Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I wish I did, but I don't...

The story takes place somewhere between book 1 and 2. I know, i know...Zuko lost his ship and crew at the same time, but I decided it would be more fun if he had a boat. And since it is my story, what I say goes;) Enjoy..

Chapter 1: Khoisan

It was cold and the rain fell in heavy drops. The chill wind swept across the steel deck.

He could feel his arms burning with a cold sensation. The wind left him with goosebumps as it passed. But he didn't care. Hell, he almost didn't notice anymore. One more time, he told himself and increased his body temperature a few degrees extra. Just to get some feeling back in his arms. The firebender took a deep breath, focused his mind and got into the right stance. With swift and graceful movements he drew an arc in the air with his right arm. He felt the energy flow throughout his whole being and followed the movement with his body. Charging his movements from within himself. He leaped into the air an flung himself around, did a spin-kick before landing firmly on the ground. He raised both arms above his head in a fan like motion.

Nothing.

He let out a frustrated roar and burst into flames.

"Calm your temper prince Zuko." His uncle approached him, beckoning him to calm down.

"But why can't I do it? The movements are not that hard uncle, but still I just can't get it right!" Iroh eyed the young prince, as to detect some kind of reason for his nephew's limitations.

"To make the fire rain from the skies is in deed a advanced and very difficult set. Especially when it's already raining!" He let out a rumbling laugh. "You must be concentrated. It demands a relaxed mind." Zuko glared at hm.

"But I am concentrated, -and relaxed!" he shouted. The rain evaporated from his steaming body.

"I can see that." Iroh rolled his eyes, but continued before his nephew could get another rage fit.

"You are a very good student my boy. You train hard, meditate and strive to be the best you can. You have discipline, courage and determination, -but no patience! You must learn to be patient!"

"Uncle, I don't have time for patience. I need to capture the avatar."

Zuko was really frustrated. He had been chasing the monk and his companions for too long, and every time he was within reach, the airbender got away. And that without even mastering all the elements! And if that wasn't bad enough, both Zhao and his sister was trying to capture him as well. Time was running out. He knew it, and he felt it. Like his opportunity of regaining his honor was slipping through his fingers, and now it was affecting his training.

"I need it." he whispered, barely audible.

"What we need, and what we want are often two different things Zuko. Most of the time we don't even know what we need. Or want."

"But I do know what I need and want! I need the avatar to gain my honor. –And my honor is what I want!" The old man closed his eyes and shook his head in disapproval. "I am going to bed now. I suggest you do the same." Zuko turned away in defiance and waited as his uncles footsteps faded away. He walked over to the railing and looked out at the sea. The past few weeks had been difficult for him. For some unknown reason, he was feeling confused. Not about his destiny. He wanted his honor, his throne and his fathers approval more than anything. The thing confusing him, was that he was no longer sure of anything else. Would capturing the avatar really be the answer to all his problems? It sounded so...simple.

Yet it wasn't.

Did he want the war to go on?

Was his honor more important than everything else?

Was his enemies really his enemies?

And his friends... –well, he didn't exactly have any friends. Or family for that matter. Except uncle Iroh... He sighed. He was probably just exhausted. "Keep your eyes on the prize." he told himself as he turned and walked inside.

The rain was pouring and the ocean completely still. The only thing ruffling the surface was the thousands upon thousands of raindrops falling from the sky.

The sun was shining bright in the morning sky. The grass still held some dew, but it was soon evaporated by the warm rays coming from the sun.

The trio was getting on with their morning duties. Katara made a simple breakfast with what they had, while the boys were packing up camp.

"You guys, we should probably find a market or something soon. We're running short of supplies." Katara was impressed by how long they had been able to live of their watertribe money.

Because they managed to find a lot of berries and such out in the nature, they didn't have to spend it all on food. That would've emptied their pockets within a few weeks.

This time, however, they had ended up in a rocky mountainside, and plants and animals were nowhere near.

"There's supposed to be a small town not far away. Kho- shiu, shou, or something. Half a day maybe, and it's headed east to! We can stop there." Aang smiled at Katara as he threw a sleepingbag up on Appa's back. "It's a slight detour, but hey, we gotta eat!"

"Speaking of which. Katara, is breakfast ready yet? I'm hungry!"

"Sokka, you're always hungry!" Katara laughed and Aang joined in. Sokka on the other hand overheard his friends teasing and stuck his nose into the pot instead.

"Mmmm...smells delicious."

"Zuko! I have a case of utmost importance to discuss with you." Iroh walked down the stairs to the lower deck, where the fire price and a soldier was training. He still had not gotten quite over yesterday's struggles, and was far from glad for his uncles interruption while he was letting his frustration out on the poor soldier in front of him.

"What? If it's that important, it better be about the avatar."

"Yes, it is. We just saw him a few miles ahead of us, heading south-west."

"Really? Well, why are we heading south-east then? Zuko shouted and his eyes glittered in a dangerous way.

"Because I am only joking!" His Uncle laughed out again. "I do not know where the Avatar is. He has been absent for quite a while now." He gave his nephew a wide grin. Zuko was getting sick and tired of his uncles constant joking. He felt himself shake with the urge to have an outburst, but managed to contain his anger. Some of it anyway.

"Tell me uncle. What is this all about?" The prince's voice was cold and hard and Iroh knew he was walking a fine line at the moment. He tucked his hands in his sleeves while giving his nephew the most serious look he could summon together. "You know we have been at sea for a while, and I really think it's important to keep the men entertained and happy. Therefore it is my humble opinion that we should stop and buy a new sungihorn for music night!"

"Uncle,.." Zuko sighed " How many times do I have to tell you? We don't have time for your nonsense."

"Fine, if that's the way you feel...We will make time! It's only a...ahem... consider it a stop for supplies!" the fire prince growled and walked away. Slamming the door shut behind him. The old general turned towards the soldier." Please, go tell the captain we're going to Khoisan."

"Hurry up Uncle. We haven't got all day!" Zuko was standing on the corner of the fortunetellers boot, his arms crossed and one foot propped against the wall. He might look relaxed and aloof, but in reality his nerves were on high end. Iroh came out of the boot, a look of pleasure on his face.

"Great news my boy." He beamed at his companion. "The universe is on my side, and things will turn out for the best. My positive attitude will help me through hard times to come." Zuko rolled his eyes.

"You really needed a reading to tell you that crap? How much did you pay?"

Iroh smiled and winked at his nephew. "A little extra so she could tell me some good stuff about a certain prince I know." Zuko's eyes widened a bit in surprise, and he ran a few steps to catch up with his uncle.

"What then, was it something about the avatar?

"Why, Zuko, I thought you didn't believe in this crap." The old man smiled and raised his eyebrows.

"I don't!!" The fire prince quickened his pace and walked past Iroh in both anger and embarrassment.

"It was something much more interesting!" The General called after his nephew, who in turn stopped. His back still turned he raised his head took a breath. "My honor".

It was more of a statement then a question, and the whisper held all of his hopes and dreams.

"No. A girl."

Katara was strolling down the main street of Khoisan, taking it all in. Khoisan was an interesting place, full of life and spirit. Cramped alongside the streets were myriads of tiny shops, where you could get everything form hairpins to skunk-owls. In addition there was several fortunetellers, jugglers and mimes located various places in the main street. Kataras original mission was to buy all the supplies for their journey. Such as food, blankets, sewing thread and stuff like that. Right now however, she just enjoyed walking the streets. It felt so good being out in public, and not hidden away from the fire nation in some forest. Or escaping the fire nation on the back of a flying bison.

The gang had split up, deciding the decision would give them more time to explore more entertaining parts of the town later. Aangs assignment was to find some hay for Appa, as well as maps and information of the best way to get to the Earth kingdom capital. Katara would do supplies, and Sokka mumbled something about a life and death situation before heading to the nearest food stand. The would meet up at the dock in about a hour.

The waterbender finished her supplies shopping and went down towards the harbour. With clear blue skies, and a complementing temperature she decided it was a great day. She wanted to take a minute, sit and relax and watch the boats before the others showed up. Maybe she could even practice some of her bending.

Katara went to the far end of the dock and found a nice spot which allowed her to see the full length of the harbour. Making sure she wouldn't miss the others when they came. Sitting there, she felt her muscles finally relaxing as the hot sun caressed her face. She lazily streamed some water from the green sea below her. Playing with it. Making it twist and turn to her will. The water had a hypnotic affect on her, and her mind was soon lost in the soothing element. That's why it took her a while to notice the increasing activity further down the dock.

Typical Uncle Iroh. Always some stupid proverb, idiotic story, or something worse. –Like teasing him about girls. Normally Zuko would burst up in flames, literally speaking. And that was what his Uncle expected to. In fact, that was the whole reason for his teasing. He loved to pull his strings in an attempt to get him down to earth when he got to serious or caught up in his pursuit of the airbender. But his time the prince almost didn't notice the Generals answer. The bald monk and watertribe boy walking down the street a few yards away had his full attention. He turned to face his Uncle with a smirk.

"You sure she didn't mention the Avatar?" His hand made a flick, and two daggers of fire appeared.

"Finally."

This really was a great day. She took a deep breath. Sometimes all this traveling really got he best of her. On these days however, nothing could break her spirit. Not that she was usually the one to complain. Her friends also made it a bit easier. If no one else, she could at least trust them. Tucking some stray hair straws back into place she reviewed the bending session she ended a minute ago. It had been perfection. She mentally patted her own back.

She never bragged. Not that she had the right to anyway. It wasn't like she worked really hard on it or anything. Off course, she trained. To get it perfect.
But it came so naturally for her. It was almost...easy.

Standing there on the docks she let her gaze wander across the city of Khoisan. This place was known for it's many shops. "The town of things."

Suddenly she saw something that caught her attention. That little dot of yellow and orange coming towards her from a road ahead, could it be...? Yes, it was, it really was. That little bald monk could be no other than the airbender.

She smiled to herself and glanced at the girls on her right side.
"Mai, Ty Lee. Let's go shopping. I see something I want."

Yes, a great day indeed.

Katara averted her gaze from the orb she was holding in mid air. Something was off. Surely an hour had passed by now. Being caught up in her bending she had completely lost track of time. She looked around to see if the guys were coming. Time stood still as Katara took in what was going on.

The first thing the waterbender noticed were the three girls moving at high speed up the main street. One was cartwheeling and jumping over the rooftops as to block of any exit rout on the right side of the street. The second was running along the left side, the sun reflecting in the blades she held in her hands. The third fell a bit behind, keeping herself in the middle of the two others. In that way the girls made a triangle-like formation, and efficiently covered half the street, allowing no escapes.

The second thing Katara noticed was Zuko. He came from the top of the street. Moving incredibly fast, and stealth-like, he was headed towards the girls with fire daggers in is hands.

For a moment Katara was confused. Who were the girls? Did they know Zuko? And were they going to have a fight just like that? In the middle of the street, and for no obvious reason?

At first she couldn't comprehend what was really going on, the suddenly it all hit her, and her eyes widened in fear. Because in the middle of it all was Aang and Sokka In the tenth of a second Katara imagened the outcome as her friend and brother would be attaced from all sides. With them being cauht totally off guard they wouldn't stand a chance. They had already seen how dangerous Zuko could be to them, and here were three girls in addition. She didn't know who they were, but for some reason, Katara decided she didn't want to stick around to find out..

Katara felt the panic flowing through her veins.

"Aaaaaaaaang!!!" she heard herself scream and started running towards her friends.

That's it for the first chapter.. Hope you liked it. This is my first Zutara story, and I would appreciate your review! (Flames to. If they're relevant..) Bye for now