This chapter had quite a few edits. I changed a little of the dialogue, but not enough to change the events in the chapter. Just to clean it up.

Chapter 57: Into the Pit

Third Person POV

Sitting against the side of Appa's saddle in silence, Sokka was cross-legged with his eyes shut tight while he held his head in his hands with dismay. Katara frowned deeply sitting against the side of the saddle as well, hugging her knees to her chest for comfort as she stared out towards the west horizon with agony. Toph rubbed her shoulder to ease the pain she still felt from when she crashed into Zuko a few hours before; but she also remained silent, not sure what to say to cheer up the melancholic group. Aang stayed quiet and concerned as he guided Appa, while Momo whined on his shoulder with his large ears dropped.

The group was heartbroken that they'd failed to protect Crystal from the man they'd sworn to keep her safe from. None of them had spoken much since they'd arrived back at camp after parting ways with Zuko and packing up their stuff. As Aang guided the group towards their rendezvous destination, all of them worried for the young waterbender being taken to the Fire Lord.

Finally, Sokka couldn't handle keeping his thoughts to himself any longer. "I should've gone too… it's my duty to protect my sister."

Aang sighed. "I know you both are worried. We all are. But Zuko will get her back. And Crystal is strong. She'll be okay…" The young Avatar tried to convince himself of this as he spoke. However, he heard his voice waver. He didn't believe his own words.

Katara pressed her face into her red pants as more tears soaked into the fabric. "This just feels like deja-vu. I feel like she's being ripped from us by the Fire Nation all over again. Only this time she is being taken straight to the Fire Lord. Who knows what that monster will do to her… I… I can't think of it… what… what if this time we don't see her again… What if he kills her?"

The young Avatar shut his eyes in pain. He recalled the day that Zuko came to the Southern Water Tribe. His memory took him back to the moment he tore the Water Tribe family apart.

Katara grabbed onto Aang and pulled him towards Appa as Sokka beat at the ice around his feet with his boomerang. "Come on Sokka!"

Sokka muttered to himself, while Aang and Katara started to rush up Appa's tail. As this commenced, a guard was helping Prince Zuko back onboard after the young man had almost been thrown off. Meanwhile, Crystal was struggling from the guard in full armor that restrained her.

Breaking from the ice, Sokka raced to the tail and up onto the saddle behind Katara and Aang. He quickly realized though that Crystal hadn't followed, and he looked back towards the deck of the Fire Nation ship to see another guard hit Crystal on the side of her head with his fist knocking her out cold.

"Crys!" Sokka went to jump back off the saddle, but by this point Aang had found the reins and shouted for Appa to go. The giant flying sky bison took off, causing Sokka to grab the side of the saddle so he wouldn't fall. As they left the ship deck, he cried back to Aang, "Stop! Crystal is still back there!"

Katara had been so focused on escaping, she was horrified by her brother's cry. She quickly looked over at Aang from where she knelt in the saddle. "Turn around! We have to go back for her!"

Aang listened to the frantic shouts of the kids behind him, and his eyes glanced back down at the ship below. He debated what he should do, knowing if he turned around there was a chance they all would be apprehended. As he glanced back at the ship for the waterbender they were leaving behind, he was horrified to see Prince Zuko run forward and shoot a powerful blast of fire up towards them. Aang gasped and grabbed his staff, then released the reins and rushed to the back of Appa's saddle. Using his staff as support, he swung the ancient stick towards the blast headed their way and hit it with an unbelievable force of wind. The blast redirected and hit a glacier they were flying past, and the snow broke off, landing on the ship below.

The ship came to a screeching halt as the avalanche crashed down on the bow of the giant vessel. As the ship stopped from the weight holding it down, Aang rushed back to the reins to direct Appa again.

Sokka shouted again at Aang from where he sat by Katara, "We have to go back, Aang! Crystal is still down there! Turn around!"

Aang clutched Appa's reins and looked down at the ship below again. He saw Prince Zuko standing on the hull of the ship, looking up at him with fury from the damage just inflicted on his vessel. Beside the small silhouette of his enemy, he saw two soldiers lifting the unconscious body of the girl he'd just met and only known for a day. As he looked down at the men who were dragging his newest friends' sister below deck, the Avatar felt fear as he realized the only way to get her back was to face the teenager and his men again. He couldn't do it. He wasn't strong enough.

"We can't. You two might get captured as well if we head back," Aang argued.

He'd just faced Prince Zuko and was almost burned by the strong teenager. He wasn't ready to face him again. He didn't want to go back down there. He wasn't ready. He came up with a lie. "Crystal told me to get you two to safety. She said no matter what happens to her I have to protect you."

Katara protested. "Just because she says that doesn't mean we should listen! She can't survive down there on her own!"

Aang cringed at the despair in his new female friend's tone. He wasn't sure what to do to convince the siblings as they flew further away from the ship that turning back was a horrible idea.

He mulled over the options in his head. He knew as the Avatar he had a responsibility to save the Water Tribe girl he'd been captured beside. However, as a kid who didn't even know until a few hours ago there was even a war, he was terrified of being captured along with her. He needed time.

"She can survive!" Aang exclaimed, turning to look back at the two Water Tribe kids. "And he won't hurt her. She'll be okay!"

Sokka was appalled. "How could you possibly know that?!"

Aang kept his composure as he lied, "Because he told me that she'd be fine."

"Like I believe anything the enemy's son says!" Sokka shouted as he stood with outrage, only to stumble from the air that hit him and quickly sit back down.

"He's interested in me. They won't do anything to her," Aang tried to reassure them all.

As Sokka went to protest again, Katara sighed in defeat which stopped Sokka from speaking.

"Wait… Aang's right, Sokka…" She spoke with dismay. "Even if we go back now, you and I can't fight. And Aang can't face the whole ship on his own again. Even with his amazing spiritual power, we will still be no match. We need to keep moving… Crystal would never forgive us if we risked our own freedom for her. Aang knows what he's doing. I trust him. We'll get her back."

The trust Katara held towards Aang only made him fill with more guilt. However, he couldn't turn back. He knew if they tried to retrieve Crystal they would all fall into Prince Zuko's hands. He couldn't allow himself or his new friends to be captured. He had to get to the Southern Air Temple. He had to get home.

Shutting his eyes again, he hung his head in shame. "Sorry," he whispered for only himself to hear. The apology was sincere, but he didn't have the strength to speak it to Katara or Sokka.

Aang gripped Appa's reins tight as he realized he was failing his friends again. He was supposed to be the savior of the world, but he couldn't even protect his team. "This is my fault. I'm the Avatar. I should be able to protect you all, but I didn't even realize Crystal was in danger until it was too late. It was my responsibility to get her back from Zuko months ago too… I keep failing you and Sokka. I'm sorry, Katara."

Toph finally spoke up. "This isn't on you, Twinkletoes… I'm the one that sensed the assassin. I should've told you all right away."

Opening his eyes, Sokka spoke again. "The only person responsible for my sister is me. I promised my dad I'd look after her. I was so busy fighting my opponent that I didn't even realize Crystal had left my side."

Appa groaned suddenly, as if to tell them to all stop their pity party. Katara frowned and hung her head. "Appa's right… There's only one thing we can do now...we have to hope that Zuko can get her back quickly. We need to focus on the eclipse. I know Crystal. She'd be furious with us if we turned our back on the mission and risked our lives trying to get her back."

Toph shook her head. "The only way we can help her right now is by defeating the Fire Lord." She gave a sad smile. "And Princess is strong. She'll be okay."

The rest of the group hung their heads in dismay, hoping the young earthbender was right.

Crystal POV

Sipping the water from the canteen held to my lips, I let the cool liquid slide down my parched throat with relief. It had been almost two hours since I'd first woken from my unconscious state, and this time I knew I needed to accept the water if I wanted to survive. My kidnapper had ungagged me long enough to let me drink. The young man who I learned was named Ruji, had insisted to my captor that I be given water. His father spoke up in agreement. In defeat, my captor tried again with another canteen. He removed my gag and propped me up against the side of the boat. I didn't fight this time. I was dying for something to quench my thirst.

Once I was done with the water, I stared at the very large and strong man with question. He was putting the cap back on the canteen and started to walk off as I found courage to speak. I was honestly curious. I asked as his metal boot began to clomp away, "What happened to your foot?"

He stopped walking, surprised by my question. Turning to look back at me, he was silent as he observed me with uncertainty. He probably had never been asked so straightforward about his metal boot, especially from one of his victims. I knew I was silly for focusing on his appearance rather than a way to escape, but I'd already reached an unfortunate conclusion: Even if I found a way to escape, which was a slim possibility, I had no clue which way to go to get back to the others. Also, there was a possibility I'd drown before I reached land if I found a way to jump ship. So my new plan: persuade the enemy to let me go.

"You must have a story," I continued, trying to keep conversation. "I'm about to be locked up forever and possibly killed, so the least you can do is let me know a little about you… Or at least the name of my captor… I'm sure you don't really go by Sparky Sparky Boom Man as my brother calls you."

He stared down at me with uncertainty. I could tell he was debating if speaking with his captive was something he wanted to do. Without saying much, he answered, "Lee."

His answer threw me off. My eyes stared at this giant figure before me with bewilderment as his name hovered between us. The old man and his son hadn't heard our conversation since they were busy steering and pushing the boat forward with fire power. As I looked at the intimidating figure before me, I was stumped. I didn't know what to say at first. Such an intimidating giant with insane combustive powers had such a simplistic name…? It was surprising. Of course, I knew it could've also been a cover name. It felt good to put a name to my captor though.

I finally gathered my thoughts and my voice again. With a heavy breath, I asked softly, "Why are you doing this?"

As if the man realized telling me wouldn't matter, he stepped closer and crouched in front of me. He pulled a bag of coins from his boot as he answered, "Profit." He shoved the bag back swiftly.

Staring into his amber eyes, I begged softly, "Please… don't do this… there are other ways to make money."

"Not for a freak like me," he hissed.

Glancing at his third-eye and then at his metal boot, which I could see was a prosthetic, I said, "Just because you're special and have unique abilities, that doesn't mean that you have to live out a cruel path… the direction you're headed is not going to bring you fortune." I was trying to use persuasion, and I hoped maybe it would work. "The Fire Lord is a cruel man who only cares about what he wants. He may see you as a threat and kill you. You are working for the wrong man. You have a chance to stop this and turn back before you suffer."

He looked at me long and hard as my words touched his ears. Then he shook his head and grabbed the gag that he'd set aside when he was giving me water. "No."

As he went to shove the gag back in, I spoke quickly to stop him. "It's never too late. You can always change your path. Prince Zuko did it. You can too."

He gripped the gag in his ungloved hand tight as he contemplated my words. I continued.

"I know you don't want to listen to me, but you have to realize that the Fire Lord will not give you what you want. He will turn on you. You're an assassin. He won't allow you to walk away from this freely. Your greed is only going to put you in a cage. Please… stop this while you still can. I beg you."

Lee frowned, pondering over my words. Then he shook his head. "You're wrong. Silence!"

He went to shove the gag back into my mouth to stop me from conversing further. As he moved his hand to my mouth, I managed to get out one last statement.

"Don't be mad at me if I'm right."

The gag returned, and once it was secure, the assassin named Lee left me alone once more to mull over all I had said.

Zuko POV

Staring down at the man I extended my blade towards through the small holes of the mask I wore, I gripped the handle tight as I snapped at him again. "You will give me passage!"

It had already been four hours since Crystal was taken. I was not only exhausted from my lack of sleep earlier that morning, but I was also frustrated that my current captive wasn't yielding.

The older merchantman grimaced as he stared up at me. "I've heard of you… the blue spirit… I thought you were a myth. I've seen your posters but didn't think you were real." His veer from the subject only made me more irritated. We were wasting time. The longer I stayed on the coast I currently was stuck on, the closer Crystal was taken to my father.

When I arrived in the merchant village of Gafu, I'd originally used my hood from my cloak to conceal my identity. However, the amount of soldiers at the docks and in the square made me realize one wrong glance and I'd be revealed. Since Gafu was the last village before heading towards the Capital City, the security was very tight.

Deciding I needed something a little more concealing, I found a stall with some theatrical masks. As I looked at the products, I was amazed to see the Blue Spirit mask I'd once owned so long ago. I'd left my original back in Ba Sing Se. As the shop owner stepped around the corner to grab something, I swiped the mask with stealth and disappeared from view. Keeping to the alleys of the village, I made my way down to the docks with my mask on and my broadswords already in my hand.

Upon looking around, I saw a familiar Rough Rhino standing near one of the docks eating some hay from a trough. There was a middle aged heavier set woman standing with the beast, snapping, "My husband is going to hear it from me, leaving this beast on our front lawn. What am I supposed to do with you?!"

The Rhino ignored her continuing to feast. My own stomach grumbled, but I paid no mind to it as I listened further.

"All of this for a pile of gold. Stupid boys. They better bring back something from the capital or I'll feed you them!" She turned and stomped away. "Three eyed assassin with a load of gold? What fools!"

Narrowing my eyes, I understood then that the Assassin had bartered passage into the Fire Nation Capital. Unfortunately for me, the only way I was getting passage was by using force since I had nothing to barter with.

After surveying the docks, and keeping to the less populated areas of the village, I saw a man around my Uncle's age in faded brown clothes with gray hair in a topknot and a scar on his lower right arm. He was dragging a barrel up the small wooden gangplank onto his small steel steamer. Dropping the barrel onto the deck, he rolled it across to put it with the group of barrels he'd already gathered for his sale.

Looking around for soldiers, the coast was clear and I made my move. Running over to the vessel, I raced up the gangplank and dropped onboard. The man turned in shock, and then ordered me to leave or he'd call for help. He could see from my appearance that I was not there for an honest trade.

As he went to run for help, I darted in his path and knocked him back with my foot. He stumbled and fell to the deck with a gasp, and then looked at me with panic asking me what I wanted. Thus bringing me back to my sword at his throat and my order to take me across the sea.

"I'm very real," I finally said in response to his blue spirit comment. "And I'm in a bit of a hurry. I need to get to the Fire Nation capital. You can either take me there or I'll just take your ship."

He stared at the blade, his eyes at first fearful. Then in the blink of an eye his whole physique changed. As if he understood, he looked back at me without fear. Instead, he was concerned. "From your urgency, I assume something has gone wrong with the mission."

I was stunned by his statement. I lowered my sword in confusion. What? The mission? How the Agni would he know about the mission?

He sensed my questioning, and pulled something from his shirt sleeve. As he held it up to me from where he lay back on the deck, I was shocked when I saw a familiar pai sho tile with the white lotus. An exact replica of the one my Uncle valued so dearly.

"You are familiar with this, yes?"

Lowering my weapon more, I stepped back with surprise. The man stood, brushing himself off as he did so. "I had to see if you were really Prince Zuko or an imposter. Some thieves have taken on the Blue Spirit's identity, so I had to examine how you held your broadswords. From your style, you were definitely Piandao's pupil."

His words put me in shock. "You… you're part of my Uncle's secret club?"

He sighed. "It is not a club, young man. However, it is also not something I am allowed to explain as of now. All you need to know is I am on your side." He put the tile back in his sleeve and stated, "However, I recommend you crouch behind these barrels for a moment, because we're about to have company."

At his suggestion, I turned my eyes towards the boardwalk and saw a trio of soldiers headed our way. Quickly I did as he said, crouching behind the barrel barricade. As I hid behind the merchandise, the three male soldiers came onboard for inspection. "Where are you headed, Mingi? Didn't you just get back from the Fire Nation Capital? At your age you should be resting," a curious soldier asked, as if he were speaking to his best friend.

"Ah! Guan! Barely recognized you under that helmet. Actually had a last minute order come in from General Fru. Said they need some of this powder as soon as possible. Not sure why, but it seemed urgent." The sound of parchment was heard as Mingi showed the three soldiers the order he spoke of.

Only a moment passed as the soldier, Guan, confirmed what the man spoke to be true. "Very well. Make haste. There seems to be an order issued from the Fire Lord that the Capital docks be empty in three days."

"Three days?" Mingi faked surprised. "Well, I can assure you that I will not bother the Capital long. I only plan to make the drop off and leave."

Guan responded, "Take care of yourself. These are dangerous times. Of course, once you're safe through the gates of Azulon you should be fine. No one will be able to penetrate that blockade." The sound of boots walking off indicated to me that the soldiers left. Once their footsteps were just faded echoes on the boardwalk of the docks, I stood from my hiding place having removed my mask.

"Thanks… for not turning me in." I sheathed my weapons, and then bowed in respect.

The man walked over to me with resolve. "I'm not your enemy. Help me set this ship out, and I will explain everything. And you can explain your tale as well." Mingi handed me a large bundle of rope to tie down the barrels so they didn't go overboard, and while I willingly did the task so we could push off as quickly as possible, Minji prepared the furnace by throwing shovels of coal inside. Once the ship was ready for departure, Mingi grabbed his wooden gangplank and brought it onboard. Then he untied the rope keeping his ship to the pier, and we started to drift off.

Mingi stepped over to the furnace gesturing for me to come over. "Usually takes me a whole day to get to the Capital since I have to use matches to keep the fire inside going. Having a firebender onboard will move us quickly though. If you don't min-"

I took the hint and shot fire into the furnace, desperate to move forward and save Crystal. Mingi was surprised by my hasty action, and he stepped back with a look of question. As I gave us more fire and steam to move through the water, Mingi asked his question. "Why are you trying to get to your father so quickly, Prince Zuko? It was agreed that the Fire Lord would be the Avatar's target I had heard?"

I shot more fire into the furnace, not daring to meet the man's gaze. "How do you know that?" Before I spilled my secrets, he had to spill his. "The Avatar's dead."

The man smirked. "We have our share of spies around the world. We've known the Avatar was alive since you met with the Water Tribe Warriors at Chameleon Bay. We also know about the eclipse, and how you and the others are planning a small invasion that day. Of course, I assumed you all were invading that day together. Your sudden appearance on my mission surprises me."

My eyes widened. Looking over at the man, I asked, "Your mission?"

He nodded. "I am General Iroh's get away. On the day of the eclipse, your Uncle is planning to break out of the Fire Nation Palace Prison. The product in those barrels is Blasting Jelly. We will be using it to break an opening in the prison wall for Iroh to escape through."

I was amazed by his reveal. And relieved. Hearing Uncle was alive and planning a breakout from the prison my father had put him in was one small positive to all the negative that surrounded me. Shooting more fire into the furnace, I shut my eyes with understanding. "Somehow fate brought me to you then… I feared I'd never find a way into the Capital. I was terrified that all hope was lost. But it isn't over… I can get her back…"

Mingi immediately understood. He must've heard about the Assassin from his spies. "I see…The infamous Three-Eyed assassin came for her after all. You left the Avatar and his friends because of the young waterbender you greatly care for." He sighed heavily. "So she's the reason you're in such a haste. I will send word to our spies in the palace to watch over her while you make your plans to get her back. I'm certain you are greatly concerned about her." Mingi stepped over to me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I think that's enough fire power for now. I will let you know when we need more. Get some rest. You'll need your strength, and you look like you haven't slept in days."

My heart twisted and I frowned. "I can't sleep with her on my mind."

The man squeezed my shoulder more. "You must try. Once you are in the Capital, you will need all of your strength. I'm certain the young waterbender Crystal would want you to take care of yourself."

His statement made me want to argue, but then I realized he was right. Nodding, I pulled from the man and stepped across the small vessel. With a heavy breath, I sat against the side of the rail of the ship. As I leaned back, I pulled my mask in front of me and stared down at the print with nostalgia. It wasn't the same blue hue as my other one, but the outlines were an exact copy.

Once long ago, the Blue Spirit was a selfish being that stole for his own gain. He freed the Avatar from Zhao, but only so he alone could capture the boy and reclaim his honor. The Blue Spirit of the past was long gone and change had come. Today, the Blue Spirit had a new task: He would save the woman he loved from the man who had already taken so much from him.

Shutting my eyes with a deep sigh, I whispered, "I'm right behind you, Crys… I'm getting you back. I promise… just hang on..."

Crystal POV

"Arrest him," the female soldier ordered, pointing at the man with three eyes who didn't look the least bit pleased. Struggling in the holds of the two men that had lifted me from the deck to restrain me, I watched the scene before me without surprise.

We'd just closed in on the Gates of Azulon, which were fire-blazing nets that blocked us from moving into the Capital's waters. Upon our arrival, an entourage of Fire Nation boats had come our way from the larger vessel that guarded the entrance. As soldiers boarded our small vessel, the middle aged burly woman who was leader of the squadron, ordered for an explanation on why they needed to pass. When she stepped further onto the ship, she was surprised to see me on the deck, tied and gagged.

The Assassin stood near me and pulled a parchment from his shirt. He held it to the lady, who swiped it and read the contents through the opening of her helmet. As she read whatever was on the paper, she nodded with understanding.

"We were informed you may be arriving in the next few days. Unfortunately, the Fire Lord does not wish for any civilians to pass through the gates at this time. The docks need to be cleared for important preparations."

She gestured for her men to grab me, and I was yanked up to stand on my bound feet unsteadily.

"We will take the waterbender from here. This vessel must return to Gafu."

The older man of the vessel was appalled. "I didn't drag these strangers all the way out here for nothing." He pointed at the Assassin with irritation. "You better pay me now for this service!" His son grimaced as his father spoke, knowing it would've been better to remain silent.

The woman stepped over to the Assassin and grabbed the bag of coins sticking out of his metal boot. She turned back to the older man and tossed it at his feet. "Your service has been paid." She then looked back at the giant who was about to lose his cool and kill the woman before him. "As for you, the Fire Lord is banishing you from the Fire Nation Capital and has sentenced you to life in prison for crimes against the Fire Nation." She pointed at him, snapping, "Arrest him!"

Her men stepped forward to do just that. The Assassin was infuriated by the Fire Lord's betrayal. He glanced over at me, but I gave him no sympathy. I had warned him this would happen. I'd told him the Fire Lord would betray him. He didn't listen.

Breathing in, the Assassin lifted his head and then lowered it quickly as he shot a blast of fire at the woman before him. The spark came out of his third eye tattoo, and the blast made a straight beeline towards the leader. One of her soldiers saw the attack and rushed forward, shoving the woman out of the line of fire. Lee's attack flew out into the water causing a huge explosion that shook the whole vessel. As this happened, other soldiers rushed forward to restrain the man. Grabbing on to his arms, it took almost six men to hold him down as he continued to try and fire blasts at no one in particular.

One of his blasts hit the steel of the ship floor causing scorch marks and the vessel to shake terribly. The old man shouted in horror at the damage to his vessel. Another flew towards us, and the two soldiers restraining me shoved me to the deck with them as we all barely missed the attack. Water sprayed on us from the explosion that occurred in the sea behind. As I lay once more on the floorboards, this time with the two soldiers pressing me down, I heard the female soldier shout, "Get some chains! Restrain him and put something around his head to block him!"

There was the sound of shouts. The sound of chains. More blasts of fire as the Assassin did all he could to fight off the dozen soldiers that had come at him from every angle. He was no match for them all though. Managing to peek up from where I lay on the steel floor, I saw he was pushed to his stomach, and they were putting a large metal ring around his head to block his tattoo from firing his explosive shots. Chains were tied around his hands as three soldiers held his arms behind his back to do so. He shouted in rage, and I could see he was infuriated by the outcome of this mission. He turned his head to look over at me from where I too was pressed against the deck of the vessel.

As we made eye contact, his gaze said it all: You were right.

In return, my silent gaze told him my own thoughts: Told you so.

Shutting my eyes, I dropped my head again not wanting to give him any indication I felt sorry for him. We were in this situation because of him. He was a prisoner because he decided to work for the wrong man.

"Take him to Boiling Rock! Let the warden know he's dangerous and should quickly be contained in the coolers!" As Lee was forced up, I looked over once again to see his determination and fearful form dissolve. Instead, he looked outraged and at a loss for what to do. He tried one last attempt to free himself, and breathing in once more he shot a blast to try and break the metal ring they'd tightened around his head. Doing so only made his blast fire back at him and knock him backward. His body hit the steel deck hard, and the boat shook harshly. As smoke rose from the area between the ring and his head, I saw the blast had knocked him unconscious. The woman stepped over to him with disbelief. "Fool. You should've known that wouldn't work… You're definitely not the Assassin I pictured you to be. Take this freak away."

The giant of a man was then dragged away by the six men who originally restrained him. As he was taken, his metal boot slid against the steel floor in a terrible scraping noise. He was forced onto another boat beside ours, and once he was onboard, the boat took off in the direction we'd come. The Assassin had dug himself into a hole, and honestly, I felt no sympathy for the man. Because of him, I was stuck in an even deeper pit.

"Pick her up!"

Upon the woman's order, the men who knelt beside me stood once more and grabbed me. I was jerked up to my feet, my hair a mess around my face and my body sore from being thrown around so much. The woman stepped over to me with curiosity, and then her eyes fell on the scar that adorned my cheek and collarbone. "So you're the waterbender that has caused such a stir in the Fire Nation Capital, huh?" She crossed her arms. "I hear the Fire Lord has been eager to meet you."

I glared at her, unable to speak because of the gag that was still in my mouth. She smirked from my reaction, then turned and started to walk away. "Get her back to the ship and take her to the cells. We will head to the Capital immediately. The Fire Lord will be pleased.."

As she started to walk away, I tried to struggle again in the holds of my captors. My eyes shot to the small steamer that was headed away from us with the Assassin that had put me in this situation. My hatred towards him and the pain he caused me made me relieved to see he was being locked up. I knew such a thought was wicked, but I was too angry and tired to care.

"Let's go," the soldier to my right snapped, and he and the man started to drag me across the deck towards the vessel the woman had stepped on. As I was dragged along, my eyes shot to the older man and his son who were watching the scene with surprise. As my eyes landed on the younger man, he turned his gaze from me quickly due to the guilt he felt inside. He regretted not helping me, but he clearly wanted to stay out of it.

I knew then no one would save me. I was alone.

However, that didn't mean I was giving up. I'd been through too much to give up. I would fight until I couldn't anymore.

Lifting my legs up, the two soldiers were shocked as they were forced to hold me up full weight. While they did this, I swung my tied legs to the side and hit one of them in the knee. The sudden force caused him to stumble and release me. I managed to drop back to my feet so I didn't collapse completely. The other soldier still had hold of my one arm, and I used my upper body this time to jam my arm against his hand slamming it into his armor. He hollered in pain and released me without much choice. As I fell back to the deck, I rolled from my back to my stomach. Then I managed to maneuver to my knees and reach my hands back to the rope on my ankles. Trying to grab at the painful material, I yanked at the knot with my bound hands, straining my shoulders in the process.

"Fools! I said grab her!" The female leader (Captain or General or whatever she was) stomped over with fury. As she came towards me, I- by some miracle- got the knot on the rope around my ankles loose and freed my legs. Although my hands were tied, I could finally move again. Quickly getting to my feet, I backed away from the woman who looked infuriated by my actions. As I mulled over my options as quickly as I could, I knew then what I had to do. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it sooner.

Stumbling backward from the advancing woman, I hit the side of the small steamboat. With resolve, I shut my eyes, turned quickly, and slumped my body over the metal rail so I could fall overboard. As I dived into the water ten feet below, the cool liquid surrounded me as I was submerged. Once the liquid surrounded me, and I gained my control, I used my hands to freeze the molecules around them. Once my hands were encapsulated by ice, freezing the material of the rope as well, I jerked my arms in opposite directions and the frozen rope broke from its new brittle state. As I pulled my arms apart, I melted the ice around my hands quickly so I didn't break my wrists from the jerk. The rope broke, but my hands were undamaged and free.

The water moved beside me as a body had jumped in to apprehend me. Ripping the gag from my mouth once my hands were free, sea water quickly filled my lungs. I knew I had to be quick or I would drown since I hadn't taken enough air in before I dived due to my gag.

Using my arms remaining strength, I thrust my hands in the direction of the body nearby that was swimming towards me, and I pushed myself away from him or her with my bending. The current I shot between us sent me backwards and my pursuer in the opposite direction. Once I had distance, I swam up to the surface and broke to the warm world above. Coughing out water and gasping for much needed air, the element filled my lungs and I finally opened my eyes.

When I opened my eyes, I saw with horror that I had pushed myself in the direction of the burning gates of Azulon. The heat from the burning chains could be felt from the twenty feet that distanced us. Quickly, I used my bending to make a large platform of ice to which I hoisted myself up onto. Getting onto my feet, I was exhausted but knew I had to keep moving. As I balanced on my icy raft, I tried to push my platform away from the steamboat and other Fire Nation ships nearby by creating a large wave between us. My water barely had time to rise though, because a blast of fire shot at me from the woman who stood by the rail of the ship I'd originally been on. The hot element hit my icy raft causing it to shake violently and me to fall back into the water.

As I was surrounded once more by the sea, I tried to manipulate the water around me to shoot me further from the enemy. They were prepared though, because something suddenly shot into the water from above hitting the space behind me, and I was horrified to find it was a net. As the rough material was pulled forward and surrounded me, I tried to bend the water around me to push the net away. However, they had shot the net from some sort of ship mechanism that jerked the material fast enough to fight my push and catch me. As the net grabbed hold of me, I was yanked through the water with the element rushing against me and only a moment later brought back above to the air. The net had been shot from a sort of cannon like mechanism from the main Fire Navy ship. As I was lifted above like a captured fish, I struggled in the net prison gasping for more air. A group of soldiers hoisted me onto the main vessel, and I was dropped onto the deck like a fresh catch. Hitting the steel surface hard, I cried out as my bones protested and my body ached in every joint imaginable.

As soon as I was back on deck, a dozen soldiers surrounded me, each one in a stance ready to attack if I tried anything. As they started to close in, I tried to move out from under the net but it's heavy wet rope weighed me down.

Exhausted, I shut my eyes as my racing heart deafened me. Dropping my head back, I felt the sun beat down on me above. My muscles were too heavy to move. "Well… it was worth a shot," I whispered.

A few moments later I was freed from the net only to have shackles put on my wrists behind me. As I was bound once again, this time by much more uncomfortable metal material, the female leader stepped over to me. We were on the main ship, and the small boat I'd originally been on was set a course back towards Gafu and away from me.

I was in a deeper pit than before.

As the female (who I finally figured out was a Commander) stepped over to me, she looked amused. "Have to say, that stunt was quite impressive you just pulled." She stood in front of me with her hands behind her back, observing me with curiosity. She had no sympathy for the young woman before her. I was just a prize she had scored. "I've heard a lot about you. I can see you are indeed the daughter of a chief. You have a lot of strength in that thin body of yours." She looked over at the man to my right who restrained my arm. "Take her to the cells." She then looked back at the man on her left flank. "Tell the captain to set us towards the Capital. Then send a messenger hawk to the palace to notify the Fire Lord that we've acquired the girl."

The man she ordered to send the message bowed to her and took off towards the control room. As he did, I was shoved towards the door that led below deck. As I was forced forward, the woman spoke as I went. "And to think… the Fire Lord's only son fell for such a worthless girl… what a waste." She laughed and walked off to her duties, while I was shoved down below into the darkness.

Zuko POV

My eyes were heavy as I woke up from the small nap I'd taken. I'd been so exhausted trying to catch up to Crystal's trail, I hadn't realized I had fallen asleep. Mingi whistled from where he was steering the small steamboat we were on, and as he did I sat up from where I'd been resting, rubbing my eyes.

Mingi stopped whistling when he heard me move, and he turned serious again. "Glad your awake. We'll be reaching the gates of Azulon in an hour or so. I've been thinking about where to hide you. There's a barrel that's got some tools inside it. I'm thinking you can fit in there if we take them out."

I frowned. I hadn't actually thought about having to hide once we reached the gates, but I knew he was right. I'd be discovered if I didn't conceal myself once we hit the inspection zone.

"Thank you for helping me."

Mingi wasn't surprised that I spoke. He was more surprised by my gratitude. He smiled and nodded. "Of course. Your Uncle and I go way back. It's only right I help his nephew get to the girl he loves." He sighed. "Also, Crystal being captured by the Fire Lord goes against our plans so we need to get her out quickly. I fear that the princess and Fire Lord may harm the girl severely, and we need her in good health."

His comment made me grit my teeth, hateful for my family for even targeting the girl I cared for more than anything. If they touched her I'd definitely give them more hurt than they'd ever feel in their lives.

"I know… I worry about what they will do-" his statement however made me back track. "Wait!" Standing, I tightened my fists. "What does Crystal have to do with your plans?"

Mingi realized he had spoken too much, but he knew there was no turning back. Letting out a deep sigh, he turned his full attention to me. "You deserve to know. I'm not supposed to tell, but seeing as you've become part of my mission in these last few hours it's only right you know. Your Uncle, myself, Piandao, and many other powerful men are part of an ancient and secret organization. Ever since the war began, we have kept in the shadows trying to do our part across nations to help the world. It was our organization that helped you and your Uncle sneak into Ba Sing Se. We are called the Order of the White Lotus, and our mission is to seek philosophy, beauty, and truth. We are devoted to sharing ancient knowledge across national and political divides. And in this case, we reach out across nations when people are in distress. Our mission is to break Grand Lotus, General Iroh out of prison and return to Ba Sing Se to reconquer the city and restore peace."

My jaw was dropped as I listened to him explain my Uncle's secret club.

"We also have an important mission once the Avatar defeats Fire Lord Ozai." He stepped over to me with resolution. "The four nations will be greatly divided once this war ends. We have pondered over what must be done to mend the damage that has been caused. We have been seeking for almost a hundred years a path to uniting the nations once more. With the Avatar's return, we knew that defeating the Fire Lord and ending the war would come, but we feared even with the Avatar there would still be a rift. However, you and the daughter of the chief of the Southern Water Tribe fell in love, and with this grew our opportunity: A chance to bring together two nations that have been divided for over a century."

Crossing my arms, I was slightly disturbed by his reveal. "So… You're telling me that a group of old guys has been plotting me and my fiancée's future?"

He smiled. "With your union, two nations will become one. It will be easier to convince the Earth Kingdom to form peace when they see that Water and Fire can get along." He spoke on. "Plus, once you two start having children and-"

I interrupted. "Crys and I's future children are no business to your order!" I pinched the bridge of my nose shaking my head. "Let's just stop talking about this… Marriage is far from my mind right now. The only thing I want is to get the girl I'm going to marry out of the palace."

Mingi nodded. "So what is your plan once we get into the Capital?"

His question didn't surprise me. I'd been planning it in my head since I started my desperate chase. "I'm going to disguise myself as a guard and see where they are holding her. Then once I find out, I'm slipping in during the night, freeing her, and getting us both out of there. The eclipse is in three days, but I fear she won't last that long if I don't get to her by tomorrow. My father and sister are brutal…"

Mingi nodded. He walked over to one of the barrels then and lifted the lid. As he started to pull out rope and metal weapons, he stated, "There's a war balloon located on the eastern side of the palace. One of our members stationed it there as a backup in case we can't get to the boat in time once freeing General Iroh. However, I believe it will serve purpose to you more. Once you retrieve Crystal, get to the war balloon and escape. You and her safety are essential to the future of our nations."

He dropped more stuff out of the barrel and it rolled by me.

"Also, there isn't going to be much air in this container, so make sure your breathing as much as you can. Once we catch sight of the gates you need to hide." He stepped back from the emptied barrel, and then stepped past me back to the wheel of the ship. "Also, don't tell your Uncle I let the secret out. He'll skin me alive."

As Mingi returned to steering and whistling, I looked out towards the direction Crystal was. With agony, I said, "I'm coming, Crys… I will save you..."

Crystal POV

Alone in the cold damp cell, I sat on my knees with my hair a mess around me. My arms were sore from the position they were in, and I was cold from my soaked clothing that had yet to dry from my prior escape attempt. I wasn't sure how long I had been in the cell, but it had to have been longer than an hour. As I sat pondering over any possible route I could take to free myself from my inevitable doom, I realized even if I tried to escape again I was outnumbered by a good sixty to one. There was no way I could escape, even if I managed to free my arms again.

So instead, I mentally prepared myself for what was to come. I'd most likely be dragged to the Fire Lord, who would mock me for thinking I, someone of such lowly birth, could ever love his son. Then I'd probably be tortured or locked in a cage like the one Hama had been tossed into. And Azula… I shivered at the thought of what she would do to me.

After a few more moments of pondering my painful future, the ship suddenly came to a halt, and I felt my already cold body drop in degrees. My worst nightmare had come true. I was about to be dragged to the Fire Lord. Months ago, when I was on Zuko's ship as his prisoner, the thought of being taken to the Fire Lord petrified me. As my floating prison reached land, I felt the fear return and I was petrified once more.

It seemed that I sat in my dark cell forever after the ship came to a halt, and the wait only made my nerves worse. Nauseous, hungry, and greatly filled with terror, I waited for someone to pull me from my small cell into an even more terrifying prison. I feared my next prison would be the worst one yet.

The sound of metal creaking made my skin jump, and I glanced through the dark room to the opening door that led to the brig. Expecting my retriever to be the female Commander who had steered me to the palace, I was horrified to find another female step through the doorway. With her came a darkness that almost sucked the last bit of hope out of me. As the thin tall girl, with jet black hair in a bun and long nails stepped through the brig over to my cell, I quickly scrambled to my feet and backed away from the unwanted visitor.

Her appearance hadn't changed much since I last saw her. Two loose strands of black hair framed her face, and from the light of a small burning torch I saw her evil gold eyes. She smirked when she saw I had realized who she was, and stepped up to my cell door with pleasure. "I'm so lucky to have just gotten back from Ember Island. I would've hated missing this opportunity."

She grinned, and her devilish white teeth shined from the low glow of the flame.

"Welcome to the Fire Nation Capital, Crystal of the Southern Water Tribe." Azula leaned forward. "I will be your tour guide and make sure your visit here is one you will never forget." She cackled at herself, and then pulled a key out of her dark black pants pocket. She wore a dark red shirt, but no armor. "Also, you have the privilege of being escorted by some familiar friends." As she spoke, two Dai Li agents stepped into the brig. My eyes widened when I saw their long green robes and low brimmed hats. They had followed her from Ba Sing Se.

The cell door opened, and I backed further from her. She didn't seem to care, knowing she had me cornered. Stepping into the cell, she spun the key ring around her finger as she approached. "I just left a relaxing vacation to come home to a prize. This is the best week of my life." She stepped closer, and I hit the wall feeling my heart try to pound out of my chest.

"I did hear about the small scuffle you had back at the Gates of Azulon, so as precaution I'm going to have to make your current situation a little less mobile." She broke the distance between us and went to grab my hair. I was one step ahead. With both adrenaline and determination, I jumped forward ramming my body into her own. My sudden move knocked her back, and as she stumbled, she shouted out in fury. I didn't make it two steps after that. The Dai Li swooped into the cell and my body was quickly restrained by their hands. As they held me back, pulling me away from their stunned leader, I saw Azula was not pleased.

"Damn you, wench! You'll pay for that!" She went to light a flame to strike me, but was quickly cut off.

"Princess Azula… Your father ordered for her to be brought to him unharmed," the Commander spoke, bowing from where she suddenly stood at the entrance to the brig. "And your transportation is ready to take you home."

Azula, whose fist was clenched as she prepared to burn me for my actions, looked disappointed by the woman's information but stopped her flame. After a moment, she said , "Very well. Let's not keep father waiting any longer." She stepped forward again, grabbing my chin to force me to meet her gaze. "Father has been eager to meet you, Crystal."

I tried not to show her I was afraid. On the outside I did feel my body tremble and my knees grow weak, but I held myself up. On the inside, I was terrified and my mind was in a full-blown panic.

"Unfortunately," Azula began, "We can't risk your escape." She released my chin and stepped back. "I promised my father you would be brought into the palace by this evening. With you fighting us the whole way, I will only anger my father if you do escape."

As if on cue, the two agents restraining me suddenly shoved me back against my cell wall. My body vibrated from the pain that shot through my spine. However, I refused to cry out, not wanting to grant them the satisfaction in knowing they had hurt me. I knew doing so would only make Azula satisfied with her torture. As I tried to pull my dazed state together, one of the Dai Li released me and the next thing I knew a stone cuff wrapped around my ankles forcing them together and me to lose footing. As I started to go sideways from loss of balance, the agent still holding onto me released me and I fell to my side. Hitting the steel floor hard, I grit my teeth to keep from screaming in pain from landing on my arm.

"Hm… you're pretty quiet today." Azula stepped over to me and I quickly tried to pull my body up. My muscles were in agony, but I had to keep strong. I knew if I broke I'd be done for. She crouched in front of me, and I saw her give a twisted grin. "I'm kind of happy to see you. I've been really bored since Ba Sing Se." She grabbed a strand of my salt crusted hair. "I'm excited to see what my father has in store for you as well." She stood again and turned away. "Best not keep him waiting. Let's move!"

As I was grabbed up by the Dai Li, I was horrified when the stronger of the two men managed to hoist me over his shoulder. As I was lifted and flung painfully over him like a burlap sack, I snapped, "Put me down!" He ignored me and began to walk us out of the ship cell.

The commander stepped aside to let us all pass. However, she was intrigued by the Dai Li man's strength. "For earthbenders, that's quite some muscle you got there." She spoke in a way to compliment the man that carried me effortlessly.

As we went out of the brig and up the stairs, I snapped at the woman, "If I weren't bound you'd be feeling my strength too!"

Azula laughed as she kept walking in front of the Dai Li who hoisted me up the stairs. "I was wondering if you still spoke. I like this new fire in Zuzu's girl. You're going to definitely be entertaining." Her words only made me grit my teeth. She'd see just how entertaining I was when I got free of these horrible stone cuffs. I felt like I was back in the Dai Li's secret headquarters again. It didn't help that her agents were walking on both sides of me.

Eventually we made it to the front of the ship which was already lowered into a ramp. As I was carried down the slope, I saw as we went the commander woman stand at the top of the ramp. As she stood there, she held no sympathy for me as I was carried to the worst monster of them all.

I wanted to believe everyone had good in them, but I was starting to realize how foolish that fantasy truly was.

Once we were on flat land, I was finally placed down onto the smooth stoned dock. A giant palanquin was waiting for our arrival with ten bearers in dark red Fire Nation robes at their posts. The carrying device was made of the finest material I had ever seen, and a seat with red velvet cushions was bolted to the center. Azula stepped over to the palanquin and took her place on the seat.

"At my feet," she ordered. "I want to give our beloved guest the grand tour."

The two Dai Li dragged me forward then, and I struggled more as I realized I was getting closer to the one person I never desired to meet. I had only heard of the Fire Lord… and I never heard anything good about him...

Once I was shoved onto the floor of the palanquin, Azula had the agents undo my handcuff long enough to cuff me back against the leg of her chair. As I sat right next to her legs, I heard her sigh. "Shame Zuzu isn't here yet to see me belittle you like the peasant you are." I tried to turn my head to look over at her, but the way my cuffs were attached to the leg of the stone chair limited me on seeing nothing but her legs. "Let's move! The Fire Lord is waiting!"

As our transportation began to move, I was somewhat relieved to be restrained to the one thing on the device that didn't move. If I had just been sitting loosely on the palanquin I surely would've fallen off when the bearers lifted us. As we started the journey to the palace, I shut my eyes in defeat. I tried to mentally prepare myself for what was to come.

"So, my dear waterbender… this is the Capital City docks. Literally impenetrable. So any invasion would surely fail." I opened my eyes taking in my surroundings. As we headed towards a large stone wall in the distance that had one small narrow opening to pass through, I could see multiple watch towers stretching across the whole wall. Each watch tower had a soldier stationed ready for attack. Thankfully, Zuko warned my family of this so they already had this part of the invasion planned.

"Don't be disappointed when your wrong," I muttered.

She kicked her foot to the side hitting me in the ribs. "Silence! I'm giving the tour!" Her hit sent my muscles pulsing, but I grit my teeth to keep in the scream. Once we were through the large stone gate that opened to let us pass, we began our trek through the poorer area of the Capital where wooden homes were small, plain, and the people who stood on the side of the path wore cheap and withered clothing. There were also large factories on the outskirts of the area that shot smoke up into the air.

As we passed citizens on the street, they all bowed in fear: men, women, and children of all ages. Azula cried out to the citizens of the outer capital as we passed, "Feast your eyes, children of the Fire Nation! Take in the sight of the girl who has won the heart of our prince!" No one actually dared to lift their heads, but I did catch the eye of a few men and women who each looked at me with deep sympathy with their heads bent down. "As you all can see, she is no more than a filthy peasant from the pathetic Southern Water Tribe!" Azula cackled, while I grit my teeth harder wanting nothing more than to shut her up. She kicked me again. "Look around Crystal! Did you really expect to rule these people one day along Zuko's side? They need someone who knows their needs and desires! Not some temptress from some icy wilderness."

I slowly lifted my eyes again, and this time I caught a young woman's gaze. She was probably around my age. As our eyes met, she held desperation in her expression. I could read what she was saying in her head from a mile away.

Please… Don't break. Keep fighting for not just the other nations but us as well.

I nodded to her just enough for her to catch it, and she smiled with relief lowering her eyes again. She'd read my mind as well.

I'll never give up.

Once we were through the lower class section of the city, the palanquin began to make its way up a narrow winding path around what was clearly a volcano. As we started our ascent, I felt the temperature become dry and humid the further we got from the ocean.

"This is the path that leads into the Upper Class section of the city. Enjoy this journey, because it will be your last." She cackled. "You'll be a prisoner in the palace until the day you die."

I shut my eyes again, but this time from irritation. "You know, Azula... I actually don't need this tour thanks to your brother. You're wasting your breath."

My statement made the transportation slow as the bearers were stunned from my bold remark. I heard Azula's teeth snap together as she took in my words. "I told you not to speak!" This time she leaned forward from her chair and held a terrifying flame inches from my mouth. "Next time, I'll burn your tongue!" The heat from her flame was enough to shut me up. She saw I'd been intimidated, and then cut off her blue ball of heat. Returning to her seated position, she stated, "As I was saying, this volcanic path is the highest elevation of the Fire Nation. And once we're in the main city, you will see the mass of mountainous land actually circles the whole city! So there is only one way in and one way out! Isn't that clever!"

I scowled, but kept quiet. There was no way I was getting my tongue burned over the retort I desired to make.

"You will come to see that the walls of Ba Sing Se are minimal compared to the powerful Fire Nation kingdom."

We kept moving, and as we went Azula went on and on about the Fire Nation's finest features to belittle me from my small tribal upbringing. I ignored her though, thinking of other things. I wondered if my family had made it to the rendezvous point. I hoped they hadn't risked their safety to come save me (they could do that by actually invading the place on the day of the eclipse). And Zuko… I really hoped he wasn't being dragged into the trap his father and sister were laying out for him.

Eventually, we made it over the highest point of the volcanic peak, and then we began to descend on the other side to head towards the entrance to the Fire Nation Capital upper ring.

"It's a bit disappointing that the assassin I hired to kill you was given such a civil task by my father. But I suppose father is right. Killing you would've been too easy." She sighed. "Of course killing the Avatar had been necessary. We will have to start the search again though for the next one." She piped up. "But that would mean the next Avatar is Water Tribe! I could pay a visit to your home and find the newest infant born."

Her words made me boil over in rage. What? Did she just-How could she be so sadistic?

Just to reveal how much I despised the words she spoke, I turned my head just enough to bite through the fabric of her pants and into the skin of her lower knee. She gasped as I dug down, but I felt satisfied to cause her pain as I broke skin through her clothes. It was short lived though. The next thing I knew, her fist smashed hard against my head, forcing me to release my bite from the blinding pain.

"You little wench! Who do you think you are?!" She ordered the palanquin to a stop, and once we were on the ground again she stood from her chair and stepped in front of me. "I know I was told not to, but you just opened my wrath!"

Looking up at her with nothing but spite, I said through grit teeth and with resolve, "Go on then. Do your worst. I will not stay silent when you threaten my people!" Tears formed in my eyes as I prepared for the pain she had in store. My head was already pounding from her hit.

Her fist tightened. "Father said you could not be harmed, but that is by me." She looked over at her Dai Li agent. "Your men were trained in torture. Tell me… have you ever dislocated a shoulder?"

Her words sunk inside me slowly, and then my heartbeat quickened. I realized what was about to happen when the agent she spoke to gave a nod. My eyes widened and I began to struggle in my bonds. The agent stepped over to me, and I grit my teeth knowing the next few minutes were going to be as painful as the day I broke my arm on Zuko's ship.

"We will just tell my father it happened to you back at the Gates of Azulon. He will never know it was by my men." Azula stepped beside the agent, who stood above me ready to commit his evil deed. "This is the last time you defy me."

She nodded to the agent, and the man reached down grabbing my shoulder. I quickly grit my teeth and prepared for what was to come. With a quick jerk from the agent and a loud pop, I felt the most blinding pain I had in a very long time. As an electrocuting and burning sensation surged through me, I couldn't hold in the cry I desired to. Letting out a shout of pain, I fell back against the leg of the seat with sweat dripping down my forehead. My vision blurred and my head pounded. My shoulder and arm were in so much pain I didn't even dare to move them knowing I wouldn't be able to if I tried.

Azula cackled with victory. Then her breath was felt on my ear as she hissed, "Remember who you serve now, peasant. Your punishment will only get worse."

A moment later, I felt her take her seat beside me again. "Let us continue," she stated. I breathed heavily trying to subdue the pain, but there was no relief as the palanquin lifted again and we began to move. "I've missed your screams." Azula sighed. "They bring such satisfaction."

Shutting my eyes tighter, I wished more than anything to be back with the group and not with this insane monster.

I had the worst luck in the world… I was amazed I had even survived sixteen years of my life… However, I feared I wouldn't have many more years left as a prisoner to the Fire Lord...

Zuko POV

The barrel I was in was smoldering as the top above me sealed out my air leaving me with what remained in the barrel. Sweat started to form and my lungs tightened but I stayed as quiet as I could. We'd just reached the gates of Azulon. Mingi quickly helped me hide in the barrel, telling me he would knock three times when the coast was clear. As I crouched uncomfortably inside the barrel, I tried to think of my next steps once I reached land.

No doubt I'd need to ambush a guard and steal his armor. Then I would need to sneak my way into the palace and find where they were holding Crystal. Once I got the information I needed, I'd leave only to come back later in the night to save her. I knew it would be late evening by the time I got into the palace, so I would have to be quick.

As I pondered over the course I would need to take, I started to picture her in the palace. The images that shot through me made me sick to my stomach. If she was already taken to my sister and father, there was no telling what could be happening to her. I hated the thought of her being in any type of pain. And I already feared the pain had started for her.

Pressing my head back against the wood behind me, I grit my teeth as anger filled inside me. I couldn't believe this was happening. I'd promised Sokka and Katara I would protect her, and I failed again. Plus, her situation was my fault. She was a target because of the conflict I held with my family. I'd put her right in the middle of it all.

However, I knew she would be upset with me if I pressed the blame on myself. Letting out a sigh, I pictured her in my head as the way I hoped to see her again after I saved her from the nightmare she was facing. I pictured her bright smile, adventurous eyes, and beautiful heart.

Whatever was happening to her, I prayed to the spirits she was staying as strong as she could. She just had to survive long enough for me to get her out. I hoped it wouldn't be too late.

Crystal POV

The palace stood before me in its fine glory, and I weakly held myself up on my released feet wishing I could enter with more strength than I currently had. My dislocated left shoulder was still in agony, and my arm refused to move. The way my hands were still bound behind me gave no relief to the injury that I had incurred.

Azula walked ahead through the large red doorway that opened into the main corridor. As I was shoved forward by a guard who had come out of the palace upon our arrival, the sudden push on my body sent my injury screaming in pain.

Without much choice, I slowly stepped forward through the entrance that led to my possible end. I hadn't cared much for the remainder of Azula's tour through the wealthier part of the Capital because of the discomfort I felt from each movement of the palanquin. I lost my chance of seeing the beauty Zuko had spoken to me about because I tried to keep my eyes shut to suppress the pain.

As I stepped through the doorway into the dark hall of the palace, I immediately wished I had looked around at the beauty of the area outside the palace more. Then maybe I would've had more courage. As Azula walked down the dimming hall from the lowering sun, I was forced to follow as the guard shoved me forward. Darkness started to consume me.

"Father should be in his throne room. I wish I could give you the grand tour of Zuzu's childhood, but unfortunately we can't keep the Fire Lord waiting."

I made no response to Azula. Instead, I tried to focus on anything I could to distract me from my pain, thirst, hunger, and terror. Staring at the fine tapestries and lavish decor as we moved deeper into the heart of the palace, I was disappointed that my first trip here was with Zuko's psychotic sister and not him.

As we turned a corner and walked down another long hall, we passed more rooms and servants than I could count. Each servant bowed in fear as their princess passed, and their actions were heartbreaking. My father may not have been the leader of a whole nation, but at least the people he governed did not fear him.

As we turned down one more hall, I was surprised when we passed an open area where the palace garden stood. Zuko had told me about the place he and his mother spent many hours together in. I saw the pond where he fed turtle ducks, and the tree he told me that he tried to climb once only to fall out, ending up in bed for three days. I saw the flowers that decorated the world I much rather would've headed towards.

The beauty was short lived.

The guard forced me forward and I was once again pushed down the remaining stretch of our walk. I knew from what little I had seen that the Fire Nation Palace was much bigger than King Kuei's palace.

The last hall we walked down was the darkest of them all. As soon as we turned the corner, the sunlight left and we were walking down a stretch with torches on both sides of us towards a tapestry that hung down from the ceiling. As we stepped through the long red curtain, I stepped into my nightmare. Up ahead was the entrance to the throne room, and the giant golden double doors with a Fire Nation emblem seemed to stretch all the way to the ceiling like the tapestry behind me. As we approached, two guards stood at the entrance and quickly pushed the doors open to let us pass.

As my captors moved forward, I tried to push back. My heart began to accelerate and my blood felt cold. My limbs grew weak as the darkness from inside the room seemed to move towards me.

The guard who restrained me was strong, and with another painful shove I was forced forward into the presence of the man I had been raised to fear.

As I stepped through the doorway, I felt as if I were immediately surrounded by fire. The whole room was decorated by red tapestries that stretched around the perimeter. There were large black pillars stretching up towards the ceiling, and they were spread out on both sides of the carpeted path that led towards a burning throne.

Fire shot up around the raised throne before me, and the heat from the flames could be felt from the edge of the throne room. More fire from torches lined the perimeter of the room to give the dark corners light. I still could only see darkness.

The guard shoved me again, and I tried to take in deep breaths so I would not show the shadowed figure behind the roaring flames that I was afraid. The stretch towards that horrible throne was the longest I had taken, even though it was no different in length than the halls we'd walked through. The darkness that consumed me was what made the stretch so endless.

Unfortunately, the path did end. Azula was already on her knees by the time I arrived before the throne, and she bowed to the dark form beyond the flames in respect. "Fire Lord Ozai. I have brought to you Crystal, daughter of Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe and one of the last waterbenders of the South Pole."

As she spoke, I hesitantly lifted my eyes to see if I could catch a glimpse of the monster before me. As I lifted my gaze, the guard stopped me by grabbing my good shoulder and forcing me down on my knees. I gasped from the brutal handling, and I tried my best not to fall into the bow they wanted me to. I would not lower myself to the monster before me.

"Well done, Princess Azula," a cold voice echoed from beyond the flames, and its vibrations sent painful shivers down my spine. "You may return to your quarters and rest. I wish to speak to our guest alone."

Azula lifted her head in shock, and looked ready to argue. However, her own fear of her father made her bow her head again in defeat. "Yes, Father." She stood, glared down at me as if her dismissal was my fault, and then left the way we'd just came. As she left, the guard holding me down remained so I would not move from my position.

Once I was alone, other than the guard beside me, I heard the Fire Lord stand from his seat. He remained on the other side of the blazing wall as he observed me from afar.

"Stand her up," he ordered with a cold voice that outmatched Zhao's in cruelty. As the guard forced me back to my feet, I grimaced as the movement made my whole body protest in pain. "Leave us. I wish to be alone with her."

The guard was shocked, but he bowed in submission. He released me and then left the throne room. I watched him go with terror, not at all thrilled to be left with the monster before me. I knew Fire Lord Ozai wanted me to pay for taking his son from him. He no longer had control over Zuko, and I was certain he blamed me for his son's actions. Of course, I knew I had a lot to do with it...

Once we were alone, just the two of us standing in the throne room with nothing but fire and steps between us, I took a step back wishing I could do more.

"If you think of running, I will send a fleet to the Southern Water Tribe. Your people will be massacred." His threat caused me to stop from taking another step back. I realized what he spoke was sure to happen if I defied him. Instead of protesting, I hung my head in defeat. The shadow beyond the rising flames suddenly moved forward,and then the fire parted revealing the man I'd only heard of from the mouth of others. He was as terrifying as the stories told.

His tall frame, heartless gaze, black hair and beard, and the sharp robe he adorned were all elements that added to the dark aura that surrounded him. His lips curled up into an evil grin, and his dark gold eyes burned into my own painfully. He stepped down from the throne, descending the steps before him, and then headed towards me. "I've waited a long time to meet the girl that stole my sons heart and led to his betrayal," Ozai stopped in front of me, and I tried to stay strong. He was amused by my bravery. "I see you're as courageous as the rumors said. You may actually survive. Welcome to the Fire Nation palace. I'll be sure to make your stay here unforgettable. "