I couldn't feel anything. I could barely breathe. But I knew I was alive. I didn't know if I should be relieved or terrified. My own father just tried to kill me. All I can remember is seeing that blast of scorching heat coming straight towards me. All I could do was stand there. Pathetic. I am weak. Father should have just killed me. I don't think I'll be able to face this embarassment.
Oh shit. I can feel the pain now. The heat that's engulfing the left side of my face is burning in such terrible agony, I don't know if I can even move. I can hear voices shouting at me, telling me it's alright. Somebody won't stop screaming.
Wait, the burning in my lungs is because I'm the one screaming. I'm screaming with all my might. This pain is so raw. I don't want to be alive. Please, Father, just kill me. I can't take this pain.
"Zuko! Honey, please! It's alright. Please stop screaming. I got you baby. We're going to get you help." I hear Mother's voice and my screaming turns into whimpering and convulsing sobs. All of the pain is increasing and I can't help but to keep shouting.
"Mother! It hurts! Please please please! Just make it stop! I can't take it anymore! Tell Father to just end me! I can't live like this!" My throat is starting to ache from the screams. Not only that, but their is more than one pair of hands attending to me. No doubt my Uncle is there as well.
"Leave him! He deserves this punishment Ursa. He defied my honor and the honor bestowed upon him. He is banished! He is a disgrace to the Fire Nation! Get him out of my sight!" My Father's loud, booming voice stilled echoed in my ears after he was finished speaking. Banished? Father really did hate me. Just like Azula said. But...Azula ALWAYS lies.
"Ozai, you can't make me abandon my own flesh and blood. He is our son! He needs us! I will not abandon him!" I let out a sob as Mother cradled me comfortably in her arms. I could still breathe and I thanked whomever was out there that I was still allowed to smell the comforting smell of my beautiful Mother.
"I have already spoken. I want him out of my sight at sundown." I didn't dare open my eyes but I could feel my Father's heavy footsteps leave the arena. Voices from the crowd echoed around me and all I could do was grab ahold of my Mother.
"I love you Zuko. Always and forever I will." Her soft kiss reached my forehead and all I could do was wince in pain before I fell into the coldness of unconsciousness.
