The path of destiny

"Eight-five to us!" Shouted Azula as Kozar dived in vain for the ball. It landed in, another perfect shot from the perfect Princess. Kozar groaned as he stood up.

"I hate Kuai Ball anyway," he complained

"Only 'cos you're no good," came the response.

"You haven't won yet," was the defiant retort. Kozar, Zuko and Zuko's friend Liu all crouched in anticipation of Azula's serve. She aimed towards the far left where Kozar was standing, then suddenly smashed it towards Liu down the middle. All He could do was deflect the ball high into the air in self-defence. Kozar scampered after it and flicked it towards the middle of their half of the court where Zuko was waiting to smash the ball past the helpless Ty Lee on the other side.

Zuko turned grinning as the ball was passed back.

"Nice work," Kozar smiled back, before getting ready to serve back towards the three girls on the other side of the net.

Two points later the game was over, ten-six to Azula, Mai and Ty Lee. The boys trudged off the court to cool down in the shade of a large tree.

"We should have used the smaller court," moaned Kozar, "On the full size one it's all about who can hit it the hardest.

"Yeah, well, that's Azula for you. She always gives herself the advantage. Guess that's why she wins so much." Grunted Zuko.

"Hey do you want to go and practice with those wooden swords?" Asked Kozar excitedly. He knew he was no match for Zuko, he was trained by Piandao, the legendary swordsman still considered the world's best. On the other hand, he loved any form of fighting and trying to improve.

"No I can't, it's time for my lesson with Uncle. He was gonna move on to the more advanced stuff that Azula's doing today, and I'm gonna try and get him to let me into Father's war meeting." Zuko's eyes were shining with excitement. Kozar sighed and turned to his Brother's friend;

"What about you Liu?" He asked

"No sorry, I should be getting home, mum'll be wondering where I am."

"Fine, see you then," said Kozar, before turning away to go and look for something to do. Kozar trudged back to his bedroom and looked around. The bag he'd packed when he'd briefly considered running away was still half full in the corner. He gazed at it for a couple of minutes and thought to himself. I'll do it soon. When I'm ready. Despite the size and grandeur of the palace, to Kozar it could feel like a prison. He wasn't allowed to bring his friend's round as most of them weren't from Noble families. He laid down on his bed and before he knew it was drifting off to sleep.

A few hours later he was awoken with a start. His Uncle was in his room and had shook him awake. Kozar was bleary eyed and tired.

"What is it?" he said, nervous for some reason he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"We need to get to the Duel chamber, quickly."

"What?" Kozar was even more puzzled now.

"Prince Zuko is about to duel your Father!" This stunned Kozar.

"Why?" He asked as his Uncle left the room at a brisk walk, Kozar jogged to catch up and repeated the question;

"Why?"

"He spoke out against the General's plan in the war room."

"What about?"

"Don't worry about that, we need to get there soon," Replied Iroh, increasing his pace again. Kozar had never seen his Uncle like this, normally so calm and relaxed, now he looked agitated and anxious.

"Why is he not duelling the General?"

"It was in your Father's war room." Came the response.

"What, those are the rules? Does Zuko know?"

"I don't think so, that's what worries me most." They didn't speak the rest of the way, Kozar was numb with shock. He couldn't believe this was happening.

When they arrived everyone else was already there, Kozar followed his Uncle to the only two empty seats in the entire chamber. He looked around and spotted Azula and Zhao, two of his least favourite people on Earth. Standing on the raised platform was the other; his Father.

The next few minutes passed in a blur: The surprise on Zuko's face when he turned, the way he begged for mercy, His Father's cruelty, Azula's clenched fist. Kozar was transfixed, he wanted to look away but couldn't help but stare. Zuko screamed, and in that moment, the future was born.