Okay, chapter twelve which as been updated for more gore. What Zhao does to Aiiro was suggested by our very own Kishi, a brilliant and twisted person in his own right. This chapter is pretty crucial and a lot of fun. Special thanks to kinterly, Firebend, SarahNev and Cala who make my writing amazing. Especially dedicated to Whomever, who is the sister I always wanted. Next chapter, two people die!

Memory

Katara smoothed some more medicine on the open welts on her brother's back. She was grateful for the herbs provided to her. She knew it hurt Sokka to have his deep wounds touched, but she had to keep them clean. All those long gaping weals inflicted by her captors. Luckily, Sokka was unconscious and could not feel the pain for now. She had tried to use her healing powers, but she was too weak from lack of food and sleep.

She hated the Fire Nation. She hated them for killing her mother; she hated them for taking her father away. Now her hatred had physical forms. She hated the Princess for attacking her brother. She hated the Prince for destroying her dignity and threatening her people, for forcing her to betray her friends. Yet, now she owed her brother's life to that same prince.

What had he meant that no one should be whipped? Surely, no one would ever beat the heir to the throne? She just did not know answers anymore. Survival had become more important then who anyone was or what anything meant.

A lump had filled her throat. She said nothing as fresh medicinal herbs were brought. She did not know if she should thank them or spit at their feet. She only focused on her brother, her wonderful brother who was now with her. She could not look at the wounds the whip had made without tearing up. How could a person do that to another person?

At least they were together now. It did not matter that they were still prisoners and that guards were posted at the doors. They had each other now.

She laid the red silk bandages on her brother. Ordinarily, she hated the color red. It was the color of the blood on the snow after the Fire Nation raid. It was the color of fire, hungry to eat all in its path. It was the color of the welts on Sokka's back, horrible shades of red with darker regions of maroon. Red was the symbol of Prince Zuko and his sister, of the genocide and conquest they stood for. Now she was almost grateful for it, it spared her the sight of again seeing the cloth turn red. She could not bear to see more of her brother's blood.

"Katara?" Sokka rasped, trying to move to look at her. His voice sounded wonderful, even if it was hoarse and weak.

"Don't move, it will make it worse. Just rest, I'm here," she whispered back, reaching out to touch his cheek.

"I have to move, I have to kill all the fire-benders," Sokka retorted as he tried to move his injured body. "AHHH. Okay, maybe they'll get a reprieve till the morning," he winced, falling back onto the dusty floor.

"I'll kill them myself if I ever get the chance," Katara soothed. She would make sure to let suffer long and hard for everything they had done.

"Katara, don't get used to me saying this, but I'm sorry. I never realized you were forced. I should have trusted you. Was it me they threatened?" Sokka asked, turning his head and allowing his tender blue eyes to rest on her. He loved her so much, he cared about her and he trusted her. Katara was unworthy of her brother.

Katara shook her head. "Zuko captured the village. He threatened to sell everyone to the mines if I didn't do what he wanted." What if she had done the wrong thing? What if Sokka yelled at her?

"Zuko captured the village?" Sokka gasped. Katara should not have told him. Sokka had been through His poor flesh was so torn and broken, who knew if he would be able to walk again?

"I had no choice, Sokka," Katara said, bursting into tears. She had no right to tell her poor brother any more bad news.

"Shhh-don't cry. I would have done the same thing. You did wonderfully, little sister. Now can you kill me? It hurts so-badly," Sokka whispered weakly, his voice cracking with pain.

"You are going to be fine," Katara informed him, trying to choke back more tears. She would be strong for him. "I am going to nurse you back to health."

"That pirate, she said Zuko-dealt with you. What did he do to you?" Sokka suddenly asked, his voice sounding dangerous.

"It's not important. Just concentrate on getting better," Katara pacified her brother. Injured as he was, Sokka would track down Zuko and skin him alive if he knew what happened. Given his current condition, that would cost him his life.

"If he hurt you, I'll kill him. Him and his demented sister," Sokka spat, as a wave of pain creased his face.

Katara sighed. "Zuko was the one who called off your whipping," she informed him as she prepared some food for her brother. "He's the one that stopped his sister. Can't believe there is someone more evil then him. " She was really the bearer of bad news.

Sokka scowled. "I don't understand! Why?" he snapped, as he tried to move. Pain made him cease.

Katara nodded and began to feed him some of the porridge. "I don't know and it doesn't matter." She could not have Sokka get excited, his back was all torn up and he was going to develop infection if his injuries were not kept clean. "We need to get back our strength so we can rescue Aang and the village," she encouraged him. That is if Sokka ever regained his health.

"I still want them dead. Still, I suppose you are good company," Sokka said, obviously longing for comfort. " Katara, sing me a song of the tribe. You don't have the worst voice after all."

Katara tried to think of a song. She knew so many soothing lullabies, but none of those would be appropriate now. This was no time to lull the spirit. Sokka needed hope. She began clapping her hands gently to a war chant. It was Sokka's favorite story, when the Water Tribe had battled the Earth Kingdom five hundred years ago. The situation had been desperate until a group of Water Tribe members, lead by a warrior named Chulyin piloted a reckless sneak attack and caused an avalanche that took out a thousand Earth Warriors. Although many died en route, the tribe had been saved.

" It was the time when
A group of fearless men
Stood up for their beliefs
And risked their lives
They acted with one voice
And firmly made a choice
Our nation shall endure
We will survive"
By now, Sokka was weakly tapping his fingers on the floor to the beat. A small smile was on his face as he began to sing along with her.
"Sedna was with them each day
Guiding to their destination
With victory they made their way
No longer deprived
At least they arrived
Heroes of the Water Tribe Nation
Even in darkest night
Their spirits had burned bright
Victory was in their sight
Even in the darkest blight"
And for just a few seconds, the sparkle returned to Sokka's eyes.

The days past slowly and melded into each other. Each day, Katara was forced to see the terrible damage that whip had done to her brother. From Sokka's shoulders to his waist, swollen, red, cuts had been sliced into his skin. An oozing crust of yellow scab was forming over each line. In between the strokes, the trauma had caused the unbroken flesh to bruise, turning Sokka's skin colors of purple and blue. Katara had to force herself not to vomit as she cleaned the wounds.

Sokka could barely move and needed to be helped with everything. The helplessness shamed him. Katara didn't mind, she just liked being with her brother. They would talk about everything, about their long dead mother and how much they missed her. They would remember stories of their father and his dear friend Bato.

They would talk about life in the arctic. They would plot ways of getting Aang free and Sokka seemed to perk up more during those times. It was the hours of trying to move that depressed him. Sokka was not getting better very quickly. He barely eat and he slept fitfully on his stomach. Every moment was agony for him. Katara wondered if her brother would ever be able to move again normally. She never mentioned this to him though.

Each day, food and supplies would be brought to the door but they were left blessedly alone. Katara had tried to leave once, but had been shooed back in by patrolling guards.
"Lady Hotaru and Prince Zuko are in foul moods, it's best you not be seen," said the kindly guard who had helped save Sokka's life. Katara had seen both royals in tempers and she had no urge to see them again in that state, especially when she could just spend time with her beloved big brother.

Therefore, she had been a bit shocked when she heard the crash of footsteps by the door. Had they landed at the Fire Nation already? What would happen to her brother and herself? She could only imagine the tortures she and her brother would endure at the hands of the cruel Fire Lord. Would Prince Zuko actually save them or leave them to their fates? Her heart pounded in her chest as she clung to her brother.

Soldiers entered the room, soldiers Katara did not recognize. "Where's the Avatar, girl?" one of them demanded.

"He's your prisoner, how should I know?" Katara spat back. "You can search the room, he isn't here."

"Take them to the Deck. The Admiral wants everyone where he can see them," another said.

Katara gasped. The Admiral? Admiral Zhao? This was bad. The Admiral was Prince Zuko's enemy and even crueler if possible. "Please, my brother is wounded. Don't move him," she pleaded.

With a cry of pain, Sokka was hustled to his feet. "Admiral's orders, girl. Now shut your mouth before I make you," growled a soldier, as he took Katara's hands and bound them behind her back.

She and her poor brother were dragged up the stairs and shoved to their knees on the deck. An enormous warship loomed next to the ship, casting everyone in shadow. She shivered, wishing for the warm sun.

As she turned her head, a sight exhilarated and terrified her. That she-devil was fighting against her guards. Zuko's sister had clearly put up a good fight as a number of the surrounding men were bruised and bleeding, but she was being beaten down by an overwhelming force of men. Her clothes had been ripped and she was bleeding.

Katara could not resist a surge of happiness as that demonic girl got her just punishment. Finally, she was restrained and braced between men far stronger then her narrow frame.

A few seconds later, Admiral Zhao emerged with Zuko and Aiiro. The prince looked aghast at the sight of his sister. "Let go of her!" he shouted.

"She's a wanted criminal. We'll be taking her off your hands, since you obviously had no knowledge of her stowing away." Zhao sneered. "Take her aboard. Prince Zuko would never go against the Fire Lord." Prince Zuko's sister was a criminal. Considering how insane this family seemed to be, why should she be surprised? Would the prince actually give up his sister? To his credit, the Prince refused.

"Well, Prince Zuko, we have a choice before us. You can hand over your sister and obey the laws of your land like a good boy. You can refuse and face the penalty with her for treason against the Fire Lord. Of course, I still will have to search this ship to make sure there is no pirate loot hidden but then you can be on your merry way." Katara was frightened to see that there was someone more evil then Hotaru or Zuko.

"On my ship, I will do as I please. Get off before I make you!" Zuko snarled, as he prepared to battle. There was a battleship and about a hundred soldiers, there was no chance.

Yet, Katara had to admire his bravery, even as the Admiral publicly accused him of treason and threatened his uncle. He might be a disgusting monster, and yet, he had some morals.

Katara listened. Her eyes widened at the new information. The proud prince was a renegade. His own father had exiled and abused him. Ordinarily Katara would assume it was due to the Prince's cruel nature, but considering the Fire Lord's reputation, Katara had to wonder if the Prince had perhaps shown mercy and had it beaten out of him. No wonder he was such a monster.

The prince nobly surrendered himself and was restrained. Yet, something horrible happened. Aiiro burst into tears and held on to his captor, begging to help him. Even though the prince yelled harshly, Katara could see fear and concern in his face. She exchanged terrified looks with Sokka, but dared not say anything.

Zhao grabbed Aiiro and began taunting the Prince about doing unnatural things to Aiiro. Surely, the Prince would not dare such abominations? No, the anger on his face showed his disgust. Zuko really cared about the little boy. Heedless of his own safety, he thrashed about; trying to save Aiiro until a sword had been placed across his neck. Why was Zuko so desperate to save him? Why did Aiiro care about him so?

Katara had thought she would enjoy watching the prince forced to his knees and degraded. Yet, she only had pity for him. No one should be humiliated like that. Tears stung her eyes as Aiiro was held over the mast. She looked away, not wanting to watch. Zhao would kill him. Zhao would kill them all. By now she was numb to all pain.

Zuko had the chance to take revenge with a burst of strength, but had refused to risk hurting his crew. He had kneeled down and accepted defeat to save the life of one child not even of his nation. The Prince of the Fire Nation had been reduced to begging for mercy. Katara found herself in tears. Perhaps Zuko had truly changed, only to have it cost him his life.

"He gave up his life for Aiiro. Why?" Sokka kept muttering, kneeling a few feet away. "He had no right to be a hero."

"The world has been turned upside down," Katara whispered as the long moments passed. She had a terrible feeling that all was lost. The Gods had abandoned them all. She had hoped for so long and believed that things would be all right. Had she been a fool to maintain such optimism?

Aiiro tried to defend his protector with his teeth, but had only gotten himself captured. Sokka had looked away when that happen, tears in his eyes. "No fear, little brother. No fear!" he muttered. Katara could feel his pain, Sokka cherished the fellow orphan Aiiro beyond the other boys. It would kill him to see Aiiro hurt. Yet, Zhao was merciless. They were all doomed.

Yet, Aang had not been found yet. Perhaps he would magically break out of his chains and save them all. Yet, she no longer was sure everything would be all right. Things were falling apart too much to keep believing in miracles.

Aang had felt such a wave of pity ever since he last saw his captor. He had never seen anyone so worn and haggard as the Fire Prince. He had tried to make conversation a few times but the older boy had just ignored him. There was no fire or anger in the golden eyes anymore; it was as if something had died inside the boy's soul.

"Come on, you are even less cheerful then usual." Silence. A dead silence that scared Aang. Usually, the prince would have responded with a biting remark. Something was definitely wrong.

Aang was bored out of his mind, so he had plenty of time to think. No matter how hard he tried, he had to admit he did not hate Zuko. He pitied him. He even worried about him. There was something so haunted in him, something that forced a good soul to be evil. He had reached out to him, but something inside the prince's soul kept him prisoner. Yet, Aang could not help but focus on the decency that lurked inside those tawny eyes. They seemed so familiar somehow.

When he had heard the footsteps, Aang decided to grab the bison by the hair. He would try to reach his opponent today. He would befriend him while he was hurting and sad. Perhaps Aang could help him and convince him what he was doing was wrong. Yes, this would be a perfect time to show some compassion and finally make some headway with his future friend. He heard two hollow thuds, then a pounding on the door. That was definitely not normal! Prince Zuko always opened the door with a key. This was not Aang's captor.

The door began to glow orange as the hinges were literally being melted. Aang wondered if perhaps it was Sokka, who had overpowered the guards. Sokka had exploded the doors at the temple, perhaps he was using fire again in a brilliant way that Aang didn't understand, but was sure Sokka could explain. Then they could kidnap Prince Zuko and Katara, they could make them good again. Everything would be all right.

He waited patiently to be rescued. He imagined how happy everyone would be as soon as Katara and Zuko had been restored to the winning side. They would make the world peaceful and then ride elephant koi and hogmonkies. He would make Zuko laugh. Yes, everything would be all right as soon as that door opened.

"Sokka, I'm in here," he called as the door cracked open. He grinned, expecting to see the face of his friend.

Instead, it was the face of Admiral Zhao that grinned back at him. "Where's Zuko?" Aang asked, trying to back away as much as the chains would allow. He had a bad feeling that the angry prince had been hurt!

"You'll find out soon, Avatar. Till then, take a rest," Zhao sneered as he raised a heavy hand. The last thing Aang remembered was realizing he cared about the prince's safety. Then everything went black.

When Aang's unconscious and chained body was carried out and unto Zhao's ship, Katara knew she had been right. The guards held her firmly back as she tried to run to her best friend. She could not help but sob as humanity's last hope was carried away like a prize. Everything was over. The Fire Nation was victorious, good has been defeated. It pierced her like a knife, all her dreams had been dashed to pieces.

"What a haul. Two traitors and a trophy all in one day. I suppose that donation to the temple really paid off. Please give the General my fondest regards. Cut the engines and then haul out. We don't want to disturb such an important hero," Zhao ordered, smirking viciously, as he left them stranded.

The soldiers threw Katara and Sokka to the floor and walked away. "What, we aren't good enough to torment?" Sokka muttered under his breath, sweating from all the pain he was in. He too tried to hide the depression in every fiber of his body.

As the enormous ship was boarded and sailed away; Prince Zuko's own guards untied them. Their faces were just as bereft of hope as Katara's must have been. They were all prisoners now.

The ship's order had been completely turned upside down. No one spoke much; they just concentrated on trying to hide their own sadness. The fact that Zuko had humiliated himself for them had made everyone feel low. The prince had been popular among the crew for reasons that had to do with his banishment. No one said any more then that on the matter and Katara was too depressed to pry.

Katara helped them bring her brother downstairs to rest again. The two siblings sat side by side, not saying anything. Finally, by nightfall, Sokka fell asleep, his body broken and weary mind overtaxed.

Katara had figured she might as well do something useful. She walked around the ship freely, looking for some clean clothing for Sokka. Zuko and Sokka were around the same height. She supposed the lost Prince must provide some help, even if he was far away. Everyone else was avoiding this room, though she had no idea why. As she walked in, she heard a soft voice calling out to her. "Who's there? Prince Zuko?"

Katara saw Zuko's uncle lying on the bed, looking quite confused. He had weakly propped himself up and was trying to get up. "It's me, sir," she whispered.

"Ah, it's you. How long have I been sleeping?" the Fire Nation man asked, yawning a bit. "Kindly hand me a drink."

"I don't know, I don't know what day it is," Katara answered, as she handed him the flask by his bed.

"You'd best go before my nephew and niece find you. Where are they?" the old man asked.

Katara hung her head. She could barely believe Aang was gone and she had seen it with her own eyes. One thing she knew was that this man cared deeply about his nephew. She had seen it the night she had been tied to the tree.

"Now, what's wrong? Was my nephew short with you during my illness? I'll turn him over my knee the moment my head stops spinning," the older man joked. His voice turned more serious. "Now, where is he?"

Katara sighed. "Sir, I don't know how to tell you this, but Admiral Zhao found us." She watched as Zuko's uncle paled considerably. The pain in his eyes was terrifying.

"He did? Where is my Zuko!" the uncle demanded, now growing angry as he tried to rise. "Is he all right?"

"He arrested your niece and nephew and Aang, took them away. They cut off our engines," Katara explained.

"Merciful Agni." the fire noble whispered, his voice shaking. "Did they hurt him?" he asked.

"I don't know. I hope not. He sacrificed himself for the crew," Katara told him sadly.

"Please leave me. I don't really feel very well," the uncle whispered. "I would like to be alone."

"You are sick. Let me help you." Katara pitied the man, remembering how he had clothed her.

"My dear young lady, it might be easier if you let me die. Frankly, it might be less painful." The Fire Nation noble truly looked gray and haggard, as if he had been struck a physical blow.

Katara understood how the older man felt. "I'll check back on you later. I need to take care of my brother," she sighed. It was hopeless.

When Aang awoke, he realized there was good news and bad news. The good news was he was in a different cell, which was a nice change of scenery. The bad news was he was still in chains. At least he was not alone this time.

Across the hallway was another cell. A little boy of Tribe-Ari or something was sitting in chains, with Prince Zuko. Had the situation not been so serious, Aang would have laughed at the sight of the Prince being cared over by a member of the Water Tribe. "Aang, you are up," the little boy said, his eyes tearful. "Master, he's awake!"

"What happened?" the monk asked. Why had Zhao captured a Water Tribe boy of no great importance? Why was Zuko being called Master?

"The admiral threw us in here. He chained me and Master up. Then some soldiers carried you inside and chained you up. We're going to die," the boy said gravely.

Aang shuddered at how certain the boy seemed of his fate. "There is always hope. We'll think of something," he said. "Even if the Blue Spirit can't help anymore."

"Who's the Blue Spirit?" the little boy queried innocently.

"An enemy of the Fire Nation. If he takes my trap and tries to rescue you again, Avatar, he'll find there is no escape on a ship. I see you are all up from your little nap," suddenly came a voice, as Admiral Zhao walked down the hall, a triumphant smile on his face. Aang had never wanted to kill someone before, but he was definitely tempted now. "I'd rather my honored guests rest before their meeting with the Fire Lord. Somehow, I think it will be a day you never forget," he chuckled evilly. "It's amazing how quickly human flesh burns."

"Master!" he heard Aiiro hiss in terror, his eyes tearing up.

"Don't let him scare you, Aiiro," Zuko whispered back in a tender voice. "Where is my sister?" he continued, his voice growing stronger.

"What a touching reunion you two could have. Perhaps I should host it in my interrogation room," Zhao suggested coldly. Zuko didn't respond. "Now, silence out of all of you. Nothing can spoil tomorrow's events. I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you any dinner, but I am sure tomorrow you will get your just desserts. Hopefully I'll be given the honor of lighting the pyre."

"Let Prince Zuko and Aiiro go," Aang ordered, trying to do something kind. "They mean nothing to you."

Zhao laughed. "The little prince-ling and I have a debt to settle, prisoner. As for the little brat, well, why not let him die along with his beloved master? Only seems merciful," he answered, as he touched the bars of the cell. He motioned for the cell to be opened. "I did say I would teach you a lesson," he indicated lazily. His hand had been bandaged. "Take the little beast to the wall and chain him up."

"NO!" Zuko had thought Zhao had forgotten about Aiiro. He had been so worried about Hotaru that he had forgotten about Zhao's promise to deal with the helpless child. The trembling child nestled in Zuko's chained arms, too scared to speak.

"I must admit your father's chastisement never seemed to do much to break that obstinate spirit. I suppose even the whip can't remove all vices and weaknesses in such a brat. Don't worry, you'll have your pet back in one piece," Zhao sneered, as the memories were flooding back into Zuko's mind.

"Aiiro," Zuko choked as the quivering child was ripped from his arms. Soldiers held him back, preventing Zuko from doing anything. Aiiro was so tiny, so fragile, so innocent. Why was this happening? Was the little boy suffering because he was near Zuko? Perhaps the exiled prince really was cursed.

"Master!" Aiiro cried out, as the guards dragged him away. He was chained to the wall by his wrists, leaving him dangling in midair. His little legs kicked helplessly, but he was effectively restrained.

This scene seemed too familiar. He could hear the voice of his father, ordering Zuko punished for such crimes as forgetting a meaningless fact or not being the ideal child. An innocent and helpless child stretched out on instruments far too big for him. Zuko felt himself tremble inside. This was not supposed to happen. He was Aiiro's protector. He should be able to do something.

Zhao smiled and walked over, wrapping his uninjured hand around Aiiro's leg. "I should knock out your teeth for what you did. But I think I'll make your own body hurt you," he told him, closing his hand. Zuko was sick inside. His martial arts training had taught him pressure points. He knew what would happen next. It had been done to him enough.

Aiiro started screaming at the top of his lungs, writhing back and forth in sheer agony. Most masters used that nerve pinch for a mere second as a form of strict discipline but Zhao had not let go. "Have you learned your lesson, child? It's the lesson your master failed to learn. You will learn to obey your authority," he said to the shrieking child. Zuko bit his lip to keep in his own screams.

"Stop it!" the Avatar commanded. "He's just a child!" Tears were in his eyes at the pitiful sight.

"Mama," the child wept, as he quivered in agony. Tears were running down his cheeks as he seizured back and forth. Zuko choked, wishing he could close his eyes and block out this scene.

"Have you learned your lesson yet?" Zhao mockingly asked, giving Zuko a satisfied glare. "Because I can keep going."

"Stop! It hurts!" Aiiro pleaded, as the pain continued. His eyes bulged with pain as he flailed about.

"I'll do anything. Just stop hurting him," Zuko begged, horrified at the sight.

"Dad!" Aiiro suddenly called out to his dead parents. Zhao's face tightened a bit and removed his hand. Aiiro fell limp, still trembling.

"Just be quiet," Zhao muttered disgustedly, looking a bit shaken. "You'll be fine in a second. Stop sniveling."

"You really don't have any honor. Hurting a child who is tied up. The Great Admiral Zhao who won't even give his opponent a fighting chance," Zuko spoke up, speaking up with a glow in his eyes that indicated he was aware of what his outburst would earn.

"You are right, this is boring. I suppose it would be more fun to deal with a traitor. I prefer you in one piece so you can walk to the scaffold, but I'm sure we can make that walk just a little more uncomfortable."

The next morning, Katara and the crew had decided to move Sokka into the General's room, so she could tend to both of them at the same time. A few of the other crew members had been wounded lightly in the attacks, and Katara found herself playing nurse to them too. No one talked much about the dwindling rations of food and fresh water, because no one seemed to have any bright ideas on how to remedy the situation. The general barely spoke, besides muttering his lost nephew's name occasionally.

Just when Katara had thought things could not get worse, one of the soldiers reported that a pirate ship was approaching. For a moment, she panicked, knowing that the last pirate band she had met had a minor grudge against her. Then she remembered that Zuko's sister was a pirate, it must be her crew coming to pick her up. Her heart leapt in her chest, perhaps her village was aboard. She would do anything to see her Gran Gran again.

"Sakura's coming?" the general suddenly asked. "I must speak to her." He weakly pushed himself to his feet. Although the old man was clearly not at full strength, Katara was amazed to see him stand up from bed. He truly was amazing.

An hour later, the ship docked alongside. The crew gathered and watched as a tall woman climbed aboard. Katara knew instantly that this was Zuko's mother; they had the same stiff posture and coloring. "Prince Zuko runs a lazy ship. Sitting in the middle of the ocean like a idle slug. Now where is my daughter?" she asked, her tone and regal.

"Sakura, I think this would be best discussed alone," Iroh said from his seat. He looked pale but an eerie strength coiled in his bearing.

"I don't want to speak to you, Iroh until I speak to my daughter. Is that really so hard to deal with?" the lady demanded, as more women boarded the ship. Katara had never seen such wild creatures, armed to the teeth.

"Aren't you wondering where Zuko is?" the general demanded angrily, looking fierce. "He was captured by Ozai's henchman. Hotaru too."

"My children." For a moment, the blood drained from the pirate's face. She reeled as if struck. "Zuko belongs to Ozai, not me. I gave him up," the pirate finally answered. "He is not my concern." She seemed to be talking it into herself.

"How generous of you, Sakura. I've seen animals with more maternal instincts then you." The general's coldness was cruel, even Katara was a bit taken aback.

"Of course, my crew and I will save him for you, my teacher," Sakura said, her voice tinted with a bit of shame. "Even if he is nothing to me." She did not sound so convinced now. "None of my crew gets left behind and especially not Hotaru. If I manage to save him on the way, then I'm quite lucky."

"I'm sure he will be grateful," the general responded disdainfully.

"He won't feel grateful, he hates me. That is the way things are," Sakura retorted.

"Listen, lady. Your son is a sociopath who should be kept in chains when he loses his temper but he also is the reason my brother and everyone else on this ship is still alive. He sacrificed his dignity and liberty for all of us! He had the chance to turn in his sister and yet, he decided to go with her to Sedna knows where! Now, you may hate him for your own reasons but the rest of us owe him our lives. I'd give anything to see my mother again and here you are, throwing away your own child!" Katara shouted, not believing how cold this woman was. No wonder Prince Zuko was so insane, his parents were not much better.

"That girl talks too much," the captain muttered angrily, giving Katara cold look.

"Your son and you have the same opinion, but she is right in this instance," the general smiled.

"War before family, dear. We have a battle on hand," the captain said impatiently, gesturing to her female pirates.

"Another adventure into the jaws of death, my student?" Iroh asked proudly. "We most likely won't survive."

"That's what makes life interesting," Sakura retorted, helping Iroh to his feet. Katara grinned. Maybe it was hopeless, but just knowing that there was a chance gave her hope. Sure, it was one ship and less then forty people against the Fire Nation navy, but it was better then nothing.

Aang had never seen anyone truly beaten. Students at the Temple sometimes received the cane from the monks, but nothing compared to the abuse poured down on the prince. The soldiers kicked him and rained blows on the poor boy's already battered body. Aiiro sobbed through the whole affair but the young Firebender said absolutely nothing. He had his eyes closed and seemed to be in another plane of existence.

"That's enough. Let our young friend rest. He should be all ready for tomorrow," Zhao said softly, with a smile. The cell door clanged as the cruel officer left. His footsteps melded with the sounds of Aiiro weeping.

"Master, oh Master," the little boy kept weeping, cradling the older boy's head. Zuko was not responding, he just stared off into space. Aang said nothing. He felt useless and horrible. If only he had not left the Air Temple. "Please speak to me. I'm sorry. Oh Master, I am so sorry."

"This isn't your fault. Aiiro," Aang called across the hall, wishing he could do more for the little boy.

"You are the Avatar! Why can't you do anything! How could you let everyone suffer so much?" Aiiro demanded angrily, his eyes brimming with tears. Aang had no answer, so he said nothing.

The hours past by slowly but no matter what Aiiro did, Zuko would not respond. He seemed awake, just trapped in a trance. Aang wished he knew what to say to Aiiro to answer that question.

Now he understood that bond. How brave Zuko was to sacrifice himself for others. Aang had always tried to practice self-sacrifice to make up for the cowardly act of running away. He still wished they could have been friends sometime; he envied Aiiro dying beside a loved one. He was going to die alone. He watched as finally the little boy kissed his protector's forehead and cuddled up beside him. "I'll guard you, Master." A few moments later, the exhausted boy had closed his eyes.

Aang was desperate now. "Someone, please help me!" he silently prayed. The Avatar was supposed to be the spirit bridge between worlds; he could use some of those spiritual powers right now. He closed his eyes, begging sleep to come to him soon.

"Aang, what's wrong?" Monk Gyatso asked in a caring tone.

"I don't know, I just feel lonely." Aang sighed, staring out the window.

"Why do you feel that way? Not enough Pai Cho?" the older monk asked, giving a soft chuckle.

"The other kids don't want to play with me. Afkio has been horrible to me ever since he found out I'm the Avatar. All I do is train and train. I feel so lonely," Aang answered.

"My little one, you are never alone. If you truly listen, you will always hear the voice of a friend."
"The voice of a friend? What do you mean?"

"When you need to know, you will find out. Just remember, help is always there if you seek it."

"The voice of a friend?" Aang opened his eyes and realized something. Prince Zuko was sitting upright, though his eyes were still closed.

His posture had stiffened and his eyes had widened, indicating he was in internal pain. He was rocking back and forth, with the air of a cage being rattled. Aang was sure the prince had gone insane; he was breathing heavily and shaking like a lunatic. After a beating like that, Aang was surprised the boy could move! How could this be possible? Zuko should still be unconscious.

Suddenly, the golden eyes opened. "Hello Monkey!" came the voice in a jovial tone that sounded completely different from Zuko's usual low timbre. Although it was Prince's voice, it seemed so different.

Only one person had ever called Aang "monkey" before. "Kuzon?" he asked. No, Kuzon was dead. This was impossible. Perhaps it was Aang who had gone mad.

"Glad you remembered me, Monkey. Yes, it's me. Or at least, it's my reincarnation." The face was now set in a wide grin that was completely different from Zuko's but as recognizable to Aang as his own face.

"I knew it. I knew there was something familiar about him," Aang crowed, no longer feeling the pain of the chains.

"What do you think of him?" Kuzon asked through Zuko's mouth. His posture was so different, loose and relaxed unlike Zuko's stiff pose. "I'm pretty proud of my cousin."

"Your reincarnation isn't the easiest to deal with. He has a habit of capturing me or tracking me like a wild animal. Still, I am so glad to see you again, Kuzon. I missed you more then anything. The world is so different now," Aang gushed, wishing he could embrace him.

"Some things never change. That is why I am here. When I died," Kuzon began to speak.

"About that. Please, I'm sorry for causing your death and the death of your brother. I am sorry beyond anything. I failed you then and I am about to fail the world now," Aang said, his good feelings melting away.

"Is that what Zuko told you? Poor boy, he doesn't know the truth. In order to harness the power of Sozen's comet, one must have already shed the blood of a member of your family. Druzin died because he participated in a stupid war without a purpose. I was telling the truth, I had no idea what happened to you. Uncle Sozen didn't exile me because of Druzin's death. I was trying to find you to stop my uncle. He had me killed in order to begin the war. I didn't kill myself. "

"Your own uncle killed you?" Aang gasped. He had meet Fire Lord Sozen once when he and Kuzon had gotten into a bit too much trouble. Sozen had been terribly stern with them both but Aang would never believe he would kill his own nephew.

"After Druzin died, Uncle Sozen lost his mind. But because of my sacrifice, I was given the opportunity to find you again in another life," Kuzon explained, still using Zuko's body as a puppet.

"So that is why Zuko was so eager to hunt me down. I'm flattered, though a note would have been just as nice," Aang muttered sarcastically.

"Hey, I'm a fire bender, I like being direct. Aang, I can't stay here long. I am just here as a messenger from Great-Grandfather Roku," Kuzon said, as his voice began growing lower.

"What is it? That I failed the world? I did not master the elements and I am on route to the Fire Lord. That I failed everyone. Again!" Aang sniffed, as the hopelessness weighed down on his small shoulders again.

"Calm down. There is still a way, but you have to be ready for it. Are you?" Kuzon asked.

Aang nodded resolutely. No matter the price, he would have to pay it. "I am ready."

I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin
---Memory