So glad to be putting up chapter two, getting back on track. I am now treading into dangerous waters, adding an OC. Calm down and give her a chance. I have gone through numerous Mary Sue checks and she has been edited and trimmed to become something I can be proud of, someone who doesn't make you want to wretch. Dedicated to Lbzwriter, who is a true gem, even if I do enjoy the torturing a bit too much!

Here by my side; an angel,
Here by my side; the devil.
Never turn your back on me,
Never turn your back on me, again.
Here by my side, it's heaven.

Here by my side, you are, destruction.
Here by my side, a new color to paint the world
Never turn your back on it,
Never turn your back on it, again.
Here by my side, its heaven.

----Mathew Goode Band

Chapter Two: Weapon

Prince Zuko spent the next few days in preparation for his task at hand. He had purchased the net guns used by pirates to capture the Avatar. They had been specially weighted to insure Air-Bending would not work against the attack. He had forged a choke collar that would constrict breathing. It was made of the finest steel, completely unbreakable.

Now the prince had only to catch his prey. He had been steadily tracking the Avatar, keeping his distance, lulling his victim into a false sense of security. The Avatar must be kept unaware of the plot. He had hired the fastest pirate ship to capture the members of the Water village and he was confident all would go according to plan. They would reach the port of Reddle in a day and it was there that Prince Zuko's journey would reach an end.

The golden sun was rising on the horizon, painting the water a blood red. The sky was a mural of pink, orange and purple, like one of the carpets back in the Palace of the capital city of Azar. The young prince had spent many hours staring at carpets, keeping his eyes properly respectful and averted. He had long since memorized all of the ones in the throne room. When he closed his eyes, he could still picture them in his mind. His favorite one had been a woven carpet whose design was swirl of pink, orange, and red, like a rising sun. He wondered if it was still next to the throne, marking the place of the Crown Prince.

Prince Zuko knew he really was wondering if the Fire-Lord ever thought of him. Had Ozai forgotten about his son and heir? Most likely, he was trying to sire another heir and just hope the quest for the Avatar would result in his previous heir's death. Ozai did not seem to have a problem getting rid of family members.

He gripped the rail with all his might and watched it turn red with heat. His father was a fool, who thought he could force others to leave their homes and bleed their lives in a useless war. He supposed he had to admit his father was not hypocritical. Many parents had sacrificed their children for the war, although few had done it as willingly as the Fire-Lord had. Yet, he loved his father. He could not understand why. His family hurt him all the time and yet, he still loved them.

Uncle Iroh appeared next to Prince Zuko. "I doubt that will make the ship go faster, Prince Zuko. Why aren't you in bed?" he asked, stretching his pudgy form a bit.

"I couldn't sleep again," the prince replied laconically, unwilling to admit his plan had not relieved his nightmares. Tonight, he had dreamed of the day that he had gotten his scar. He was still shaking from that memory. He could steal feel the heat searing into his flesh, burning him. He had remembered feeling shock that the element that made up the core of his being was destroying him. He remembered the fear that he would go blind in that eye. Most of all, he remembered the words of his father, banishing him from his homeland. There was no love in that voice, no recognition. It was the voice of a master to a slave.

Prince Zuko had been devastated by the indifference in his voice. He had sat on the rocky cliffs by the palace for hours, wondering if he would ever see his homeland or those he knew again. He had watched others be banished and he had never seen them again. It had been Uncle Iroh who had prevented Prince Zuko from throwing himself into the ocean. It was he who had promised to train him and make him a worthy heir, even in exile.

Every day that he looked in the mirror, Prince Zuko was reminded of how he had been branded. He would repay them all for the shame he had endured. He would have Commander Zhao demoted and dishonored in front of the entire court. He had spared the brute's life but Zhao would wish for death after Prince Zuko took the Ruby Throne. He would especially repay him for every bit of anguish the young Prince had suffered.

"You need your rest, Prince Zuko. Perhaps you should consider having some tea. It really helps cure what ails you," Uncle Iroh replied, pulling his crimson robe tighter around him in the cold morning chill. "You have a lot on your mind."

"Do you ever dream of home, Uncle?" Prince Zuko enquired, barely listening. The stars were fading away and a new day was rising, chasing away all the nightmares of the past. A new day, filled with the promise of victory!

"Of course. No port had better Ginseng tea then Azar. I dream of that lovely teahouse by the palace where I could play Pai Cho and have those delicious little cakes. It was the happiest place in the world for me," the rotund relation recalled, closing his eyes with pleasure.

Prince Zuko raised an eyebrow. "I will return in triumph. This plan will work and I will prove to my parents that he was wrong," he said, ignoring the talk of tea and cake.

"My brother is not one who admits when he is mistaken," Uncle Iroh said, looking dubious. Uncle put a hand on Prince Zuko's shoulder. Prince Zuko shuddered and tried to resist the urge to pull away. He hated being touched when it seemed like the person pitied him.

"He'll have no choice. When I bring the Avatar as my prisoner, he'll finally see me as his true heir and son," Prince Zuko said. A vision of his father embracing him filled his mind. He would be hailed as the Prince who brought peace and prosperity to the Kingdom; he would make his parents proud, even if they did not care about him.

"A rhino needs only it's reflection to know who he is," Uncle Iroh informed him, looking quite sage. The light made his face shine, as if he was one of the wise old spirits in the poetry that Prince Zuko had to memorize. "Prince Zuko, are you sure you want to do this? You could ask others to help you, you know. It does not have to be her."

Prince Zuko rolled his eyes, trying to focus. Yes, thinking about her was painful. He had no time for proverbs or doubts, he was pondering his future! This was a mission that only she could be trusted with. "Yes." It had been ten years since he had seen her, he had barely thought of her after four.

He knew Uncle meant well, but sometimes rhinos needed more then a reflection to prove themselves. "We should be at shore by midday. The pirates should be there to meet us," he directed coldly.

"What if the Avatar refuses?" Uncle Iroh asked, musing to himself. "Will you have the prisoners killed?" He looked worried.

"It will not come to that. It would be too anticipated to go to the Avatar himself. You taught me to fight with unpredictable maneuvers. I will not shame my teacher. I will succeed," Prince Zuko said solemnly. The Fire-Nation was relying on him to be successful in his mission. The rising golden sun bursting vibrantly over the horizon gave him hope. Yes, like a firebird from the ashes, he would rise up and conquer!

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing the teahouse again. Now go get some rest. You need it," Uncle Iroh yawned.

Prince Zuko frowned. If his plans to capture the Avatar did not work, the only place he would sleep is in the tomb. "Later, Uncle. I need to meditate," he said harshly, pulling his cloak tight around him. Images of his future guests filled his mind, making him feel six again. He could almost hear their voices speaking to him, calling to him! "I have a headache." Memories were filling his head, ones he did not want to remember. He needed to clear his head. Turning on his heel, he retreated to his rooms. "Alert me when the pirates rendezvous," he ordered.

Prince Zuko kept his room dark and austere. It helped him concentrate and kept his mind away from distractions. It looked like a simple soldier's room, not the home of the future Fire Lord. It paled in comparison to the palace rooms that Prince Zuko had called his own. He remembered the silk tapestries of a myriad shades of red and gold, the cool metal floors and the fluffy silk pillows to lay around upon. Prince Zuko had enjoyed the simplicity around him, it kept him focused on the need to earn such lavish treatment.

Kneeling on the platform before the lamps of fire, Prince Zuko relaxed his mind. He imagined a flame in his mind, eating away every other thought. The flame burned everything away, leaving only a empty space of peace. He breathed deeply, slowly inhaling and exhaling. Fire came from the breath, not the muscles. Prince Zuko could understand that while meditating. Although his eyes were closed, Prince Zuko knew the lit candles were responding to his breathing, waxing and waning in power. He felt in control there. It was in battle where he found himself relying more on his physical strength, much to Uncle's dismay.

Fire was so utterly consuming. Prince Zuko could feel the power coursing through his veins, warming him. He liked feeling warm, it was like feeling loved. The Fire Palace was one of the coldest places in the world. It was long empty halls, large empty rooms and a frightened little boy tiptoeing down the halls, terrified of attracting his father's attention.

A deep feeling of sadness flowed over him. What was he returning for? Would his father ever truly care about him as more then just a weapon and heir? If he returned, would anything really change? There always other quests to throw his son's life away on. The last two years of his life had been so peaceful. Even while chasing the Avatar, he had music nights on the ship, training with Uncle and seeing the world. There were few lessons and best of all, no one had beaten him. No one had been disappointed in him. He had been the Master of the voyage. Perhaps he could just stay here, sailing forever. He had plenty of money.

Why was he so eager to return to his father? Why was he willing to do something he found wrong just to return to that palace? Why had he thrown away the Avatar's request for friendship that night that Zuko had betrayed his own nation and freed the most wanted prisoner?

Prince Zuko breathed deeper and imagined the flame inside his head eating all away all doubts. This was his path, he knew what he must do. He relaxed his breathing and got himself lost in a trance free of thought. He did not know how long he had sat there, until a knock launched him out of it.

"Prince Zuko, Captain Sakura and Maiden Hotaru are here. Shall I show them in? I'll offer them a nice cup of tea," Uncle Iroh asked. His voice sounded a bit worried.

" Yes," Prince Zuko opened his eyes. He felt most refreshed. All doubts had been drained away from him, leaving him feeling more regal and cold. He was ready to do what he needed to follow his path. His heart was still beating a bit fast. He was terrified to see them both again.

Captain Sakura walked into the room, her boots making large noises against the metal floor. Prince Zuko was pleased to see his senses had been heightened to do the meditation. He took a deep breath. She still smelled the same way, of fresh lemons. His heart began to tremble a bit more.

"Peace be unto you, Fire-Prince," a low musical voice said, in the traditional Fire Nation greeting. Prince Zuko turned around and bowed his head deeply with the respect given to trusted allies. He knew he could rely on Captain Sakura and her Maidens to see any job through. They were the only all female pirate band and they were ruthless. Men underestimated them at their peril.

Captain Sakura was a tall hard-faced woman of Fire Nation origin. Her dark hair was cut short, against the usual norms of the ladies of Prince Zuko's native land. Her golden eyes glittered dangerously, set in a cold face that was still so beautiful. Zuko swore that when she smiled, there was not a prettier sight in all the world. She was dressed in mannish, form-fitting clothing and the sword on her hip was no decoration. She was truly a woman to be reckoned with. Although Prince Zuko was terrified of her, he had to turn to her for help. He smiled at the girl standing next to her.

Although she wore the dark, manly dress of a pirate, the Maiden Hotaru still wore her hair in the traditional two buns of the Fire-Nation higher born ladies. She was eighteen and even more beautiful than Prince Zuko remembered. She had grown up so much! Although she had changed a lot, she was as familiar as the back of his hands. Around her neck was a familiar necklace that had been pressed into her hands by a small boy. "Peace be unto you, Prince Zuko," she said sweetly, her golden eyes sparkling with joy to see him. The captain gave her a stern look. The young Maiden turned her eyes downwards, but a smile still tugged on her lips.

"Unto you both be peace. I hope your journey was pleasant. Might I offer you some refreshments?" Prince Zuko returned, offering them seats. He had not seen the Captain and Hotaru for many years. Ten in fact. He had so much to tell her. A warm feeling filled his heart as he tried to choke it back. He had to keep his head. He was not a child anymore. He had barely thought of them the last few years. He was over this already.

"It will be pleasant when it's over, Lord Prince. We have the prisoners, being held on three separate bases, just as you specified. Give us the money you promised and allow us to continue on our way," she said in a business-like manner.

"Of course. Thirty pieces of silver, as you asked. The other seventy will come once the Avatar is in custody." Prince Zuko said softly, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a heavy cloth sack. He tossed it to the captain, who caught it deftly. She was still so graceful. "Thank you...for coming."

"This is strictly business, Prince Zuko," Captain Sakura said, her voice growing cold. Her golden eyes narrowed dangerously and Prince Zuko found himself taking a step back.

"Of course. Did you bring the sample I asked for?" Zuko mumbled, quickly changing the subject.

"One moment, I'll get him. He's being held on the ship," the captain said, turning on her heel to leave.

Maiden Hotaru turned to Prince Zuko and smiled. "I missed you," she said, holding out a hand. She had grown so much since he had last seen her. Of course, so had he. "Won't you even give me a kiss? You are still that serious little boy I left behind," she asked, her golden eyes sparkling with merriment.

Prince Zuko smirked and nodded. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "And you are still that soft-hearted girl who left. Time with her still hasn't toughened you up?" he asked, with a twisted smile. He missed teasing her, when they would run together through the palace. "Thank you for convincing her to help me. I am glad she finally agreed. Is she always that pleasant?"

Hotaru sighed. "She usually isn't sour. She's us doesn't like thinking about…and you look just like him," she murmured, her face creased in sorrow.

Prince Zuko lost control and allowed a stream of fire to explode from his mouth. "It has been years, you think she could move on!" he snapped, furious that someone could be so unforgiving.

Before Hotaru could say anything, Captain Sakura had returned with the sound of clinking. She was dragging behind her a small chubby boy dressed in blue and white fur parka and pants. His brown hair was done up in a top-knot. His little legs had been shackled together as had his hands. A shiny silver chain around his neck extended into a leash, which was being held by the good captain. The little brat was trembling with fear, as his lips silently formed the word "Fire Nation," as his eyes fell upon Prince Zuko.

"On his knees in front of the Fire-Prince, Mother," Hotaru said sweetly. Prince Zuko raised an eye-brow. Perhaps a life of piracy had toughened her. That behavior really did not fit her.

"That won't be necessary," Prince Zuko commanded. He rung a bell-pull for a soldier. A moment later, Lieutenant Jee appeared. "Take the boy downstairs and give him something to eat. Then lock him up. We don't need him till later," he directed, not wanting to look at the pitiful figure anymore. He had his proof, he would prefer not to hear the squalling child and feel guilty. The boy turned pale with terror as he was picked up and carried away.

"Well, we've made our delivery. As soon as our information tells us the Avatar has arrived, we shall contact you. I wish you luck. Until then, farewell," Captain Sakura said, bowing her head slightly. Prince Zuko wondered if that was a flicker of love in the older woman's eyes. "Come along, Hotaru."

As the Maiden went to obey, Prince Zuko took her sleeve for a moment. "When I become Fire-Lord, you and your ship will always be welcome home," he whispered.

Hotaru nodded. "That's why I convinced Mother to help you. I believe in you, Prince Zuko. We who are banished must stick together," she said, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving. "For luck!"

Prince Zuko suddenly had his motivation to find the Avatar, no matter what the cost was.

And you breathe in,
And you breathe out, for it.
Ain?t it so weird,
How it makes you a weapon.
And you give in,
And you give out, for it.
Ain?t it so weird,
How it makes you a weapon.
Never turn your back on it,
Again...
Be careful!

---Matthew Goode Band