Freedom

Chapter 63: The Dead Man Walking

The fire nation approached the group left behind from the invasion.

Hakoda and the others went to their knees in surrender. The white flag hung high above their heads. Hakoda couldn't help but look back at the sky where his children had gone, making sure they were long out of sight as the troops approached.

It took everything in him not to get up and fight. But fighting was useless. They had no where to run if things went sour, as it enviably would. Being a leader also meant you needed to know when to fall back, to cut your losses. Hakoda knew that if they continued to fight, it would only end in even more casualties, and lives lost.

He watched as each one of his fellow men and women were forced to the ground and bound, his heart breaking with every one.

Hakoda looked up curiously as he saw more men approach. He instantly recognized the Fire Nation Prince in their tow.

They shoved in line with the others, leaving him towards the front.

Hakoda had heard the stories from Katara and Sokka, of how he had saved them back in Ba Sing Se, of how his children had rescued him from the prison. Although the young man had mostly kept to himself before the invasion, Hakoda kept his eye on the firebender. He couldn't say he trusted him, but he chose to if his children did.

He also knew that if he had any hope of getting back to his children, it was through the Fire Prince.

Zuko kept his head down as he was forced in line with the other prisoners. He didn't want to meet anyone's gaze. He didn't want to fight. He knew this was the end of the line for him. His father would not let him live to see tomorrow. He was sure of it. His choices were to surrender or die quicker. He chose the first one.

He couldn't help but think back to the last time.

Zuko was a much different person back then. He had all the fight left in him. Even though he thought he was a dead man walking, he still planned to fight until the bitter end.

If not for himself, then for his Uncle.

Dai Li were quickly surrounding him and his Uncle. He fought with every ounce of fire he had. He couldn't let the Dai Li follow Katara and the Avatar. They had to get out alive, even if it killed him.

"Surrender now dear brother. We have you surrounded" Azula smirked. Her face was smug, knowing she had them exactly where she wanted them. She knew she had won and it was written all over her face.

But Zuko stood standing, "Never"

But before he knew it, Dai Li were forcing him and his Uncle to the ground. He still fought against them long after he was captured.

It wasn't until they threw him in the crystal prison, the same one he had been in only moments earlier, that he stopped fighting.

He knew he was alone in that moment. He knew no one was coming, and there was nothing he could do about it.

But little did he know that Katara would come and save him. Little did he know, it wasn't the end.

He kept his eyes trained on the ground but he could feel a pair of eyes on him. He glanced around, finding the Water Tribe Chief baring his eyes into him. He looked up and looked back at him. He expected a look of anger, or one of distrust at least. But Katara's father looked at him with a look of mutual respect.

In that moment, Zuko realized that if he had any hope of getting back to the group. In fact, his only hope, was to work together. This wasn't a fight he could do alone.

Even if he couldn't make it, maybe he could bring Katara's father back to her.

Zuko wouldn't let it be like last time. There was no one coming to save him, so he had to save himself.