Title: Caged
Bird
Word Count: 142
Warning: Character death
Challenge: #61--Stormy
Petrel
Zuko loved getting letters from his cousin Lu-Ten. No matter how many times Azula had tormented him, or how much his father ignored him, Zuko knew the faithful red messenger hawk at his window meant his day would be brighter.
The scarlet bird would always bring stories of the outside world, painted in such vivid colors for the benefit of a boy who had never left the palace walls. Lu-Yen made him feel that everything would be all right and that the future was bright.
After Mom had told him the horrible news, Zuko returned to his room. As he looked out the window, he could see no messenger bird swooping in with good tidings.
Only a stormy petrel swooped around the palace, mocking him with false hope. Zuko shivered and turned his back. He knew nothing would ever be the same.