Chapter Nineteen

Katara ducked suddenly behind a stone pillar as she saw Commander Zhao coming out of Prince Zuko's room. She had taken the long way around so as to avoid being seen by anyone. Apparently Commander Zhao also had something to discuss with Prince Zuko. Whatever it was she knew it couldn't be good. As soon as he was out of sight, Katara rushed into Zuko's room only to find it empty.

"Rats!" she muttered in frustration. "Where could he have gone?" She glanced out the window, then did a double take. Prince Zuko was standing on the grounds below with all of Commander Zhao's army around him. An uneasy feeling filled her stomach as she watched him directing men in mock fights against each other. What's going on?

A few minutes later Katara was crossing the sprawling lawn to where Zuko was watching the men with a hawk's eye. He turned to her as she came up behind him. He broke out into a grin.

"Katara! You won't believe this! The most amazing thing has happened! Commander Zhao has put me in charge of the army! I'm head general!"

Katara gaped at him, speechless.

"It has something to do with a dieing request of my father. I'm not exactly how this all works out but I have even better news! I-" He stopped suddenly when he noticed Katara's expression. "What's wrong?" He asked, the grin slipping from his face.

"Can…can we talk in private? Just for a minute?"

"Sure." He glanced at her more closely. He could tell she was clearly worried about something. He turned back to the guards. "Keep practicing! I have some business to take care of but I will be back momentarily."

The guards didn't bother to reply. They weren't exactly sure what was going on but they had orders from Commander Zhao to follow Zuko's orders until the battle started. Then they were to pretend to follow orders but if he made a clumsy call then they were to act on their own. One thing had been made certain. Prince Zuko's full attention must be on the battle and turned away from the Commander.

Zuko turned and followed Katara to the edge of the forest, where they were well out of hearing range of the guards.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Zuko, you're in danger! Commander Zhao doesn't want you to be head general! He wants to kill you!"

"Whoa! Slow down!" Zuko held up a hand. "What are you talking about?" He asked in confusion.

Katara took a deep breath. "I over heard Commander Zhao talking to one of the guards. He said that this is all a trap. He was saying some stuff I didn't understand about having powers and such but that's not the point. He wants you to capture the Avatar for him so he can kill you both and then rule the world!" Katara broke off as she realized how weird what she had just said sounded. I should have said that differently. She thought worriedly.

This was confirmed as a look of doubt crossed Zuko's face. "Katara…..are you sure? No offense but that seems a little far fetched. Look at all this!" He waved his hands at the guards who were warming up for the battle that would take place later. "Why would he go to so much trouble? I think maybe you're mistaken."

"No! Zuko! You cannot fight! Run! Let the Avatar get away! Just don't do what Commander Zhao wants you to! It's a trick!"

Zuko's eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute. Katara, are you going soft on me? You….you don't want me to capture the Avatar do you? You still have feelings for your friend!"

Katara gaped at him. "Wh-what? No! I don't want anything to happen to you! I …I don't care about the Avatar!" She tried to take his hand but he pulled away. "Zuko…"

"Katara if you're not on my side I…..I can't let you stay here. I'm head general now! Can't you be happy for me?"

"But it's a trick!" Tears began to run down her face. "Please believe me!"

Zuko turned his back to her, anger burning in his chest. I knew it. No one could ever love me. It was all an act to try to keep me from capturing the Avatar. "Just go. Before I change my mind and turn you over to the Commander. I actually cared about you Katara. But I was wrong. You're no better than your friends. You are just a water bending wretch!" He walked away, leaving Katara staring after him in shock.

You are just a water bending wretch. The words resounded in her head and she felt anger and hurt fill her. "Fine." She whispered, her emotions spinning inside her in a confused whirlwind, "But you're going to regret that you ever crossed my path."

"Alright men! Take a break! You're going to need your rest so you'll be top condition when the Avatar gets here."

Katara heard Zuko's voice as she stormed off through the forest, heading as far away from the palace as she could get. She didn't see the single tear run down his face before he brushed it hurriedly away and turned to go back into the palace.