Special thanks to starlightz1112,almostinsane,Cala Akina Morushiku, nonesofar,Fran, Mystic Water Bender3, frozonedude12, albr62,Tree Flower,Junkfood, Kiriko-sama,LittleYugiBoy,Gmasangel, Animeloverja,TMW, Sirius123 for reviewing!

Disclaimer: I still do not own Avatar the last air bender! But i'm working on it. MWAHAHAHAHAHA-(hack) hahaha...(cough) haha?


Zuko swallowed hard as he entered the dungeons. Two fire bending guards stood in front of the door. "Let me in. My father has given me the task of getting information out of the water benders."said Zuko. The guards let him in. "Idiots."Zuko said. He looked around the room. Katara and Sokka were standing there looking a little worried.

"You!"said Sokka.

"Me."said Zuko with a smirk.

"Are you going to..."said Sokka but he came to a stop looking around the room.

"Torture you two for information that I know? No. I'm busting you out."said Zuko.

"I knew you'd save us!"Katara said and ran to him embracing him. Zuko stood frozen in shock. Sokka watched as the fire prince paled and his amber eyes widened in shock. His hands laid at his side as if he was unsure of what to do with them.

"It's called a hug."said Sokka as Katara broke the embrace.

"I know what it is!"Zuko muttered.

"How are we getting out of here?"Katara asked breaking the silence. Zuko smiled and took Sokka's boomerang.

"Hey!"said Sokka.

"GUARDS HELP HELP! THE WATER BENDERS ARE ATTACKING!"Zuko yelled.

"What are you doing?"hissed Sokka. The door opened and two guards ran in. Zuko hit the first one who came in out with Sokka's boomerang. The second one turned around and Katara kicked him. He fell and Zuko hit him with the boomerang. Both soldiers were out cold.

"Here's your boomerang back. Now follow me."said Zuko handing Sokka his boomerang leading him out of the cell.

"Where are we going?"asked Katara.

"To find Aang."replied Zuko leading them to Aang's cell. Iroh was standing there.

"Oh wow you actually said his name!"said Sokka trying to keep up with the prince. They turned a corner to see Uncle Iroh standing in front of a wall. He looked up at them.

"Ah good. Should I let the avatar out?"asked Iroh. Zuko nodded and Iroh shot fire at the wall. A door appeared and he opened it. Aang walked out.

"Katara! Sokka!"he said and he hugged Katara and hugged Sokka.

"Look we don't have much time..."said Zuko nervously pacing.

"What are we going to do Prince Zuko?"asked Iroh.

"I..."said Zuko looking at Sokka,Aang, and Katara. "We need to get Sokka and Katara out of here but the avatar stays here!"said Zuko.

"WHAT?"yelled Sokka.

"I'm sorry! My loyalties lie to the fire nation!"said Zuko looking at the ground.

"Zuko if your loyalties truly lie in the fire nation than you need to realize the war isn't in the fire nations best interest. If you truly care about your nation you will join us and help stop the war. Look at the state of your people! There all unhappy."said Katara. Zuko paused.

"Your right...but I can't! You don't understand!"said Zuko turning away.

"Zuko where do your loyalties lie? To your father? Or to whats right?"said Aang. Zuko looked at Aang hard. He covered his face with his hands looking confused. Iroh put his hand on his nephews shoulder.

"The Avatar is right. This war has gone on much to long and your father is much to power hungry. We should aid the avatar."said Iroh. Zuko frowned but nodded. "Alright lets get out of here-fast."said Zuko.

"Oh this is rich."said a voice. Zuko felt as if his heart had jumped into his throat. Azula came out from the shadows smiling darkly. "Very rich. Wait until father finds out that his own son is helping the avatar."said Azula. Her gaze went to Iroh's. "And his brother. You both will be lucky to get banished!"Azula said in a gleeful voice.

"Your not going to say a word."Zuko hissed. Azula clenched her fists smoke rising from the cracks of her fingers.

"Oh yeah? How are you going to stop me?"she hissed. Zuko turned to his uncle.

"Are there any cells that are fire bending proof?"Zuko asked. At this Azula shot a blast of fire at Zuko which he returned and the two got into a fight.

"We don't have time for this prince Zuko!"cried Iroh. Zuko ignored his uncle shooting another blast of fire at Azula's head. She dropped to the ground dodging it easily stood back up and sent him a fire kick which he blocked with a kick of his own. He managed to knock her down.

"So about that cell?"said Zuko looking at his uncle.

"I'm not sure if there are any prince Zuko we could C-9."Iroh muttered. Azula stared up at Zuko with hate. Than opened her mouth and screamed. Very loud. They all covered their ears from the high pitched scream Azula was letting out.

"RUN!"yelled Zuko. Guards began running towards the source of the scream. Zuko turned and ran the others followed behind. However they were out of luck Guards cornered them so they turned the other way but guards were on that side to. "Were surrounded!"Zuko yelled. Azula stood up smiling darkly.

"I win."she said. The Fire Lord appeared.

"What is going on?"He growled. Azula smirked.

"Daddy you wont believe this but Zuko-" Azula started talking.Sokka bit his lip. He had to stop Azula from finishing that sentence. He walked over and kissed her. Everyone looked in surprise. Katara's mouth nearly hit the ground. The Fire Lord's eye twitched slightly.

"GET AWAY FROM ME YOU SLIME!"Azula yelled pushing Sokka away and she slapped him across the face."So disgusting never in all my life have I been so disgusted-"said Azula and she rambled on more nonsense to herself. The Fire Lord shook his head.

"Iroh what is going on?"he demanded. Iroh smiled.

"Why I was taking a pleasant walk when I discovered the two water benders were free! To my shock Princess Azula was with them and she was setting the avatar free. Zuko tried to stop them and she screamed. That's when all the guards came. I'm not sure what she was trying to tell you but it seems her and the young water bender have a crush."said Iroh.

"He must be executed! The filthy water bender has soiled my lips and-wait-what did you say? I DID NO SUCH THING! I DID NOT SET FREE THAT STUPID BALD KID!"Azula yelled. Aang glared at her. The Fire Lord stared at Azula.

"You have to believe me father! Why on earth would I set them free? They mean nothing to me but they are obviously friends with Zuko! You know Uncle Iroh is fond of Zuko! He's lying! And like I told you before Ryu didn't set the Avatar free, the avatar can fire bend!"cried Azula. Zuko shook his head.

"I think you need to lay down, dear sister."said Zuko. Azula glared and sent a blast of fire at Aang. Aang instinctively put out his hands and caught the fire ball making it larger and sending it back at her. Azula dodged it and it hit the wall.

"SEE!"cried Azula. Zuko swallowed hard. Ozai looked at Iroh and Zuko angrily.

"It's true. I let the Avatar go."said Zuko. The guards gasped. Azula put her hands on her hips and smiled evilly."But Uncle Iroh didn't know that. He came a little bit before the guards and I was able to convince him that Azula was the one who set them free. "Zuko said covering up for his uncle.

"Zuko! You disgrace the fire nation you no good traitor you are no son of mine!"snarled Ozai.

"No Father. I don't disgrace the fire nation! You do! Your sending our people to war! They are tired! They are worn out! There sick of this war! Everyone is! Haven't you looked at our nation lately? It's falling apart! And I AM your son and nothing you do or say will change that."yelled Zuko. Ozai snarled angrily like an angry animal.

"Two years at sea hasn't changed you at all has it boy? You still show no respect!"Ozai hissed and with out warning he sent a blast of fire at the un-scarred side of Zuko's face. Zuko had no time to block the blast! Than something amazing happened a figure appeared in front of him. It was Ozara except she was solid and full of color. The blast of fire hit her. Everyone stared amazed. Half of her face was now burnt and she resembled Zuko greatly. She put her hand to her face and the mark disappeared.

"O-Ozara?"said Ozai looking amazed. Azula's jaw dropped.

"mom?"Zuko whispered. Ozara turned to face Zuko and gave him a small smile and put her hand to his cheek softly. Zuko blinked he could feel her hand.

"It wasn't your fault."she whispered. Aang, Katara, and Sokka exchanged looks. They had no idea what she was talking about. Zuko swallowed hard. Ozara winked at Aang and turned to Ozai. "What have you done?"she whispered to him. Ozai didn't answer he looked frozen. Ozara began to fade and disappeared. Aang sent out an air blast knocking guards out of the way.

"RUN!"he yelled. They all ran. Aang felt like he hadn't ran this fast in his life. They fled through the town all the way to Zuko's ship. Zuko lit fire to the chain that held Appa and it broke.

"Prince Zuko you must leave with the Avatar."said Iroh. Zuko nodded. "I will meet you somewhere-where?"Iroh asked.

"We can meet at the nearest island. It's a ways away from here but it should for the most part be deserted."said Aang. Iroh nodded. Zuko looked at Appa warily.

"Go prince Zuko. I still have your father's trust! I will be fine. I'll meet you on the next island wait for me!"said Iroh. Zuko jumped up on Appa hesitantly.

"Appa yip yip!"said Aang and they rose into the air and flew out of sight. He could vaguely here Zuko yelling in shock. Iroh chuckled to himself. Guards came upon board along with Fire Lord Ozai who still looked shaken up about his wife.

"WHERE IS HE?"The fire lord bellowed as jets of fire shot out of his hands setting several crew members on fire.

"Ah Zuko took off on that flying bicen with the Avatar! Shall I go look for him?"said Iroh.

"YES! And don't return until you find him!"growled Ozai pacing the ship. Iroh nodded with a smile.

"I'll have to send word to Zhao. I want BOTH of them!"Ozai muttered to himself. Azula appeared with Ryu who was pale looking.

"Father I let Ryu out of the dungeons since he is clearly innocent-where is Zuko?"said Azula. "That fool brother of yours has taken off with the Avatar!"growled the Fire Lord. Azula smiled. "Come Azula."said Ozai getting off the ship followed by the soldiers. Azula and Ryu got off trailing behind. Azula smiled at Ryu.

"Lets sneak on the ship."she said. Ryu blinked.

"Azula are you insane? We just got rid of your brother your in the clear to be next in line!"said Ryu.

"I want revenge on Zuko and I'm going to get it."Azula hissed sneaking on the ship. Ryu followed her nervously. They both slipped by easily enough and entered Zuko's room which would be unoccupied for a while. The ship began moving. Azula smiled to herself. "Uncle Iroh will take us right to Zuko."she sighed happily.

"If we don't get caught and hauled back to the Fire Nation."Ryu pointed out. Azula smirked.

"If we don't get caught for a while than we will be to far to come back."she said happily grinning evilly.

Zuko shuddered clinging to Appa tightly. "You can let go. Were not going fast anymore."Aang said with a laugh laying down peacefully. Momo jumped on Zuko's shoulder. Zuko stared at him.

"So was that your mother?"Katara asked quietly.

"Yeah...I heard spirits can come back for short periods of time but...wow."said Zuko. Than he frowned.

"Why did she wink at you Aang."Zuko asked. Aang's hand traveled to his pocket where the seed was and smiled.

"I met her before. We had a nice little chat."said Aang.

"You met her?"said Sokka. Aang nodded.

"Yeah. While I was locked up I entered the spirit world and she took me to Avatar Roku."said Aang. Sokka stared at him.

"You are the weirdest person I've ever met."he muttered. Katara looked at Zuko who was frowning.

"Zuko what did she mean by it wasn't your fault? What wasn't your fault?"said Katara. Zuko stared at her silently for some time.

"Her death."said Zuko softly.


FLASHBACK


Zuko groaned loudly at his father. "Can't I go outside and play? I'm sick of training!"Zuko whined.

"Zuko your six years old and you can't even fire bend!"growled Ozai. "Your sister can fire bend and shes five!"Ozai said.

"Yeah I can! So can I go out and play?"said Azula said jumping up and down. Her hair was in pigtails.

"I'll take you both into the backyard."said Ozara smiling warmly.

"Zuko has to stay here! He's not going anywhere until he fire bends!"said Ozai crossing his arms. "Ozai he's just a boy and maybe he can't."snapped Ozara.

"Like you?"said Ozai.

"Yes, like me."said Ozara looking down. Ozai growled.

"It's hard enough hiding from the public that you can't fire bend but if the future fire lord wont even be able to fire bend-this is a disaster! He has to be able to fire bend!"cried Ozai.

"Maybe he will. Just give him time. Kids need to have fun. Now come on Zuko, Azula."said Ozara taking both of their hands and leading them into the back yard. The place was full of life. There was a great tree that produced nice shade that Ozara sat under. There was a small garden of flowers and a field that Zuko and Azula enjoyed playing in. There was a moat around the whole land. Full of water. Some water bending servants were catching fish. Some gave Ozara smiles as they entered the castle to give to the cook. One fire bending servant who was helping the water bending servants held the hand of a small fire bending boy about their age. Ryu. Sometimes he was allowed to play with them but not today he had to help the others and he disappeared into the castle.

"You two have fun."said Ozara looking to the field.

"Tag your it!"Azula yelled giggling tagging Zuko and she ran into the field the long grass hiding her.

"No fair!"yelled Zuko running after her laughing. The two played for hours running through the field. They sat down together somewhere in the middle. Sometimes they would get lost in the long grass.

"Zuko your my favorite brother!'Said Azula. Zuko laughed.

"I'm your only brother."Zuko said.

"I know..."said Azula looking at the clouds in the sky. "I heard mommy and Daddy talking. Now that grandpa croaked and Uncle Iroh came back from war there going to stop the war."said Azula.

"That's good. Although I wish I could have fought in the war!"said Zuko energetically and he stood up making punches and kicks at thin air.

"I would have been a great warrior!"said Zuko. Azula nodded and giggled.

"You still will probably make a good warrior!"said Azula standing next to him.

"But I can't fire bend."sighed Zuko.

"So? That doesn't mean you can't be a great warrior silly!"said Azula.

"Azula can't you teach me how to fire bend?"sighed Zuko.

"Well the first time is the hardest. After you have done it once than it's no problem. To do fire bending the first time...you kind of have to get angry. I know I'll get you angry!"said Azula. And she pushed him.

"Hey!"said Zuko. Azula laughed and ran off. Zuko ran after her but lost her. He looked around uncertain at what part of the field he was in. He sighed. He wanted to fire bend he really did! But he just couldn't. His father expected to much of him. Zuko sighed angrily and a jet of fire flew out of his hand.

"I DID IT!"yelled Zuko jumping up and down in triumph. The grass caught fire. "Now how do I put it out?"Zuko said to himself trying to extinguish the flame but only made it higher. Zuko swallowed hard and tried again. He was now trapped with in a circle of fire. "HELP!"Zuko yelled.

"Hi mom."Azula said sitting next to her mother underneath the tree. Ozara smiled at her daughter. Than she frowned. there was smoke rising from the field.

"Zuko!"cried Ozara standing up. Azula looked at the field.

"Azula get your father!"said Ozara running into the field. "ZUKO!"she yelled. Her long brown hair was blocking her vision she tied it up quickly scanning the field for Zuko with her golden eyes.

"MOMMY!"Zuko yelled. Ozara found Zuko trapped in a circle of fire. She jumped through it her dress caught fire. She put it out by dropping to the ground and rolling. Her and Zuko were both trapped in the circle of fire which was spreading and growing higher.

"Zuko honey you need to put this out!"Ozara said. She couldn't fire bend!

"I don't know how!"cried Zuko. The fire was getting closer to them. There was no way to escape now. The field was now full of fire. She looked at Zuko. "I love you. Always remember that."Ozara whispered. Zuko looked confused but nodded. She picked him up and held him against her tightly as the flames licked at her skin. She ran through the fire blindly. Her arms protected Zuko from most of the flames. She coughed violently. She couldn't find her way out. Ozai ran out followed by Iroh. They extinguished the flames quickly.

"ZUKO? OZARA?"he yelled running through the field. He found Ozara laying on the ground. She was burned badly. "No..."Ozai said. Something was moving under her. Ozai picked her up. Beneath her was a frightened Zuko.

"Quick guards get those two to the infirmary!"Iroh yelled. They waited patiently. Zuko was alright. But the doctors said Ozara might not make it. Ozai sat quietly waiting outside the infirmary. A Doctor came out looking grave.

"I'm sorry. She didn't make it."said the Doctor.

"NO!"yelled Ozai clenching his fists. outside the castle the mote began bubbling and turned to red hot lava.


END FLASHBACK


Zuko shook his head. After his father decided to keep the war going. Although no one said it was Zuko's fault he always blamed himself for it. If he hadn't have set the field on fire... Zuko shook his head.

"You okay?"Katara asked placing her hand on his shoulder.

"No. I'm not."Zuko said. They looked at him sadly. "I just dishonored my father-again."sighed Zuko.

"Zuko your father is power hungry."said Katara.

"He's a fruit loop."Sokka declared. Zuko smiled.

"Listen your father is no longer fit to be fire lord. You have had the fire nations best interest in heart and you will make a great fire lord some day. But right now you need to help the Aang. You need to help save the world."said Katara. Zuko smiled. That night they got to the island and sure enough a ship could be seen in the distance. The ship stopped and Iroh came out.

"Ah good. You all arrived safely! Excellent!"said Iroh smiling.

"What are we going to do?"Sokka asked. "Well we can travel in Zuko's ship. Appa can swim behind. It's quicker and they have money for food and supplies."said Aang they all nodded and they aboarded the ship. Appa swam behind peacefully.

"We have a problem."said Lieutenant GI. (the man from the storm that Zuko got in a fight with) They all looked at him. Two crew members appeared. One held Ryu by his arms and the other held Azula.

"AZULA!"yelled Zuko flames emitted from his fists.

"Zuko."said Azula smiling darkly. Zuko glared at her. "Let go of me buffoon."snapped Azula and the man let her go. They let Ryu go as well. Azula crossed her arms with a smirk.

"What are you doing here!"said Zuko.

"I wanted to come and make sure that you wont get in my way when I become Fire Queen."said Azula and she smirked darkly. " You and I, Agni-Kai right now to the death!"said Azula her golden eyes sparkling with a hungry look.


I am sorry that it took so long for me to update! Anyway WOO I think this is the longest chapter yet!