Accidental Avatar 3: Totally Lit

Yas, Slay!

Zuko padded down the hallway, his anxiety and excitement making him both hurry and take his time. But with every step, his fears increased, and worry etched itself into his expression. Before long, he found himself standing before an archway, covered with a rich, red curtain, the Fire Nation symbol emblazoned in gold across it. His heart hammered in his chest, and he took several calming breaths.

The moment of truth. Would his father welcome him home with open arms... Or was he still just... lucky to be born?

He clenched his jaw, lifting his chin proudly before parting the curtains and stepping through. The only light in the room was cast by a trench of flames that separated a raised dais from the rest of the throne room. The fire cast intimidating shadows on the lone figure on the dais, with ominous shadows flitting around the room. Coming closer to the dais, Zuko smoothly dropped to his knees and bowed low to his father, his nose touching the dark stone floor.

"You have been away for a long time," his father spoke, yet there was nothing in his voice to indicate he had missed Zuko. "I see the weight of your travels has changed you. You have redeemed yourself, my son."

Those were the words he most wanted to hear said. But he heard no pride in his father's voice. He spoke like Azula. Like a snake hissing promises into his ear.

"Welcome home."

He looked up at his father's face but saw no joy. His father was pleased, but Zuko could see no sign of having been missed. No joy at the return of a son he'd sent away for three years.

Zuko knew he should be happy that his father was pleased, but he could only feel heavy disappointment.

"I am proud of you, Prince Zuko," his father continued, and for a moment, his heart soared with excited happiness. "I am proud because your sister conquered Ba Sing Se."

And in the next instant, that happiness turned sour. He should've known.

There was ALWAYS a catch.

"It wasn't like this with Uncle and Amaya," he thought bitterly.

"I am proud because when your loyalty was tested by your treacherous uncle, you did the right thing and captured the traitor," his father paced before him slowly. "I am proud because even when he tempted you with a foreign girl, you did not allow yourself to be swayed. And I am proudest of your most legendary accomplishment. You slew the Avatar."

His heart skipped a beat. He didn't understand. What did Azula do?

"What did you hear?" he asked, his eyes darting from the floor to his father and back.

"Azula told me everything," he said smoothly. "She said she was amazed and impressed with your power and ferocity at the moment of truth."

Zuko resolved to have a good long chat with his sister about her reason for pinning the "glory" on him. His eyes flickered back to the floor, anxiety flooding him again.