The cold metal of handcuffs bit into Zuko's wrists. He and Katara had just been captured. Thankfully, Aang had managed to escape. He would be able to fulfill his destiny.
Oddly enough, Mai was leading the group of soldiers that had pursued them, with no Azula or Ty Lee in sight. She eyed the two prisoners, her face in its usual expression of boredom.
"You realize your treachery of the Fire Nation will result in an automatic death sentence, don't you?"
Zuko said nothing.
She sighed and pretended to examine her fingernails. "It's a shame, really. Things were so much more interesting with you around." She glanced back up to the firebender. "Though, I suppose if you agreed to switch sides, I could just tell everyone you helped me capture the waterbender."
Zuko felt his gaze lower to the ground. The old part of him, the side that longed for his life as a prince, was fighting to resurface.
Suddenly, Mai was directly in front of him. Her finger touched his chin, tipping his head up to face her.
"Don't you miss what you used to have together?" she asked softly.
He found her offer tempting, surprisingly so. Memories of their time together flashed through his mind. Maybe, he could just go back and forget about everything…
Katara shifted, making him aware of her presence. She was so different from Mai, expressing her emotions without holding back. All she did was insult him and yell at him, refusing to trust him. And he was sick of it.
But… Wouldn't turning his back on the Avatar just prove her point?
"So, what do you say?" Mai asked. She smirked, clearly showing what she expected his answer to be."
"No," Zuko said firmly. "I've already made my decision."
Then he smiled. He was going to be imprisoned and murdered and used as an example of what happened to traitors, but he was going to do it with honour. Real honour.
Author's Notes: So, Zuko makes the right decision yet again. :D
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.
