Bandages Ripped Apart

A/N: I've been wanting to explore Zuko's emotions after the season finale. How did he feel when Aang told him his father was still alive? Set directly after the final episode.

Deja vu.

That's what Zuko felt when Aang said the words.

"I took away his bending. I'm so glad I didn't kill him."

Deja vu. It felt like Azula's lightning piercing into his heart once again.

He wondered if Katara's healing powers would be able to save his life this time too.

Zuko blanched. His candle-wax pale skin went whiter, until he looked like a corpse. As it were, he was lying down in bed, wrapped in bandages. Katara's orders. He'd be stuck here for a week. He didn't think it was even possible to feel worse than this. And then Aang had broken the news.

At least they were alone in the room. Zuko thought he was going to faint. Breathless, his already raspy voice gasped, "...Alive? The Firelord is...alive?"

This was so wrong. Ozai had to die! Father had to die! No! NO!

Aang sensed a tone in Zuko's weak murmur of a voice. "Yes..." the Avatar replied, suddenly uncertain. "They're moving him to the Boiling Rock in a bit..."

Zuko's throat tightened. For reasons he couldn't fathom, his eyes burned, and the world went blurry. In so many ways, this wasn't how it was supposed to be.

Father was supposed to die. Father was supposed to nuture Azula. Father was supposed to protect Zuko. Father was supposed to love mother. Father was supposed to respect Uncle. Father was supposed to listen to Grandfather. Father was supposed to, father was supposed to, father was supposed to...

And suddenly, he was a child, a spoilt prince who got what he wanted.

And suddenly, he was a lonely boy, with insecurities running rabid in his heart.

And suddenly, he was a banished royal, an outcast in his own land.

And suddenly, he was an angry beast, with a desperate need for comfort.

And suddenly, he was a prince again.

A traitor.

A friend.

A hero.

A child, a terrified, lost child.

"Zuko?" the little bald monk placed a hand on the prince's forehead. Unsure of what he had to do, he whispered, "Should I call Katara?"

Silence as the bandages on his soul ripped apart.

Then in chokes of pain. "There's a prison near the palace. Uncle Iroh knows it well. Move him there. Keep my father there." He wanted daddy close to him.

Aang nodded. "I will." He squeezed Zuko's palm.

What next? Zuko asked himself. How do I deal with my father being alive? He swallowed. Then a plunging thought. How would I have dealt with my father being dead?

A/N: Thanks for reading. Please review.