Beauty in the Beast (Zutara)

Chapter Five

"Well," Azula chimed in, "wasn't that interesting?" Mai's steel eyes narrowed in frustration, the corner of her lips curled up, waiting to protect her betrothed from the angry blue-eyed girl. What the hell is her deal? She asked herself. Her gaze shot to the bewildered, brown haired girl her own grey eyes wide with curiosity as

Zuko looked at the notepaper written in flowing medium sized letters neatly connected to from the address and directions towards the little café she wanted them to meet in. How can I do this? He thought. Everyone knows who I am. He felt lingering eyes as people passed by the group, hushed and worried whispers buzzing around them as they avoided the groups gaze. Zuko's golden eyes then trailed down to the oak floor. Everyone thinks they know who I am.

~~

Young Zuko climbed out of the car as his father awaited him with a small smile. It was a smile of pride, yet a genuine one. The eager boy followed after his father, slightly unstable steps trailing after his. A hand was extended to him as naïve fingers grasped his father's steady hand. Firmly, he took it, and stood with the utmost arrogance as the door shut behind them.

"Come my young heir. Let me show you what this family represents." Zuko nodded as he stood next to him, as the car slowly began to drive off. The street became deadly silent as they watched the man and child, only hushed murmurs and quickened feet fleeing away from the egotistical man and his son that clung to his pants. Ozai pried the young boy off his leg and smiled as he led him down the street, a firm hand on his back to guide him and keep his nervousness down. A cold sneer on his lips as the people parted for the two, their eyes downcast in fear. The young boy watched as no one dared to face him nor his father. Lingering large curious eyes trailed each solemn and mortified face.

"See, Zuko...watch all these people back away in terror. They know well the kind of power that we have. This is what being in this family means. We control and conquer. No one will get in your way unless they have a death wish." He chuckled. "Though those foolish enough will try and free what this clan has grasped will perish quickly and it is up to us to make an example of them to the rest of these feeble-minded sheep. To show them what it means when they stray from their Master." Zuko's attention was captured by his father once more as he moved to keep from interrupting his father's confident strides. They stopped at an empty shop only having to wait for a moment before the door flew open to wide eyes and an immediate bowing from the older owner inside, His face immediately dropped as he moved to the side to let him. "Do you understand now, Zuko?" His father asked patting the young boy on his head. "Soon, this will be your destiny, you will have so many in the palm in your hand."

~~

"What the hell are we even going to write on?!" He asked himself while staring up at the paper he was given. He thought back to what his teacher had told him. You and Katara have a lot in common, you know. The both of you will just have to open up to each other. And I know that's easier said than done, especially with her attitude towards you, but I'm sure you two will come up with something great together. The scarred boy scoffed softly, placing the paper down beside him on the bed. He's way over his head. Running his fingers through his silky locks as he heard a soft tapping on the door.

"What?" He called.

"Sir, you father requests an audience with you, immediately." With a sigh, Zuko dragged himself off the smooth silk scarlet sheets. Rubbing his head, he walked out of his room numb to the young woman bowing to him meekly before heading towards their destination. An eyebrow rose at the woman as they passed by the usual meeting room.

"We've passed the meeting room."

"I'm aware of that, sir." She replied softly. "Your father commanded that you meet him in his room." Zuko's heart sank down to his stomach as his skin paled; body wilted recalling the last time he was in his room.