Sorry for the delay, but the season finale knocked me off balance. Okay, this is the final chapter of this scroll. Look for "The Chosen: Scroll Two" coming soon, discussing Zuko's first adventure as a young boy of six, which I hope you will read.Special thanks to Sarah Nev, for being the best! Big cheers to 1bzwriter, who I plan to torment as much as possible and Aviaq, the world's greatest artists! Also, thanks to all my reviewers, you mean the universe to me!

In this chapter, we meet Zula and a glimpse of young Hanae and Ozai. Also, everything changes for the characters!

We are One

"I WANT IT NOW!" came a shriek. Iroh sighed and tried to keep himself calm. He had been away from Zuko barely five months and the sweet little toddler he remembered had turned into a brat. How Zuko had wept when he had been forced to leave, how tenderly he had kissed Iroh's hands and begged him to return as soon as possible. Iroh had counted the days till he could hug his nephew again. He had come home to a monster.

His frustration was growing by the moment. He had returned from the battle of Khor Teni triumphant, having sacked the city and imprisoned their queen. Everyone was calling him a hero, even Ozai had grudgingly congratulated him.

Yet, Agni had to ruin the perfect moment and make Zuko go through a phase of temper tantrums. If the child was denied his slightest whim, he began throwing things at people and setting anything within reach on fire. He had began bullying the servants with threats of telling his father that he was unhappy with them. To the already overworked slaves of the palace, that was enough to make anyone shiver in terror. The servants had begun to resort catering to anything the Prince desired. Desperate letters had been sent back to Iroh, begging him to return and instill some discipline in Zuko. No one dared tell the Fire Lord about his son's behavior and Zuko was too awed by his father to speak very much in his presence.

"I thaid now!" Zuko shrieked, throwing a toy at his nursemaid's head. "I'm the prince and you are just a thlave!" The entire incident which had stirred such royal ire had been over Zuko being asked to get ready for bed. The boy's eyes were sagging with exhaustion but he was as stubborn as his father!

Iroh knew it was bad luck to hit a child before his Agni Shahr but Zuko was tempting him just a bit too much. He tried to think of this as a general would. Why was Zuko behaving in this manner? How should he know, what kind of problems did toddlers have?

He knew what the problem was. Ozai was a terrible father, he divided his time into a unique form of parenting consisting of terror and spoiling. There were a few harrowing incidents of terrorizing his son into submission like that dreadful episode in the closet. The majority of the Fire Lord's time was consumed with work, which even Iroh accepted as needed. It was the few blessedly pleasant incidents of spoiling the boy something rotten that annoyed the Dragon of the West. After that party disaster, Ozai had purchased a room filled with toys and a baby komodo rhino for his son. Now Zuko was completely impossible to deal with.

He sighed and continued reading his scroll, trying to figure out how to best approach the situation. "When you are ready to act like a person and stop this infernal racket, please tell me. I really think you should stop," he informed his nephew quietly, unwilling to give Zuko the reaction he wanted.

"I don't care what you think! I want to go ride my rhino now!" Zuko shouted. "I'm the crown prince, what I thay goes!"

Iroh had heard enough. He had a good deal amount of work to deal with and he had no time to deal with Zuko's naughtiness and disrespect. "You are not acting like a prince, you are acting in a horrible manner and I am very displeased with you. I don't know why you are acting so badly but if your highness will permit me, I think I will excuse myself and find somewhere more enjoyable to be," he said, rising from his chair and exiting the room before he did something to Zuko that both of them would regret.

As he walked through the halls to his office, an image of Ozai filled his mind. Not the cruel tyrant but the innocent boy with a shy smile. Iroh missed that boy, he missed the innocence that Fire Princes were forced to lose. Memories past through his mind as he looked out the window to the garden.

"AHHHHHHHHH! Brother, save me!" Twelve year old Ozai burst into the room, looking terrified.

Iroh looked up from his homework. "Is it Father…the tutors?" he asked, beginning to panic himself. He had not gotten a belting in two days, he was going for a record and he did want not it broken!

"No, it's Hanae. I put a frog down her back and she's on the warpath. Hide me!" Ozai begged, a sweat drop forming on his brow.

"Why in Agni's name would you do something like that?" Iroh demanded, wondering why his younger brother was such a numbskull. Hanae hated frogs! Although most members of the court were too afraid to strike back the at princes, Hanae had already won the adoration of the Princes' tutors, who would take her side. They were both doomed!

"All I wanted was to surprise her so I could grab her and kiss her!" Ozai defended himself.

"Why didn't you just ask me for help?" Iroh sighed. Ozai may be a tough warrior but he knew nothing about women.

"That's what I am doing! HELP!" Ozai answered, looking over his shoulder for a rampaging noblewoman.

"You'll get her, I promise. Now just wait and do what I say. Stay out of sight till then and Hanae will be yours," Iroh assured him, guiding him to a dressing room. It was Iroh to the rescue again.

Hanae marched into the room a moment later, a large splotch on her red kimono. She looked livid and was holding her fan threateningly. "Where is Master Ozai, Lord Prince?" she demanded. "I don't care if he is your brother, he is going to pay!"

Iroh smiled. "Well, don't let me stop you. I suppose I'll just have to get used to being an only child," he said. "Oh, Ozai! Someone to see you!" he sing-songed.

Ozai emerged from the dressing room. "Hello…Hanae. N-Nice to s-s-s-see you again," he mumbled, his cheeks red.

"It is not nice to see you again. This was my favorite kimono and you made it dirty! You will learn respect or I will teach it to you, Master Ozai!" Hanae began her tirade, marching over to Ozai and pointing at his chest with two fingers.

"Well, all I wanted was a…k-k-k-kiss," Ozai said, taking a step back and looking past the object of his memorization to his brother. He looked panicked.

"Well, you won't be getting one!" Hanae sniffed, tossing her long brown hair. Unfortunately for her, Iroh had already grabbed her tiny hands and pinned them behind her back. "What are you doing?" she demanded.

"Quick, 'Zai, do it now!" Iroh urged, keeping Hanae pinned. "She isn't going anywhere, she's a captive of the Two Devils!"

Ozai grinned and planted a huge kiss on Hanae's lips. "You…are really p-p-pretty when you are c-c-c-cross," he stuttered, blushing madly.

"I am?" Hanae said delicately. She batted her eye-lashes. "You really think so?" she continued, making her voice grow softer. Ozai seemed very mesmerized, he moved even closer to her.

"Hey, I would not trust the prisoner…she's dangerous. We'd best tie her up. Then we can have some real fun with her…OW!" Iroh said as Hanae stamped her pointy heel directly into Iroh's foot. He let go of the hoyden immediately.

"Well, I must be gorgeous now, since I'm angry enough to kill you both! Here's my kiss!" Hanae snapped, smacking Ozai with her fan. "As for you…" She turned to Iroh who was hopping up and down on one foot and shoved him to the floor. "Let that be a lesson to you!"

"Not to mess with you?" the brothers asked, wincing over their war wounds. For a wealthy countess, Hanae fought dirty!

"That if you wanted a kiss, you should have just asked. Far less painful!" Hanae said with a grin, grabbing Ozai and giving him a kiss. She bent down and did the same to Iroh, making him blush. "I hope you both enjoyed that!" Then with a merry laugh, she ran out of the room, leaving the two brothers aghast in her wake.

"Are you sure you can't moon over someone less…spicy?" Iroh asked as his brother helped him up. "That girl is as headstrong as a rhino and if she heard me compare her to that, she'd kill me!"

"She has a temper but that's just her way of showing emotion. Hanae's complicated…she's special. She deserves to be a queen," Ozai said.

"Hey, I'm not marrying her. My wife is going to do whatever I say, whenever I say it. I'll be the master of my home, with an obedient consort!" Iroh said proudly.

"Hey, you aren't perfect either, big brother. I say, if you love someone enough, you put up with their flaws," Ozai said.

Iroh sighed. What had happened to that Ozai, the Ozai who cared about people? He needed to talk to that Ozai, he needed to hug him and cry into his shoulder, just like he had. They were once one.

He knew what that Ozai would know what to do. He had been so gentle once. Ozai would have been able to reason with Zuko. He supposed now that his brother was lost, it was up to him to try and tame the baby Dragon.

Iroh walked back to the nursery, noticing how quiet it was. Had his nephew finally exhausted himself out? Perhaps this would be easier then he thought it would be. He found the maid kneeling on the floor, looking confused. Zuko's futon was empty and the little rascal was no where to be found. "Where is he?" he asked, wondering if Zuko had sneaked out of the room.

The maid's eyes went to the closet. Iroh winced and opened the door of the elaborate carved furniture. Why would Zuko be in the closet? Ozai was on a trip and no one else was allowed to abuse the Crown Prince, no matter how tempting that thought was. Despite how angry he was at his nephew, his heart melted at the sight. Zuko was curled up in the corner, sniffling. "What are you doing, my nephew?" he asked, kneeling down to Zuko's level.

"Bad…bad," Zuko mumbled, looking away from his uncle. His lower lip trembled and he looked so forlorn.

"What's bad?" Iroh asked, extending his hand. "Why don't you come out and we'll talk about it over a nice plate of noodles?" he queried, trying to make sense of his little boy.

"No, can't leave. I'm bad. I'm very bad. I made you angry. I have to thtay in here," Zuko whispered mechanically. "I have to thtay here until I'm a good boy."

Iroh sighed and decided not to press the issue immediately. He had to approach this methodically. "Why do you think you are a bad boy?" he asked.

"I made you angry," Zuko whispered, clearly ashamed of himself. Tears began running down his cheeks. "I didn't act like a good prince."

"I am not angry anymore, nephew. We all make mistakes," Iroh soothed gently, hating himself for losing his temper.

"I was so bad. Father would be very angry. Don't tell him I cried," Zuko pleaded, curling up even more into a ball.

"I won't. It will be our secret," Iroh promised, understanding that Zuko had no wish to make his self-inflicted punishment more permanent.

"You don't like me anymore," Zuko sighed. "You think I'm bad." His face fell at that statement. Iroh was furious to find himself completely emotionally manipulated. Hanae could not have done a better job of affecting him.
Iroh reached in and took his nephew's hand. "Nephew, you are not a bad boy. You are a silly boy. Now, stop speaking nonsense, you have to be my favorite nephew. I have no other nephew, so I am stuck with you. You have no other uncle, so you are stuck with me," he joked.

Zuko smiled but did not emerge. "What can I do to get you out of the closet?" Iroh queried, wishing he could just embrace him. Zuko was a lot more sensitive then Iroh had realized. From now on, he would have to figure out a different way to deal with his tantrums. Using humor seemed to work well in the past, perhaps it would work again.

Zuko shrugged. "I don't want to be bad. I just get tho angry!" he said softly.

"From now on, when you are bad, I am just going to ignore you and change the subject. It is not because I don't like it. It is to allow you to calm down because I know you can't help yourself. Then when you do calm down, I will be happy to listen to my good nephew. Now, this closet is giving me a headache. Shall we have dessert?" Iroh inquired.

Zuko nodded and hopped into Iroh's arms. "All right," he said, hanging on to him. Iroh carried his nephew out of the closet.

Agni help him protect him. He hoped Hanae and the lost spirit of Ozai was watching over their only child. He would need all the help he could get. Zuko's Agni Shahr was coming up in

Iroh did love his nephew very much. He really did. Agni help him, he did not like his nephew sneaking into his room and jumping on him when Iroh was having a delicious nap. Zuko's plump little body was solid and having it land on him not the most pleasant way to wake up. "I'm three!" Zuko shrieked one fine morning, all thirty five pounds of the young royal bouncing up and down on Iroh's poor stomach.

"Happy birthday. I'll be happy to sing to you in three hours. Now let your uncle get some sleep!" Iroh groaned, debating the morality of locking Zuko in a cage before the hours of dawn. A nice cage, complete with toys, food and the strongest lock money could buy. Surely, that was not so cruel?

"It's already four hourth past midnight! It's the Eighth day of the Golden Month! Enough thleep! Come on, it's my birthday. It's my Agni Shahr! I'm going to thee Father, right?" Zuko asked, as Iroh wearily longed for sweet slumber.

Iroh sighed and nodded. "Yes, Prince Zuko. You are going to see your father today. It is your Agni Shahr birthday after all," he said. "We discussed this a thousand times what will happen. Now go back to sleep!" he commanded.

"I can't thleep. Too excited!" Zuko squealed, almost sealing all hopes of Iroh getting more then five hours of rest.

"All right, go have the maids dress and clean you. I'll want to see you in the robes," Iroh answered with a yawn. That would take at least two hours, two wonderful snooze filled hours where Zuko would be kept occupied.

"All right! Then I get to be in the parade!" Zuko said, getting himself off Iroh's rib-cage. He laughed happily as he fled the room. He had the same laugh as his mother did.

Iroh turned over. He knew this day would come but he had no idea how soon it would come. Zuko's childhood was over, he had reached the first step to manhood. Iroh would not be able to protect him from harsh teachers, a rigorous curriculum and the growing demands of a country consumed with war. Though, he could at least have a few hours of sleep before he had to face all that.

"How do I look?" Zuko asked, preening over his golden robes. His long brown hair was hanging over his shoulders, making him look like a pretty girl. Today would be Zuko's first hair cut, cutting off the roots of his childhood.

"You look fine, Prince Zuko. Now stop fidgeting and let the maids finish adjusting your belt. Don't get so excited, my boy. You'll tire yourself out. You have a long day ahead of you," Iroh warned.

"I'll be good," Zuko said. "Can we go meet Father now?" he asked. His golden eyes looked so excited and eager. Iroh had no idea why this child loved his father so. Iroh was the one who was always there for him, but Ozai always stole the show. Perhaps it was Fate's way of evening things out.

"Yes, we can," Iroh said. He supposed there was no point in delaying the inevitable. He took Zuko by the hand and walked outside to the hall, which had been decorated with festoons of red and gold. Yes, what better way to celebrate the loss of innocence then making a whole party over it?

Zuko hummed excitedly to himself he walked through the palace. Iroh wished to the Gods that Hanae could be here to see her beloved son take his first steps into manhood. If she were still alive, things would be so much better. Zuko would have a stable family and he would not know the heartbreak of loving something that would never be his.

As expected, Ozai was waiting at the entry of the palace, resplendent in his royal robes. A retinue of high officials waited behind him. "Happy birthday, my son," he greeted, looking quite proud of himself. Nothing like the presenting of an heir to assure the kingdom of a king's potency and power. If smugness was a crime, Ozai would be doing hard time in the dungeons.

Zuko fell to his knees and genuflected. "Father," he whispered reverently, the poor little lamb worshipping the wolf.

"I expect you will make me proud today," Ozai boomed as a servant with the ceremonial cloak stepped forward. Iroh stepped forward to open the cloak, as was the duty of the guardian. "Kyo…if you would begin the ceremony?" he said to his chamberlain with the most self-righteous grin.

That mangy rat was going to stand as Zuko's guardian for the ceremony? None of them had been there for Zuko, how dare they take away this honor from him? He said nothing, not wishing to make a scene. Yet, he knew he had been dishonored publicly. Iroh averted his eyes, not wishing to even look at his brother. He noticed Kyo's son Zhao was holding his baby niece, Zula. Hanae should have killed out that whole family when she had the chance.

Kyo bowed down and opened the ceremonial cloak for the Fire Lord. Zuko rose to his feet and was enveloped in the soft silk, swaddled like an infant. The ancient ritual of passing down from father to son, not uncle to nephew. Iroh watched jealously as Zuko was lifted into his father's arms. The little boy's eyes were shining with such joy. That was something he and Zuko would never share. The cloth was put over Zuko's eyes so that he could not see, as was part of the ceremony. Iroh was glad Zuko would not be able to see his pain, nothing sad must be seen by a child on his Agni Shahr.

The entire retinue followed the Fire Lord as he walked through the gate and out to where the common people had thronged. There was cheering and throwing of flowers as the Fire Lord carried his child past them, along the golden path prepared by servants. He supposed Zuko must be enjoying the attention.

"Long live the Fire Lord, Long live the Prince!" people shouted. Why did they cheer? Ozai was bleeding them dry in a war that had lasted for longer then anyone could remember. He supposed any break from this miserable lives was an excuse to celebrate. The nation was being crushed under war, every family had lost children to a war that could never be won. Shops were still full of supplies, but most men bore scars of war and nearly every woman wore mourning beads around her neck. Even after Sozen's comet came back, there would never be peace. Desperate people made deadly enemies. What a sad destiny Zuko would inherit.

The procession proceeded to the Golden Temple of Agni. Iroh had often prayed here but he was always amazed at just how beautiful the shrine was. Ivory, ebony and jade decorated the floor and the walls itself were made of pure gold, beset with rubies. It had been built by Fire Lord Katsui, one of the greatest leaders the Fire Nation had ever known. Of course, the materials had come from a campaign against the Earth Kingdom and thousands had died for the temple. Iroh had to admit, he had a cynical streak.

Zuko was carried to the alter of Agni, a huge golden platform where a bonfire to the sun was always burning. It was at the steps where some Fire sages waited to begin the ceremony. Iroh hated Fire sages on principle, since they had been sadistic teachers to him and his brother. He did not want any of them touching his fragile little nephew. Standing at the side, he wished he could be closer to the poor tyke. He must be so frightened and confused.

A wide-eyed Zuko was set down and unwrapped from his cloak and set down before them. "Who comes before Agni today?" the sage intoned.

"Ozai, son of Sajja. I present before Agni, my child Zuko. I ask that he be accepted as a son of Agni and as our future Fire Lord when I have joined my ancestors," Ozai said, bowing his head. Iroh was nauseous at the show of fake subservience.

"His destiny must be tested," the priest said softly. He removed a basket and took Zuko by the hand towards a door behind the alter. "Pick five objects you find. Any fiveyou want and put it in the basket," he directed, opening the room of Treasures. "Do you understand?"

Zuko dutifully nodded and entered the room. Iroh knew what was found inside. Hundreds of objects, with many different meanings. Iroh had drew objects suggesting he would have a life filled with joy and happiness, that he would be lucky in battle and he would know the greatest of bliss someday. So far, the periods of joy and happiness had been brief and came at a heavy price.

Ozai had drawn signs suggesting that he would know great power, would face great choices in life and would fight a battle that decided the fate of the world. The second part of the prophesy would come true, when Sozen's comet returned. The only problem was in Iron's humble opinion, Ozai constantly chose wrong. He constantly chose to neglect the ones who loved him to satisfy his own agenda. He wondered what signs Zuko would pick.

A few minutes later, Zuko emerged. Clutched in his basket was a wooden statue, a kunai dagger, a black stone, a cauldron and a necklace. He bowed and presented it to the sage, looking very pleased with himself.

The sage looked down at the basket and paled. He turned around and whispered to the other sages, who looked at them with the same expression Merciful Agni, what was going on? Iroh made his way to the knot of sages, who were huddled to the side, looking worried. Ozai did the same thing, looking furious.

"What is the delay? My son picked his objects, I expect you to tell his fortune," Ozai demanded as soon as he arrived.

"We can't-your majesty." Every single face was pale with confusion and worry.

"And why not?" Ozai inquired in a low dangerous tone, that suggested someone was going to suffer.

"He picked objects never seen before. Ever. I can't find them in any of the scrolls," the sage whispered desperately.

"Perhaps it was rigged. Our prince has enemies. Perhaps he should draw again," Iroh whispered back. Ozai was very superstitious and this would make him very angry.

"Quiet, you idiotic sack of suet. Who would dare plot against my son?" Ozai demanded angrily, fire rising from his knuckles.

"Please, my lord…the objects definitely are part of the collection. The prince's destiny is merely unclear," the sage said, with as much authority as he could.

Iroh was torn. On one hand, he was a religious man who believed in the spirits but he also believed one's destiny rested not in objects, which could be mere memories from a past life but in the choices a person made. Hanae had sacrificed her life based on a foolish prophesy but Zuko would not make the same mistake. He would make his own destiny, he would not be bound by anything but the strength inside him. Iroh could not be prouder of his nephew.

"How could my son's destiny be unclear? Does that mean he has no destiny?" Ozai queried angrily.

"No, that means that he will make his own destiny. It just means that the test cannot read his destiny, but I think it's a sign of a ruler who will be like no other," the sage said, with conviction.

"The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. I don't need a son like any other, I need a son worthy to follow in my footsteps," Ozai muttered. "Just make something up for the people and let's get this affair over with."

Shyu bowed and nodded, as they walked up back to the dais when Zuko waited patiently. "The Prince has drawn stones indicating that he will be a warrior, who will survive many trials and sorrows, someone who will be strong and noble," he proclaimed to the wild cheers of the crowd who had been wondering just what had been going on.

Zuko smiled and fell to his knees before his father for the ceremonial blessing. Iroh had practiced with him, but had never allowed himself the luxury of actually blessing his little boy. Now Ozai, who was sulking petulantly stepped forward. Iroh could read the disappointment in his features. "My son, may you be found worthy of the title you were born to, may you grow to be strong, disciplined, praiseworthy and a tribute to your family and your nation," Ozai intoned, sounding quite frustrated.

The sage handed Ozai a jeweled dagger to cut a few pieces from Zuko's hair. Iroh could not watch as Zuko's beautiful hair was severed, it was the last ties to his childhood. The brown locks were then tossed into a large bowl.

Zuko rose to his feet and stepped forward to light the ceremonial flame. He concentrated gravely for a long moment. Iroh sweated, what if Zuko choked? Ozai would be furious and most likely would lock the poor boy in a closet.

After what seemed like an eternity, Zuko made a nice sized flame in his fist before tossing it into bowl. Iroh breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, the ceremony was over and Zuko could return home for a nap. A whoosh of fire suddenly erupted through the air, along with a giggle.

"What in Agni's name was that?" everyone whispered, completely shocked.

"Me play too!" laughed the baby in Zhao's arms as she created another fireball. Iroh's eyes widened that. That little baby had much power at such a young age? Zuko was an excellent little Fire-bender but that baby was a prodigy. He had never seen anything like that.

"Please excuse my niece, she is just a baby," Zhao said, barely hiding the grin at showing up the prince.

Iroh did not look the look of awe Ozai was giving that bastard child. Nothing impressed Ozai more then raw power and that little girl had it. Especially due to the fiasco with the symbols, Ozai was already displeased with his son. This Zula would be dangerous. A pity Hanae had not killed her off.

"I won't go to thleep!" Zuko snapped. "I won't get changed for a nap!" Iroh had been expecting a storm ever since the ceremony. Ozai had ignored his son and spent the entire party holding his daughter. He had cooed over her, admiring her amazing talents and sweet face. He had suggested she move to the palace to be with her father.

Zuko had been woebegone the entire party, waiting for his father to notice him. Kyo had been overjoyed with happiness and the Tao clan was already panicking at the prospect of a member of Kyo and Zhao's family taking over. The world was going insane, why shouldn't Zuko have a temper tantrum?

"Prince Zuko, it's bad luck to be naughty on your birthday. Why are you misbehaving?" Iroh asked softly, as he sat down on his nephew's bed.

"Don't you like me?' Zuko demanded, his eyes filling with tears. He looked quite tired and yet he was fighting sleep.

"What kind of question is that?" Iroh asked. Had little Zuko noticed his father's apathy? Yes, even a blind person could have seen the furious expression on Ozai's face.

"Ith it becuz I couldn't make as much fire as that baby? I am so sowwy. I weally am."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Iroh was worried. Zuko was very perceptive and intelligent, he knew he had not measured up. He must hate himself, poor thing. "It wasn't your fault. You did fine. None of this is your fault. You are wonderful."

"Then why did you fohget?" Zuko asked, his lower lip pouting.

"Forget what?" Iroh asked, patting his nephew on the shoulder. "What did I forget?"

"You did not bleth me. You forgot! I waited and waited, you didn't!" Zuko accused.

Iroh grinned. Ozai could publicly humiliate them both, but he could not stop Zuko's warm heart from forgetting him. "You know what? You are right. I was so busy planning the party, I completely forgot. Will you forgive me?" he asked, completely taken with his nephew's loyalty.

Zuko nodded. "But bleth me now and don't fohget ever again," he scolded, climbing onto the bed and falling to his knees.

Iroh gently put his hands on Zuko's head and bowed his head. "May Agni bless you and make you like the Great Ones of the Past," he whispered. What could he bless his nephew with? The boy had wealth, beyond measure. He was as beautiful as his mother, he was intelligent, he was strong and talented. He was no prodigy, but he was something special indeed. His destiny was overwhelming but in his own hands. There was only one thing he could give him. "May you be blessed with love," he continued, raising Zuko's chin and kissing his forehead. The only thing that could not be bought.

Iroh had not been able to eat all of the next day. He knew what happened the day after an Agni Shahr, the harrowing idea of "breaking a child in". For three years, the child has been cosseted and adored, spared from punishment and indulged. Now poor little Zuko was not only a problem in his father's eyes but was being thrust into the cold cruel adult world.

The tutors would be hard on him. They would cruelly beat him and work him like a slave, they would have no mercy on such a child. Ozai would want them to be especially hard on him, to make him equal to Kyo's granddaughter. That morning, as Zuko had been led away to school, he had given his uncle a bewildered glance. Iroh had looked away. He could not protect him anymore. Now, he could only be there to support him.

Finally, Zuko walked into the study, his face miserable. There were two red marks on his face indicating he had been slapped. Iroh's heart broke as his little nephew threw himself into his uncle's lap. "I hate it there!" he sobbed. "Don't make me go back!"

Iroh felt himself on the verge of tears. He wished he could. "I am sorry, nephew but you must go," he gently informed him, feeling like a dagger in the child's heart.

"Then make the teacher stop hitting me," Zuko pleaded, begging to be protected.

Iroh really needed some sake now. "I can't, my nephew. I can do nothing to help you," he explained. Zuko looked so confused at that. "Your father…this is the way he wishes you be taught." Zuko nodded resignedly at the magic words. If his father wanted it, Zuko would do it without question.

"I promise you one thing, nephew. Always remember this. We are one, no matter what happens. Whenever you are afraid or in pain, remember that I will always be with you in any way I can. Even if

I am far away, I'm always right here," Iroh said, knowing the struggles ahead for the young prince. No matter what Fate brought, Uncle and Nephew would face it together as one.

We are one, you and I
We are like the earth and sky
One family under the sun
All the wisdom to lead
All the courage that you need
You will find when you see
We are one
--The Lion King

AN/Thanks for coming along on the ride, tune in for the next scroll, coming out soon! For a preview, Zuko decides to get as far from hisnasty sister and meantutors tosee the world outside the palace walls. What he finds shocks him!