The Conversation

Katara woke from her pleasant sleep. Well, it was a better sleep then what she had the first night she was there. Zuko had brought her a futon to sleep on and even some comfy blankets. The pillow was nice and soft so she couldn't even feel the hardness of the metal floor. That still didn't make her feel better. She was still locked away in that dirty old prison cell, and she was still a prisoner of the great Fire Nation. She had no way of escaping unless Aang and Sokka rescued her. That thought made tears form in her eyes. She hadn't seen Aang in such a long time, and she never got to apologize to him for leaving him. He must hate me by now, Katara thought.

She looked over to find a tray of bread and sushi. She grabbed for it and quickly consumed it. Her curiosity told her to walk towards the door. If only it was unlocked, she could easily slip out and walk around the ship. She didn't care about escaping anymore. She just wanted to get some fresh air. She leaned against the steel door and, surprisingly, it opened. She popped her head out and, seeing there were no guards in sight, decided to take a tour.

Zuko's ship was quite large. It was probably really easy to get lost in it if one didn't know their way. Katara must have opened a dozen doors, but none seem to lead to the ship deck. Great, she thought, now I am lost. She soon was drawn by voices. It sounded like someone was discussing strategies. She crept to the door and opened it slightly just to hear what the group was saying. She recognized Zuko and Iroh's voices, but there were others as well. It wasn't before long she found out that they were discussing a route.

"We need to find a way to lose Zhoa," Zuko said. Katara remembered Zhoa all too well. He was a heartless man that had no control over his bending skills or hunger for power. She hoped that she would never have to face that man again. "It seems he has a habit of following us to the Avatar. We can't afford anymore run-ins with him."

"Let's go to this area," a husky man suggested as he pointed. "This cluster of islands would be perfect to hide in. It would take Admiral Zhoa too long to search for us. If we had to, we could island hop."

"As grand as that sounds," Iroh stated, "Zhoa's fleet is so large that he would be able to send a ship to every island to search for us."

"How about this?" a masculine man said. "We can go into this inlet. It is far too small for an entire fleet to pass through but just small enough for one or two ships. We could move across the land while he gets his fleet through it." Zuko shook his head.

"That won't work," the prince declared. "He would be able to surround and overwhelm us. It's too risky."

"Alright," Iroh finally started. "We should go here. This island has very cold climates. We can hide the ship and walk around the island until we lose Zhoa and his men. Then we can make our way back and leave him behind. He wouldn't be able to organize his men in time to catch us."

"That's a good idea," Zuko said, "but our men might not be able to survive the climate. We wouldn't even know where to go. Besides, our little friend would slow us down."

"Hey!" Katara quickly covered her mouth, but it was too late. An officer with short, gray hair opened the door and spotted her. "Sorry, I got lost while looking for the bathroom. I'll just be on my way and…" The man grabbed the prisoner and dragged her into the meeting room. She was sorry that she was eavesdropping when she saw Zuko's furious face.

"What are you doing out of your cell? I thought I told you to stay in there!"

"Well, you can't expect me to stay in a stuffy room all the time," Katara argued. "I need some air, and I need to practice my waterbending."

"The hell if I let you practice your pathetic excuse for bending." Zuko was suddenly stopped when Iroh stepped in.

"I think we can give her a few minutes of fresh air. I can always accompany her. I don't think she'll try to escape in the open sea."

"Fine," Zuko said then turned to Katara. "If you try to escape, you will pay." Katara wasn't even listening. She was looking at the map that the men were discussing over. "What do you think you are doing?"

"How far away are we from this island?" Katara pointed to a small island in the middle of the map.

"It is none of your business!" Zuko yelled. "Get out of here!"

"I was just asking. I overheard that you had to get past Zhoa. This island would be great for outrunning him. There is a river that runs straight across this island. It has really steep cliffs, so there would be no chance of escape. It's small enough for one ship to go through."

"Very clever, young lady," Iroh said, but Zuko urged against it.

"This island's weather is too cold. I'm sure the river is frozen."

"I don't think so," Katara continued. "If it is frozen, I can bend it into liquid so we can get through. Then when Zhoa goes through, I can freeze it over. He would be stuck and out of our hair."

"I think it is a good idea," the man with grey hair said.

"I agree," the husky man said.

"We definitely could use her help," the masculine man said.

"How about it, Prince Zuko?" Katara asked. Zuko thought long and hard. If he let her on the deck, she wouldn't be able to escape over the cliffs. Plus, it was the perfect plan for leaving Zhoa behind. He turned to his crew and nodded.

"Alright, that is our plan. Set a course for that island." All the men bowed and left. Zuko quickly grabbed Katara's arm as she started to leave. "Where do you think you are going?"

"I need some air," she reminded him.

"I'll take you up. Don't even think about escaping." He led her up straight to the deck. She couldn't believe it was that easy to get to there. The whole time she was on the deck Zuko didn't take his eyes off her. It started to distract her from bending until she finally blew up.

"Why are you staring at me like that? I thought you didn't like me."

"I don't," he said coldly.

"Then why do you keep watching me? Do I have a horn growing out of my head?"

"I want to make sure you don't jump overboard." Katara laughed.

"Oh yeah. I plan to jump into the sea and hope that a whale gives me a ride to an island. Yeah, you are really bright." Zuko was starting to get irritated. "Look, can we just stop fighting for a couple of seconds and try to get along?"

"I will if you will." Katara quit streaming water and sat down next to him. She didn't know what to say to him. He was a prince, and a stubborn one at that. She finally started to talk.

"So, you are a prince."

"Thanks for telling me, Captain Obvious." Katara just ignored him and continued.

"It must be nice. You get everything you want and everyone adores you." Zuko was the one that chuckled this time.

"In case you didn't notice, I am an exiled prince. I don't get too many privileges." Katara looked at the Fire Nation Prince. He looked very serious.

"What did you do to be exiled?" Katara realized what she said when Zuko looked away. "I'm sorry. I really am. It is none of my business." Zuko got up and motioned her to follow him. He led her down the ship and into a room that looked like a guestroom.

"You can stay in the spare room for now. My room is the next door to the right. If you need anything, then just knock on my door. It only locks from the inside, so you will have your privacy. I'll come get you when we reach the island." He went into his room and locked the door behind him.

Katara inspected her room. It looked a lot nicer than that old cell. It actually had a bed and furniture. It even had a dresser. She decided not to look in it but go to sleep rather. She couldn't help think why Zuko was being so nice. She had actually had a conversation with him, one where they weren't yelling at each other. She couldn't help wonder why. Was he warming up to her? Was he trying to get something from her? She didn't care. She had a warm bed to sleep in. Her thoughts soon drifted into the dream world as she closed her eyes.

Sorry, everyone. I pretty much died for about a month, but I came back to life, kind of like Zuko in the last episode. I better not make any promises about updating. I have some reviews to answer thought.

Thanks to Miss Divine and Ambehawk.

Zuko's Girl: Thanks for the comment. I know a lot of people have a hard time making that switch. You made my day thought. Katara has a new room. Sorry for not blowing up the cells, but she might have to (or be willing to) sleep somewhere else (hint, hint). I'm so evil. ; )

Ktoe: That's ok. I don't nee a cookie, but I'll give you the next chapter as soon as I can. How's that?

Anyways, I'll have the next chapter soon.

Zuko: You shouldn't lie like that.

Katara: Yeah, you just said you weren't making any promises.

Patience: Since when did you start telling me what to do? I'm the author. And why are you talking to me?

Zuko: Maybe I should blow you up instead.

Katara: And what's with "willing to"? Are you crazy?

Patience: Yes. Your point is?

Zuko: So, Ktoe says that I'm not covered. Does that mean I'll get soak-n-wet when it storms?

Katara: For the last time, you need insurance.

Zuko: I got you.

Katara: I'm not that kind of insurance. It means that I'm a back-up plan. I can't believe you.

Zuko: So, I'm not covered? Damn it! I'm burning Geico down to ashes!

Katara: Settle down, you idiot!

Patience: Anyways, I'll be going now. Ktoe, thanks for the laugh. I hope it's ok if I used some of your words. I thought I would get you to laugh too. Cya everyone.