A/N-Hey, just wanted to let you people know, I didn't, like, memorize the script. I watched the episode and copied the lines over. =)

Oh, and by the way, I forgot a disclaimer, but here's one: I do not own the episode, "The Waterbending Scroll," the characters, or anything Avatar. I also do not have permission from the writers to be making this story, but who does? ;-)


I heard bald monk and turned towards who was talking. It was one of the mysterious men in the shop we were in. (I believe them to be pirates.)

"This monk; did he have an arrow on his head?" I asked, ignoring Iroh's monkey foolish imitation. The man who had spoken looked to his companion, who was most likely their leader, or captain.

"Why, do you know him?" the captain asked me.

I nodded; "Yes, I am looking to capture him." I said.

"Well we want the girl. She's got something of ours. Why do you need the boy?" he asked casually.

I didn't want to tell the captain that he was the Avatar just yet. I didn't want another enemy vying for my prize. I wouldn't tell him until he was on my side, and even then I wouldn't tell him unless I had to. My father would gladly make a deal with these man rather than me. The dirty scum would do anything for that much money. I had to make sure this man would follow my lead. For I meant to scam this man into doing what I needed him to.

Anyway, I replied carefully, "Let's just say he's got a certain...personal value." The man nodded, so I continued, "If you help me find this boy, I can personally get you the girl, and whatever she has that you want."

"Why do you need us? And, more importantly, why do we need you?" the captain asked. This was a wise, clever pirate. But I'd still be able to trick him easily.

I replied, "I need you to tell me where they went. You need me to negotiate. I know these kids. I've followed them from the South Pole. I know what makes them tick, so I can help you get what you want."

"We don't just want what the girl has. We want the girl too, and that's easy." the captain answered.

I leaned against the wall and said with a grin, "Then how did she manage to escape? Are you going to tell me you let her get away?" The captain's man scowled, and the captain glared at him.

"...Fine! You've got a deal!" he agreed angrily. I shook his hand. "I'm Xin (shin) Fa, by the way." The name sound Fire Nation, so I figured it was okay to say Zuko. It wasn't the most uncommon name in the Fire Nation, so I could say it without disclosing that I'm the banished prince.

"I'm Zuko, and this is my uncle Iroh." I said.

"Fire Nation, eh? Me too. This is Jin Goh. He's from the Earth Kingdom." he said, gesturing to the man who was there.

"Alright. I will go back to my ship and prepare. I'll meet you at this dock at nightfall." The captain nodded, and I left, dragging my uncle away from the ruby-eyed monkey.


An angry, female scowl echoed down the river. "That's gotta be her." I said. We pulled our ships onto the shore, near where we hear the yell. Nobody was there, but I figured she'd be hiding. In fact, I could just see her face! She was in a bush. By now, the captain had sent his men to look for Katara. A rather large one was coming her way.

I saw her eyes pointed at the pirate's ship. Now she'd be realizing they found her, so she'd tried to sneak off. I was right, she did, and she backed into the large pirate, and ran. I saw her turning away into pirate after pirate, so I positioned myself. This time, when she turned, I grabbed her wrists.

"I'll save you from the pirates." I said slyly. All the pirates were gathering around us. Katara looked wildly around and, realizing her situation, became very fierce. That's alright; it's her usual attitude towards me.

"I don't need your help, Zuko!" she hissed.

"Really?" I said, with playful surprise. "You think you could handle this one on your own?" She looked around at the pirates again, who were now in a circle around us. "Because, if you really feel that way, I'll just toss you out and be on my way." Her eyes widened; I knew I had her now. "Judging by that reaction, I think you do want my help." She glared at me. I backed her up against a tree, and had my men tie her up. Ropes around her shoulders, hands and waist, and ankles.

"Is this your idea of help?" she flared. Xin Fa smirked at me. He thought I didn't have this under control. And, if he stayed, I never would. Katara would be much easier to handle alone.

"Pirates, go wait by your ship. My men, you also may go. Uncle, you too. This will be better alone." I turned to Katara grinning. Her rebellious frown then turned to one of fear. But Xin Fa wasn't done.

"We're not leaving you to handle this alone!" he yelled.

"Oh yes you are!" I walked behind Katara, and saw the scroll in her belt. "You are as long as you want this." I pulled the scroll out of her belt and held it up.

"Hey! Give it back!" Katara screeched. I shushed her, and turned to the captain.

"I wonder how much this is worth..." I held the scroll above my flaming hand. The pirates started towards me nervously. "A lot, apparently. Now, go back to your ship! I'll come to you when I need you." I said. These pirates were doing what I said, whether they liked it or not. And, they did. The captain led the pirates furiously into the ship. My uncle did this same, except not angrily. In fact, he winked at me. Why?

Then I realized it; this was my moment! I now had to decide whether I loved Katara or not, because this was the perfect opportunity.

And...looking at her in person...I decided I did love her. But...not enough to let her do what she wanted. More of the kind of love that I'd want to torture her a little first. Ohhh, this would be fun!