Kai's Perspective
The air in the palace courtyard was thick with tension. Kai stood at the center, his golden eyes locked onto the man before him—a Fire Nation military commander, broad-shouldered and scarred from years of battle. The man's sneer was filled with disdain, his posture radiating arrogance.
This should have been a normal evening, another night of discussion, strategy, and quiet rivalry. Instead, it had turned into a public spectacle.
And it was all because of one insult.
The commander had mocked Zuko. Not as a warrior, but as a woman.
His words had been cruel and dismissive, ridiculing the fact that she had been spared the throne simply because of her gender, that she was a disappointment compared to Azula. He had laughed when Zuko's hands curled into fists, his voice dripping with contempt.
Kai had seen red.
Before anyone could stop him, before Azula could even snap back with one of her sharp retorts, he had stepped forward. His voice, usually calm, rang clear and unwavering through the chamber.
"If you believe Zuko unworthy, then face me in an Agni Kai."
The room had gone silent.
Now, standing in the courtyard, Kai felt the weight of hundreds of eyes watching him. Nobles, military officers, even the Fire Lord himself sat above them, on a raised platform, observing with a keen gaze. Zuko, Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, and Iroh were all there, each with different expressions.
The commander scoffed, cracking his knuckles. "You dare challenge me, boy?" His lips twisted into a smirk. "You're not even a real soldier."
Kai's expression did not waver. "You don't need to be a soldier to burn a fool."
A murmur spread through the crowd. Azula grinned, entertained. Zuko, however, looked worried.
The Fire Sage stepped forward. "As dictated by tradition, this Agni Kai shall be fought with honor. The duel will continue until one of you is unable to fight or yields."
Kai exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. He had faced Azula dozens of times, but this was different.This was a man hardened by war, someone who had likely killed on the battlefield.
And yet, as the flames ignited in his palms, Kai felt no fear.
This man had insulted Zuko.
And for that, he would fall.
---
Azula's Perspective
Azula sat at the edge of her seat, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
She had known from the moment the commander opened his mouth that Kai would not let it go. He was predictable like that. Foolishly noble.
But this? This was far more entertaining than she could have imagined.
Kai was an enigma. He didn't crave power, didn't seek status, and yet, somehow, he commanded respect wherever he went. He defeated her constantly, yet never gloated. He could sit in a room full of warlords and outmaneuver them all, yet act as if it were mere coincidence.
And now, he was fighting for Zuko.
Azula didn't know why, but the thought made something twist in her stomach.
She crossed her legs, chin resting on her palm. "What do you think, Mai?" she asked, keeping her voice light. "Will our dear Kai burn tonight?"
Mai barely glanced at her. "No."
Ty Lee nodded enthusiastically. "Kai's super strong! He's gonna win for sure!". Azula frowned.
Of course he was going to win. He always did.
And that annoyed her.
He should have been hers to break, hers to defeat. But instead, he was standing there, fighting for Zuko.
A slow smirk spread across her lips.
Well. Maybe she could change that.
---
The Agni Kai
The Fire Sage raised his hand. "Begin."
The commander struck first, unleashing a blast of fire that roared across the courtyard. The heat was intense, but Kai was already moving.
His spins were precise, his body twisting as he redirected the flames, dissipating them into nothing.
Gasps echoed through the audience. The commander hesitated—just for a second—but that was all Kai needed.
He attacked.
His fire was faster, sharper, refined, moving in perfect synchronization with his movements. The tornado of flames spiraled around him as he advanced, forcing the commander to retreat.
The older man gritted his teeth, launching a massive, desperate blast.
Kai spun , the fire bending to his will.
The crowd erupted.
The commander was thrown backward , his uniform scorched , his breathing ragged. He scrambled to his feet, eyes burning with frustration and disbelief .
"You—" he snarled.
Kai didn't let him finish. A final burst of fire sent the commander crashing to the ground.
Silence fell.
Then—
The Fire Sage raised his hand . "The duel is over. Kai is victorious."
The audience exploded into murmurs. Some cheered , some whispered in shock.
Kai stepped forward, looking down at the defeated commander. His voice was quiet, but it carried.
"Never insult Zuko again."
Zuko's breath hitched .
Azula's fingers tightened around the armrest of her chair.
And Ozai… Ozai merely smiled.
---
Zuko's Perspective
Zuko watched Kai approach her after the duel, her heart pounding .
She should have been angry , should have scolded him for interfering. But the words wouldn't come.
Because in that moment, all she could think about was how he had stood up for her .
No one had ever done that before.
She looked up at him, uncertain . "You didn't have to do that."
Kai smirked , running a hand through his hair. "Maybe not. But I wanted to."
Her face felt warm .
Damn him.
---
Later That Night – Azula's Perspective
Azula found Kai in the gardens, staring at the koi pond, lost in thought .
She approached silently, stopping just beside him.
"You surprise me," she said, her tone casual .
Kai glanced at her, unimpressed. "I do that a lot."
Azula smirked. "You fought for Zuko. How… touching."
Kai shrugged. "She didn't deserve that insult."
Azula hummed. "And what about me, Kai? Would you fight for me?"
Kai chuckled. "I fight you every other day. Isn't that enough?"
She laughed, a low, amused sound.
But her fingers curled at her sides .
He didn't see it.
He didn't see how she watched him , how she thought about him , how she needed to break him, to own him, to understand why he was different.
Azula didn't get attached to people.
And yet, as she looked at him, at the way he never wavered before her, she realized something terrifying .
She was obsessed.
And he had no idea.
---
A Random Noble's Perspective
A noble woman whispered to her husband as they walked away from the duel.
"That boy… Kai. He's dangerous."
Her husband nodded grimly.
"If he ever decided to take the throne…"
They both shuddered.