Zuko wants to grow up already (myowndestiny) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2012-06-21 16:19:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, azula, zuko |
"Rise and fight, Prince Zuko."
Who: Zuko and Azula
What: A shared dream. Zuko's Agni Kai where he's burned, and then their reactions upon waking.
Where: Fire Kingdom
When: Nearly three years before the start of A:TLA
Status: Complete
Rating: PG-13 for duality. Also burning.
Zuko had insulted a general, and been challenged to an Agni Kai. A fire duel. He kneels, facing away, as the ritual commands, and tries to find his center. He could do this. His opponent is an old man, past his prime, and the cause is worthy.
But when he stands, and faces his opponent as his cloak flutters to the ground, he sees not the old general, but his father. He doesn't want this. He loves his father. But he's dishonored his father by speaking out of turn in the war room.
He begs for mercy, "Please, father, I only had the Fire Nation's best interests at heart! I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!"
"You will fight for your honor!"
Zuko bows as his father approaches, pressing to the ground as though worshipping him. And maybe part of him does. That's why his heart breaks, and why he refuses to fight, "I meant you no disrespect, I am your loyal son!"
"Rise and fight, Prince Zuko."
"I won't fight you." Though he keeps his head bowed in respect to his father, there is defiance in his voice, and in his heart. Water pricks at his eyes, and though he tries to fight it, the tears came anyway. He hates water.
Ozai steps closer, his voice growing irritated, "You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher."
With any Agni Kai, there are witnesses. Zuko's family is watching. Uncle Iroh, and his sister. Iroh looks away.
Azula leans forward in anticipation. Her brother is weak, a coward. He deserves what's coming. Their father won't kill his own son. Azula understands that, and despite how weak Zuko is, he's still her brother. She expects a different fate. One that will make her crown princess. The crown will be hers, and she will become the first female Fire Lord with Zuko's inevitable banishment.
This is the best day of her life.
This is the worst day of Zuko's life. He looks up as his father stands before him, placing his hand over his face. The agony is unbearble and his screams echo across the dueling grounds.
Azula's eyes gleam cunningly. The power will be hers, and inside her heart she locks away the parts that feel for Zuko, and the parts that fear for herself. There is no longer any room for feelings like pity, love and fear.
---
Zuko awoke, his scream dying on his tongue. His face is in agony, the entire left side feeling as though it had been placed on a grill. He stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom, flipping on the light. He splashed water on his face to quench the flame, and for just a moment, he could see the scar. But then it passed, leaving him confused and angry.
In another part of the county, Azula woke up much more quietly. She'd let Ty Lee stay in her bed again, but as she looked at her sleeping, she had to force herself to remember how to feel anything more than anger or pride.
Slipping out of bed, she walked into her private bathroom, and rubbed water on her face. She stared into the mirror, and the girl who stared back looked almost unfamiliar. There was no room for pity, love, or fear. She knew Ozai wouldn't blink if he had to put a bullet in either her or Zuko's head.
Her lips turned up into a cruel smile as she remembered the agony Zuko had gone through, and what it had meant for her.
In another mirror, Zuko's lips were turned into a frown. Where Azula's eyes held cruel understanding, his held pain, and heartache.
The siblings looked into their own reflections, but really, they were looking at each other.