This chapter could not have been written without a lot of help. Special thanks to Lord Baldy, Loveroftheflame, Spleef, Firebend and Irishgoddess, all of whom were instrumental in helping me. Many hands make light work. I also want to give a special shout-out to Scarylady and Karen, my new epals! A big thanks to Scarylady, for one part of the chapter, I know she'll see it.

Okay, this chapter is dark. Very dark. Like, one of the darkest ones I have ever written. Like chapter 13 before it, it involves a lot of pain and anger coming to the surface. Zuko's good luck is about to run out and Aiiro gets his famous reunion with the members of his tribe. Next chapter, we return to Hotaru and Devdan and the dastardly plot thickens. This story is coming to its big finale and believe me, it's going to be big! Warning for some slight sexual content.

Sorry for the delay but work and life is a bit overwhelming. I'll let you go now and let you read.

Who has dressed you in strange clothes of sand?
Who has taken you, far from my land?
Who has said that my sayings were wrong?
And who will say that I stayed much too long?

Can you now return to from where you came?
Try to burn your changing name?
Or with silver spoons and colored light
Will you worship moons, in winter's night.

---Nick Drake

Clothes of Sand

"You are WHAT?" Sokka shouted again. He had assumed that the Gods had finished emotionally persecuting him. Last night, having a hundred new Water Tribe members from the North had cut down on their food supply significantly. The horror stories they had told had haunted him. Surely, things could not get worse, he had thought.

How wrong he had been. The Gods had found a new way to bring him to his knees in utter torment. The Fire Lord had discovered his sister's pregnancy. Sokka had feared her death, but Fate had provided another way to obliterate his pride completely. "How could you be married to that Fire-bastard?" he whispered through the barred window.

"What did you want me to tell him? That I'm the mother of the future Avatar. Did you see how obsessively he chased Aang?" Katara whispered angrily. They joined hands through the window, trying to gain as much comfort from each other as possible. "I had no choice. Zuko won't kill his own child."

"No, but that means you have to leave Sohar. We'll never see each other again. You can't go!" Sokka said. He had been separated from his sister for long enough on the ship. He could not imagine being torn from her again.

"We'll keep in touch. As soon as my daughter is old enough, I'll find a way of reaching you and we'll run away together. Meanwhile, maybe I can spy on him and see if he has any weaknesses," Katara whispered, trying to be brave. "What are those trumpets in the background?"

Sokka turned, trying to see what was going on. A Fire Nation ship had arrived on the beach, the bright red flags waving mockingly in the wind. The gangplank had been lowered and four obedient slaves were carrying a brightly colored litter-palanquin off ship. Sokka could see the silhouette of a crowned individual inside, head held arrogantly high. Another Fire Nation royal sent to torment him.

Zuko was standing at the door of the compound, looking shocked. His ugly scarred face was looking definitely panicky, a fact that Sokka definitely enjoyed. Was it his Fire Nation wife hearing about Katara and here to pound the daylights out of him? That would be fun. "Someone has arrived."

The palanquin was set down as the slaves kneeled before the Fire Lord. "Your Majesty," they murmured reverently. They seemed extremely nervous.

Zuko motioned for the curtains to be pushed aside, but a flying ball of limbs had leapt out and ran over to him. "Master! Oh my master, my wonderful, and amazing master," cried a high voice belonging to a small boy.

He was the glowing picture of health, round cheeked and glossy hair. He was dressed in the finest red silk robes, with leather boots on his small feet. On his neatly combed Fire Nation queue was a crown in the shape of a flame. He was the perfect Fire Nation prince, besides for the enormous blue eyes that burned with such joy.

Sokka felt nauseous as Aiiro, the boy Sokka had considered a little brother genuflected in front of his worst enemy. The Fire Lord kneeled down gently and raised the prostate boy. As he picked him up and carried him inside the fortress, Aiiro wrapped his arms around the despot's neck affectionately.

Everything Yullik said had been right. Sokka had always assumed the poor child was a slave, abused and mistreated, looked up in a cell like an animal. The truth was far more devastating. "Aiiro is a traitor," Sokka said softly. And again, the Gods had sunk him to a new low.

Aiiro snuggled in his Master's arms as he was carried inside. He was overjoyed to see his Master's face again. He still looked the same, just as tall and magnificent as always. "I missed you, Master. Every day I was thinking about you, I have grown up so much. I have so many big plans now that you are home. Uhh...You can put me down, if you wish. I can walk," he said cheerfully as he breathed in Master's scent…jasmine and oranges. How wonderful it felt to be safe by the person he loved most.

"I know you can walk. I just don't think you can be allowed to roam freely," Master said, his grip on Aiiro tightening. His voice did not sound happy. This was not going the way Aiiro planned.

"Master? What do you mean 'roam freely'?" Aiiro asked, leaning his head against Master's shoulder.

"I expressly ordered you to stay in the palace. I told you to stay in Azar. Explain why you are here," Master said irritably as he continued striding forward.

"I wanted to see you, so I came. I didn't think you would mind. Everyone at the palace always seems to agree with what I want," Aiiro said innocently, wondering if he was going to be scolded. "Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked nervously.

"I do mind. I said I wanted you back in the palace where you would be safe. You are at risk here. It's dangerous! You must be protected and that is why you sail home with the morning tide. Is that understood?" Master said coldly, sounding very angry. His grip had tightened significantly as Aiiro was transported into the citadel.

"I'm so sorry, Master. I just missed you so much and I wanted to see you so badly. I didn't mean to make you angry," Aiiro sniffled, feeling tears come to his eyes. He had not meant to make his guardian angry!

Master's icy voice warmed considerably as he pulled him close. "I know. You are here already, so it's over now. Moreover, I am glad to see you. You were very present in my thoughts." Aiiro smiled, he knew Master could not stay angry for long. "I just pity you when Hyun gets her hands on you. You'll be lucky if she doesn't give you a good spanking for this," he said lightly as he placed Aiiro down on a silken couch.

Aiiro giggled as Master sat down next to him and allowed Aiiro to cuddle into his arm. "You wouldn't let her, Master. You said no one is allowed to punish me," he said, giving his master a doe-eyed look of pure innocence.

Master smiled wanly. He did look very tired; Aiiro knew he worked himself too hard. The general said it all the time. "I said no one but me. You disobeyed my orders. I have a feeling something unpleasant should be in your future," he said affectionately. Aiiro knew that meant he was home free and would not have to answer for his peccadilloes. He had really had to upset Master to get the full brunt of his wrath.

"Just knowing you are displeased with me is the worst fate imaginable, Master. I just wanted to be with you, I'm sorry I couldn't wait. Next time you leave me for nearly three months, I'll try and be more patient," Aiiro said as he nestled close.

Master snickered. "Well, when you put it that way, how could I not understand? Don't worry; I don't plan to leave you again for a long time. Family sticks together." He patted Aiiro's head. "However, you'll have to spend your visit to Sohar in this room. I'll have some scrolls sent in; you can spend your time studying. I have a lot of work to do so I can't stay here with you. Am I understood?"

Aiiro sighed and nodded. "But I am going to be so bored all alone here. Come on, Master," he whined, raising his eyes sadly. He always got what he wanted from his master.

"Aiiro, I have spoken. You've disobeyed me once and escaped without punishment. I would advise you not to push your luck. You'll have plenty of food and some schoolwork. Now stay inside where I can protect you," Master said sternly, giving Aiiro a formidable look. "I don't want to lock you up."

Aiiro lowered his eyes conceding defeat. "I should have stayed home," he mumbled, seeing as he had a long boring day in front of him. At least at home, he had Orli and toys.

"Yes, you should have. However, it's too late for regrets. I'll be back to check on you in a while. Be good," Master said, allowing his fingertips to pat Aiiro's shoulder lightly. A small, warm smile graced his lips as Aiiro basked in his love. He supposed Master did know best.

Aiiro was wrong. Sitting alone in the room was incredibly boring. Master had him copying poetry by the Fire nation's most famous poet, Cala of Azar.

"Oh Father, I swear to avenge thy death

Swear vengeance until my final breath

When the blossoms bloom again on the apple tree

I shall have brought honor upon thee"

What was it with Fire Nation people and apples? Back in the garden, Prince Devdan said he had been trying to find an apple down Princess Hotaru's dress. Aiiro had told the prince that there was more fruit on the tree and had been chased away from them. He had avoided Princess Hotaru after that. Miss Hyun said it was best he never mentioned what happened to Master. Adults were very confusing.

Aiiro munched uninterestedly on a rice dumpling and roast duck as he wished for something to do with his time. He had almost resigned himself to being bored when he heard voices from the window, voices he recognized. "Yullik, pass me the basket, I found one!" Could it be them?

"Yakone, stop pulling my hair!" cried another familiar voice. That was Miki, Yullik, and Yakone, his best friends from the Water Tribe. He had not seen them in ages; he had thought they were dead. They were fine.

Aiiro was sure Master wouldn't mind him going out to play for a few minutes. He would return and finish his work after a quick game of tag. He knew guards were posted at the doors but Aiiro could easily climb out the window. He climbed up on a divan and easily pushed himself out the window, landing on the soft sand a few feet below.

He saw his old friends standing together in a herd, talking. There was Cadi and Adva, the two youngest of the gang. Beside them were Miki and Yullik, Aiiro's best friends in the whole wide world. Nearby was the rest of the gang, Yakone and Sirmiq and Sagi and Tekva!

"My friends," he called, running over to them. He was shocked to see that the faces stared at him with confusion. How could they not recognize him? It had been a few months; he still recalled them with perfect clarity. "My friends, wait for me!"

As he ran over to them, he was shocked to see the people he considered his closest friends running away from him in sheer terror. "Fire Nation!" Cadi shouted, his eyes wide with terror.

Aiiro looked behind him to see if his guards had followed him. He'd be punished for sure if Master found him outside. He would be locked in his room for months! He assured himself with a glance that he and friends were all alone on the beach. He had to keep track of time and not stay too long.

The other kids ran what seemed like halfway across the island before they finally stopped and stared at him. "Why are you running?" he asked worriedly, as he caught up to them.

"Who are you...sir?" Sagi squeaked, her voice rising with terror as she twisted her plaits around her fingers nervously. She had never been so timid before.

"Come on, the joke is over. It's me, Aiiro. How could you not recognize me?" Aiiro laughed, holding out his arms to be embraced. No one moved. "Miki? Sagi? Surely one of you still remembers me?" he asked.

"Aiiro doesn't wear red silk clothing or a flame crown," Yakone said, his eyes narrowed with anger. "Only Fire Nationers do."

"Come on, do Firebenders have blue eyes?" Aiiro asked, pointing to his eyes. He supposed he did look a bit different with his new clothing. He never dreamed he would call attention to his most hated feature, his eyes. Strange how returning to his people made him love his eye color again. He was so happy to be among his old village-mates and to see them safe! "It's me. I can prove it. Shraga, you once stole Sokka's boomerang and hid it. Miki, you had a pet tiger seal named Yappy. Sagi, you nearly fell into the water last winter when we were kayaking, but I saved you. Shall I go on?" he said with a smile.

Recognition lit up in their eyes, but there was no joy in the reunion. "Well, if you are Aiiro, how come you are dressed like a Fire Nation boy with a crown on your head? How come the soldiers call you a prince?" Sirmiq asked, his dark blue eyes narrowing.

"What does it matter what I dress like? Master wants me in these clothes, but I am still your brother. Come on, let's play tag!" he said, trying to change the topic. Aiiro would tell them when they had warmed up more to him. "I can't stay too long. Master doesn't know I snuck out, but I couldn't miss seeing you guys. Oh, I missed you."

"Master?" queried Yakone, looking suspicious. He had not offered Aiiro a hug. In fact, he looked angry.

Aiiro supposed they were just a bit in shock. How could he explain who Master was? Master was the General's nephew, the princess's brother and the best person in the whole wide world. He was Aiiro's protector, guardian, and friend. "Master, he is the one who saved me. I owe him everything."

"Does your master happen to wear red?" asked Yullik softly, looking very pale at the question.

Aiiro shrugged. "Yes. Master is from the Fire nation after all," he answered. Aiiro wore red now too, colors didn't matter anymore.

Anger filled their faces. "You're the slave of the Fire Nation?" asked Sirmiq. "Only slaves have masters."

"Well, no. I'm your prince now. Master said so," Aiiro said, wondering why they were so upset. They should be happy with his good fortune!

"You aren't our prince! You have no right to be anything like that," Yakone spat, glaring at him.

"Traitor! You aren't being mistreated at all," Shraga snapped hatefully, giving him a look of complete disdain.

"Mistreated? What are you talking about?" Aiiro queried, wondering why his once closest companions had turned on him so!

"Yeah, you don't look like you've been starving," Tekva spat, her eyes cold with fury. She had always been so gentle once. The hot sun beat down on all of them, making Aiiro feel the heat of their anger.

Adva was the only one who seemed to show him any recognition. "But Aiiro is our friend," she chirped, as she tried to step between them. She was the youngest of them and still wore her hair loose. Yet, it was only she who still saw him.

"Quiet. Aiiro obviously has been living the good life. Look at that expensive cloak, the crown on his head, the new boots. We get none of that. Ask if he has to hunt for food every day? No. He is a Prince. And did he think to help his brothers when he gained so much?" Yakone said, shoving Adva away.

"Don't hurt him, big brother!" Adva pleaded sadly, her big blue eyes filling with tears.

"Shut up. He's a traitor! Go home if you don't want to see what we do to him!" Yakone snapped, slapping his younger sister. A sniveling Adva took to her heels and obeyed, her long hair flying behind her. "Get him!"

"What are you doing?" Aiiro gasped as he tried to back away from the faces of his angry former friends. What had gotten into them?

"Giving you what you deserve. You wear red. Red is the enemy," Sagi sniffed, her eyes cold. Her hands were clenched into angry fits. So many nights, she had slept in his tent when the storms had frightened her.

"Guards!" Aiiro called out automatically, yearning for Takeo and Shigeru to come and set things right. They were always there for him! Surely, someone must have noticed his disappearance and was searching for him.

"Fire Nation dog!" shouted Yakone as the circle of children surrounded the frightened red-clad boy. "You aren't going anywhere!"

"Yullik. You are my friend. My best friend, my seal brother. Tell them to stop," Aiiro whispered, holding his hands out to the friend he had always trusted most in the world. Yullik had to believe him!

Yullik looked at Aiiro for a long moment as he picked up a stone and lobbed it against his best friend. "You are all alone, fire-boy," he said angrily.

Aiiro was tackled to the ground, with seven pairs of hands beating and punching him. The first punch came as a shock. His gut was unprepared, and he yelled in pain. The second punch only worsened the agony.

Tears leaked from his eyes as he was dropped to the floor. He was hoisted back up to his feet, and the next blow struck him in the face. He cried out in pain as his crown was ripped out of his hair, leaving a chunk of curls still attached. His cloak was torn off as a rain of fists poured down on him. Aiiro tried to fight back, but there were too many of them. Every second brought further starbursts of pain.

When they grew tired of punching him, they bounced him off the sand a few times and kicked him. Bursts of white pain were the only thing he could see. All he could smell was his friends' unwashed bodies. All he could hear was the individuals he once called friends laughing as they hurt him. The only taste in his mouth was fear. The only thing he felt was pain.

"You live well while we all suffer. You aren't our brother anymore. You are the enemy," Sirmiq hissed as a rock hit Aiiro's head. More rocks fell, pounding away at him. More shouts and insults were tossed with the rocks, but Aiiro could barely hear them.

Aiiro finally lay motionless on the ground, in too much pain to move. He lost track of time. Time was measured only in the few seconds between experiences of pain. So delirious was he that he almost missed the sounds of footsteps approaching.

"Make them stop," Adva was crying, her voice filled with sobs. His little spirit of mercy was bringing him salvation. Now everything would be all right. The others would pay for touching him and betraying him!

"What is going on here?" a voice asked. "Everyone, break it up now!" It was Sokka, coming to save him! He would punish those backstabbing brats, hug him tightly, and welcome him home. Suddenly, Sokka's voice turned cold. "Aiiro."

"Sokka help me please," Aiiro begged, latching onto one of his legs. Surely, Sokka would believe the best of him! He would understand and care about him.

Sokka recoiled and kicked the boy back into the dirt. "Don't. Don't touch me," he spat, his eyes narrowing with hatred. Aiiro cringed at the pain from the look and the kick, both of which were damaging. How could Sokka have turned against him too?

Sokka turned to the others "I'll take him back to the village. You get everyone; tell them we're holding a council session. We've caught a traitor." Sokka turned back to glare down at the quivering mass at his feet. "Get. Up." he spat, nudging him with his foot roughly.

The ground seemed to shift and move faster and faster and the brilliant blue shade of the sky faded and turned dull. Aiiro started to sway like the world around until he gently fell back and stared up into the graying sky as he closed his eyes. Aiiro forced himself up and slowly tried to lift his beaten body off the ground to stand, but could only raise himself to his knees. Sokka began to walk stiffly towards the village, but Aiiro could only dig his hands into the dry dirt to move himself along. The pain from the beating was radiating across his body every time he moved, sweat began to bead on his forehead from the effort of keeping it all in. Aiiro convinced himself he wouldn't cry or yell out, he would be strong. "Master," he whispered.

By now, Sokka noticed Aiiro wasn't walking behind him. He turned back to see the bloodied boy digging in the earth with his stiff hands. The red streaks slowly moving down his face made Sokka think twice about his approach, he was only a boy after all...no. He was a traitor. A traitor is a traitor, he assured himself. He could not dare touch him and remind himself of how he had once hugged this deserter close.

"C'mon. Get moving" Sokka bit his lip immediately after; he wished it didn't have to be this hard. Aiiro finally manage to balance himself on his feet and slowly wobble along, trying his best to keep with Sokka's pace. His eyes seemed unfocused and his pace swayed like the tops of the palm trees above him.

Sokka couldn't stand to watch the boy suffer anymore. No matter what he had done, Aiiro had once been his brother. He could not keep torturing himself like this. He resolved to keep his eyes focused ahead, to treat Aiiro as but a prisoner.

Yet he couldn't help looking back after he heard a soft thump. Aiiro was sprawled out on the ground; his arms were spread out as if he were trying to embrace the sky. Sokka gently nudged Aiiro with his foot, but the boy couldn't move. "It hurts," he kept whimpering.

Sokka reluctantly picked up the little offender and slung him over his shoulder to carry him to the village, just like the way he took back a seal carcass. That was how he had to think of him. How he wished he could just give him back to Zuko!

When he had been alone on Master's ship, Aiiro had dreamed of returning to his village. Now, tied to a stake in front of his former tribe and blue-clad strangers, he wondered if these were the same people he had pined for. Everyone had gathered around him, looking at him with eyes filled with hate and distrust.

Aiiro trembled, frightened to be the subject of such hatred. These people were his family, his friends. How could they all betray him like this? Surely, he was lovable, even if he was an orphan without family. All he wanted to do was go home to Azar, to his beloved Master.

"Aiiro, son of Shtiya, you stand before the tribe to answer for your crimes," said Aunt Kitsu, stepping forward along with Aunt Inbal and three of the strange blue-clad people. "I and four elders will judge your case. Sokka shall provide the case against you. You will be allowed to choose a defender from among us."

Aiiro looked at her. "Let me go, I haven't done anything," he said, feeling the eyes of his tribe on him. They saw him as a stranger now, an outsider. How could this be happening? He could feel everyone's icy eyes and searched for one pair of eyes that would be warm and kind. Everyone refused to meet his eyes. "Won't someone defend me?" His pleas were ignored. Everyone turned away from him.

"Haven't done anything, you say? So betraying your people, being responsible for the deaths of hundreds, and becoming a fire nation dog is called doing nothing nowadays. I am beyond disappointed in you. I am disgusted with you," Sokka snapped, glaring down at him.

Aiiro stared up at him. "I didn't kill anyone. I wouldn't, you know that. Sokka, you know me. I'm not a Fire Nation dog; Master just takes care of me. He saved my life. I'm still your Water Tribe brother," he pleaded frightfully. People whispered after that. Aiiro could hear the names they called him. They hated him.

"I have no brother. He died the moment you sold us out. I mourn his loss, but you are not my brother. You dress in the color of the Fire Nation. You wear their crown; you broke your promise and revealed the secret of ice writing to the Fire Nation. Do you deny it?" Sokka roared, glaring at him.

Aiiro nodded. "I did, but Master...he said he needed to know. I made him a member of the Water tribe, so it wouldn't be breaking my promise," he whispered, his knees shaking at the anger radiating from everyone.

Sokka was seething with rage. He raised his hand to smack him when Aunt Kitsu spoke up again. "Do you have any idea what your actions have cost your people, Aiiro? Because of the information you gave the Fire Lord, he was able to conquer our Northern Brethren. The majority of the tribe was wiped out because of what the Fire Lord found in the Ice writing."

Sokka interrupted again, "All because you showed him how. You had no right to show those things to him. None. "

Aiiro's bottom lip trembled. Why were they so angry with him? Master was part of the water tribe now. He could tell him. Master would have been angry if he hadn't told him.

A small part of his brain somehow recognized that Master was not supposed to know, even if he had made him part of the water tribe.

"I accuse you of treason, oath-breaking, collaborating with the enemy, High Treason. I accuse you of being an accessory to the following crimes, Raping and Looting, Theft, murder, the torture and starvation of the Northern Water tribe, genocide, slaving and hmm,...uh...anything else I think of too. You've done so much, I think I've lost track," Sokka sneered. "Step forward, Sangok and testify to what happened to your tribe,"

"I demand justice. I had a family. I had a home of ice. I had food. Then the Black Oil came and destroyed us all! Everyone but me is dead!" a young battle-scarred man said softly, limping out before the tribe. "And whose fault is that?"

"I heard the guards themselves say that you revealed ice-writing to the Fire Lord! How could you? Why would you join them?" Yullik stepped forward and said, his small body shaking in rage. "We aren't friends anymore."

"Have you anything to say in your defense?" Aunt Kitsu asked. Aiiro opened his mouth, but could only sob in sheer dread. He didn't know what he should say; he just wanted them to love him again!

Aunt Kitsu looked down on Aiiro with a mixture of pity and hatred. She hesitated for a long moment before speaking one word. "Then I, Kitsu, daughter of Ilea found you guilty." Aiiro trembled, feeling the word eat into him. She had been a second mother to him. She was supposed to love him.

The second counselor would not even look at him as she boldly declared, "For my son, my father, and my husband, I, Sesi daughter of Amak find you guilty." He had never seen her before, how could she pass judgment on him?

"Master, why is this happening to me?" Aiiro wondered. "You said you'd protect me. I need you Master."

The third counsel member; another stranger, spoke up. "I, Suka son of Tuaq say the fire Nation child is guilty." Hatred burned out of his eyes onto Aiiro's small form. Everyone staring at him as if he was something the seals had left behind.

The fourth was already speaking, an older man with sad blue eyes. "Though I am conflicted over his youth, I, Kisaut son of Kapvik must declare he is undeniably guilty."

Aiiro trembled, dreading the last voice of Aunt Inbal. He knew he was doomed. Still, a small part of him still believed Master would save him, or that the counsel member would take pity on him.

"I, Inbal daughter of Shino say he is guilty," the last voice rang out, stronger then one would expect from an old woman of her age. She had been a grandmother to him! Merciful Sedna heard not his silent pleas. "He has forsaken his people and so we shall forsake him."

Aunt Kitsu nodded sadly. "You have been found guilty on all counts. I ask the tribe to pass judgment upon him."

"I shall speak up for him now. He should be found guilty but now mercy should be applied. His years are young and he didn't know his crime. I suggest servitude to regain his standing," Gran Gran said, her voice calm and gentle. Aiiro looked at her through tear-filled eyes.

"I say give the brat a lashing. A taste of the seal skin to remind him of his place," Aunt Sura said, her hands on her hips. She had always been in charge of punishment and her strap had been quite legendary. When she put someone across her knees, the unfortunate child was unable to sit down for a week. Aiiro gulped but steeled himself. He would take a lashing if it restored him to good favor in his tribe.

"Lady Kitsu, I must protest. For his crimes, death is the only punishment suitable," Elder Suka said, glaring at Aiiro, who felt the blood drain from his face. They were going to kill him?

"I second that motion. Death by fire, since you seem to love the element so much, let it be your end. Water is too good for you, traitor," Elder Sesi said, her eyes narrowing. Aiiro panicked. Only one vote stood between him and the flames.

"He's but a child. He can't be held responsible," said Elder Kisaut, giving Aiiro a look of pity.

"Please don't hurt me!" Aiiro begged, his voice shuddering with terror. He felt his chest close with terror as his breathing grew ragged.

"He is old enough to know what is right and wrong. The motion is accepted." Kitsu said, nodding her head. "Aiiro, son of Shtiya, you made your choice. Look what fire will give you," she said softly, in a voice without mercy. "Get some wood. Sokka, you will perform the ceremony. You were his leader."

Sokka watched the wood being piled around the sobbing child. He had never killed anyone before. Something inside him felt wrong, but the tribe had spoken. Aiiro had to face the punishment. The Northern Water tribe's loss must be avenged. He watched as people spat at Aiiro, cuffed him as they pilled the kindling high.

Sangok, one of the Water Tribe warriors bound Aiiro's chest tightly to the stake. The child screamed as the knots dug into his flesh. Sokka winced. That would prolong the agony, as the child would have the fire slowly consume him. Sokka planned to do the declaration, light the fire and then leave. He could not bear to watch.

He stepped forward as the village waited for justice. Aiiro was shaking and bawling. Images of the young boy filled his mind, the fun times they once had. He remembered teaching the boy to use a club, fishing with him. Now he was being asked to kill him. "Let the Spirits bear witness that Aiiro, son of Shtiya and Nanuq is hereby disowned and banished from his village and tribe for his heinous crimes. From this moment on, his name shall be forgotten and all affection for him be turned to hatred," Sokka recited the ancient words, as the blood drained from Aiiro's face. A grease fire had burned Sokka once and he had never forgotten the pain. How would it feel to be completely consumed by such pain? How could he inflict it on another?

"Don't do this," Aiiro begged, his face as white as snow. Sokka wanted to spare him but he couldn't dare show mercy to such a traitor. His hands shook. He would be haunted by this day forever. Why did Aiiro have to choose the side of evil? Aiiro had been his special one, his clever one, his darling one. Why did he have to deserve death?

"We hereby sentence him to death. Let his ancestors moan as their family name is forever disgraced. Let his soul be cursed by the dark spirits in permanent darkness for a thousand winters. Let the moon and Sedna herself take revenge on him, let him know no peace or happiness." Sokka repeated the ancient words mechanically, tears blinking in his eyes. He did not want it to be his duty!

"Stop it, stop it!" Aiiro screamed, struggling against his bonds, his eyes bulging with terror.

"Let the snow beneath his hands pierce his flesh and the animals he has consumed eat his bones. May he never see the great Hunting Grounds of the ancestors! Let all houses be closed to him, all faces unfamiliar to him. May he wander forever in the ice storm with no rest! In the name of Sedna, we strip him of his totem pole, his name, his place, and his tribe and relinquish him to the flames," Sokka chanted, watching Aiiro sobbed pitifully as the curses and doom rained down on his head.

He raised his torch and lit the kindling. Aiiro's sobs turn into shrieks of pain. As the smoke began to rise, Sokka was wishing with all his heart that the fire would go out. And by some miracle...it did.

Zuko had felt terrible about leaving Aiiro for so many hours alone. He had rushed to finish his work so that he could spend time with the little one. He had never enjoyed being touched very much, but he took great pleasure in knowing he would soon cuddle his little Aiiro very tightly.
As he signed the final paper, he was already heading out the door to the room that was currently serving as the Prince's suite. He motioned for the guards to step aside as he strode into the room, waiting for his hug and his hands to be covered with kisses, as was custom.
Zuko therefore was displeased to find that the room was empty. Where could that child be? "Aiiro, it's me. I'm not in the mood to play, so come out." He said, slumping on a chair. There was no answer.

"Aiiro, this isn't funny. If you are hiding under furniture, I advise you to come out immediately before I drag you out and take a cane to your hide!" he said, giving an empty threat. No one responded.
This was not like Aiiro, he usually responded fairly quickly to orders matched with threats. A quick search of the room revealed that the divan had been pushed to the window, the perfect height for a child of Aiiro's height to climb out the window. The pit of his stomach dropped.

"Search the island! I want every door opened! Find my Aiiro!" Zuko shouted, realizing the situation. "Bring along that blue eyed bitch," he said, feeling himself begin to panic. Aiiro was so small and fragile; he couldn't defend himself in the outside world.

As Zuko stormed out of the room, he found himself face to face with the wrong pair of blue eyes. "Have you seen Aiiro?" he demanded. "Where is he?"

"How should I know? Aren't you his jailer, keeping him locked up and away from the tribe who loves him?" the girl spat back defiantly, her hands chained together. "If you've hurt him!"

Zuko gulped, feeling the cold sweat of fear bead on his forehead. He would die before he allowed harm to come to the boy. However, how would his tribe react to seeing him? "Where is your village?" he demanded.

"Why don't you ask your guards, the ones keeping us prisoner? They would know," the girl retorted, her eyes blazing. "I won't let you hurt my people."

Zuko growled. Aiiro was in danger and he was not going to accept insolence from a Southern Water Savage. "I need to find Aiiro; I'm not interested in anything but finding it. Shut up now and show me the way!" he snapped, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. He would not lose Aiiro!

The girl's eyes widened with terror and Zuko recalled how cruelly he had treated her. He would ordinarily be ashamed of how harsh he was being but if it helped his little friend, he'd gladly do it again. The girl nodded fearfully as Zuko motioned for her to be dragged off.

As Zuko ran to the village, surrounded by guards, he wondered why he had such a feeling of terror inside him. Was he scared that the village would be cruel to Aiiro, or that they would be kind to him? Aiiro's purity, innocence, and love had fed his soul through the darkest moments of his life. He could deny the child nothing and would have to let him stay if Aiiro wished to remain with his people.

Yet, he did not want to lose him. Zuko needed him! There was the village, where he would find out the truth. A crowd had gathered, most likely to welcome Aiiro home. He could only imagine the sight of his beloved friend leaving him.

That is until he smelled the scent of burning wood and a child's screams. A premonition of utter terror sizzled through his body as he ran forward to the center of the village.

He shoved his way through a crowd. "Help me!" a voice was screaming. Aiiro was tied to a stake…fire….NO!

"Aiiro!" Zuko shouted, as he watched a spark of kindling rise up and burn Aiiro's forehead. He quickly put the fire out with a flick of his fingers. He had never imagined Aiiro was in such danger. How could he have been so foolish to allow him near an open window? "I'm here!"

"Master!" Zuko removed his dagger and cut the ropes. He cradled an exhausted and whimpering Aiiro, who clutched him. "Don't let them kill me," he pleaded, his limbs ice cold with terror. He was sobbing in pain.

"I'm here. You are safe," Zuko said, trying to keep his voice steady. Rage overflowed in him as he wondered how quickly he could put down his ward so that he could unleash a stream of fire at the bastards.

"Master, it hurts so badly. Why do they hate me so? I'm sorry, I just wanted," Aiiro whimpered hysterically, his hands wrapped around Zuko's neck. Memories streamed through his head. "Uncle…my eye…it hurts! Make it stop! Father…I'm sorry, Father…please forgive me…," a high voice cried out from the depths of his soul.

"Hush. Everything is all right. I will never let them hurt you." Zuko's eyes studied Aiiro, seeing the burns and the bruises and the blood, the marks of Aiiro's persecution. "I'm going to make them pay. They will never ever touch you again."

"I don't want to die," Aiiro whimpered, clutching Zuko closely. He was injured, Zuko needed to get him help. "I don't want to

"You are mine, you belong to me. Everything will be fine. Just let me deal with these monsters and then you will be all healed up," he whispered, squeezing him tightly against his body. He then turned to the assembled masses. "How dare you touch my ward? You are savages, a plague on the world and I will cauterize you," Zuko bellowed, feeling himself trembling with rage. His free hand filled with fire.

"No!" the Water Tribe girl suddenly screamed. "If you touch them, I'll kill myself, along with your future child!" she threatened.

Zuko's eyes narrowed as he pondered his choices. "I could clap you in chains," he reminded.

"You couldn't keep me from starving myself. If you tried to force me, you'd kill the baby," the wench shouted, her eyes blazed with fury. A nearby jug of water began to shake madly as the girl shouted insults. "Choose your wish for murder or your child."

Zuko shuddered at the thought of losing his unborn child, but Aiiro whimpered in his arms. He would not quail under threats. "I highly doubt you have what it takes to kill your own child. I will deal with you later." Zuko turned back to the mob before him to decide their fate.

"STOP!" the girl roared. Although her hands were chained water everywhere was breaking free of its jars. "Haven't enough people died already? Haven't you massacred enough of the Water Tribe in the name of your god forsaken war?" Though he knew she couldn't actually hurt him, a small part of Zuko was afraid of Katara. "I swear, you may stop me from killing myself today, or tomorrow or maybe even years, but if you harm anyone here today, someday I will take myself and my baby from you."

"Do not trifle with me, girl. I may not kill you, but I won't hesitate to punish you," Zuko snapped. He was tempted to slap her and have her locked away, but he already felt guilty enough for what he had done to her. If she managed to kill herself, shame would descend upon him in a heartbeat. Besides, Aiiro needed help. Zuko debated his options through gritted teeth. He had no stomach to massacre them all and sending them to the mines was futile. He had to think of something suitable.

"I will deal with the rest of you later. I swear this will not go unpunished. For now, I'm taking the yokel as prisoner. He'll bear some of my wrath. Take them both back to the brig and don't spare the restraints," he commanded as he carried his trembling foster child back to the ship, still trembling with anger. Aiiro was so clammy and cold. "Fetch Healer Bika!"

Zuko craned his neck, trying to watch what was going on. Healer Bika and her staff had been caring for Aiiro for the last hour. They had bathed the boy and had begun bandaging his wounds. Zuko had tried to assist them, but the sight of the glistening knives and the cauterizing brands had nearly made him pass out.

Zuko knew enough about healing to perform some of them himself, but he could not bear to cause more suffering to Aiiro. Healer Bika had requested he sit on the side. "Your Majesty, we need to do some…unpleasant things. Please, leave the room. You don't want to see or hear what is about to happen."

"I am not leaving him. He's been hurt and abandoned already," Zuko had asserted, as the small boy whimpered in pain.

"Your Majesty, I must beg your forgiveness but parents only get into the way. I took a holy oath to Agni to do what is best for my patient. I am going to need to hurt the prince in order to heal him. You can sit here and wait, but I've seen the strongest people lose their grip when their loved one is in danger. I must have complete control. I beg you to understand and allow me to work without distraction," the young healer said, bowing her head.

Zuko had thought to argue but he could not risk his beloved foster child's safety. "Do what you must. Aiiro, I am sitting right here on the chair and I am only a few steps away," he called.

Sitting that hour had been agony. Aiiro had been washed and examined. Healer Bika had taken him aside and explained to him that Aiiro had been badly injured.

"He has some bruised ribs, numerous burns, and some horrific bruising. He also has a concussion and some cuts. He'll have a nasty scar on his forehead." Aiiro would have to be tied down to have his wounds stitched up. Hearing the child scream in anguish had been more then Zuko could bear. He had debated pushing the healers aside and grabbing his foster son away from them. He had to force himself to ignore the cries, but every sob of agony ripped into his heart.

Finally, the child's sobs died down as he was dressed in fresh clean clothing. "There's a brave prince. It's all over now," Healer Bika soothed as she had her staff move aside. Aiiro's head was bandaged, as was various points on his body. His red silk sleeping garments were too big on him, making him look even smaller and helpless. He lay back, looking off into space.

"Aiiro?" Zuko asked hesitantly. He could not believe his spunky little Aiiro had become so silent and withdrawn.

Aiiro nodded slowly, seeming to be off in another world. "What?" he asked softly. He raised his eyes. Zuko shuddered when he realized how dead they look; the fire had completely disappeared from them. Is that how he looked when he had been exiled?

"Are you all right?" Zuko pressed, anger, and pity laced into every word. He had no idea what to do. He did not remember very much of the first days of his ordeal, he had been drugged and numb with pain. How could he comfort Aiiro?

"What does it matter?' Aiiro whispered mechanically. He turned his dead blue eyes onto Zuko and seemed to look right through him.

"Aiiro?" Zuko was confused. His beloved foster child had never spoken to him in that manner before. He had always been so worshipful!

"Why do you care?" Aiiro hissed angrily, suddenly looking savagely furious. "I almost died! Do you think I'm all right?"

Zuko's jaw tensed as he strode over the small boy. He took Aiiro's wrists with one hand. "I am your guardian and your lord, you will speak to me with respect!" he snapped as he towered over the wounded boy. "What has gotten into you?"

"They hate me because of you! They said you used my help to kill people!" Aiiro shrieked, his eyes almost mad with fury. "My entire tribe judged me a traitor!"

"You would not have been in that situation if you had listened to me. Those people wanted to blame me for a war that has been going on for more then a hundred years. You had nothing to do with it! You are not a traitor because you are no longer a member of the Water Tribe. You are my foster child and as such have no allegiance to those people! You belong to me! You live in my palace, you wear my clothing, you eat my food, and therefore, you can't be a traitor." Zuko snapped angrily.

"Once I wore Water Tribe clothing and ate their food. I was once just like them and now they hate me!" Aiiro sniffled, his anger fading to abject depression.

Zuko felt betrayed. He had cared for Aiiro like a father should and he expected loyalty in return. Was his bad luck returning? "I am not your jailer, Aiiro. You asked me to keep you, back on the ship. You had your chance to return and you chose to stay with me. I'll find you another family to take you in, if you wish. Apparently, feeding you, clothing you, and treating you as my own son isn't enough for you to act with any respect to me. How dare you defy me? I ordered you to stay at base, where I could protect you. Instead, you willfully and deliberately disobeyed me, twice! I forgave you the first time and didn't give you the whipping of a lifetime for it. Instead of being grateful, again, you challenge my authority!" Zuko bellowed, towering over the child who had turned pale with terror. "So tell me now, do you want to stay with me?"

"Yes, I do want to stay. I'm sorry, Master. Don't be angry," the boy whispered, his eyes wide with shock. Obviously, he had realized how much he had irritated his guardian. It was too little, too late. "I'm sorry, I just wanted…"

Zuko raised his hand as if to ready himself to administer a blow and watched the boy flinch and draw back. "There is no excuse! I should have you whipped within an inch of your life for such behavior. I have half a mind to chain you up on a leash like the foolish puppy you are. What were you thinking?" he demanded, lowering his hand when he realized anew Aiiro's forehead was bandaged.

"I…" Aiiro seemed to have no answer. His large eyes were now shiny with tears and he was shuddering with choking sobs.

"That's right! You weren't thinking. You were selfish, foolish, headstrong and acted completely unacceptably. You are a prince, the ward of the Fire Lord himself! Don't you dare think I shall be so lenient this time. You will pay dearly for this. I am going to see to it that you learn your lesson this time."

"Yes, Master." Aiiro bowed his head under the scolding, slumped in abject sadness and misery. "I understand."

"You chose to remain in my home; therefore you must obey my rules. Since you have broken my trust, your freedom is completely rescinded. You are under complete house arrest. Your guards must accompany you at all times, with more guards posted at every available entrance. All windows in your room will be barred until further notice."

Aiiro nodded sadly, his spirit obviously crushed. Zuko knew he should calm down, but he was just so angry. Aiiro had nearly died! "Yes, Master."

"You can forget the garden for a while. You will attend your lessons under guard and then back to your room, unless I specifically send for you or give you permission to go with Miss Hyun. If I would have done anything like this as a child…consider yourself lucky I don't beat some sense into you," Zuko ranted.

Memories of Ozai's abuse filled his mind. It had served its purpose. He had learned discipline from such barbarism. Perhaps he was too lenient on Aiiro; perhaps he should give the boy a good dose of the cane after he got well enough to take it. It would be more than well deserved. "In fact, I think a thrashing is just what you deserve." It would not be too hard or painful; just enough so Aiiro knew Zuko had to be obeyed. Aiiro had been insubordinate on two occasions. He imagined he should beat him himself. Anyway, he could not allow anyone else to touch his foster child. Yet, the thought of hurting Aiiro sickened him.

"You are going to beat me?" Aiiro trembled, as he shivered at the thought. Poor thing looked even paler.

Zuko didn't answer directly. "You are going to be punished severely. I am not going to do anything to you now. You are injured now, we'll discuss it when you are well," he mumbled, feeling horrible. He had hated Ozai for beating him and he had not learned any discipline, now that he thought of it. Uncle's gentle hand had taught him a lot more.

Poor Aiiro looked so betrayed at that moment that Zuko hated himself. "So you hate me too?" he whispered sadly. His whole body quivered at that, and Zuko was reminded that his tribe had betrayed this child today. He had suffered today just as Zuko had once suffered, watching the only family he had turn his back on him. He remembered being shoved aside and humiliated. He remembered losing his innocent nature and knowing the painful black swamp of self-pity.

"I don't hate you. Why would I want you to stay with me if I didn't care about you? It's just…you could have died! I wouldn't have been there to protect you! I would have failed you! I almost lost you," he muttered, his voice breaking. "I can't lose you." At that, he embraced Aiiro. "You are mine and mine alone."

His anger receding, he gently rocked the sobbing child back and forth. "I know I am angry, but you are still important to me. Don't listen to them," he soothed, as he sank down into a chair and cuddled the child. "Those savages are wrong about you."

"Lock me up," Aiiro whispered. "It's all right." His body felt cold and clammy with fear and exhaustion.

"You want to be punished?" Zuko queried, smoothing back the child's hair. The poor child must be wracked with pain and guilt. "Aiiro, I am not angry anymore. I'm only doing this because you need to learn a lesson, not because I dislike you," he said softly.

"They said I'm a murderer and a traitor. They banished me. They said I am not a person anymore, that I've lost my totem pole and my name. I don't have a soul anymore," the boy whimpered, choking on his sobs.

Zuko felt the familiar sting of the words banishment and traitor. How many nights had he wished he could cry into Uncle's shirt? "Hush, of course you have a soul. Don't be silly, you are the same boy you were this morning. Exile and traitor are just words, you can't let them define you," he said ironically. How easy was it to say these words now that he was Fire Lord? Had anyone said that when he had been blindly chasing the Avatar, he'd have destroyed them! "You always have a home in the heart of those who care about you. Uncle, I, Hotaru, Miss Hyun, and the whole Kingdom adores you. We will never abandon you."

Aiiro would not stop crying. Zuko sighed and lay down next to him, holding him close. "Master, please don't leave me," Aiiro begged. "You are all I've got now!"

Zuko nodded and rubbed Aiiro's back. "I asked if you wanted to leave me. As far as I am concerned, we are family and I will never throw you away. I just could not imagine you dying."

"I was so scared. I just don't understand…" Aiiro mewled sadly, clutching Zuko's shirt.

Zuko hushed him. "Don't think about it. It's over now. You are safe. I am right here. You are a wonderful and special little boy who is my foster son. You are a prince. Everyone who matters cares about you. You have a wonderful future ahead of you, as my son. So forget them. We'll have the servants bring us a nice hot dinner this evening. We can have quail, I know you like that dish. Just relax. You are safe," the exhausted monarch whispered, as Aiiro cuddled up to him. "I am here."

"Get him, catch him, and tear him to bits." Aiiro was running, searching for safety and yet he could not find anyone! He ran around in the darkness, blindly searching for a friendly face. "Kill the traitor!" He felt a wall in front of him…dead end. He was trapped. The hands grasped him and…

"Aiiro, wake up. Shhhh…" a calm voice said, as someone gently shook him. Aiiro looked up into Master's warm golden eyes, blurry with sleep. "You were having another nightmare."

"Oh. I am sorry," Aiiro whispered, feeling himself wet with sweat. He tried to brush away his forehead, but Master was already cleaning his brow with a silk handkerchief. He was so sore from the beating. His head especially hurt like a tiger seal's bite. "Everything hurts."

"Nothing to be sorry about. I…had nightmares too. It's fine. You needed a good rest. It's nearly dinner." Master said, from his seat next to Aiiro's bed. "I'll have the healers get you some more pain-killing herbs. You have to rest for a few days, but Healer Bika says you'll be as good as new after some time."

Aiiro sighed. That was impossible. He would never be the same person he was before. He knew he had almost died today, but he just felt hollow inside. It was as if his brain could not understand anything but the pain in his body. His forehead ached the most.

"I have to go finish some matters so we can leave early. Can you give me two hours before I come back and sit with you? I promise, you will be completely safe here in the fortress," Master said softly, as he threw a cloak over his casual clothing.

Aiiro nodded sadly. He had angered his master enough yesterday. He supposed he could wait a bit of time. He took Master's hand and kissed it. "Please come back soon," he whispered, his face pale and wan.

Zuko patted his head and nodded. "Before sunset, we'll be on route to Azar. Until then, you don't leave the bed, you are to stay put." He leaned down and tapped Aiiro's feet lightly. "I'll make it even clearer. These feet don't touch the ground until we have sailed off the island. Is that clear?" he said.

Aiiro sighed. Master had been very serious about punishing him. "What do I do if I need to use the room of requirement?" he asked quietly.

"Get a slave to carry you. I'll see you in a few hours. Have some food, we'll have dessert on the ship," Master called over his shoulder as he left.

After his footsteps faded, five servants walked bowed and walked inside the room. "Allow us the honor of serving you, young prince," they chorused. Aiiro did not want anything, he was still miserable. The young prince supposed he should still cry. He just could not. All his sadness had turned to anger. His own tribe had turned its back on him, but Aiiro was not alone now. He wasn't some orphan on the mercy of the elders; he was the Ward of the Fire Lord.

He sighed and tried to leave his bed to see how sore he was. "Would his highness care for something?" one of the maids asked.

"Yes. I want you all to leave me alone," Aiiro said softly, figuring out that his master was serious about confining him to his bed.

"Young prince, you know that isn't happening. We have orders to bind you to your bed if you misbehave. His Majesty was insistent that you don't exert yourself," a male slave said softly.

"I just wish to look out the window." Aiiro had no wish to leave the room, but he refused to sit in bed like a baby. He was not some helpless victim.

"I don't the Fire Lord would approve of that, your highness. You are to remain in bed. One of us would be honored to carry you if you wish to look outside," the manservant answered.

"Master only said I can't leave the room," Aiiro lied, pulling himself up defiantly. Master's orders were a little different, but he had just survived an execution; he surely could walk around the room a bit without peril. "He never said I have to stay in bed."

The manservant sighed, holding up a shackle in his hand. "His Majesty said he hoped it would not resort to this, but lying really is intolerable in a child. Please don't make me have to hold you down, your highness." He began to uncover Aiiro's feet.

Aiiro growled and pulled his feet back under the covers. "I said, no. I won't leave this bed but you are not tying me up."

The servant was quicker and grabbed Aiiro's left ankle in a firm grip. "If I have to, I will have to get the Fire Lord. You should be ashamed of yourself, young master. His Majesty wants you to stay in bed so you can get better. You nearly died today because you disobeyed your lord. There is a word for flouting your sovereign master's commands? It's called treason and it's not well tolerated. His Majesty was very worried about you as were all of us. Ordinarily, you are a model prince. Really, this deceit and insubordination is something new and we hope it's a passing phase. I really think you should spend this time thinking about your actions. Now, stop struggling."

Aiiro slumped sadly and allowed his left ankle to be shackled to the bedpost and the covers replaced to conceal it. "I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't mean to be naughty….I just…," he sniffled, feeling even worse about himself. Was he really such a bad person? He had been lying and ignoring orders a lot lately. He had been very badly behaved and deserved to be treated badly. "I won't do it again. I promise I'll be good now." He really wanted to be good and loved by everyone.

"You've been punished quite a bit, young master. I'm sure you've learned your lesson and we won't have any more problems out of you. Don't worry; you are usually a very good little prince." The servant's tone was far gentler now. "You can't help your savage upbringing; it will take a while for you to become civilized. I know that with the Fire Lord himself teaching you, you'll lose those coarse habits soon enough and . Now stop this sadness, young prince. You are living in the lap of luxury. I know those savages hurt you but look where you are living and look where they are living. You should be grateful and modify your behavior accordingly."

Aiiro suddenly smiled at that comment. He had just had a most brilliant idea. "Would you kindly help me get revenge on them?" he asked softly. "I promise, it won't require me to leave the bed at all."

The tall male servant nodded. "I'm here to serve your highness's every whim as long as the Fire Lord approves," he bowed, leaning close to listen to Aiiro's commands.

Aiiro sat back on his bed. He had been propped up by enormous silk pillows, and one of Master's capes had been draped around his shoulders, covering his night clothing. A fancy gold clasp held it in place, along with a golden band around his head to replace his lost crown. It was heavy and gave him a headache, but worth every bit of discomfort.

Master's room was extremely fancy anyway, so Aiiro had only to add some more draperies to make it perfect. One of his female slaves cooled him with a feather fan. A few expansive toys from his room had completed the look of a room fit for a prince. He had even gotten the cook to lend him the ship's cat, so he would have a fancy pet to amuse himself with. He had to admit, the little calico was adorable, with gold and black patches on her furry coat. Mi-Ke was a lucky tri-colored cat, and Aiiro had fallen in love with the pet at first sight. He would have to have master buy him one or two when he returned. Now he just had to wait for a very special guest.

"Have we, your humble servants permission to enter the chambers of your imperial highness?" a voice asked, knocking softly.

Aiiro nodded softly, a cold smile forming on his lips as his old friend Yullik was dragged inside, chained and shackled between two enormous red-clad and hooded guards. His face was white with terror as he entered the splendor of the stateroom. Aiiro could only imagine his terror as red-clad guards arrested him, dragging him out of the village without telling him where he was going or if he would live to see the moonrise.

Aiiro remembered the first time he had seen Master; he had been completely awed by the wealth and terrified of his power. Now, he imagined Yullik was going through the same feelings. Aiiro could order his death with a snap of his fingers and his old friend knew it.

The trembling boy was roughly shoved to the floor. "Kneel before the honorable prince, you cur!" one guard snapped, forcing Yullik to his knees. Yullik gaped fearfully and bowed deeply. Aiiro relished the revenge. He would have shared everything had they showed him an ounce of affection and loyalty.

The young prince nodded regally on his god-like throne as he patted the cat. "I shall have a light supper," he said softly, ignoring his prisoner for now.

"Of course, your eminence. Your wish is our command," said his slave, ringing a gong. Aiiro had to stop himself from giggling as Yullik trembled at the sound. Four slave girls entered the room on their knees, hobbling smoothly across the floor, carrying enormous steaming gold trays of food.

Master had dispensed with much of the formality and allowed servants to stand in the presence of the Fire Lord, but Aiiro had pleaded with them to obey the old customs for one hour or so. Well-spiced food had been piled high on golden plates, giving off a smell that made Yullik's mouth water as it passed by him.

There was sixty dishes, among them smocked squid, salmon rolls, egg rolls, dumplings, quail in honey, soup, roast duck, stewed platypus bear claws, vegetables mixed with ostrich horse livers, and for dessert, honey cakes. Aiiro had made sure that there was far more then ten men could eat. Exquisitely carved chopsticks waited for Aiiro's use. He could see the hunger in Yullik's eyes and the amazement of such luxuries.

"Is that all? I suppose that will do for now." He gently took a small amount of food and slowly chewed it, making sure Yullik could see how he relished every bit. "This quail is excellent and well spiced, I must reward the chief for his excellent work," he said, licking his lips with pleasure. "Have some," he said, feeding a salmon roll to the cat. The little feline purred happily and delicately consumed the gift, obviously pleased.

Aiiro continued nibbling on the food, making sure to savor the taste. He moved one plate of salmon to the floor, careful not to let his shackle clink. Yullik moved forward to take it but Aiiro had left it just a few inches out of his grip. The cat then sauntered down and began eating defiantly of the hungry human. Aiiro watched the scene with cold pleasure. "I think I have had enough. Remove it from my presence and burn it," he said, waving over the food.

Yullik looked scandalized at such good food going to waste. A pity he didn't know the crew would fest on it tonight and his orders were just for shock value. "Well well, what do we have here?' Aiiro asked haughtily after a long time of watching Yullik quaver and sweat in sheer terror.

"No-no-nothing. Nothing. Aiiro. It's just me. Yullik," Aiiro's former best friend babbled, looking like a penguin before a tiger seal.

"Address the honorable prince properly, you Water tribe dog!" the guard said, giving the boy a sharp cuff.

"I'm sorry, your…highness," Yullik mewled, tears coming to his eyes from the pain of the blow.

Aiiro pitied him. Yullik had once been the person Aiiro trusted most in the whole wide world. He wanted to stop the game and give him some food, but the events of today had made them enemies…forever. Orli had never betrayed him; Orli would say Yullik needed to suffer. "Like my apartments? These apartments aren't up to the usual standard, but at travel, one must make do with the bare essentials," he drawled arrogantly.

"It's beautiful…your highness," Yullik whimpered, staring down at the shackles around his wrists and ankles. Yullik was usually so well spoken, Aiiro was amused at how terrified he was.

"At home, I have a suite of rooms next to the Fire Lord. They are even fancier and more beautiful than this is. You know, I have my own ship, my own rhino, and a hundred gold pieces a week for allowance. The Fire Lord says that I'm very important. I'm his foster son, you know. I know how to read and write now, I learn martial arts and history and all sorts of wonderful things. I also have my best friend, Orli there. He's a nobleman and he knows not to betray his best friend. Now…tell me, Yullik, what should be done to a backstabbing, jealous traitor who sells out his best friend?"

Yullik looked up at him sadly. "I don't know, your highness. Please don't hurt me!" he pleaded.

Aiiro shrugged. "You know me. You know I would have shared every bit of what I had with you. But you tried to have me killed when I stepped on your territory. So now, you are back on my territory. What should I do to you? I could make you my slave. You'd spend the rest of your life in chains cleaning floors of my palace or working my garden in the hot sun. I could have you whipped and tortured for laying hands on me this morning. I could even have you executed. I think I should have you burned up, to repay the kindness you showed me. But I shall have mercy and let you go back unharmed," Aiiro sneered, feeling the pain in his forehead grow deeper. "But first, I need to know why you betrayed me?" he asked, his voice softening. He didn't want Yullik dead. He just wanted…

"Please…your highness…I don't know," Yullik whimpered, his chains jangling. Aiiro was pleased his own chain was hidden.

"You did it today. You called me a traitor; you told me we weren't friends anymore. Yakone and Sirmiq beat me up a lot more but I didn't bring them here. I trusted you. When I came back…I expected things to be as they were," Aiiro whispered, his voice resuming its normal sad pitch. "I won't hurt you. You can tell me the truth. Is it because I have more money?"

"It's not me who changed. It's you," Yullik whispered, his eyes boring into Aiiro's eyes. "I don't envy your good windfall. You've always had everything! Aiiro, the poor little orphan who manages to be the best at hunting, fishing, and warrior training. Poor Aiiro, who manages to have the whole village adoring you, you were the one who gets to be Sokka's second in command. You always got the best of everything and we accepted it. Then you were at least one of us."

"I was one of you, till you threw me out!" Aiiro snapped, pulling the covers up closer to his body.

"No, you aren't. We all were captured by pirates. We get sent to an island as slaves and you are adopted by a king. Now you are a prince of the Fire Nation, who eats well while his people starve, who sleeps in comfort and safety while his people are struggling to survive, who gave up the secret weapon that brought the Northern Water Tribe to its knees."

"That's not the way it is at all!" Aiiro protested, furious to have his life painted in the blackest colors.

"Yes it is. Did you ever think of us while you got everything you wanted handed to you? When you come here in your fancy clothing and full belly, did you even see how bad things are for everyone else? Of course not, because everyone adores Aiiro. Therefore, if Aiiro is happy, everyone is happy. You just seem to have fortune smiling on you always. I heard the guards talking about you; apparently, the Fire Nation loves you too. You are their perfect little prince. Did you ever stop and think about those around you? Don't blame me for everyone hating you, lucky one."

Aiiro shook his head. "You don't know anything about me! You don't know what it took to get me here," he retorted angrily. How could Yullik have not seen how lonely Aiiro was? He had been the boy without a family, the boy who was always alone. He had not been lucky at all. He had suffered a great deal for his "good fortune." His tribe had not understood him one bit all those years.

"Spare me your sob story. You just flaunted what you have and showed me the truth. You are just like your master now, who is a murderer bent on conquering the world. You both wear red, you both abuse your power and you both even have scars. You two deserve each other," Yullik said bitterly. He shrieked with pain as he was kicked for insulting the Fire Lord.

"Don't say that about Master! Master had been the best thing that ever happened to me! The tribe was wrong about him and you are wrong about me!" Aiiro shrieked furiously. "You never knew me at all!"

"You are right. I don't know you at all and I never did. I'm glad you aren't dead for real though." Yullik said, tears streaming from his eyes. "You were once my best friend."

"You could have still been my best friend!" Aiiro protested angrily, feeling hurt and traumatized anew. "I still could have been part of both worlds."

"You've made your choice. You are Fire nation now. Fire and Water cannot exist together. I hope your new life brings you happiness."

Aiiro sighed and motioned for his once best friend to leave him. The chain around his foot seemed even heavier than he remembered. He could feel the enormous gash on his forehead, marking him as the forsaken of the Water Tribe. As soon as Yullik's footsteps faded away, Aiiro burst into pain-laced tears of confusion again. It was not until Master returned and allowed Aiiro to nestle in his arms that the small boy knew he had made the right choice. "Are you all right, Aiiro?"

"Call me Ary."

Clothes of sand have covered your face
Given you meaning taken my place
So make your way on, down to the sea
Something has taken you, so far from me.

---Nick Drake

AN-Yes, the tribes were mean, but Aiiro became a scapegoat. At least Katara managed to think fast and save the day. Well, if you think the problems are over, you are wrong. As I said, the big finish is coming. Kalyan looms on the horizon and beautiful romance is threatened by fierce treachery. Lots more is coming! Read and review!