Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, it's owned by its creators Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko and Nickelodeon.

Zuko sat on a chair in just his pants, while Katara used waterbending and called the water from a bowl to her hands.

"What are you going to do?" Zuko asked.

"It will be like healing. Just relax," said Katara.

"Okay," Zuko replied. Katara placed the glowing water on each hand and her hands against the temples of Zuko's head.

As Katara bends the water to heal Zuko, we see the memory of the events leading to Zuko's scarring and banishment.

Flashback...*

Zuko entered the War Meeting, as a General Bujing said, "A dangerous battalion of their strongest earthbenders and fiercest warriors, so I am recommending the 41st division."

An older general said, " But the 41st is entirely new recruits. How do you expect them to defeat a powerful Earth Kingdom battalion?"

General Bujing said coldly, "I don't. They'll be used as a distraction while we mount an attack from the rear. What better to use as bait then fresh meat?"

Thirteen year old Zuko jumped up and said, "You can't sacrifice an entire division like that! Those soldiers love and defend our nation! How can you betray them?"

All of the Generals looked at young Zuko disapprovingly. Fire Lord Ozai became very angry and said, " Prince Zuko's challenge of the general was an act of complete disrespect, and there was only one way to resolve this, and it is by and Agni Kai."

Young Zuko looked at General Bujing and said, "I am not afraid."

Later...

At sunset, young Zuko turned to face his opponent, but faced his father.

Young Zuko begged saying, "Please, father, I only had the Fire Nation's best interest at heart! I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!"

Fire Lord Ozai replied, " You will fight for your honor."

Young Zuko was stricken, and abased himself to the floor. He said, "I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son."

However, Fire Lord Ozai ordered, "Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!"

Zuko replied, "I won't fight you."

Fire Lord Ozai said, "You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher." Then he burned young Zuko.

Present...

After the flashback is over, Katara moves her hands away from Zuko, as tears form in his eyes.

"Did you see?" Zuko asked Katara quietly.

Katara didn't know what to say so she leaned over to him and he hugged her, and tears formed in her eyes too.

"I never knew. But you did the right thing back then. I would have done the same," said Katara, as she wiped the tears from her face. Then she wiped the tears from Zuko's face. Then Katara said coldly, "I still can't believe what a monster your father is."

"I know. I was shocked too. I thought I could gain his love by defeating Aang, that's why I betrayed you, and my uncle, and sided with Azula back in Ba Sing Se. It was only after I came home and tried to be the son my father always wanted that I realized I wasn't being me, especially after the War Meeting."

"I'm glad we were able to stop your father's horrible plan. I hope this won't sound intrusive, but what happened to your mother?" Katara asked.

"During the Siege of Ba Sing Se my cousin Lu Ten died. My father used this opportunity to seek my uncle's birthright. Fire Lord Azulon was furious; he ordered my father to kill me, and my father was going to do it. Azula told me, but I didn't believe her. That night, my mom came to my room and she told me everything she'd done, she'd done to protect me. She said, 'Remember this, Zuko. No matter how things may seem to change, never forget who you are.' The next day I asked Azula where she went; Azula said she didn't know and that our grandfather died. I asked my father back then, but he didn't answer, and then he became Fire Lord. He didn't answer until the day of the Eclipse, when he told me she conspired with him to kill Fire Lord Azulon so my life would be spared, and he banished her. I told Aang that I've contacted June, but she couldn't find her."

"I had no idea," said Katara shocked.

"It's not something I'd really tell anyone, but you're not anyone Katara," said Zuko.

"I see," said Katara. Then she continued in a concerned tone, "Is there anything else going on?"

"There is something else going on that I haven't told you about," said Zuko.

"What's that?" Katara asked.

"I am expected to be engaged in about a year and a half. I am suppose to have an arranged marriage if I haven't arranged it myself," said Zuko solemnly.

"What about all that stuff you said at your coronation? About a new era of love and peace?" Katara asked confused.

"While the marriage won't be for love, it will be for peace and I hope to love her. Actually, could you help me find her?" Zuko asked.

"Find her? You mean Mai?" Katara asked.

"No, I don't think we will be getting back together, and right now I'd rather focus on helping Aang bring balance to the world. I do want to show my people that love and peace can co-exist," Zuko replied. "I've even thought of asking someone to pose as my fiancee, but that would be quite a burden and I don't know of anyone who can handle it."

"What about me? Do you think I can handle it?" Katara asked.

Zuko thought for a moment, then replied, "I think you could, but I value our friendship more. Besides it would take away your freedom."

"Can I at least think about it before you say no?" Katara asked.

"If that's what you really want," said Zuko.

"You should get some sleep. You look horrible," said Katara. Zuko nodded.

Katara left the room.

Zuko was never haunted by memories of the Agni Kai with his father after that.

Stay tuned...

AN: *ATLA: The Storm