OVER 100 REVIEWS! BOO-YAH!does happy Sokka dance THANK YOU EVERYONE! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MEANS TO ME!

A/N: THIS IS NOT A NEW CHAPTER. IT IS JUST EDITED AND RENAMED. THANK YOU.

A/N: Ello! Terribly sorry for the delay! I really am! And the cliff hanger! But, I was feeling less than inspired. Thankfully yesterday's trip to the pool found me bursting with new energy, and thus this chapter! A certain Mortal Combat song also got me pumped to do a certain scene for this. I think this chapter turned out past my expectations and I hope you like it! I hope the quality of this chapter makes up for the lack of updating quickly! continues to bounce to Mortal Combat song

Disclaimer: Me: still humming and bouncing with gigantic earphones on

Lawyers: Does this mean we can sue her?

Angry Reviewers: NO IT DOES NOT! SakuraLuna does not own Avatar!

Lawyer 1: Do you think we should fight back?

Lawyer 2: No, these people are scary.

Thank you: Me: Good gosh, that's a lot of reviews. Well, better get started! rolls up sleeves

xxmango: Noo! Don't die! I tried! Thanks for reviewing! Next time's update will be MUCH faster!

tina7610813: Thank you! Really? I recommend Superstition by Outsane and Unsuspecting Love by chickygurl! They're great! Thank you! You won't have to wait long!

Who Cares: Eeks! Thank you! Yup. Eeks! Thank you! Sorry, but I have a few more planned! Mwa hah ha!

Arwey: EEEKS! Um, yes? Nope! blushes goes and reads ending again Yea, you're right…Thanks!

Harpygirl91: Eh heh, sorry about not updating very soon! Eeks! I don't wanna be killed texan style! Wait. Texan style? Oro? Lol. You can maim them, but don't kill them! They create humor! Okay! waves Thanks for reviewing!

JunkFood: I tried! Next chapter will come out sooner! Thanks for reviewing!

Tears Washed Away: Er, serious? Me? Never…But, yes, "I did just do that" Eeks! Don't die! I'm going! Yes'm! Aww, thanks! Will do!

zoeluver: Eeks! Is the cliffy really that bad? I guess so! So, am I dead? It's fine! Thanks for reviewing!

lyria of danceing flames: Yup! Lol. I'll try and thanks! ; Eh heh…

WATERLADY7: Eeks! Go you! Cliffhangers are great to use, but evil to read! Thanks for reviewing!

DARSY: Um, cause I can? Thanks for reviewing!

PKsDancingGirl: Eeks! Yes'm! Eeks! Me too! Isn't he great? Thanks for reviewing!

Beast Boy 4ever: Will do! cough try cough Thanks for reviewing!

aangsair: Thank you! Yea! Me too! Thank you! I don't believe in the pairing…but I'll read it and review!

pycho-bunny: Eeks! Oops, guess I'm dead then, huh? Lol. Thank you! Wow, really? That's interesting.

katara: YEA! Thanks for reviewing!

JJ: Lol. Thanks for reviewing!

aisha89: Thank you, thank you! Awww, THANKS! That's an extreme compliment! Yay Katara/Zuko fans! I'll try! Thanks! Me too! You're the first person to say that!

1kenshinlover: Eh hee. Thank you. Wow, that sounds like something my beta would say…0o Thanks!

Monito: Yup! Thanks for reviewing!

Magicalflame: Thank you! I'll try!

Daniellover: Eeks! Thank you! LOL.

bianca rios: EEEEEEEEEKKKKKSSSSSS! Exactly! Yea! Oh…I'll try! Thanks for reviewing!

starlightz1112: Hi! Yup! I'll try! Eeks…Yup! Iroh's great! I had a little too much fun with that…Thank you! I'll try!

swimchick1614: Yup! Heh heh, you'll see. Thank you! I'll try!

Yakumo1human: Thank you! Scary? I'll try! Aww, thanks!

TrueLoveHurts: EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSSS! darts behind barrier squeaks Urm, yes? trembles No, you shouldn't! Lol. Eeks! I tried! I'm sorry! I tried! SPARE MEEEE, OH MIGHTY NINJA! No, not really. Lol. Thanks! I enjoy writing it! squeaks I'll try! Buh bye!

xx Painful Bliss xx: Quick update, huh? Of course. Oh dear…You won't? Yea! EXACTLY! You'll find out what's with the ribbon in this chapter. Nope, Zuko knows Katara can pick the lock and escape all over again. I'll try my best! Thanks for reviewing!

Zukos Girl: Nooo...Wow, three? Really? I'm on a roll! Eeks! I mean…shifty eyes…Bad me! Bad! pats hand Yeaaa…Sorry bout that…Yea! I'll try! Thanks for reviewing!

dragon's kitty: Yea! Of course! How long did you think I could hold out without fluff? Eeks! Thank you! Oh yes…Aww, thanks! You're one in a million! Lol. Eeks. Pizza! Huzzah! Yes, yes. But fun! Oh, where do you think I got the 'Eeeks' from?

iloveprincezuko: Uh huh! Aww, thanks! Mega-fab? Wow! Thanks! I'll try my best!

almostinsane: Thank you! Oh dear…No! Don't arrest her! She reads my story!

Me: GOOD GOSH! pants If you guys review this much for that evil a cliffy maybe I should put up more…looks at all the murderous reviewers…Eh heh, maybe not…Anywho, enjoy!

Chapter 10: Focus

Katara didn't know how long they stayed like that, but he didn't seem to find the words to defend himself. She could see him gulp. "You can't, can you? You can't allow him to die. It's not in your nature."

Zuko deepened his glare, before exhaling and rolling out of his straddled position. Katara took a deep breath and tried positioning herself comfortably, trying to slow her heart rate.

"I will do it."

"Do what?"

"Do whatever it takes to regain my rightful place."

Katara sighed and rested on her side, facing him. She watched him for a moment as he stared past her at the Fire Nation emblem.

"No, you won't."

"I have to get over this weakness."

"The day when valuing life is considered a weakness is a day I hope I never see."

"To my father, it's weakness, it's how I got…"

"Your scar," Katara thought for a moment. "Your scar is not a mark of shame or dishonor or weakness. It's a mark that shows you stood up for what you believed in, even if no one stood with you."

Zuko looked away. "I bowed before him, begging for mercy, before he did it." An involuntary and almost unnoticeable shiver rolled up Zuko's body, remembering the day.

Katara impulsively intertwined his fingers in hers and squeezed. "Then your father is the one who should be ashamed. Not you."

Zuko turned his head to her and nodded, careful not to let a smile shine through. "Now, sleep."

"Alright," Katara snuggled into the warm covers, her eyes drifting closed. 'Fire really does stand for intensity…'

Zuko looked at her placid features for a moment before allowing sleep to take him. 'Water really does stand for kindness…'

Katara awoke to the smell of incense. She opened her eyes, taking in the dim, candlelit room. Supporting herself on one elbow she looked over at Prince Zuko, who was currently meditating. Katara quietly slipped out of the bed and sat next to him, trying not to bother him.

A few peaceful minutes later Prince Zuko opened an eye and looked sideways at Katara. She had her eyes closed and seemed to be trying to stay as quiet as possible. Prince Zuko couldn't help but smile a little as Katara's stomach growled.

Katara winced. "Sorry."

Zuko wiped the smile from his face quickly. "No. It's time for breakfast anyway. Come with me."

Katara nodded, grabbing the ribbon off the bed. "Do you mind if I use this to tie back my hair?"

"Why not? I have no use for it," Zuko shrugged.

"Then what was it doing in your room?"

"I'd put my money on my Uncle placing it in my room for you."

Katara smiled. "I'll have to thank him. And scold him."

"Scold him?"

"Being stuck to the Fire Nation prince for a night was not on top of my list of things to do."

"Oh."

An uncomfortable silence followed as the two made their way through the industrial halls of the ship to the dining room.

"They wouldn't kill the Avatar."

"Why do you say that? Aang poses a threat to them."

"Yes. But if they kill the Avatar-"

"He has a name."

"Fine. What was it?"

"Aang."

"Aang. But if they kill Aang, he'll just reincarnate again and we're just going to have to go searching for him all over again."

"Oh. I never thought of it that way."

"Hm," Zuko droned as he knocked on the iron door.

Uncle Iroh and a delicious smell greeted them. "Come in Katara, Prince Zuko. Did you two sleep well?" Iroh said bemusedly.

"Yes, uncle, we slept fine. You?"

"Wonderfully. I had another odd dream-"

Katara smiled as she sat down in the place set for her, which just happened to be next to Zuko.

Iroh went on. "I was on a giant Pai-Sho board, chasing after a very rare tile. It is called the oak leaf tile and is very rare. It used to be very common, but then around sixty years ago-"

Katara listened raptly as she served herself some of the grilled fish and rice. She briefly glanced over at Prince Zuko and caught him rolling his eyes as he munched quietly.

A few minutes later he finished. "Excuse me, uncle, Katara."

Katara watched him go. "Where is he going?"

"Probably to train. Do you want to go watch after you finish eating?"

"Why not? But, Uncle Iroh?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think I could practice my waterbending?"

"I don't see why not."

"Really!"

"Maybe you could even practice with my nephew!"

Katara raised an eyebrow. "Do I have to?"

"Ah. No, you don't have to do anything. But, you'd improve."

"Hmph."

"Come on, Katara. And think about it, my nephew really isn't so bad."

"I know."

Zuko exhaled quickly and propelled himself through the air, kicking out. A stream of flames sped from his leg and dispersed only to be replaced by a spinning kick. Zuko continued his routines at a furious pace, only briefly noticing Katara and his uncle taking a place in front of him.

"You're getting sloppy, Zuko! Concentrate!"

Zuko growled and lashed out, flames erupting from his fist. He was concentrating, at least, partly. His mind was turning again with what the Avatar had said a few days ago. Do you think, if we were born in the same time, we could have been friends? Could he be friends with them? With the Avatar and his friends? Zuko paused. No. Friendship wouldn't give him back his country or his throne or his honor. A new wave of fury and determination rushed through Prince Zuko's body. Zuko exhaled again and performed a very difficult maneuver.

Katara watched in awe. She had never focused so much on firebending before, especially not Prince Zuko's. But, she had to admit, he was good. Really good. There was something frighteningly beautiful about the display in front of her. The way Zuko's body twisted and almost danced against the flame.

"He's completely focused, but not on what he should be," Iroh sighed and stood up. Katara watched him walk to face Zuko. "Prince Zuko!"

Zuko halted, his breath coming in ragged gasps, sweat trickling down his face and arms.

"Focus only on the flame. Only. You are letting pride cloud your vision, Prince Zuko. Now, clear your mind and face me," Iroh inhaled and slid into a stance.

Zuko nodded and also readied himself.

They stayed still for a moment, staring each other down. Zuko was the one to break the still air with a front kick followed by a punch.

Flames spewed forth only to be denied, Iroh held his arms in front of him in a cross formation dispersing the flames. He exhaled steam, standing calmly before his nephew.

Zuko narrowed his gaze and closed the distance between them, sending more flames at his uncle. The two continued to fight like this, Iroh never moving despite Prince Zuko's efforts.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Katara, Zuko sent a plume of flames at his uncle that Katara was sure would hit. However, Iroh merely swooped to the side and performed a lazy spinning kick, sending Zuko to the ground. Iroh held his clenched fist in front of his nephew, his face hard. Zuko stared defiantly up at him. "Stand up, Prince Zuko!" Iroh barked.

Zuko tugged off his shirt and tossed it to the side. Both returned to their starting positions.

"Now, clear your mind, clear it of all anger and focus your energy alone on your flame."

Zuko nodded and relaxed.

The two of them returned to their fight, Katara watching on in soft admiration. Being a teenage girl however, she couldn't help but notice that Prince Zuko's upper body was very toned. He was actually quite good looking, if not for the flame shaped scar. Katara shook her head, this was Prince Zuko she was thinking this about. She pushed the thoughts from her mind and focused on the fight instead.

Zuko dodged and attacked, moving with the flame instead of against it. He thought he caught a smile pass over his uncle's face, but quickly dismissed it and focused his mind again. His uncle threw a punch at him. Zuko replied by sidestepping, avoiding a torrent of flames and knocked his uncle off balance with a well positioned kick. Iroh tumbled to the ground, Zuko's foot still in position to attack.

Katara let her mouth drop completely. 'Now what?'

To her amazement, Iroh began to laugh. Prince Zuko let a smile grace his features as he offered his uncle his hand.

"Very good, Prince Zuko! That was much, much better!"

"Thank you, uncle."

Iroh dusted himself off and sighed. "Now, I think a good game of Pai-Sho is in order. Excuse me," Iroh said as he began to walk away to the captain's coop, he paused however, halfway. "Oh, Katara, Zuko, why don't you practice together now?"

"What?"

A/N: I did it agaaaain! I did it agaaain! I hope you enjoyed! Next chapter will come up MUCH sooner! Please review!