Day 2 = Change
Zuko's PoV, and this takes place throughout the series. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: If only...*sighs*
Change
The first time I saw her, she was just a lowly Water Tribe peasant, her only significance being that she was traveling with the Avatar. Even though she was a waterbender, her power was limited, easily overtaken.
But each time we encountered each other, her abilities improved, and she became more of a challenge, but her concern for the Airbender made her weak and vulnerable.
Or so I thought.
At the seige of the North Pole, I realized she would do anything to protect the Avatar, and she was able to overcome my own talents. This girl, this peasant, and bested me, but to my surprise, they didn't leave me to freeze in the blizzard.
I was confused for the longest time, and Uncle's complicated wisdom did not help. Traveling through the Earth Kingdom as refugees put some things into perspective. I saw the horrific atrocities committed by my people, by my father, in the frightened faces of the villagers. Everything I was tought and believed in crumbled as I saw the truth for myself. I could feel my previous goals disappearing, though I still wished for the love and respect of my father.
She revealed that she had healing abilities to me in our time in prison in Ba Sing Se. She said it was possible to heal my scar, and I realized that she was no longer a simple Water Tribe peasant girl as we battled in the crystal catacombs, as she screamed that I had betrayed her, that she thought I had changed. If only she saw the changes in herself.
I returned to my homeland, no longer a banished prince. I thought I had everything I'd ever wanted back in my grasp, but her words still echoed in my dreams. On the Day of Black Sun, I renounced what I thought was my home, my royal birthright, to join the Avatar and help end the war. Everyone accepted me quickly, except her. Her death threat haunted me every time I even looked at Aang. Her cold glares and snide remarks across the campfire reminded me of my complicated past, and she was unwilling to accept the fact that I had changed for the better.
But then came to the chance to redeem myself in her eyes. We tracked down the man who had murdered her mother, and though it wasn't exactly revenge, she recieved closure. Only after this did she seem to begin to trust me again. But I saw just how truly far she had come when she used what she called "Bloodbending" to control a man's actions, like a cruel puppetmaster. That's the only time I remember ever being afraid of her.
This powerful Water Bender went from a meek and insignificant girl, to a strong, compassionate young woman, with the ability to tackle her enemies with the force of a tsunami behind her, or care for the ones she loved as tenderly as a mother.
Maybe no one else noticed, but I did.
... -.- LAME! xP
If you find the Wicked reference, you get an imaginary pudding cup in the flavor of your choice! xD Speaking of which, I'm going to see Wicked in August! I AM SO EXCITED! :D
But seriously, this one is the lamest so far. It felt like I was writing a freaking English essay!
-C