A/N Anyway, ch. 3 is not going to be from Katara or Toph's viewpoint, but I wanted to introduce a much loved character, as well as explain the history and set up the world a little better since it is an alternate universe. Anyway, I don't own Avatar or anything associated with it.
Zuko strode to the council room with purpose in his step. After the death of his Father and dear cousin Lu Ten, Zuko was made crown prince. He was raised by Fire Lord Iroh, and his mother, Lady Ursa, until only a few years prior. Although the Crown Prince was only 17, he was under a lot of pressure and held a lot of responsibilities. Meanwhile, his sister Azula was essentially free of responsibility.
Granted, that's mostly because Uncle doesn't trust her, thought Zuko.
Zuko brushed the thought off as he headed to meet his uncle, avoiding the simpering gazes of female courtiers his age. They would do anything to marry the "Crown Prince" and I'm sure their families are all but forcing them to try. Still, it's degrading. None of them think of me as Zuko. They know nothing about me. Well, maybe not all of them, Zuko thought as he passed Mai and Ty Lee. They were both friends of his sister's, but they had always been courteous to him. Ty Lee was vibrant and full of energy, completely at odds with Mai. But Mai held a certain air that said she would never be ignored. When Azula wasn't around, Zuko actually enjoyed conversing with both girls. Obviously he had no intention of marrying either of them, though it was clear Mai was more than a bit interested in the idea.
Zuko reached the elaborate doors marking the council and meeting rooms. The servant in front of the door bowed and held the door open for Zuko. Zuko nodded in appreciation. Uncle had always taught Zuko to be respectful, something that Zuko's father never was. Ozai was executed for treason after killing Lu Ten and trying to take the throne from his elder brother. Ozai clearly held a lot of blood from his ancestor, Fire Lord Sozin. Fire Lord Sozin tried to attack the air nomads and wipe them out completely, using the power from Sozin's comet. Fortunately, the air nomads were able to fend them off until the end of the comet. The retribution the fire nation had to pay had been immense. The people decided to pass the throne to Azulon, who was far too timid after his Father's demise to really play a part in ruling or continuing in his Father's work.
After the failed invasion, the Fire Nation had all but closed itself off from the world. That is, until 4 years prior.
During the invasion, the Avatar fled for the safety of the line and was lost in the storm. He hadn't been seen for about a century, and most people assumed he had died in the Avatar State since he hadn't been reborn in either water tribes. Zuko chuckled when he remembered when the messenger arrived, saying that a boy in the Southern Water Tribe had discovered the Avatar in an iceberg. What was that boy's name? Tokka? Sora? Sokka! That must've been it, Zuko thought. Since the Avatar had resumed his duties, or, at least attempted to, he coaxed the Fire Nation out of it's cave. Fire lord Iroh was more than happy to oblige since he had no desire for war after the death of his only son. Avatar Aang was trying to reconnect the world in harmony, and it was going to take some time. The Air nomads, albeit peaceful, still resent the fire nation for attacking them unprovoked. Meanwhile the Water Tribes were in a state of civil war over their leadership and monarchy. The tribes had little communication with each other and often pretended that the other tribe didn't exist. In the Earth Kingdom there had been some kind of corruption that led to a coup in Ba Sing Se, and now King Bumi was held as the high king over the vast land. King Bumi seemed to be doing well with his role as a leader however, and trade between the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom had flourished.
Zuko sat through the long meeting, listening patiently to status reports of trading, shipping, exporting, military training, and recent developments in the land. His mind drifted until he heard Iroh's voice.
"Of course, the meeting of nations is approaching, and we need to begin planning for our travel to Omashu," Iroh said with a smile. He was clearly very excited for the meeting this year. "They have such wonderful tea there!"
Of course, Zuko mused, All he cares about his tea. Suddenly Zuko's thoughts turned darker. I don't really want to go, but he'll want me to go. But I don't know anyone outside the fire nation. I'll probably have to interact with peasants a lot. Great. Just Great.
Okay, that's it for ch. 3, thanks for reading!