A/N: Well here we are again ladies and gents, another day, another chapter. I have to say I was happy with the first chapter and the way it was received, or at least the way it seemed to be received, as the general consensus was encouraging. Some people are like me and read for hours and then forget to review due to the fact that their eyes hurt something awful at the end.

Anyway, thank you to those of you who reviewed or put this story on your Alert as we are about to dive into the deep end head first!

Disclaimer: Don't own Avatar. If I did things would have gone...differently.

Chapter 2- Choosing a Side

Zuko didn't know when exactly he'd laid his head back against the crystalline walls of their prison or when he'd fallen asleep. All he knew was that he hadn't felt so calm and refreshed in a very long time.

With a content sigh he rolled his neck, relishing in the satisfying pops the movement elicited. Opening his eyes slowly, they fell to the face of the dark skinned beauty resting on his lap.

"So it wasn't a dream," Zuko mumbled, a small smile gracing his features as he silently gave thanks to Agni.

He let out a low chuckle, feeling like a completely different person. In all his years of life he had only ever prayed as a young boy at meals when his mother would remind him. He was always in the process of jumping right into the delicious food placed before him when his mother's stern, yet gentle voice stopped him in his tracks.

(Flashback)

"Zuko! You're forgetting something darling," Ursa chided lightly, her eyes alight with amusement but face expectant, "What do we always do before we eat?"

His disgruntled huffs of annoyance fell on deaf ears before, with a resigned sigh, he responded, "We pray and give thanks to Agni for all that has been given to us."

With an approving nod, Ursa continued, "That's right dearest, we pray. For without Agni's blessings and guidance we could not be as lucky as we are. There are those who will go to sleep tonight with empty stomachs, on hard cobblestone roads, and without the love of family. Some will not even wake up from their slumber, deprived of life simply because they could not find sympathy amongst man."

Ursa turned to her son, her eyes full of love and her face in a bright smile, "I thank Agni everyday for giving me you Zuko. For blessing me with a handsome, intelligent, compassionate son who will grow into a remarkable man and go on to do great things."

Zuko could feel himself blushing under his mother's praise, but he enjoyed every minute of it. He never received such words of love from his father, much less a sign of acknowledgement.

"What are you thankful for Zuko?"

"I'm thankful for you Mama," he said without hesitating, "I love you so much! You're always there to help me and talk to me if I need you. And you're not mean like Azula and…and Dad." He sniffed here, fighting back the sting of tears that threatened to spill and failing, "They don't love me Mama. I try and try to get them to love me, but all they wanna do is fight and stay in the war room all day. They hate me 'cuz I don't think it's any fun doing that forever!"

The pain on her son's face was enough to drive Ursa to envelop him in a tight hug, her arms wrapping securely around her child, "Oh Zuko, sweetheart…please don't cry darling. Shh, shh, shh. Hush baby, please! I didn't mean to make you cry, I'm so sorry."

Zuko's tiny arms wound their way around her neck, clinging to her as if his life depended on it, his face buried in the crook of her neck. Ursa's hands made soothing circles on his back as she whispered softly to him, "Shh…hush now my baby. I love you so much."

Slowly, Zuko's sobs turned to small whimpers and, despite any earlier hunger, he began to drift off to sleep. With a loving smile, Ursa spoke soothingly into her son's ear.

"Just remember my baby; Agni gives us everything we need. All we have to do is make sure we realize that sometimes, it is not always what we think it should be. Agni is ever watchful and all knowing and we need only be thankful for the chances given to us. Remember that Zuko."

A yawn escaped his small mouth, his eyes drooping closed, safe and secure in the blanket of his mother's arms.

"Yes Mama."

(End Flashback)

He was brought out of his reverie by a soft groan and movement from his lap. Looking down, Zuko saw that Katara was finally coming to, a slightly pained look on her face.

Concern washed over his features and his hand went to smooth the hair out of her face. Softly, he whispered her name trying to gently coax her out of her slumber.

"Katara."

Another groan, but this time her eyes fluttered open, her bright blue orbs meeting his amber ones almost immediately. They widened instantly, and Zuko was ashamed to see a hint of fear flash across her face, before she seemed to remember what had happened.

"Z-Zuko?" At his nod she continued, "What…how long have I been asleep?"

With a small laugh, Zuko shrugged, "To be honest with you, I have no idea. I fell asleep too, but you passed out just after you…healed my scar." He flicked his eyes away from her, suddenly self-conscious, and brought a hand up to the spot where the mark had been.

He felt her cool hand cover his own and his eyes went back to her face, now with a look of calm satisfaction gracing her features.

"I really outdid myself this time, didn't I?" She let out a soft giggle and Zuko could feel his stomach flutter at the sound. "Zuko? You really do look good. I wasn't lying when I said that earlier." A small blush spread across her cheeks as she said this and her eyes fell from his, though she did not try to rescind her comment.

His own face burned at the praise and he desperately tried to settle his racing heart. "I didn't get a chance to thank you," he whispered, his free hand scratching the back of his head to try and quell the feelings of embarrassment, "For…everything."

The smile that spread across Katara's face was so dazzling that Zuko felt his stomach flip and his heart start flying once again.

"Zuko, I know that you're a good person. It's just…you've never had the chance to really show it. You've been forced into doing things that you never wanted to do by your father and your psychotic sister…uh…no offense."

The prince smirked, "None taken. She's been...a certified nut, for lack of a better word, as long as I can remember."

Katara laughed again and continued, "I think you just need the opportunity to make your own choices for once, you know? Without trying to live up to their deranged expectations."

Zuko sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, "I really can't believe how stupid I've been Katara. I never should have let myself be a part of the pain that my nation has caused. I knew it was wrong. Before my mother…well she taught me so much better than that! And so did my uncle, but—"

"But you wanted to be accepted by your father and your sister, I know Zuko. But what's done is done and we can't change the past. But you can change your future and who you'll make yourself into."

Zuko's lips twitched upwards and he was about to respond when there was a loud crash from the opposite side of the catacomb prison. Instinctively, Zuko shifted Katara behind him and stood up, falling into a defensive stance with his fists flaming dangerously.

But when the smoke cleared it was not Azula who stood before them, but the young airbending Avatar who was coming out of what looked to be an earthbending form, and Zuko's own uncle, the small flame in his hand showing that he had been lighting the way for the small boy.

"Katara?"

"Uncle?"

"Zuko?"

"Aang?"

"What're you doing here?"

"What did you do to her?"

"How did you get here?"

"What happened to your face?"

"What is going on?"

Unable to discern anything amidst the cacophony of questions and shouts, Iroh let out a loud bark, effectively silencing the three teens in front of him.

"ENOUGH!" Seeing that he had their attention, the wizened general continued, "We are not getting anywhere with all this shouting. Avatar Aang I suggest you and our young waterbending friend get moving before Azula has a chance to catch up!"

With a nod at Iroh and a glare at Zuko, Aang bent open the unmarred wall of crystallized earth and jumped in, turning back and waiting for Katara.

Said bender was just about to climb in after the Avatar but stopped and caught Zuko's eyes, "Remember Zuko, it's our choices that make us who we are. I believe in you."

And with a bright smile, she leapt down to meet Aang and slowly they both disappeared into the darkness.

Iroh saw the small smile that was threatening to turn into a full-fledged grin on his nephew's face and couldn't help but chuckle, "It seems you have made yet another friend nephew, and quite a pretty one at that! And she is also very talented in healing no doubt."

Zuko's blush was enough to markedly heat up the frigid prison, but he did not try to deny his uncle's claim.

Putting a hand on the young prince's shoulder, Iroh sighed, "Zuko, the time has come for you to make a decision…a choice, rather. Just like your lady friend said."

Zuko tensed, knowing what was coming. His decision would change the rest of his life.

Zuko and Iroh quickly made their way down the tunnel created by Aang, the thunderous sounds of fighting hastening their steps.

Upon their arrival, Zuko saw that the Avatar and Katara were facing off against Azula who was poised dangerously and ready to strike. The other two benders looked worse for the wear and Zuko decided that it was time to step in and put an end to things once and for all.

Gathering all of his fury, the formerly scarred prince let loose a gigantic blaze of flames that blew a crater into the earth between the two opposing parties, dust and debris flying in every direction. Once the attention was on him, Zuko couldn't help but smirk dangerously.

When Azula's indifferent stare caught his face, he was both pleased and surprised to see her actually stagger back in shock. Wondering why, his own eyes had flicked back to his uncle who simply pointed at his face. Of course! He'd forgotten that his scar was no longer there. She shook off her astonishment quickly enough and proceeded to regale him with everything his heart could have ever desired.

He held his tongue however, and did not respond.

The once tempting promises of returning home and regaining his honor fell upon deaf ears. There was no appeal to the banished prince anymore; he didn't need to prove himself to anyone.

He made his choice easily.

It must have happened sometime between his Uncle's urgings and Azula's tainted promises accompanied by quiet reinforcement of dozens of Dai Li agents. Or maybe it was in that moment when his former enemy had taken it upon herself to show him kindness and forgiveness when everyone else had turned him away.

Honestly Zuko liked the second one better, but he wasn't about to tell his sister that.

If there was one strategy that his uncle had drilled into his head it was that the element of surprise was an invaluable ally and not to be squandered early in the game.

"Well Zuzu?" Azula queried, her tone for once lacking any of the condescending haughtiness she usually spoke with, "Will you help me? Will you help us, your family…your nation?"

All eyes were on the prince, Aang's angry and mistrustful, Azula's confident and waiting, his uncle's concerned and cautious. But there was only one gaze that really mattered to Zuko: Katara's.

Here blue eyes held understanding and hope.

And in a matter of seconds, Zuko's decision was solidified. Just as he was opening his mouth to speak, a flood of green made its way into the large underground arena. With a silent curse, Zuko knew his chances of effectively surprising his sister were next to none now.

The Dai Li had arrived.

Without waiting for her brother's answer, Azula barked her orders, "GET THEM! DO NOT LET THEM ESCAPE!"

Immediately the agents were moving, jumping into battle seamlessly and calling their element to do their bidding as they surrounded the five fighters. The majority focused on Iroh, his reputation garnering the most respect from the earthbenders.

The Avatar and Katara were split up, the Dai Li not taking any chances by allowing the both of them to work together. The earth warriors hesitated with Zuko, unsure if Azula's orders extended to her kin as well.

"Zuko?" Azula asked, stance low and arms held ready, "What's your answer?"

Zuko smirked and turned to face Aang and Katara.

"Duck."

And then his arms exploded in two enormous blasts of hellish fire, taking dozens of Dai Li agents down before they even had a chance to think.

The wide-eyed shock and disbelief on the Avatar's face said it all.

"Wrong choice brother mine," growled Azula dangerously, her eyes blazing with fury. She charged him, and the fight was on.

Zuko had only ever fought his sister during sparring matches and even though those had been intense bouts, they paled in comparison to Azula's fury in a full-fledged battle. She was light and agile on her feet never staying in one place for more than a couple of seconds and she was constantly on the offensive, her blue fire a lethal and deadly force that never seemed to falter.

"Aw, what's the matter Zuzu?" she taunted, a cocky smirk gracing her delicate features, "Is little sister too much for you to handle? I don't think father's going to be very pleased when I tell him that you've sided with the Avatar and his traveling circus!"

Zuko growled, hurling a ball of fire straight at his sister's head, which was dodged easily.

"On second thought dear brother, father will be very pleased when I present him with both yours and Uncle's heads on a silver platter! Agni knows it's high time that that overweight, traitorous, tea loving oaf gets his due!"

"Don't you dare disrespect Uncle like that!" He loosed a vibrant volley of flames at Azula, ceasing only when he couldn't see through the dust he had kicked up.

Breathing heavily and feeling completely winded, Zuko didn't notice the group of six Dai Li agents that were sneaking up behind him until he was knocked completely off his feet, a stone pillar catching him right across the chin and sending stars through his vision. Another one connected with his stomach, leaving him out of breath and doubled over grasping his stomach in pain.

"Poor, poor Zuzu," came Azula's mocking voice, "bested by his little sister and wiped completely from the pages of history, lost in the caverns of Ba Sing Se!" There was maniacal laughter before she spoke again, "I'll just let you watch as I finish off the rest of your allies one by one! Starting with that little Water Tribe peasant you seem so fond of!"

"Katara!" Zuko yelled in desperation, trying to catch the water bender's attention before she could be blind-sided by Azula.

Thankfully she heard him and, despite the Dai Li surrounding her, was able to erect a shield of water to fend off Azula's flames.

Satisfied that she had warded off his sister for the moment, Zuko turned back to the earth benders in front of him, his hands enveloped in flames. With a smirk, he crouched into his bending stance, "Who's first?"

They all came together, each one doing something different, but each of them intent on killing him. He dodged a pair of flying fists, flipped over a pillar of earth, incinerated flying boulders, and evaded a potential tomb of rocks.

And then it was Zuko's turn.

"You guys know what happens when you play with fire, right?" His hand reached over his shoulder, going to his Dao sword and unsheathing it, reveling in the feeling of the weapon under his palm. He grabbed the hilt and, in one swift motion, split it in half revealing dual swords, "Eventually, you're going to get burned!" And he set the blades alight, red orange flames licking and swirling along their length dangerously.

Within seconds, all six of the benders were out of the fight, some permanently others merely unconscious. Zuko looked over the carnage of the battlefield and spotted his uncle holding his own against what looked to be some fifteen or twenty odd Dai Li.

Next he found the Avatar fending off his own group of earth benders effectively, though he looked like he was tiring quickly.

And Katara…

The waterbending master was keeping the Dai Li agents at bay but she didn't see Azula coming up from behind her, fists burning with her signature blue flames. She pulled her arms back and began to throw.

"No! Katara!" he yelled, his stomach falling in fear at the realization that, no matter how fast he ran, he wouldn't make it in time to protect her. His heart hammered in fear as she turned around only to be met by blue flames. Thankfully they only caught her shoulder, but it was enough to leave her vulnerable to the Dai Li's continued assault.

With a fierce roar, Zuko launched himself towards her, his rage fueling the fury inside of him and suddenly everything was hot, even for him, but it was invigorating. Not pausing to question his sudden boost in energy and stamina, Zuko's fist connected with a Dai Li agent knocking the man out cold, before he brought his foot around to kick another one in the face, a satisfying crunch splitting the air.

His swords lashed out, a deadly dance of flashing metal and flame eradicating the earth bender ranks before him. It was as he put the last one down, a clean slice through the front of the man's armor, that Zuko noticed that flames engulfing his Dao swords were not the normal red-orange that he had become accustomed to, but a bright, pure white.

He could only blink in awe; he had never managed to produce anything but the standard flames. They were incredible. Clearing his head, he turned to the singed water bender and knelt down to help her up, "You okay?"

Shaking off Azula's surprise attack, Katara managed to get back to her feet, taking Zuko's offered hand and moving her hair, which had fallen out of its braid, out of her face. She gave him a small smile, her eyes alight despite the battle raging around them, "Thank you Zuko."

He returned her smile, "Anytime."

Suddenly, he felt the hair on the back of his neck rise, and he grabbed Katara and pulled her down to the ground with him, covering her body with his. The enormous wall of blue flames passed dangerously close to their heads and impacted with the ground just behind them.

"Oh how sweet," Azula growled, her fingers curling in annoyance, "how sickeningly sweet. Little Zuzu protecting his Water Tribe whore! You disappoint me brother, I thought you had better taste than that!"

She sent another blast at them, this time a curved sweep from her foot. Zuko reacted instantly, stepping up in front of Katara and lighting his blades once again, the new flames springing to life. He split the swelling flames down the middle, sending the two halves away from them in opposite directions.

Azula's face wore a look of surprise for a second time that day when she saw the flames her brother was wielding. He'd stepped up the ante. Maybe it was time she did as well.

"Nice try Azula, but you won't get through me that easily."

Zuko's cocky grin was enough to strike a nerve in his sister's calm exterior, but she covered it quickly, her own smirk slowly making its way over her face. With a snap of her fingers, there were scores of Dai Li agents surrounding them again.

Zuko's eyes narrowed, "What's the matter sis, can't fight your own battles?"

The Fire Nation princess laughed at this, wiping an imaginary tear from her eye, "Oh don't be so silly Zuko! I just have bigger fish to fry is all," turning to the earth benders she hissed, "Kill them this time or else it'll be your heads on display!" With that, she ran towards Aang who was still struggling to fight off a seemingly endless wave of Dai Li.

And suddenly, her words made sense.

"I just have bigger fish to fry is all."

"Katara, we have to get to the Avatar now! Azula's going to kill him!" At his urging, Katara started the fight in earnest, pulling a vast amount of water from the nearby spring as Zuko himself began launching fireballs and slicing his lit swords through the masses.

They were moving towards Aang steadily, though judging from his pained cries it wasn't fast enough. After a particularly heart wrenching cry, there was a sudden silence and then everyone around them seemed to go still.

Chancing a glance, Zuko and Katara saw that Azula and the Dai Li were focused on a small crystal shelter. And if the looks of frustration on their enemy's faces were any indication, it was incredibly strong.

"Aang must have holed himself up in there," Katara muttered, worry etched on her face as she took in the constant assault upon her friend's haven.

"Then we should hurry, we need to get to him fast!" Zuko whispered back, his eyes on Azula who was watching the barrage on the Avatar's sanctuary with a cold, calculating glare. With a roar, Zuko sent an enormous burst of pure white flame through half of the attacking agents.

Katara took her cue from the firebender and whipped up a frenzy of deadly water whips, her hair flying haphazardly around her face.

But they had caught the attention of the rest of the Dai Li and they moved to intercept the two warriors. As one, the earth benders willed their element to overwhelm the fugitives and, despite all their effort, Katara and Zuko were quickly taken down, the attacks hammering them mercilessly.

And then there was a deafening explosion and an ethereal light filled the entire cavern, temporarily blinding those within.

When the light dimmed they could see Aang floating in midair, his eyes, body and arrow tattoos blazing with the light that could only signal one thing: he had managed to get to the Avatar state.

A smile was just about to grace Katara's face when a sharp crack rent the air and suddenly, Aang was falling, the light of the otherworldly power abandoning him as quickly as it had come. He crashed into the ground hard with nothing to stop him. He didn't try to bend; he didn't try to brace himself.

A sickening thud echoed through the cavern and Aang lay still.

And behind him, her fingers still sparking with unused lighting, Azula smirked triumphantly, her eyes finding Zuko's amidst the carnage. And an icy hand gripped his heart as fear engulfed him.

The Avatar was dead.

"AANG! NO!" Katara's cry broke Zuko's heart as he caught her, keeping her from rushing to her death to get to the Avatar's body. "Let me go Zuko! Let me go!"

"Zuko!"

Head snapping around Zuko spotted his uncle, who he had completely forgotten about during the chaos, running toward them, "Take miss Katara, get the Avatar's body and get out of here! I will hold them off, you can do no more here right now."

"Uncle—" but Iroh cut him off.

"GO!"

With a nod, Zuko grabbed Katara's hand and ran towards Aang's lifeless body. Azula and the Dai Li were now occupied with the Dragon of the West and the two of them reached him unopposed.

Zuko gently picked up the fallen bender and turned to Katara whose eyes were glazed over as she stared in disbelief at her friend's body.

"Katara! We have to go, we have to go now!"

His voice snapped her out of her daze and her battle experience kicked in. Quickly she bent the water into a solid platform below the three of them and then they were rising up and out of the cavern.

The last thing Zuko saw before he lost sight of the battle was his uncle surrendering himself now that they were out of danger.

And suddenly, he had never felt more lost.

A/N: And there you go! Probably one of the more epic chapters I've ever written-in terms of dynamics anyway. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed writing the flashback moment between Ursa and Zuko. Zuko's life before his grandfather's death has always piqued my interest and the few scenes we have of Ursa and Zuko interacting are really moving in their depth despite their lack of screen time.

I love you guys forever and I'd enjoy hearing what you all have to say about this one. Until next time!

-HakushoRurouni