Thank you for the feedback. So encouraging. Good news, I'm trying to get as many chapters up as I can. Bad news is we're so busy during the day that 3 in the morning is all I have time for. We have been sand bagging all day. So...much...water! Thepolice are everywhere, patrolling, looking out for fast running water. And thank goodness for the border patrol.Our house is safe, for now. (Real sappy part coming up) Writing is my only relaxing time now. Sigh Ok, I'll shut up.
The trip back to the island took longer that Zuko would've liked. The rain had stopped, but the mud was hard on the rhinos. When they walked off the landing plank of the launch boat, the islands market was extremely busy. Many ships had ported for the storm and some were in need of repair. As they approached his ship, Zuko's repair chief came running up.
"Sir, we need some supplies before we can embark. Some of the waves did a toll on her."
Zuko was irritated. On the trip he had ridden beside the girl. He had tried to get some information from her, but she was very good at keeping quiet. This wore on his nerves. Now was not the time to be giving him information that they were to be delayed.
"How long?" he growled.
"Half a day, sir. Not long."
"Be quick." The solder turned and ran to the ship. Now what to do. He turned and looked at his men.
"You have four hours to roam the island as you please. Do not leave it. Do not be late. Dismissed."
Surprised at this generous offer, it took a minute for the men to register they were free to go. As they split into their separate groups, Iroh approached him with the girl.
"What do you wish to do with her? Shall I take her to the ship?"
Zuko looked at her. She was looking at her feet. Her expression was a mix of hatred, bravery, and tears. He felt a mix of pitty and hatred for her. And…he was curious.
"Yes. Feed her. Give her a bath. I'll be in later to question her."
Katara had sat in a stupor the whole ride back from the forest. She was tired and she didn't want to think. But when she heard the prince tell the retired General to bring her back to the ship, she woke up.
I'll be alone. Oh, I hope Aang and Sokka are ok. Will Sokka keep his promise? I need to think…Aang needs to get away from here! The prince will use me for bait! I am scared. What will they do to me?
And such were her thoughts as she was brought aboard the ship. She knew the old man from stories and had heard tales of the many battles he'd fought and won. Expecting the heartless man who'd killed hundreds of thousands, she was surprised at the gentleness he treated her with when he showed her the quarters she would have and the bath she could use.
"The prince will be here in a few hours to talk to you. Would you care for a meal? How about tea? The tea is exceptionally good here."
Katara looked the man in the eyes. "I am not hungry." Her stomach growled.
Iroh smiled. "There will be a guard at your door. Just ask when you are hungry." And he left.
Listening to make sure he was gone, Katara threw herself onto the bed and screamed into her pillow. She could not believe what had happened. Over come by her fear and exhaustion, she cried until she fell asleep. Her mother came back.
Zuko walked through the market place. He wasn't looking to buy anything, he just needed to think.
This girl…what is it about her? She is strong. And afraid. But that's expected. But…there is something else. I must talk to her. Her eyes…
Zuko stopped. What about her eyes? Stop it Zuko…she's water nation. And nothing more than a pawn in getting the Avatar.
Just as he was about to turn to the ship, someone ran into him. Hard.
"Ouch!" It was a boy of about 10. He had thick dark hair cropped around his jawline and he was thin, but showed promise of a bigger build.
"Sir, I am sorry. I was just…" Behind the boy came a girl. She looked just like him and looked to be his same age. Her hair was down to the small of her back. They both had dark eyes, and talked with a highlander accent (AN: An Irish accent).
"Oh, sir, I am sorry. My brother, he is a bit careless. Ronan, you nearly knocked this mister right smack on his…"
"I know, Bree, quit being such a nag. I was just apologizing…"
"Well, you shouldn't have hit him." The girl turned to Zuko, who, the whole time, had stood there and looked amused. "I'm sorry. Really, my brother is better than this. My name is Bree and his is Ronan. He didn't harm you in any way, did he, Mr….?"
"Uh, Zuko. And no he didn't…"
"Bree, didja hear that? Zuko…Saints, I near knocked over the Prince!" Ronan giggled with awe and glee.
"Your Highness, oh my…." Bree blushed.
This is just what I need. Zuko groaned inwardly.
"You don't need to do that. Listen, I'm fine. Highness? Wait, are you fire nation?"
The children stood up tall to their full heights, which wasn't very big. Bree smiled and Ronan spoke.
"Yes, sir, and we are very proud."
"How did you come…here, then?"
The children stopped smiling and glanced at each other.
"We're orphans, sir. We live at an orphanage on the mainland. We work on the island." Bree explained.
"One day we are gunna make enough money to buy passage home. We once lived on a farm outside the capital. Our father's sister is there. At least, sir, we pray she is there."
Wow…these kids are…I don't know what to think! How did they get here? And why are they treating me like this? Most fire nation wouldn't be caught dead talking to me. Well, that's probably because that is what will happen to them…they'll get in trouble… Zuko looked at the children. They are very young to be alone.
"Listen, I'm leaving port in a few hours. My route is close to the fire nation mainland. I could give you passage…."
"What? Blimey, listen to that Bree!"
"Wait! Let me finish. You have to work."
"Sir, my sister is the best cook you'll find 'round here. And I can repair anything you set in me lap. And…"
"Ok…just be at the ship in an hour." What am I doing?
Near by where Prince Zuko and the children were talking, Aang was undercover, listening. He had surveyed the ship and knew he couldn't get on now. The remaining guards were too alert. They would have to follow this ship and hopefully get on at a different time. This greatly annoyed Aang. He was about to head back when he noticed Zuko walking, and on a gut feeling, decided to follow him.
Why is he giving those kids a ride? Aang wondered as he watched Zuko make his way back to his ship. He's going to use them for something, I just know it. I have to get back to Sokka. We need to be ready to leave.
Aang turned and ran.