OMG! You guys are awesome! I haven't had this many reviews since I don't know when. Just because of that, I'm giving you two chapters in one day! Love you guys, in a platonic way, not a gay way. I'm not sure if I got the names right for the commander and Zuko's father. I've only heard their names a few times. I hope it's enough to go on. Anyways, here's the next chapter.

Firebender's Apprentice: Don't worry. I wouldn't dream of making Zuko saying that mushy crap. I'll try to keep him in character as much asIcan. And about your fanficiton, all I have to say is GO FOR IT! I WANT TO READ IT! Seriously, you need to publish it. If you don't, then you won't know if it's good. I'll definately review it if you do it. Just tell me when you post it, ok? Thanks.

Homecoming and Heartbreak

Katara was watching the beautiful sunrise on the ocean's horizon. It was a nice, calm, and warm morning. She was glad that she didn't have to wear her Eskimo outfit anymore. She would have certainly died from the heat. The ocean seemed to comfort her. She hadn't been this happy since…since she had met Aang.

Katara's joy quickly faded away. It had been almost a month since she had seen him last. She hoped that he still wasn't mad at her for disturbing him. She had wished to see him, but this was the first time she had thought about him in a long time. She missed him and her brother Sokka so much. She wished she could see them, but it had been so long. They probably have given up searching for me, she thought.

Suddenly, the ocean became fierce. Zuko came out to bring her in. "Katara, you should get inside. It's dangerous out here." She ignored him and waved her hands. Instantly, the ocean was calmed. Zuko was amazed. "Did you do that?" he asked.

"I guess," she said with a smile. Iroh and Zuko had been training her this whole time. Since her hand had healed, she was much stronger. For the time she had, she had gotten pretty good. She was almost at a master's level now. She was surprised with herself also. She would have never thought that a fire bender could teach her how to master her skills as a water bender. "You should look at this. The sunrise is so beautiful." Zuko walked to her and leaned against the side of the ship.

"Yeah, it can really take your breath away. Katara, I have something to tell you."

"What is it, Zuko?" Katara turned to him with eagerness.

"I received news from my father. He has allowed me to come back to the capital."

"That's great, Zuko. It looks like your honor has been restored. Now you don't have to go after Aang, right?"

"I'm not sure yet." He turned his gaze away from her. Katara watched as the wind blew through his hair. She was starting to realize how handsome he was. There was always something she wanted to ask him, but she was too afraid…until now.

"Zuko, how did you get that scar on your right eye?" Zuko turned to her. She thought she was in trouble. But he just smiled at her.

"When I was younger, I thought that I would make a better leader than my father, so I challenged him to a duel. I thought I was strong enough to take him, but I was wrong. He defeated me and then banished me from my nation. As a reminder of that fateful day, he gave me this scar so all may know that I was a disgrace. I knew that the only way to return to the throne was if I captured the Avatar or if he renounced my betrayal. I guess he wants to see me. Look." He pointed to a stripe of land that sat on the horizon that they were heading for.

"Is that the Fire Nation?" Katara asked.

"Yes. On the border of the ocean lie Kataru, the capital of the Fire Nation. I am finally home." He saw his uncle walking towards him. "I'll be back, Katara." Zuko walked over to talk to his uncle. "What is it?"

"She is so beautiful and so innocent," he declared.

"I know. Soon, I will be able to return home with her."

"Have you told her why you are able to return?" Iroh asked.

"No, I am waiting for the right time."

"I hope that she is ready. You might want to prepare her. Lord Ozoy is expecting a prisoner, not a guest." Iroh returned to his quarters. Zuko sighed and walked back to Katara.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked.

"Yes, unfortunately. My father thinks that you are a prisoner. I'm sorry but we are going to have to bind you for appearances. If you don't want to, I will understand." Katara smiled at the sad prince.

"I'll be alright. You just make your father proud." She gave him a small kiss on his cheek. She didn't know if it was out of kindness or if she actually was growing closer to him. She turned to the land they were heading for. She was going to a place that she never thought she would have to see. She started shaking at the thought of going into the lion's den. Could this be hell or was it heaven in a different form?


They finally reach the harbor. Zuko had his armor on and was ready to greet his father. Behind him stood Katara with her ankles shackled and her hands chained behind her back. She looked nervous but she kept a firm face. Zuko looked at her and caressed her face. "It's ok. You'll do fine. Just don't tense up." The hull of the ship opened and they walked out. Two guards led Katara as they walked to the palace. They were stopped by Commander Zhoa. Zuko bowed to him, trying to hold his temper.

"It looks like the banished prince has returned, and he has brought a gift." Zhoa stared at Katara with greed. "She is very beautiful."

"She is also a friend of the Avatar's," Zuko announced. "She might be able to help us, which means she's off limits to you." Zuko started walking off but was stopped by his uncle.

"Show some respect, nephew. I trust that Lord Ozoy is waiting for us."

"Yes, he is waiting in the throne room. Let's just hope that he didn't make a mistake in bringing you back, Prince Zuko. I hope that you have a nice stay. It might not last so long." Zhoa walked off laughing. Zuko wanted nothing more than to burn him to ashes, but Katara's voice brought him back.

"Zuko, are you alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine. Let's go." They all went up through the castle to the throne room. The castle was nothing like Katara had seen before. The hallways were draped with red, jeweled banners. The twenty-foot ceiling was held up by marble pillars. The doors to the throne room were decorated with gold and colorful gems. The two guards bowed to the prince and let him in. "Remember, relax."

They walked to the throne. On it sat a forty-year old man. He wore big black boots and was dressed in red fire bender robes. His fingers were decorated with red, blue, green, and yellow rubies. His hair was tied at the top of his head like Iroh's. His hair was black with gray highlights in his sideburns, beard, and mustache. His amber eyes looked sternly at his son. Zuko and Iroh bowed at his feet.

"Hello, father," Zuko said with confidence. "It has been too long." The man got up from his throne and, to their surprise, hugged his son.

"That it has. I have missed you, my son." He let go and looked at his brother. "I see you have been taking care of my son, brother. I hope he has treated you with respect."

"More than enough, Lord Ozoy." Iroh shook his brother's hand. It wasn't till he let go when Ozoy noticed Katara standing in the guards grip.

"Who is this beautiful young lady?" he asked.

"This is Katara," Zuko announced. "We captured her while looking for the Avatar. She knows him personally."

"Come now. She's just a teenager. There is no need to restrain her. Take those chains off her at once." The guards did as the lord ordered. She rubbed her wrists trying to sooth the pain. "Come forth, child. Let me take a look at you." She looked to Zuko for assistance, but he nodded his head. She slowly walked forward and politely bowed to him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your highness," she said. Ozoy chuckled and lifted her chin up to meet his gaze.

"The pleasure is mine. Let's see." He grabbed her hands and took in every detail of her. "So, you are a water bender. I can tell that you are very skilled. I am happy to welcome you, my daughter." Huh, Katara thought. What is he talking about?

"You will make a great queen for the Fire Nation."

"What?" she said in amazement.

"Didn't Zuko tell you? That is why his honor has been restored. If he found a powerful wife from another nation then he could take the throne." Katara stared at Zuko with stern eyes.

"Zuko, what is he talking about?" she asked. Zuko sighed and started to explain.

"It's true. If I found a wife with water bending or earth bending skills then I could return home. I should have told you earlier. I'm sorry." He approached her but she backed away. "Katara, I thought you loved me. I love you."

"I can't. I…I…" She couldn't bring herself to say it. It was true that she loved him, but she also loved Aang. She was too confused to answer him. "I'm sorry. I can't marry you, Zuko. I need more time."

"Katara." Zuko didn't know what to do. He was embarrassed. He then heard clapping. He looked over and saw Zhoa approaching him.

"Bravo, Prince Zuko. You have brought home a wife. If only she loved you. What are you going to do now? Maybe you should get back on your toy boat and go find the Avatar. It should only take you about ten years. When you find him, call me so you can watch me catch him." Zuko ground his teeth at the comments. He then looked at his father.

"I am sorry father. I have brought you dishonor once again. I should have thought before I acted. Guards, take her to the dungeon. Make sure she doesn't get any food or drink. She will burn tomorrow at dusk." The guards grabbed her but his father protested.

"Are you sure this is what you want, Zuko?" he asked.

"Yes, father. I will light the flame myself." They started binding her when she spoke.

"You don't have to chain me up like a dog. I'll go willingly." The guards led her away to her cell. Zuko turned to the wall. His uncle walked towards him.

"Prince Zuko, are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine. I just want to be left alone. Tell the men to prepare the ship. After the girl's execution, we will start our search for the Avatar." Iroh bowed his head low. He hoped that his nephew knew what he was doing.

"Remember, my nephew, not everything is what it seems. Search your heart. The answer is never too far." He left his nephew to think alone in the empty throne room. Zuko loved Katara. He thought that Katara loved him. No, he thought. How could a water bender love a fire bender? It was impossible. He went back to his room to take a long shower and sleep. He needed to rest. Because in two days, he would send the only person he ever loved to hell.


Sorry about the nasty cliffhanger. What's going to happen next? I'm really not sure. I'll have to think about it. I hope I'm torturing you with suspense. I am so evil. I should have the next chapter up in a couple of days. Cya.