Chapter 1

Unexpected

Oh, you have to be kidding me! How could I be so stupid to get captured yet again? I feel like I could face palm myself in the same manner Sokka is so fond of doing. I lay fuming on the hard cot in the swaying dark metal cell. This is disastrous, I thought thinking of how fell into this situation…

"Wakey, wakey Katara!" Sokka gave my shoulder a light shake, rousing me from slumber. Still a little groggy it took me a minute to realize we had stopped flying and had come to settle in a meadow of lush green grass, with tall pines acting as almost a fence around the area. It was pretty, serene even.

Letting out a gusty sigh I stood twisting my back from side to side to relieve the stiffness; hearing and feeling a satisfying crack. I slid down Appa's tail to the ground, not really feeling like jumping so soon after waking. To my surprise, I noticed the bed rolls already arranged around the wood that would be our fire tonight. They had even set up the cooking crane complete with the heavy iron pot hanging over the unlit logs.

"Why didn't you wake me up to help?" I asked feeling guilty, I always made sure we split the chores equally in our little group. I shouldn't have fallen asleep.

"You were really tired," I opened my mouth to dispute his statement, but he wagged his finger at me. "Don't even try to deny it, Katara. I mean c'mon you never take naps!" His face set in an unusually serious expression, a vast contrast to his joking and laughing. He was right though I was tired. The persistent prince had been on our trail all week. It had been absolutely exhausting unpacking camp late into the night, then I would wake up ridiculously early to cook breakfast before we were on the run again. Then this flippant thing happened, two days ago the smoke from his ship, that always seemed to loom behind us, vanished. Of course, Aang and Sokka were relieved in thinking that we gave Zuko the runaround. But, I unlike my companions, couldn't shake the feeling that we hadn't lost him, not really. I knew the prince was smart and unfortunately for us stubborn and resourceful. While Sokka and Aang slept soundly, I on the other hand watched and listened for the slightest of noises in the dark blanket of the night. Sleep became a lesser priority.

Sokka's voice brought me out of thought, "Aang went into town for supplies, I'm going to help him. Do you mind gathering some berries?"

I pushed up the sleeves of my tunic, nervously. "Is it a good idea for us to split up?"

Sokka snorted, "we haven't seen prince hot head in almost three days. We've lost him." He said with winning a smile, "besides we traveled further inland than before and if he does happen to show up I've got something for him." He wildly waved his boomerang in what I suppose he thought was a threating manner. "Katara, you worry too much!" He chuckled, disappearing into the woods on the left of the meadow.

I was a little miffed that they both thought that it was safe. Am I the only one seeing the possible danger? You would think Aang would be more cautious, after all, he is the one Zuko is out to capture. But no, he didn't even wait on Sokka! Shaking my head, I climbed up into the spacious saddle to retrieve my woven basket. I took a moment to lightly pat the enormous shaggy bison, who was getting a well-earned sleep. Poor thing. With basket in hand, I set off toward the right side of the meadow.

It was peaceful. The setting sun filtering through the greenery of the trees, bathing the woods in a beautiful golden light, the birds singing a song only they know. I enjoyed the quiet for I knew that it would be over soon. I love Sokka and Aang, but I often feel like the mother. I couldn't complain the role of caretaker just naturally came to me, having helped my Gran-Gran take care of Dad and Sokka after the sudden death of our Mother. So, I ignored all the silliness in understanding that Aang is only twelve. Still a kid with the huge responsibility of being the avatar, I always tried to encourage him to let loose and act his age to be free of the burden if only for a short while. And Sokka, well he has always acted a tad goofy.

I finally spotted some bushes in the distance; too far for me to tell yet if berries were indeed on them. My steps increased from a leisurely pace to a jog, only for my hopes to be dashed at the sight of tiny poisonous red berries. Disappointed, I decided to continue on, maybe I would come across something edible. After a while I could feel myself becoming lost in the thickness of the woods, everything looked the same. That's when I heard the unmistakable sound of watery waves and the call of seagulls in the distance.

"Oh no," I whispered, dismayed, I had gone too far!

At last, there was a break in the endlessness of trees to reveal a quaint seaside village laying amongst the late summer green grass, setting high on a rocky hill. I stood staring hesitantly up at the hill, debating what to do. I was sure their market had fruit, but we are low on funds. Hence the reason for gathering berries. I looked over my shoulder at the fruitless woods and straightened my back, with purposeful steps I began the trek up to the village, ignoring the voice that was screaming this is a bad idea. Halfway there I caught a clear view of the docks, I scanned each vessel with a careful eye. I blew out a sigh of relief, he isn't here. Sokka was right I do worry too much.

By the time I made it to the market the salty incensed wind was blowing fiercely, the clouds had darkened to a foreboding gray and black as the sun sank lower in the sky. It was almost like a warning that I shouldn't have come. Despite my little pep talk, I could feel anxiety creeping in, tension stiffening my muscles. There wasn't a lot of people on the streets and truthfully I would have felt better with a crowd. Calmly, I walked to the fruit stand and began to fill my basket, picking out the best of the selection, very aware of the lanky, gray-haired man, who worked the stall, quietly watching me. Well, this little bit will at least last a few days. It will have to; I don't know how we are going to acquire more money.

"Wow! Water tribe money; I haven't seen this in a while!" The man spoke for the first time in a booming voice when I handed him my money.

Out of habit my eyes darted around the market, searching for a splash of red-colored clothing, but saw nothing, save for a few men laundering about in harmless colors of dark green and brown. "Is that alright?" Keep calm, I kept repeating to myself, everything is fine.

"Of course, after all, money is money. It's all the same to me!" he said loudly yet again. Was the poor man half deaf? I gave him a polite smile, before turning and leaving. I set a brisk pace, ignoring the urge to run like a mad woman. The last thing I wanted was to bring attention to myself, well more than I already have, after paying with the money of my nation. Hopefully, the prince won't question or even come to this village. But, what I couldn't seem to ignore was the uneasy feeling clenching in my chest. That, of course, was the time that an arm shot out from the behind the corner of a building I was passing, tightly grabbing my arms right above my elbows. A masculine hand shoved a piece of cloth over my nose and mouth. I involuntarily inhaled whatever sharp smelling liquid that saturated the fabric. The strong scent burned my nasal passages, it became a struggle to keep my eyes from fluttering closed. My breathing turned slow and deep. Before everything went black, I felt the basket of fruit I had worked so hard to get a drop to the ground.

When I came to in the badly lit brig there was no doubt in my mind as to who's ship I was currently entrapped in. My only companion was a red and black armor, clad guard, sitting in a chair by the door. How comforting. I felt strangely outraged that Zuko didn't even think me threatening enough for at least two guards. Seriously, who did he think I was Sokka? And a guard who couldn't stay awake at that! The grating sound of the man's snores echoed in the small room. Over his snores, I could hear the waves angrily slapping against the ship, along with the deafening sound of thunder. Hmm, the weather seems to match my mood. Lightning flashed across the tiny circle window; lighting up the cell and startling me yet giving me an idea. My eyes darted toward the lazy guard checking to see if the sound and light had disturbed him. It hadn't. I silently crept over to the window, the water couldn't be that far below. Closing my eyes, I concentrated on the sound of the waves, planning. I could pull the water up and smash out the window, cut through the bars, and take out the guard. But, I knew it was easier said than done. The glass breaking will obviously wake him, but maybe just maybe I'll be quick enough.

If Zuko thought I was just going to sit here and wait for him to lure in Aang, he had best think again! I will not be the tool used for what surely would become his demise. With that driving thought, I took control over my element calling it higher and higher up the ship until it was splashing against the window. With any luck, everyone will think it's just rough seas from the oncoming storm. I took care in making sure I was far enough away so to not get cut by shattering glass. Then began tugging hard on the heavy water letting it break the window. Dimly, I heard the guard scrambling off his chair with a less than manly yelI. I wasted no time forming a water whip and sending it aggressively through the bars, knocking the large man into the wall, stopping him before he could take a step. I waited until I was sure he wouldn't get up before slicing the hinges of the cell door, it fell with a loud clang. I hurried to the door leading out of the brig, pausing with my hand on the handle to listen for the sound of pounding feet of whoever had been close enough to hear the commotion. Celebrating inwardly, when delightful silence met my ears. I threw the heavy metal door open to see two different hallways, unsure of which way lead out; I just choose the left and started running.

I apparently am more lost in the many corridors than I had been in the woods! I haven't the slightest idea as to where I am going. With desperation creeping in, I turned corners and picked halls at random. The corridors of the ship were oddly desolate. Gasping, I came to a skidding stop. There before me was none other than my captor himself, so much for no one being around. An older, heavier set man, that I recognized from last time stood beside him. Both wearing bewilder expressions, we all stood seemingly frozen for a moment. Panic, sped through my vein bringing me out of shock and sent me sprinting past them.

"Stop!" Zuko hollered commandingly, chasing after me. I did a quick glance over my shoulder to see Zuko eating up the distance at an alarming rate. The sight gave me a sudden burst energy to push myself harder, I came upon a set of stairs that led up to an unmarked door. Well, here's hoping it leads outside! I had to catch myself on the wall due to the abrupt turn, before racing up the stairs. I saw Zuko slide pass not expecting it. It would have been a funny sight, had I not been trying to escape from him.

"Yes!" I shouted, opening the door. Freedom is mine! Now standing on deck with the wind stinging my exposed skin with ocean water in huge gusts. I ran as fast as I dared on the slippery metal heading for the head of the ship. Terrifyingly close cracks of lightning lit the sky, casting brief light on the ship and the vast turbulent sea below. My stomach dropped, I came to halt in dread. There is no land in sight! No land and I have no idea how far it is or which direction to go. If I were to jump overboard and waterbend my way, especially in this weather, it would be suicide! As if to cement that belief a torrent of rain came pouring from the sky.

In my shock, I completely forgot about Zuko until his voice rang out from behind me. "I wouldn't advise jumping; I want you in good condition. Not dead, when the avatar arrives."

"Why are you doing this?" I whirled around and demanded breathlessly, in between pants. Both of us ignoring the rain and I refusing to acknowledge how fast my heart was beating, due to exertion. Zuko wasn't even breathing hard! I really need to exercise more because this is just pathetic.

"I don't have to answer a lowly water tribe peasant," he snarled.

After all that had occurred tonight I felt my grip on my emotions snap. I threw an arm out with every intention of belting him in the mouth, only for him to catch my wrist in his warm hand with an ease that had my blood boiling, grunting, I swung out with my other fist. Now the jerk had both of my wrists in an annoyingly familiar hold. I couldn't really tell in the dark, but I was positive he was smirking in triumph. Well, since escaping is out of the question and I knew I couldn't beat him in a fight without bending, I came to the conclusion that it was safer to fight verbally. Oh, I could water bend anyway, but it would be a useless endeavor. I am stuck with the hot head for now.

"You're an idiot for underestimating me and putting me in that cell."

"I am Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. You are nothing but a prisoner, who will show me respect."

"HA! You are not my prince." I could actually feel the heat rolling off of him in anger, his hands heating up hotter than they already were. But, I continued in righteous anger, "I only have respect for honorable people and you are definitely not." I could almost feel him glaring, must have struck a nerve. I let out a sudden yelp when he unexpectedly threw me over his shoulder, knocking the wind out of me. Once gaining my breath back, I began pounding my fist on his armored back. "Zuko put me down!"

"Prince Zuko," he corrected, his tone harsh. "You will just have to get over your aversion. I will have respect while you are abroad my ship."

His steps were determined as he walked the endless corridors, leaving a water trail behind us. With my arms hanging, I smiled revengefully, forming a small whip and sent it striking against his leg; only enough to sting. Delighting, in Zuko's soft hiss of pain. Childish? Maybe. But, it made me feel better.

He retaliated by roughly jostling me, growling, "You stupid little-"

"Prince Zuko," the familiar voice of his Uncle interpreted. Zuko gave a startled jerk, turning to face the man.

"OW!" My head caught the side of the corner we were about to take.

"What's wrong?" His uncle questioned in concern. "Zuko what have you done to our guest?" The words carried the weight of a reprimand.

"My head hit the corner when he turned," I rubbed the abused side of my head.

Zuko talked over me, "she is not a guest, Uncle. She is a prisoner."

"Prisoner or not she is still a lady and ladies are to be treated with the utmost respect." I nodded in agreement; though no one could see. "Put her down. You can't take her back to the brig; it's badly damaged. There is water everywhere and the storm is only blowing in more. I told you not to put her down there, Prince Zuko. You never put a bender so close to their element." To my astonishment, Zuko huffed but set me back on my feet.

"You should have listened to your uncle." Zuko, narrowed his golden eyes, glaring. Actually, his left eye was permanently narrowed because of the comet-shaped scar marring his eye and stretching to his ear. It was a very intimidating look. But, I strived to appear unfazed, shooting him a look of my own. He snorted softly at my attempt, smirking down at me.

"We can put…?" His Uncle trailed off, raising his brows expectantly at me.

"My name is Katara," I offered a small smile toward the seemingly kind man.

"Ah, what lovely name for such a beautiful girl, don't you agree, Prince Zuko?" The prince scoffed in a haughty manner, scowling at the wall. "Well, Katara can't go back to the brig, so we have to put her in a spare room."

"There are no spare rooms."

"We have to put her somewhere." He paused, stroking his beard, before placing a hand on his chest, "I'm an old man who has to sleep on a bed. These old bones aren't what they used to be. But, you are a young man," he pointed a finger at Zuko. "You can take sleeping on the floor; give Miss Katara your bed."

"Absolutely not Uncle Iroh! I am not sleeping on the floor for her!"

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