Zuko sat in the private chambers of the Palace. He was very unsure what to think. So much had happened these last days in Ba Sing Sei. But now, he wasn't sure what was right and what was wrong. He knew he had betrayed some. His uncle, how could he even betray him? Iroh was the only one that had always been there for him after he got banished, he was the one that had taught him so much; about life, how to handle oneself, and of course, firebending. And Zuko had betrayed him. And for what? To restore his honor? Although he believed what Azula said, deep down, inside his heart, he knew that the Fire Lord, his father, wasn't the one for forgiveness. He would probably end up in jail when he got back. Or worse. But, this was so deep down that what Azula had said earlier, about how he had restored his honor, was overthrowing his deepest feelings. She just had these persuasive powers that could convince almost anyone that she was the one that was right. And then there was this Waterbending girl, Katara. She had actually started to trusthim. But he had betrayed her too, he had betrayed many people. But he didn't know whether it felt right or wrong to do it.

"Zuko?" It was Azula. She had entered the room without him noticing.

"What is it?" Zuko replied

"I have sent a messenger to the Fire Lord. In just a matter of days the Fire Lord will receive the news" Azula said.

Zuko felt something inside himself. Was it joy, because he would get his honor back? That was the strongest feeling inside him, but he had this smaller, stirring feeling from deep, deep inside. It was of sadness, depression. It told him that he had nothing left with the Fire Nation; that his life would be with the enemies of the Fire Nation, or maybe no side at all. But what could he do about it? He looked around the room. Azula was gone. She had the ability to walk very silently, so she could easily sneak up on anyone, or sneak out of the window. Zuko looked out the window. The great city of Ba Sing Sei laid before him. He thought that soon, the Fire Nation would be invading it with their soldiers. And what would happen with the people in the town? Would they survive? Or would they perish in the war?

Zuko laid on the bed, thinking about what to do. He knew he couldn't go his uncle for help; he would only leave Zuko. And he couldn't go to the Avatar for help; he would probably just kill Zuko, or leave. But, should he stay with Azula? The thought of regaining his honor, it was stimulating; he felt some joy when he thought of how he would be greeted when he returned home. But still, he was very unsure about it.

The sun was setting, and Zuko was lying on the bed, completely still. He had problems sleeping. That wasn't so strange, considering how his mind was still in turmoil. But, eh eventually fell asleep.

"You have proven that you are worthy of regaining your honor" The Fire Lord said to Zuko.

"You are welcome into the Fire Nation now". And then, Zuko saw his mother. Was she for real? He thought they had taken her away. But, there she was, standing, and smiling at Zuko. But, all of a sudden, she fell down to the floor. Behind her, a Dai Lee soldier was standing, his hand stretching out with a sharp rock covering it. The rock fell down to the ground, disappearing. Then a bolt of lightning came. It gave a flash so great Zuko thought he was going blind. When the light faded, he saw the Fire Lord, his father, falling to the floor, with a big hole through his back, all the way through to the chest. What had happened? Zuko set his sight up. There, Azula stood. And she spoke out to all of the people that had gathered there.

"You are now watching and hearing your new leader speaking. Yes, that is right. I, Azula, the daughter of Ozai, have now taken control of the Fire Nation. As you can clearly see, your previous leader was weak. He couldn't even see this attack coming. Now, you have a much stronger and more powerful leader. And I can see threats. Therefore, Zuko, this traitor and enemy of the Fire Nation, must be eliminated."

Zuko turned up to Azula. He knew that this was his final moment. A flash of lightning came, and the last thing Zuko heard before everything blackened, was cheering and chanting for "Fire Lady Azula".

Zuko got up from his bed abruptly. He had just experienced a terrible nightmare. Or was it a nightmare? Maybe it was something more? Could it be a vision of some kind? Were Azula plotting to overthrow the Fire Lord and take control herself? Zuko felt that it would happen. He had to stop Azula! But how?

He heard noises outside of his room. He went out, and saw a person walking through the hallway. He grabbed the person, and took him with him into his room. He took of his hat, which was covering a large portion of his face. And then Zuko realized, it wasn't a man, it was a girl. Zuko wondered what she could be doing here. She said that she was a messenger for Azula, and that she was delivering a letter to Azula. Zuko took the letter, and read it.

Azula, the time is soon. Take Zuko with you, and I will "welcome" him, as we have planned. You will be given a new letter, and it will describe how you will journey home with Zuko. Remember, your failure will be paid with your blood!

It was now that Zuko realized it; that he had not been able to regain any honor, he would be receiving a false welcome, and then he would be "taken care of". Zuko realized that he had to get out of here. He grabbed the messenger, and found a small room where she could stay. Zuko lit up a small fire, blocking the exit, so that the messenger wouldn't get the message to Azula before dawn or so. This would give Zuko time to escape.