Wow peoples, Sorry for the Uber-long delay. But I really had a hard time feeling this one out. It took some time. I even outlined the choices that lay before Zuko and put the pro's and Con's of each and all that jazz before deciding which direction to take this story down. But alas, suspense shall make you all feel just that much more fulfilled reading this. Anyway, don't worry. I'm not like nickelodeon: eebil and not telling us when the new season will be... , at least, SHALL UPDATE!!!

And so: I DOTH DISCLAIM THAT AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER DOST NOT BELONG, IN PART OR WHOLE, TO MYSELF. IT BELONGS TO THE CREATORS. AND ONLY TO THEM. I'M JUST A FAN WHO CAN'T STAND WAITING ANY LONGER, AND SO I WRITE!!!

Well, now that I got that outta my system

Last Time on Finding Honor:

Just then, one of the soldiers called out from the other side of the bars. "Sir! We should be at the fire nation port by late afternoon tomorrow."

Aang's last hope sunk at this news.

Prince Zuko placed a comforting hand on Aang's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Aang. I really am. But I have to do this."

Aang nodded. "I understand." But the truth was, he didn't. He didn't understand at all.

Zuko looked up at his uncle guiltily. "Look uncle, I have to do whatever it takes to get back into royalty. Once I'm Fire Lord, I can make everything right again. But I can't do that as a banished prince! I just have to do this!"

Another Road

Aang sat once more in silence. So this was truly how it was going to end? He had managed to fail the world not once, but twice! He scuffed one bare foot on the dusty floor of his cell, grateful at least that he no longer wore the chains, which had once restricted his movement and chaffed his wrists and ankles painfully. Frowning, the child noted that he still bore angry red marks where the chains had once been. But he couldn't complain, for in his mind, it was Aang's own fault all of this had happened, and he deserved it.

Footsteps sounded once again in the long hallway, and Aang didn't even look up this time. He didn't need to, for he had memorized that gait, and knew to whom it belonged without having to look. Zuko had come to give him his anti-bending serum once more. Sighing, the young monk stretched out his legs, before crossing them and tucking them up comfortably in front of him. He looked up at Zuko sadly. But at the same time, Aang knew that he didn't blame the teen for his plight. Aang had gotten himself caught, and Zuko was just doing what he thought was right. Wordlessly he accepted the serum, gagging slightly at its thickness.
"Sorry. I guess I didn't put enough water into it today." Zuko apologized softly to the Avatar, offering him some water to help wash down the thick sticky serum.

"How are you feeling?" the Fire Prince asked uneasily. He knew that their time together was swiftly coming to an end. They had little more than a day left before each would meet their destiny. The world was about to change forever.

Aang couldn't answer, but simply gave a weak shrug. And this broke Zuko's heart.

"Look Aang. I'm really sorry that it has to be like this." Zuko knelt in front of the boy, placing his hands on those frail shoulders. "Aang, please. I need for you to understand… I… I don't hate you, not at all. And I'd rather not go through with this. But…. You know you can't stop this war alone. The only chance I have of ending this war is to get the throne back. I have to do this. I promise, one day this war will be over, and I'll try to fix everything. And I won't forget you."

Tears filled Aang's eyes. Tears of fear, the fear of a child. "I'm scared. I can't stop being scared… I'm just… I'm scared… Scared of hurting and dying…. Scared of the Fire Lord… scared for my friends and for myself…."

Zuko looked down, trying to stop his own tears from coming. Instead, he softly squeezed the child's shoulder comfortingly. "I will come for you. No matter what happens, never forget that one day I will free you from whatever is happening to you. Until then, you have to promise me to be as brave as you can. I know it's scary… to tell you the truth I'm scared of my father… But try as hard as you can to be brave." Aang nodded through his tears. Zuko stroked the blue arrow on the boy's head, before placing a gentle kiss there. Looking down at Aang now, he began to realize that he felt a sense of the urge to protect this boy. It was as if this boy had become his little brother, and it was Zuko's job to keep him safe.

Just then, Iroh appeared at the door to the Avatar's cell. "Zuko… there has to be another way…" Zuko sighed. "What other options do I have."

Aang looked up, eyes suddenly hopeful, and filled with more life than they had been since before his capture. "You could live with us. My friends and me I mean… We could stop the war together!" Zuko shook his head, then stopped. "Wait… we dock on the demi-isle tomorrow, right?" Iroh nodded and Aang looked up in confusion. "Yes, nephew. There the crew will depart, and we will be left to travel to the capital ourselves."

The gears in Zuko's mind turned now at full speed. "Uncle, Avatar, follow me to my quarters." Zuko stood now, a spark igniting in his mind. A spark that began with a "What if" What if he didn't have to condemn the Avatar to this life? What if there was another way? What if he wasn't destined to go back to the Fire Nation just yet?

Iroh called from the cell door. "Nephew… the Avatar." Zuko looked back at the still-weak child.

Aang had tried to stand, only to find himself unable to support his body's weight. The boy looked ready to cry, and indeed he was. Because, let's face it, suddenly realizing you cannot stand is scary. "What… why… I.. I can't stand." He whimpered.

Zuko wasted no time picking the monk up. "You haven't stood for some time, and besides you have been sick. Your legs will need a while to build their muscles back up so that you can walk. For now, though… I'll carry you. Easy Aang. You're fine. Stop crying now, ok?" Zuko cooed.

Iroh noticed that his nephew was a different person now. He had patience with the Avatar, as well as compassion. He was gentle and supportive, instead of harsh and degrading. Pride swelled in Iroh's heart as he realized that Zuko was showing the signs of a class "A" brother or father. "I'm proud of you, my nephew." Zuko nodded, his lips twitching up almost in a smile.

Iroh led the way to Zuko's private quarters, as Zuko himself followed behind with a twelve-year-old Avatar in his arms. "Ugh, Aang. You're getting a bath today." Zuko mumbled, causing the monk in his grasp to frown, then shrug. "Thank the spirits." He mumbled back. Finally, the little group arrived at Zuko's room. Once the Prince was sure his door had been locked behind them, he turned to his uncle and the Avatar, both now seated on his bed. "I have a plan…" the man whispered.

Ooh. A cliffie. I'm so eevil sometimes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

So anyway, you all know what's coming next:

Well, once again, another chapter. AS IS THE CUSTOM ON MY PLANET: HERE IS MY THANKS TO ALL MY REVIEW-EES:

Shadow: nope, oatmeal raisin it is. They're still good though:)

TTavatarfan: well sorry I made you wait. And here is the beginnings of your friendship! Yesh, another cliffie as well. I'm so mean!

Jean: hugs back I'm afraid I took a little too much time, lol!

Kiba: thanks for cough not commenting on the shortness. let's continue that shall we? lol. And you're welcome for my lack of yaoi. I don't think I could write yaoi if I tried.

My Roy: Nope, the ending will not be super sad. I couldn't do that! I'm too happy a person too!

Dracoelric: So glad you reviewed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anne: Sorry I took so long. But here's your chapter!

200: Thanks so much for reviewing. It really means a lot to a writer to get reviews. We know people read our stories, but its still nice to get reviews. But anyway, where did you get your info on the new season? Last I checked there was still no set air date.

Well that's all for now. PLEASE FEED THE WRITER!!!!!!!!!!