Dream - [001]
[WARNING: This dream contains spoilers about the first season of Avatar the Last Airbender. If you still wish to watch the series, you might want to read this dream just yet. The events of this dream are recounted in episode 12 of the first season, and the episode is called The Storm.]
The thunderous roars of the cheering crowd echoed through a massive arena. Spectators were packed at the sides of a long stone platform. Large red flags hung down on them from the ceiling, separated by tall pillars. At the far ends of the room, the Fire Nation’s symbol was embedded into the walls. Everything was enclosed, except for the roof just above the stone platform. It was wide open so that everyone could see the setting sun. The fading light brightly illuminated on two figures, both of which were kneeling with their backs facing each other at opposite sides of the dueling platform.
To the far left side was a thirteen-year-old boy. The young Prince Zuko had his shirt off, with only a ceremonial cloak draped over his back. A few things about him were noticeably different. His hair was much longer, and pulled back into a pony tail to begin with, however, anyone who had seen his face would immediately notice the absence of the huge burn scar that usually marred the left side of his face. The boy looked completely confident.
He had finally gotten to participate in his first war meeting, even though his Uncle told him it would be pretty boring. One of the generals was describing the positioning of the Earth Kingdom forces. He was going to send out a division of new recruits against the Earth Kingdom Defenses as a distraction. In his mind, he could hear his own words that resulted in this confrontation…
“You can't sacrifice an entire division like that! Those soldiers love and defend our nation! How can you betray them?!”
Zuko didn’t care one bit if it was a sign of disrespect. The old man was completely wrong. The Fire Lord would never go along with such a cruel tactic… or at least he hoped not… Every one of those soldiers had put their faith and trust in the Fire Lord’s judgment. Zuko always thought that when he grew up to be the Fire Lord himself one day, he would never have generals who would even consider that option.
Of course, there was only way to resolve a dispute of respect… An Agni Kai. A fire duel. Still, Zuko wasn’t worried. He was confident that he had been right, and he wasn’t worried about fighting an old man. The moment he was given a signal for the start of the duel, he shrugged off the cloak and proudly turned to face his opponent, ready to fight…
… It was only a few seconds before Zuko’s determined look suddenly dropped into an expression of pure shock. His hands fell out of his fighting stance to his sides. The man who he was facing wasn’t the general…
His breath caught in his throat in a strangled gasp that sounded like a terrified choke. It hadn’t been important to him before… but he realized that he had spoken out in the war chamber. The Fire Lord’s war chamber. He wasn’t called into an Agni Kai for disrespecting the general…. He had disrespected Fire Lord Ozai himself. His own father…
As his father slowly advanced on him, Zuko looked back up at him in complete terror. No matter what he hoped… His father would not back down from a duel.
“Please, father! I only had the Fire Nation’s best interest at heart! I’m sorry I spoke out of turn!” He cried, using all of his will to speak around the clenching fear tightening in his chest. Ozai did not stop. He continued to advance, ominously silhouetted by the shadows caused by the setting sun
“You will fight for your honor.” Ozai’s voice rumbled.
Zuko immediately dropped down to his knees, placing his hands out in front of him and bowing low. He was trembling, not only with fear, but from the anguish of his father’s cruelty.
“I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son.” His voice was starting to tremble as he looked up at his father.
“Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!”
“I wont fight you!” Zuko said, lowering his head down to the ground… Please stop father… Please…
“You will learn respect,” The Fire Lord growled. Zuko lifted his head to see that he was now towering over him. The young prince’s golden eyes were overflowing with tears. Why? Why was his father doing this? He wouldn't... “And suffering will be your teacher.”
Apparently, he would. Zuko barely had time to try to back away before his father was already collecting fire in his hand. The prince desperately looked to the side, as if desperately searching for someone to save him… His eyes fell on the horrified face of his Uncle… Who was completely powerless to do anything.
There was a flash of flames, a terrible anguished scream, and then everything went black.
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Zuko let out a strangled gasp as he awoke, his hand immediately shooting up to the right side of his face. He took long, deep, shaky breaths as he remembered where he was. He was sitting up, his back leaning against one of the cottages in the village. He could feel the scarred flesh under his hand... His father's brand.
((City Pass payment 1 of 2))