Chapter Text
“If you won’t accept me as a friend then maybe you’ll accept me as your prisoner” Zuko had to admit that he’d been grasping at straws when he’d made that proposition. It was an act of desperation, but he had given up everything to chase after the Avatar following the day of the black sun. He had stood up to his father, redirected his lightning and subsequently lost his home, unless the Avatar could bring peace back to the four nations. So when they seemed determined to turn him away he had to pull out all of the stops. That being said, he also hadn’t actually expected them to take him up on the offer.
In all the time he has chased the Avatar and his companions they have always taken the moral high ground. Always looking after those that couldn't defend themselves, and in his head he didn’t think they had it in them to take a prisoner. Apparently what he had forgotten to consider was the formidable force that was Katara.
Before he could blink thick ice came and bound itself around his proffered wrists. The fierce cold digging its claws into his skin. “Fine, at least that way we can keep an eye on you and keep you out of our way.” He met her eyes, the blue burning as brightly as Azula's flames. If looks could kill he would have combusted right there and then.
“Katara! We can’t take him prisoner!” After a rather stunned silence the airbender finally speaks up.
“I don’t see the problem. We aren’t going to kill him, and like Katara said a least we won’t have to worry about him popping up at inopportune moments all the time.” The male watertribe boy seems to have relaxed now that the threat of his presence has seemingly been neutralised.
“But it’s not right!” He always knew that the airbending monks were pacifists but the fact that the Avatar is actively contesting his imprisonment still shocks Zuko to his core. He has been a constant thorn in the young airbenders side but still he defends him.
Hoping to bring the rather pointless argument to an end, before they can be swayed back onto the topic of kicking him to the cub, he takes a deep breath and finds his voice. “It’s okay Avatar. I made the offer and I will stand by it.” He tries to release some of the tension from his body to help the Avatar relax, but he’s not sure how successful he is. “If this is what it takes to gain your trust, for you to accept my help then I will do whatever is expected of me.”
The boy seems to deflate at his words, but Katara’s anger seems to flare even brighter. “Don’t think for a moment that this display changes anything. I trusted you once in Ba Sing Se when we were both imprisoned and it didn’t change you then.” He can’t help but flinch at her words feeling as if she had slapped him.
“I’m sorry Katara.”
“Well sorry isn’t good enough this time.” He doesn’t move as he watches her stalk over to him, and she doesn’t hold back as she pulls him to his feet. With her at his back she marches him deep into the temple, pulling him up shortly. With a hand between his shoulder blades she pushes him forward and only his now ingrained dexterity saves him falling to the floor. Turning back to the open door, he watches as Katara motions to the young earthbender who proceeds to raise a giant wall of earth to cover the open entrance leaving him in darkness.
Like most children he had feared the cloying sensation of darkness. He would not sleep without a candle lit at his bedside. If he had known, his father would probably have considered it a weakness, but his mother had allowed him that safety blanket. The discovery of his inner fire had essentially rid him of this childish phobia. The simple knowledge that he could banish the threat of the unknown with a click of his fingers had been enough to settle his mind. So now, in this room turned cell, he spurred the heat in his palms to grow and gently spark to life. Letting the gentle warmth melt the ice from his wrists and bring light to his new surroundings.
There are no creature comforts here. No bed, no blankets and no pillows. Whatever this room had been in another life it clearly wasn’t intended for prolonged occupancy. What is glaringly obvious though is the reason why the waterbender chose this room. Other than the door he came in through there is no way out into the outside world. No windows, no grates, and now thanks to the earthbender, no door. They can carry on like normal without having to worry about any escape attempts. He has to commend her for such a smart move, but he hopes it won't last forever. Firebenders don’t fare well hidden away in the dark.
Further inspection results in a small stash of candles, one of which he lights before extinguishing his own flame. Finding a suitable stretch of floor, clear of stones, he removes his outer shirt in an attempt to make some kind of headrest. It’s far removed from what he is used to, even from his time as an earth kingdom refugee, but if it means an end to his father's tyranny he will make do for now.