Title: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Word Count: 306
Warning: threatened violence
Challenge: Challenge Twelve: It Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way
Sending up a cloud of dust, Aang bent down to help his rescuer. He couldn't just leave him there! Prince Zuko had saved his life! He would repay him!
Before he could leap into the air, a whoosh of air flew past his head. His arm was yanked towards the ground. An arrow had firmly anchoring his sleeve to the ground. Aang tried to pull himself loose, as more arrows flew at him, pinning him down. He had to get the prince and himself away, before…
A mass of sharp points were pointed at his throat, ready to pierce at a moment's notice. "Your little escapade didn't work, Airbender. It appears you will require more…meticulous care to insure you can't attempt this again," said the drawling voice of the commander. "I doubt the Fire Lord will care if you are missing a few…limbs." Aang shivered at the threat.
"And let's see your partner in crime. Well, this is a treat. If it isn't Banished prince," he laughed. "Get him up,"
Prince Zuko was propped up between two Fire-benders. He looked so small between them. The commander held a flame under the teenager's nose. The smoke would wake him up. "Good morning, traitor."
The teen's eyes opened and a different fire burned in those amber eyes. It was the yellow fire of terror. "That's a nasty bruise, Prince Zuko. Horrible things happen when you turn against your nation. But don't worry, I am taking you to the Fire-Lord. I am sure he'll know just what to do with you."
In the moonlight, Aang could see how the blood drained from the prince's face. They both knew they were doomed.
As cold shackles were placed on Aang's wrists, a tear ran down his cheek. He had failed the world again. It wasn't supposed to be this way