Destiny in flames part 2

Pov Ozai: 

I prepared for the Agni Kai against Zuko. I couldn't deny my feelings, I had never been so angry in my entire life. Zuko's incompetence and weakness irritated me to no end, but I had faith that I could at least match her sister sooner or later, since she had my blood in her veins. Beating Kai was out of the question, as even I couldn't keep him under my control.

The reason Kai tolerates my orders is probably Azula. If my suspicions are correct, the two of them may have already begun to forge an even stronger bond. 

I looked into a golden mirror, seeing the scars Kai had left me during our last duel. Back then, I had only two goals: to test my strength and keep him under my control, just like the first time we met, but for the second time in my life, I was defeated again. 

Kai made it clear that he fought just to test his strength, with no ulterior motives, just to have a good fight. I must admit I was annoyed, but another part of me was pleased with his progress.

A servant knocked and opened the door anxiously, drawing Ozai's attention. 

- Your Highness, he's here. - said the maid.

- Let him in, I want to talk to him alone. - I mean it.

After saying these words, I saw Kai enter the room through the mirror and close the door behind him.

- Why did you call me? - Kai asked, apparently unsurprised by the clear evidence that Ozai wanted to fight. 

In recent years, Ozai had developed a certain admiration for dragons and wanted to learn how they ruled and kept everyone under their feet. Kai was a clear example that dragons were natural leaders.

Kai took the smallest army in the nation and turned it into one of the strongest, second only to the Fire Lord's personal troops. He also took a simple village and turned it into a luxurious resort for nobles and soldiers.

These aspects were constantly studied by Ozai, who gradually realized that the real way to assert his strength and ambitions was to become a virtual monster. Kai was a dragon who believed he was human, unconsciously subduing everyone around him with his power and charisma.

Ozai had only wanted to conquer the world before he met Kai, now he wanted to leave a mark on the world, a legacy that would be comparable to that of the stars themselves even after his death. 

Kai had managed to rebuild a simple village in a few months, so Ozai wanted to do something more ambitious, to rebuild the world and rule it in his own image. To do this, he needed Sozin's meteor and the power of the dragons, and he didn't care how long it would take.

- I wanted to know what he thought. - I turned to Kai, who was surprised by the request. - What gives a human the right to rule? 

Kai remained silent and needed some time to think about how entrancingly casual Ozai was.

- Did I hear correctly? - Kai asked a little confused. - Are you asking for my opinion? 

- I want you to tell me what gives a human the right to rule.

For some reason, Kai became more serious and seemed to put together a sentence in his head, based on everything he had experienced.

- The right to rule is ambiguous, whether a person is chosen by masses of admirers or heirs to a throne. In a world ruled by powers, I think that the one with the greatest power is the one who can really rule the world and unify it

- Why would you say that? - I asked, studying Kai's facial expressions.

- I've studied a lot of history, only one being had the power to control the world and shape it in their own image.

- The Avatar. 

- Exactly, all cultures revere the Avatar as a supreme being. - Kai's eyes sparkled for a moment. - For someone who claims to bring peace, he has been the cause of wars throughout history, punishing and benefiting people as if he were some kind of god.

I can't deny that I was pleased with this kind of thinking, it means that perhaps something in Kai is not unlike me.

- Do you want the power to rule? - I asked, surprising Kai with my question.

- No, I don't seek power to rule, but to protect. - said Kai unconsciously.

- What do you want to protect? What is your motivation for seeking power? 

Kai looked at me with a trace of determination, but hesitated for a moment. It was clear to me that he wasn't fighting for territory, fame, money or prestige, but for someone. 

- I'm only going to ask you once, Kai. Depending on your answer, you could change the fate of the Fire Nation. - I'm serious, trying to manipulate the conversation in my favor.

Kai was obviously surprised, but his pride wouldn't let him back down.

- Do you love Azula? 

Kai lost his composure for a moment, obviously not expecting such a question from Ozai. But when he saw the Fire Lord's expression, his face became serious.

- Yes, I love her. - Kai confessed, far from being embarrassed, but he was serious, prepared in case a fight was necessary.

- Hmmmm... I can let you marry her. - I spun Kai around, analyzing every micromovement he made. - On one reasonable condition. 

- That I become your faithful servant? Shall I remind you who is more powerful among us? - threatened Kai, his eyes blazing.

- If you help me conquer the world and destroy the Avatar when he returns, I won't interfere with your relationship. - I'm serious.

- Why should I help you under these conditions? I have no reason to conquer the world or even fight the Avatar for his approval!

- For someone so powerful, sometimes you're naive. - I say it ironically. - I could turn you into an enemy of the Fire Nation and never see Azula again. 

The temperature in my room began to rise, making the air dry and hot. I could feel the sweat dripping down my head, even my tolerance for high temperatures was starting to be affected by Kai's powers.

If Azula becomes the next queen, she will have the whole world as her enemy, especially the Avatar. - As I say these words, the temperature in the room begins to drop. - You, more than anyone, want to protect her and see her dreams come true. My plans are in line with your determination to protect her. 

I look at Kai through my eyes, and he understands my hand.

- If you help me conquer the world, there will be nothing that can hurt Azula, except the Avatar. - I provoke him by manipulating the conversation into an agreement. - We know that Zuko is incapable of succeeding me, and today he proved his incompetence for all to see. This agreement does not take away Azula's merits, but it does give my support for her to be my successor from today onwards.

Seeing Kai so thoughtful made me certain that I had indeed hit his soft spot, and who knew it would be my own daughter. 

After a few seconds, Kai accepted the proposal with a handshake.

Kai knew he had fallen for Ozai's game, it wouldn't be difficult to kill him, but the Fire Lord was right, after all, being an enemy of the Fire Nation would be a challenge he couldn't even handle, let alone being separated from Azula.

Ozai couldn't hide a mischievous smile, for now he would have one of the tools he needed for his plan to rebirth the world.

***

The royal palace was full of people, many of whom were just servants or guards, but all of whom felt an enormous pressure on their shoulders that afternoon. 

Fire Lord Ozai and General Kai were walking side by side towards the arena where an Agni Kai would take place.

- Tell me, how strong do you think Zuko is? - I asked, curious about Kai's response to my firstborn's contempt.

- If I have to be exact, Zuko can be considered above average for his age, buying out the academy's youngsters and some nobles. - Kai said indifferently. - I think he can beat a royal guard, but I don't see him beating an experienced captain, at least not a lieutenant. 

- By royal standards, where does he fit in? - I asked out of the corner of my eye.

- By your standards and Azula's, he's nothing more than a worm. I can tell you that Azula could compete with General Zoho, but he wouldn't beat him in experience. 

I have to admit that I was impressed with Azula for reaching this level at such a young age. This means that she is much stronger than I was at her age.

- Even if she couldn't defeat Zoho, Generals Li and Cho wouldn't have much chance of winning in a direct confrontation.

- Hmmmm... You say that as if generals are a good measure of strength. - I commented. - Most of them may have decent power, but they don't know how to use it properly, which is why I've invested in weaponry and technological advances to cover up the nation's constant failings under my father's rule. 

- I think you misunderstood my statement about Azula's power. - Kai stopped walking.

Ozai also stopped walking and turned to see the albino's explanation.

- Not counting me, you, Rozo and Iroh. Azula can be considered the most powerful firebender alive. - Kai crossed his arms proudly. - She's currently the fifth strongest.

- Hmmmm... Now I get it. - I commented, with a doubt growing in my heart. - For you, who is the strongest? Me or my brother? 

Kai walked back down the corridor with his hands in his pockets and a look on his face as if the answer was obvious.

- If you had asked me two years ago, I would have said it was Iroh... but of course your level is completely different from that of the old man. 

Hearing Kai's statement made me feel a little proud, my brother has always been someone with enormous brute strength, and the confirmation that I had surpassed him made me feel a little excited.

- Don't get carried away Ozai. - Kai looked at me seriously. - I won't let you reach my strength so easily.

- I wasn't expecting anything else.

***

The arena was full of people, mostly nobles and military, discussing the outcome of Agni Kai's fight. Prince Zuko was kneeling in position, waiting for the signal to begin his duel, but suddenly the voices of the crowd fell silent, as if taken by surprise.

 - Get ready Prince Zuko. - I say firmly. 

Zuko opened his eyes in surprise and rose from the ground when he saw his father in the arena.

- Dad? What are you doing? My duel is with General Li. - Zuko trembled with fear.

- You're here because you disrespect our military. If you think these plans are bad, MY PLANS! MY STRATEGY! MY ARMY! That's what you insulted! 

- I'm sorry, Dad! I didn't mean any disrespect. - Zuko lowered his head to the ground, fear in his voice. 

- Get up. - I ordered him.

- No, Dad! I can't...

- GET UP! - I shouted, irritated by Zuko's weakness.

- Brother! - said Iroh, trying to stand up in the arena.

A wall of blue flames blocked Iroh's way, and he saw that it was Kai who had blocked his path.

- I don't have time for your games! - Iroh fought back, trying to use his powers to bend Kai's flames.

To the great Fire Master's surprise, his abilities were unable to bend Kai's flames, as if the flames themselves only obeyed one person. 

Azula watched in confusion, knowing that Kai wouldn't help Ozai unless there was some kind of mutual agreement. However, her confused thoughts faded when she saw Kai's imposing bearing and authority, which somehow made her find him even more attractive.

- If I interfere, Zuko will suffer even more consequences. - Kai released an oppressive pressure that made even the audience feel affected in some way.

Ozai concentrated on teaching his son a lesson, waiting for him to get up and fight for his life. 

- Stand up, Prince Zuko, so that you can learn respect. - I spoke seriously, barely able to contain my anger.

When Zuko got up from the ground, trembling with fear, Ozai dropped his cloak to reveal his scarred body, surprising the audience, especially the prince.

I looked at my pathetic son who didn't even raise his guard. Without hesitation, I launched my attack at Zuko, who had no time to dodge.

Ozai's blue flames hit Zuko full on the first blow, burning part of the prince's chest and making him cry out in pain.

- Ahhhhhh... Father, no! - Zuko begged as he tried to get up.

Mercilessly, Ozai unleashed another blast that hit him in the back, knocking him to the ground again.

The sight of my son's pitiful form, writhing in pain with so little, sickened me. I myself had been burned many times, in worse ways, and had never cried like a newborn baby.

- Get up! If you consider yourself my son, you have to fight for your life. - I ordered. 

It took Zuko more than 10 seconds to get up from the ground, his hands raised to bend the fire. His body was shaking with the intense pain he was feeling, the flesh of his wounds needed to be treated urgently or the damage would be irreparable.

With his will, the prince bent his fire, but to no avail; it was slow and predictable for the Fire Lord, who destroyed his own son physically and mentally with sharp blows.

The beating lasted three minutes before Ozai was satisfied with his act of disciplining his son.

Zuko's body was covered in bruises, many burns on various parts of his body, and he miraculously remained conscious after such an experience.

Ozai knelt beside Zuko and watched as he cried silently, without the strength to speak.

- Compassion is a sign of weakness! - I said coldly, creating a fireball in my right hand.

The blue flames covered Zuko's left side, making him scream in pain until he lost consciousness. The audience watched in silence, some smiling, others indifferent.

Iroh was incapable of seeing such cruelty, refusing to see such horror before him, his old face shedding tears of impotence, unable to help the one he considered a son.

Next chapter: Destiny In Flames Part Final