So I forgot to do this in the previous chapter, so here it is now:

Disclaimer: I do not own, nor give myself any credit for the creation of One Piece, Avatar, or any of its characters. Those rights belong to Eiichiro Oda, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

So this is what my life has come to. Trapped inside a dark cavern with a girl that I spent nearly a year chasing after (technically I was chasing the bald monk she was traveling with) with my head down as she towers over me and recounts all of the horrible things I've done to her and her friends (and some of the things I didn't do) over the past few months. Strangely enough she seems to have skipped the whole tying her to the tree thing, not that I'm complaining.

"The Fire Nation took my mother from me."

That startled me. My eyes widened in shock for a fraction of a second and I automatically thought back to my own mother and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her sudden disappearance. I turned my head to look back at the sobbing water tribe girl and felt a wave of sympathy for her. I knew all too well what that pain felt like.

"I'm sorry," I told her. "That's something we have in common."

This time it was her turn to be startled and she turned to look back at me wiping some of the tears from her eyes in the process. Her eyes told me what she was thinking. How could a Prince whose father was the Supreme ruler of a nation, lose his mother to that very nation? Unfortunately, even I did not know the exact details to sufficiently answer that question. However, my gut tells me she did not just abandon me. Something just screams to me that she left to save me somehow. I unknowingly thought back to that night so many years ago. I think of my sister coming into my room telling me that Dad was going to kill me and then seeing my mother going off to have a talk with her. I remember being awoken for the second time that night, this time by my mother, who told me that everything she'd done, she'd done to protect me. At the time I was too tired to realize the importance of her words, but they would come to haunt me for many years to come. The last words my mother had ever spoken to me.

I looked back to the waterbender to see that her eyes were no longer wet with tears. Her eyes no longer pinned me with an accusatory gaze, but instead contained something akin to… pity? Odd.

"Why?"

Her question caught me off guard.

Why?

Was she asking me why I would accuse my own nation for being responsible for taking my mother from me? Or perhaps why I was opening up about my personal life in the first place? Even I didn't know the answer to the last one.

I looked back at her again. Her eyes peered into mine with a sense of unrelenting tenacity. I can respect that.

"Why do you want to capture Aang so bad?"

Well. That certainly wasn't what I was expecting. Didn't I tell her several times already that I needed him to restore my honor? I'm sure I mentioned it when I tied her to the tree... Damn. I really need to stop thinking about how I tied her to a tree. What the hell was I thinking? Looking at her now I could see that she was serious. She really wanted to know why I was after the Avatar.

"I need him to restore something I lost. My honor." I told her with absolute conviction. I needed her to know that I was serious too. She needed to know that I didn't want him just because he was a threat to the Fire Nation. It wasn't personal.

"I don't understand. How can he help you regain your honor?" she asked.

So she still didn't get it. How can I put this in terms that her simple water tribe mind could comprehend? Damn. Good thing she can't read minds because I have a feeling she wouldn't have taken that well. Although, one look back to her and I could tell that she got a basic idea of what I was thinking from the face I was making.

"I'm so sorry if you think I'm not smart enough to understand all the deep complexities behind your warped brain, but you're going to have to be a lot less ambiguous and a little more elaborate if you want me to get why you think capturing my friend will bring you some honor!" the girl (Katana? Katoora?) huffed indignantly.

I take it back. Maybe she can read minds. "My honor is my life. Without it I'm nothing. Capturing the Avatar is the only chance I have of things ever returning to the way they used to be." Hopefully that will satisfy her, I thought. However, with the way her head tilted to the side a bit and how her eyes widened a fraction of an inch, I could tell that her head was being filled with only more questions.

"Go back to what?"

An innocent question, but one filled with much more power than I could handle. What exactly did I want to go back to? An empty palace with a father who despised me and a little sister who took ever chance she could to bring ruin down upon me? Sure, it would be great not be on the run in enemy territory, but was that what I truly wanted? I had been sailing on a ship for over three years now and while it wasn't the most ideal of situations, I was still free go where I wanted and make my own choices. Of all the things I've experienced in my banishment, that sense of freedom was the most liberating. Could I really handle the stifle environment of royalty once again? Suddenly, the walls around me seemed to cave in. My breath became more labored and I felt as if all of my senses had heightened to a new level, yet I was powerless to even move a muscle. For the first time since I was banished I thought about what would happen if I ever did manage to capture the Avatar and return home.

Now that my thoughts were in rampant disarray, once discarded fears came gushing out like a dam that had broken after years of incessant over-flooding. Even if I captured the Avatar, what guarantee did I have that my Father would welcome me back? The idea materialized before I even realized it. It was a preposterous notion thought. Of course He would welcome me back! I am His loyal son. He'll be happy when I return.

More lies.

My eyes widened. The thoughts were getting stronger now, and much more truthful. Even if father did lift my banishment and welcome me home, nothing would change. I'd simply have more use in His eyes. That's all. That's all I was to Him. A tool to be used and then tossed aside, just like those soldiers who marched to their deaths all those years ago.

Is that really what I wanted to go back to? Without meaning to I look back to all the places I had been to and the people I had seen in the past three years since I had been banished. At the time I never paid much attention to my surroundings. All of my attention and focus had been zeroed in on training and finding the Avatar. Everything else was a distraction. But now, in the absence of all the drive and absorption of my goal, everything seemed to come back to me in perfect clarity. The faces of the men, women and children that were filled with fear as I passed by with my soldiers, the poverty that encompassed so many towns and villages. For Agni's sake we were supposed to be helping these people! That's what we were taught growing up, right? So why was everything so wrong?

My eyes shut and I clenched my teeth in frustration as I thought back to the family in that small village that took me in when I was nearing my breaking point. The boy, Lee, had looked up to me as I imagine he did with his older brother who had left to fight in the war. Yet even after saving him from a couple of Earth Kingdom thugs, once he learned of my true identity all that kindness and admiration turned to hate.

I thought back to another Earth Kingdom family that had taken both me and my Uncle soon after we had first become fugitives of the Fire Nation. They had also shown such kindness to strangers. The girl, Song, had surprised me the most. Seeing her carry a burn scar of her own was a big eye opener for me. And yet, even after all they had done for me and Uncle, I had once again proven myself a jerk by stealing an ostrich-horse from them. I tried to justify that I needed it more than they did and that because I was a Prince, I somehow deserved it. But the truth is, all I felt was guilt. No matter how hard I tried I could not rid myself of the feeling. All I could do was convince myself that once I captured the Avatar and returned home, I would find a way to repay all the people that I had hurt in my travels. Even so, I can't help but think that no amount of repayment could ever justify me turning the Avatar to my Father. Death, I knew, would be a mercy compared to what He would put him through.

I had purposely avoided thinking about what would happen to him after I captured him for this very reason. Even without having to think about it, I instinctively knew the general outcome. He wouldn't be killed, of course. Killing him would just reincarnate him into the Water Tribes and force the Fire Nation to search for him once again. They'd bring him close to the brink, though. Just close enough so that he couldn't escape. And then he'd watch as the world burned around him as he could do nothing but watch. He'd once again be forced to endure the pain of losing everything and everyone he cared about.

But so what? What did I care about that for? It wouldn't be my problem anymore so what should I care him or his friends or even the rest of the world going up in flames. I'm a firebender. Flames come with the territory. I would finally have everything I wanted. Father's love, my honor, my throne. Everything would be mine with his capture. That's all that mattered.

My fists tightened and I began to unconsciously shake slightly with tremors that reverberated throughout my body and I thought to another person. Someone who had been by side since Day 1 of my banishment. Uncle. Since my mother had left, he had been the only one to support me unconditionally. Even when my anger would get out of control and I started to lash out at everyone, including him, he never lashed back and believe me, some of the things I did and said definitely deserved some sort of retribution. But he never did. He always tried to help me, in that annoying sagely old way of his. He's always given me such good advice and even though he may not realize it, I remember everything he's ever told me. While a lot of it I still don't understand, and the things I do understand I hardly ever follow, I still treasure his intentions. And to be honest, though I doubt I'll ever say it out loud, I know that he's the one who's been a real father to me.

"...don't know." I finally choked out. I could barely believe just how fragile my own voice sounded.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she tried to make out my mess of a mumble.

"Huh?" she questioned. "I didn't quite catch that."

"I said I don't know!" I stated with more conviction. "For so long, all I wanted was to capture the Avatar so that I could return home, but thanks to you I'm starting to second guess myself!"

Uh oh. With the way her eyes widened and her teeth clenched, that might not have been the best thing to say at the moment. Huh, is it my imagination, or is that steam coming off her body?

"Huh?! What are you talking about? How is this my fault! Don't blame me for your own messed up mind you crazy Fire Jerk!"

Yep, definitely not the right thing to say.

"Look, all I'm saying is that I was perfectly fine before I was forced into this cave with you."

Alright, Uncle's right. I really need to start thinking about what I say before I start running my mouth, if her twitching eye is anything to go by.

"I mean I was just starting to get used to the idea of living here. Uncle finally realized his dream of opening his own tea shop and I was helping him out. At first I was against the idea, but some things happened and Uncle was so happy that now I'm actually okay with it! I've actually been able to live a normal life without having to worry about the Avatar or the war and it's been nice. Can you believe it?"

I looked up to meet her gaze hoping that she'll understand that I really was just living a peaceful life these past few weeks, but it's strange. Her head's down slightly and her left foot was twitching back and forth as if she was nervous for some reason. Weird. "Is something wrong?"

That seemed to jolt her back to life. Her head whipped upwards and she lost her footing as she stumbled forward a bit. Just what was she thinking about? She regained her balance and calmed down as she looked back at me. "Sorry," she said.

That's a first. What exactly was she sorry for. I voiced my confusion and her cheeks reddened as some of the fluster returned to her.

"Nothing, she replied back. "So..," she trailed, "you and your uncle were just living in the city peacefully then? No ulterior motives or evil plots to capture the Avatar or anything?" she fished suspiciously. She obviously had something on her mind but I ignored it. This was a good opportunity to let her know that I had no extravagant plans of subterfuge inside the Earth Kingdom capital.

"Yeah. We've been on the run for a while now hiding from the Fire Nation and bounty hunters. Uncle suggested we go to Ba Sing Se to lay low for a while, but I suspect that he had more long term plans in mind. But it was either face the Earth King and his army as refugees, or face Azula." I placed some emphasis on my sister's name and looked the waterbender in the eyes. We both shivered uncontrollably. Suddenly she laughed and said,

"Well congratulations on avoiding the crazy blue fire chick." I laughed as well and told her it was only a matter of time before she caught up to me anyways. She agreed.

"So Kataro," I started.

"It's Katara," she interjected with a twitch in her eye.

"Katoora?" I questioned.

"Ka-ta-ra," she ground out, the twitch in her eye much more prominent than it was a second ago.

"Right... Katara." Nailed it. Anyway, so do you know how my crazy sister managed to gain control of the Earth King's personal guard?"

Her eyes were downcast as she answered, "It was a trick. She apparently snuck in disguised as some friends of ours. I don't know exactly the details of how she won over the Dai Li, but I'll bet that snake Long Feng had something to do with it."

I remained silent. I didn't know who this Long Feng was, but whoever he was, if he had struck a deal with Azula then it was only a matter of time before she took care of him. Lying, mind games, brute force, it didn't matter what tricks this guy had up his sleeve, because whatever he had I could personally guarantee that Azula was leagues ahead of him in all fields. It's not as simple as being biased because she was my sister. Even at a young age she had that talent to outdo anyone and everyone in anything and everything. That's just how good she is.

"Your sister is pretty scary."

That caused me to chuckle. "Yeah, that's a bit of an understatement." She chuckled as well and wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry for screaming at you earlier," she said. I was surprised. After everything I had done to her over the past half year, I deserved a little screaming here and there. "It's just that, whenever I would imagine the face of the enemy, there was your face."

My left hand moved upward unconsciously to the left side of my face and gingerly traced the edge of my scar. I closed my eyes in understanding and tiredly exclaimed, "My face, I see."

Katara quickly backpedaled to try and explain herself. "I didn't mean it like that."

"It's okay," I assured her. "I used to think this scar marked me. The banished Prince cursed to chase the Avatar forever." The words came to me in a stream of confidence that I never knew existed before today. "But lately, I've realized that I'm free to make my own choices." I could hardly believe the words that I was saying but I knew that each and every word was the truth. I hadn't yet decided just what I was going to do, but I knew that whatever I did it would be because I had chosen to do it, not because someone had tried to force something on me.

"Maybe you could be free of it," Katara said. "This water," she continued while lifting a vial attached to a string from her pocket, "is filled with spirit water from the oasis in the North Pole. I haven't used tried it yet, but I've been told that it has special healing properties."

I turned my head to the side and tried to squash the hope that was rising within me. "It's a scar," I scowled. "It can't be healed." She walked until she was standing in front of me and raised her hand until it was level with my scar. My eyes closed involuntarily as her cool fingers rested upon it. No one, not even Uncle, had ever touched it before.

"Maybe," she consented. "Maybe not. But it's worth a try, isn't it?"

I thought about it. I could finally be free of the mark that had haunted me for so long. Time seemed to stop as the unspoken choice lingered in the air between us.

"No," I answered with more conviction than I had ever felt before in my entire life. I squared my shoulders and stood up a little straighter. I met her eyes and saw that she seemed confused by my choice and so I opted to explain the reason for my answer.

"This scar is a part of me now. It's a reminder of my past. If I were to lose it now, it'd be like everything I'd gone through these past few years would be all for nothing. I used to think that this scar was a mark of shame, an eternal reminder of my own mistakes and incompetence. But now, this scar defines me. Because of it, I've done so many things I never would have even dreamed of doing if I hadn't gotten it. Since I've had it for so long now, it'd just feel weird without it anyways," I explained. "Besides," I continued with a smile, "I'm sure that this water could be better put to use than on some vanity project."

Katara smiled back and voiced her agreement. Just as I was about to ask her how we were going to get out of this mess, a crashing sound was heard from the wall behind us as a hole in the rock was opened up. Debris and dust kicked up from the surrounding area as two silhouettes appeared from the rubble.

"Katara!" yelled a voice I recalled as belonging to the Avatar as the young airbender zoomed up to said person and wrapped his arms around her. "We found you!"

"Nephew!" came the cry of the second person who I immediately knew to be Uncle. My thoughts raced as I felt immense relief in knowing that he had cared enough to come after me, though I should have expected it. Ever since I was young and especially during these past few years, Uncle had been the one constant in my life. I know that I wasn't the easiest person to get along with and that I often expressed my annoyance with him, but I truly appreciated his patience and steadfast loyalty to me. He was always looking out for me and trying to help me no matter how dismissive or disrespectful I was towards him. I truly didn't deserve to have him as my uncle, but I thanked every spirit I could think of that he was.

"Uncle," I said. He smiled at me and turned to Katara and the Avatar. "You go on ahead," he told them. "We'll catch up later."

"Ok," agreed the Avatar as he pulled Katara away with him. Her eyes met mine and I could probably guess what she was thinking at that moment. I like to think that she was telling me to join them and give up on chasing the Avatar. That she wanted to be friends. My little speech about how I was now free to choose my own path had probably sparked hope that I had changed. I lowered my head as I was not so sure.

"Why did you let them go ahead Uncle," I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"Because it's time we talked," he answered in confirmation of my thoughts. "You are not the same man you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger, and wiser and free-er than you have ever been," he praised with a smile.

I couldn't look him in the eyes. Even now, he held such faith in me that it was hard to look at him. I didn't want to let him down, but I knew from past experiences that I was prone to making mistakes and disappointing others.

Uncle grabbed my shoulder and forced and my eyes met his for the first time since he started talking. His voice got lower and more serious as he told me, "And now you have come to the Crossroads of your Destiny. It's time for you to choose, Zuko. It's time for you to choose good." I closed my eyes and tightened my fists. I knew this was coming, but I still couldn't prepare myself well enough for it.

The sound of abrasive crystal jolted me from my reveries and I looked in horror at the sight of my uncle trapped in the jade rocks. I took a solid firebending stance and turned to face the direction of my soon to be opponents.

"Well. I should of expected this from uncle, but you Zuko? You're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you?" came the sneering voice of my sister. She strode towards my position flanked by several Dai Li agents.

"Release him immediately," I commanded.

Azula simply smirked. "Zuko, Prince Zuko. I've plotted ever single part of this day, this glorious day in Fire Nation history and the only way we win is together," she said. "By the end of this day, you will have your redemption. You will have your honor back and you will have Father's love," she practically purred those last few points. Even though I knew she was playing me I couldn't help but become enticed by her words.

My honor, my crown, my thrown. Everything that I had been fighting to get back was finally right within my reach. If I joined with Azula, the Avatar would have no chance. I could finally redeem myself. I could finally go home.

"Don't listen to her," warned my uncle. "The kind of redemption she offers is not for you."

"The choice is yours," my sister explained nonchalantly. She motioned off the Dai Li agents and walked through the tunnel that the Avatar and Katara had walked through only moments before leaving me alone with Uncle.

"Zuko," he began, "look within yourself and find what it is you truly want."

I lowered my gaze and sagged my shoulders. This was it. What was it I truly desired? Honor? Fame? The throne? No. What I truly wanted was the very thing I had been yearning for since I was a child, but what I wanted was something that would forever be out of reach. I looked up to Uncle and stared into his eyes and thought. Perhaps I had already had it all along. I raised my head and set my jaw in a line. I knew what I had to do. I turned away from Uncle and began taking slow, but steady steps towards the tunnel entrance. The glowing light from the jade crystals cast frightening shadows upon my form. The cavern was eerily quiet with the exception of my heavy footfalls and the distant sounds of battle that lay directly in front of me. Soon I would be joining my sister. Soon I would face the Avatar. And soon, I would confront my destiny.

Time to make history.

Author's Note:

So here's the official first chapter. A lot of the scenes were taken from the show, with several changes and more insight to Zuko's thoughts.

Head's up to anyone that cares, but in spirit of the 4th of July weekend I'll be uploading the next chapter tomorrow around noon-ish. After this, look for updates weekly on Saturday's around the same time. The only time things might start to slow down will be once school starts up again in the fall, but hopefully I'll be able to at least keep it no longer than two or three weeks. Also, I might post two chapters a week if one chapter is under 1,000 to 1,500 words.

Anyways, read, review, and enjoy!