abandoned

swanismycaptain:

Okay so obviously we all know the iconic scene where Zuko takes a lightning bolt for Katara and almost dies in the process. Well the thing is, I always see people try to invalidate this moment by saying that Zuko would’ve done the exact same thing for Toph, Aang, Sokka etc. 

And here’s the thing, I 100% agree with those people. Zuko is an honourable and loyal person, he wouldn’t let any of his friends die. 

But it wasn’t Zuko’s action of taking the bolt that made this moment romantic. It was the way it was portrayed. 

Because while I’m certain that Zuko would’ve taken the bolt for any one of his friends, I highly disagree that he would’ve reacted or it would’ve been portrayed the same way because it screamed romantic love. 

 Let’s start with the absolute terror in Zuko’s eyes. Then there’s the fact that the scene was in slow motion, like it was a big deal. Slow motion is usually used in scenes of love, tragedy or suspense. This scene definitely wasn’t suspenseful, it was a little tragic, but it honestly oozed love. It was so apparent that it was about Zuko’s desperation and determination to save Katara’s life and take the fall, rather than about him actually getting injured. 

This is also reflected in the music Again, it wasn’t suspenseful, it was sad as fuck. You know what I’m talking about. It was like it came straight out of Zuko’s head, like I don’t know about anyone else but I  interpreted it that way, as if the music was depicting Zuko’s exact emotions when he saw where that lightning bolt was heading. 

And finally, what really hit the nail on the head: Zuko’s cry. When Zuko’s eyes follow that lightning bolt to Katara he starts running like a madman, no hesitation, and as he leaps to take the pain that was intended for her, he literally screams: NOOOOOOOOO! 

I get goosebumps every time I hear it. 

That cry makes all the difference because that cry wasn’t the act of an honourable man protecting a friend, that cry wasn’t to benefit anyone or change Azula’s mind. That cry was for him.  

That was about Zuko, it was his inner turmoil. That cry took that scene and changed it from Zuko being an honourable man who would do the same for anyone to Zuko risking his life and the future of his nation because the thought of anything happening to Katara was so much worse. 

Look I’m not even saying that Zuko was necessarily in love with Katara in this moment because I don’t want this post to be tarnished by shipper goggles but one thing I will always be 100% certain of is that Zuko’s feelings for Katara were on a much higher, deeper and more intense level than anyone else in the Gaang and that it was reflected in this scene.