When Zuko's done, he stares at the fire, and Aang can't read his expression, or anything else. He's not entirely sure he heard everything. He got lost somewhere around 'Zhao.' He hasn't told anyone yet, about the letter he got this morning, but he thinks they can tell something is wrong.
And it is. It is very wrong. He tries to stand up, and to say, "Please excuse me for a small moment - I'll be right back," but it doesn't come out right. It doesn't come out at all. Oh dear, he thinks. I've frozen. And he has. He's still smiling, but he's lost. Lost in his letter he got this morning. It was just this morning, but it feels like forever ago. It went like this:
[Private Jinisu -
We would like to congratulate you for making the right choice: fighting for your country. We'd like to also remind you why you fight. Ba Sing Se, and the entirety of Riha, counts on your victory. Every soldier has potential to make a dramatic difference. Again, we thank you for your service.
We have received news that - prior to the war - you lived in the great territory of Agkaite. We regret to inform you that three nights ago, while civilians were sleeping, Caldera ships were spotted flying towards the capital of Agkaite: Stiensen. Of course, we set warnings to those there to cover and hide. However, the bombs were not dropped there, but returned to Pulhi, which is recorded to be your city.
Unfortunately, many civilians were required to stay inside the city for their own safety, as the Caldereans - led under Zhao - have been making advancements in Agkaite. Of those inside, there were no survivors. We regret to inform you that the following perished:
**Gyatso Jinisu**
**Tehlin Jinisu**
**Yima Jinisu**
This is not a complete list of the deaths in this tragedy, simply of those in your immediate family dwelling in the address you provided when you enlisted.
With this information comes two days on leave, when you and your first commander see fit. We have received word that this attack was planned and executed by Admiral Zhao. We hope this inspires you to continue to fight for your country, for all Riha people, and for the world.
~ EQUALITY FOR ALL MANKIND ~]
He had read through it once, and then again, and then once more to make sure he had understood it. Then he had read it again and again and again and again until it had to be memorized, and then again and - Katara had come in eventually, and he'd had to put it down and pretend like everything was okay, and go out there and fight again. Even though. It's not. He doesn't know why Admiral Zhao was out there today, and he doesn't know why Zuko knows him, but it's enough that he - he. He needs to leave. Now. But he can't move.