Ohk. I just wanted to say that this time line is somewhere after "The Waterbending Scroll." There was just a little bit of confusion. I hope that helps clear it up. I'm so freaking happy. As of right know I know that at least 4 people other than my self have started reading this. OMG (oh my gee). Freak attack over here. But anyways, here's the next chapter. I hope you like it.:)


It was late when I woke up. I rubbed my face and sat up in bed. I hadn't slept this late in ages. I got out of bed and changed into something loose. Stopping by the kitchen, I grabbed an apple and went to the deck to start training.

The ship was quiet so I knew Uncle and everyone else had gone; gone out shopping. If I knew Uncle well enough he'd have a whole caravan of items brought back with him today. And I know he will. "I don't know how someone can go out and come back with so much junk", I said aloud to myself. It's baffling; only Uncle. I finished my apple and stretched.


The sun had risen high into the sky by the time I decided to take a break. I pulled off my sweat soaked shirt and went to find some water. I went into the kitchen and found a jug of water. I took a sip and brought it outside with me. It's hot out today. I took another sip from the jug and poured a little over my head. Chills ran down my spine. I picked up the towel I had brought with me and wiped my face. I tossed it to the side and got back to training. I spun and raised a wall of fire, splitting it into two. The flames fanned out and died. I brought my foot into the air and twisted around. I landed back on both feet and swept my heel out and the fire followed. I raised it up and shot it across the deck of the ship. I heard the flame sizzle out when it hit the water over the side of the ship.

I'd kicked training up a knock, since my last encounter with the Avatar. He gets better every time we meet. He has mastered air bending. He and the Water Tribe people he travels with will be heading to the North Pole, so that he can find a master. At this I set up a large arc of flame and let it jet out across the deck of the ship. And the girl, the Water bender, she is getting better as well. The Water tribe boy is not much of a problem, but he does get in the way. I wasn't sure what exactly I was going to do next. All I know is that I need to capture the Avatar. That's my only way home.

It was getting late when Uncle and the girl returned. I had lost track of time. That happened sometimes when I was training. At first, I hadn't noticed their return, but then Uncle came onto the ship talking a hundred miles a minute. That was the first thing I heard; was Uncle's mouth. I had to keep myself from letting out an exasperated sigh. I had thought of getting him a muzzle for his birthday once, but had never gone through with it. I picked up my towel and slung it over my shoulder. My water jug was almost empty. I drank my fill and dumped the rest over me. I rubbed the back of my neck. The sun had gone down a little but I that didn't mean that I wasn't hot. My hair was falling out of its tight pony-tail, and dripping, as well as the rest of me. I dried myself with the towel as best I could and went to meet Uncle.

I went over to Uncle but he held his hand out, trying to keep me away. From the look on his face I knew he wasn't too happy with me. "Prince Zuko, how long have you been out here?"

"A few hours", I replied.

He shook his head at me, I patiently waited for him to scold me, but he didn't. I looked at the line the crew had formed and saw they were laden with supplies. I was shocked. "Uncle, where's all your junk?" He didn't say anything, but only smiled. "Now uncle I know you had to have bought something other than supplies. Where is it?"

His smile widened, "Prince Zuko you know me too well" he said smacking my arm, but then wiping his hand off on his leg. "I sent Hirashu back for the rest. You know I can never resist a good sale." Of course you couldn't.

"How did I know" I mumbled under my breath. Uncle gave me a look, "I think it was a rather productive day, if I do say so myself. But I do think that I have nearly exhausted young Raeya here" he said moving aside. When she saw me she did nothing, she just simply looked at me, said nothing, and then looked away. Uncle stepped away and left me there with her. I turned to the crew and instructed them to put the supplies they had in the cargo hold. I watched them carry the boxes below and turned back to the girl. "Looks like you've had your fill of shopping for the day."

She looked at me and replied, "I think for the rest of my life. Your Uncle is very… enthusiastic when it comes to shopping. It's a little overwhelming. "

"Don't I know it. He probably dragged you into every store there didn't he?"

She smiled a little, "I lost count somewhere after twenty, but yes I think so."

"I'm glad he's found someone to go with him. He like's your company" I said. I wasn't trying to flatter her. It was the true. Uncle liked the girl. I think he was starting to think of her as a daughter. But she smiled at my comment.

"Well, I might have to sit out on his next excursion. I don't know if I want to repeat today, right way."

"I don't blame you. I know how he gets with his shopping."

"So you've gone with him before?" she asked me.

I nodded. "Yes." She looked at me as if she were confused. "What's with the look?"

"Hu?" She looked caught off guard. "It's just that I wouldn't peg you as a big shopper."

"Believe me I've done just about everything to get out of going with him, but I know he likes it when I go." Why did I just say that? She looked at me for a moment and almost smiled.

"Hm."

Now it was my turn to look at her confused. "What?"

She shook her head at me."Nothing." Uncle came back and walked over to us.

"Prince Zuko, why don't you go and put on some clothes…." Uncle said. Walking over to me he stopped and sniffed the air. "Oh second thought, why don't you go and wash up, and then, put some clothes on." I looked at Uncle.

"Alright Uncle." I can take a hint uncle, I know I stink.

"Don't take long Prince Zuko. I want to show you what Raeya and I bought today."

I started to say that I would rather not, but I couldn't tell him no. His feelings would be hurt. "I'll try and be quick." I turned from them and headed for the washroom. I found some clothes and dropped my sweat stained towel on the floor. I turned the water on as hot as it would go and stepped into the shower. I washed everywhere and when I was done I stood under the water. I slowly turned the hot water off and the cold on. The water rushed down my back and down the drain. I turned the knob and wrapped a towel round my waist. I went back into my room and fell back on the bed. My body was a little sore from training. Uncle had told me not to overdo it several times; countless times. But do I listen? No, of course not. I closed my eyes and just laid there for a minute, taking in the silence.

I jumped when I heard the sound of the door opening. I was off the bed, and met with the green eyes of Raeya. She started to speak but then promptly shut her mouth when she saw how I was dressed; which was not at all. I gripped my towel and Raeya down cast her head. I felt the blood rush to my face and saw the marks on her face light up as well. It was a little embarrassing for me but I knew she was more than I. She didn't take her eyes from off the ground, and apologized, "I'm sorry I should have knocked."

I didn't shout, like I would have at Uncle, and remembered what he had said about "being sensitive." I wasn't angry; just a little caught off guard. I blew out a sigh and raised my hand, "It's alright." Her eyes rose just a little but no further. When she didn't speak I took the opportunity. "Did you need something?" I asked her. She picked her head up and looked me in the eye, and I noticed she looked nowhere else but there.

"Yes, your uncle sent me to get you, but I see that you need more time, so I'll just go." Now I could see that her face was well lit up. I couldn't help but stare, they were like little stars. You're staring again Zuko, I reminded myself. I looked back at her and saw that she had seen me, again. She looked taken aback but didn't say anything, and then she turned and left. When she was out of the room I laughed to myself, for having such an odd fascination with the little glowing marks on body. Wonder if there are more than just the ones on her face and arms? I shook my head. What the hell's wrong with me? I stopped thinking about that and put my clothes on. I dried my hair and pulled it into its usual ponytail, and hurried to find Uncle, and Raeya.

I found the two of them seated in the galley, in a whispered conversation. When they saw me coming the topic, whatever it was, was switched. "Prince Zuko, come and see what we have here" Uncle said sweeping his arm over a pile of boxes. I took a deep breath and seated myself next to Uncle. I took a chance and stole a glance over at Raeya. The marks on her face had a faint glow to them still. I made myself look away before she could notice I was looking at her again. Uncle poked me in the arm to make sure I was listening to whatever he was saying. "Prince Zuko, are you listening?"

"Hm? Oh. Yes Uncle." I inhaled deeply and prepared myself for the long story he was about to tell. Calm, Zuko, calm…

An hour later, when Uncle was finished telling his story, he yawned loudly and announced that he would be heading off the bed. "Raeya will you be returning with me tomorrow to collect the rest of our supplies? I won't be leaving till sometime in the late afternoon." I watched as she contemplated the idea for a moment and answered.

"Sure, I would love to." Uncle grinned a little and left for bed. Then it was quiet in the room. Raeya sat quietly in her seat and didn't say a word. A slight yawn escaped her lips and she covered her mouth. Then she spoke, "you looked like you were zoned out when he was talking" she said. I nodded.

"I found the story goes a lot faster when I don't say anything and just nod." Her mouth turned to a almost grin. He eye's shown bright green, almost florescent. I had never seen such eyes. They didn't really look human right then. As a whole I had never seen anything like her. Between her eyes, her colored hair, and the glowing marks, she had to be one of the strangest girls I had ever seen. She was pretty though. I tried to look away but my eyes traveled. When they reached her neck I saw the faintest sign of bruising. "How are you feeling?" I heard myself ask. She turned to me in confusion.

"What?" Crap.

"I mean, is your leg feeling any better?" She looked at me for a moment before she answered.

"Yes, it is. It's still sore though."

"Walking around with your Uncle all day probably didn't help it much" I said. She nodded.

"I couldn't tell him no" she said.

"Yes. He does seem to have that effect on people, so it would seem."

"I know what you mean. It seems like he never uses the word "no" in anything, especially his shopping. She smiled a little and I felt myself start to laugh at this.

"No, he doesn't." I stood and stretched. "I think I'm going to head to bed as well." I held my hand to her, to help her up. She stared at it quizzically for a moment, looking uncertain, before she took it. Her hand was cool in mine. She released my hand as soon as she was up.

"Thank you" she replied and walked to the door. I followed along behind her, as we headed to the room. I watched her hair sway behind her when she turned a corner. She opened the door and I closed it behind me. She stiffened when the door slammed just a little. I mumbled an apology. She went to the end of the bed, where the chest was and opened it. But this chest was different it was a little larger than the one before. She caught my curious eye, "your uncle said that I needed something bigger. I told him no, but I couldn't persuade him otherwise."

I nodded, "You don't have to explain. I have a hunch that he insisted."

"He did." She stood and went to the washroom to change. I quickly found some loose clothes to sleep in for the night and changed before she re-entered the room. Her shirt scooped with her neck and stopped at her knees. Look away. I reminded myself. I went to the bed and lay down. I blew on one of the candles, it went out, and the room got a little dimmer. Raeya was putting something into the chest and lay down a minute later. One last candle flickered and she sat up to get it.

"Don't worry about it." I told her. She lay back down and I snapped my finger and the flame went out. The room went dark and it was quiet. I could hear her soft breathing and spoke. "What were you and my uncle talking about earlier?" I couldn't see her face but I knew she was awake.

"He was just asking why I was glowing."

"Oh." I smiled to myself for a moment and spoke again. "Did you tell him why?" I could hear her turn her head to look at me.

"No I didn't." She paused for a moment and then spoke again. "Sorry about that." There was a faint glow coming from her side of the bed.

"Don't apologize. It's over with." A few moments passed and nothing was said. "Goodnight." I turned over on my side and closed my eyes.

"Goodnight Prince Zuko."


Okay. I just want to say thanks to: kn4sakura and Justadreamer15. They've been faithful in reading and leaving me reviews for just about every chapter. Thanks so much guys. Reviews are what keep me going. And I know I'm a terrible person for letting Raeya walk in on Zuko, but I felt the need for just one more awkward moment. You know you love those. I have a few more that I might throw in. Ha ha.