For the Love of Him -or- The Betrothal

Disclaimer: By now I really hope that no one still think that I own this show. I really don't people! I really shouldn't need to say it again, but for the sake of all you crazy-author/ess-attacking-lawyers out there, I will. I, in no way shape or form, own any part of Avatar The Last Air Bender. I also do not own, in any part, anything I may mention in this story that is owned, personally or corporately, by anyone else. I do claim that I own this story's OCs and anything that is NOT owned, personally or corporately, by anyone else. This may include plot ideas or twists. Any resemblance between the characters/ locations/ events herein contained and any persons/ locations/ events, living or dead, is purely coincidental Restrictions apply, results may vary.

Hurr...time for dedications again...man, I'm running out of noteworthy people...•grumble grumble• how about...I know! All my friends at the avatarfans website! You guys rock! Go Avatar Fans!

Chapter 7- Captive Swap


•In the Sea; East of the Fire Nation•

A small Fire Nation ship sailed along at high speed, skimming through the deep blue waters, kicking up sheets of spray in its wake. A single sailor moved about on the deck, dousing the lanterns that were strung around the ship. The boat dropped into darkness for a moment before the sun crested the horizon off to the right of the craft's bow, bringing it back into illumination. Directly behind the speeding vessel, only the very tops of the high mountain range ringing the Fire Nation could still be seen, mere pinpricks of darkness against the slightly lighter sky. A few gulls winged by overhead, calling loudly to one another in greeting.

"So where to, exactly, are we headed miss?" The captain tossed a look over his shoulder at the young girl he was addressing. She had her head bowed in concentration over her task and she looked up from the maps she'd spread over a table at his gruff voice.

"In all honesty Captain, I'm not quite sure." She turned back to the scrolls and sheets of yellowing paper, pulling one out from another and placing it atop the rest. "Somewhere around here I believe." She motioned to a small sector of sea, just a few miles off the Earth Kingdom's coast.

"Might I ask why?" The captain's eyebrows furrowed as he saw to where she was gesturing. "That would be Earth Kingdom seas. Not a good place for ones such as yourself." he mentioned, curious as to why a noble of the Fire Nation would risk her safety by sailing out of friendly waters. Her answer was slow in coming. "Lady Ajuna, are you sure you want to sail all the way into the Earth Kingdom's seas? Whatever the reason is, I'm sure it's not worth your life."

Ajuna sighed and began to fold the maps back up. Gathering them under one arm she rose to her feet and made for the door. She stopped just behind the captain and reached out with her free hand, patting him on the shoulder. "I can assure you Captain Ikawa. It is a cause I would most certainly risk my life for," she stated firmly but gently with a smile that reached her eyes. She patted the old man's shoulder again and took her leave, heading back to her room.

Once there, she set the pile of maps down in one corner, stacking them carefully in order. She hummed a tuneless song to herself as she walked over to her window and gazed out at the pink-tinted clouds floating by overhead. She sighed, a far away look in her eyes as she watched the sailors going about their daily business. "We're really on our way now." she said, almost in disbelief. "We're really going to meet him." Ajuna could feel her excitement growing. "I almost can't believe it...Finally...after all these years I'll get to see him again!" She pushed herself back from the window and shut it behind her. With all this energy, I should get some practice in. Yes, I think I'll do that.

She nodded to herself and went about quickly changing into her training outfit. It was a similar getup to that of other firebender soldiers. She'd had to request it made specially, as there were so few female benders who were actually involved in the practice enough to need battle gear. Her parents had been furious when she'd brought it home one day from the outfitters. They always did want me to be a delicate wallflower…bleh, what good would I be if all I could do were sit around and look good? She swung her long hair over her shoulders and swiftly twisted it into a tight braid. Besides…training is almost fun. I can't see why they would prefer me to just sit around. I guess I'll never understand them.

On her way to the door, she scooped a ribbon off her desk and began to wind it about her hair, tying it up to keep it out of her way. She chuckled a little to herself when she realized just what ribbon she'd picked up. It was thin and silver, not the usual red one she used. "That's odd…could it be a sign? Maybe we will find him on this trip," she murmured to herself as she slipped out the door and headed down the stairs leading to the deck. Catching a brief final glimpse of the Fire Nation as it dropped over the horizon as she stepped onto the deck, she paused a moment to wonder Does he remember me at all?

•At Zuko's Ship•

"Ajuna..." Zuko sighed under his breath as he stared into his morning tea.

"What was that you said, Prince Zuko?" Iroh was looking up from his roast duck with a slightly confused look.

"Er...nothing Uncle. I just..." Zuko paused and sighed again, setting his tea down and steeling himself to do what he was about to do. It's now...or never. He fixed his uncle with a determined look. "No, it was something. Uncle, may I...talk to you about something?" The determined in his eyes turned to one of pleading and Iroh was quite taken aback by Zuko's sudden shift in moods. "It has been bothering me for some time now." His voice began to quaver and rise in frantic excitement. "I feel that if I don't talk to anyone about it soon..." his voice cracked with emotion on the last word and he shook his head, obviously not sure what would happen but certain it would not be good.

Iroh stared at his nephew for a moment before trying to answer him. Something really must be bothering him. Never have I known Zuko to ask if he could speak of anything. I wonder what has happened to cause this change in him? A clatter caused him to look down at the table. One of the empty cups had fallen over for no apparent reason. "What?" Iroh queried, too softly for Zuko to hear. His eyes traveled over to his own cup of tea and he was surprised to see ripples dancing across the steaming liquid's surface. He made to pick it up but when his fingers touched the smooth wood of the mug he froze. The cup was vibrating beneath his fingers and it was then that the old general noticed that it wasn't just the cup, but the entire table was shaking!

He looked up to see if Zuko had noticed it and the rare look of pity filled his eyes. Zuko was sitting there in silence, head bowed low and Iroh could see that he was shaking, silently sobbing over whatever trauma had distressed him so. "Prince Zuko, what has caused you such distress?" Iroh asked, moving to sit right next to Zuko and placing a steadying hand on the boy's shoulder, genuinely concerned for his nephew.

Zuko looked up at his Uncle and Iroh was stunned to see he was smiling. Tears were still streaming down his cheeks and Zuko seemed unable to catch his breath right away. When he did manage to calm himself enough to talk his voice was still very shaky and he proceeded slowly. "I...I don't...know what to do anymore, Uncle. It's so strange...I never thought it would affect me so much. I hardly sleep anymore, I'm restless, I can't focus on training...even the Avatar isn't holding my attention as of late. Is this how...it...is supposed to feel?"

Still at a loss as to what the prince was talking about, Iroh gave him a confused look. Zuko balked suddenly, shaking his head and pulling away from his Uncle. Iroh caught his arm though and forced him back to his seat. "Prince Zuko, you will tell me what is going on. I have never known you to become so emotional over anything without reason." Uneasy with his uncle's sudden sternness, Zuko attempted to rise but again Iroh stopped him. "I will not permit you to leave until you tell me why you are acting so strangely! You will tell me now!"

"It's because I love her, alright!" Zuko finally admitted, emotionally slamming his fist down on the table. Startled by the sheer passion in his voice, Zuko froze in place for a moment, still quivering slightly but otherwise as still as a statue. Am I really that infatuated with her? He wondered, unsure if such a strong emotion was a good thing. I've only even known she's existed for a few days now...should I really feel so strongly for someone who might not even remember me? He turned slowly to Iroh, hoping the older more experienced man would have some way of helping him.

No such luck. Iroh was sitting there as still as Zuko had been moments before, except that his eyes were so wide for a moment Zuko wondered if they were going to stay in his head and his mouth had dropped open. "W-what did you say?" The old general croaked, sure he hadn't heard his nephew correctly. I must have misunderstood him. Zuko wouldn't let any emotion affect him as strongly as this. "I think I must have misheard you. Would you mind telling me again why you are so upset?" Iroh asked, trying to appear as if he really had no idea what Zuko had said.

The price sighed and climbed to his feet. Iroh's grip tightened on him but he shook his head. "No, I'll still tell you. But not here. The walls can have ears." Zuko's voice was back to normal almost. It was still a little troubled, but he sounded much more secure Iroh noted. He rose to his feet and motioned for Zuko to lead. He sighed to himself as they headed out from the room and once he glanced wistfully back at his tea. I just had to ask him about it...I wonder what he's gotten himself into this time...

•••

Katara quickly moved the candle from the niche in the wall at the sound of Zuko returning to his room above. All morning she'd been wondering about what he'd meant the night before and she was curious as to whether or not he would reveal anything else when he thought no one was listening. She pressed her ear to the hole and looked over to the door of her cell. No guards in sight, no one to see her listening to an apparently normal, uninteresting wall. She frowned slightly when she heard a second person enter Zuko's room. He would probably be far less open if someone else was with him. "Go away second person..." she whispered. I want Zuko to talk more...I'm not sure why, but I really want to know what's going on...maybe I can use it as blackmail...? Katara couldn't help but plot against Zuko at least a little. He had captured her and thrown her in a cell after all. He was still a firebender; even if it turned out he did have feelings.

When the second person didn't leave, it became obvious to Katara that they planned to be there for a while. "Might as well listen anyways...maybe something interesting will crop up."

•••

Iroh watched as Zuko paced restlessly around his room. "Now will you tell me again what is bothering you?" he asked. Zuko didn't appear to hear him and he kept pacing while nervously thumbing through some book or other. "Prince Zuko?" Iroh questioned him in an 'anybody home?' tone. Still getting no response, Iroh got up from where he had been seated on the floor and stepped into his nephew's path. "Prince Zuko!" he growled when Zuko paced right in front of him.

Zuko's head jolted up and he nearly dropped his book. He'd gotten lost amid his own worries again and had nearly forgotten Iroh was in the room. "Uhh...sorry Uncle. Like I sad before, I just can't stay focused."

Iroh motioned for Zuko to sit and they both sank down to the floor. "Now, what is troubling you?" Iroh asked, leaning forward in curiosity.

"I...I need your help with something." Zuko stammered out. He was unused to asking for advice from anyone, especially advice relating to a topic such as this. It didn't help that every time he thought about the...issue...he would turn a brilliant shade of red either. Even as he thought about thinking about it he could feel the heat rising in his face. Great...now he'll certainly think I'm going insane. Well, best to get it over with quickly. He took a deep breath and looked directly into his uncle's eyes. "I need...advice. I need you to help me figure out how to deal with certain...emotions."

"Emotions?" Iroh echoed, obviously at a loss. "What kind of emotions?"

Zuko grimaced as he felt his face go even redder. "Well..." he began, but Iroh raised a hand to silence him. "If your face is any expression then I think I might have some idea of what you are talking about." he said sagely. Zuko winced at the thought of his feelings being so obvious that even his uncle could guess at them. His embarrassment deepened a moment later when Iroh began to chuckle and asked him, "You are in love, right? I thought that was what you said earlier...So who is it? Someone on the ship?"

Zuko made an exasperated sound and dropped his head into his hands. He and his uncle both knew very well that everyone aboard the ship...was male. Obviously Uncle was just teasing him, but still, Zuko felt he was under enough pressure as it was just dealing with the fact that he was in love with a girl he'd once been betrothed to. The mere idea that he would become infatuated with one of the soldiers aboard the ship...Zuko shuddered at the thought.

Iroh laughed boisterously at his nephew's obvious discomfort. "Of course not, of course not." he patted Zuko's shoulder reassuringly. "So, who is it really? Anyone I know?" Iroh asked with a grin. When Zuko glared angrily at him he couldn't help but burst into laughter again.

Deciding it was a better idea just to tell Iroh the entire story straight out Zuko tossed his journal over to his uncle and began, "Actually yes...you do know her..."

•••

Katara listened in amazement as Zuko recounted the entire tale of how he first found his old diary and then, upon reading it, re-discovered his first friend. The later revelation that this 'Ajuna' person was not only Zuko's childhood friend but also his intended fiancée surprised her but somehow she expected it. From the way things sounded, Zuko had been alone the majority of his life, and so it was no real wonder that suddenly finding himself in love with someone -a someone he hadn't seen in years at that- would confuse him greatly.

Katara also discovered several other interesting facts about Zuko while she listened in on his conversation with his uncle. Apparently the Fire lord had never noticed him and in an attempt to gain his father's approval, he had done something that had instead shamed him and caused his father to exile him. Well, that explains his constant bad moods... she admitted almost reluctantly. A captive sympathizing with their captor didn't exactly make it easier for the prisoner to escape, but she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him.

Also, it seemed the reason Zuko was so constantly seeking to capture Aang was that his father had ordered him to do so to prove he was worthy of returning home. At first it sounded as if Zuko was only interested in restoring his honor, but as the prince opened up more and more to his uncle it became clear that now he had other reasons to want to return to the capital. It looks like he really does have feelings after all...who'd have thought Zuko would fall in love? Katara smiled to herself as she stepped away from the wall and sat down atop her bed.

General Iroh, after hearing everything, had asked Zuko for some time to think about what he could do to help and Katara could tell from the tone of Zuko's voice that there would be no more information for her that day. Indeed moments later she heard the far-off echoes of him leaving his room for elsewhere on the ship. Katara sighed and pulled her knees up to her chest. As interesting as it was watching, or more listening to, Zuko's developing romance, she couldn't help but wonder about her own situation. Aang and Sokka hadn't returned for her yet. "They will be back though. There's no way they'll leave me here." She sighed to herself. "Aang wouldn't do that to me." she assured herself. Especially not if he feels how I do about...us. Katara blushed to herself and looked up at the sound of the door to her cell opening enough for a tray of food -no water though- to be slipped in. Well until he comes for me, there's nothing to do but make the best of it and survive I guess.

•Two Days Later; Lady Ajuna's Ship•

"Lady Ajuna, we are just about to enter Earth Kingdom waters. Be on guard, we may be attacked at any time." Captain Ikawa stood at the entrance to Ajuna's room, looking about curiously as he spoke. Few people were ever permitted in the young lady's inner sanctum, and Ikawa had never bothered to deliver a message to one of his passengers in person before. After a moment of observation he decided that it wasn't a particularly interesting room. There were a few odd objects of course, but then everyone had their eccentricities he supposed. I guess she just must like her privacy.

Ajuna looked up from the book she was reading, a worn thick copy of 'Advanced Firebending Made Easy' and smiled happily at Ikawa. "Thank you for notifying me. Tell the soldiers to be on the watch for other fire nation ships as well." She smiled again. Finally, we're here! I can't wait to see him again...I hope he hasn't forgotten me... Her smile turned into a frown and she waved Ikawa away. "If you need me later, I shall be out on the deck. Don't worry, you know me well enough to know that I can protect myself," she added when the captain began to protest.

Ikawa sighed in defeat. "All right then. Just be careful. Your parents will already be angry that I permitted you to sail out this far already. If you get hurt I probably won't make it out of my next encounter with them alive." he grinned at the thought. Ajuna's parents had once been two of the most elite benders in the nation, but so much time away from the war had left them barely able to execute even the most basic of bending arts. It wasn't that they were weak or any such thing, it was more that they were simply out of practice. Ajuna chuckled as well, trying to picture her parents actually attacking Ikawa. No, their power was that of the noble, the politician. They could influence Lord Ozai into action perhaps, but it was very unlikely that they would attempt anything on their own.

"Don't worry about that...lately they've been doting so much on Komomi that they probably won't even notice when I get back." Komomi was Ajuna's sister, younger by only a year. She wasn't anywhere as good a bender as Ajuna and she showed little promise of improving, but since Ajuna's...incident a few years back, they had treated her like the eldest sister, often ignoring Ajuna for days at a time. She didn't really care though. When the time came for her generation to take over the household, it would still be herself whom assumed command. Even if her parents did try to pass the leadership to Komomi, there would still be a duel to decide if the younger sibling was fit to lead the house, which Ajuna would most certainly win.

Ikawa nodded with a smile and turned to leave. Before he'd even touched the doorknob though, a very hassled-looking sailor flung the door open with a violent clang of metal on metal. "Captain! We've spotted a small fleet of Earth Kingdom ships ahead. They seem to be following something, another ship we believe. It was too far away to tell for sure but we believe there was also a flying bison in the area!" Ajuna dropped her book without a second thought and shoved her way past the two sailors, making for the deck with all speed. She snatched a small telescope in passing by another sailor and extended it to it's fullest as she reached the ship's main level. Ikawa followed shortly behind her, whipping out his own scope and aiming it for the tiny black spots floating on the surface in the distance.

After a few moments during which the two silently surveyed the scene Ajuna snapped her telescope shut and turned to Ikawa with a frown. "Follow the Fire Nation ship. Try to catch up if you can. It looks like the Earth Kingdom is planning to attack them."

"But Lady Ajuna! That would only put us in danger as well. One more ship won't win against such a large opposition." Captain Ikawa protested. Ajuna just shook her head and sent him to change their course with a sharp look. She turned to the nearest sailor with a huff and began to issue commands to prepare the ship for the upcoming encounter. As the sailor scuttled away, shouting commands of 'Prepare the ship! All hands on deck!' she turned back to face the ships before them and stepped swiftly to the edge of the boat. She snapped her telescope open again and raised it to her eye. A smile graced her lips and she whispered, almost inaudibly to herself. "I've finally found you...Zuko."

•••

"Uncle Iroh, I want you to ready the soldiers. Tell them not to attack, but make sure they're ready to do so if things get out of hand. I'll return shortly." Zuko snapped his scope shut and turned about on the deck to face his Uncle. "I'm going to bring the prisoner up. Keep an eye on the flying bison. If it looks like it will land before I return, send a runner to me. I don't want to miss this chance at catching the Avatar."

"Don't worry. I know how important this is to you." Iroh smiled knowingly at Zuko who blushed, much to his embarrassment, and returned the smile with a small one of his own before brushing past him and heading down to the prison to get Katara. Iroh chuckled to himself as he turned to face the milling soldiers. That boy...he's so head-over-heels I'm surprised he hasn't completely flipped over! I suppose I should hope this goes well for him... He cleared his throat, bringing the soldiers to attention. "Everyone, as you know the Avatar is on his way. We are going to be engaging in an exchange of hostages, so do not attack them. The bison will most likely land in the water aside the ship or remain aloft in the immediate vicinity. Be ready to defend the ship at all times. You should know by now that we cannot underestimate them." He tossed a quick glance over his shoulder as Zuko reappeared leading Katara out onto the deck. "Wh-where are we going? Is Aang here?" she asked, confused when a small ring of firebenders encircled her and led her to the very center of the deck. Iroh smiled as Zuko rejoined him and asked, "How long do you think?"

Zuko took another look through his telescope at the nearing flying bison. "Not long. Any moment now I'd say. Maybe five minutes at most." He snapped it shut and grinned. "This time I will have him for certain. We'll be heading home within the hour." He patted Iroh on the back and headed off to make sure everything was in order, still smirking to himself. Iroh watched him go for a moment and shook his head. Now we are probably jinxed...but for his sake at least, I hope not.

Four and a half minutes later the giant bison bearing the Avatar and the waterbender's annoying brother on it's back swooped by directly overhead. It circled the ship several times before coming in for a landing on the far edge of the deck from the gathering of firebenders. Unnerved, several of the soldiers made as if to attack but Zuko threw out an arm to stop them. "Wait...not yet." he glared them down. "You three, bring the girl around front here so they can see her." The three benders he had motioned to stepped forward, holding Katara between them as they moved. "Avatar! Show yourself! We have your friend and she will not be harmed if you cooperate with us." Zuko called, watching warily for any sign of motion from the bison's saddle.

After a few moments, the Avatar's telltale bald head poked up over the rim of the saddle. "Katara? Are you okay?" Aang called down to her, worried but smiling when he spotted her.

"I'm fine Aang, but don't give yourself up! Without you, no one will last through the war!" Katara tried to smile bravely but it was easy to see how badly she wanted to get away from the Fire Nation. Sympathy for Zuko or no, seeing Aang again reminded her of just how much she'd missed him and traveling around with Sokka.

Zuko smirked and took hold of Katara's upper arm. He pulled her around infront of him and took a few steps towards the bison. "Come now, you can't believe that. Can't you see how badly she wants to get off my ship? All you have to do is give yourself up, airbender, and I promise to let both her and your friends go."

"Aang! Don't listen! I'll be fine, just go!" Katara pleaded with Aang but when Zuko's free hand was suddenly wreathed in flames and mere inches from her head she quickly silenced herself.

Aang was to have none of it anyway. "Katara, I can't let you stay here." He winked at her. Katara raised an eyebrow in confusion. Aang seemed far to calm for the situation. "Really, you get up here on Appa," he tossed his head towards the bison, but swung it oddly over his shoulder, as if motioning to something behind him. "And I'll go with them. What's the worst that can happen?" Another wink. "I'm sure you and Sokka," Again. "Could rescue me somehow later."

Katara cocked her head in confusion. What on earth was Aang doing. She slowly leaned over, trying not to bump into Zuko as she tried to look around Appa's shaggy bulk. In the distance she thought she could see several dark shape, slowly approaching from the East. Earth Kingdom ships? Why are they...? And then Katara smiled. She winked back at Aang and then twisted her mouth into a frown again. "Aang, I know it's hard for you, but you have to leave me here!" She pleaded, in an almost overly emotional way Zuko noted.

"Katara. This is something I have to do." Aang leapt down off Appa and bowed his head in acquiescence. "Let her go and I promise I'll go with you." He offered up his staff as proof. Zuko raised an eyebrow in suspicion but then, when Aang made no move to do anything else, he shrugged and passed Katara back over to the three soldiers who'd been watching her before.

"Walk towards us, Avatar. When you and the girl reach each other, she will be released and you will allow these soldiers to bring you back here. Understood?"

"Yes...I'll do it." Aang dropped his staff to the ground with a clatter and stepped forward. At the same time, Zuko nodded to the guards flanking Katara and they moved towards the flying bison. Silently the two groups proceeded until they were almost abreast of each other. Out of nowhere, Katara managed to pull free of her captors and flung her arms around Aang. "Please Aang, you don't have to do this." She sobbed. Then, so low only Aang himself could hear it, she whispered, "So what's the plan?"

"Yes I do Katara...I can't let anything happen to you." Aang patted Katara on the back and hurridly murmured, "Just wait...it's all taken care of." The soldiers pulled Katara off Aang and gave her a shove towards Appa. In the same fluid motion they encircled the Avatar and began to lead him back to the others. From behind several stacks of crates and supplies, several other benders sprang up, each targeting Katara. "Hey! You said she'd be safe!" Aang yelled at Zuko.

"She will be. This is just a precaution of sorts, to make sure you don't try anything. Now, have the bison take off." Zuko grinned triumphantly. We've got him! Finally!

Watching the benders warily, Aang turned to face Katara and he nodded. On his signal, Katara smiled ear to ear and called out "Yip yip!" and Appa began to rise into the air. Aang glanced over at Zuko with a huge grin. "Nyah nyah!" he taunted the prince and stuck his tongue out at him.

"Hey!" Zuko moved as if to attack the airbender but he stopped just short of landing a punch on the Avatar's bald head. Simultaneously the benders that had aimed at Katara had made odd grunting noises and dropped, limp to the deck. The cause of their sudden unconscious state was obvious. A small fleet of Earth Kingdom ships had snuck up on them, approaching from directly behind Appa's huge shielding bulk. Perched atop each ship was a crew of at least 30 benders and soldiers. Zuko quickly counted the opposing crafts. 1,2,3...5 in all...bad odds...how did they sneak up on us? Aang, still grinning stupidly, caught his attention. "You!" Zuko hissed in a rage. "You planned this!" He aimed an accusing finger at the airbender.

"Yep! Sure did! Looks like you guys are the ones that we'll be capturing this time!" With that Aang leapt up and over his guards, knocking the heads of two together on his way. He ran to the edge of the ship and before Zuko could do anything to stop him, threw himself overboard and onto one of the lower-riding Earth Kingdom ships.

"No! He got away again!" Zuko started to give chase, fully intending to jump ship in pursuit of his intended captive but he was brought up short by Iroh's outstretched hand.

"Prince Zuko...I don't think now is such a good time for that." Iroh chuckled nervously. Zuko looked around. Within moments, the Earth Kingdom soldiers had boarded their ship and Zuko's twenty or so soldiers had been defeated and were lying scattered about the ship's deck. A semicircle of earthbenders, plus the warrior boy from the Water Tribe, had cornered them at the edge of the boat.

"Give yourself up, Fire Nation Prince. You are surrounded and have no chance of escape." Realizing there really was no way out of the situation, Iroh held his hands out for them to be shackled. When Zuko just glared at them, the old general gave him a hard jab in the ribs. "Do it. You'll never catch the Avatar if they kill you here." The benders inched closer, each pulling a handful of jagged-edged rocks from their pockets. One took a pair of shackles from his belt and snapped them onto Iroh wrists. "Really Prince Zuko, if there was another way, I'd mention it. But seeing as there isn't, I think you really should just go along with them."

Zuko retreated a step, desperately searching for any possible escape route. His uncle was right though. Other than go overboard while fully clad in armor, there was no way he'd be able to escape. If he did opt to jump overboard though, he'd sink like a stone. He sighed in defeat. Nothing for it then I guess...looks like I underestimated him...again...

He held out his hands and within seconds found them bound. "Move along now. And no bending!" One of the Earth Kingdom soldiers shoved him from behind, prodding him into moving. Sokka sneered at the two captives from atop Appa's back. He'd climbed back aboard after he was sure that Zuko wasn't going to resist capture and he couldn't help but gloat a bit at the fallen prince's state. "Well look who's the captive now! How do you like being taken away from your friends, huh?" He stuck his tongue out at Zuko, not seeing him wince at the mention of friends.

Katara slapped Sokka on the back of the head. "Ow! Hey, what was that for?" Sokka rubbed the sore spot forming on his head.

Katara glanced over at Zuko, who had just stumbled after being shoved again. "I just think it's rude to tease people. Zuko wasn't too bad to me after all."

Aang and Sokka both stared at her. "Katara, are you sure you didn't get brainwashed or something?" Aang poked at her head.

"You do realize that you're sympathizing with a firebender, right?" Sokka asked in disbelief. "I mean, he's from the Fire Nation! Why shouldn't I pester him a little?"

"I...I don't know." Katara shrugged. "I guess it's just not very nice. If you tease him, you'll only sink to his level. Lower even. Like I said, it wasn't completely terrible." She shot the two boys a look that clearly said 'I know something you don't know!'. Both Sokka and Aang quirked an eyebrow in curiosity but she just grinned and said, "Later."

Down below, a cry went up from one of the Earth Kingdom ships. One man perched atop a tall pole was waving his arms about, telescope in hand, and pointing wildly to the north. "Another ship! Another ship!" he yelled, urging the soldiers below to quickly scuttle back to their own boats, dragging the unconscious men from the Fire Nation behind them. Even if they did have enough people to take out the second ship, it seemed that the Earth Kingdom was opting to flee rather than fight. Knowing Zuko, he would probably manage to escape in the confusion somehow. Indeed, he had already slipped away from his guards and was attempting to get a good look at the approaching Fire Nation ship.

"Uncle...who is that?" He looked to Iroh, who had also gotten free and stood at his shoulder.

"I'm not sure. I am not familiar with the markings on it." Iroh frowned. He knew almost everything there was about the different kinds of boats their nation had deployed in every part of the world and this one didn't fit the pattern. Neither of them got time to wonder about it for very long though. The ship they were on began to move, slowly at first and then faster, heading back to the Earth Kingdom. At that point, the guards seemed to finally notice their charges were missing and quickly located them, hurriedly leading both below and to their cell.

When the guards had locked them in a left Zuko looked around their cell in dismay. It was wood of course, but it seemed to have some sort of finish on it that resisted fire. Specially designed for us of course. He thought cynically. "Uncle...what do we do now?" Zuko asked, utterly at a loss. He'd never been in this sort of situation before and it greatly unnerved him. Can't miss the irony though... his cynic side continued.

"We wait. Somehow or other we will escape." Iroh grunted as he sank to the floor, finding a comfortable position after a few moments. "Once we reach the Earth Kingdom, we may be able to steal a ship and make our get away."

"Maybe that other ship will follow us..." Zuko wondered aloud as he dropped into a seated position beside his uncle.

"Maybe..." Iroh commented, doubtful but trying to remain optimistic. "Until then though, all we can do is sit and wait."

•••

"It looks like we were too late, miss. The ship is completely deserted. The crew thinks that anyone aboard here was probably taken captive by those Earth Kingdom ships we saw earlier." Ikawa glanced at Ajuna. She seems very upset about something here...unusually so. Ajuna hadn't moved from the instant she'd finished inspecting the abandoned ship. She'd taken one good look around and then had ordered the sailors to return back to their own ship. Once they'd left she'd simply stood there, staring into the distance with a look full of sorrow and anger. Beginning to feel uneasy with the entire situation, Ikawa spoke up again, "Lady Ajuna, perhaps we should head back to the Fire Nation. If ships are being raided in this area it would be a bad idea for us to stay very lon-"

"We will not go back." Ajuna stated firmly, wheeling about to look the captain squarely in the eyes. "We will follow them. This ship was the one I was looking for and I will not go back until my business with them is complete." She then crossed back over to her own ship and headed below deck, cutting off any chance Ikawa would have had to try and change her mind.

He shook his head as he clambered back aboard their own boat and headed up the stairs to the bridge. What could be so important? He wondered as he turned the ship to face where the Earth Kingdom ships had headed for. Whatever it is, it must be very important to her, that much is for sure. He called down the message-pipe1 for the sailors to stoke the fires that moved the ship and they slowly inched forward in the water. As they picked up speed, he sighted Ajuna back on the deck. She was staring off the ship's bow, sheer determination etched into every feature of her face. Her lips moved briefly, as if she was talking to herself, but it was too far for Ikawa to make it out.

"Just a little longer..."


1- message-pipe...can't think of what it's called...the thing they yell in that lets the people below deck hear them!

Cliffhanger! What ever will become of Zuko? Will Ajuna save him in time? Or will the Earth Kingdom devise some punishment for the prince before he has a chance to get away? And what will Katara do when she learns of Lord Ozai's newest plot? Could she be willing to go against her own brothers wishes to help Zuko reunite with his long-lost love? All these answers and more, next time in...wait, I haven't named the next chapter! I guess you'll just have to trust me then! Please review...and happy banana hunting!