The feeble fire lasted for about a day. It went out suddenly, plunging the two captive teens into complete darkness.
"This is like when Zhao killed the Moon Spirit back at the North Pole," Katara muttered as Zuko attempted to relight the embers.
Zuko grunted. He still hadn't forgiven her for the comment made about his Nation not wanting him back. My father will welcome me back. Just as soon as I get out of here and capture the Avatar. And I'll use the girl as bait.
The prince sat back. "It's no good. The embers aren't large enough to ignite a twig." He bended a small flame in the palm of his hand, giving him enough light to see Katara on the other side of the dead fire. Her face and hair were filthy, but Zuko supposed that he didn't look, or smell, much better.
Katara sighed. "And the water supply Su left us is nearly out. I was right! That man is out to kill us!"
A deep, throaty chuckle sounded from the door. "Oh no, my dear Waterbender, not yet. I might decide to spare you all together." The two Benders turned to the door.
Ji Li was standing there, six guards surrounding him. The face of Ji Li was not one you'd expect from one who kills and enslaves benders. His face was smooth and young, about twenty. He had a few scars from various battles, and a head full of thick, black hair. The emblem on his cloak clasp was the Earth Kingdom's, and the sword at his side had the same embossed on its sheath. He carried that weapon with the easy grace of one who knew how to use it.
"My guards here will escort you two to new, separate cells," Ji Li was saying. "I can't have you two attempt an escape, can I?" Ji Li smiled, and it was at that moment that Prince Zuko knew this man was not to be trusted.
Zuko didn't like the looks the guards were giving Katara. He had seen those looks before, back at the Fire Palace. Men of his father's court gave those looks to the women of Ozai's harem. Zuko knew as soon as Katara was in a separate cell, she would lose something she could never get back.
"No," Zuko said before he had time to think.
"No?" Ji Li said, amused. "No what?"
"You're not putting us in separate cells," Zuko said. The prince could sense Katara giving him a confused look. Zuko was surprised at what he was saying himself.
"Really?" Ji Li asked, crossing his arms. "Why not?"
Zuko stood up poker straight, looking Ji Li in the eye. "I don't trust your men," the Fire Prince said, using the authoritative voice his uncle had taught him, in case he ever became Fire Lord. "Nor do I trust you. For all we know, you could be leading us to our deaths."
"I told you I am not going to kill either of you."
"That aside. I do not trust your men. I grew up in the Fire Lord's court. I recognize the looks your men are giving the girl, Katara," Zuko said.
Ji Li glared at the prince, who glared right back with even more intensity. Finally, Ji Li smirked.
"Very well. I shall move you two to a different cell. There will be plenty of water, food, and firewood, but get any ideas of escape out of your minds. This entire village, and the cells, is underneath the ground, rendering the evil art of Firebending rather useless. And there is no way for a weak Waterbender to escape from my cells, as the only water sources are in the cells themselves." Ji Li motioned to his guards. Three of them followed, while the other three bound Zuko and Katara. They led the two captives to a slightly smaller cell. This one had two jutting ledges not far from the ground and a small window, very high up the wall. (It was too high and too narrow to be of any escape help.) Zuko felt himself being roughly shoved into said cell, his broken arm burning in pain. The metal cell door slammed shut behind him, leaving him and Katara in semi-darkness.
Gingerly, the prince got up, his bonds coming loose easily. By the feeble light let in by the window, Prince Zuko went over to the pile of wood left by the guards and grabbed a few pieces. Setting them down, he lit them and sent a burst of warmth into the cold air surrounding him.
Katara looked at Zuko with a mix of gratitude for the fire and confusion over what he said to Ji Li on her face. Not being able to take it any longer, Katara burst out, "Why did you say that?"
Zuko turned to Katara. "You mean why did I tell him not to put us in separate cells?"
Katara nodded. "I thought you hate me." Zuko sighed.
"Those guards aren't firm believers in chastity. I could tell by the way they looked at you. My uncle told me to never let anyone those type of men look at out of my sight if I can help it." Katara's expression changed from confusion to utter terror.
"Thank you, again. You seem to be helping me a lot lately," Katara mused.
Yet again, Su came bursting into the cell. "Are you mad, Prince Zuko?" she whispered. "No one has ever argued with the leader of the Ends of Fate, not even me! And I'm his wife! He could have killed you right then and there!"
"Ends of Fate? What's that?" Katara asked. Su looked at Katara like she was an idiot.
"The Ends of Fate is the army my husband leads to destroy all Benders, like you and the prince," Su explained. "He calls it that because he believes it's his fate to bring about the fate of the Benders."
"Where do the Ends come into play?"
Su blushed. "In case you haven't noticed, all of the soldiers are the ends of society; you know, former convicts, drunks, thieves, and a couple of murderers…" Su trailed off.
"Murderers?" Katara gasped. Su nodded.
"Assassins, poison experts, and one or two stranglers. But they're nothing to worry about. Ke hasn't touched his stiletto in weeks!"
"I'm really glad you told them to keep us in the same cell, Prince Zuko," Katara muttered to the prince. Zuko just nodded, secretly glad as well. With his arm, he was virtually helpless when it came to fighting. Even a Waterbender would be a welcome defense, should it come down to it.
Su, not having heard this statement, went on. "I can assure you, your highness, Ji Li will be looking for a way to get you back. He doesn't like it when his orders are challenged or changed." She looked around. "And he goes and gives you two the best prison cell in the entire prison!"
Zuko looked at her. "Is any prison cell better than another?"
"This is the only one with a window, and it overlooks my flower garden," said Su simply. "Ji Li told me to come in here and drop off these." Su dropped two thin blankets and some bandages. "The bandages are for your arm. Too bad Waterbenders can't heal broken bones, huh?" she said, chuckling. With that, she left, leaving two very nonplussed teenagers in the cell.
Thank you for reveiwing, those who do! They seriously make my day. (And if you lived my school life, you'd know that my days can be really bad sometimes.)
