AN: Wow, my fourth update in 2 days! Be proud of me! I am trying to make the chapters longer, believe me. I am going to try not to post them unless they are at least 1000 words each from now on, ok? Thanks to all my loyal reviewers!
The next morning, I awoke with a slight smile on my face. Blinking, I sat up slowly, wondering where I was. Then I remembered, and my smile grew. Looking to my right, I saw Zuko, asleep in his chair. His breathing was slow and steady, and his features were that of relaxation. Turning around to look out the window, I noticed that it was still quite early. Sighing, I settled back to sleep for a little while.
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A few hours later, I awoke to the feel oh someone brushing a stray hair to the side of my face. Opening one eye, I saw my brother, a look of worry contorting his face.
"Katara! Aang, she's awake!" he yelled, jumping from foot to foot. Laughing under my breath, I rubbed my eyes, trying to rid the sleep that still clung helplessly to them.
"Sokka, Aang, what are you doing here? I asked, stretching my arms over my head.
"Zuko found us this morning, and told us about what happened to you." Said Aang, a smile plastered on his face. Sokka just scowled. I looked quizzically at my brother.
"What?" I asked him. Then I noticed Zuko wasn't there. "Where's Zuko?"
"Okay, first, we are being held captive by that stuck up excuse for a Prince. Second, said Prince is currently talking to the captain." I nodded. Swinging my feet over the edge of the bed, I touched them to the floor. I was surprised to find that the floor wasn't cold to my touch. Preparing to getting up and give my grumpy brother a hug, I heard the door swing open, revealing Prince Zuko. Seeing me getting out of bed, he rushed to my side and gently pushed my shoulder back, causing my to sit down again. Over his shoulder, I saw Sokka stiffen, and Aang laid a hand on his shoulder.
"I know you want to get up. I have arranged with the ship's Healer to come and give you the all clear first, okay?" he said softly, looking me in the eyes. I nodded and lay back down again. Normally having someone tell me what to do would infuriate me, but it was different with Zuko.
We didn't have to wait long for the Healer to come and have a look at me. After a few moments of asking me questions and checking me out, he gave me the all clear, telling me and everyone else that I was once again perfectly healthy.
Smiling, I got out of bed and did a little jig, letting everyone in the room know that I was thrilled to be able to walk around. Sokka laughed, Aang joined me, and even Zuko cracked a small half-grin.
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Later that night, we were all eating dinner. All was silent, except for Aang, who was telling us the story of how he used to throw fruit pies at the monks. Sokka and I had heard it before, and Zuko just poked at his plate. When the story ended, Zuko stood and cleared his throat.
"Now is the time to tell you why I have kept you all here." This caused the room to go completely quite, all eyes trained to Zuko. "Recently, I have found out that my father-" he paused, clearing his throat again. I could tell this was hard for him. "My father has captured my Uncle Iroh, and has sentenced him to death because he wouldn't tell my father where I was." This was followed by silence. I felt my heart break again. Zuko shouldn't have to go through such pain. "For this, I have finally realized that my father must be defeated. This ridiculous war has caused so much death and destruction." At this, my eyes dropped to my plate, tears welling involuntarily. "This is why I am going to gather willing refugees and other people who will train with us, so we can defeat Fire Lord Ozai."
Shocked silence followed Zuko's speech. When no one said anything, he continued. "Sokka, I understand you don't have Bending powers of your own, but you are a formidable warrior. I want you to train the other non-Benders in the skill of fighting. Will you accept?" Sokka stared at him, his mouth parted slightly, before nodding. "Right. Thank you, Sokka. Aang, since you have mastered Air and Water Bending, you still need to learn Fire and Earth. I will personally find you a formidable Earth Bending teacher. As for fire, I will teach you myself." Aang nodded, a huge smile plastered on his face. "And Katara, I need you to teach the Water Benders everything you know. Will you accept?" I nodded as well; still stunned that Zuko had finally realized that his father was a jerk. "Great! That's all set. We will be stopping in Ba Sing Se within the week, where we can recruit some refugees. Until then, I suggest you all get plenty of rest." He looked directly at me as he said this, and I blushed. "Well, if everyone is finished, Aang and Sokka still need rooms. Shall we?" with that, he rose, heading out the door. Sharing bewildered glances amongst us, Aang, Sokka and I followed him out of the door.
AN: Ok! That's finished. I basically have the whole story thought up, it just needs to get written. Like I said before, I will try to update everyday. Thanks for all the reviews! They feed the fire that fuels this story! The more reviews, the faster it will be updated!
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