Wohoo! Two chapters in one day. Thanks to all those who reviewed and have supported me so far--thankies! Please keep it up! Anyway, here is chapter nine. I hope you enjoy. Please, review!.

Chapter: Nine

Peace was something to savor, something to treasure. Most kids, especially teenagers, had a hard time grasping such, but when you traveled with the Avatar, it was hard not to grasp. So that being, as Lian sat gazing out at Kiyoshi Island from her little hill, she sighed contently at how peaceful things were. Everyone in the gang was busy doing their own things, so Lian was able to do what she wanted and that was to do nothing, which what she was doing.

However, when one travels with the Avatar, despite how much one savors it, peace doesn't seem to last long.

Peace in Kiyoshi didn't last.

Lian didn't know how she knew as nothing had occurred yet, but a tingle had arisen in her body. The hair on the back of her neck stood and goosebumps rose on her arms. Trouble was coming and she knew who the cause of it was.

Zuko…

Panic washed over her and she sprang up from her place. She bolted down the hill and into the village. When she arrived, so many things ignited her senses. Lian smelled and saw fire burning houses. She saw and heard scared villagers. She saw and heard her friends fighting to defend Kiyoshi. Zuko and a few of the Fire Nation soldiers that obeyed and followed him were attacking the village.

Lian gasped at the terrifying sight, especially when she saw Sokka and Aang fighting back and Katara helping the villagers get to safe places. Every part of her instinct and brain shouted at her to join and do what she was supposed to do. Except, she didn't move from her spot in the middle of the village—the heat of the fires didn't even make her move. Her heart was whispering something else to her—it wasn't telling her to assist her friends and family.

Her heart was whispering her to follow through with her original plan for when Zuko appeared again. She had to do it, she had no idea when her next chance would be. Also, she was not sure how much longer she could wait. Lian had to act and she had to act now.

Taking a deep breath, the Waterbender gazed around quickly wondering what the fastest way to Zuko's warship was. The fastest and most discreet—she couldn't have anyone see her. Finally, she figured that she could take the back alleys of Kiyoshi village and make her way through the field to the beach where his ship was.

Swiftly, the dark-haired girl took the route she formulated in her mind.

It took forever, at least in Lian's mind, but finally, she found the big, metal ship. When reaching it, Lian stopped and glanced over her shoulder at Kiyoshi Island. Her eyes widened seeing Aang using the onagi's water breath to extinguish the village before it burned completely down. Sokka and Katara were flying overhead on Appa.

They were leaving to distract Zuko from destroying the village more.

They were leaving her.

Biting her lip, Lian started to choke up. She had decided to stowaway on Zuko's ship in order to get the answers she had been waiting for for so long, but she didn't know how leaving her friends—or them leaving her—would affect her. She hadn't thought about it. Probably because that issue would be what held her back.

Lian shook her head. No, Lian! You can't do this now! This may be your only chance! And if they are leaving, that means Zuko will be as well soon!, she shouted at herself.

Pushing such thoughts from her mind, she took a deep breath and centered herself. "I'm sorry, guys. I'm sorry, Sokka. But I have to do this. I'll come back and help you become the Avatar, Aang, when I get my problems out of the way first. I promise." she vowed, her voice bold and determined.

With that, she continued speedily to the ship. She jumped into the water and swam towards the anchor; that would be her key to boarding the ship. When she reached it, she climbed up.

She was crazy, she knew she was. She wouldn't deny it. Who, in their right mind, would willingly leave her friends and family to sneak onto an enemy ship just to get a few questions answered? But Lian wanted—no, she needed—those answers. She had waited long enough; she had waited years for answers. And now that she had a chance to fill in the holes of her past, she was not going to pass it up—not even for the Avatar, as selfish as that was.

However, the Waterbender wasn't as stealthy as she thought she was…

Just as Lian climbed up the warship's anchor and scrambled onto the railing of the deck, a voice called out to her, "And what do you think you're doing, young lady?"

Going rigid, she slowly turned her head and peered through her long, wet bangs to see an old—well, not that old—man standing there. He had a potbelly and gray hair and beard. His eyes were amber like Zuko, but didn't have that cold and lonely feel to them. The man actually gave off a kind and inviting feeling—like a father—and seemed familiar.

Nonetheless, he was part of the Fire Nation so Lian couldn't let her guard down.

Biting her lower lip, Lian hovered a cautious hand on her water jug—ready to waterbend at any time—as she got down from the railing. "Who are you?" she queried, keeping her voice steady and low.

He just smiled after noticing how on edge she was. "Don't worry, miss. I will not attack you. I promise." His voice was cheerful and somewhat comforting. "My name is Iroh, dear."

At his words and tone, Lian felt her body relax. Yet, she brushed off such feelings quickly. He was from the Fire Nation. No one from there could be trusted. Thus, narrowing her blue eyes, Lian said nothing and watched Iroh closely with intense suspicious.

Furrowing his eyebrows, Iroh cocked his head to the side puzzled. "Do I know you? You look awfully familiar." he asked.

So he felt it too…

Her eye twitched and she bit her lip harder. She narrowed her eyes more, "Depends. Who do you think I am?"

"A trespasser." came Zuko's voice, cutting off Iroh. He emerged from within the ship, coming up from behind the older male making Lian stiffen.

Zuko and a bunch of his soldiers stepped further onto the deck. They were soaked and Lian wondered why. But upon realizing the situation, she pushed the silly question away.

Zuko, his eyes the shade of golden embers because of the anger sizzling from losing Aang again, glared at Lian. "What are you doing on my ship, you filthy water peasant?" he seethed, his voice dangerous.

"Nephew! That is no way to speak to a lady! Where are your manners?" Iroh scolded the boy, aghast by his nephew's question.

"Silence, Uncle!" Zuko snapped, eyes never leaving Lian—they looked so different from what she remembered. He hissed out at her, "You travel with the Avatar, why are you on my ship?"

Holding her ground, trying not be intimidated by him, Lian boldly confessed, "I have questions I need answered."

The prince looked at her skeptically. "And what makes you think I have said questions?"

Lian arched a brow and straightened up, breaking her fighting stance. "You…You don't remember me, do you?" she asked.

"Remember you? I don't even know your name!" he spat.

She looked away, chewing on her lip. Of course he doesn't remember me. Why would he bother to remember the person he betrayed?, she thought angrily. Lian looked again to Zuko, who was becoming even more annoyed by her silence. "Think, Zuko. Think real hard. Try thinking about the little girl you stabbed in the back ten years ago. Maybe that'll help you recall my identity." she growled venomously.

"What are you talking about?!" he yelled. He thrust his arm to a couple of his soldiers. "You two, bind her hands and take her to the jail brig! I'll deal with her later. For now, we have to make sure we don't lose the Avatar."

Complying, those soldiers harshly grabbed Lian by each arm. They bound her wrists. She winced from their grips and the tightness of the rope, but she did not resist. Deep down, the young woman felt that the scarred boy would react in such a manner. She just had hoped he wouldn't yet, there was no point in fighting the inevitable. Besides, she had made the choice. Now, she had to suck it up and wait it out. Zuko would figure it out and give her her answers.

Or so she hoped…

Either way, Lian allowed the soldiers to take her away. Not before shooting a sharp glower at Zuko though. He more than willingly returned the look evenly.

Watching the girl being taken away, Iroh felt a wave of sadness crash over him.

Now, he recognized the young woman. She was Lian. Many years ago, she had lived in the palace under Ursa's care. Then, at such a very young age, she was cruelly banished from the Fire Nation for being a Waterbender like her mother and not a Firebender like her father. It had been suspected that Lian most likely died from her injuries and just being dumped into the ocean. Obviously, that had not been the case.

Iroh turned to his nephew, who was yelling orders to his men while ranting about girls being crazy. Had Zuko really not recognized her? I thought they had been so close. Then again, they both have changed greatly since then., the former general thought to himself. Nevertheless, Lian does not deserve such treatment.

"Prince Zuko," Iroh called to the young man. Zuko turned to him, but didn't look happy doing so as he was being interrupted in giving instructions for following the Avatar. "Don't you think the way you are treating her is a bit harshly, especially since you two were once so close?" asked Iroh.

"Not you, too, Uncle!" Zuko threw up his hands in exasperation. He faced the older male. "I don't know that water wretch!"

"Really?" Iroh folded his hands within his robes sleeves. He looked at his nephew critically. "I'm sure you do. Think really hard. I'll even give you a hint: your mother took her in when you both were three."

For a minute, despite how much he didn't want to, Zuko considered his uncle's words and thought about the hint he had been given. His eyes narrowed angrily when he realized who Iroh was speaking of. "Lian died ten years ago, Uncle." he said through his teeth, hissing like a snake. "There is no way that girl is Lian. Now, don't ever speak of Lian again. Understand?" With that, he turned on his heel to storm off the deck.

"Fine! But I'd advise asking her yourself, nephew!" Iroh called after him.

Just growling, Zuko slammed the metal door behind him.

XXX

"Well, Lian," Lian exhaled deeply as she rested the back of her head against the cold metal of her cell, which was in the jail brig located in the lowest and darkest part of the ship. "You've certainly gotten yourself in a pickle now. You have done some pretty stupid and rash things in your life, but this is probably on the top of the list. Then again, did you really expect that hotheaded prince to apologize and throw his arms around you, making everything okay again?"

That thought actually made the ebony-haired girl laugh aloud. She shook her head still smiling slightly. So maybe things aren't that bad. I mean, I just have to wait for Zuko to come around, have him answer my questions, and then, I can get the cuss out of here and join back up with my friends., she thought, trying to keep herself positive. Except when she thoughts of her friends, especially Sokka, she frowned deeply.

How were they right now? Had they even noticed she was gone? Okay, that was a stupid question. Of course they knew she was gone, especially Sokka. Were they angry and disappointed that she had left or did they just suspect that she was kidnapped by Zuko? Truthfully, Lian preferred the latter no matter how dishonest that was. Were Sokka, Aang, and Katara going to turn around and try to find her? Or were they going to keep heading the North Pole, hoping she'd meet up with them later? And the question that haunted her the most was if Sokka figured out she had left without telling him, would he be able to forgive her for breaking her promise to him when she returned?

She sighed and hung her head. "I am the worst best friend ever…" she muttered ashamed.

"You know, it's not healthy to talk to yourself." a voice told her dully.

The cold voice sent shivers down Lian's spine and she knew immediately who it was. Glowering, Lian lifted her head for her eyes to land on Zuko, who was entering the brig. "What do you want?" she asked.

He smirked and stepped towards her cell. "I came to speak with you on some private matters." he said.

"Really? I figured you'd just come to see and watch me like I'm some caged animal." Lian sarcastically remarked.

Zuko opened his mouth to retort and tell her to bite her tongue yet, he stopped himself and calmly said, "Funny, but no. I want to speak with you about a trade of information."

"A trade of information?" Her brows furrowed distrustfully.

"Yes," he nodded. "I answer your petty little questions and you tell me where the Avatar is going."

Lian's expression darkened. Of course, she should've known. He still hadn't recognized her nor had he cared. All he cared about was capturing Aang. Well, he can forget it. "I don't recall saying that I was willing to betray my friends just so I could get some answers from you."

"You have already betrayed your friends." Zuko scoffed, crossing his arms.

She shot to her feet. "I did no such thing!"

"You're here on your own free will. You intentionally left your companions to fraternize with the enemy."

"Fraternize? Puh-leez! I'm just here to get the answers I've been waiting years for! I'm not here to make friends, especially with you! I already made the mistake of being your friend before, I'm not going to do it again!"

"I was never friends with you, peasant!"

Now, both of them were infuriated.

Huffing, Lian turned her back to him crossing her arms. "I guess you weren't. It was all just a lie. If you had been my friend then, you wouldn't have broken your promise to me like you did." Her throat started to tighten as her eyes started to sting—she cursed herself for needing to cry, especially in front of someone like Zuko. "You wouldn't have ratted me out to your father if you had been my friend. You wouldn't have let your father banish me and leave me for dead at six-years-old." she whispered, her voice strained and her hands gripping her arms.

Zuko took aback at that with slightly wide eyes. N-No. She c-couldn't be her. Lian died ten years ago. There is no way. There is no way!, he thought frantically. memories flashed through his mind making his blood boil—no had the right to make him remember such things. Gritting his teeth, the exiled prince grabbed at Lian's cell bars. "I don't know what lies you're spouting, but I want to know where the Avatar is and I want to know now! And you will tell me!" he ordered ferociously.

"Forget it. Find him on your own because I'm not telling you anything." Lian spat, her back still turned to him. At that point, she had swallowed back her tears and regained her composure.

He growled. "Fine! Be that way! Then, you can just forget about me answering any of your stupid questions!"

"Fine!" She whirled around on him, so they were face to face—their faces were inches apart.

"Just you wait and see. You will break and tell me where the Avatar is. Until then, you can just sit in here and rot for all I care."

"Sounds like a blast. Hope you're willing to wait forever, Your Majesty."

Just growling, Zuko whipped around on his heel and stormed out of the brig. He slammed the door, almost making the entire room shake. Screaming out in frustration, Lian grabbed at her thick hair. She pressed her back against the wall and slid down it, pulling her knees to her chest and burying her face in them.

What had she gotten herself into?

XXX

"We have to go back! We have to!" cried Sokka as he, Katara, and Aang flew as far away from Kiyoshi as possible in order to lose Zuko. However, the main and only problem about doing that was that they were going far away from Lian as well.

"We have to go back and get Lian! Who knows what might have happened to her!?" Sokka continued, grabbing his sister by hers and shook her.

"S-Sokka! Sokka! Calm down!" Katara pushed him off of her and held him out at arms length. "Freaking out is not going to do anyone any good, especially Lian." she told him sternly.

"But--!"

"I know how you feel, Sokka. I care about Lian just as much as you do, but we can't go back. Not when Zuko is tailing us. We have to get away from him first."

"But the further we get away from him, the further we get away from her! She may have been kidnapped by that psycho!"

"Sokka, you're not giving Lian enough credit." piped up Aang from on top of Appa's head. "I'm worried about her, too, but we have to remember Lian can handle herself. She is a very capable fighter and Bender."

"Not to mention, stubborn, coolheaded, and so sarcastic that its obnoxious. Zuko won't know what to do with her. He may even willingly give her up to us." Katara joked, trying to lighten the mood. Aang laughed, but Sokka didn't.

"It's not funny, Katara." he retorted. "How can you joke when Lian, who I thought was like a sister to you, could be in serious danger? Don't you care about Lian at all?"

Katara was no longer giggling and gasped, offended by her siblings accusations. She glowered. "How can you even think that I don't care about her? I love Lian because isn't just like my sister, she is my sister! Of course I worry about her safety, but freaking out isn't going to help her, Sokka! You know her better than anyone else and yet, you seem to have no faith in Lian! What does that say about you?!"

He took aback.

His sister was right. Sokka knew Lian better than anyone and knew how strong physically and emotionally she was and yet, there he was, thinking she was just some helpless girl in Zuko's terrible clutches.

Sokka hung his head. "Y-You're right, Katara, Aang. I-I'm sorry for freaking out and saying those things. I'm just so worried about Lian." he muttered sadly.

Smiling sympathetically, Katara hugged her brother tightly. "I know, Sokka, I know. I'm worried too, but all we can do right now is have faith in Lian and believe that everything will be okay." she crooned gently.

"Lian will come back. Everything will be okay." Aang added, his voice just as reassuring.

Weakly, Sokka smiled at his sister and friend. "Right, Okay." he nodded. Aang and Katara smiled. He just glanced back over his shoulder as the disappearing island they had left behind. Please be okay, Lian…Please…