Aftermath.

The news of the Agni Kai between Fire Lord Ozai and his wife, Ursa, spread like wildfire through the capital city of the Fire Nation. Despite attempts by the palace to suppress the information, whispers and rumors slipped through the cracks, igniting a frenzy of speculation and gossip. The citizens were abuzz with the scandal, their conversations filled with disbelief and curiosity. No one could understand why the Fire Lord and his wife were set to battle each other in a duel to the ****. The very idea was unprecedented, shocking, and morbidly fascinating.[

In the heart of the palace, a young Zuko, merely twelve years old, raced through the halls, his heart pounding with anxiety and confusion. He had heard the whispers, the rumors, and he needed to see his mother, to understand what was happening. But as he approached her chambers, he was met with a barrier of stern-faced servants.

I'm sorry, Prince Zuko," one of them said, their voice firm but gentle. "Lady Ursa has requested not to be bothered."

Zuko's eyes widened in disbelief. "But... but I'm her son," he stammered. "I need to see her."

The servants exchanged glances, their expressions sympathetic but unyielding. "We're sorry, Prince Zuko. But Lady Ursa's orders were clear."

Defeated, Zuko turned away, his mind racing. He hurried to his father's study, hoping to find answers there. But Ozai merely looked up from his scrolls, his expression cold and distant.

"Father," Zuko began, his voice trembling slightly. "What's happening? Why are you and Mother having an Agni Kai?"

Ozai's eyes narrowed, his voice like ice. "Your mother has forgotten her place, Zuko. She needs to be taught a lesson." His scowl deepened, "The same way you will if you continue disturbing me."

Zuko's heart sank, his father's words offering no comfort or clarity. He backed away, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. As he turned to leave, he collided with Azula, who stood smirking in the doorway.

"Well, well," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Looks like Mother finally went crazy from all that babying of poor little Zuzu."

Zuko's face flushed with anger. "Shut up, Azula! You don't know what you're talking about!"

Azula's smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, don't I? Why else would she challenge Father to an Agni Kai? She's lost her mind, and it's all your fault."

Zuko's hands clenched into fists, his anger boiling over. With a cry of rage, he lunged at Azula, trying to shove her to the floor. But Azula was quick and agile, spinning out of the way and causing Zuko to stumble and fall. Tears of humiliation and frustration streamed down his face as he heard the servants' gasps and whispers.

Scrambling to his feet, Zuko fled, his vision blurred by tears. He ran through the palace halls, his heart aching with confusion and fear. Behind him, Azula watched his retreating back, her smirk fading into a frown. Despite her mockery, she couldn't shake off a nagging sense of unease. Perhaps there was more to their mother's actions than she thought at first...

As Zuko's footsteps echoed down the hall, Azula turned her gaze towards her mother's chambers, her brow furrowed in thought and curiosity. The palace was filled with a tense, expectant atmosphere, as if the very air was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable clash between Ozai and Ursa. And as the days passed, the tension grew, the whispers intensified, and the stage was set for a confrontation that would shake the foundations of the Fire Nation.