Are You Sure You Have the Right Cell?

"I'll never forgive the man who killed my mother."

He cringed at that, the movement casting his features back into shadow. So little sun filtered into his cramped cage, and although the moon and the darkness give me strength, I couldn't help but feel a slight shiver shudder up my spine at the thought of being a Firebender forever cut off from the Light.

Away from the Light, his features were obscured, but I knew them well. They were so much like his son's, but unmarred in any way, even from the wrinkles that came from years of smiles and scowls. Whenever I saw that face, I couldn't help but think of the man Zuko might have become, had he not turned away from the dark path that destroyed Azula- the man Ozai had always been.

I reached through the bars, and wrapped my fingers gently around the beard that sprouted from his chin. An easy tug brought his face back into view, the shadows flowing behind him, mixed with his unwashed hair. I smiled down at the man who had once masterminded the subjugation of my world and the destruction of my people.

"But I am ready to forgive you."

END


Author's Note on the bottom this time, to preserve the surprise. This was a request for Katozai, and I just want to say I love the sound of the phrase, "a slight shiver shuddered".