Disclaimer: Nay, I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, mayhaps or perchance someday…
A/N: Okay! Sorry its been so long between chapters, life is catching up with me! The regular stuff: canon pairings, friendship fic etc…Please read and review! Enjoy…
Zuko was brought to his cell, and he saw a small glimmer of light when his eyes met those of a familiar round face. He was shackled down beside his Uncle, who, as soon as the soldiers were gone, pulled him into a bone-breaking hug. When his Uncle released him, the old man said sadly,
"Zuko, I'm so sorry. I wish you had not been caught."
"No, Uncle. I'm sorry. I should never have abandoned you…I just didn't know what I wanted. I was so lost." His voice broke on the words, and his uncle placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"You had to figure it out for yourself. I understand that, my nephew."
"But I haven't figured anything out! I'm more confused than I've ever been!" Tears trickled from his eyes as he spoke. "For the past three years all I wanted was to capture the Avatar and return home to my father, but I'm not even sure of that anymore!" His uncle said quietly,
"You have changed a great deal in the past few months. And I believe it is for the better."
"But I don't have a purpose! I don't know who I am, or what I want, or…anything!"
"But you know what you do not want. To continue on your previous path would be a waste, Zuko; you know this. I think it is time you decide what matters the most to you, not to your father."
Zuko dried his eyes on his sleeve and looked at the floor.
"I helped the Avatar's friends." His uncle nodded and said,
"Zuko, there is something I must tell you. There is reason for you to be confused. What do you know of your great grandfather?"
Zuko looked puzzled at the question but he replied,
"Sozin died an old man, after a powerful reign. He destroyed the Airbenders. He began the hunting of the dragons. Of course, he began the whole war. But what does this have to do-"
"Your other great grandfather, Zuko. On your mother's side." Zuko looked confused so he continued.
"He was best friends with Sozin. That is, until he tried to stop him from attacking the world."
"Stop him from attacking-?"
"He was Avatar Roku." A look of comprehension dawned on the boy's face. "You see, you have reason to be conflicted. You have both light and dark inside you, the power to do good…but also bad. Until recently I was afraid you were headed down the darker path, forever. But I know now that you will do what's right. I believe in you, Zuko. You can restore the Firenation, you alone."
"But my father-"
"Will never be a real father to you. I do not want you to keep waiting for him, Zuko. He will never change. And you should never change for him."
Zuko let out a long sigh.
"You're right. Uncle, you have always been more of a father to me. But it took me all this time to finally see it. You have never lead me wrong. I will not betray my nation…but if I can save it…"
"You must make a choice. You are at the crossroads of your destiny. Now, which path will you take?"
A/N: Ooh! Cliffhanger! I have much more, I promise, I just really liked the idea of ending a chapter with that! Let me know what you think.