A/N: As the summary suggests, some of this story will somewhat follow canon, mostly focusing on the thoughts and perspectives of the characters. I'm trying not to rehash a bunch of canon that you guys already know, and I'm sorry if it comes off that way. I'll work on it :). Also, I'll occasionally switch whose perspective you're reading.

I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Zuko

Somehow, Zuko knew that the Avatar would be heading towards the Western Air Temple. How fitting, Zuko thought, that I start completely opposite destinies in the exact same place. I wish Uncle were here this time. He scowled at himself. Now I don't even know where he is. So much has happened, and he hasn't even been around to see it. Zuko made punching motions, and flames shot out into the thin air. He wasn't angry, but he could feel the disappointed looks Uncle would have given him. Zuko still hated himself. He knew he should have been a better person, if only for his uncle. He knew he didn't deserve any love or forgiveness, and he didn't expect any. Uncle was the only one who cared about me, and I let him down. He looked at the flames in the engine, and firebended inside of it to keep it going. He knew joining the Avatar wouldn't be easy. Why am I doing this? He hesitated. They probably won't believe that I've changed. What if they won't let me in?

The cliff face and the stalagtite temple came into sight. Well, here goes nothing. Zuko landed flat at the top of a cliff out of sight of the Avatar. He grabbed his bag and extra rope and hiked to the edge. After tying the rope around a large rock, he rappelled off the cliff and descended down onto the temple floor.

Zuko's last memory of the Western Air Temple was with his uncle, just weeks after he'd been banished. I was so short-sighted then, Zuko thought. Back then, he wanted only to find the Avatar and take him down. Only then would his honor be restored. He knew now that joining the Avatar and gaining his trust would be even more difficult. The Western Air Temple? That was just the beginning of his trials.

And now, we wait.

Katara

"Hello. Zuko here." The newcomer waved his hand.

Katara turned and gasped at the backstabber. What is he doing here? Why does he have to show up now? We just barely escaped the Fire Nation, and now we have to face this kid again? When will it end? Zuko is the last person we need right now. Katara paused her thoughts and looked Zuko up and down, not impressed. He was wearing casual Fire Nation garb; no prince, but no peasant, either. Zuko was trying to explain himself. What is he trying to do? She planted her feet and got into her fighting stance, water pouch open and ready.

Zuko rambled on. "I've changed, and I, uh, I'm good now. And, well, I think I should join your group. ..."

Katara started, skeptical. What? Why in the world would he want to join us?

"... Oh, and I can teach firebending."

Crap.

Zuko was not a personable, easygoing firebender. Then again, it was hard to find one that was, let alone one that would teach Aang firebending. But the group had just been discussing that Aang needed a teacher. Had Zuko been listening to that? How much had he heard? Why was he acting so nice all of a sudden? He's playing on our desperation, Katara thought.

She sharpened her glare. "Why in Tui's name should we trust you? How stupid do you think we are?" she snapped at him.

He held his hands up in defense. "Look, I know you don't trust me. I wouldn't, either. But, I'm honestly trying to be a better person. I've made a lot of bad decisions in my life, and I'm trying to make things right." Zuko's eyes scanned the group and rested on Aang. "Aang, you once said you thought we could be friends. I want to make it up to you. I know you still need to learn firebending. I can teach you all I know."

Aang gave Katara a quick glance, his eyes asking hers for help. She looked at him with a dark expression, shaking her head. He's pretending to be vulnerable and open, but I've seen it before and I know he won't hesitate to betray us again. I can see right through him. He's tricky. We can't trust him. Don't you dare let him into the group. Don't fall into his trap.

"There's no way we can trust you after everything you've done," Aang replied.

Katara nodded in agreement. Good. Time get rid of him once and for all.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Zuko bowed to his knees and held his arms out. "If you won't accept me as a friend, then maybe you'll take me as a prisoner."

Oh? Now he's groveling like a pet polar bear dog. How pathetic. "Get out of here!" Katara spat. She bent her fingers, and a water whip came out of her pouch. "Leave now, or this temple will be the last rock you'll ever see."

She glared at him menacingly, until finally, he stood up and walked away.

What is he up to?