Kai's Perspective
The Fire Nation palace was every bit as grand as Kai had expected. Gold and crimson banners hung from towering pillars, their intricate designs telling stories of conquest and victory. The banquet hall was massive, filled with nobles clad in their finest silk robes, their laughter and conversation blending into a constant murmur.
The smell of roasted meats and exotic spices filled the air as servants carried trays of delicacies, refilling the guests' plates with an effortless grace. Musicians played soft, rhythmic melodies in the background, adding to the regal atmosphere.
Kai had been to noble gatherings before, but this was different. This was the royal palace. And among the many powerful figures in the room, two stood out the most—Fire Lord Ozai and General Iroh.
Kai had barely stepped into the hall before he had caught the attention of the Fire Lord himself. The man was an imposing presence, his golden eyes sharp as a predator's, scanning the crowd with quiet authority. When he turned his gaze to Kai, the air itself seemed to grow heavier.
"I have heard much about you, young Kai," Ozai said, his deep voice carrying easily over the noise of the hall. "A prodigy, they say. Skilled beyond your years."
Kai bowed respectfully. "I am honored, Fire Lord."
Ozai studied him for a moment longer before giving a slow nod. "If you continue to grow at this rate, the Fire Nation will be fortunate to count you among its greatest warriors."
The surrounding nobles murmured in approval.
And then, from beside Ozai, came a chuckle.
"Strength is valuable," General Iroh said, sipping his tea with an easy smile, "but wisdom will make you truly great. Perhaps one day, young one, we will share a match of Pai Sho and see where your true talents lie."
Kai couldn't help but smile at that. "It would be an honor, General."
The conversation ended as smoothly as it had begun, but Kai knew what it meant. Being acknowledged by Fire Lord Ozai was rare. Being acknowledged by General Iroh? That was something else entirely.
Eyes followed him as he moved through the crowd. Admiration. Curiosity. Envy.
But Kai wasn't concerned with any of that. He had only one goal tonight—meeting Lady Zuko.
Kai finally spotted Zuko standing near one of the great pillars, partially hidden in the shadows. She was dressed in formal Fire Nation robes, her long dark hair tied in a traditional topknot, her golden eyes filled with something unreadable as she watched the room.
Lady Zuko.
It was still strange to think about.
In his past life, there had been only one princess of the Fire Nation—Azula. Zuko had always been the exiled prince, the one who struggled to prove his worth, the one who would eventually find redemption.
But here? The Fire Nation had two princesses.
What did that mean for the future? Would Zuko still be banished? Would she still seek the Avatar? Or had fate already shifted beyond recognition?
Kai had no way of knowing.
But he could find out.
He approached her with a calm, confident stride.
"Lady Zuko," he greeted, bowing slightly.
Zuko blinked, clearly surprised that someone was speaking to her. She studied him for a moment before responding. "You're Kai, right? Lord Renji's son?"
Kai smiled. "You remember me. I'm honored."
Zuko crossed her arms. "It's hard to forget someone people never stop talking about."
Kai chuckled. "I suppose being called a genius has its downsides."
Zuko tilted her head slightly. Unlike the other nobles, he wasn't here to boast or flatter. He was speaking to her like… an equal.
"I heard my uncle is impressed by you," she admitted.
Kai chuckled. "General Iroh has been too kind. I still have much to learn."
Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Most nobles your age would be bragging by now."
Kai shrugged. "What's the point? Strength and skill don't mean much if you don't know how to use them properly."
For a moment, Zuko was silent. Then, to his surprise, a small smile appeared on her lips.
"You're different," she muttered.
Kai smirked. "I hear that a lot."
Azula's Perspective
Sipping her tea gracefully, Azula observed the room from her seat near the banquet table.
Mai and Ty Lee sat on either side of her. Mai looked as bored as ever, swirling her drink lazily, while Ty Lee's eyes darted excitedly across the room, clearly fascinated by everything happening.
But Azula? Azula was watching Zuko.*
Her older sister had always been a disappointment. Too soft, too hesitant. It was obvious that their father had no real faith in her. That was why Azula had always been the favored child.
And yet…
Zuko was speaking with Kai.
Kai, the so-called genius. The boy who had been praised by both Fire Lord Ozai and General Iroh. A boy who, by all logic, should have been standing beside her, not Zuko.
Azula narrowed her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Ty Lee asked, tilting her head.
Mai followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "She's talking to that prodigy kid. The one everyone won't shut up about."
Azula swirled her tea slowly. "Yes. And I'm wondering why."
Mai took a sip of her drink. "Maybe he just likes her?"
Ty Lee giggled. "That would be so cute!"
Azula wasn't amused.
Zuko never let people close to her. She was too awkward, too unsure of herself. Yet here was Kai, talking to her as if they had known each other for years. And the most unsettling part?
Zuko was smiling.
That was rare.
That was dangerous.
Azula placed her teacup down with a quiet 'clink'.
"I think it's time I introduced myself to this genius," she said smoothly, rising from her seat.
Mai sighed. "Here we go."
Ty Lee grinned. "Ooooh, this is going to be interesting!"
As Azula approached, the nobles in her path instinctively stepped aside.
Kai, still engaged in conversation with Zuko, turned his head slightly. The mom
ent his golden eyes met Azula's, she saw it—
Not fear.
Not nervousness.
Curiosity.
Azula smirked.
Oh, this would be FUN.