I've fought within myself all these years. By day, I go by the Prince of the Fire Nation. By night, I am Zuko.

Almost every time the sun retreats from the ever shining moon, I run toward my moon as she runs toward her sun. I shed my skin of protection and lock it away till morning the minute I jump out of that balcony. Her blue eyes reach into my soul and cover me with a blanket of warmth. Interesting how a color so close to freezing temperatures can be so warm.

During the day, I am as a statue. My posture is tight, my face is an unemotional mask. Many days have come where I must fight her, for that is who I am when the sun is casting its rays to the Earth. The angsty teenage boy who can only regain his honor by bringing the Avatar to his father. The firebender who must do whatever it takes to have the airbender in his hands. Even if he must hurt her while doing so.

At night, I am the lost boy who has lost his mother because of a cruel and heartless father. The scarred, banished prince who loves only his uncle who is more of a father than his own and the girl he holds in his arms. Every night, he apologizes over and over for his other character hurting her so.

These two roles are starting to become overwhelming. I grow tired from the days of pompous men and women who would kill me for a chance to please their lord and nights of meeting at our rendezvous to apologize for the acts of the day. I give information and she gives hers. To an extent.

I feel my life is controlled by others. I want my honor but I want freedom. I want my father to look at me with a look of sheer pride written all over his features but, I also hope the Avatar will blow him to pieces. My confusion and weakness frustrates me. The training area I occupy is smothered with ash as I throw punch after punch at the walls.

"Zuko..." She nuzzles her head farther into my chest. I hold her a little more tighter. The sun will be rising soon. "I know you're confused...but you need to make a decision. Soon. Were getting ready for the day of Black Sun and...I just want you there standing with me."

I play a role in this production. I am offered one and must choose. Before it is too late.

#6, Break Away.