Chapter 49.5- And so the Dragons Danced

I ignored the way she screamed in rage and rushed at me. Someone from her own side got a hold of her before she decided to commit suicide by Firebender. One of the more ridiculous ways to die. At least that was something.

“What do you want Natsu?” He seemed so tired. The nobles were watching him with sharp eyes- watching the both of us.

“You sent assassins after me and your sister. While the Avatar failed to kill me, he managed to kill Fire Lady Azula. I am here to challenge you to Agni Kai for the affront.”

“You must be joking. I am the rightful Fire Lord. I—”

“You are nothing. A boy that could not stand against his own father and so was scarred and exiled. Ozai made it clear that you were never to inherit anything, and the one thing that could have returned your honour— you failed at miserably. Instead of capturing the Avatar, you colluded with him to kill your father and steal your sister’s rightful inheritance. You, Zuko the Kinslayer, Zuko the scarred, Zuko the miserable, Zuko the honourless, are no Fire Lord of mine. I challenge you to an Agni Kai for the throne. I claim it by the right of Tsukuyomi himself. The right of being the chosen of Agni” I said, stepping forward. Zuko’s eyes were wide, and they grew wider with every word I tossed at him like a bullet from a gun. Well, one of his eyes did, the scarred one remained nearly seared shut.

“You can’t be serious” He scoffed.

“I am. Deathly so. Fight me, Zuko. Fight me now. Say what you would about your Uncle, fat, lazy, useless, but even he could stand and fight” I said,, and I knew I had him.

“I accept your challenge” he said. There were gasps from the nobles at that and they turned to each other to begin whispering. By agreeing to the Agni Kai, he was accepting my claim. A crucial sliver of legitimacy that this coup oil mine could scarcely succeed without.

“Good. As the challenger, I will let you set the terms.”

“To the death”

“Perfect. I assume we can get this over with right now. The colliseum remains untouched, I trust? Even you couldn’t have ruined Azulon’s edifice in that time.” I enjoyed teasing Zuko. Conversations with Azula had made it clear just how fragile and prideful Ozai’s son could be. My words left him stewing in rage as we made our way to the coliseum from separate ends. His people followed him while my Grandfather led me down a separate route. Basically everyone at the pier had begun the journey, not wanting to miss the fight.

And that was the important bit. Because Maki had orders of her own, and an empty peir would make it easier. I would beat Zuko in no time but his rebels, traitors, and foreigners would need to be put down afterwards.