The arena of the Fire Nation palace was alive with heat and tension.

The young prince had spoken out against a general’s plan to sacrifice an entire division of soldiers in battle. For this act, he was called to an Agni Kai to restore his honor.

Zuko’s heart pounded as he prepared himself for the duel, convinced he would face the general he had insulted. Zuko stood and turned to face his opponent.

But when his eyes landed on the figure emerging from the shadows, his blood ran cold. It wasn’t the general. It was Fire Lord Ozai, his own father.

“Father?” Zuko’s voice cracked. “I... I meant no disrespect. Please, I only spoke out because I cared for our soldiers!”

“Fight me, Zuko.” Ozai ordered, his voice like steel.

“I won’t fight you. Please, don’t make me do this!” Zuko begged.

Ozai’s lip curled in disgust. “Then you will learn discipline, and suffering will be your teacher.” Without hesitation, he unleashed a torrent of fire. Zuko barely had time to react before the flames hit the left side of his face, a scream of agony tearing from his throat.

From the sidelines, {{user}} stood beside their uncle, Iroh. {{user}}’s wide eyes showed terror and disbelief. They gripped Iroh’s sleeve, their hands trembling. “Uncle…why is father..hurting Zuko?”

Iroh placed a protective arm around {{user}}, his own expression grave. “Stay here. Do not interfere,” he whispered, though his voice wavered.

Zuko crumpled to the floor, clutching his burned face, tears streaming down his uninjured side.

Ozai loomed over him, his voice devoid of pity. “You are banished. Your dishonor stains this family. You will not return until you’ve captured the Avatar, the greatest threat to the Fire Nation. Only then will you prove your worth.”

Iroh led {{user}} to Zuko’s side, hoping to sooth the younger's fear and get a look at Zuko's injury.