Breakdown and Power

AN: crazyaboutavatar, it was very surprising to me about the blue spirit episode. I was very happy though, that Prince Zuko and Aang together. And the Zhou part, once in a while I do accidentally spell it Zhou. But usually I spell it Zhao. Thank you for the reviews! Sorry I'm late with updating, my internet was crazy!

Kushai and Katara

Kushai ducked as a firebender sent a grasping flame at her. She crouched to the ground and made a low spinning kick. To her dismay the firebender didn't trip. Instead he jumped up high and sent another dazzling fire at her by doing a side kick, but realizing that at the same time on her other side a firebender was charging…

Kushai ducked and couldn't help but grin at the loud 'oof'! She looked at the ground and saw the two men sprawled out on the floor. She gave a proud 'hmph'. But while she was in her victorious moment, a soldier took it to the perfect moment by whacking her on the head with a club.

Kushai let out a groan, luckily it hadn't whacked her unconscious. But she was sick of people whapping on her head! Kushai turned on her foot sharply with a following kick in the shins. This time she gave a simple smirk before heading over to Katara who was struggling to hold control of what she was doing.

Katara twisted around to see Kushai sneak up on two soldiers and kicking one into the other. She felt it safe this time to overreact a wide grin. But once again, she had miscalculated. Boom! Everything went black….

Katara ran to Kushai's aid, and stared up into ADMIRAL Zhao's lopsided smile. (His smile is lopsided! And he looks like a monkey…IT'S TRUE!)

"One more time, and she will be at the bottom of the ocean. I suggest you convince her to answer my questions," Admiral Zhao looked down at the unconscious Kushai, giving her a weird look Katara didn't really understand…

On Appa

"Um…You have to say Yip-Yip for him to go faster…" Aang threw his hands in front of him, as if Prince Zuko would attack him any moment.

Prince Zuko just nodded a hmph, and gave Appa the 'yip-yip' and the bison slowly quickened the pace.

"There's a fire navy ship to our right!" Aang stood up excitedly and pointed down.

Prince Zuko who had seemed so calm despite his hot temper, now seemed to tense up. Aang gave him a sideways glance to see the Prince retracting a little bit. Though it only lasted for a second it was clear that the Prince had something against this. Prince Zuko shifted to his left and saw Admiral Zhao's ship.

"That's him," Prince Zuko whispered somewhat. The idea of what to do now, hadn't struck him. Not just the fact that he had no idea how to land this 'Appa', but also the fact thatAdmiral Zhao couldn't find out that Prince Zuko was doing this. He had been thinking about it a little earlier, but he hadn't thought of something…

"Wouldn't you get in trouble if you got caught…?" Aang asked cautiously, but the Prince seemed calm. Surprised actually, that Aang had practically read his mind. There was no way he could just put on a wig, the scar would give it away. And it would put him as the joke of the day, or for eternity!

Prince Zuko looked away, nodded sharply and started rummaging through a bag he had been given from a guard he had directed. There were swords, a health aid kit, food, water, tea….? What would he need tea for?

"Here, if this helps in any way…" Aang handed over what Sokka had been wearing at Kyoshi Island. And some white powder…

Prince Zuko grimaced as the suit landed in his arms. It wasn't heavy at all, green, had silk threads…..and was formed like a dress…

Aang smiled innocently as he saw the Prince give him a look that said, you're kidding me…right?

"Sorry, it's all I have. And the powder will cover up your…um, anyway, the dre- I mean suit should fit you. Sokka had to wear it, he didn't look like a girl at all! He was one of the people fighting at Kyoshi Island, so he must've been happy with it…" Aang backed up a bit as the Prince's expression turned into pure disgust.

"Sokka's not that dirty…" Aang pointed out, but as Prince Zuko held the suit a little higher, Aang could swear his eye was twitching. And in about 3 seconds he'd toppled over on his side. Sheesh, Sokka did sweat a lot!

Once Aang had regained his posture, "We could go down and wash it in the water…"

"It would be wet, and we might loose track of the ship," Prince Zuko refused, but the thought of wearing that smell was completely out of the question. But if Admiral Zhao smelled the fragrance, he most surely would refuse to believe it was Prince Zuko!

"Agh…Just turn around while I change…" Prince Zuko directed angrily. If that kid dared turn around…

Aang felt his cheeks turn green as he realized what the Prince was thinking. "Don't worry, I'll just watch the ship and make sure Appa heads the right direction," Aang burst out, quickly taking a seat up front.

Prince Zuko shook his head, but realized exactly what he'd gotten himself out of. Now he didn't need to figure out how to make the animal land! And besides, the sweaty smell wasn't deadly…..ok, it almost was.

Once Prince Zuko turned around, Aang picked up the powder for the Prince. But once he saw the teenager, he couldn't help but muffle laughs. Sokka looked hilarious enough, but this…this was just plain…Outrageous.

Prince Zuko frowned, but knew exactly what the younger boy was laughing at. He must be looking hysterical! Zuko couldn't help but let his eyebrows relax for once, so that his eyes weren't narrowed. He looked at the child, this boy was so much like he had once been…So kind, caring….happy…Or was he? But all these memories of his past were nothing but pictures in his head, just dreams…Prince Zuko couldn't show love, if was taught to him in suffering...It was pure weakness…But there was a burning love inside of him, of hope, caring…That could never be showed to the world…Or could it? Prince Zuko shook away the memories of the young, happy teen that he had once been.

"Land over by the back engine, it will be too noticeable if we land on deck," Prince Zuko pointed at the boat as he looked around at Aang who handed him the powder. Aang nodded, hopefully he would be able to land Appa in the small area, but since the boat was much bigger than the Prince's boat, it wouldn't really cause it unstableness.

"Try to put some water on your face first, the powder should stick better," Aang suggested, much more comfortable with the Prince now. Even if Prince Zuko hated taking orders, he knew better than to start a fit about a little suggestion…so it wasn't exactly a command from the Avatar, it was a suggestion.

The Prince patted water on his face with a cloth. And soon his face was white, even though the scar showed slightly, it wasn't too noticeable.

"If we were alive a hundred years ago. Well, if you were that is, do you think we could have been friends…before the war ever started," Aang smiled at the older boy, who seemed to want to run away. Prince Zuko turned away sharply, unsure what to say, or for that matter, do.

"……….It's ok, you don't need to answer. I understand this is only a one time deal," Aang sighed, but to assure the Prince that he had no hard feelings, gave a slight smile. If the Prince really cared about his assurance that was… Aang looked up in the sky to realize that it was about 7 in the morning, wow they'd been up a whole night!

Kushai and Katara

Kushai rubbed her eyes groggily, wincing as she felt the bump on her head. She sat up and looked around desperately for Katara.

"I'm right here Kushai," Katara's calm voice soothed Kushai. Even if Katara was younger than her, it wasn't by much. And besides, it felt like the other way around! Kushai crawled over to Katara, her knees might've started to bleed, but nonetheless it didn't matter. They were trapped here, and there were too many soldiers to fight. Prince Zuko might've been able to fight these guys by himself. Kushai knew that she wasn't the best fighter without her waterbending, and she was much too tired now anyways.

"Katara, it doesn't really matter, but who hit me on the head?" Kushai rubbed the bump on her head gently. Making sure that it wasn't enormous.

"Umm….Admiral Zhao…." Katara braced herself for the flailing arms and legs.

"Who's Admiral Zhao? Wasn't he commander? And why did he hit me on the head instead of burning me? And what does he want from me!" Kushai stood up, for a second Katara could swear there was a glimpse of Zuko on her.

"He got promoted.. I have no idea why he hit you on the head. And he wants something from you for sure, but what he wants…I don't know," Katara shrugged and patted Kushai softly on the back.

"….sigh…We're doomed Katara….He even got promoted…now he has more control than ever," Kushai dropped her head in defeat. Katara was about disagree, but realizing that this girl was so much more 'spirit' than she was. It was clear that all they could do now was, wait for what to come…

"Good morning ladies. It seems you've finally come to your senses. There is no reason in fighting against my will," Admiral Zhao's voice boomed through the silence. Causing Kushai to jump slightly, but quickly sitting down hopeless as before.

"What do you want?" Katara hissed at the man. All that spirit, happiness, good and bad, had been ripped out of Kushai. And not just by accident, Admiral Zhao had purposefully taken it away from Kushai. Turning her weak by every word that escaped his mouth.

"Right now, all I need is to talk to the Princess over here. Then comes the interesting part-" Admiral Zhao was interrupted by Kushai.

"He's using you as bait Katara. But it doesn't matter, the Avatar doesn't even know who you are Admiral Zhao," Kushai clenched her teeth.

"Oh, he'll come. After all, what wouldn't the Avatar do for one of his friends," Admiral Zhao hissed into her ear, making Kushai shiver throughout her whole body. It was one of those evil moment things, and she knew that the bad guys did that. But she'd never actually known how much 'trembling' it caused.

"Now, if you could come along nicely, you won't risk another bump on your head," the Man waited for Kushai to stand up. Even though she was much more comfortable out of the evil presence, and on the floor, she unwillingly took the command without a fit.

"Good," Zhao motioned for her to follow him out the door. Kushai sighed, gave Katara a last glance and stepped after him. What a nightmare!

Once Admiral Zhao and Kushai had come to their destination, a quiet room, he motioned her to sit down. The chair was hard, metal…and it was cold. Very uncomfortable, and even though fitting to the situation, she'd rather have a bit more comfortable place to sit.

"Like I have asked before, does the Prince care for you in any way," The deep voice broke through her heart and re-opened the wound. That painful thought had left her since their situation had been rather important. But now it was back, and it was haunting her.

"No…….not anymore," Kushai whispered the last part rather to herself.Admiral Zhao found this with great interest.

"He used to…?" The man pushed her on, even though he knew it was tearing her apart.

"I think so…" Kushai sighed, she didn't know. But the kiss must've meant something! Right….?

"So, if you get hurt…….would he care?" Admiral Zhao questioned, there was obviously a point to this.

"Look, I don't know! I left with Katara, Sokka, and the Avatar. I said some harsh words that I didn't mean!" Kushai shouted, struggling to control the rage that was ready to let go.

Zhao was pretty sure that they still had feelings for each other. Making his plan, crystal perfect! "Well then, Prince Zuko won't dare hunt the Avatar if he knows your life is on the line," the Man grinned.

"What? You can't do that to him!" Kushai screeched, that was dumb of her. Now it was obvious to him that she cared!

"He's just a banished, spoiled, little Prince. He disrespected the Fire Lord himself, his own father!" The Admiral spat, Kushai just wanted to strangle Zhao!

"How did he disrespect the fire lord, by being kind? Because last time I checked, the fire lord wasn't! He must have something against kindness," Kushai yelled, Admiral Zhao felt offended by this.

"He spoke out of turn. He should've known better than to interrupt in such a way," Zhao spoke as if it was the most criminal thing that could ever be done, while Kushai could imagine herself clawing out his eyeballs!

"And when did interrupting somebody become such a crime, eh?" Kushai stood up, all her bravery, heart, love regaining to make her posture tall and perfect.

"Since when he disagreed with somebody he shouldn't have. He caused his own pain! He was the one who caused his banishment. The scar is his lifetime memory to remind him that he is dishonored!" The Admiral shouted back at the girl. Even though she seemed surprised, her courage boomed out at him.

"You're just like the fire lord, a coward. You're all scared to love, because in your eyes it is weakness. But I don't think you own love, at least not for anyone BUT yourself! Prince Zuko has the greatest heart there is, and you and that fire lord think you are worthy! I'm sure Prince Zuko will be a greater fire lord than you and Ozai could ever be!" Kushai screamed, her voice ringing in Zhao's ears. This was probably the most offending thing anybody had EVER said to him!

Admiral Zhao's face was red, it was hard to believe that those puny words could set of a flame so large! "You and your disgrace is uttermost sickening! You think you are so brave and good. But just you wait and see, the fire nation will win this war. And hopefully you will go down, with your nation!" The man shot a flame at her so she got pushed into the wall. A loud 'oof' could be heard, followed by a yelp as her body hit the floor.

Admiral Zhao was about to leave when a guard came running in, "The Avatar is aboard the ship sir!"

"Finally!" Admiral Zhao snickered as he ran out the door. Leaving it open to where Kushai could leave once she regained consciousness. Kushai looked out the door one time before her vision became spotted with black blurs. Then she could see nothing but black…