Well, just wrote this because I haven't written in a while, and I wanted to practice my 3rd person POV stories…And I am also currently fangirling on Zuko (his half-bald ponytail thing is awesome).
Prince Zuko was allowed two weeks of recuperation after the Agni Kai.
How generous of his Father.
Still, he was so weak that he could hardly walk, and the pain in the left side of his face was so great that it would have prevented him from smiling, even if he had the inclination to do so.
He hurt. He was in agony, but as his trembling legs carried him unwillingly up the ramp to his ship he was far too proud to ever admit it. His face throbbed from his father's fiery blasts, and, like the child he was, he wanted nothing more than to hide himself away and bemoan the injustice of it all. If it wasn't for the countless watchful eyes, ready to swoop down and pick at any fault, any disgrace to the family name he would have broken down and cried.
His Uncle, the only member of his family who had stayed, put a comforting hand on his shoulder as they boarded the ship and greeted the crew. Prince Zuko shook it off. Even at thirteen he was arrogant; he wouldn't shame himself that way. Enough unjust shame and dishonor had been thrust upon his broadening shoulders already.
"Lieutenant Jee, a rare pleasure." Beamed his Uncle from beside him, bowing ever so slightly to the tall, grizzled man who was plainly in charge of this operation.
"Yes Sir, a pleasure to meet you too, and Prince Zuko." Growled the man dismissively. Through the haze of agony and hurt, Zuko could barely hear him, but noted his insolence just the same.
He didn't bother to respond with anything other than a curt order for the men 'move'.
Stumbling past the huge armored men the boy swayed drunkenly as he all but dragged himself down the corridors. Through the haze, Prince Zuko still felt the vague ghost of the pride that had always swelled in his chest upon seeing the flags bearing the fire nation crest that hung regally along the walls.
His stubborn legs held out until he reached the dull metal cell which was to be his room. It was a depressingly stark contrast to his old chambers in the palace, whose opulence were as intimidating and lonely as they were expensive. As the door banged shut behind him, the once proud prince fell to his knees and brought a trembling hand to his bandaged flesh.
Slowly, he crawled towards the dark mattress and collapsed on top of it, shaking with the effort. That short march had been the longest he had been on his feet since that Agni Kai. It seemed a lifetime since he had last walked properly.
The prince heard a door creak behind him and desperately wiped away the traitorous tear which had dared to escape his one good eye. Sitting up he saw the concerned face of his uncle.
"You need rest my nephew." Consoled the older man, placing a comforting hand on the young Prince's shoulder.
The boy looked at his Uncle, his bottom lip wobbling unperceptively, looking for any patronizing glimpses in the kindly eyes.
"Tell the crew to set a course for the Southern Air Temple." The Prince muttered quietly, refusing to meet his Uncle's worried gaze.
Still, he did not shake off the hand.