"Your time is now. Change, everything you are and everything you were. Your number has been called. Fights and battles have begun." – Butterflies and Hurricanes by Muse

CHAPTER THREE: CHANGES

KATARA

The group sat around the fire, absorbing what Zuko had told them.

Bato approached the group, worry covering his face.

"Hakoda, there were some complications with the third group. Sato and his men, they still haven't returned."

Hakoda's eyes widened. The attack at the harbor had gone well her father had said. They were able to vacate and destroy many of the fire nation ships, and all the men had returned safely. At least, that was what she thought.

"I believe they are being held captive on a fire nation vessel. There was one vessel that was behind the attack, and I think they were able to capture them when we tried to deploy the final set of mines."

Hakoda sighed. "Prepare the men. We need to take care of this before more fire nation ships arrive."

"Let me help you with this," Zuko exclaimed eagerly. Surprised, the group turned to hear the fire prince speak. "I know the layout of the vessels. If they are being held, I know how you can get in and get them, without losing any more of your men. Please, let me help."

Bato and Hakoda exchanged cautious looks.

"I don't know if that is such a great idea," her father began.

"No, it's a great idea. Zuko knows the ships and he would be able to prove he has changed, right Zuko?" Katara smiled towards him warmly, encouraging him to continue.

Picking up a stick, he began drawing in the sand, what looked like a boat, dividing the compartments to show rooms. The men gathered closely, nodding and pointing towards the makeshift diagram. The men continued making the plans for the assault, as she stepped back towards the tent housing a sleeping Aang.

When she entered the tent, all she could hear were the light breaths coming from his form. She settled herself next to Aang, and pulled open the wrappings covering his wounds. With him on his stomach, she was able to see the damage Azula's lightning had done. In the middle of his back was a bright red star-like shape with a fleshy pink center. The outer layer was singed, and felt rubbery and hard under her touch. It was nothing like the smoothness of Zuko's scar.

Katara shuddered, suddenly becoming worried. What if something happened? She didn't want to lose Zuko so soon after he joined them, but if this is how he earned everyone's trust, then so be it. Drawing the water from the pouch at her hip and allowing it spread through her fingers, she placed her hands to Aang's back, allowing her mind to become completely focused.

ZUKO

The plans had been made, and the warriors were getting ready. Zuko found himself longing for the tight black turtleneck and the blue mask he was comfortable with, instead of the slightly too large skins he was wearing. The sword at his belt felt foreign, and was nothing like the two swords he was used to wielding. Sokka approached him, a wolf helmet covering the top of his head, and a sword at his belt.

"Nervous?" Zuko raised his eyebrows at the casual question.

"No." He turned to leave, but Sokka's sword to his chest stopped him.

"If you pull anything Zuko, I won't hesitate to take you down." Sokka spoke in a serious quiet tone. "My sister may believe you are changed, but I know you. I know what you are capable of. Don't give my sister a chance to regret trusting you."

With that, the warrior walked away. A sigh escaped from Zuko's lips. He followed him, ready to complete the mission.

The sun was setting beyond the mountains, and the small boats had been docked on the beach, ready to take the teams towards the larger vessel. Zuko could barely make it out on the horizon, a small black shadow on an otherwise beautiful sunset.

Zuko nodded, giving a small smile in return. His eyes traveled to Katara. She had spent most of the afternoon in the tent with Aang, and he could tell she was exhausted. "Any change with him?"

She shook her head, a frustrated look in her eyes. "He is breathing, but just barely. I'm doing all that I can." She sighed, and the blue pendant at her throat shifted. His eyes locked onto the necklace, and a pang of guilt stabbed into his stomach.

"Men, are we ready?" Hakoda's voice drew his attention. "Zuko?"

Zuko snapped back to attention and nodded, stepping into the small canoe with Sokka and Toph. The boat drifted off into the water towards the dark shadow on the horizon. He looked back and watched as Katara became smaller and smaller until he couldn't make out her figure anymore.

Everyone remained quiet as the small boats grew closer to the black vessel. The sun had set, leaving the sky dark, illuminated only by the small sliver of moon. Toph stared blankly into the distance, and Sokka stared up towards the moon, whispering something under his breath.

The plan was simple. The men approached in three small canoes. The first with Hakoda and his men were meant to distract the fire nation soldiers on deck, allowing Zuko, Sokka and Toph to infiltrate the lower deck, rescuing the captured prisoners. The third led by Bato, held the makeshift bomb Hakoda had been so proud of: seaweed to tangle the rotors and a rancid fish that's sole purpose was to evacuate the ship. The bomb would be deployed once the boarding party and rescued prisoners were off the boat. Once the signal was fired, Katara would come in flying on Appa to pull anyone who wasn't able to get off on a canoe. Zuko liked the plan, as it seemed to leave very little room for error.

As Zuko had predicted, they were able to pull the canoes up undetected, and once they were in position, the boat led by Hakoda launched the grappling hook into the Fire Navy vessel. Once they were on board, Zuko, Toph and Sokka climbed up and ducked past the fighting on deck. They reached the square door and lowered themselves into the hold towards the middle of the ship. Zuko was grateful as they ran through the empty corridors that led to the hold. They found the men there, a little battered but otherwise okay. Toph stepped up to the steel cage, placed her hands on separate bars and pulled them apart. He had never seen anyone bend metal before, and watching it right before his eyes was amazing.

Voices came from down the hall as Zuko placed a finger to his lips. Two guards were heading towards them. Zuko pressed his body against the wall, silently nodding towards Sokka, and pulled the sword from his belt as he prepared for the attack. Unknowingly, the two soldiers stepped past the dark spot that concealed the waiting attackers.

Zuko moved quickly, wrapping his arm around the neck of the taller soldier. He struggled, scratching deeply scratches into Zuko's arm, but his hold didn't lessen. Moments later the body slumped over and he allowed the unconscious soldier to slip to the ground. He turned around to see Sokka pinned to the wall, the other soldier's sword at his throat. Before Zuko could act, Toph pushed her arms towards him, causing the soldier's sword to entangle his arm. Sokka took this chance and pulled the helmet down over the soldier's eyes, allowing Toph to squeeze the metal around his head. Sokka held up the sword-entwined arm and Toph merged the helmet to the sword. Zuko slammed his sword to the soldier's helmet, knocking him out and letting him fall to the ground.

Sokka laughed nervously. "Ha, I guess he got tied up!" Zuko looked at Toph who sighed and shook her head.

With the opposition taken down, the three of them rushed toward the deck with the prisoners following closely behind. The sky was dark, occasionally lit by a misdirected ball of fire. Toph and the water tribe men retreated towards their boats, stepping over the bodies of fallen fire soldiers.

Zuko looked up to see Hakoda smash a soldier between the eyes with the hilt of his sword before he turned to join the evacuating boarding party. Behind him one of the soldiers raised and grabbed a sword, raising it to strike Hakoda.

In a panic, Zuko charged the soldier, firing a succession of quick shots towards his torso. The flame was weak but still caught the soldier off balance. He fell to the ground, shielding himself from Zuko's attack.

A fist caught Zuko off guard, connecting with his nose. A sickening snap sent pain through his face, causing him to wince. The first soldier grabbed him by the arms, pinning them behind his back. Zuko struggled, but the man's arms held tight. The blood began to pour down his face. He could taste the salt on his lips. Zuko spit blood at the man standing in front of him.

Recognition dawned on the face of the soldiers. "If it isn't the traitor prince," the soldier laughed, punching Zuko in the face. The pain was growing, causing the rage to build in him. Kicking his feet up, twisting his torso, he conjured a weak flame with his foot. The flame didn't touch the soldier, but the kick connected with his stomach, causing him to double over.

Zuko's arms were pulled tighter at his back. He cursed under his breath, hoping Sokka and Toph were able to get everyone off the boat. Turning towards the escaping canoes, he saw the glint of silver flying directly towards his face. Ducking his head, he allowed the soldier to take the full hit of the boomerang, causing him to loosen his grip. Taking his chance, Zuko pushed his feet backward until he hit the wall of the ship, and with his back, he pushed the soldier over the edge, hearing his body hit the water moments later.

"Nice aiming," he muttered under his breath. He could see the fire nation soldiers advancing on Toph, Sokka and the other warriors. He knew those boats weren't fast enough to escape the soldiers, at least without a distraction. Shouting over the shoulders of the soldiers, he called to Sokka.

"You need to go, NOW. I will go with Katara. Get these men out of here!" Sokka nodded, and the small boats began the retreat to the beach.

Zuko punched a few weak bolts of fire towards the advancing men. Why was his firebending so weak today? It was always weaker at night, but he was barely producing smoke today. Smoke was still enough to draw their attention at least, he thought gratefully. Once they turned towards him, he turned his back to the bow of the ship. Dodging the fire thrown in his direction, he began to panic. He attempted to send three quick balls of flame into the sky, the signal that would mean his rescue. His fist sizzled, but nothing came from his punches.

He turned around and ran as fast as he could towards the bow of the ship. He was cornered now; a rabbit-mouse in a cage, and his prey was closing in fast.

A soldier charged at him, sword held high in the air. Zuko was able to block with his sword, and stepped quickly to the side. His foot swept across the floor, connecting with the ankles of his attacker. The man stumbled backwards, and Zuko used his weight to push him off the front of the ship.

Two more men advanced on him. Zuko was having trouble breathing, his nose covered in drying blood. He panted, and attempted unsuccessfully to wipe the blood from his face. In a moment of weakness, the first man knocked the sword from his other hand. Zuko stepped backward onto the very tip of the ship and turned around. This was it, he would have to jump. He took a deep breath, and looked down.

A white mass appeared in the corner of his eye, and gratefulness washed over him as Katara and Appa flew close to him. Katara reached her hand out to him, and his fingers closed over hers. Using both of their strength, they pulled Zuko into the saddle. Appa sharply turned and flew back towards shore. They could hear the land mine detonating behind them. Zuko smiled widely at Katara and she smiled back, her eyes twinkling. He allowed himself to relax, sighing deeply.

Suddenly, Appa began shaking, and Katara flew across the saddle. Zuko whipped around and noticed, clutching to Appa's tail was one of the soldiers who had been advancing on him on the ship. The soldier grabbed Katara by the arm and pulled her slender body close to his own, holding a dagger to her throat. Panic flooded her eyes as she stood helplessly in his grip.

Rage filled Zuko. His fists balled, and he could feel his entire body heating up. He willed his fists to produce fire, but nothing but heat came.

The soldier laughed as he stepped towards the edge of the saddle. Katara struggled in his hold but was overpowered by his size.

"How about I throw your pretty little waterbender over the edge as payback for what you did to my ship?" The man smiled an evil smile. To prove a point, he pushed Katara closer to the edge.

Without hesitating, Zuko charged towards the man. He released Katara, an astonished look on his face. The force of impact sent Zuko and the soldier over the edge of the saddle and plummeting towards the bay below. Zuko straightened his body, preparing for impact.

He could vaguely hear Katara's screams as his body collided with the water.

Water crashed around him, filling his ears and nose. The air was knocked out of his lungs, and his whole body shivered with pain. His chest burned, and he felt dizzy. His arms lashed out, pulling towards the surface. Something sharp connected with his head, and he gasped in pain, allowing the water to fill his lungs. Darkness crashed around him and everything went black.

Well that's chapter three! Sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger (trust me when I say it will happen a lot!) Please review and let me know how you like the story so far! I am aiming to have at least one update per week, but reviews definitely make me want to write faster! A big thank you to Little-Angel-22 and Men-plus-Girls-equals-fun for your awesome reviews and always to deathking00 for reading beta. (And a huge thank you to my amazing friend TF who spends hours a day planning out this story with me! I would never be able to do it without you.)