Disclaimer: I do not own ATLA, nor will I ever. The thought alone makes me sad…

Chapter 10: The Love of a Father

Katara knew that most dads were protective. In fact, her own had entrusted her brother to protect her while he went away to fight in the war. It was a typical response of a father to protect his children to an extent. At least, that's what Katara used to think until she met Toph and Zuko.

Toph's dad was protective. In fact, he was so protective of her that no one knew she existed. He was afraid for her, worried that because of her blindness that she was weak and helpless. He raised her to be a lady, one that would be protected at all times because of her ailment. But that's where he went wrong. Toph was completely capable to take care of herself. Her parents knew she was an earthbender but limited her teachings to just the basics because they thought her blindness would hold her back. It really only did the opposite.

Toph used her earthbending to see. Though she couldn't see colors or textures, let alone faces, she could "see" better than anyone Katara had ever met. She used her earthbending as an extension of her senses. It was marvelous on how she managed to move and get around. She was more graceful in her movements and fighting that she made Katara look like a clumsy drunk.

But Toph's father didn't want to see that. He wouldn't believe it let alone hear her out. He had actually gone to the lengths of forbidding the group to see her anymore and she was to be put under 24 hour protection. They were escorted out of the Beifong manner and Aang became distraught that he would never find an earthbending teacher.

But he was wrong. Toph prevailed. She came running to the group that night saying her father changed his mind and that she was free to travel the world with them. Aang was ecstatic, knowing that she was the perfect teacher for him. It was strange that Lao Beifong would so easily let his daughter go after their spat that afternoon. Iroh and Katara both were suspicious, especially after how he behaved when they were in his home. They knew that they hadn't seen the last of the world's most protective father.

After her thoughts left the Earth Kingdom nobleman, Katara thought about Zuko's father, the Fire Lord. He wasn't protective of Zuko in anyway shape or form, according to what she has witnessed since meeting him and by the testimonials from Iroh. In fact, he was the one who burned his own son for showing what he thought was weakness. The only thing Fire Lord Ozai was protective of was his victories in the war and his country. He couldn't care less about the sacrifices made in order to win. It actually sickened Katara. How someone was prepared to do whatever it took to win, including casting aside his first-born son because of his "weakness", disgusted her down to her very bones.

She thought she hated Ozai enough, but that all changed when she followed through with her promise to Zuko.

Everyone was sitting in front of the fire the night after Toph joined them. Iroh and Toph were discussing something about white dragon tea, while Sokka and Aang had been playing "Elements".

Zuko was twiddling his thumbs with an absent-minded pace and stared blankly into the fire, his mind obviously somewhere else. Once Katara finished cleaning the dishes from dinner, she carefully approached and sat down and smiled at him. He didn't budge. A frown replaced her cheerful expression and she nudged his shoulder with her own.

"Zuko?"

He rose his good brow and turned his chin slightly towards her, not taking his eyes off of the fire but acknowledging her presence.

"Did you want to… do the thing?"

He perked up, suddenly knowing what she was starting to say, and turned his body completely to her now. His pale face looked apprehensive as he chewed on his lower lip and replied in a wary tone, "If you think you can do it."

Katara nodded once, feeling anxiety herself, and uncorked her water skin, gloving her hands with the water and resting them over his temples. The kneading waters massaged the tissues, hoping to release something. For a while, nothing happened. She pinched her eyebrows together and frowned, as did he.

"Why isn't this working?" she growled under her breath, shifting in her spot so she was kneeling in front of Zuko now.

"Maybe try moving your hands around and find a different spot," Zuko suggested as he looked up into her eyes. "You've already gone over these spots before."

She nodded and tried to move her hands higher, but she brushed his scar with her thumb and suddenly he gasped and went rigid in her arms.

Zuko strode to the room with the flame insignia curtain draped at the entrance. hands clenched in fists at his sides and a false sense of superiority floating all around him. He knew that this was his chance, he knew that this was the time to prove his worth as prince. So, he decided to make his way to the war room with a confident stride and his chin in the air. There were two guards posted at the entrance, as well as several high-ranking members of the military standing nearby having small conversations. Zuko made his way towards the door, expecting to go in, but one of the guards stepped in his way.

"Let me in!" he demanded, almost tempted to stomp his foot with his exclamation. But the man didn't move. Before he could speak again, Zuko felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see his Uncle Iroh standing behind him.

"Prince Zuko, what's wrong?"

He frowned and replied, "I want to go into the war chamber but the guard won't let me pass!"

"You're not missing anything, trust me," the older man said with a chuckle as he guided Zuko away from the door. "These meetings are dreadfully boring."

Unconvinced, Zuko smiled up to his Uncle and stated, "If I'm going to rule this nation one day, don't you think I need to start learning as much as I can?"

Iroh mulled this over and Zuko could see a bit of disappointment in his uncle's eyes as he agreed, "Very well. But you must promise not to speak. These old folks are a bit sensitive, you know?"

He ignored Iroh's tone, and put the warning in the back of his mind. Still, Zuko was overjoyed so he bowed. "Thank you, Uncle."

Zuko and Iroh walked together into the war room and sat on the left side of the table, closest to the Fire Lord's throne. After the rest of the members of the council arrived and the Fire Lord sat in his place behind the column of fire, the meeting started. An older general then stood and began proposing his tactics to the group.

"The Earth Kingdom defenses are concentrated here," he pointed to a place on the map. "A dangerous battalion of their strongest earthbenders and fiercest warriors. So I am recommending the forty-first division."

Another officer spoke up, "But the forty-first is entirely new recruits. How do you expect them to defeat a powerful Earth Kingdom battalion?"

"I don't," the general replied with a cruel grin. "They'll be used as a distraction while we mount an attack from the rear. What better to use as bait than fresh meat?"

His eyes widened and he felt his chest constrict at what he just heard. It was... inhumane. Sick. Terrible and savage. His heart burned and his throat tightened and before he could stop himself, Zuko stood and shouted at the old man, "You can't sacrifice an entire division like that! Those soldiers love and defend our nation! How can you betray them?"

The men in the room all stared at the prince like he had grown an extra head. In that second, Zuko's heart stopped dead in his chest. He realized that he had disobeyed Iroh's one demand and spoke out during the meeting. He could feel his bones chill and his spine go rigid as he saw all eyes in the room widen as they stared at him. Frightened, Zuko slowly turned and faced his father's throne. The fire on the dais quickly rose in his father's anger.

"Prince Zuko," the Fire Lord started with a furious edge, "your challenge against the general is an act of complete disrespect! And there is only one way to resolve this. You must fight in an Agni Kai."

Zuko's blood went cold, stopping completely in their veins as he stared disbelievingly at his father's silhouette. He couldn't feel anything but shock, but he quickly remembered his original purpose of coming into the war room and regained his composure. He turned to the general, eyes narrowed, and said proudly, "I am not afraid."

Just as quickly as he was brought in, Zuko was taken out of the room and led to the preparation chamber outside the Agni Kai area. There in silence, he changed into the traditional garb for the battle. He slathered the burn protectant on his arms and torso, and let a servant do his back for him.

"Aren't you going to do your face, Prince Zuko?" the servant asked hesitantly.

Zuko smirked arrogantly at the smaller boy and shook his head. "The old man won't be able to get my face."

His uncle came into the room as the servant left, eyeing Zuko warily. The Prince's couldn't help but smile at the old man's concern.

"Prince Zuko, remember your firebending basics," Iroh said to him as he tied the strings around his ankles.

"I won't forget, Uncle," Zuko grinned widely at Iroh as he finished tying the last knots on his left ankle. "Besides, the old cook probably won't be able to even kneel before the gong is struck."

"About that Prince Zuko-"

"I'll be fine, Uncle!" Zuko stood up straight and looked right into Iroh's pleading eyes, smiling reassuringly. "I know I made the mistake of speaking out of turn, but I think it's for the better. When my father sees me beat General Bujing, he won't be able to help and feel anything but pride! I'll finally be better than Azula, Uncle!"

Iroh sighed deeply and shook his head. "Don't be too confident, Prince Zuko. Your opponent might surprise you. I'll just warn you now, there is still honor in defeat. But none in pride."

Zuko nodded once and bowed to his uncle as the man left the room. He was starting to feel the nerves of the upcoming Agni Kai, but he felt as confident as ever in his skills. This was his chance to prove himself to his father, the Fire Lord, and earn the respect needed for when he will eventually take the throne.

"Prince Zuko," a different servant squeaked as he poked his head through the curtain. "It is time, your Highness."

Zuko nodded and grabbed the ceremonial throw and placed it on his shoulders as he walked out of the small room. He smiled to himself, thinking that this was all going to work out. He was going to win this Agni Kai, his father would see how far he has come as a firebender and finally be proud to have him as the heir to the throne. And maybe he would finally be given more responsibilities as the Crown Prince. This would all be beneficial to him. Because, in reality, what was the worst that could happen?

He made his way onto the stage of the arena and was shocked at the number of people who had shown up to watch this Agni Kai. With a grin, he made his way down to the far end of the platform and turned around to kneel. He waited for a few moments, trying to ignore the crowd's roaring as his opponent stepped into his place. Just as the crowd died down, the gong rang and he stood and turned. But what Zuko saw shocked him to his core. It wasn't the general who he disrespected that stood on the other end of the stage.

It was his own father.

Just like it had in the war room, Zuko's blood went cold and his face fell into pure fear at the sight of Fire Lord Ozai standing in front of him. He could feel his jaw quiver and his heart race in terror as his father scowled at him from across the arena. Immediately, Zuko fell to his hands and knees and pleaded with him, "Please, Father. I only had the Fire Nation's best interest at heart. I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!"

He could hear the Fire Lord approaching him and speak with his booming, and terrifying, voice, "You will fight for your honor."

Zuko felt tears fall down his cheeks as he pressed his forehead to the ground and cried, "I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son!"

His father was shouting now, "Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!"

Zuko straightened his back so he was leaning just on his hands, his eyes still looking to the floor under him and the tears still falling. He replied as strongly as he could, "I won't fight you."

"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher."

His rose his head and stared into the cold eyes of his father, which reflected his own face that had been contorted in fear. With a cruel and malicious grin, Ozai rose his right arm and held it behind him, where a fire ball grew in the center of his palm. Zuko was scared to his core, unable to even comprehend what was happening. He couldn't believe what was happening, his whole plan backfired. He was a disgrace, he was ashamed. This was the end. He was going to die by the hands of his own father. And as Ozai's hand came around to hit him, Zuko felt a sob leave his chest just as the fire blast hit him on his left eye.

He began to scream, the searing pain of the flame against his skin caused him to shake and convulse, trembling in what could only be described to himself as life-ending shock. As he thrashed and screamed, he felt a pair of arms grasping his shoulders and someone was yelling at him. But he couldn't hear them over his own voice. He was laying on the ground now, clutching his face and shouting at the top of his lungs.

The voice that was speaking to him was starting to become clearer. It was a girl. She sounded scared for him.

"Zuko! Zuko, please calm down!"

She was pleading with him. He didn't remember a girl being there to help him. The only girl there was Azula, and she taunted him as he laid in his own blood on the arena floor, clutching his face. In fact, it was his Uncle Iroh who had carried him to the infirmary after that fateful event. He grasped the ground underneath him as he sobbed. There was grass. Wait, his Agni Kai wasn't outside. And he had been laying on stone.

Where was he?

"Zuko," there was his uncle. "Zuko, please it was just the memory."

He sounded scared. Zuko knew it. He had been scared when it happened, too. The girl was grasping his body and lifting him up now. He couldn't open his eyes, but he felt the pressure when the fabric of her tunic rubbed against the numb skin of his scar. She was stroking his hair as he cried and shook in her arms. He couldn't stop himself as he reached around and clutched her shirt in his fists, shame and dishonor of the memory flooding over him.

She began to hush him and rock him back and forth, much like someone else had in his past.

"Zuko," she whispered as his sobs calmed to quiet tears. "Zuko, listen. It's Katara. I'm right here, just calm down."

Katara. He knew where he was now. A clearing in the middle of the Earth Kingdom with a group of teenagers and his Uncle Iroh. They were with the Avatar and he was learning the four elements in order to stop the Fire Lord, Zuko's father, from winning the war. He had lost his memory in an accident at sea and Katara was just currently trying to help him remember his past.

His crying was starting to slow and his body began to calm. He took in a deep breath and pulled away from Katara's arms. She reluctantly let go of his shoulders and stared in his eyes. She was terrified. Of what, he wasn't sure.

"Zuko?"

"I'm here..." he managed to choke out.

"Did you see it?"

Zuko knew what she had been talking about. The burning. How he had gotten his scar. How he became this man, so scarred on the outside as well as the inside. So instead of answering with words, he just nodded. He went to stand but Katara placed her hands on his shoulder, shaking her head. She pulled him back into a hug and wrapped her arms around his shoulder, letting him kneel in between her legs as they embraced. He snaked his arms around her waist and nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply.

"I'm so sorry, Zuko," she whispered into his hair. He shook his head and took in another uneven breath, but remained silent. She stroked his hair with a steady hand and rested her cheek on the crown of his head. "I wish I could have been able to help you then like I am now."

"It doesn't matter," he replied with a gruff voice. "All that matters is you're here with me now. I don't know what would have happened if I was alone when I saw it again…"

She hushed him again and squeezed him a little tighter. He tightened his grip in response and then reluctantly pulled away. He stared in her eyes and smiled weakly. With a small voice, he said, "Thank you, Katara."

She smiled back. "Anytime, Zuko."

He went to stand again and she followed, raising to her feet with her hand in his. His eyes went to the forest and he thought of the creek nearby, a quiet place where he could be alone with his thoughts without eyes boring holes into him as he did so. His feet began taking him there, and Katara was starting to follow. Zuko turned to her and frowned as he shook his head and whispered, "I need to be alone. I'll be down at the creek."

Half-heartedly, she nodded and returned to her kneeling position. Zuko gave her a reassuring smile and turned back to the tree line. There was a creek about a ten minute walk away from their campsite. It was in another open area like the clearing they were staying in, so if he felt the need to let out a little fire he wouldn't be in too much danger of burning down the forest. As he avoided the underbrush, he kept his mind on the task of reaching the water as much as he could. But the flashes of his father staring down at him with hateful eyes kept coming to his mind. He had to shake his head to get rid of them, only for them to come back a few seconds later.

He finally reached the water's edge and kneeled down tiredly on the shore. He stared up at the full moon and sighed, just keeping his eyes on the sole object in the sky for what felt like ages, but must have only been about ten minutes.

"Yue, what did I do to deserve all of this?" he whispered. A lone tear fell down his right cheek and dripped off of his cheek into the water. Slowly, he lowered his head to the flowing current and leaned towards it. His moonlit reflection stared back at him.

That was when he saw it. The high and concaved cheekbones, the narrow chin, the straight nose and angular jaw. The black hair on his head, and the golden color of his eyes… They were all exactly like him. His own father. The only difference between the man in his memory and the one he looked at in the water was the angry crimson scar that stretched over his left eye and cheek. The mark of his disgrace and shame. The mark of a banished prince.

Zuko could feel his blood boil and his jaw clench. He was just a child, and his own father burned and disowned him. Cast him away like trash to bring Azula up as the new Crown Princess. All the hatred he felt at himself suddenly felt justified, because the man who sired him felt that same disgust. In a fit of rage, Zuko punched the water and stood, screaming his lungs out at the night sky. As he roared out, fire spewed from his lips and lit up the clearing, reflecting off of the flowing water. Through his tears and anguish, he collapsed on the ground in an exhausted heap.

And for a moment before he blacked out from his ire, Zuko could have sworn the fire coming from his mouth was a blinding white.

Katara waited for him to return. He left about fifteen, but perhaps he needed more time. Still, she worried immensely. The rest of the group had already gone to sleep, so she quietly got out of her sleeping bag and entered the forest where Zuko had disappeared. About five minutes into her walk, she heard a scream. It froze her in her steps. This wasn't a scream of fear or a scream of pain. This was a scream of pure suffering. She knew it was him. It just had to be.

She ran with all of her might towards the creek's clearing, pushing past branches and jumping over tree roots. For a moment, she could have sworn the sky lit up with a brilliant white light and just as quickly as it came it became dark again. When she reached the clearing and saw Zuko collapsed, Katara panicked. She sprinted to him and kneeled next to his body.

Tears had fallen down his face, which was twisted in sorrow. His disheveled hair fell into his face and his hands were clenched in white-knuckled fists in the grass. Katara saw him shiver and wished she had brought a blanket or something. But she also hadn't anticipated Zuko not coming back to the campsite. Gently, she pushed his bangs away from his eyes, wary of touching his scar, and murmured, "Zuko…"

He weakly opened his eyes and stared at her, his expression still full of grief. She felt him shudder under her hand and he whispered hoarsely, "Why would he do this to me?"

She shook her head. "I don't know."

"I'm his son," he breathed out as more tears fell. "Why would he do this to his own son?"

She felt her own eyes prickle and tears start to fall down her own face. She reached forward with her free hand and gripped his tightly. He squeezed hers back as he closed his eyes and his jaw trembled as he muttered, "I shamed him, Katara."

She shook her head again, cupping his cheek and replying gently, "No you didn't."

Zuko looked up to her and sighed. Then he sat up slowly, not taking his eyes off of her or letting her hand leave his. He whispered lowly, almost dangerously, "You don't know me. How do you know that I didn't deserve this?"

She reached up and tried to cup the left side of his face, but he just swatted her hand away without breaking his glare. Taken aback, she slowly lowered her hand back to her lap and swallowed thickly. "You don't even know yourself, Zuko. How do you know that you deserved it?"

He shook his head slowly. "Because I disrespected him. And refused to fight him."

"That doesn't excuse him for what he did-"

"How do you know?!" he snapped. His eyes widened, as if he caught his temper rising, and suddenly his demeanor changed back to melancholy and he sighed, "He's right… I am a disgrace. I'm starting remember everything. The Agni Kai, my banishment. Searching the world for Aang and doing whatever it took to find him. I'm a monster, Katara."

He lowered his head and began to sob quietly again. Katara reached over and pulled him into a hug, not getting any resistance from him. He leaned his left shoulder into her chest and rested his head on her collarbone. She readjusted so her right leg was lying behind him and her left leg was folded in front of her. He kept his hands in his lap as she pulled him even closer.

His sobs subsided after a few minutes and he wiped his face and sniffed, "Thank you."

"Zuko, I do these things because I care about you," she said softly, stroking his hair. "I don't want you to hurt anymore."

He nodded and snuggled closer to her, causing her heart to leap in her chest and flutter quickly. For some reason, being here like this with him felt right. Felt like it was where she was meant to be. Him in her arms and feeling all sorts of comfort from her.

"Can we just stay here tonight?" Zuko whispered, causing her heart to leap to her throat. "I don't want to go back quite yet…"

Katara nodded and moved to lay down, swinging her leg in front of her and shifting in her spot. She laid on her right side and he on his left, his left arm cradled under her head and he draped his right arm over her waist. He pulled her closer so her head was nuzzled underneath his chin.

"Go to sleep, Zuko," she murmured, grasping his tunic in her hands and closing her eyes. Her heart was still in her throat as he tightened his arm around her and ran his fingers along the dip in her back.

"When I wake up, will you still be here?"

"Of course…"

"AWWWW! Would you look at this?!"

"I see that my nephew has found someone he really cares about, no?"

"Why are there scorch marks on the ground?"

"HEY! GET AWAY FROM MY SISTER!"

A/N This chapter was revised on December 1, 2013.

When Zuko was screaming near the edge of the creek, I imagined how Aragorn from Lord of the Rings shouted in "The Two Towers" after he kicked the helmet when they thought Merry and Pippin were dead. There's a video of it on YouTube if you want to hear exactly what I'm talking about.