New Chapter at last! Trying to get these done whenever I can. Hope you all enjoy. Heads up that there is a mild plot twist in this one.

~Faithy Waithy

Chapter 37

Third Person POV

Staring at the note on the table, Sokka tapped on the wood in deep thought. Katara, Aang, Toph, and Momo were out hanging up flyers that had been professionally drawn by an artist in town. The flyers had pictures of Appa on them. As they were gone, Sokka was busy worrying about his twin sister. She had been gone for three days now, and he was beginning to grow concerned. The last time they were apart was when she was Zuko's prisoner. The note on the table, written in Crystal's small shakey handwriting kept Sokka on edge.

As Sokka stood from the table and began to pace the room in thought, he started to feel uncertainty within him. If Crystal were to really be staying at an inn for such a long period of time, she would've been out of money and back after the second night. Something was off about her quest to find Appa, and Sokka had a strong idea of where his sister truly was.

Sokka recalled Crystal telling everyone how Zuko and his uncle were headed to Ba Sing Se to seek refuge from the Fire Nation who were after them. As much as Sokka didn't want to believe the Fire Lord's banished son was in the city, he wouldn't be surprised.

A scowl fell over him as fury built through him.

Crystal… She must've found Zuko and Iroh in the city! She's probably with them!

His fist tightened and he stomped over to the room he and Aang were staying in. Grabbing his sword from the corner of the small area, he tied it to his waist with a heavy breath. He prayed he was wrong about this. However, something deep within him was making him consider the possibility.

A knock on the door suddenly sounded, and he jumped at the interruption. Leaving the room, he walked across the main foyer up to the door. Sliding it open, he was both surprised and irritated to see Joo Dee. However, he noticed the woman who was constantly chaperoning them looked much more anxious than usual. She tried to keep a smile though as she extended a note towards Sokka.

"Hello Sokka. I am here to deliver this message to you from General Sung. I hope you find it helpful."

Without another word, she turned and left the porch headed back to the carriage at the end of the lawn. As she departed from the premises, Sokka turned and looked down at the note with puzzlement. Opening the rolled up scroll, he looked down at the writing and his eyes widened.

Your sister is in the lower ring in the seventh district. An apartment down by the Greenleaf Tea Shop. She is with a young man and is in danger. Burn this note. JD

Horror sunk through him. Joo Dee had managed to risk her safety by getting an important note to Sokka. As he reread the woman's words over and over again, his eyes narrowed in fury.

Prince Zuko… She is definitely with Prince Zuko! If he hurts her, I'll kill him!

Turning sharply, he rushed over to a candle in the room and shoved the scroll over the blazing flame. The parchment lit up and began to break down as the fire ate away the material turning it to ash. Once the note was destroyed, Sokka scribbled another note down on a piece of paper for the others.

Crystal needs me. I'll be back soon.- Sokka

Placing the parchment down in the center of the table, Sokka grabbed his boomerang from where it had been placed on the same table and put it in the slot behind his back where it belonged.

As he turned to head towards the door, he said with narrowed eyes, "I'm coming, Crys."

Crystal POV

Clang! I hit my cuff hard against the wall again, smashing my whole body back and having pain vibrate through me. As the cuff cracked some more, I smiled with satisfaction. For the last twelve hours I'd contemplated in my head the best option I could think of to get both Appa and I out of our predicament. After getting about two hours of sleep, I felt recharged as adrenaline pumped through me. Appa watched from where he was chained up as I rammed my back against the wall again, trying for the fifteenth time to break the cuffs that locked my hands behind me.

Clang! Crack!

The stone cuff cracked again, and I gasped trying to push the pain away and catch my breath. Sweat beaded down my forehead as I tried to gather my strength for the next hit. Appa groaned from across the room, sensing that my actions were hurting me with each hit. I wouldn't give up though. I would keep fighting to escape these cuffs.

Two Dai Li agents had come into the cell about an hour ago to bring me some food and undo my cuffs long enough for me to use the washroom down the hall so I didn't stink too terribly. A female Dai Li agent stood guard inside with me to make sure I didn't bend any water or try to escape. While this happened, they had put fresh hay and water in Appa and I's prison. I suppose I was sort of glad Long Feng wasn't a complete monster who wanted me dead or smelling like a rotting corpse.

When the Dai Li returned me back to the cell, re-cuffed but clean, they left me once more telling me they would be back later in the day with dinner. Once they were gone, locking the door behind, I began my painful strategy of trying to escape the cuffs on my hand.

Clang!

My next attempt cracked the cuff some more, but this time the stone wall scraped against my arm cutting my skin and causing a thin drop of blood to trickle down my arm. Cringing in pain, I hissed, "What I would do to be an earthbender right now!"

Appa groaned again, and he stepped forward only to be restrained by his cuffs. Looking over at him, I saw he was looking at me with anxious eyes.

Sighing, I tried to collect myself and said softly, "Don't worry Appa… I'm not giving up." Looking up at the holes in the ceiling above, I tried to figure out my next steps once I did finally manage to break the cuffs. I knew first I would use water from the trough to break off Appa's cuffs. Then I would have to figure out a way to break a hole through the ceiling so Appa could fly us out. As I thought over the complicated plan before me, I asked Appa, "You're not secretly an earthbender are you?"

Appa groaned to answer, and I breathed heavily. "It was worth a shot."

Zuko POV

Pacing back and forth across the apartment floor, I contemplated options in my head. I had to come up with a plan before I was rash and burned every Dai Li agent I saw. Uncle tried to calm me down as I moved back and forth, offering me some tea to clear my mind. I ignored him, grabbing my hair in frustration.

"This is my fault! I shouldn't have left her in such a crowded place! What was I thinking?!"

I paced past Uncle again, pressing my hands over my face to shield out the light that tried to distract my thoughts.

"You couldn't have known this would happen, Prince Zuko. There were no signs the Dai Li were after her." Uncle grabbed my arm to stop me, and I turned to him in shock. "There's one thing we can do, and that's calm down and think logically."

"Think logically! We have no clue where the Dai Li have taken her! It's already been twelve hours Uncle! She could be out of the city by now for all we know!"

Iroh shook his head. "I doubt the Dai Li have removed her from the city. They are most likely using her for their own gain, so they'll want her close by in case the Avatar and his friends try anything."

I let out a heavy breath, trying to calm myself. I knew Uncle was right. I had to keep calm and think rationally. If I panicked too much I would never find her.

"Here's what I propose we do… And I know you will not agree with me… But I recommend we get word to her family that she has been apprehended by the Dai Li. They will be able to convince the Dai Li to release her."

I scowled. "And then sit and wait! No! I'm going to find her and bring her back! Her family clearly hasn't been successful during their time in Ba Sing Se, so why would I leave it up to them!"

Ripping from his hold on my arm, I walked over to the chest in the room where I kept my belongings. Yanking the lid up, I rummaged through my small collection for the wooden object I hadn't willed myself to hold in weeks. Jerking out my Blue Spirit mask, I turned towards Uncle with narrowed eyes.

"I will not sit by and wait! I'm going to go find one of those bastards and get the information I need! I won't rest until I get her back!"

Turning on my heel, I headed over to the table where my broadswords sat flat on top. Picking them up, I flung them over my shoulders and prepared to head out.

"Prince Zuko," Uncle tried again. "You are being too rash! You must calm yourself and rethink this strategy. If you are caught, you'll just end up locked up right beside her!"

I headed towards the door. "That's a risk I'm willing to take!" My hand reached for the latch so I could make my exit. However, I didn't even touch the wood when a knock on the door sounded from behind. I stopped in my step, shocked by the sudden visitor. We'd never had a visitor before during our time in the city.

Hesitantly, I undid the latch of the door and then opened it to see who could be visiting at such an hour. The door had just opened for a single second, and in the split of an eye a body crashed into me slamming the both of us down on the floor. My body hit the wood hard as the strong masculine frame shoved me down in fury. The next thing I knew, the sharp edge of a sword hovered over my neck.

Looking at the intruder in a slight daze, I met piercing blue eyes that I'd seen only glimpses of in the past.

"Where is she?!"

My eyes widened as I took in the short ponytail, water tribe clothing, and tight gritted teeth.

Iroh suddenly spoke from across the room as I was shoved harder against the floor. "Well… I did not know we were expecting a guest… Calm down young man… We can discuss this civilly."

Staring into the irate eyes of the young Water Tribe warrior, I felt his cool blade tap onto my skin gentle enough not to break through.

"Answer me! I know she's been with you two! I'm not an idiot! I got word from your tea boss that she's been here!"

Narrowing my eyes, I jerked my knee up and managed to shove him off with my foot. He fell back on his butt dropping his sword in the process. Standing up, I kicked his sword to the side of the room and yanked my own out pointing my curved blade at his neck. He didn't even flinch as his eyes burned into my own with hatred.

"You definitely have your sister's spirit," I muttered. "So I know you have her common sense too." Pulling my sword back, I knelt in front of him sticking my sword into the floor beside me and using it to stabilize me. "Since you found us, the least you can do is listen to me before you attack again."

"Why the spirits would I listen to the Fire Lord's son?!"

I leaned forward so he could hear me clearly. "Because your sister needs us."

His rage slowly dissipated as he took in my words. "What…" His voice broke. "What do you mean? Where is she?!"

I frowned as concern fell over me once more. "She's not here…" I stood straight again and sheathed my sword back to the place behind me. "The Dai Li arrested her a few hours ago… Since you're here, I could actually use your help to get her back…"

He looked at me with surprise. I held my hand down towards him.

"What do you say, Sokka?"

He looked at my hand, and then up at me.

"Why should I trust anything you say? How do I know this isn't some sort of trick?! Some sort of lie?!"

My eyes narrowed. Irritated by his accusation, I jerked my hand back and snapped, "I would never lie about Crystal being in danger!"

My tone stumped him. He fell silent in shock.

"You and your other sister may not believe this, but I care about her! Whether you like it or not I love Crys and she loves me! So are you going to help me get her back from those bastards or not?!"

He stared at me for a moment, stunned by the confession I just gave him. Then rage filled him again, but this time it was directed towards another. "So its true then…" He paused as more fury filled him. "The Dai Li… They took my sister?"

I nodded, extending my hand out once again.

He sat up and his fists tightened. Staring at my hand, he thought it over for a moment. Then with a deep breath, he reached his hand forward and took my grasp. Our eyes bore into one another as I helped him up.

Once he was to his feet, he tore his hand from my own as if I burned him. He brushed himself off, and walked over picking up his sword. Sheathing the weapon once more, he said, "We're going to need the rest of the group then."

His words surprised me. "What? Why?"

Walking back over, he crossed his arms. "First, I don't completely trust you so I'd rather have numbers on my side in case you try something stupid. And second, if the Dai Li really have her then we may need an earthbender, and Toph and Aang are pretty handy in that area."

Uncertainty fell over me. I'd always been the one targeting the group. I was certain they wouldn't be thrilled about me being so near to them.

Sokka noticed my tense posture. He smirked. "What's wrong Prince Zuko? Scared of the Avatar?"

My mind trailed back to what the Avatar had said to me a long time ago, when I saved him from Zhao's fortress.

"Sokka and Katara are like family to me, and that means Crystal is too! If I found out again that she's been hurt under your care, I won't be as forgiving!"

I cringed at the thought of the young Avatar's sincerity. He was going to kill me when he found out Crystal was captured under my watch.

"No!" I lied. "Of course not!"

He looked over at Iroh who had stood back and watched the scene with worry. "What about you? Are you coming too?"

Uncle shook his head. "I'll wait here. It's best you young one's do this on your own."

Sokka nodded. He told me to wait here as he went to get the others. He told me they were most likely back at the house in the Upper Ring, and seeing as I didn't have a pass to get there I would have to wait.

As he was gone, I paced the room in complete disbelief. I was seriously about to work with the Avatar and his friends. What was happening to me? For years I'd been seeking the Avatar to hunt him down and return home. However, in a little while I would be working with the Avatar as if the last three years meant nothing. I knew why this change had occurred though. My heart was directed on another path…

How could this happen? How could one girl change my whole life goal? If Fire Lord Sozin truly was my great-grandfather, why was I so uncertain about capturing the Avatar all of the sudden? Didn't I want to restore my honor? Didn't I want to go home?

"Prince Zuko… I know you are greatly conflicted about this," Iroh suddenly spoke. He walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder to stop me in my step. "I need to show you something… You need to understand why you're so confused right now about the path you should take."

Looking at him puzzled, I asked, "What are you talking about?"

He nudged me over to the table where tea was waiting. As I hesitantly sat down, he pulled something from his sleeve once he sat across from me. "I've been saving this for years, waiting for the right moment to give it to you. It's a letter from your mother. She asked me to give it to you when you were old enough to understand. I think that time has finally come."

He handed over the rolled up, worn out parchment to me.

"Before you read this, remember one thing… You are still Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. One day you will find your way to the throne, and I know you will be an even greater ruler than your ancestors before you."

His words stunned me. Shakily, I opened the letter and stared down at the familiar writing of my mother whom I hadn't seen in years.

My dear son,

If you are reading this, then you have grown into the wise young man I knew you'd become. I'm so sorry for not being there to protect you, but the evils of this palace keep me from your arms. I am limited on time, so I will be brief. You should know the history of your lineage, for I will not be there to tell you. To begin my tale, I was not born a nobleman's daughter. I grew up in the Fire Nation village of Hira'a, being the daughter to your grandparents Jinzuk and Rina. When I turned twenty-one, your father came to my village and informed me of a prophecy made by the Fire Sages that ensured a powerful lineage of rulers would come forth from a marital union between a descendant of Avatar Roku and Ozai's own bloodline. Ozai proposed to me that same day, and I agreed to marry him knowing I had no other choice.

I write all of this to you to inform you, my son, that the prophecy is true. My mother Rina was Avatar Roku's daughter, making you his great-grandson. You are a descendant of both Avatar Roku and Fire Lord Sozin, two men who were once friends but broke apart once they sought different paths. Thus, two paths lay before you, Zuko, but that does not mean you have to choose one. In time, I pray you find both paths will intersect in which you can become the powerful ruler I believe you will be, and also restore harmony to the world like your great-grandfather Avatar Roku attempted to do before you. You are destined for greatness Prince Zuko, and I know you will make me proud. Always follow your heart. Never let another make you into someone else. Be the son I know you truly are.

I love you with all my heart, my son. Don't ever forget who you are.

Your mother,

Ursa

My tears stained the parchment as I looked over the words again. Iroh remained silent as the truth sunk deep within me. My heart pounded painfully.

I finally understood though. I finally knew why I was so conflicted over capturing the Avatar and betraying the woman I loved. It all was clear to me at last. There was good in me… I wasn't just the descendant of a ruthless and bloodthirsty ruler. I was the descendent of a great man who sought to bring peace to the world.

For years I'd thought the only way to restore my honor was to follow in the footsteps of my great-grandfather Sozin, grandfather Azulon, and father Ozai. However, a new path opened before me as I felt the blood of Avatar Roku flow through me.

"There are other ways to earn honor, my nephew. One way is doing the right thing…"

Looking at my uncle, I asked softly, "You knew about this…?"

He nodded. "Yes… I was waiting for the right moment…" He met my eyes. "It's time to choose, Prince Zuko."

Crystal POV

"Alright Appa," I said softly. "I trust you…" Shutting my eyes, I stretched my arms back and prayed. "Gentle."

Appa's hot breath brushed against my skin as he prepared to bite down. Shutting my eyes tighter, I prayed that this would work. I'd weakened the cuff enough that there were cracks all through the stone. My arms were scratched up and bruised from smacking against the wall repetitively. One more strong hit around the stone cuff, and I knew my wrists would be free. Appa's bite was the perfect tool to escape.

"On three… One… Two-"

Before I finished, Appa bit down on the cuff and the stone cracked from the pressure of his giant teeth. As the stone cracked, I felt my hands break apart from one another. Jerking my hands in front of me, I saw the cuff was broken and I was free at last.

Beaming with delight, I turned and threw my arms across Appa's neck with thrill. Pressing my face into his fur, I commented, "Good job boy!"

Appa groaned with pride.

Turning away from him, I felt determined. "Alright. Time to put the plan into action. First thing's first… Let's get you out of these cuffs."

Jerking my hand forward, I pulled the settled liquid out of the trough it was in and flowed the water over to Appa and I. Glancing down at the chains that held Appa prisoner, I examined their design to contemplate the best part I could hit that would actually break.

"Alright Appa. Pull the cuff tight," I told him, and then gestured what I meant by moving my right foot to the left.

Appa caught on to my plan, and jerked the chain so that there was enough tension in the metal to form a weak point. Staring at the spot where the chain link attached to the cuff, I knew the exact place I needed to hit was that connection. If I did so, the cuff would be released and drop from Appa's ankle. Taking in a deep breath, I thought back to the day we took down the giant drill Azula was using to break through the city. All I had to do was cut a small chain, which would be ten times easier than large metal braces.

"Let's get out of here, Appa."

Shooting the water forward, I guided it swiftly in a thin line straight against the connecting point of Appa's cuffs. The water sliced through, and the chain snapped off as the link broke in half. As soon as one of Appa's six legs were free, I felt a sudden jolt of hope. We were going to escape! I was going to save Appa!

Quickly I moved to the next link, and Appa repeated his motion of pulling the chain tight. Jerking my water back in the air, I once again shot the stream straight down at the chain's weak point. The water sliced through like a breeze, and the chain broke off releasing the cuff from Appa's ankle like before. Four more to go!

I repeated my tactic over and over, working swiftly to break each chain. It seemed like the longest five minutes of my life, but with one last fling of my water at the final cuff, Appa was free at last. He felt his freedom from the restraints as soon as I released him from his last, and with delight he jumped up and floated in the air for a brief second. Landing once more, he nudged me with his nose to thank me for my help. I pat him on the nose, saying, "It's not over yet… We still have to break through the roof above."

Turning, I rushed back to the water trough and grabbed some more liquid. The weight of the particles was a challenge, but I managed to hold them all in the air. Looking up at the roof above, I saw the sunlight beaming down and knew we were both so close to freedom. Hardening the water into ice, I stepped in the middle of the room and prepared to fire up at the ceiling above. Just as I thrust my hand up and the ice shot above me towards the hard roof, something heavy and firm hit me from behind in the back.

The wind was knocked out of me, and I landed hard on the stone floor. My hands had barely shot out in enough time to block my face from the fall. My skin burned from scraping against the rocky surface, and my back ached from the hard boulder that was flung at me. My ice crashed a few feet away and broke in half. Through blurred vision, I could see Appa rushing toward me. He let out a groan however as his feet were suddenly encased in earth. As he struggled from his new restraints, a figure stepped in front of me blocking me from Appa.

"I suppose I underestimated you," Long Feng hissed with agitation. "Barely in here a day, and you've already almost escaped."

I tried to recover and get up, but the movement sent a spasm of sharp pins and needles through my spine. Gasping in pain, I fell back to the earth gritting my teeth to keep from crying.

"Pick her up!"

At Long Feng's order, two Dai Li officials got beside me and grabbed each of my arms. They pulled me up, and the movement caused me to gasp again from the pain that shot through me as gravity tried to pull me down. Appa growled from behind Long Feng, seeing he had hurt me. The heartless man looked back at Appa, snapping, "You're lucky a rock to the back is all she got!"

"Yo-you won't get away… with this…" I tried to speak as sweat beaded down my forehead from both pain and panic.

Long Feng stepped forward and grabbed my chin forcing me to look up at his blurred face. "You surprised me I have to admit. I never imagined you'd be able to break your own cuffs. You'll have to give me the details of your miraculous escape."

Finding my voice, I muttered, "You didn't make it challenging."

He released me, and then looked at the man to my right. "Take her to the East Wing. Make sure there's no water left in the room with her."

The men holding me up began to turn me away from Long Feng and Appa. I tried to pull against them despite the pain. Appa groaned from behind and pounded his tail against the ground attempting to use air to break from his restraints.

Think! Think! Looking around, I saw the ice that had shattered in many pieces. With a quick kick to my left, I hit the Dai Li officer in the ankle. His thin shoes weren't enough to save his ankle bone from impact, and he yelped in pain as I smacked him hard with my boot. The pain caused him to release my arm, and as he did, I used my free hand to grab the shattered ice and fling it towards the other Dai Li agent. One of the large pieces hit him in the head and caused him to release his grip as well.

Turning quickly, I saw Long Feng was disappointed with his men and irritated by my defiance. He shot his hands forward, and a crack formed in the floor streaming towards me. Without hesitation, I darted to the side to avoid the opening in the earth and grabbed more ice to shoot sharp shards at him. He threw up a wall of stone to block my attack, and then dropped it swiftly once the last of my ice was blocked. As soon as he dropped the barrier, he shot his hand forward and the ground shifted beneath me. Stumbling as my balance was thrown off, I fell back to the earth and blocked my fall with my palms.

Trying to get up quickly, I was stopped as my hands were encased in earth. Long Feng stomped over to me as I tried to pull my hands out of the sharp earth that had surrounded them. He grabbed my hair, and the earth released me. Yanking me back up by my roots, I quickly followed his force so he wouldn't rip my hair out. As soon as I was back to my feet, he released my hair and grabbed both of my hands. The Dai Li officers had composed themselves from my attack, and came back over. They managed to jerk my hands behind my back and cuff me with stone again.

As they shoved me along once more, I looked back at Long Feng with rage. "You're going to pay for this Long Feng!"

"Get her to the cell! And get some new chains for this beast as well," Long Feng ordered from behind.

Looking back at Appa, my eyes blurred with tears as he continued to struggle in his own restraints. He met my gaze and groaned after me. I tried one last pull, shouting to him, "I'll get us out of here, Appa! I promise!"

The Dai Li officials shoved me through the doorway that they had previously blocked with a stone wall. As I was shoved into the dark hall, I looked back at Appa one last time with despair. He groaned loudly, but the rock wall shot up blocking his sound and separated us once more.

Third Person POV

Katara grabbed Sokka's shoulder with uncertainty as he took a step towards the faded wooden door. "Are you sure about this?"

Momo chattered from Aang's shoulder with his own uncertainty, while Aang gripped his staff tight prepared for an ambush. Toph stood to the back of the group with her arms crossed. Jet, Longshot, and Smellerbee stood across the dusty street not looking one bit thrilled by this turn of events.

In the last hour Sokka had gone to return to the Upper Ring to tell the others about Crystal, but found them crowded together by the entrance that led into the Middle Ring. When he asked what was going on, he was astounded to see Jet, Smellerbee, and Longshot standing with the group. Katara explained to him that they had run into Jet while they were hanging up flyers, who had given them a false lead to Appa. They discovered only shortly after speaking to Jet that he'd been brainwashed by the Dai Li, because Longshot and Smellerbee told them Jet had gotten arrested and he had argued against their claim. After Katara healed his head with water, he told them about Lake Logai, and they were just about to head to the Upper Ring to wait for Sokka to get back with Crystal.

Sokka had absorbed all the information he'd been given, and then told them about his own experience. When he explained to them about Zuko wanting to work with them to get Crystal back, the whole group was bewildered. Jet, Longshot, and Smellerbee argued against working with the enemy. Jet even spat about the fight he and Zuko got into which resulted in his arrest. Katara snapped back that he was the one at fault for that.

"I'm not working with the Fire Lord's son!"

Toph was irritated and spat at Jet. "No one said you have to come! You're brains all twisted anyway!"

Jet scoffed. "Like you can do this without me. I remember the way to Appa in that place. We walked right by his cell when I was taken there." He crossed his arms. "I don't see why we need that firebending beast to help us is all."

Sokka answered. "Because he cares about Crys… And the only thing I want right now is to get my sister away from Long Feng and his creepy brainwashing. Who knows what they're doing to her…"

Katara, Aang and Toph seemed to weigh out the pros and cons.

"We could use the extra help I guess…" Aang spoke finally. "We don't know how many Dai Li are at this secret hide out."

"And Crystal seems to really trust him," Katara muttered. "I guess we can give it a shot."

Toph nodded. "Yeah. If prince boy tries anything we can just bury him. From what you all tell me he isn't that strategic at capturing Aang anyway."

Now they were all in front of the apartment Zuko and Iroh were staying in, and their confidence began to waver as memories of everything Zuko had done in the past came flooding back.

"Are you sure about this? Can we really trust him…?"

Sokka grabbed Katara's hand from his shoulder and looked at her with pain. "The only thing I'm sure about at this moment is getting our sister back. Zuko wants to help… As much as I dislike him, I can see he does care about her enough to put the chase aside."

Aang nodded. "He's not all that bad… He did save me from Zhao that day I went to find a cure for you two after the storm… I think there's more to Zuko than we realize. And I'm always one for giving people second chances."

"He's had more than enough chances," Katara muttered. Then she sighed, dropping her hand and stepping back. Giving a small nod, she responded, "Whatever... Let's just get our sister back."

Sokka turned back to the door and gave a knock. Only a moment later, the door opened and Iroh smiled weakly at the group. "Hello. Welcome everyone. Although I wish your visit was under better circumstances than this. Please come i-" Iroh stopped when he saw Jet and his posse leaning against the building across the street. "Oh… Err… Friends of yours?"

Sokka glanced back at the Freedom Fighters, and then at Iroh with understanding. "Don't worry… Jet and his friends have promised to behave."

Iroh nodded. "Alright… That's nice to hear." He stepped aside then and gestured for the group to enter. "It is definitely a small world."

The group headed in, while Jet and his friends stayed outside glaring into the shadow of the apartment. As Katara, Aang, Sokka, Toph, and Momo entered the small one room apartment, they looked around in curiosity at the small set up. Zuko leaned against the wall keeping his eyes to the floor as the group all huddled in not even ten feet away from him. His broadswords were tied to his back, and he was ready to move out.

A great tension filled the air as the group reunited with the one person who had been chasing them for months. Katara held the cap of her waterskin ready to attack if she had to, while Sokka kept his hand on the hilt of his water tribe sword. Toph kept her feet firm to the ground listening to everyone's heartbeats. Aang took in a deep breath and stepped forward breaking the distance and silence.

"Sokka told us what happened." He stood only four feet from the very prince that had spent three years trying to capture him. "If you promise not to try and capture me, then we'll let you work with us."

Zuko looked up from where he'd been staring, and the Avatar was surprised by the change he saw in the prince. Not only was his hair much longer, but the cold hearted stare Aang had come to know over the months was gone. In place of it was worry and concern mixed with determination.

"If I wanted to capture you I would've already…" His voice was soft but sincere. "Besides, that's not my mission anymore."

Toph was amazed when she found he was fullheartedly telling the truth. "He's not lying… Princess changed your heart that much?"

Zuko looked back at Toph, the member of the group he'd only briefly seen back at the deserted ghost town. Crystal had told him a little about Toph and her tomboy personality. He shook his head. "No… I've finally had a moment of clarity." He looked over at Aang, and smiled weakly. "Turns out I've been chasing you for all the wrong reasons these last few months."

Everyone was amazed by Zuko's reveal.

Aang was curious. "What do you mean?"

He let out a deep breath, prepared to reveal the very fact he'd just learned only moments before. "Looks like you and I are connected through my great grandfather."

Katara scoffed. "Of course you two are! Your great grandfather started this war which caused the whole Air Nation to be wiped out!"

Zuko wasn't surprised by Katara's verbal attack. He deserved it after knocking her unconscious so long ago at the North Pole. He remained composed. "No… Not that great grandfather…"

Aang's grip on his staff loosened. Momo's big eyes stared over at a bowl of fruit uninterested in the conversation. Iroh noticed and walked over taking a fruit out of the bowl and handing it over to the flying-lemur. Momo took it and began to nibble with thrill. Sokka was amazed that they were actually having a full blown conversation with the Fire Nation prince and there was no fighting yet. Toph continued to evaluate Zuko for any sign of lying, but she found he was being completely honest.

"Alright… Explain," Aang encouraged.

Zuko stepped away from the wall and tried to regain his confidence. "My great-grandfather on my mom's side was Avatar Roku…" A pause fell over the room. Zuko swallowed, and then spoke again. "That's why my mom was forced to marry Ozai… I'm a direct descendant of the Avatar before you."

The whole group dropped their jaws in shock at this big reveal. Toph commented with amazement, "The dude's not lying."

Aang looked at Zuko now seeing bits and pieces of facial features that resembled Avatar Roku.

"Wow…" Aang looked over at Iroh, who nodded to confirm the facts as well. Glancing back at the prince who was once his enemy, he asked, "When did you find this out?"

Zuko grimaced. "Literally two hours ago." He looked over at his uncle briefly who gave him an encouraging smile, and then let out a heavy sigh looking back to the floor. "You all don't have any reason to trust me… I know I don't deserve that. But I finally understand some things that I've been fighting with for the last few months. I always thought I was born to be a great leader, but now I see the truth. Being an outlaw and living in the lower ring of Ba Sing Se has helped me understand the true evils of this war… Plus, this war has caused me pain as well."

Zuko looked back up at the group praying they would see his sincerity.

"I don't want to be your enemy anymore," he said. "I want to make my great grandfather proud." He suddenly moved to the floor and got on his knees. Bowing his head to Aang with great humility, he stated, "Please accept my apology Avatar for any wrong I have done to you in the past."

Aang didn't know what to say as he stared down at Zuko with complete bewilderment. He registered the facts Zuko had just given him, and then let out a deep sigh. Crouching down in front of Zuko, Aang used his staff to hold him steady.

"You know, Zuko… When Crystal told us that she was in love with you, none of us could understand why. She kept trying to convince us all that you have good in you and she believed you could change. There were moments during these last few months where I saw a small glimpse of this… You saved me from Zhao… You were devastated when your Uncle was injured in the desert… And the way you cared for Crystal over the months she was with you also showed me that…" He paused, shutting his eyes for a brief moment. Then he slowly stood up and looked down at Zuko with a warm smile. "I don't need Crystal to tell me anymore." Holding out his hand towards the prince below him, he said, "I forgive you Prince Zuko. I can't speak for the rest of the group, but I'm willing to start over."

Zuko looked at the Avatar's hand with both bewilderment and utter relief. Smiling, he took it to give a shake. Instead, Aang tugged his arm urging him to get up off the floor. Once Zuko was back to his feet, Aang did shake his hand while stating, "Now that we're no longer enemies, you can call me Aang."

He was surprised, but nodded.

Iroh walked over to the group then, seeing the tension was finally gone. "You all should head out." He handed a parchment to Sokka, who took it and looked at it with question. "I managed to get the location of the hideout's entrance from a friend. Your sky-bison is there as well. They are holding them in separate locations below the lake." Aang's eyes widened at the thought of Appa. "You all be careful. Once you have Crystal and your animal companion safe, come back for some tea."

Sokka was astonished by the help Iroh had just given them all. He gave a thanks in gratitude, and then looked over at the others. "Alright... Let's move out. When we get to the hideout we'll split up. Aang and Katara can go with the Freedom Fighters to look for Appa. Zuko, Toph, and I will go look for Crystal. That way both groups have an earthbender in case any rocks need to be moved."

Toph took a few steps towards Zuko then, and gave him a punch in the shoulder. He yelped and rubbed the spot with shock. "What was that for?"

She smirked. "Your initiation into the group."

Katara scowled. "No one said he's in the group, Toph."

Aang looked back at Katara. "Actually… I say he's in the group." She went to protest, but Aang cut her off. "I mean, he and your sister have been together for the past few days anyway. If we keep him out of the group, Crys will just keep running off. Plus, I need a firebending teacher, and Zuko is a perfect match!"

Toph smirked. "Twinkletoes has a point there. Way to think ahead!"

Katara gave a heavy sigh of defeat. "Fine…" She looked at Zuko with suspicion. "But I'm keeping my eyes on you."

He grimaced at her distrust, but understood. If anyone in the group would be the hardest to persuade, it would definitely be the girl Zuko had fought with at the North Pole.

"Come on," Sokka suddenly urged. "We're wasting too much time."

Crystal POV

Smashing my palm against the stone wall, I shouted with fury, "Let me out of here!" The green crystals that lit up my enclosed prison barely gave me comfort. There were two vents above me providing me with air but no sunlight. There was a chamber pot and sleeping mat in the room I was in as well. I could hear the steps of agents walking up and down the hall through the thin wall, and there was an occasional conversation. Other than that, I was alone.

Smacking the wall once more, I felt my body shake as I began to realize the very thing I'd been trying to avoid. There was no escape this time. I was trapped.

Turning, I leaned back against the wall and slid down. Sitting, I pulled my knees close and pressed my face into the fabric of my dress. Tears soaked into the material as fear and uncertainty overcame me. A homesickness fell over me as I thought about better times. My Gran Gran… My mom… My brother and sister… Even my dad…

"Sing to us, Crys," Gran Gran begged, passing a plate of fish to my younger second-cousin Ulana. "We'd love to hear a song."

The women, children, and elders that gathered around our small circle all agreed. It was the night of the fullmoon, and every time there was one we'd have a dinner together with everyone in the tribe. Since the men had gone off to battle, the circle was usually small.

Sitting by my brother who chewed his fish viciously, I asked, "Sing what?"

Katara leaned over to me and whispered, "What about mom's favorite song?"

I thought it over for a moment, and then nodded. Standing, I made my way to the center of the circle by the roaring fire and shut my eyes. Taking in a deep breath, I sang out the tune I knew well.

"The moon slowly rises over the waves,

And its light reflects softly on the shimmering sea.

The comfort of its presence makes all men brave,

And the soft embracing touch gives the world beauty.

While day is full of labor, trials, and pain,

The white glow of night brings rest and peace.

As the moon hovers above in all its reign,

The shine of hope provides release…"

My voice echoed through the cell as I cut off the song I'd softly been singing. Staring at the bare wall across from me, I pictured the moon and the beauty of it on the sea. It felt like so long since I'd stared at that familiar sight from my igloo home. I missed the South Pole more than ever as my concrete prison restrained me.

"Why do you like that song so much, mommy?" Sitting beside my mother, I helped her weave a basket as she stopped humming the tune she loved.

Looking over at my eight year old self, she smiled with love and answered, "The song gives me strength. It reminds me that we are not alone in this time of pain and war… The moon is a source of beauty and life that gives our waterbenders up north the ability to fight the enemy. As long as the moon shines, I'll always have hope that the war will end and we will all be safe."

I nodded taking this in. Then I brushed my boot in the snow. "Mommy… Do you think the Avatar will ever return and save us? I heard the elders talking about him earlier..."

My mom lowered her basket in thought. "I don't know, sweetie… He hasn't been seen for a hundred years." She brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. "But I'm always open to the possibility."

I smiled as thoughts rushed through my mind. "I think when I grow up, mom, I'm going to become a great warrior like daddy and help the Avatar defeat the evil firebenders!"

My mom was stunned, and then smiled weakly. "You have a brave heart, Crystal. Just remember that with bravery you also must be wise." She cupped my cheek. "I do know you have the strength in you though. If you believe in yourself, you can do anything you put your mind to."

The wall suddenly shook from behind me, and I jumped up backing away from the agent who stood at the new opening to my prison. He held in his hands a tray of dry food, and had a tightly capped flask of water on the flat surface. Another agent stepped around him and came towards me with metal cuffs.

"Turn around," he ordered.

Staring at the cuffs, I felt sudden determination course through me. My mother's words renewed my strength and courage. I knew I had to try again while I had the chance. Turning around, I held my hands behind me. As the man walked forward to cuff me, I took my chance. Backing up quickly, I smashed my body into the agent and we both fell back. The other agent still held the tray, and as I scrambled to my feet climbing over the knocked down man beneath me, the man with food gasped dropping the tray. As he was distracted, I rammed my body into him and he was shoved back as well. He tripped over the tray's contents and landed on his butt. As both men were down, I took my opportunity and darted down the hall.

"HEY! STOP!"

Ignoring the shouts from the Dai Li, I rushed down a hall and turned on another. My boots hit the stone hard, and my heart pounded in my ears, but I knew I had to keep moving. The hall stretched far, and I passed numerous doors that held unknown contents. I knew I had to find the passage that went back to Appa, and I retraced the steps that I'd been dragged through only an hour before.

Just as I turned the corner, I hit someone close to my height and we both fell back from the impact. My body vibrated in pain, but I looked across from me at the body I'd collided with. Joo Dee stared at me with surprise, and started to question me. I quickly tried to get to my feet, saying, "You! You have to get me back to Appa!"

She stood slowly, and then brushed off her tan dress. She gave me her plastered smile then, and her dilated eyes said it all. She was still brainwashed.

"Miss Crystal… Please don't be rash. The Dai Li only want to help."

I narrowed my eyes, but at that point I heard the steps of the Dai Li I'd left behind and knew I had to move along. Shoving past Joo Dee, I heard her shout after me as if her calls would slow me down. They only sped me up as I turned down another hall.

A wooden door to my right caught my attention, and I looked back down the hall to see no one was there. Taking my chance, I rushed to the door and yanked the latch to pull it open. Then I slid inside quickly and closed it behind me. As I took a moment to catch my breath, I shut my eyes trying to quiet myself so no one would hear me if they passed. Footsteps rushed by the door only a moment later, and then there was silence.

Relief fell over me as I found myself safe from my pursuers. Opening my eyes, I saw the room I was in for the first time. There were stone shelves all around me with multiple parchments and scrolls. Dai Li outfits were folded on one shelf, with there funky circular hats stacked neatly. The glow of green crystals gave the stone room an emerald tint. Stepping around the room, I decided to look for a map of some kind. There were so many halls and chambers, that I knew I had to find my way back to Appa wisely instead of aimlessly.

Starting to sift through the documents, I found some of them had names while others had numbers. I wasn't sure what any of it meant, but I kept searching knowing there had to be something that could help. As I moved to another shelf, I was shocked when I picked up a parchment that unrolled to reveal a letter from King Bumi.

Aang had told me about King Bumi and how he was a friend from his past. As I tried to read the contents of the letter, I was horrified that Long Feng had kept such information from Earth King Kuei.

Hey King Kuei,

Friendly note. Omashu is falling. Not like leaves in fall but like boulders down a cliff! Could use some guys with rocks and spears. Your pappy and I were pals, so I know he'd be happy to help. Pretty urgent.

Your Omashu pal,

King Bumi

My eyes were wide as I reread the contents. Long Feng had known about the Fire Nation taking over Omashu and did nothing to help. How many other Earth Kingdom villages sent out pleas and were ignored?

The door suddenly opened, and I panicked backing quickly to the shadow of the room between two shelves. As I peaked around the shelf I stood behind, I saw Long Feng step in looking furious. "I don't care! She knows too much! Find her!" He turned and slammed door shut, leaving the two of us together alone. My heart thudded painfully as panic fell over me. Glancing around, I saw an Earth Kingdom sword on the shelf across from me. If I could reach it, I would have some source of defense at least. I'd never used a sword before, but I was willing to let myself learn quickly.

"Fools! They can't even babysit a brat for five minutes!" Long Feng's frustration echoed through the room as he began to search one of the shelves for a parchment he needed. As the sound of scrolls rolling echoed through my ears, I stared at the sword five feet away. I knew I had to be quick.

The rolling scrolls stopped though, and I went still. I listened and waited. The door opened and then slammed closed again. Long Feng's footsteps faded as he headed away from the room. My panic released, and I let out a deep sigh of relief. Taking a step slowly out of my hiding spot, I reached for the sword and grabbed its hilt firmly. Pulling it off the shelf, I looked down at the steel blade with determination.

I wasn't giving up. I had proof to show the Earth King that Long Feng truly was evil. With the letter in my other hand, I took in a heavy breath and headed towards the door.

So, surprise! Zuko's joined the group a little earlier than in the actual show. This does mean the plot will change slightly from here on out. I do plan to keep following the episodes from the series, but they will have some changes.

Until next time!