Disclaimer: Don't own Avatar. If I did, I would not be writing fanfictions. I also do not own the lyrics at the beginning of this chapter; they belong to a song called "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional. I would also like to note that I put up those song lyrics at the beginning of each chapter for a reason. It's an introduction/foreshadowing to the chapter, so pay attention. : )

Author's Notes: Hey, thanks to everyone who reviewed! It's nice to know that it doesn't completely suck. As for all those expecting a ton of Zuko/Katara action, I'm sorry to say that, while there WILL be some, it won't come until later, later, WAY later in the story. Not sure exactly when, though. Not that I want to lose any readers (I don't), but I thought everyone should know that this IS an action/adventure/drama, not a fluff or a Harlequin Romance. BUT...

Chapter's Content: ...Zuko and Katara are in the same chapter together. (GASP!)

Chapter Two
Slight Hope

"Slight hope: it dangles on a string,
Like slow, spinning redemption..."

Prince Zuko gazed at the forest before him with grim determination. He and his crew had been camping out on this island because of the furious storm that had hit the day before. When they were initially forced to stop and wait out the storm, he had been frustrated to the point of wanting to destroy something, but things had looked slightly brighter when one of the scouts spied the giant furrball identified as the Avatar's transportation flying through the storm, headed straight for the very island Zuko and his men were camping on. The only down side was that this was a large island, and it would take a long time for them to find the Avatar. Still, that also meant that there was a chance the Avatar had not seen Zuko's ship or his camp, which meant that if the Avatar needed to get new supplies from the mainland, it would be a while before they left.

Now that the storm was over and the sun had risen, Prince Zuko turned to his men.

"The Avatar landed on this island last night during the storm. No one has seen him leave, which means he is still here. I want every man searching the forest until sunset. If the Avatar is not found by then, you are to return to camp quickly. We will split up into groups of six. Is that clear?"

The firebenders saluted him by way of answering.

"Good. We have a big island to search, so let's get moving."

While the crew dispersed into groups, former general Iroh moved to Zuko's side. "How long do you think it will take to search the entire island, nephew?"

"I'm not sure. From the size of this place, I'd say two, maybe three days if we search from dawn till dusk, only pausing for a short meal at noon."

"Three days is an awful long time, nephew. Do you think you have the patience for it?"

Zuko shot his uncle an irritated glance. "It is not a matter of patience. It is a matter of how long the Avatar stays on this island."

"So how long do you intend to continue these searches?"

"I intend to search only today, but I have a feeling we won't find him. So, once the groups return at sunset, we'll draw a rough map of the island and mark where we have already searched. Some of the men will return to the ship and get it ready to set a short ways off the shore and prepare the catapult. When dawn comes, we'll set up a perimeter for the unknown area. Once everyone is in position, we will set fire to the unknown part of the forest and smoke out the Avatar. When he flies out of the forest, the catapult will be ready for him."

Iroh looked slightly concerned. "And just what do you intend to do about the forest once it is burned down?"

"Does it matter? There are no settlements on this island, so no one will be harmed."

"What about the settlement on shore? It is only a short boat ride away from this island, so it is very possible that someone from that island may visit here when you plan to burn it down."

Zuko scowled, irritated. "Fine. I'll send a messenger this evening to the shore and he'll give out an order that no one is to go to the island, by order of the Fire Nation."

Iroh smiled good-naturedly, patting Zuko on the shoulder. "I am so fortunate to have such an understanding nephew." The older man slowly walked back to camp. The retired general, of course, would not be joining them in their search.

Zuko nodded curtly at his uncle's back and joined the only group of five among the men. He then gestured to his crew, and they walked off the beach and into the green forest, their red-and-black armor shuffling quietly as they passed through the foliage--but not as quietly as the little person sitting in the bush, listening to every word spoken.

---

Katara opened her eyes slowly, grabbing onto consciousness before it slipped away from her. She was so tired, but she felt an urgent need to wake up. She could make out a blurred shape before her--a face. Was it Sokka? Was it Aang?

She could feel the blood pumping in her ears like a tribal drum, drowning out all other sound. Was there a voice? She couldn't tell.

Her eyes closed.

Author's Notes: Hey, I told you they were in the same chapter together, didn't I? (I'm so evil...)

Anyway, sorry for the cliff hanger, but I've already got chapter three half way done. I just need to finish it, edit, and post it. In the mean time, please leave a review! Reviews make me happy.