Avatar: Harmony of Elements

Seeking the Past

Zuko returned some time after Katara. When he entered the cave, everyone was asleep, except Sokka, who sat by the fire alone. As soon as Zuko walked in, Sokka fixed his eyes pointedly upon him. He looked upset and angry, giving Zuko an unapologetic glare. Zuko cautiously walked in. When he was close enough, Sokka shot up to his feet and stepped right in front of him.

"What did you do to my sister!!??" Sokka asked, angrily glaring into his eyes.

A little taken back by this reaction, Zuko replied, "I didn't do anything!"

"She wasn't happy when she came back," Sokka said, eyeing Zuko suspiciously. "What the heck did you tell her? Why was she crying?"

"She was crying!?" Zuko replied with wide eyes. Immediately he glanced towards Katara's tent, worried that he'd somehow hurt her again. He'd seen tears in her eyes when they were talking, but he thought she would have covered all that up before facing the rest of the group. She didn't seem like the kind who would cry in front of others, even if it was family.

"Yea!" Sokka replied. "She was upset and crying in her tent! What the hell is up with you two?"

Zuko sighed, and said, "Nothing," as he walked past Sokka

"What do you mean nothing?!" Sokka inquired further, turning around quickly to stop Zuko from getting away. "Listen fire prince," he said, pointing a finger in Zuko's face, "My sister is the toughest girl I've met and she doesn't cry like that for no reason! You better explain yourself because I know there is something going on between you two!"

Zuko had no words. He didn't even understand what he felt towards Katara. All he wanted was to make peace with the people he had unintentionally hurt. She is one of them, yet even before joining the Avatar's team, he wasn't worried as much about the Avatar's reaction or his other friends, as he was worried about the waterbender's reaction. He couldn't fathom why her hatred towards him bothered him so much. Why was he even here? He should be more worried about hurting his uncle right now! Thoughts raged in his mind.

"I don't know what to say," Zuko replied, turning away from Sokka, walking past him and sitting down near the fire.

Sokka stood behind him, staring inquisitively. "Does this have anything to do with that day in Ba Sing Se when you two were locked under the caves? Did you do something to my sister!? Did you try to force yourself--"

"What!!? NO!!" Zuko immediately cut him off, getting back on his feet. "I would never behave in such a dishonorable way with a woman, ever! Regardless of her race or status!" he barked back at Sokka with fierce determination. "I know we weren't really on friendly terms in the past and you think of me as the enemy. But I am not some power-hungry egomaniac with a craving for lust! I never condone nor would ever participate in such disparaging behavior. I do not take pleasure in dishonoring others, especially women." Zuko finished firmly.

Sokka examined Zuko intently, dumbfounded at the ferocity and passion in Zuko's voice and eyes as he spoke. He couldn't help but believe every word.

Turning away from Sokka once again, Zuko stared into the fire, taking deep breaths to steady his raging heartbeats. He became sorrowful. No matter how much he yearned, dishonor and shame would remain attached to his name.

"I know what it's like to have your honor stripped from you," he said quietly, staring into fire. The flame danced in his bright amber eyes.

Sokka came and stood beside him, facing the fire.

"She hasn't been the same since that day," he said, in a low voice.

Zuko glanced in his direction.

"As always, you and your sister tried to capture Aang that day," Sokka continued. "In fact, your crazy sister had almost killed him. If it hadn't been for Katara, he would be dead."