Author's Notes: If you've noticed the summary, I have chosen to rewrite the story. It has a different plot, and a different purpose for Zuko. Don't worry, it is still going to be Zutara. I hope you enjoy the new storyline, and this next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender. It is the property of its creators and Nickelodeon.

Chapter 4: The Plan

"…Whatever…" said Aang sullenly.

While Aang was wallowing in his thoughts, Toph felt her way to the luggage.

Zuko slipped away from the others when Hakoda, Sokka, and Katara hugged one another after their separation from the failed invasion. He went to his room, and Toph followed him. She waited outside his room in the temple for a few minutes, trying to figure out what he was doing. But she quickly got bored of doing that, and knocked on the door.

"Busy," said Zuko through the door.

She opened the door anyway.

"…Toph, is that you?" he said, not too surprised.

"However did you know?" she said with light tone in her voice.

"You opened the door even though I said I was busy. If it was Aang, or the others they'd knock again harder, or say 'Sorry Zuko, I'll come back later," he answered.

"Well, aren't you sharp. Anyway, come on, Sugar Queen is in a good mood, so she might be making some stew."

Toph turned around back to the kitchen area when Zuko wrapped his hand around hers. The act made Toph blush a bit.

"Don't you already have a girlfriend?" she asked.

"No, that's not it, I want you to do something for me," said Zuko.

"Add a please, and maybe I'll consider it."

"Please Toph, not now," he said seriously.

Toph switched from lighthearted to concerned.

"Alright, what's up?"

"How good is your sense of touch?" asked Zuko.

"Pretty good, why?"

"Feel these two items," he said politely.

Toph stretched out both hands. Zuko put a scroll in one, and held his knapsack over the other enough for it to graze her hands. Toph touched the items firmly, and felt the two materials and let them go.

"Did you get a good feel? Would you remember if you had to?" said Zuko.

"What's this about?" she asked.

"More than likely, the little adventure that Sokka and I had is going to attract the attention of my father. He'll be sending his best to get us in his hands, and there is the possibility that not all of us are going to escape from him. I wanted you to feel these because this could be the key to you guys' survival."

"Wait, then why don't you tell this to the others?"

"I have my… reasons."

"One of them wouldn't happen to be Sugar Queen, would it?" replied Toph.

Zuko didn't answer, but Toph confirmed her suspicions.

"The scroll will be inside the bag. If we have to leave here, and I'm not with you guys, get this scroll, and follow the instructions."

"I think you're underestimating yourself," said Toph, "And besides, we won't leave you to-"

"Toph…" he interrupted, "please, just do what I'm asking of you. Just in case."

After feeling each of the bags, Toph found Zuko's pack, and opened it. It didn't take her long to find the scroll, and she held it out for the others to see.

"Hey, what is that Toph?" asked Suki.

"Instructions from Zuko, just in case he was captured, and around and we find ourselves in this situation," she explained.

"You mean, he knew this was going to happen?" asked Aang, "Why didn't he tell us?"

"First of all, he believed it was a possibility, he didn't actually think it was going to happen exactly like this," corrected Toph, "Secondly, could you imagine what Katara would do if Zuko did tell us?"

Her three companions thought about it, and images of Katara plunging a thousand ice daggers into his chest with an evil smile on her face kept popping into their minds.

"Good point," said Suki.

"What's it say, Toph?" asked Sokka.

Toph shot him a blank look.

"Oh, right, sorry," he said sheepishly.

Suki got the scroll from Toph's hands, and unrolled it revealing two rolls of parchment in one. One of them was a map, and the other was a note.

"Wow, he has better handwriting and drawing skills than you do Sokka," she said.

"Thanks," he said irritated.

"What's it say?" asked Aang flatly.

Suki cleared her throat.

Hey guys, if you're reading this, then our position's been compromised, and I've either been captured or killed, preferably the former. Anyway, you're probably wondering where you guys should go. The best place that I can think of would be Ember Island.

Sokka picked up the other sheet of paper, a map, and found an island circled. It was only a couple hundred miles northeast of the capital, and he estimated that Appa could get there in two days at least, maybe one if they pushed it. He looked to Suki, nodded toward her, and she continued reading.

It's a Fire Nation resort town reserved for only the nobility and the high-ranking members of the military. My family used to have an estate there, but it's pretty much a ruin now. You can use that to hide out; no one goes to that part of the island anymore, and because of the high profile people that frequent the area, no one would ever think of looking there, so it should serve your needs. Plus, it's close enough to the main island of the country that you can launch another attack on my father when you're ready.

If I was captured, I will try to escape and join up with you guys there. If I was killed, then let me say this: you guys are-"

Suki stopped reading.

"What's it say?" asked Toph.

"It stops right there," said Suki, "There's just some thick lines of ink."

"He covered up the rest?" asked Sokka, and getting a nod from Suki, "That jerk!"

"Wait, hold on," said Suki, making both Toph and Sokka tune back in, "P.S. Aang, inside my bag are some fire bending scrolls covering advanced moves and concepts. Practice with those until, or if I get back."

Sokka and Toph fell back into disappointment, but Aang took in every word of it.

"Sokka, do you know where Ember Island is on the map?" he asked calmly.

xXxXx

It was raining hard. He heard a scream fill the air, and everything was a blur as he turned around. A spike of ice rushed at blinding speed and the sound of flesh and bone being ripped apart roared through the air. He looked down, and the spike pierced through his body.

"Zuko!"

Zuko shot up from his bed, and cried in pain. He put his hand over his side, and looked down on his body; there was no spike in it.

Katara stirred, and turned herself over. Her eyes slowly opened and she saw Zuko sitting upright, and in pain. She got up quickly, and faced him.

"Zuko?"

The former prince quickly faced her with eyes full of fear. When he saw that it was just Katara, his expression softened somewhat, and his breathing began to relax. Katara wondered what that expression was all about. Was it a near death experience, or was it something more than that.

"Well, it's good you're awake; It means you're not dying," she said calmly.

"Yeah," said Zuko recalling the dream, "I probably asked this, but how long was I-"

"I don't know, you were pretty beat up when they brought you back yesterday."

"How beat up are we talking?" asked Zuko.

"You don't remember? I mean, I healed you," she explained.

"Oh, so that wasn't a dream? You actually did heal me?" asked Zuko.

Katara was taken aback by Zuko's statement. Granted, she didn't like him very much, and she still didn't trust him. However, she was not so heartless that she would let him die. Her eyes furrowed at Zuko, and she returned her attention to lying down.

"Who else could make the majority of your pain go away?" she said bitterly.

"Well excuse me if you find me a little skeptical," replied Zuko in kind.

Katara sat back up.

"You're skeptical?" she shot back, "Maybe you wouldn't be so skeptical if you actually knew anything about me, instead of being selfish and attacking us."

"I'm being selfish? You've been all 'Boo hoo, woe is me!' ever since I joined you guys. And while we're on the subject, how could I get to know you when every time I've tried to, you threatened to kill me?"

"Because maybe I don't want you to know me! Who knows what you could use against me like you did in Ba Sing Se."

Zuko's eyes closed completely, and he got his feet, surprising Katara.

"You are the most… confusing, annoying, hypocritical person I have ever met!" he shouted.

Katara got to her feet.

"Hypocritical?"

"That's right! You always say that your kind and forgiving, and that you're better than anyone in the Fire Nation. But you know what? You're no better than me or anyone! You're just as flawed as everyone else!"

"Well, you are the most treacherous, conniving, egotistical person that I've ever met!" she said, challenging his statement, "All this time you've talking about how you've changed! But you know what I see?"

"What? Enlighten me," he shot back.

"I still see the same moron who can't take a hint! You're trying to obtain something you can't get because of his own stupid, foolish, one-track mind!"

The door flung open, and two Dai Li agents looked at the two staring one another down. Zuko and Katara saw the two agents raise their eyebrows from the corner of their eyes. Zuko slowly sat back down on his mattress, and Katara did the same. Both were scowling at the other, and never once took their eyes off of the other.

"Aw, now behave children, or else no breakfast for you," mocked Azula as she strolled into the cell.

Zuko shot a glare at his sister, but it didn't even phase her one bit.

"Let me guess, I'm to be interrogated again?" said Zuko.

"Oh, eager are we? I suppose we could get started, but wouldn't you want to eat first? Just like mother used to say, you'll need your strength," said Azula mockingly.

Zuko's good eye twitched when Azula brought up their mother in such a disrespectful tone. Azula ignored him though, and signaled a Fire Nation soldier who carried a tray of food. The soldier set it in front of Zuko, and both he and Katara looked at the food with marvel. It was steamed fish, soup, and rice; even though it was prison food, it smelled too good for any of them to give a care. The soldier then gave Katara a bowl of juk, and she frowned at the meager portion in comparison to Zuko's. One thing they both got was a cup of water; a very small cup.

"I'll be back in one hour," said Azula, "Don't go anywhere."

The princess, agents, and soldier all left the cell laughing. The two benders looked at their food. Zuko took small bites from his tray, and Katara felt insulted.

'That jerk!' she screamed in her head, 'He's not even bothering to offer! He just as selfish as-"

"Here."

Katara saw Zuko take her juk, and slide the tray to her. She was shocked that he was giving her the whole meal while he began to sip the juk gingerly without looking at her. While happy that Zuko was offering the entire meal to her, she couldn't help be suspicious.

"I've tested it for poisoning," said Zuko interrupting her as if he read her thoughts, "Since I haven't started gagging or choking, I can assume it's not laced with anything."

Katara lowered her eyes as Zuko took another sip of the juk.

"…thank you," she replied quietly.

"…don't mention it," said Zuko curtly.

Katara began to eat quickly, trying to quell her hunger. She noticed Zuko was close to finishing the juk, and she felt a pang in her heart. She didn't want to feel bad, but she wanted to prove to him that he was wrong about her. She quickly picked up the rice.

"Here," she offered.

Zuko looked at the bowl, and raised his hand, pushing it away gently.

"No, you'll need your strength more than me," he said calmly.

"What do you mean?" she asked in surprise, "Azula's going to interrogate you."

"I know, but you've probably been deprived of any food or water since yesterday," reasoned Zuko, "Besides, if I'm going to be expelling any bodily fluids, I would prefer it be blood only."

It took Katara a few moments to register what Zuko meant by bodily fluids, and she continued eating. Though, at Zuko's words, the thought of Azula's interrogation methods, caused her to slowly lose her appetite. Then another thought hit her.

"What did you mean by 'you'll need your strength more than me?' You sound like… like you're planning something," said Katara.

Zuko finally looked at her, surprised she picked up on his language right away. Zuko faced her fully, and took a deep breath.

"Let's make an arrangement," said Zuko cautiously, catching Katara's attention, "Let's just cooperate now, escape, and get back at each other's throats later. OK?"

Katara thought about Zuko's proposal.

xXxXx

The two Dai Li agents approached the two Fire Nation guards guarding Zuko and Katara.

"The princess is ready to interrogate him," said one of the agents.

Just then, a crash was heard in the cell, and the guards quickly opened the cell, and saw the two benders staring each other down. The bowls and food trays were scattered around.

"Finally," said Zuko, "Get me away from this crazy woman!"

"Go on, I hope you die!" screamed Katara trying to, literally, kick him out.

The two agents separated them, and got Zuko by the arms. They led the prince away, while the fire nation guards tried to clean up the mess, and when they were done, they left Katara.

xXxXx

It was a full moon that night, and Aang sat quietly looking at the shores of the beach. He managed to get the group to a small island on the way to where Zuko suggested they should go, but his thoughts drifted to Katara and Zuko.

While he prayed to the spirits, especially to Yue, that the two would be safe, he still had concerns. The first was thoughts of Katara killing Zuko out of anger, or some other reason. But on the opposite end of the spectrum was his thought from yesterday, of Katara and Zuko becoming closer.

As he sighed deeply, he felt a very familiar presence behind him.

"Hey Toph."

"Not bad," she said, "I think you're beginning to finally master earth bending. So what are you doing here? Sokka says we should try to get to Ember Island at night to avoid detection."

"Yeah…" said Aang.

"You thinking about them?" asked Toph, her tone turning serious.

Aang didn't answer; he didn't have to. Toph put a hand on his shoulder.

"Give it a rest Aang, you're a bigger worry wart than Zuko, you know that?" she said

"I can't help it," said Aang, "What if they were killed, or what if-"

"Do you think Katara's strong?" asked Toph, interrupting him.

"What?" said a surprised Aang, "She's a master water bender, of course she's strong."

"And Zuko?"

"He's strong and persistent."

"So, where does the worrying fit in with this?" asked Toph.

Aang was about to answer, but he couldn't think of one.

"Come on Twinkletoes, if I don't bring you back, then I'm going to get into trouble."

Toph walked away, and Aang just laid there thinking about Toph's attempt to cheer him up.

'Toph's right,' he assured himself as he picked himself up, 'Katara and Zuko are strong. I'm giving them too little credit.'

He followed her back to camp to help them get ready to leave.

xXxXx

Katara lied down patiently on the bed for several hours. She fought to stay awake, her ears keenly focused. Then, she heard it.

Thump Thump.

She sat, up as the key turned, and Zuko was again being held by the arms before being tossed right into the cell. Again, two Dai Li agents tossed her a skin of water, ordered her heal Zuko, and watched her heal the prince. When Zuko's eyes began to open, the agents looked keenly.

"Well, he's still alive, eh?" said one of them as they got into their stances, prepared to turn the water into mud.

"…Katara?" he said.

'NOW!' she screamed in her head.

Katara immediately sent the water at the agents, who weren't expecting the attack, and froze their arms and legs. The two Fire Nation guards immediately went in to intervene.

"Big mistake water witch," one of them said, as the two got into a stance. But Katara was perfectly aware of their intervention.

She flicked her wrist, and liquid shot from the hinges of the cell door, and into the guard's eyes.

"Thanks for the soup," she said to the guards.

They howled in pain, as they cradled their eyes. Zuko leapt up and shot two flames at their chests, sending them flying, and another two to the Dai Li agents, knocking all four of them out.

The prince smiled in triumph, but cringed at the pain he felt from pushing himself to launch the attacks and fell to one knee.

"Be careful," said Katara, "I may have patched you up, but don't push it."

"I can't believe that worked," said Zuko, "Most of my plans don't work out so well."

"Let's celebrate after we get out of here," said Katara tying the water skin to her waist.

Secretly, Katara was very impressed with Zuko's planning. At first she was skeptical about it's chances, especially since they had such little to work with. But Zuko assured her that as long as they timed everything correctly, they had very solid chances of escaping. Zuko looked at the two guards who were blinded.

"You're aim's really good."

"Well it's a good thing we had that "fight" earlier with the juk and soup," said Katara, "Using the salt in the liquids was good thinking?"

"Not as good as your bending. It was a great idea to hide the soup in the door hinges."

Katara couldn't help but blush at Zuko's compliment, but she turned serious.

"What now?" she asked.

"Follow me," said Zuko.

Ta Da! Will Zuko and Katara escape? Find out next time.

Thank you for reading and please review.