much better planned; she makes a lot of great economic decisions, but she also puts people first like her father did. The first five years of her reign are viewed as success, Lord Zuko relaxes and retires happily. He hardly ever mingled with politics anymore. "I'm too tired." he says. Public accepts that. He's slowly dying; like he had every day since his wife passed. Now just everyone else sees that.

_
Izumi was woken up by her husband, just a few moments before the sunrise. Even after all those years with him it still impressed her how sensitive about it he was. He could feel the sun before it even reached a horizon. She knew the firebenders could feel it, but it seemed like Hisashi was one of the few who could actually tell when the sun was even during the stormy season. Izumi being a non-bender could not feel it at all. She was thankful for having Hisashi. She much preferred to be woken up by her husband than any of the servants. Even being surrounded by maids since childhood didn't make Izumi immune to the want of looking presentable even for the first person who would see her in the morning. Hisashi naturally being an exception to this rule.

Izumi heard the knock on their doors and quickly put on the bathrobe. She didn't expect anyone so early today. It was her mother's death anniversary. She didn't have anything scheduled apart from visiting the Hari Bulkan's cementery.
"Come in, please!" she called, closing the door to their bathroom. Hisashi never closed doors when they were alone. Izumi hated it and they argued about it every few weeks. To be honest, Izumi pretty much gave up at this point.
The door opened, behind them instead of Fiona or Lora - Fire Lord's chamber attendants, was Gwen, her secretary.
"Excuse me for interrupting but there was an important article published in Caldera Daily. I thought I should show you that right away." Gwen said and handed the Fire Lord the newspaper.
Izumi put on her glasses and started reading.

"Peace at what cost?" was the article's title. Izumi sat on the sofa and sprinted through lines. Her eyes catching only the most important words but after she already saw the article she decided to read it carefully anyway.

"After the battle of Republic City, we may have thought that Kuvira's Earth Regime has fallen down
Apparently not every republic's- and kingdom's gouvernour thinks the same.

The Fire Lord's decision not to intervene may had done some good to the international relationships
with both Republic City as well as United Republic. But she may have oversea some details or tried to
avoid the complications by simply denying some facts.
Kuvira and her imperial army created concentration camps all over the Earth territories where they closed
up not only political prisoners but also fire- and waterbenders. Some of whom held and still hold the Fire Nation
citizenship.
As the Fire Nation army did not directly help at winning the final battle of the conflict it seems that everyone
forgot about the prisoners of war and civilians who landed in those camps as well. At the same time,
Fire Lord Izumi did absolutely nothing to ensure the release of Fire Nation citizens from those prisons.
Some Earth Provinces have already shut their labour camps down while others only released prisoners
of the earth desendance.

List of "political prisoners" and lost individuals over the Earth territory:
Alma Sato, FN, aged 24
Sarai Yuka, UR (firebender), aged 17
Athina Zheng-Lonya, EK (firebender), aged 7
Gyorgy Flamo, EK (firebender), aged 67
..."

The list was long and covered a good piece of the daily newspaper. Izumi was speechless. She knew. Obviously she did. She had spies all over the world like everyone. She just hope to solve it some other way. Without the public knowing. That would be easier. She sat their, her face in her hands, trying to gather her thoughts.

Hisashi approached her from behind and took a look at the title. He already knew what the article was going to be about. What worried him more was the fact that at the end of it that it was copied from one of the Fire-district newspapers in Republic City. That meant everyone had already known. Could also possibly mean, that wasn't all. He needed to reach his son as soon as possible, make sure he's alright.

"Fetch minister Dang and general Ty. As fast as possible. Call Fiona or whoever to help me put my attire on. If we won't do anything fast, we may end up... Just go already!" Izumi shouted those last words. This was not how she wanted it. This was a complete mess.
Gwen bowed and was just about to leave the room when Hisashi stop her.
"Please arrange a call with Ambassador Hibana in Republic City for me in twenty minutes. And bring the Fire Lord something small to eat."
"Of course sir." Gwen nodded and left.

"What are you doing?" asked Izumi once they stayed alone.
"Helping."