Oathkeeper: I think it's official that the Zutara100 challenge is the most addicting thing ever. Seriously.

Disclaimer: Zuko hasn't been shirtless in a really long time...so I obviously don't own Avatar.


Honorable Weakness
Prompt # 86 – Weakness

One's weakness can lead to one's downfall. But in some rare cases, one's weakness can become one's strong point. In my Nation, having a weakness is shameful and those who have one are looked down upon. Unfortunately, I have experienced this first hand. Not on a personal level, but close enough for me to feel the same pain as my nephew.

After his Agni Kai, I thought Prince Zuko would never return to his old self. I hoped everyday he would return, but as the days drifted on out at sea, my hope started to drift as well. This was something that not even the Avatar could fix.

Our run in with Azula made matters worse. I still remember as if it were yesterday. Prince Zuko and Azula would challenge each other everyday when they were growing up…I am not even sure if they realized it. No matter how hard he tried, Azula was always one step ahead. But it was even before Azula's bitter reunion that he started to lose hope. After searching for years, Zuko was slowly losing hope; until she came along.

If there is anything my nephew hates to admit, it is his weaknesses. And oh boy, was this a weakness; in fact, it is still a weakness of his. Since the day we entered her small village, his ways changed…they were slight, but I noticed instantly.

Whenever he was around her, which by the way was a lot, he seemed gentler than usual. He was still demanding but his voice was not harsh.

After retrieving her necklace, was when I realized he really did have some affection towards her. I watched everyday, as he held that necklace around his wrist or place ever so carefully within his belt loop. He never let the necklace out of his sight and he was always careful. Though he didn't know her, the necklace kept him more…how should I say? Sensible perhaps?

To me, his feelings became more apparent when we ran into them a couple of months after our attack on the Northern Watertribe. Prince Zuko had chosen to take his own path, but we soon met up. Azula had been chasing the Avatar and his friends relentlessly, and Prince Zuko wanted revenge. I watched as all five of them, all the elements and even a warrior, combine as one to go against Azula. That moment was cut short for me when I was hit by bolt of lightning.

I was semi-unconscious, but I heard in the background the voice of the girl, Prince Zuko secretly cared for. She offered to help me but he pushed her away. In a way, he was afraid of her.

After, I wanted to teach Prince Zuko about the balance of the four Nations. I wanted him to understand that even though we were in a war, each element depended heavily on the other. Peace between the Nations is what keeps our world balanced or else things become rigid and stale.

When I mentioned a defensive move that would deflect Azula's lightning his face instantly brimmed with hope. But more so when I mentioned the move was based off of the Waterbenders. I don't know how oblivious he thinks I am, but I saw that small hint of crimson rise to his cheeks, and the small smile creeping across his face. It was then that I knew, he really did care for this girl.

His weakness is not shameful. His weakness is not for greed, it is not for his Nation. It is what his heart wants.


Oathkeeper: Gotta love the Iroh LOVE! Seriously, this guy needs more show time than all the characters combined. If he dies, I die. Next installment should be posted by some time tomorrow...man, the Sugar Queen will not be happy with the next one! Please review, since your reviews is what keeps me writing!