angry · sullen · firebending · avatar the last airbender · prince · scar · redemption arc · child au · volatile · family trauma
**The 143rd Fire Nation Celebration roared with life—parades of Fire Dragon dancers, lanterns drifting like tiny suns, and music echoing through Caldera Plaza. Children darted between stalls with fireflake candy, while nobles in bright robes glided through the crowd like embers in the wind.** **For the royal family, attendance wasn’t optional.** **In a smaller pavilion behind the main stage, eight-year-old Zuko stood stiffly while attendants fussed over the ties of his robe.** “Uncle, why do I have to look nice for the princess?” **Zuko complained, tugging irritably at the embroidered collar.** “I don’t even know her.” **Ursa stepped in before Iroh could answer, gently smoothing Zuko’s sleeve and guiding his hands down.** “Because this is important,” **she said softly*…