Whup whup whup whup whup

The sound of Tahno's fists hitting a punching bag was rhythmic. It was in no way relaxing, nor cathartic.

Why?! He thought to himself. Three years in the city... countless visits... and she still has that fucking accent! I hate it! I hate being reminded constantly that I'm less than everyone... that I'm not worthy of my birthright!

And there was the root of it all. He didn't even sound like his own sister... all because his idiot mother decided to take him away from what was his-- his royal fire nation bloodline. Everyone identified him immediately as swamp because of that accent. They didn't look at his hair, or his features. They didn't even take note of him when he was with his family. Constantly, the citizens and assistants would forget who he was. They would give him orders, ask him for help and even dare to snicker at him.

He was the brother of the Fire Lord, yet not a soul cared. He should be Prince Tahno. But his mother stripped that away from him. There was never a chance.

Sweat poured down his face, disguising the tears that dared to leak out of his face. Never did he mean to hurt you like he did. He loved you, truly, but how would anyone take him seriously if he were to simply marry within the swamp?

"Tahno..." Ming gently interrupted. "Your form is off."

"I KNOW!" Tahno shouted and froze the punching bag before him. "I know."

"Did you make it home?" She asked politely. Ming, although straightforward, was very well mannered. She saved any other behavior for her bending matches.

"Yes." Tahno took a deep breath in and released it slowly. "I was home."

"Makes sense." She nodded and began practicing Tai Chi. "Only she gets you this worked up."

"Don't talk about her." He avoided eye contact.

"You never do." She noted.

"Your form is off." He sneered back. "Why don't you focus on that."

Meanwhile, you were focusing on cleaning the house. Again. Like you did every day.

"Ain't even dirty." You grumbled. "Just da plate."

Yet, you rarely left the house. It was a strange world out there, stranger yet when you had no experience with the technology available now. The Foggy Swamp tribe was more of a relic now, but it was still more familiar to you.

The house didn't reflect it at all and nor did you, apart from your accent. Long gone was your leaf-based clothes. Instead, replaced with a simple robe and slippers. There was no plants, no artwork and nothing that would give away your heritage. A non-bender, you figured that most people weren't decked out in their personal gear, but you never even got to see your childhood home.

Tahno would never allow it. He was never going to go back.