With the girl in my arms, I ran to the stream, knowing how much the cold water would sting. I charged in, splashing water into my face, and my body stiffened and steamed as my soaked clothes clung to my skin.

I struggled to maintain my breath.

The girl hadn't fought me, and I feared I was too late.

I dropped to my knees, getting her into the water as quickly as I could. The water would help. It had to.

Fully immersed, the girl showed the first sign of life since I had picked her up. She screamed, releasing her breath under the water, and thrashed wildly at me with her hands and feet.

A weight lifted from my shoulders, and I let her go.

She jumped to her feet still thrashing wildly, blinded by water dripping in her eyes.

Stepping back I witnessed the result of my handiwork. Her palms and wrists were red and raw, and her left cheek down to her jaw was several shades too red and blistered. Part of her brown hair near her face had burned and curled back.

My heart pounded and despite the water surrounding me, the flame flickered like an old sore. "Take it easy," I said, my palms up, fingers spread.

"Get away from me!" she yelled.

"I'm trying to help you."

"Don't touch me!" She tried to blink the water away, and when that didn't work, jammed her hands against her eyes and rubbed.

I winced.

Opening her eyes at me, seeing me for the first time, she gasped and stared at the scarred side of my face, looking nauseated.

My shame burned fiercely. I took a deep breath and released the energy. Gesturing to the water surrounding us I said, "Please. The water will help."

She recoiled.

I backed up and lowered my hands, not realizing until then that I had taken a step closer. "I only want to help you."

"Why should I trust you?" she snapped.

I looked at her plain clothes, Earth Nation clothes, and realized I was still in my Fire Nation armor that Azula had given me once I had rejoined her. It wasn't the armor of a prince, but it was enough to mark me as an enemy. My shoulders sagged and I couldn't meet her dark eyes. "I suppose you shouldn't."

She didn't answer.

I looked up with my good eye, hiding my left. "But you're hurt and need help. Let me help you."

Looking down at her arms in shock, she asked "What can you do?" She didn't sound convinced.

I looked away to the sky, wishing something I never thought I would. If only Katara were here. "I don't have the power of healing," I said and looked back at the Earth Nation girl. "But I've been through this."

I watched, waiting. She seemed to be thinking several thoughts at once and trying to sort through them. I found my own thoughts wandering to uncomfortable places. When Azula struck down Uncle. When he helped the Avatar escape and wouldn't meet my eyes. When my father stretched his fist out to me at the Agni Kai, full of rage.

I blinked and watched the girl, forcing all other thoughts aside.

Looking like she had reached a decision, she released a deep breath. With a questioning expression, she held her burned hands out to me.

"Come here," I said softly.

She stepped closer and I cupped her hands in mine, examining how badly she was hurt.

For a moment, her muscles were tense and I thought she would pull away. But when I didn't hurt her, she relaxed. Then, still holding her hands, I studied her face. Only a few minutes ago she had been beautiful. Now…. I took a deep breath. "This won't be pleasant."

She laughed quietly and squirmed. "It's already not pleasant."

I met her gaze with determination. "Put your arms in the water."

She grimaced, pulling the burnt skin around her mouth.

"This water runs cold and clean. It's the best thing to help you now."

She nodded. Easing to her knees, the water slipped around her arms.

I knelt with her and watched her face twitch as the water stung. "Deeper is better."

She nodded again and sat on her feet. Twice she gasped.

Sitting with her, I tried to think of something encouraging my uncle would say. Nothing came to mind, so I simply added, "That's good."

She wiggled her fingers stiffly.

"Now you need to put your face in the water."

She looked up at me and a surprised expression crossed her face.

I would never enjoy that reaction to my scar. "The longer you can stay there, the more it will help."

She swallowed. "Is this what you did?"

I paused, trying to forget the agony of the past that was branded to me. "No."

She searched my eyes. Fear showed in hers.

She was afraid of me. I supposed she had every reason to be. I waited while she slowed her breathing.

Finally she nodded.

I nodded.

She turned her head sideways and leaned into the water, eyes closed.

The cool water caressed her skin and I caught myself wishing she would completely heal.

She gasped, choking on the water, and jerked her face up, wincing at a light breeze.

I watched her, wishing there was more I could do. Wishing, even, that I could undo my mistake. She shouldn't have to suffer my fate. "You can do this," I told her.

She took a deep breath. "If—if I don't?"

I tried not to sigh, but couldn't stop the frown. "You'll look like me."

Her shoulders drooped. For a moment, she looked at the water, not seeing it, and licked her lips. She took another deep breath, a readying breath, and slowly lowered her face into the water once more. This time she stayed.