Beauty in the Beast (Zutara)

Chapter One

"Mommy? Where are you going?" The small child asked his voice groggy as he rubbed his gold colored eyes. The woman gave off a melancholy smile as she stroked his long hair gently. His head naturally leaned to her hand reveling in the softness of her touch finding comfort, his body slumping slightly as the temptation of sleep called to him again. She couldn't help but to chuckle taking in her son's features once more, treasuring every silent moment between them. She sighed steeling her nerves once more as she looked him in the eyes.

"I'm going to be gone for a while, sweetheart." His eyes opened his face scrunching in worry as his head shot up from her comforting hand.

"W-When will you be coming back?" She didn't answer him. She kept her smile, a silent apology that he had yet to truly understand. He whimpered clinging to his mother, instantly calming as he leaned his head on her chest, the gentle sound of her heartbeat slowly lulling him back to sleep. Her lips lingered on his temple as she gingerly tucked him back in bed. Caressing his cheek lovingly, she kissed his nose and then kissed his head, letting her lips linger on his skin, as she fought back her tears, not wanting to alarm her son even more.

"I love you. I love you so much, Zuko. Never forget that." He watched her as she gave him one last wave, turning her back on him as he reached out to her once more.

~~

With a gasp, Zuko shot up from bed, his hand outstretched towards the door once more. The light of the sun blared onto his face making him groan, a moppy bedhead covering his eyes as he sighed. He pushed his dark brown hair back his hands grazing over his marred skin, his heart sinking once again. Why did I think it would be any different? He flopped back into his bed letting his hair splay out on his crimson sheets as he took in a deep breath. I'm going to hate this. He thought. He lugged himself out of bed tossing his sheets messily on his bed looking at his outfit he chose for the first day of his new school. Quickly changing and fixing his hair, Zuko made his way out to the kitchen his meal freshly made and steaming for him. Maids and guards alike stood at the sidelines and watched him silently as they always do. Eyes down towards the ground or looking straight ahead, ever vigilant of the Son of Ozai. Bored, he ate his breakfast alone and in hallowing heavy silence. After thanking his chef and handing him the dishes, the exhausted son walked to his father's meeting room where he stayed in each morning. The warmth of the outside faded as the door slowly closed behind him shutting out the sunlight, only letting the flames that his father sat by illuminate the dark room. Men sat in uniform alongside of the sides of the steps to reach their leader. All bowing as the young son walked up towards the glowering man before him. Once he reached the threshold of the steps, he took a knee and lowered his head for the man ahead of him. Ozai looked down at his son in contempt, his head slightly raised up at him. A small grimace stretched at the corner of his lips.

"Good morning, Father." A disgruntled noise came from the man in response.

"It is your first day of school today isn't it?"

"Y-Yes, Father." Zuko answered.

"And it is Azula's first day of high school as well. Seeing as she is the heir to our organization, make sure she adjusts to the school well and make sure that you all show the student body and staff the true power of the Phoenix." Zuko looked up at his father into his piercing judgmental gold eyes recalling the way they looked when he scarred him. "Do not fail me." He warned in a pitiless tone making a small chill race down his son's spine.

"Of course not, sir. I won't let you down."

"I would hope not, Zuko. You of all people know very well what happens when you disappoint me." Ozai gave a small smirk as he turned his head to the side. The scarred son flinched a little resisting the urge to touch his own face.