For many years I always dreamed of adventure and thrill. When I was a young girl, I'd always wondered what was out there beyond the wide ocean. I didn't realize that with adventure also came danger. Currently, my danger was a middle-aged man who leered at Zuko with challenging eyes.

The young prince looked ten times whiter than he originally had, and I could tell he wasn't sure what to do. Zhao had him cornered. Zhao knew about the Avatar. The prince had just told him everything since he had no choice. My secret was out, Aang was in danger, and Zuko looked like a lost polar-pup.

"So, a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders?" Zhao narrowed his eyes at the young man. "You're more pathetic than I thought."

Zuko growled. "I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again."

Commander Zhao turned from Zuko and stared at the map on the wall. "No, it will not, because you won't have a second chance."

My eyes widened. What was Zhao saying? My blood ran cold as I tried to understand what he was saying to the young man beside me. Iroh seemed alert by Zhao's words as well, but unsure what to do or say.

"Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I..."

Zhao turned sharply to Zuko, spitting, "And you failed! Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now."

No… No! Aang!

Sweat beaded down my forehead as Zhao turned to leave the tent. Zuko had jumped up from his chair and lunged at Zhao only to be restrained by the two guards in the room. Without facing the young prince, Zhao said calmly, "Keep them here." He then left the tent completely, and Zuko glared daggers at his back the whole time.

Once Zhao left the room, the guards restraining Zuko let go, and the young prince jerked away from them with outrage. He turned sharply to his uncle who had leaned forward and pressed his mouth to his folded hands.

"They can't just keep us here! I am a prince!"

Iroh sighed heavily. "You are, Zuko. But as long as you're on Zhao's naval yard you have no authority to take your ship if he's ordered it to stay. We must be patient and await further instruction. Right now it is important to keep a cool head. Don't do anything that will make your situation worse." He looked up at Zuko pleadingly. "It is best to have a seat and be patient. All we can do is wait for Zhao's order."

Zuko went to retort, but when he saw his uncle's strained expression, he let out a deep breath and his shoulders slumped. "Fine…"

A moment later Zuko returned to his chair beside me. He didn't sit down though. Instead, he passed his chair and stepped in front of me. When his hands touched my own to pry them from the chairs arms, I understood why. As soon as Zhao had started the interrogations, my nails had painfully dug into the wooden arms of the chair in both fear and dread. One of my fingers was red from rubbing against the wood, and I'd broken a nail on my middle finger. My arms shook terribly as Zuko pried my grip from the wood.

He frowned as he examined the terror that was clear on my face. "There's nothing to fear," he tried to reassure. "You're my prisoner. He can't hurt you."

My eyes snapped up to Zuko with tears. He was surprised to see me cry, but he tried to keep calm.

"What will Zhao do to him?"

My question took Zuko off guard. His brow furrowed, and then he slowly understood. He released my hands and I felt them drop limply in my lap. My whole body trembled, and I felt my lip quiver. Aang… I hadn't gotten to know the kid completely, but from what I knew he was kind and gentle. What would happen to him in the hands of a cruel man like Zhao?

"Nothing," Zuko spoke lowly, probably so the guards wouldn't hear. "Because I'm going to get to the Avatar first."

At that moment I saw something flash across Zuko's expression: Determination.

Nodding, I hung my head deciding to keep my thoughts to myself. What I really wanted to say, was I thought everyone should just leave the poor kid alone. However, I knew better than to say that to Zuko.

"I promise you Crystal," Iroh suddenly said. "You have nothing to fear. Your friend and family will be fine. And no one will harm you either. Everything will work out."

Zuko and Iroh's confidence and hope did little to sway my fears. If the words came from my brother, sister, or Aang I would've been fine. But these words came from the enemy. They were not reassuring at all.

A good hour passed that we sat in suspense awaiting Zhao's return. Zuko had sat back down with defeat, while Iroh sipped more tea trying to calm his own anxiety. I'd become so anxious and worried, that I no longer could sit still. Walking in basically a circle around the room, I crossed my arms hugging myself tightly as I thought about the worst possible outcome for this situation.

If Zhao wanted to, he would have no trouble ripping me from Zuko and shoving the prince on his merry way. Once Zhao had me under his own authority, I would be stuck with him until he somehow captured the Avatar. I would be under the control of an evil man, and be forced to watch him hurt Aang and my family.

I faltered in my step. Aang… Sokka… Katara… There was no telling what Zhao would do to them.

Zhao suddenly entered the tent again, and I could see he was pleased with whatever he had been doing. "My search party is ready." He looked at the two men in the room, and then his eyes shot to me as I stood still with my arms crossed. "Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go."

"Why?" Zuko began, looking at Zhao with fire in his eyes. He wanted to fight the man so terribly and was doing all he could to restrain himself. "Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?"

The commander burst into a spout of laughter. When he stopped, he sneered, "You? Stop me? Impossible."

Zuko stood furiously with his hands clenched tightly in fists. " Don't underestimate me, Zhao. I will capture the Avatar before you."

Iroh stood to cool his nephew. "Prince Zuko! That's enough!"

Zhao ignored the anxious man and looked heatedly at Zuko. "You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of warships under my command, and you... you're just a banished prince. No home. No allies. Your own father doesn't even want you."

"You're wrong. Once I deliver the Avatar and waterbender to my father he will welcome me home with honor and restore my rightful place on the throne!"

I cringed. So that's all I really was to Zuko? All I would ever be to him was a prize to take home to his daddy. For a moment, I thought Zuko was starting to see me as a human being… He'd just reminded me that I was nothing more than an object to earn honor.

"If your father really wanted you home, he'd have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar, but in his eyes you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation!"

The cruel insult Zhao just threw at Zuko made me feel bad for my captor. However, I didn't send him any sympathy. He didn't deserve it. I wasn't a human being to him… I was just part of his ticket home…

Zuko defended himself against Zhao's insult. "That's not true!"

Zhao sized him up. "You have a scar to prove it!"

Zuko growled and jerked his finger toward Zhao. "Maybe you'd like one to match!"

"Is that a challenge?"

"An agni kai. At sunset."

Zhao seemed amused at this turn of events. "Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will do." His eyes shot toward me with determination. "Let's make this even more interesting shall we? If you win then you're all free to go and leave the port as soon as you desire. If I win, your waterbender is mine and you'll be kept at port a week after my departure."

My blood drained at Zhao's wager. If Zuko lost, I'd be forced into the hands of a heartless monster. I prayed Zuko wouldn't accept. However, he snapped with confidence, "Deal! Because you'll be the one losing!"

Zhao smirked. "We'll see about that." He started to leave, but his eyes shot toward me again. "Enjoy your last few hours of freedom dear. I'm sure we'll have loads of fun together." He left then, and once his presence was gone I felt my legs shake uncontrollably. Somehow I found my seat again and quickly placed my head in my hands.

I shook uncontrollably as I pictured what it would be like to be Zhao's prisoner. I had a feeling it would hurt ten times worse than Zuko. Zhao wouldn't be kind and compassionate to me. He would shove me in a cold dark cell without a care in the world. He would hurt and torture me.

"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?"

Zuko pressed his hand to his face where his scar was, shutting his eyes. "I will never forget."

The next few hours that passed were painful and filled with anxiety. As Zuko paced the room trying to calm his nerves, I shakily asked Iroh what an Agni Kai was. The man smiled weakly saying, "I suppose you wouldn't know… I'll explain…"

Iroh told me about the rules while Zuko continued pacing. An Agni Kai was a very old and traditional firebending duel that had one basic rule: The winner was the first to burn their opponent. The duel begins with the two combatants that have their backs turned to one another. The combatants stand when they're ready, face each other, and then begin their fight at the sound of the gong. The final blow ends the Agni Kai and gives honor to the winner.

"So if you lose…"

Iroh frowned. His eyes shot over to Zuko who was still pacing. Back and forth… Back and forth…

"Let's not worry about losing," Iroh spoke softly.

I nodded, knowing Iroh was right. All I could do at the moment was pray for a miracle. I had to trust my captor, because being under Zhao's authority would be my end.

To my surprise, around mid-afternoon one of the guards brought us steamed fish for dinner. I assumed Zhao wanted the duel to be a fair fight, so having a starving opponent wouldn't do. It took all of Iroh's effort to encourage Zuko to eat some of the meal. Zuko did eat, but he ate with his thoughts only on the battle ahead. I ate too, but my hands shook terribly as I used the fork provided to eat the meat. By the time the sun started to set, Zuko and I both had only made it through half our fish.

Two guards came to escort us to the Grand Arena that was a massive space surrounded by the tents. The arena was formed by four large stone walls that shaped a long rectangular area. An opening was at one end of the arena where the guards forced us through. Zhao stood a good distance away when we entered, a few of his men standing beside him for ordered support. As we headed to our end of the arena, Zuko glared intensely at the man he would be fighting.

Eventually both men took their places. Zuko tore off his shirt revealing his well-toned body to me once more. I blushed beat red and tried to avert my eyes. Iroh noticed my flustered expression from the corner of his eyes and tried to hide his amusement.

Zuko knelt then, and a man came over draping a dark garment on his shoulders. Across the arena I saw another man do the same to a shirtless Zhao. As I waited for the battle, I looked around the arena anxiously for any sign of water. When I saw a few pots lined against the wall, I knew then I wasn't entirely defenseless. If something went wrong, I would be able to stop Zhao and his men the best I could.

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko," Iroh spoke with deep worry. "They are your greatest weapons."

Zuko stood, the garment falling from his shoulders, and I saw across the field Zhao did the same. Their backs were still to one another. "This will be over quickly. There's no way Zhao's taking what belongs to me!"

I cringed. I didn't want to belong to anyone…

The gong sounded then, and Iroh grabbed my shoulder firmly pulling me away from the fight. We inched over near the wall where we had no choice but to watch the battle. With worry and anxiety from the both of us, our eyes were pinned on the two men who faced one another with determination.

I felt my breath hitch as I asked softly, "Is Zuko a good fighter?"

Iroh squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "My nephew will win. Especially since he has something to fight for."

Zuko suddenly shot the first blast, and I watched the massive flame shoot toward Zhao with a mixture of horror and amazement. I'd seen Zuko firebend before; I'd watched him spar a few times on deck over the last few weeks. This fire was different. It was stronger and hotter. All of Zuko's emotions were being shot toward Zhao.

The man easily dodged Zuko's first attack, and then the second attack. He fired more, but each time Zhao was able to jerk to the left or right. The tenth blast did make a beeline toward Zhao, but he blocked the flames as if he were parting through water. It appeared so far Zuko was the only one even making an effort to attack. I assumed Zhao was only using defense on purpose; he probably wanted Zuko to burn out.

Eventually Zuko was breathing hard from his rapid flames, and so he stepped closer to Zhao hoping he'd hit him better without as much distance. As he approached the man, he continued to shoot more flames trying with all his might to win. Zhao blocked each one, and I felt my heart thud painfully in my chest. If Zuko lost, I might as well run for my life.

Finally, after what seemed like Zuko's thirtieth volley of flames Zhao switched to the offensive. The man crouched down and shot fire at the ground sending a wave straight toward our tired prince. Zuko jumped back, but stumbled to stay on his feet.

Iroh stepped forward, shouting, "Basics, Zuko! Break his root!"

Please! Please ocean and moon spirit! Please let Zuko win!

Iroh's words of guidance must've given Zuko encouragement. The young prince steadied himself and narrowed his eyes. Zhao fired more volleys of flames with both his fists, and Zuko blocked each. However, every block forced him back. Zhao noticed the prince was faltering and shot another blast at him. This time Zuko was forced on his back and skidded a few feet. He had blocked, but he was down.

I gasped. Iroh held his breath in horror.

Zhao rushed forward and jumped in the air. As he was mid leap he shot another blast at the young man lying on the ground. To my relief, Zuko rolled at the last minute and the fire burned into the dirt where he had previously been. Zhao landed right beside him, and with speed I never thought possible Zuko spun kicking the man off his feet. While Zhao hit the ground, Zuko managed to jump to his feet. The whole thing happened so fast I almost missed it.

To Iroh and I's utter relief, Zuko found his footing and will to win. Zhao stood shakily, and Zuko advanced on the man shooting fire with his feet toward him. Zhao appeared to lose his balance and began to wobble backward. Zuko continued his foot trick for another minute, forcing Zhao back some more. Then with a final blast from his hand, Zuko caused Zhao to fly back and hit the ground hard.

Iroh exhaled beside me finally able to breathe. I watched with amazement as Zuko rushed toward the man with his fist tight. He prepared to strike Zhao, and I saw the man look up at Zuko ready for his fate.

Zhao yelled, "Do it!"

However, Zuko didn't give the final blow. Instead, the prince shot a blast at the dirt a few inches from Zhao's head. Silence fell over the arena as everyone realized what the young prince had done. Zuko didn't deal the final blow. He had won, but he refused to burn the man below him.

"That's it? Your father raised a coward!"

Zuko stepped back from the man with narrowed eyes. "Next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back. The waterbender stays my prisoner."

As Zuko turned to leave, Iroh rushed over to his nephew with elation. He was relieved that his nephew was fine and had won unscathed. While Iroh embraced Zuko, I watched Zhao's sudden actions with terror. Jerking my hands toward the pots nearby, I forced the water out of them and threw the element through the air. As Zhao went to lunge his hand forward to shoot a blast at my two captors, I splashed the water down on him and turned the liquid into ice. Rushing over, I grabbed more water from another pot in case my first attack wasn't enough.

Somehow I found myself between Zhao and the other two men. My eyes were staring with determination down at the man I had frozen to the dirt. His arms were locked to the ground, and so was his torso. He glared daggers at me, while Zuko and Iroh stepped beside me.

"You little freak! I'll kill you for attacking me! Unfreeze me!"

I narrowed my eyes and dropped what water I was bending on top of the man's face. He shut his eyes as the liquid poured over his skin and coughed when some of it got in his mouth. Then I froze his lips, and his eyes widened when he realized he couldn't move his mouth.

Crossing my arms, I muttered, "Why? So you can try and attack someone while their backs turned again."

Zuko growled and jumped forward ready to attack Zhao. Iroh stopped him. "No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory." Iroh then directed his next words to the man I froze to the ground. "So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat. Disgraceful. Even in exile my nephew is more honorable than you."

Iroh took my elbow gently, saying to Zhao, "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."

I was directed away from the man I froze then, and I could feel Zuko following behind. Right before we left the arena, Zuko retrieved his shirt and boots by the wall. Then we headed out of the arena to go back to the ship. The whole time we walked I kept my head down to hide my agony. As Zuko spoke to Iroh, I tuned them both out getting lost in my thoughts.

I'd been very wrong… For the last three weeks I'd thought maybe Zuko was seeing me in a different light: we were both acting civil toward one another; he let me walk freely on deck; and he let me off the ship for spirits sake! Part of me hoped maybe Zuko was starting to see me as a companion and no longer a prisoner. However, his words kept stabbing at my mind.

She's my prisoner. Nothing more…

Once I deliver the Avatar and waterbender to my father he will welcome me home with honor and restore my rightful place on the throne.

The waterbender stays my prisoner.

Why was I such a fool? Why did I expect anything different?

No matter how civil Zuko was toward me, I was his prized waterbender. Once he captured Aang and took me to his daddy, he would leave me to the wolves and go on living his life of royalty. He didn't care about my wellbeing… He just wanted his honor…

"Hey…" A hand pressed on my shoulder and I looked over slightly to see it was Zuko. I tried to block my pain, but I knew it was pretty evident. "That was great waterbending… You really saved us back there."

His expression held gratitude. I didn't want his gratitude. Jerking my shoulder from him, I kept my eyes to the ground feeling my heart twist in pain. "Congrats… You didn't lose your prisoner… Now you can continue going after Aang to your heart's content. Your daddy will be pleased…"

Zuko must've faltered in his step when I spoke, because he was no longer walking beside me. Iroh kept a steady pace with me however, and I saw him shoot me concern. I turned my head from him, gritting my teeth to keep from crying.

I was a fool… I was an idiot… My brother would be disappointed in me for trying to be friends with the enemy. Sokka would've shook his head in disbelief, probably saying, "Friends with Prince Zuko! That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard! He's Fire Nation, Crys! Nothing more!"

"We should all get some sleep when we get back to the ship," Iroh said softly. "You two especially could use some rest. I'll have the Captain ready to set off by morning. It looks from here repairs are still being made."

I said nothing, following Iroh in silence. I had nothing to say.

Zuko POV

What the Agni was her deal? I'd just won the duel and saved her hide from Zhao! I'd just thanked her for saving my own skin! The least she could do was say 'you're welcome' or look grateful herself.

Her words flooded back to me.

Congrats… You didn't lose your prisoner… Now you can continue going after Aang to your heart's content. Your daddy will be pleased…

What was up with her? I thought she'd be at least relieved to still be my prisoner and not Zhao's. She'd been so worried earlier that Zhao would take her. So why was she giving me cold shoulder all of the sudden?

She kept walking a little behind Uncle, her head lowered so her long dark brown hair covered her face. Watching her from where I followed behind, I saw her arms were crossed and her shoulders were shaking. Over the last few weeks, I'd learned that the waterbender only stood that way when she was ready to burst into tears. She hadn't cried much in the last few weeks, so seeing her about to burst took me off guard.

Maybe she was still scared from the whole thing with Zhao… Crying over that wouldn't be surprising.

However, her words shot through me again.

Congrats… You didn't lose your prisoner… Now you can continue going after Aang to your heart's content. Your daddy will be pleased…

I scowled. This girl was so infuriating! I beat Zhao, earned back my freedom, and saved her from a terrible fate! Why was she being so moody?!

We were reaching the ships ramp, but my thoughts were still wild.

Of course I knew why… She was moody because of me.

Congrats… You didn't lose your prisoner… Your daddy will be pleased…

The events of today kept flashing through my mind. Everything I had said to Zhao, she'd heard it all. I'd spent all day calling her my prisoner. I'd only referred to her as the waterbender. I never called her by her name. I understood then why she was giving me cold shoulder. She thought I only saw her as my prisoner and nothing more. I suppose in a way that's all she was to me, but I didn't see her as such these last few weeks.

A feeling flowed inside me, and I immediately recognized it: Guilt.

I'd basically dehumanized the girl all day. It wasn't surprising that she was upset. I would be too.

She is just a prisoner though… I shouldn't care.

But I did care.

Later that night, after Uncle Iroh wished us a goodnight and headed off to go speak to the captain, I led the girl through the halls back to our room. Shooting her glances from the corner of my eyes, I saw she was still trying all she could to hold in her tears. When we got back to our room, I opened it and gestured for her to head in.

She walked into the room without saying a word. She quickly shed the coat she wore and placed it by her cot. Then she plopped down and yanked her boots off placing them beside the coat. I had entered the room and shut the door behind, watching her movements with caution. I was afraid one wrong word or movement would make her burst. When she was just in her dress, she lied down on her cot with her back to me. She pulled her blanket over her body to the point where it was covering her head too. Then silence filled the room.

It was awkward… I really didn't know what to do in situations such as this. I figured the best thing to do was to give her space. Walking across the room, I sat down on my own cot cringing when it creaked. Pulling my own boots off, I set them at the end of my cot and lied down. My eyes stared across the room at my cabin mate though. The blanket could cover her up to a point, but it was clear she was crying. Her whole frame shook beneath, and I could hear sniffles.

I sighed heavily, turning away from her and staring at the wall. My eyes rested on the picture I'd hung up of my mom and I.

What do I do mom…? I don't know how to comfort people, especially when I'm the reason they're crying.

I shut my eyes tightly wanting to drown out her sniffles. It wasn't possible though. It seemed a good hour passed that she cried silently. Then abruptly she stopped and I rolled over to see why. That's when I saw she had fallen asleep. The blanket had slid from her face, and her body was still. Her breathing was steady as she finally let her pain take her to her dreams. She still faced away from me, but I could only imagine she had soaked cheeks and cracked lips from her tears.

Quickly I used my bending to flick off the firelight and blackout the room. If I didn't see her, then I wouldn't feel so bad.

However, even in the dark I felt like a jerk.