Chapter 3: Stubborn Water
When I came to consciousness sometime later, I winced as pain immediately radiated through the back of my head. Groaning, I tried to move my hand to the spot of the discomfort, and when I hit the tender area I jerked away quickly. A sharp pain shot through me and I gasped in agony. When I opened my eyes finally, I found I was once again in a cold dark cell, only this time my hands and feet were chained to the wall. Thankfully they'd given me a cot to sleep on, but sadly no blanket.
Managing to finally sit up, I winced from the soreness of my body. How long had I been out? My stomach had hunger pangs, and my throat ached for water. As I sat in my cold empty cell, I felt myself curl up into a ball and tears fall down my cheeks. It was freezing… there was no warmth. Not even the small torch across from me in the hall gave relief. They'd stripped me of my water tribe coat leaving me in only my light blue shirt and dark blue trousers. My boots were gone showing bare feet, and I curled up tighter trying to warm myself. I knew why they'd taken my outer layers. They wanted to punish me. They didn't want their prisoner to be comfortable.
It seemed like hours that I sat in my cold cell with only the small light across the room to offer me comfort. As I sat in deep despair, I thought about my family. I was not sure if they were okay. I heard no movement in the cells around me. I called out to them just to make sure they weren't imprisoned with me. There was silence, and this provided me with comfort. If they were not down here, that meant they were probably safe. However, I also knew there was a possibility they were dead.
Were they okay? Did Zuko capture them too? Were we all on our way to the Fire Nation?
I prayed to the spirits that they were safe.
It seemed like a day passed by and still no one came to see me. This only made me thirst and hunger more. Maybe the Fire Nation wanted me to starve to death. It would save them the trouble of having to kill me.
More tears came at the thought of death. At least if I died though I'd be with my mom.
After a few more hours of just sitting in the cell staring absently at the ceiling from where I lay on the cot, I heard something. The sound of footsteps coming downstairs.
As heavy boots stomped against the steel of the ship, I heard the door to the brig open and more light from beyond the entrance entered the hallway. Wincing from the sudden increased lighting, I sat up and stared through the bars of my steel prison. I quickly shrunk back in fear as I saw a guard come in with what seemed to be a tray of food. He also held a canteen of water in his hand that was tightly shut.
When he came towards me he did not speak. He opened my cell with the keys Zuko had taken earlier and sat the tray on the steel floor in front of me. Then he undid the canteen lid and held it toward me. I recoiled from him, afraid he'd do something to hurt me. Though I couldn't see his face through the red helmet's visor, I could see a small frown. Not an angry one… concerned?
"It's okay," he said, his voice making him out to be maybe thirty. He sounded kind, and I was really thirsty.
With shaking hands, I took the canteen from him and sipped it thirstily. There was only a quarter of the small container full but I sipped it to its last drop. When the canteen was empty the guard took it away, and pushed my tray closer to my trembling form.
"Eat something," he whispered. "I'll be back for the tray later."
As he went to leave, I found my voice. "The… the Avatar… Is he here?"
The man glanced back at me briefly. He was uncertain if he should answer my question. But he gave me a kind smile. "No. He escaped with those two other Water Tribe kids." He frowned then when he looked over my terrified state. "They were your family, weren't they?"
I grimaced. I gave a small nod.
He turned away from me and headed out the cell. As he went to shut the door, he said, "They had no choice but to escape… I could tell as I stood on deck they wanted to save you. You were a brave kid. You fought hard. We were all impressed. I'm sure your family was proud of you." He shut my cell door, locking it. "Your sister froze me to the deck for a few hours." I was horrified. He locked my cell, and pocketed the key. "Don't worry. None of us have told the cranky Prince about her yet. He hasn't given us time to. He's too busy barking orders..." He started to walk off. He was muttering the last part to himself. "It's bad enough we're chasing a twelve year old. I don't want to go after another teenage girl either… I didn't leave home to capture kids…" His voice faded as he left me.
I sat in disbelief. Did he just… talk to me without cruelty?
I didn't know the Fire Nation was even capable of civil conversations.
However, I shook it off and was glad his words calmed my racing heart. My family was safe. I was so relieved.
Looking down at the food on my tray finally, I frowned at what little was there. It looked like an eighth of a piece of bread and some scraps of meat. I guessed they were giving me leftovers from dinner. I went to reach for the food, but then stopped. My father's words echoed in my mind from one of his many speeches he once gave the tribe in the past.
"Don't ever accept anything from the enemy! They will try to earn your trust only to break you later! You cannot be weak! Do not let them ever see you break!
Shoving the tray away, I ignored my pained stomach and laid back on my cot. As I closed my eyes, I whispered softly, "Katara… Sokka… I hope you guys are okay…"
A tear fell down my cheek as I curled up into a ball for warmth and let sleep take me over once more. When I woke up again, I grimaced as I realized I really had to go… my bladder was full. Wincing, I managed to sit up and try to situate myself to calm the discomfort. To my relief, the same guard came half an hour later probably to pick up my uneaten tray.
"Please… I really need to go," I pleaded, hoping he knew what I meant. He must have, because he sighed, gave a nod, and left for a moment. Then he came back with a chamber pot in his hand. Putting it beside me, he muttered, "Be quick." He left my cell once more to give me privacy. I felt like a prisoner even more… I felt I was losing my dignity as well.
When I was done, I waited for him to return. He came back a moment later and took my chamber pot, leaving me again. I knew he would be back. I was so embarrassed though. Humiliated. I pressed my face into my knees, hugging them tight.
It was easier to relax now though. My throat was dry again and my stomach still cried out for the food it desired, but at least I could sit without pain. When the same guard came back about thirty minutes later he noticed my uneaten bread and meat. He crouched and shoved the tray closer to me, but I scooted as close to the wall as I could and hid my face further in my knees.
"You need to eat," he spoke, trying to make it sound like an order. My body remained stiff and I refused to look up. "Prince Zuko won't like it if you die of starvation."
My eyes immediately looked at the guard and I glared. "Why would that monster care? He probably wants me dead!"
"No... he doesn't. So if you don't eat soon he will be very angry." The guard was trying to persuade me to eat, but I ignored him.
He let out a heavy sigh, then stood and left, locking my cell once more behind him. He left the tray and I shoved it away once more. There was no way I was eating for these monsters. I would not let them see me weak.
It got colder eventually, which showed me it was night time. Another guard came in with a fresh torch to replace the one on the wall that was barely still burning. As he put the new torch in and lit a new flame with his hand, I saw his head turn in my direction. He too was dressed in full armor, so I had no clue what his face looked like. He said nothing to me as he took in my weak and shaking form, but I could almost hint something from his mouth. He almost held it in a sympathetic way.
He was the second guard to seem to care… I tried not to let the strange behavior change my mind… they were all monsters and didn't care if I died.
It was after the third day of being imprisoned that something finally happened. The guards had noted that I still hadn't eaten. I'd eagerly accept the water that was given, but I shoved the food away every time it was left for me. They must've voiced their worries to their leader, because sure enough the prison door opened and in stepped Zuko.
I hadn't seen him since the day he captured and lost Aang. He had probably been busy trying to figure out their next course of action, or moping for his loss in his room.
When he came over to my cell block, I was laying weakly on my cot, my body shaking from the freezing temperature in the room. My eyes were shut tight, so I only heard him enter by his light steps. He'd obviously taken his boots off and was walking barefoot.
When I heard my cell door open, I curled up into a ball trying to just hide from everything. Zuko would be mad at me probably for disobeying his orders and not eating what the guards gave me. He'd probably hurt me, and I was scared at the pain that was sure to come.
"What's wrong with the food? Does it not suit your water tribe taste," he snapped, his voice trying to sound annoyed but having a hint of honest curiosity. Tears started to form in my eyes and I curled up tighter, just wishing I could fade into the steel of the ship and disappear. More than anything I just wanted to fade away. "Sit up girl!" he ordered, and I could just picture his cold eyes glaring daggers at me.
Another shiver ran through my body, and I felt my teeth chatter. Why was it so cold?!
A foot nudged me in the side and I winced as it easily met my ribs. Zuko must've felt the bones through my loose t-shirt, because his voice suddenly became more anxious. "Hey! Get up!" Zuko ordered, but he wasn't annoyed and angry anymore. He sounded worried...
Another shiver went through my body and my teeth chattered some more. Suddenly, I heard him move beside me and I felt his burning hot hand on my forehead. I whimpered, scared he was going to hurt me.
"You're burning up…" he whispered. He fell quiet for a moment. I didn't dare turn to look at him. Hot tears fell down my frigid cheeks and I trembled once more. Zuko left me then, running out of the cell and through the prison door. Once more I was left in silence, and I closed my eyes wishing I could just melt into the ship's darkest places.
My mind was in and out for a good ten minutes as I laid in the ship's cell alone. It was becoming harder and harder to concentrate, and I felt my empty stomach hurt every time I breathed. My throat was killing me and my eyes burned from the tears that continued to fall. More shivers shot through me and I whimpered wishing there was some warmth I could find somewhere.
"I get it, Uncle! You don't have to make me feel worse! You didn't see her though! She's a fighter! I had to do this! She almost escaped!" Zuko's familiar voice suddenly echoed in the hall, and I heard him walk up to my prison once more.
"I have to scold you! First you don't inform me you even have a prisoner, and now I find out you've been treating her like an animal. Your mother didn't raise you this way Zuko," a stern male voice spoke. I heard heavier steps follow behind Zuko who was pushing my cell door open. The creak made a deafening sound.
"I know! I feel awful about it already. Can you just help me out and yell at me later," Zuko snapped.
My eyes tried to open, but I couldn't find the strength to do so. Instead I kept them shut and tried to let the numbness I felt in my body take me over. As I tried to sleep, I suddenly felt a rougher but kind hand touch my forehead. "She's freezing Zuko. You didn't even give her a blanket!" There was a moment of silence, and then a hard sigh. "We need to move her to another room and get as many blankets as we can on her. She was probably burning up earlier because her body was trying to warm itself. Now she's growing weak and losing strength. Go call a guard so we can carry her upstairs."
Zuko seemed to not move at first, and I tried to open my eyes once more so I could see his face. They were too tired to open, and I decided to just give up. "Now, Zuko!" his uncle ordered.
"There's no need," Zuko snapped, and a moment later I felt the cuffs around my wrists and ankles fall away. Opening my eyes weakly, I caught a fuzzy picture of Zuko's gold eyes staring into mine with deep regret. "I'm sorry," he whispered. I knew then I was delusional. The Prince of the Fire Nation would never apologize. The voice faded away though, and as warm arms pulled my shivering body from the cold floor, I let unconsciousness take me again.
As my consciousness faded, I saw a flash of Sokka and Katara in my mind. Were they safe? I sure hoped so…
When I came to later on I had no clue what was going on, or even where I was. My head was killing me and I felt so weak. My body was warm though, which was surprising seeing as the cell had been so cold. Something cool was placed on my forehead and I sighed as it eased my headache for a moment. "I think she's starting to come to," an older man's voice spoke, and I slowly began to open my eyes.
It took me a few minutes to actually open my eyes and keep them open, but when I did I saw my blurry vision begin to clear up. When I finally could see, I saw I was in a dimly lit room with a few candles lit in their holders on the wall. My body was lying on something very soft which I could only assume was a cot, and there were about three blankets draped over my still trembling body. When I looked over at the wall once more, I saw a fine tapestry with the symbol of fire.
My eyes widened. I was still amongst the enemy.
I tried to sit up with a gasp. Hands pushed me down by my shoulders. "No! Let go! Please!" I screamed, shutting my eyes in fear as I kicked and thrashed at the person holding me down.
"Will you stop moving! You're only going to make your fever worse!" A familiar voice snapped. I opened my eyes once more to see Zuko's hard gaze looking down at me. When I looked into his eyes, I could see something there I hadn't seen before. When he first imprisoned me, he was full of nothing but anger, aggravation, and hate. Now he looked concerned... worried for me… Why would he be worried for his prisoner?
Zuko saw I had stopped struggling under his hold, and he sighed, letting me go as I continued to stare at his gold eyes. "You don't have to be so scared. I'm not going to hurt you…"
There was a long silence as I took in his confusing words. He… he sounded sincere…
After a moment of silence, I felt my eyes begin to close once more. My body was so tired, my stomach so empty. All I wanted to do was curl up somewhere and hide from the world.
A door opened and steps came in. "Is she awake?" An older male voice asked, and I curled up more on the cot wishing I wasn't here. If I was going to die, I just wanted to get it over with… death would be so much better than a prisoner to the Fire Lord's son.
"Yes… But she's scared," Zuko whispered.
The older man scoffed. "Well do you blame her! You locked the poor thing in a cell!"
Just leave me alone… Just leave me alone…
"That's because she's a waterbender," he snapped defensively.
"We're on a quest for the Avatar, Prince Zuko! I never agreed to additional prisoners. You're lucky I don't make you turn this ship around and take her home!" He let out a heavy sigh to calm his rage. He stepped over and knelt beside me. I heard him set a tray down.
"I've brought some tea dear… You must be dying of thirst," the man kindly said. "Try to have some. It will help you feel better."
Opening my eyes weakly, I stared at the man who had come to kneel beside me. He was a bit fat. His hair was a dark gray and he kept it in a topknot. He also had a gray beard. His warm gold eyes were filled with so much wisdom. He smiled kindly at me, and then grabbed the fine porcelain teapot beside him.
Somehow, I found the strength to sit up, and once I was positioned he offered the tea to me he just poured in a small porcelain teacup. Taking the small cup warily, I resisted the urge to sigh at how warm the cup felt in my shaking hands. I said nothing, but I took a sip. Immediately the warm liquid flowed through me and warmed my freezing body. I drink some more enjoying the sensation.
"I'm having the cook prepare you a meal right now. We thought you might be hungry," he said. At the thought of food I winced from the pain in my empty stomach. "I'm sorry for the cruel treatment on you these last few days. If I'd known of your presence on this ship, I would've surely done something about it days ago." When he said this he shot a disapproving look at Zuko who looked away with a frown as he leaned against the wall in the room.
His kindness was so confusing. "Why...? I'm nothing special for you to concern yourself over," I muttered. "I'm your prisoner…"
He answered firmly, "No human, or even young lady, should ever be treated the way you were. We may be Fire Nation, but we are not cruel heartless savages."
Lowering the cup from my mouth, I looked down at the dark tinted liquid with pain filled eyes. My mother's scream filled my head making me wince.
"Then you're the only ones I've met who aren't," I muttered. My hand instinctively touched my collar bone where my scar began. He frowned when he saw this action, and I quickly pulled my hand away self-consciously. Zuko had seen the action too, and I saw him touch his own scar from the corner of my eye. I wondered how he got his injury. Then I decided I shouldn't care.
"I suppose you wish to know my name," the older man said, just trying to make conversation. "I am Retired General Iroh of the Fire Nation, brother to Fire Lord Ozai and Zuko's uncle."
I nodded, letting him know I was retaining the information.
Iroh poured me more tea, and I was surprised to find my cup was empty. I said a soft thanks and sipped the warm liquid again. My shivers had ceased which I was relieved.
"May I ask your name? I'd hate to call you Miss through the whole voyage."
I cringed a bit, not sure if I should. Was giving my name to the enemy something I wanted to do? Why did he even care what my name was? I was just a prisoner.
Gripping my cup with both of my hands, I said softly, "I'm just a prisoner. My name doesn't matter."
Iroh let out a heavy sigh. "You may be Zuko's prisoner, but you are my guest from this day forward. I will see to it you are taken care of during our quest for the avatar."
I frowned when he spoke about Aang. I prayed to the spirits that the Fire Nation wouldn't capture him.
"He's just a boy," I said softly. "Why can't you people leave him alone? He clearly isn't a threat…"
Zuko scowled, jerking from the wall. He pointed a finger towards me, snapping, "Of course you wouldn't understand! That boy is my ticket home! I won't rest until I have him in my possession! He will be my prisoner soon, and then I'll take both of you to my father! The Avatar and the last waterbender of the South Pole will surely return my honor!"
By the time he was done his finger was just inches from my face. I'd dropped my cup from shock, and was thankful I'd emptied the warm contents in my stomach already. Trying to scoot back, I found my back hit the wall beside me. The shivers came back as I stared at his finger. He could burn me if he wanted to. He had the perfect shot.
"Prince Zuko! Stop!"
The angered teen yanked his finger back in shock, surprised by his action it seemed. I shut my eyes in fear. If he was going to burn me, I wished he'd just get it over with. When I felt my flesh wasn't being burned though, I opened my blurry eyes to see Zuko had stepped away and crossed his arms. He appeared conflicted.
Iroh's pale warm hand took my shaking tan one. Our skin tone was greatly different. His fatherly touch made my shivers ease a bit though. "I apologize for Zuko's temper. He can be rash at times. I can assure you that he will not harm you. If he does I'll be the one he answers to." The old man's eyes shot to Zuko, and the young Prince looked away with guilt. He was sorry? It was the first time I'd seen someone of his kind show such an emotion.
Silence fell over us for a moment as my tense body slowly relaxed. My racing heart calmed, as did my breathing. When I found my voice again, I asked softly, "What will happen to me? What will the Fire Lord do to me?"
Iroh frowned. Zuko leaned against the wall again looking troubled by my words. Iroh answered, "We can't tell you. My brother is unpredictable. He does with his prisoners as he pleases. But you don't need to worry about that right now. We can't return unless we have the Avatar. Which is why you can't be stuck in that cell any longer."
While his last words were comforting, the part about his brother filled me with fear… In other words, Fire Lord Ozai would throw me in a cell, make me a servant, or kill me. I pulled my knees close to my chest for some source of comfort. I missed Sokka and Katara. I missed them so much.
A knock on the door sounded suddenly, and a man in red, gray, and gold armor entered. He had graying hair and sideburns. He looked mid-forties, and he had a tight expression on his face. "I apologize for interrupting sir, but the Captain wishes to speak to you," the man said to Iroh.
Iroh sighed. "Thank you for informing me, Lieutenant Jee." He stood with the tray, having put the teapot and cup back on it. "I'll return later to check on you. Dinner should be ready soon. As for now get some rest, Miss."
He probably didn't expect a name, but I decided I didn't fear him too much. He had been kind and tender to me.
I spoke softly though, still timid, "Crystal."
Iroh had turned to leave but stopped when I spoke. He looked back at me with confusion. Zuko and the man Jee were listening too.
"My name's Crystal," I said softly.
Iroh nodded with a smile. "Crystal… It suits you well. I'll return soon." He left me then, and Jee followed behind shutting the door. That left only Zuko and I in what appeared to be someone's personal quarters. I sat up still, my arms hugging my knees as my eyes watched Zuko closely from where he stood across the room. His gold eyes were staring at me, trying to read me I could only assume. When he saw my eyes meet his, we both looked away from one another.
After a moment, he spoke. "Uncle told me to stop being harsh… he said that's why you weren't eating… not sure if that's just his excuse for me to be nice to you, but I guess I did come off a little to harsh..." He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I have a hot head sometimes." Was… was he trying to apologize? His action took me completely off guard.
Silence fell over us for a moment. We both weren't sure what to say or do. He stayed against the wall staring at me. I stayed on the cot hugging my legs and staring at him.
Finally, I asked softly, "Are you going to put me back in that cell?"
Zuko winced a bit, still ashamed for what he did to me. He tried to cover up his true feelings with a straight face.
"No," he began. "From now on you'll be in here." I was surprised. I would be staying in this nice room? Zuko walked across the room and grabbed something off the floor. It slid against the steel as he dragged it across the room. Immediately I saw it was a long chain with a cuff on the end. The chain looked like it was long enough for me to walk around the room to every corner. "This door doesn't lock on the outside, so I had this cuff installed while you were unconscious earlier. I will have a guard positioned outside during the day to make sure you don't escape. If you try anything, then I will put you back in the cell."
Standing from the cot as he spoke, I winced as my body ached from both fatigue, fever, and laying on a hard mattress for so many days. Why I stood…? I suppose I wanted to become eye level with Zuko. I wanted to face my captor and show him I wasn't afraid of him. I wanted him to know that I would fight, and he wouldn't stop me.
I failed though. As soon as I stood I stumbled forward and collapsed on the steel floor. Zuko must've seen I was going down, because right before I fell flat on my face his warm hands caught me on my forearms. I was on my knees, but Zuko was managing to hold me up. "What are you doing?" He snapped. "You should be laying down!"
When his hands had grabbed my shoulders I instinctively flinched. I tried to push him off. He tightened his grip when he noticed, his gold eyes burning into my own with determination. "You can try all you want to escape, but just know there will be consequences if you attempt to do so. You are my prisoner and will be punished how I see fit." He leaned in closer, and I could feel his breath on me. It smelled like mint tea. "If I see any sign of waterbending, I surely will punish you."
I'm not sure where the sudden energy came from. Perhaps it was adrenaline? Perhaps it was the spirits giving me strength? No matter what it was, I felt determination boil through my blood. Though I was starving and weak, I found the strength to shove him off and get to my feet. Stumbling back, I saw Zuko had been shoved back on his butt and stared at me with shock. He hadn't expected the sudden strength.
Without a moment's hesitation, I turned and rushed to the steel door reaching for the latch to open it. I'd just swung the door open causing a loud creak to echo through the ship hall, when suddenly warm arms wrapped around my thin waist yanking me back. I'd just barely made it into the hall as I was jerked back in. Screaming, I struggled in Zuko's hold as he yanked me further back into the room. Thrashing and kicking back at him, I heard him grunt a few times as I knocked my elbow into his face or back kicked his shins.
My struggles made my face grow hot. My fever was spiking up again, but I didn't care. I had to escape. I just had to. Zuko managed to drag me all the way back to the wall where the chain was attached. He turned us and managed to slam me against the flat steel surface. I winced and tried to push against the wall. Zuko pressed his body against my back, his arms snaking around me and grabbing my wrists. He pulled my hands behind my back hard, and I scowled trying to swing my head back into his chin. I missed and he shoved me harder into the wall. My face was to the side, so my cheek was flat against the cold material.
"Stop!" His order pierced through my ears. "If you don't I'll…" He took a moment, not sure what he'd do. Finally he hissed in my ear. "I'll burn your hands."
Immediately, my struggling stopped as I felt his hands start to heat up. They were still gripping my wrists, and I didn't want fire scorching my skin. When Zuko noticed my struggles had ceased, the heat in his hands cooled. He turned me around and shoved against the wall again. His face was held in a scowl as he gripped my shoulder hard. "Don't you dare try that again!" He grabbed my hair and I gasped as he pulled on it a bit. Sharp pains shot across my scalp. His face was suddenly inches from my own. "I swear if you ever do, I'll add another scar to your pretty face. Got it?!"
I whimpered, my body trembling from the pain. My eyes blurred and I felt sick to my stomach. Zuko let me go, and as soon as he did I collapsed back against the wall. Somehow I slid down and was sitting on the floor. Zuko grabbed the chain beside us and knelt in front of me. Shoving my pants leg up, he clamped the hard black heavy cuff around my ankle.
Zuko left the room then, slamming the door behind him in frustration. As soon as the door closed, I broke into sobs.
It was a good hour later when Iroh came back to bring me food. He wasn't surprised when he saw me sitting against the wall curled up in a ball with my ankle chained. He was surprised to find I had bloodshot eyes from crying. He immediately knew it was Zuko's doing, and shook his head in disapproval.
Somehow Iroh convinced me to eat. I think it was his comfort that made me take a bite of the steamed fish. Maybe it was because I was starving. Either way, the fish felt good in my empty stomach. When I finished eating, Iroh forced me back to the cot and placed a blanket over me. His rough but warm hand pressed to my forehead. "Your fever's come back," he said. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow you can wash up and get some of this grime off of you."
His voice was already fading as exhaustion took me over.
Zuko POV
Who the Agni does this girl think she is? Trying to run when I'm right in the room? What was she trying to prove earlier?
Standing beside the door to my room, I sighed heavily rubbing my face. I had to admit, for a girl she had some strength. I could only assume it was the waterbender in her. But still, I couldn't believe the girl would actually try to run. I really had to give her props for trying, but at the same time it irritated me. If I can't even control a waterbender, how am I going to control the Avatar?
That waterbender… Crystal was it…? She may have appeared weak at first, but she was far from it. My arms and legs still ached from where she'd managed to hit me. I scowled at the thought of her struggles. How could one girl who was so sick, fight so hard?
My chest tightened a bit at the last thought. She was sick because of me. I'd locked her in a cold cell with no warmth, no company, and hardly any light. She must've been terrified, freezing, and terribly alone. I clenched my fist. I'd put her through so much pain. What's even worse was I didn't make it any better earlier? I'd threatened her to the point of terror. I knew she'd fear being burned, and I used it against her. I saw the scar on her and took advantage of it.
That scar… She must've gone through a terrible ordeal to receive it. I desperately wanted to know the story behind it, but I had a feeling she'd never tell me. She didn't trust me or like me enough to do so.
The worst part of it all, was I didn't understand why I cared so much? She was my prisoner! She was from the Water Tribe! My natural enemy!
I rubbed my one brow in frustration. Something about this girl just really frustrated me, and I barely knew her.
Turning, I finally opened the steel door and stepped inside. Shutting the door behind softly, I stepped across the dimly lit room over to my mattress on the floor. The figure laying on it was out cold, her breathing a bit labored. It concerned me... I still did not understand why I cared so much?
Kneeling down beside the mattress, I pulled the blanket up a bit to cover the trembling body of the waterbender. My hand pressed to her forehead as she slept, and I noticed it was burning up again. Her fever had come back, and I was sure it was my fault.
I'd scared her sick.
Pulling my hand away, I stood and walked across the swaying room to a bowl that Uncle had brought in earlier. After she'd had dinner and fallen asleep, Uncle tried to cool her fever with a wet rag. It eased her temperature only slightly. Grabbing the bowl which had a rag still in it, I headed back over to her and got on my knees. Taking the rag out of the cool water, I wrung it out and placed it against her forehead. She didn't respond, and this worried me. It was only when she mumbled in her sleep that I felt at ease. At least she was well enough to speak. It took me a moment to understand what she was saying. I heard bits and pieces.
"Sokka…" she whimpered at one point. Another time she breathed out, "Katara…" Then there was one time when she said a soft, "sorry" to someone. Eventually she broke into hard coughs, and I jerked the rag away from her scared she'd wake up. She didn't though, stilling as her coughs ceased. When she coughed the blanket lowered again, revealing her neck completely. My eyes couldn't help but follow the scar that trailed from her collar bone to her right eye.
I was tempted to trail my hand along her skin, just to see if the scar felt like my own. I resisted temptation though. I had no right to touch her after everything I'd done to her.
I was stupid… I should've never threatened to burn her. What kind of monster was I?
It was getting late. I could tell as I started to grow tired. My hand pressed against the girl's forehead again. Still hot like before. I really hoped she'd sleep the fever off. Was it normal for someone to be sick this long?
Sighing heavily, I stood and put the bowl back in the corner of the room. Walking back to the door, I stopped right before I left and looked back at my captor.
"Don't you dare try that again! I swear if you ever do, I'll add another scar to your pretty face!"
I cringed. This girl would always see me as a monster. I deserved it after what I said to her.
Hanging my head, I left my room to go get some air. I really needed to think.
Crystal POV
When I woke up, I felt awful. My head was splitting, my eyes were burning, and my throat was tight. Upon opening my eyes and focusing through the blurry vision, I saw someone was already in the room. When I saw who it was I gasped and jerked up. My movements burned every muscle in my body, but I didn't care. Shoving myself against the wall again, I tried to get as much distance as I could from Zuko.
He sat to one side of the room, his legs crossed and his eyes shut. He seemed to not have heard my gasp as he meditated. A long table was bolted beside the wall, and on the table were candles in holders. The candles were lit and danced with life as the firebender concentrated. When he breathed in the flames would decrease, and then upon breathing out they would increase. I silently watched him and his meditation, mesmerized that he could manipulate the flames with so much control and peace.
My only question was, why was he meditating in the same room I was staying in?
My eyes darted around the room, and I felt like I was seeing it for the first time. There was a wooden chest by the corner of the room, wedged between the wall and the table that Zuko sat beside. It must've held his clothes inside, because on the outside straight and lined up in front of it was his boots. Upon looking at the walls around us, I also noticed something was nailed into the wall beside me that I hadn't noticed before. Craning my head a bit, I managed to take note it was a portrait of a young Fire Nation boy and pretty Fire Nation woman. It must've been Zuko, and I could only assume the woman was his mom. He sat in her lap with a goofy grin. The Zuko in the drawing was far from the Zuko I knew.
"Are you hungry?"
Zuko's voice made my whole body jump. Turning my head back, I saw his eyes had opened and he'd turned my way a bit. He looked at me with question.
Slowly I nodded, my eyes burning a bit with tears. I didn't want him to get mad at me again, so I was scared to answer him at all.
He stood up and I pressed harder to the wall watching him with caution. He walked across the room and picked up a tray by the door. "You slept past breakfast, so the cook prepared you some lunch. Um… I think he called it stewed sea-prunes. Uncle thinks you'll eat better if it's food you're familiar with. You still have a fever, but Uncle believes if we bring you outside today for some fresh air hopefully you'll feel better. I'll permit it, but your hands will be cuffed behind you so you can't waterbend."
He was mumbling a bit, so it was hard to make out some of his words. He didn't meet my eyes as he spoke to me, and I swear he almost looked ashamed. He placed the tray down in front of me on the mattress, and then quickly returned to the table to meditate again. I listened and watched him the whole time, quite perplexed.
Finally, I found my voice. "This is your room, isn't it?"
My soft voice made Zuko jump a bit. He'd just closed his eyes to meditate, but quickly opened them again when I spoke. He looked at me once more and nodded.
Pulling my knees tighter to my chest, I hugged them for comfort. "If you had no more rooms, you should've just left me in my cell. I don't understand why you're being so kind all of the sudden," I muttered. "I don't understand why any of you people are showing me kindness. We're enemies… You shouldn't care if I live or die."
Zuko was at a loss for words. Eventually he turned his body so he was still sitting cross legged but facing me. He crossed his arms and looked away.
"I'm sorry for scaring you yesterday," he spoke softly.
It was my turn to be speechless. Prince Zuko was apologizing to me again?
He continued. "I'm not good at controlling my temper sometimes, and I think before I act. It was wrong of me to use your scar to my advantage." His eyes met my own finally. "I know you're scared, and I don't expect you to ever trust me, but you should know that I do care if you live or not. I know I may come off as a jerk at times, but my mother taught me that all life is precious. We may be enemies, but I'm not going to let you die."
His words bewildered me. Running a hand through my grimy hair in confusion, I said softly, "I really don't understand… Why you care… and it doesn't matter anyway... I'm going to die one way or another. You know your father will kill me as soon as he has me in his possession. That's what the Fire Nation does to my people. That's what they did to my mom. She was thought to be the Last Waterbender of the South Pole, and they killed her viciously for it."
Zuko was amazed that I'd share such a story with him. Then his eyes turned sad. "I won't let my father kill you."
"You can't promise you can protect me," I muttered. "The Fire Lord won't listen to you. I know my people are nothing but your enemy… my life is insignificant..."
Silence fell in the room. Zuko wasn't sure how to respond. While he continued to sit there and think of what to say, I picked up the spoon from the bowl and started to eat my stew. It tasted a little off from how Gran-Gran made it, but it was still delicious.
When I finished eating, Zuko decided it would be a good time for me to wash up some. He thought if I got out of my clothes and cleaned up my fever would recede. He called for a guard to bring him some cuffs, and a few minutes later a man of maybe mid-thirties entered the room, handing the metal object over.
Zuko walked back over to me, and the other man stayed by the door. "Can you stand?"
Not wanting to seem weak and pathetic, I struggled to slide to the edge of the mattress. With all the strength I could find, I shakily got to my feet. As soon as I did I regretted it. My head split once more, my vision blurred, and every part of my body cried in protest.
The guard and Zuko managed to catch both sides of me before I fell. While the guard supported me, Zuko cuffed my hands behind my back. Once my ability to bend was gone, Zuko undid the cuff on my ankle. Both he and the guard supported me out of the room into the dark hall. I cringed and whimpered as my body protested from my movements. Zuko noticed my discomfort. He reassured me by saying, "The washroom's only a few doors down."
We reached a steel door finally where another guard already stood. He opened the door for us, and we entered inside. The washroom was small, with a good sized steel basin. There was a pump above the basin where water must've come out. It was already filled with water, and there was a clean rag beside it.
"I'm going to undo your cuffs," Zuko said. "You better not waterbend. If you do I'll chain you back in the room and you can forget about fresh air."
Though I was eager to bend the water and strike it in Zuko's eyes, I resisted, telling myself that earning his trust and behaving would benefit me in the end. I nodded to let him know I understood. He undid my cuffs, and then gestured to something sitting in the corner of the washroom. "Those are some fresh clothes for you. Uncle picked it out, so I have no clue what it is." He and the man started to leave the room then. "I'll be outside if you need anything. Knock when you're done."
The door shut and I was left alone. Staring down at the water in the basin, I lifted my hand to bend some of the water in the air. My muscles protested though and I quickly lowered my arm with a sharp intake of breath. Prince Zuko was lucky… I was in too much pain to bend.
In defeat, I started to clean myself off. Pulling off my shirt first, I almost felt relieved to have the dirty fabric off my skin. I kept my chest binding on though, just in case someone did walk through the door by chance. Next I managed to take my trousers off, but that hurt worse than the shirt.
Eventually I washed up, and I even rinsed out my hair in the water getting the sweat, dirt, and grime out of it. When I was finished, I did find the strength to bend the water off my body and put it back in the basin. Being clean made me feel ten times better though. I felt a little more like myself, and not so much like a wild beast. Grabbing the fabric from the corner to the room, I was surprised to find it was a long sleeved scarlet colored Fire Nation dress. It looked like it would fit me fine, and I pulled it on trying to ignore my pain.
I was a bit surprised by how comfortable I felt in the fine material. The dress fit my fifteen year old curves nice, and the red color actually didn't look too awful on my skin. It was nice to have some clean clothes on. Once I was dressed and also wearing some black boots that were left on the pile, I let out a heavy breath. Walking back over to the door, I knocked softly to let them know I was done.
Zuko POV
I was trying so hard to be nice. It was something so strange to me. Uncle told me earlier that if I treated her with kindness, then her health would improve. Since I felt responsible for her condition, my conscience wouldn't be clear until she got better. When she was still asleep this morning, I pressed my hand to her forehead again. Her fever was down but still present. I'd never cared squat about anyone other than my Uncle in these last few years, but for some reason I cared about this girl. I'd just met her, yet I wanted to help her. Was it because her scar reminded me of my own? Was it because I wanted to prove to her that I wasn't a monster?
A sigh escaped me and the guard beside me shot me a look of question. I quickly stood straight trying to cover my worry with my stone like expression. After ten minutes, I was about to knock on the door but the girl beat me to it. The guard handed me the cuffs once more and opened the door. Going to step inside, I froze.
The girl standing at the doorway looked different. Her long brown hair was now clean and tidy, flowing in waves down her chest. Her face, which once had dirt and grime, was clean revealing flushing cheeks. I assumed the cheeks were from her fever. What caught me were her mesmerizing blue eyes that seemed to be brought out more by her clothing. The color of an azure sky, they drew me in almost hypnotically. She looked down suddenly, breaking the connection our eyes held. She crossed her arms self-consciously, and it was this movement that drew me to her outfit. She wore a long sleeved red dress with gold trim on the waist and neck line. The dress brushed to her ankles, and complimented her skin well. I couldn't help but notice her curves too. She was beautiful from the fire light in the hall. A feeling built inside me, and I didn't understand what it was.
The guard cleared his throat suddenly, and I jumped, coming back to my senses. From the corner of my eye, I saw the man smirk at my silence. Quickly, I recovered and shook off the strange feeling within me. "Um… I need to cuff you again before we go up on deck."
She nodded, her eyes almost pained as she turned around and willingly put her hands behind her back. Why was she suddenly cooperating? Maybe she was just too tired to resist.
Cuffing her wrists, I took her forearm but tried to control my strength. I didn't want to hurt her too much. She cringed a bit at my touch, and on instinct she tried to pull away. I didn't blame her. She probably feared I'd burn her or something.
"You're dismissed," I told the guard as I began to lead the girl down the hall. The guard left to return to his other duties.
Heading to the stairs that led up to the deck was a little longer than I thought it would be. The girl wasn't accustomed to walking on a ship, so every time the ship swayed she'd stumble and I had to hold her up. She was trying really hard to balance, and failing terribly. I could tell she was concentrating hard on the ground so she wouldn't trip, but her concentration didn't seem to help.
After the fifth stumble, and me pulling her back to her feet, I heard her mutter, "How do you walk in this hunk of metal?"
"Three years of practice," I said softly. "We're almost there. Just around the corner."
We walked on, but she spoke once more as we did. "Three years…? Don't you have anyone you miss back at the palace? Why haven't you gone back?"
I cringed at the tough subject. My hand tightened around her forearm without realizing it, and I saw her flinch noticing I'd been upset by her question. Immediately I eased pressure, and she relaxed a bit. "Sorry," I muttered. "That's a touchy subject."
She nodded, hanging her head a bit. "I understand."
Another moment of silence passed. I spoke once more. We still had a little ways before we reached the stairs. "So... those two water tribe kids the other day… were they your friends?"
Small talk… Let's make small talk. That would ease this situation.
She looked a bit pained by the subject. "No… They're my brother and sister."
"Oh," I said softly. I thought the conversation would end there. She probably didn't want to say too much. However, she continued.
"My brother and I are twins actually."
This part took me completely off guard. From what I recalled of the boy, he looked nothing like her. Maybe their skin color, and their hair color, but that was it. "You two look nothing alike."
She smiled weakly. "My sister jokes and says that's because Sokka was dropped on his head when we were born. My dad says it's just because I got more of mom than Sokka. That's fine with me… Sokka would be an ugly girl."
She was joking around. I was surprised by what she'd just said. After everything I did to her, she was making a joke?
She noticed I didn't react, and I saw her look over at me with question. She quickly looked away when our eyes met. "So… Do you have any siblings?"
She was still trying to make small talk. It was strange that I was actually having a normal conversation with my prisoner. I responded, "I would've thought your people knew everything about the Fire Lord… I was a bit surprised you didn't realize who I was… My scar is known by most of the other nations... Don't they educate you on the enemy?"
The girl frowned. "No. My tribe is small… A few are educated in reading and writing, but a lot of the information about the war is just from messengers that come to our village. The only thing we know about your father is he's a bad man who wants us all dead. It's sad to say, but if you had chosen to fight my people that day, none of us would've survived. We're not like the Northern Water Tribe with elite forces. My father and the men of the tribe are all we have. They only fight to protect our tribe, not win the war.
Her words made me frown. Thinking back, I didn't see any men at the tribe when I invaded. Just elderly men and little boys…
"Where are the men? I didn't see any in the tribe..."
She didn't answer. Instead she changed the subject. "You never answered my question. Do you have a brother? A sister?
I sighed. Guess her father was a touchy subject. "I have a sister," I answered. "We don't really get along."
"Sorry to hear… My sister's my best friend. I can't imagine us not getting along." She winced, and I looked at her with question. She noticed and smiled weakly. "She's probably hurt. She had no clue I was a waterbender up until I attacked you. She thought she was the last one of the Southern Water Tribe, so I can't imagine how she's feeling now."
A thought struck me. My jaw dropped. "So your sister's the one that froze my men?"
She fell quite suddenly.
It didn't matter. I was lost to my thoughts. So she really wasn't the Last Waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe? Still, my father would be happy to have at least one. Then another idea suddenly came to my head. If I managed to capture the avatar and his friend's, I'd have two waterbenders to give to my father. The thought made me somewhat satisfied. Father would surely be pleased with me.
The steps came into view, and I was about to walk her up them out on deck. She'd frozen mid-step, and I looked back at her with question. Her eyes stared at me with horror. Immediately, I understood why. She realized her slip up, and she saw the satisfaction in my expression. She feared I would go after her sister.
Crystal POV
What have I done?! Not only had I just told Zuko my life story, but I'd also told him about Katara. From the way he fell silent and smirked a little, I had an unsettled feeling in my stomach. He looked like he'd just scored a prize. It was almost like I could read his mind. Two waterbenders and an Avatar… His father would be proud.
"I'm foolish… I can't believe I just said that…"
I hung my head wishing I could hide my face behind my hands. Sadly, they were cuffed behind me.
His hand gently pressed on my elbow, and I looked back at him with question. He seemed to understand my concerns. "It's okay…" He paused for a moment. Then he let out a heavy breath. "I'm not going after your sister. I don't think Uncle would allow me to anyway..."
His words sounded sincere, and I sighed heavily with relief. It felt as if the weight was ripped right off my shoulders.
Nodding, I resumed following Zuko up the stairs to go on deck. My steps were slower this time. When we got onto deck, the sunlight through the door immediately blinded me. I gasped, shutting my eyes tightly. It had been days since I'd seen the sunlight. I stumbled again and Zuko caught me.
"Slow down… Don't go too fast."
I nodded, and then slowly opened my eyes. The sun still blinded me but not as harsh as before. I took a few blinks, clearing up my vision to focus on my surroundings. The wind was pounding against me harshly, and I heard sea-birds cry out above us. Finally, I focused on my surroundings and saw the massive deck from before. The crew was busy with their duties, so most of them paid no mind to my presence. A few of the guards glanced my way, but then continued on with their business.
"Ah! Crystal!" I jumped, startled by Iroh's sudden call. He walked over to me with a kindhearted smile. "You look radiant dear! I'm glad the dress fit so well."
I blushed. "Thank you, General Iroh."
He was startled by my formality. "Just Iroh, dear. That title left me a long time ago."
Zuko, who had lingered back as I moved forward on deck, suddenly stepped beside me. "I need to speak to the captain about our heading. Watch her Uncle." It was an order, and I watched Zuko walk off amazed. If I spoke to any of my elders that way they'd box my ears.
The sound of jangling keys brought my attention back, and I shifted my gaze back to Iroh. He held in his hands a set of keys he must've gotten from one of the guards. "Let's get those cuffs off. They look awfully uncomfortable."
Iroh undid my cuffs then, and I sighed as I relaxed my arms to my side. He then gestured for us to take a walk around the deck, to which I eagerly agreed. I wanted to stretch my legs out as much as I could. As we headed along the ship edge, I let my hand trail on the steel rail amazed to actually be on such a massive vessel. For the first time since my imprisonment, I was actually enjoying myself.
As we walked on, Iroh asked me all about my family, tribe, our customs, festivals, foods, and anything else he could think of. I let him do most of the talking, my eyes staring out towards the horizon marveling at the sea's beauty. A few times I spotted some dog-phins jumping out of the water beside the ship, their yelps echoing through the air. The calls of ice-cranes rang out as the massive white birds swooped down and scooped up fish with their beaks. Iroh had stopped talking when he saw my attention had diverted to the beauty in front of me. I'd stopped walking and grabbed the railing with both of my hands to hold me steady.
"You must not travel a lot," Iroh perceived. "I can see this is all new to you."
I grimaced. "I've never actually left the South Pole before… My father ordered the people of our tribe to stay. If anyone left, he feared it would only destroy our tribe more."
"Your father ordered?"
I pulled away from the rail, suddenly missing my father. "He's Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe. His father was chief before him. My grandpa died when I was three so I didn't really know the man. Everyone in the tribe claims that when my father is done being leader he will hand over his place to my brother. Chief Sokka will have a funny ring to it in the future."
Iroh stared at me for a moment in amazement. "So your father is a chief…? Doesn't that make you and your family royalty?"
At first I was stupefied by his assumption. Then I giggled, quickly covering my mouth trying to muffle it. Iroh was amused by my reaction, but continued to give me a look of sincere curiosity.
"No. Not really," I began, but still smiled widely at the thought. "I mean, if it was fifty or so years ago and we were having this talk then maybe you could call my family that. However, ever since the war started and our tribe was constantly pounded by the Fire Nation, our people became so small and poor that there was no room for royalty. So, yeah, being the chief's daughter does make me somewhat of a 'princess,' but we don't give that title in our tribe. I'm just one of my people. Nothing too special."
It seemed Iroh thought otherwise. "A Chief is a chief… A princess is a princess… The way I see it, you and your family are the leaders of the Southern Water Tribe. You're pretty important to your people."
I shrugged. "My father only became chief by election. Since my grandpa was chief before him, it was easy for the tribe to pick dad as their new leader after grandpa's death. Sokka may have the chance to be chief in the future, but he has to be elected for it too. I have a feeling the tribe will be more than willing to elect him though. He may be young, but he's the wisest man out of the tribe."
After I stopped speaking, I realized I'd gone off on a ramble and blushed with embarrassment. "Sorry… I'm babbling… I do that sometimes when I'm nervous."
Iroh chuckled. "Nothing to be sorry about, Crystal. I asked the question."
We continued our walk for a few more minutes, and Iroh and I talked more and more. He told me about his son Lu Ten who died many years ago in Ba Sing Se, and he told me about his time as a General. I listened attentively but had to hide my disgust at certain stories. He also tried to explain to me what Pai Sho was. He said it would be great if we could play it together one day. I told him he could try to teach me but I wasn't great at retaining rules.
"Uncle! Why is the prisoner uncuffed?!"
The irritated voice of Prince Zuko caused me to stop in my step and grimace. Iroh calmly turned to his nephew who was pacing across the deck towards us from the door to the helm.
"She's a waterbender!" Zuko exclaimed, as if no one aboard the vessel knew. "She could attack you and escape!"
Iroh sighed heavily. "And go where, Prince Zuko? Last time I checked there aren't many islands around here to swim to."
Zuko stepped over to me and grabbed my forearm firmly. "It doesn't matter! We can't risk letting her escape!"
I was getting tired of people grabbing me. I wanted to rip my arm from his hand, but I was sure there would be consequences if I tried so I restrained myself.
"Chill out… I'm not going anywhere," I promised softly. "I can't swim."
Zuko and Iroh went silent with astonishment by my big reveal. I decided revealing that small fact wouldn't be a big deal.
Zuko seemed dumbfounded by my words though. He released my arm and seemed unsure what to say. After a moment, he asked, "But you're a waterbender… Isn't swimming required?"
Shrugging, I answered, "You can't exactly learn how to swim at the South Pole unless you go to the north side of the land. It's a three day trek. My brother and sister went one day with my father where he taught them how to swim in the Glacier Hot-Springs. I didn't want to go with them, so I never learned."
Iroh looked curious. "Why didn't you go?"
I fell silent. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would share my past with the enemy. For some reason though, I wanted to share my story with them. For some reason, I was starting to feel comfortable with Iroh. He was kind to me, almost like an uncle I never had.
"When I was seven, I fell through a thin sheet of ice. My dad had to jump in quickly and save me. After that day going into water terrified me. I can bend it fine, but the idea of being in it chills me to the core."
Iroh seemed to take in my fears with understanding. "You had a traumatic experience as a child. That's understandable." He looked over at Zuko. "I don't think you have anything to worry about then, Prince Zuko."
Zuko ignored his uncle, looking at me with question. "So you're scared of both fire and water? You are the strangest girl I've ever met."
I crossed my arms to defend myself. "Hey! Just because I don't swim doesn't mean I'm scared of water! I don't see you walking through fire or sitting on burning piles of wood. What's the difference?"
The long silence that came after I spoke made me realize something: I'd just snapped at my captor. I'd just snapped at Prince Zuko! His eyes were lit with fire as he clenched his fists in fury. He was going to lock me back in a cell! Why couldn't I keep my mouth shut? My heart rate accelerated as I waited for his reaction.
Just as I thought the prince would unleash wrath on me, Iroh burst into sudden laughter. The two of us looked at the older man with question as he bellowed out more chuckles.
"Uncle! This isn't funn-"
Iroh cut him off with more laughs. Zuko's fury seemed to dissipate and his cheeks appeared to turn crimson. While his uncle continued to cackle, Zuko turned to me and pointed a sharp finger at my face. "I don't sit in fire because it can burn me! That's the dumbest thing you can say!"
I shoved his finger out of my face. My body temperature was elevating, and I wasn't sure if it was anger or my fever again. "And I don't swim because it can drown me! Same thing!"
"It isn't the same thing!"
"Both can kill you, so yes it is!"
Zuko glared at me and I glared back. As the two of us shared heated gazes, Iroh suddenly stepped between us having stopped his laughter. "Alright children…. Let's settle down." He looked at Zuko with a grin. "I'd say our guest Crystal has won this one, Prince Zuko."
The hot headed prince huffed. "We weren't having a contest!" He grabbed my arm again and said, "I think you've been on deck long enough for the day!"
As he began to yank me back below deck, Iroh shouted, "It's okay to admit your fears, Prince Zuko! Maybe you could share some with our guest in return!"
The teenager restraining me sighed heavily as he grabbed the door leading below deck and shoved me through. His grip loosened on my arm.