Tai Lung sat in front of his parents in the quiet study of the Lung estate. The low hum of voices outside hinted at the storm of rumors sweeping through the capital.
Tai Lung had an annoyed look on his face, his brows knitted. "Who came up with this rumor? I can only bend fire. One element no matter how powerful doesn't make me the Avatar"
Admiral Lung met his son's gaze. "After the strength you showed in that spar and the skill against the Fire Lord back then, it actually makes more sense than you just being a very talented young bender."
Beside him, Tai Lung's mother reached over and placed a gentle hand on her son's knee. "Maybe you really are the Avatar," she said softly. "And you just don't know it. It's happened before."
Tai Lung sighed and rubbed his temples, there was no way he was the Avatar, he didn't belong to this world to begin with, but his mother didn't know that.
After a moment of silence, he spoke up clearly annoyed. "What now? How do we clarify this stupid rumor?"
Admiral Lung didn't answer immediately. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms as he looked thoughtfully at his son. "We don't."
Tai Lung blinked, surprised. "What? Why not?"
His father's voice was firm, pragmatic. "The Avatar is the greatest threat to the Fire Nation, the one we've been hunting for almost a century. Even the mention of his return shakes our soldiers and emboldens our enemies. But now… now they think he's fighting for us."
The admiral's eyes narrowed, his words deliberate and full of heavy meaning. "For the future of our nation, you should play the role. I believe many of the ministers and high-ranking military officials will support me on this."
Tai Lung's mother scowled, her expression darkening. "You can't just push our son to be used like that."
Admiral Lung turned to her calmly. "It won't bring him harm. Just more prestige. He'll be seen as a symbol, respected, feared. Admired."
He returned his gaze to Tai Lung. "I won't force you if you don't want to," he added, his voice softening slightly. "But this could bring great benefits to our army."
The room fell into silence. Tai Lung stared at the floor, weighing the words, his jaw tight. He didn't like it, it felt like a mockery of his past life, it was a repeat but this time he knows he is not the chosen one, at least back then he had the chance to be the Dragon Warrior or dream to be the one at least. Now he is just a mirage, he will just be a fake Avatar, knowing very well this is not his destiny. Still he understood the logic behind his father's words.
After a long pause, he exhaled sharply.
"Fine," he said. "But I won't be fighting in the war or conquering lands. I'll continue traveling like I always have."
The admiral smiled, nodding with satisfaction. "That's actually what I want you to do, travel around, help fan the rumors. The more people see you, the better."
Tai Lung's mother's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're sending our son out again?"
The admiral gave a quiet nod. "He will continue traveling wherever he wants and trying to find his path and goal in life. At the same time, he'll help our nation, indirectly. As a symbol, not just a soldier."
She looked at her son, concern in her eyes. But then she sighed and gave a reluctant nod.
——————
The same day, Tai Lung found himself face-to-face with Ty Lee. She had already heard the rumors that now spread through every corner of the capital. The moment she saw him, her usual cheerful expression was laced with worry.
"Is it true?" she asked in a rush. "That you're the Avatar?"
Tai shook his head firmly. "No. It's just a rumor. I'm not the Avatar."
Relief flickered across her face, but her brow remained furrowed. Tai continued, explaining the situation and his father's plan to let the rumors run unchecked and use them to bolster the army's morale. He added, almost reluctantly, "I'll be leaving tomorrow morning. Early."
"Do you really need to leave so quickly?" Ty Lee asked, her voice softer this time, almost pleading.
"My father believes it's the right thing to do," Tai replied. His tone was even, accepting. "And I'll go along with it."
Ty Lee nodded weakly, clearly unhappy with his decision. She lowered her eyes until Tai leaned slightly forward, a rare gentleness in his voice. "If you want, you can come with me. Think of it as a vacation."
Her eyes widened at the offer. "But… what about the war?"
Tai shrugged casually. "My participation is minimal. And even then, I'm too strong anyway. No harm will come your way."
That made her smile a little, the brightness returning to her face for a fleeting moment. "I still need to graduate from the academy," she said, half-teasing but half-serious. "But… I hope the offer will still stand. Next time you come back, I'll go with you."
Tai nodded lightly, the corner of his mouth tugging upward.
——————
The next morning, Tai Lung stood at the docks as the sunlight reflected across the water, his ship ready to sail. His parents and Ty Lee had come to see him off.
Admiral Lung was the first to speak, his voice strong and steady. "Tai, wherever you go, stay true to your teaching and your honor. And know that I am proud of you."
His mother stepped forward next, her hands lingering on his arm. "Stay safe. And don't forget to write to us."
Lastly, Ty Lee threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Don't forget me," she whispered.
Tai smiled at them all, warmth stirring inside him, and bid them goodbye before boarding his ship. As he stepped onto the deck, he felt a strange tug within him. It was foreign, this sensation of being seen off, of being cared for in such a manner. Though it was his second departure, it still has a strange sensation to it. And yet… it was nice, knowing there were people waiting for him to return.
——————
After Tai Lung's departure, Admiral Lung wasted no time. He made his way to the palace, where the Fire Lord sat in council with his ministers and high-ranking officers. The air was heavy with expectation; the rumors of Tai Lung had already begun to dominate the city.
Ozai's deep voice broke the silence. "Admiral Lung," he said from behind the veil of flame. "What do you think of these rumors?"
The admiral answered calmly. "They are just that, empty rumors. But they are not a bad thing. Quite the opposite." He went on to echo Azula's earlier claim: that the whispers would raise the morale of their soldiers and strike fear into their enemies. "We must maintain it," he concluded, "and I have already sent Tai Lung to spread the rumors even further across the Earth Kingdom."
The officers immediately nodded, voices murmuring in agreement as they began to see the benefits.
But behind the curtain of fire, Ozai clenched his teeth. This was the conclusion he had wanted, yes, but not like this. Admiral Lung had stolen the initiative, shaping the narrative before Ozai himself could reclaim dignity in the eyes of his court.
Still, he could not contradict the admiral now. In the end, Ozai gave a slow nod. "It is a wise decision," he said at last, his voice cool and controlled. "Spread the rumors further. Let the world believe it."
And in his mind, Ozai's thoughts burned hotter than the flames before him. [ At least in the eyes of the public, I lost to the Avatar and there is no shame in that.]
——————
Far out at sea, with the waves carrying their ship steadily forward, Tai Lung stood at the bow before his gathered crew. At the forefront was his vice-captain, Han, who crossed his arms with a faint smile.
"Captain," Han said, his voice carrying across the deck, "everyone wants to know, are you the Avatar or not?"
Tai Lung's expression remained calm as he replied firmly. "I am not the Avatar, I am just a powerful and skilled bender. But in front of the world, you will act as if I am the Avatar. My father believes this will boost morale and crush our enemies."
A murmur spread through the crew, but no one spoke against it. Tai Lung let the silence linger for a moment before continuing. "We will keep traveling as we did in the past. Nothing will change. Our duty now is to spread the rumors, and from time to time, aid the war effort when needed, mainly saving our soldiers if needed."
Han nodded, his grin widening. "So, Captain Avatar, any thoughts on where to go next?"
Tai Lung gave a small shrug, looking out at the endless horizon. "Any new place will do. If anyone has a place in mind to explore, we'll head in that direction."
Immediately, the crew began calling out suggestions, laughter and excitement filling the ship. To them, Tai Lung travel is an open vacation. Tai Lung listened quietly, his eyes fixed on the distance. Though he didn't like the rumors, one thing remained true, no matter the world's belief, his path was still his own and one day he would find his destiny.