Whoa. Short chapter. I've decided to heck with "I'll write more if I get enough reviews." I have to write this. I've decided that this will go back and forth between what really happened and an alternate scenario. . . so we'll see where it goes.
The injustice, the absolute cruelty of it, is driving me mad! Would that I had been there. I would not have let such a pitiless act take place. All are distant shadows once more as I again see. . .
I am sitting on one of the several hard stone benches around the arena, watching the spectacle. However, before the Fire Lord can strike the scarring blow, I rise and push my way through the crowd. I leap up onto the platform and stand between Ozai and his son.
"Get out of the way!" the man snaps at me, but I stand firm.
"No." I lift my determined gaze. He is enraged, I can see it on his face. I can almost hear his furious thoughts: Who is this?! How dare she interfere in an Agni Kai! Zuko must be punished for what he has done!
In fury, he strikes. I feel a wave of heat, a searing pain. I fall to the ground, writhing and screaming, clutching the burned side of my face.
"Father!" I hear Zuko cry out in shock, though it seems far away through the haze of pain.
I don't see or hear so much as feel the Fire Lord exit the arena, shouting an insult back at the prince, "You are worthless! Weak!"
Then, all becomes dark emptiness.
Oh, Zuko. When others proclaim you weak, you can be assured of your strength.