A/N: Sorry once again for a delayed chapter. (And this one is pretty short too, sorry.) Real life is giving me a hard time. I never get a chance to write anymore. D: But now it's spring break, so I'll try my best to update as often as I can. Well… here it is. And, sorry that nothing ever makes sense. Guess you have to get used to it ^^;

Falling

The trees beneath Appa were bright green and lush, the sky above a clear blue, streaked by wispy clouds. It was a tranquil scene, yet the events that had occurred earlier were anything but...

A Fire Nation ship soon came into sight, docked on the opposite coast from the fire their Prince had started. Zuko smirked, happy that he would finally be on his own ship, and the treaty would be over. He still had a chance to capture Aang. Zuko had already begun to think of a plan, a scheme that he would have to get perfectly the first time. There would be no loopholes this time, nowhere for Aang to run. And then his honor would be returned. The thought of being accepted by his father, it made Zuko more and more anxious to land. This was another opportunity, and he wouldn't let it go to waste.

As Aang prepared to lower Appa, Katara eyed Zuko suspiciously, seeing the sly curve of his lips. It was obvious he was planning something... something devious. Thinking about that, she sighed, wondering if it was smart of them to just accept a treaty with him. He was Fire Nation, after all. None of them could be trusted. So, she made her way over to where he sat, glaring all the while.

"What's that smile all about?" she asked sharply, not ready to let down her guard. Perhaps it would be best to simply tie him up until one of the soldiers took him in. Then there would be little chance for him to turn back on the treaty.

Zuko's smirk faded when Katara came over, knowing she was clever. "It's nothing of your concern, water bender. I'm just excited that I'll be on the surface again," He retorted, icy venom in the pronunciation of the title. His now stoic countenance didn't give away any of the plans he had made, only signified that he was not in the mood to make conversation. Zuko had to keep a sharp watch out, make sure he didn't miss any crucial moments. An argument with Katara would almost certainly distract him.

Completely doubtful of him, Katara narrowed her eyes. "I have everything to worry about when it comes to you, Prince." She retorted with just as much venom. "You've been trying to capture Aang since the first time you came across him, no way that a man like you can change." She wished that he would just leave the avatar alone one day, and let them complete his training in peace.

Change? Zuko smirked at her, before turning away and looking down over Appa's side. It was a long drop down… he considered the chances of surviving a plunge into the ocean from this high up. It didn't seem promising… but Katara was too kindhearted to push Zuko off the side. Had it been Azula, however, Zuko would've died a very long time ago. "I won't change until I have a reason to. Perhaps you have an idea?" When she had no response, Zuko couldn't help but give a small smile of triumph. Even if she had found a legitimate reason, he would've quickly countered it anyway. The Avatar's personal life mattered nothing to Zuko.

"We're here!" Aang yelled, landing his bison on the deck of Zuko's gleaming metal ship. Appa groaned loudly, not liking the sight of all the soldiers aiming at them… "Call off your men, Zuko. I thought we made an agreement," the young air bender demanded, not realizing what was actually happening until he felt hot hands burning his shoulders. "Welcome to my ship, Avatar. I am sure we will have a wonderful journey back to the Capital." Zuko threw Aang harshly into the metal deck, his body making a loud clang as he was too stunned to airbend a cushion to his fall. Several of the guards began to firebend, but he was quick to hop on his feet and deflect the fiery waves with his staff. "How could you do this?" he yelled at the grinning Prince, watching helplessly as the fire bender took hold of his friends. "Katara!" Zuko was burning her arms, his hands already bright orange from the flames. Aang couldn't look away, he had to save her! He had to get to her, somehow, someway. In his distraction, he didn't see the soldier with a spear charging for him… and everything went black.

Aang woke up with his head pounding, his body freezing, and the dim lighting attacking his eyes. He struggled to get on his feet for a moment, but realized too soon that he was chained down. This was a cell on the Fire Nation ship, and he was headed for Fire Lord Ozai. The Avatar's heart sank as he realized that he let himself be captured. He began to think about Appa and Momo, Katara and Sokka. They were all somewhere, missing him, needing his help perhaps. "I let everyone down… again…" His voice came as a soft murmur, painful feelings reverberating in the tone. The Avatar hung his head as he waited for a miracle.

For the first time in many nights, Zuko was able to sleep peacefully. His dreams did not jolt him awake before the Sun could bother rising, his thoughts wandered to happy places instead. He had finally done it, everything would turn out okay. There was nothing left to do but get back to his home, and take his rightful place as Ozai's son. Zuko would be honorable; he would have everything that he ever lost in his grasp once more. No longer would he have to hide in shame, no. This was a new beginning, and everything was falling to place as it should…