Author's Note: I'd like to ask for forgiveness for taking FOREVER for this new chapter. If you are reading this now, I am filled with pleasure at having such patient, admirable readers. Writer's block made me tense up (plus finals.) So, without further adu, I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Zhao's voice clouded the room soon after Kyoto rasped out her true feelings. He clapped sarcastically and glared at Sokka. "Well well...how cute. Now that the love fest is over and everyone has hugged and made up, what are you going to do about this mess, little boy?" Sokka looked up, suprised, as he had completly forgotten Zhao and Zuko. Tenderly releasing Kyoto, he stood up and took a long, deep breath. "I guess 'sorry' isn't going to cover it...but I had to do it. I had to save Kioshi island for Kyoto...I needed Zuko's help, and I got in everyone's way..." Zuko glared at Sokka, remembering his angry feelings. "You idoit! You really think after all that happened, you can say you're sorry, take your girlfriend and leave?" Kyoto blushed slightly, and closed her eyes at the word "Girlfriend". Sokka looked at the ground. "Well...yeah." Zhao laughed cruelly. "If you ever thought you were going to be let off easy, perhaps I can help you better understand."
Zhao held up his fist, but Zuko stood in front of Sokka, and yelled out "Hold on!" Zhao put down his fist and looked at Zuko, confused and angry, his chest heaving up and down from the excitment, ready for a fight. "What do you think you're doing!" Zuko paused, and looked at Katara for a moment. "I've seen HER before. With the Avatar. I'm going to make this worth my time." Her stepped forward, getting closer and closer to Sokka's sister until he was towering over her. "Tell me where the Avatar is, little girl." he ordered. Katara stared up at him, as she began to breath rapidly and quickly. "I...I..don't know." she lied helplessly. Zuko laughed. "I think you do. Tell me where he is...or..." his fist began to glow with the red flames. "Or...I'll make you won't see him..or anything again." he stated cruelly, bringing the fire near her eyes. Katara winced and closed her eyes, as she whimpered softly. "Please..." she begged. If she moved at all, her eyes would get burned.
Sokka fumed with anger, and ran toward Zuko from behind, pushing him out of the way. As the banished prince was caught off balence, Sokka jumped in front of his younger sister, guarding her, protecting her. Once Zuko was balenced, Sokka held out his prized boomerang. "Don't touch my sister!" he shouted, glaring as harshly as he could. Zuko paused a moment, looking from Katara to Sokka, and back again. "I've seen you before too...come to think about it. A while back...at your village!" he recalled. Sokka gulped, nervous, but hid it behind his glare. "Yeah...well..." Then he came up with an idea. "Fight me! I'm ready for you. If I win, you leave with Zhao. If you win..." he sighed and looked at the ground. "I'll tell you where...the Avatar is." Katara gasped. "Sokka!"
Zuko smiled in triumph. "So, you are aware of the Avatar's location...Very well, then. But make this worth my time." Sokka smiled weakly. "I wouldn' t of anything less." he anwsered, trying to sound intelligent. Sokka looked into Zuko's eyes, forcing the best glare he could muster. "But you have to promise. No firebending." Zuko stared at the younger boy in defeat. No firebending! What..was he insane? Finally, after a few moments in thought, he anwsered. "Alright then. Prepare for the worst." Reaching for his best sword, Zuko forced it in front of him, letting in gleam in the reflection of the fire torches inside. It was incrediable. The handle was black, it's blade such a deep silver, with hints of gold on the edges. Sokka stared at the sword, his eyes reflecting off of the blade in front of him in fear. But he kept his ground. Reaching for the strap on his back, he could feel his small sword- one he hardly ever used. Bringing it in front of him with one swift movement, he knew he was underhanded.
Zuko laughed in amused pleasure. "What a fool." he murmered. "Damn...and I was hoping you would make it worth my time."