012 "Like A Fly To A Spider" by Abraxas 2009-12-27

From the moment I took breath I was doomed.

I cannot delay it - without this there will be no peace in my heart...no place to be free.

The profile of my family's capitol. Like a Mexican enclave. White, plaster walls capped with tiles. Windows gazing empty with a dread, cool expression. I notice a crack, a spine with a craze of tributaries, from top to bottom. Nature fights man again.

My heart races - I stand for my friends, in spite of the danger, I am washed by courage.

I will not fail.

I reach the gate - surprised Azula is not present - instead it is a pair of wranglers.

They must be green else so convinced of my demise that they need to ask my name to be sure.

As if caught by a trance I answer: 'Fire Eye'.

They laugh then confer while pointing at my scar.

Events follow. Trees rustling. Dust scattering. Shapes, like cattle, passing. Laughter. Words are shouted between men.

I do not betray a fragment of emotion. I must be brave for Sokka who ventures the path of a warrior to protect the tribe. And for Toph and Katara who dance to the Avatar today.

Am I mesmerized by the drum even at a distance? Or is time and space truly illusion?

I am brought into the house. Cloaked by shadow and darkness, the world is void, except at windows yawning into vistas of sky. The call of a bird startles - I see its struggle, its flapping.

It is the eagle chained to a cage. Scalps decorate the floor around the prison. Gifts of Zhao no doubt.

As if it were impossible I find new ways to loathe the monster pretending to be a father.

"Zuko - the Indian fighter - how dishonor runs in the family..."

END