TITLE: Ahkeda (a translation will be provided at the end)
AUTHOR: DungeonWriter
WORDCOUNT: 371
WARNING: Blasphamy, sadness, cruelty and depression
CHALLENGE: #24 Crossover

Zuko breathed in deeply as he walked up the mountain. Fire Nation air always tasted like spices, warm and comforting. His father's hand was on his shoulder, guiding him. That was even more reassuring. He did not know where he was going, but he trusted his father completely. "We must do this for the future of our nation," Father said.

As they reached the top of the mountain, Zuko looked out at all the land around him. It was all wrapped in the early dawn mist and one day, it would be given to him. That is why they had to do this, whatever it was. For the good of the Nation, for a happy future.

Zuko felt the guiding hand on his shoulder steer him in the direction of a cold stone alter. He did not know why it was there, it seemed out of the place on the mountain. Yet, he said nothing. His father knew what he was doing.

Strong hands lifted Zuko up and laid him down on the cold alter, as if tucking him in to bed. Zuko did not say a word to that. His father would explain what was happening any minute now.

Zuko did not question even when his father began tying him down to the alter, stretching his limbs out so that the younger one could not move. He should not be nervous. His father would never hurt him. Perhaps this was just a game.

Zuko stared up at his father and saw his father igniting a flame in his hand. Fear coursed through Zuko's veins. He was being sacrificed like an animal!

No, this was impossible. Father cared about him. Perhaps this was just a ritual, that it was symbolic of some ancient rite Zuko had neglected to study.

Father loved him. Zuko should not be afraid. Soon, an animal would be brought and the ritual would be over.

Father stood over Zuko. His eyes were cold and merciless, not warm like a few moments ago. He raised his hands, gloved in fire to strike Zuko into oblivion.

Finally, Zuko asked the question he should have all along. "WHY, FATHER?" but by that time, there was no answer.

AN/ Ahkeda is the biblical Hebrew word used in the sacrifice of Isaac. It has so much more meaning then just sacrifice, which is hard to convey in English. Yes, I crossover-ed the bible, I am a bad girl. It just popped into my head and refused to leave. It may be a dream, it may be an AU, or it may be symbolic. Your choice. Not sure how good it is, and sorry for it being so depressing.