This is my first Avatar The Last Airbender fanfiction this chapter was not Beta read and if any are interested in beta reading my work before it's post PM

I would like to thank all my patient readers and hope you enjoy this next chapter

Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA

After having left the mess hall Zuko spent the rest of the day in his room. He laid in his bed staring up at the ceiling. He couldn't believe how things had turned out. He couldn't believe they wanted him to become the Fire Lord and not only that but help them take it from his father. He of all people... In truth, it was his birthright. But it's one thing to one day claim the throne, another to take it by force. To face his father. The father that scarred him. He's not sure if he could face him again, especially now.

On one hand, back at the catacombs, Zuko was finally willing to abandon this part of his life. To let go of a crown some say he didn't deserve anyways, and to finally let go of his hunt of the Avatar. To finally let go of seeking his father's affection. All that he was finally willing to lose, just for the people he truly loved and loved him.

But on the other hand, if Suki was here, she too would be trying to convince him to help. That's the kind of person she is. She'd tell him all that mattered was everyone doing their part. And if his part was to take the throne she'd encourage him to do it. He knew it, but why was it so difficult for him to accept that?

Zuko couldn't think straight, he then did what he could to get some shut-eye. He needed rest and in the morning he would train. At least getting back into the routine may help him figure things out. Letting his eyes shut, he allowed the rocking of the ship to lull him to sleep.

The next morning he rose from his bed and slipped out of his room and onto the deck of the ship. The dawning of the new morning sun and the cool breeze of the salty sea air comforted him. He becoming a bit nostalgic for his time on his old ship. He almost missed it, even though it felt like hell.

As Zuko found a proper place to stretch and move his muscles, he could already feel some stares. Even though he saw familiar armor, he was only met with unfamiliar eyes. Their gazes were suspicious and judgemental. He couldn't fault the Water Tribesmen, but it also made him grit his teeth. So once again, whether it be home in the Fire Nation, the Earth Kingdom, or among the Water Tribe he wasn't welcome.

Taking a deep breath Zuko shutting out his surroundings. He steadied his beating heart, but just as he felt his chi beginning to flow he had a twisting feeling in his gut. And just as he punched into the air barely a spark left his knuckles. Zuko blinked in disbelief. He tried again punching the air, but only a puff of smoke left his fist.

"Hahaha."

"Hehehe."

Zuko narrowed his eyes hearing some of the Water Tribesmen laughing and giggling at his attempts to Fire Bend. This only angered Zuko even more. He punched and kicked the air again and again and again. He began to roar in anger as pain filled his body. His anger fueled his inner fire. Soon some sparks and small flames did lick across his knuckles, but it wasn't the same. It was weak, it was diminished.

He almost felt like he was back in the Fire Nation eager to prove himself in front of his grandfather. He was eager to show him the moves he had learned, only for him to fall and fail again and again. And Just as that thought crossed his mind, Zuko tripped over himself and fell to his knees. An aching searing pain coursing through his midsection like his insides were on fire. As Zuko collapsed he heard even more laughter some of the men openly jeering the Banished Prince.

Zuko didn't care if he was in pain. He wouldn't take such disrespect. He wasn't a little boy anymore. He yanked himself to his feet and turned his eyes to the men watching and laughing at him. "What are you laughing at?" Zuko growled still gripping his stomach.

"Nothing," one of the men spoke his voice deep and gruff. He was barely even trying to hold back his chuckle. For him, he found it justified to see the Fire Prince struggle and fall. To him, the Prince didn't deserve to be saved in the first place.

Zuko snarled his nostrils flaring. So much pent-up frustration and needed to let it all out. "If you think I need my fire bending to throw you overboard, you got another thing coming," Zuko spat at the man.

"Was that a threat brat!?" the soldier snapped, stepping towards the Prince. He was a tall and powerful-looking warrior. Despite that Zuko wasn't impressed by his bluster.

"Yes, it is," Zuko straightened his back as he glared up at him. Zuko may be shorter, and he may be younger, but he would not cower away.

They both glared at each other while several other Tribesmen gathered and watched. After a few seconds, the man smirked. "Hm, you are pathetic," he said, amused by Zuko's attempt at puffing his chest. "The Avatar and the Chief's daughter should have just left you to rot back there. A good fire bender is a dead fire bender after all."

"You better watch your mouth before I knock out your teeth," Zuko shot back. However, before he could react, The man punched him square in the gut. Zuko groaned as he doubled over his legs trembling as he gripped his stomach.

"You are no threat to me, Ashmaker," the man retorted lowly bending his head to whisper in Zuko's ear. He enjoyed the sight of the fire bender in pain.

Zuko narrowed his eyes as he steadied himself, catching his breath. Then with one swift motion, he shot up and smashed his head into the man's jaw. The man inadvertently bit down on his own tongue, flooding his mouth with blood.

"You... You Bast-!" before he could scream in rage or choke out more insults, Zuko grabbed and yanked him by the collar. Without hesitation Zuko slammed his forehead into the man's face shattering his nose. Zuko didn't care or even react as he bruised his own forehead. Just as the man reeled back from the hit, Zuko swung his fist across the soldier's face knocking him out cold.

The once cocky Tribesmen fell onto the deck of the ship in a limp heap. A few teeth scattered across the floor as he was knocked unconscious. The other soldiers that were laughing along with him were all in stunned silence, looking down at their friend before looking up at Zuko. "Who's next?!" Zuko barked with narrow eyes.

"What's going on here!?"

A familiar voice cut through the tension as all eyes turned to Hakoda as he approached. He saw his fellow Tribesmen on the floor and the Fire Prince standing over him. Obvious to him at least what had happened. "I guess it was a mistake to allow you to roam the ship freely... Men escort the Fire Prince to his chambers and make sure he stays there," Hakoda ordered as the other men shook themselves from their stunned states.

"Yes, Chief," they drew their spears and surrounded him.

Although Zuko was tired and his bending was not up to par, he wasn't about to submit to no one. "I would like to see you try," he challenged raising his fists.

The guards and Hakoda were about to advance when he felt someone push his side. "What are you doing?!" Katara said as she rushed over. Pushing herself into the fray.

"The Fire Prince attacked one of my men. He's too dangerous to be allowed to roam the ship free," Hakoda spoke with authority as he looked down at his daughter. "I know you are having issues with me right now, but trust me this is all for the best," Hakoda said touching her shoulder and trying to get her to move to the side, but she slapped his hand away.

"The only place Zuko is going is a healing session with me," Katara spat angrily.

"Katara, I'm not leaving you alone with him," Hakoda insisted, but Katara was done listening to her father. She immediately grabbed Zuko's wrist and pulled him to follow her leading him away. As Hakoda turned to follow and stop her he found his feet were frozen in place. A thick piece of ice wrapped around his ankles freezing him to the deck.

Zuko didn't have time to argue or question anything. Next thing he knew he was back in his room on his back. Katara used her water bending to try and heal his wounds. "I'm sorry about them Zuko," she said as he told her what had happened.

"I don't care about them... what about my bending? Why can't I bend like I used to?" Zuko asked as he felt the bruises and cuts on his body seal up.

"Well..." Katara was hesitant not sure how he would react, but knew she had to be honest with him. "It seems the lightning did more damage than just burn you... there is a lot of blockage here like your chi isn't flowing properly. It may take time for it to heal, but I'm not sure."

"Oh," Zuko replied as he took in her words. He wasn't sure how to feel or even react. He just chalked this up to more of the same. Whenever he felt like he was improving and life was good. He'd get knocked down all over again. Life just had a way of testing him to his limits.

Katara continued to heal him as she saw him fall silent. She truly felt sorry for him and knew she had to do something. She owed him after all. "Would you like some dinner?" she asked as she stood up.

"Yes, thank you."

"Okay, I'll bring you some food for you..." Katara got up after redoing his bandages. At times like these, she wished she did more of those healing lessons when she was at the North Pole. Maybe if she did she could have helped him even more. As she walked over to the door she turned and faced him. "Zuko about the invasion plan... tomorrow my brother, Aang, Toph and I will be taking Appa to scout ahead to the rendezvous point," she asked reluctantly. "My father will be taking the ship to gather more of our allies before meeting up with us. I know you haven't agreed to help or not, but we would like you to come with us."

Zuko sighed hearing her. "I don't know...," he said as he leaned back on the bed staring up at the ceiling. "I'll let you know in the morning."

Katara could hear the self-doubt and shame in his voice, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she nodded her head and turned to leave. Once she was gone Zuko sighed heavily as he was left alone. "What should I do?"

"What should I do?" Suki asked herself as she laid back staring up at the ceiling of her cell. It had been so long since she and her sisters were forced to board the ship and left the Earth Kingdom shores. Since then she hadn't seen them even once. She didn't even know if they were alive or not. And when those thoughts invaded her mind she quickly shut them down. She had to keep hope, she needed to keep hope they were okay, they had to be.

Just as Suki felt her eyelids grow heavy as sleep was about to claim her, she heard the door to her cell forced open. The dragging of rusty metal stung her ears as her eyes shot open. "How is my favorite prisoner doing?" Suki immediately recognized the vile gleeful tone of the Fire Princess. She truly couldn't believe Zuko was actually related to her. Just as his name entered her mind her heart shattered.

"Oops did I wake you?" Azula asked as she stepped into the room flanked by Fire Nation guards. "Or are you still mourning poor Zuzu," Azula mocked. She had told Suki many times how she killed her own brother. Watching the mix of pain and heartbreak amused the Princess.

As soon as Azula spoke of Zuko, Suki lunged at her violently wanting to scratch out her eyes, but the guards immediately grabbed and restrained her. "I'll kill you!" Suki screamed in rage.

"Mmmmm and here I thought we were gonna be good friends," Azula chuckled as she eyed the girl being held down, thrashing like a wild animal. "Bring her to the interrogation room we have more things to discuss," she ordered as she walked out of the room.

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