All my love to those who reviewed and who have stuck with me this entire time. The poll results are in, and consensus is for me to continue Taken as is. I apologize for the long wait, and I'm so sorry that this chapter isn't up to par. I didn't know how to write this one. So without further adieu, I present to you chapter nine. And as always, I look forward to your reviews.

Zuko's POV

As I watched Zhao walk down the corridor, my mind began whirring, trying to figure out ways to keep Katara away from him, but also as to not arouse suspicion to myself. I had to get her off the ship before Zhao acted on his plans.

I finished mopping my sweat off my face, threw on my shirt, and headed to my room, in hopes that I could come up with a plan and clean myself up without any unwanted interruptions, though due to my status that was very unlikely. I needed to clear my head and come up with a foolproof plan to get her off the ship. First however, I need to get a message to the resistance.

So much for stress relief. I moved back through the hallways lost in my musings. How was I to get Katara to believe me and how was I supposed to contact Sokka? I needed to talk to Uncle. He usually knew how to deal with these things. At that moment, I collided with someone. Looking up from my thoughts I realized it was Uncle.

"Can we talk?" The two of us blurted out at the same time. I nodded towards Uncle to go first.

"Let us talk over a nice game of Pai Sho and some tea," Uncle said. This indicated our conversation was going to be very secret and confidential.

"Uncle I agree, however let us set up the game in my quarters," in other words I also had some things which were to be said in private. Uncle nodded at me, a slow smile spreading over his features.

Now was the time for the resistance to take a stand, and the Water Tribe siblings would bring the best leadership to it. At this thought the ship jolted, causing Uncle and I to lose our balance.

As Uncle and I regained our balance, chaos began to ensue. An announcement was being shouted throughout the corridors of the ship, "All hands on deck!" Uncle and I looked at each other and both began to run to the deck of the ship to see what all the commotion was about. We passed several soldiers running below deck, almost colliding into some of them. When we were above deck, we noticed an approaching war ship, not of Fire Nation origin. I immediately recognized it as one of the ships belonging to the resistance; apparently Zhao did too, as he was shouting at my crew to prepare for battle. I knew immediately this was my chance to get Katara to safety, however I had to do this without arousing suspicion to myself or Uncle.

I looked at Uncle and he nodded at me as if knowing what I was thinking. He had the strange ability to do that. He began to walk up to Zhao, pretending to be bent over in pain. Zhao simply looked at him in digust.

"Go below deck old man, you're no use to us up here."

Uncle feigned a look of disdain, as if he had just swallowed something bitter, "I am a Fire Nation royal. You are not to command me Admiral Zhao! If anyone is to be in control here, it is my nephew, Prince Zuko. Now if you excuse me, if I wish to help defend this ship, I will," Zhao looked stunned; I guess he didn't expect Uncle to respond like that. Uncle waved me over signaling that it was time for me to play my part.

"Uncle, I do believe for once that Zhao is right. You have been complaining of back pain, and if you fought, the crew would be more concerned about your safety than the battle. Uncle, maybe you can keep an eye on the princess. Make sure she doesn't escape."

"Prince Zuko you make a valid point, some day you will make an excellent Fire Lord." At that, he began to head below deck to get Katara to safety. Now to do my part. This isn't going to be easy.