Tides Of Flame : Avatar The Last Airbender

A soft lantern glowed above, casting long shadows across the quiet tea room. Outside, the sea gently rocked the warship, its steady sound calming. Inside, the warmth from a small brazier filled the space, and a fresh pot of tea steamed on the table. Alec sat alone, shirt off, carefully wrapping bandages around his sore ribs. His fan lay nearby, and the dark blue blindfold was still tied firmly over his eyes.

The door creaked open, and General Iroh stepped in, holding a ceramic teapot.

"You're up late," Iroh said kindly.

Alec didn't turn to look. "Hard to sleep when my ribs hurt," he replied. "Tea might help."

"Then it's a good thing I brought some," Iroh said with a smile.

He poured two cups, the sound of tea filling the room. He slid one toward Alec, who picked it up smoothly and brought it to his nose.

"Jasmine?" Alec asked.

"With a little cinnamon bark," Iroh replied.

Alec nodded. "Same as earlier. You're very consistent with your tea."

"As all things should be," Iroh said as he sat down across from him. "Tea, honor, and patience."

They sipped quietly. The warm scent of the tea seemed to calm the room. Alec's shoulders slowly relaxed.

"You fought well today," Iroh said. "Zuko respects you — even if he doesn't say it."

"He's strong," Alec said with a small smile. "But he burns too hot. He still needs to learn control."

"Time will teach him," Iroh replied. "It teaches all of us. Even how to breathe."

They sat in silence for a few more seconds before Iroh spoke again, his voice softer.

"Can I ask you something? Not as a general. Just as an old man talking to a strange young man."

Alec took another sip of tea before answering. "You want to ask about the blindfold."

Iroh nodded. "Yes. You fight like someone who can see. You move too well. You avoid strikes you shouldn't. Zuko has noticed. So have I."

Alec turned a little toward him. His voice was steady.

"I'm not fully blind. Not like people think."

"I see," Iroh said gently.

"But it's easier if they believe I am," Alec continued. "It makes people underestimate me. They drop their guard." He touched the edge of his blindfold for a moment. "But the truth is… I don't wear it just for them."

"Then why do you wear it?" Iroh asked.

Alec paused. His tone softened. Less guarded.

"It reminds me of a place. Somewhere that mattered to me," he said. "When I first wore it, everything around me felt too strange. Too loud. Too different. The blindfold helped me shut some of it out. It helped me stay calm. There are still some secret which can't be told at least for now."

Iroh listened without interrupting.

"And now?" the old man asked. Iroh simply ignored the latter as he understands everyone has some secrets with them.

"Now it helps me stay focused," Alec said. "It reminds me to move carefully. To pay attention. To think before I act."

"Those are wise habits," Iroh said. "But they're a lot to carry for someone your age."

Alec gave a small smile. "Everyone carries something."

Iroh chuckled. "True. Some carry swords. Some carry guilt."

They both drank again. The silence between them was comfortable now.

"One day," Iroh said softly, "you may choose to take it off. I hope it's because you've found peace — not because someone forced you."

Alec thought for a moment, then said, "If I ever take it off, it will be because I decided to. No one else."

Iroh smiled and lifted his cup. "To choices, then."

Alec gently clinked his cup against Iroh's. "To choices."

---

Zuko's ship sliced through calm waters as it neared Crescent Island. From a distance, the island looked like a curved blade rising from the sea — sharp cliffs, blackened stone, and a faint shimmer of heat hanging in the air. At the center of the island, rising from a hill near the volcano's base, stood the Fire Temple.

It was a five-tiered pagoda, tall and ancient, its dark red and gold roofs stretching upward like flames reaching the sky. Though rebuilt long ago after Avatar Roku's time, the temple still bore the weight of history. Each tier was decorated with carved dragons and flame symbols, and its walls were etched with old Fire Nation script.

As Zuko, Alec, Iroh, and a small escort stepped off the ship, the heat was immediate and thick. The sun above was strong, but it was more than that — the ground beneath their feet radiated warmth like an oven. Alec paused, feeling it strongly through his sandals. It was as if the land itself was alive, a dormant volcano breathing just beneath the surface.

They climbed a long, winding path toward the temple. The black stone steps were cracked and scorched from centuries of heat. Sparse vegetation clung to the edges — dry shrubs, sharp-leafed plants, and thick moss burned golden by the sun. Even the wind felt hot and dry, like it had passed through flame.

At the temple entrance, two Fire Sages in crimson robes stepped forward, their expressions stern.

"This is sacred ground," one said. "Only those permitted may enter."

Iroh stepped forward with a polite bow. "Prince Zuko seeks guidance. Surely, the heir of Fire Lord Ozai may enter a temple of his ancestors."

The priests exchanged looks, their posture softening.

"…Very well," one finally said. "You may enter. But respect the silence of this place."

Inside, the temple was quieter, but the warmth still clung to the stone walls. The main hall was wide and dim, lit only by flickering torches. Statues of past firebenders lined the walkway — old sages, generals, even depictions of Avatar Roku with blazing eyes carved in jade and obsidian.

The group spread out, exploring the upper tiers and side rooms. Scroll racks held firebending forms and philosophy. There were broken remnants of old training gear and stone tablets covered in ash. Some chambers had ancient murals — one showing Roku surrounded by flames, another showing dragons in flight.

But nothing stood out. No sign of spiritual energy, no glowing portal, no path to Avatar wisdom.

"It's a graveyard," Zuko muttered, clearly frustrated. "A temple with no answers."

Alec remained calm, quiet as they searched. He knew there is a secret chamber in this temple and the only information they can find about avatar is in there. But he needed these firebending scroll to increase his mastery over fire. He silently went through the scroll and tried to remember as much as he can. While looking through them he found a treasure lying in the inner corner , covered in dust but equally important. He slide it in his robe as if nothing happend and walked toward one of the priest.

Alec stood against him showing no additional movement just "starring" him. Just before priest could no longer take anymore that suffocating feeling he asked assertively "Is there anywhere else you want to show us that holds importance to prince Zuko, perhaps a secret chamber..."

The priest's expression changed instantly. His eyes widened, then narrowed. He looked stunned, almost afraid.