((insert colorful language here)) Gosh! Sorry about the late update, but exams and the holidays had me so busy!
Anyway…
Whoa! I got so many reviews! AWESOME! You guys are great. Oh and in one thing I didn't mention was HeavenlyMaron, on both FanFics and Deviantart made some BEAUTIFUL fanart for the story. There is one of Akiko and one of Mora and they both rock! You can see them from my profile. And please comment her fantastic work; it deserves a lot of praise.
((Yes I do read my reviews…my friend accused of me not doing so because I don't like to reply, I'm sorry but that's really hard to keep up with, so I tell you how much I love you in the next chapters!))
And why didn't they catch a boat ride with Jet and Song? Do you really think they are going to the Fire Nation? No! They are going home which is in the OPPOSITE direction. I thought that one out.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar. If I did, Zutara would have happened in The Crossroads of Destiny and Zuko wouldn't be a backstabbing jerk!
It didn't take long to get to the other side of the island now. There were no distractions and there were no stops because there was no flimsy Song. Katara dragged her hands down her all too pretty face and grimaced at the dirt that came off on her palms.
"Well here we are." Akiko said motioning to the harbor. Zuko was fidgeting like a two year old. Katara moaned as he began bouncing foot to foot. She grabbed his arm firmly.
"Zuko relax. We're almost there."
Zuko jut out his chin stubbornly and yanked his arm away from her. "I'm perfectly calm thank you."
Katara crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."
"Guys stop messing around. We have to find a ship that is sailing to the Fire Nation before sundown." Akiko said nudging Zuko with a slender elbow.
Zuko rubbed his torso and glared after the blonde. Women, something Zuko could never understand. They continued walking along the docks but they were new arrivals mostly. Zuko was beginning to lose all hope of finding a ship. In order to find a ship faster they decided to split up.
….
"Ow! HEY LET ME GO YOU IDIOTS!" Zuko heard Akiko scream. Katara heard her too and they took off running down the docks, side by side, their speeds and footsteps matching. Zuko darted his eyes over to her for a brief moment and pulled out his broadswords ready to fight.
"Hi-ya!" Akiko yanked her body forward sharply and fluidly causing the two people holding her back to be flipped onto their backsides, completely in shock. "I was going to put it back you dolts! I was just looking!" Akiko huffed and put the golden fish back on its cart.
"What's going on here?" Zuko asked his eyes narrowed on the two people in front of him.
"THESE MEN ACCUSED ME OF STEALING A STUPID GOLDEN FISH FROM THEIR CART!" Akiko bellowed.
Katara put her water back into her flask. "We don't have time for this Akiko, we have to…"
"I AM ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGED! I DEMAND TO SPEAK WITH YOUR CAPTAIN…LEADER…WHATEVER YOU MISCREANTS HAVE!" Akiko bellowed her shocking eyes narrowed on the two men, Katara went ignored.
"No please ma'am! It was an honest mistake. We'll do anything! Just don't make us answer to our captain!" one of the gruff young men said on his hands and knees.
"On your feet scum!" a deep voice bellowed. The two men snapped to their feet so fast they all heard the cracks. Akiko smirked and froze. The boy was incredibly handsome!
The young mans scowl softened. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Akiko cleared her throat and looked at her friends for help. Suddenly her voice seemed to vanish. With a hiss of metal the broadswords were in their proper place on Zuko's back.
"Your men accused our friend of stealing and inappropriately pursued her." Zuko said crossing his arms.
The young man nodded and put his hands behind his back. "It shall be dealt with, I assure you." He suddenly smiled. His smile was flawless. Even Katara was forced to stare. "Come aboard, and we'll discuss this matter." Zuko opened his mouth to agree but he realized he wasn't speaking to him; he was staring directly at Akiko.
Akiko flushed. "Of course. I believe we can discuss some things."
The young man smiled again and turned and walked away signaling for the two crew members to follow. They gulped and did as they were told. Akiko was about ready to follow but Katara caught her arm.
"I have a funny feeling about this. They seem an awful lot like…pirates." She eyed a man with an eye-patch and peg leg grinning at her.
"Pirates or not, we need a ride don't we? If I put on the guilt really thick then they might be willing to give us a lift." Akiko said with a smile. Zuko cleared his throat.
"Don't I have a say in any of this?"
Katara and Akiko looked at one another reached down to get their things and began walking on the ship. Zuko grit his teeth and glared after them but he almost ran after them in his haste. He wanted to go home. He wanted to go home really bad.
….
"Please do take a seat." The young man said as they entered the exclusive dining hall for captain and guests. The three almost robotically plopped down in their seats. Zuko pretended to look angry, Katara looked disapproving and Akiko appeared outraged yet still on the verge of tears.
"Listen uh…" Katara started but she didn't know the captains name.
"Captain Hal,"
Katara nodded, "Right. What your crewmembers did to my great friend was simply vulgar and…barbaric!"
"We demand that this incident be paid for." Zuko added leaning forward with a face melting glare.
Captain Hal nodded and sat down in his chair letting his ebony hair fall into his eyes; it looked as if it were slowly falling out of its topknot. It looked rugged just like Captain Hal's whole appearance. "I understand completely."
"Well how do you plan on going about your payback Captain?" Akiko asked icily. Slowly the Captain raised his smoldering eyes to hers and her breath hitched in her throat and Katara's brows furrowed at the sight of his orbs.
"I'm not sure miss, do you need a lift anywhere?" the gleam in his eyes slightly took the girls aback.
"Yes in fact. To the Fire Nation. Can your men handle it?" Zuko asked hotly. The tawny eyes settled on Zuko's and he frowned. He almost seemed to examine every outline of Zuko's face. Knowing… Zuko began to feel self-conscious as the gaze lingered on the scar and he turned it away.
"I believe we can manage. I don't know how long it will take; a week at the most is my bet. Welcome aboard…"
"Katara," Katara said still staring intently into Hal's eyes.
"Zuko." Zuko said with a confident smirk. To his own surprise Hal didn't appear shocked; he just nodded and looked at Akiko for a name. Did he not know of the Prince of the Fire Nation?
"Akiko…" Akiko said barely above a whisper. She was staring down into her lap.
"Welcome aboard Katara, Zuko and Akiko."
0000
"And what was her pet poodle-monkeys name?" Akiko asked that night in the bunks.
"Indigo,"
Akiko nodded, "Okay, now what was her favorite food?"
"Pickle-plum custard." Katara answered.
"NO!" Akiko growled throwing the book at Katara playfully. Katara hissed as the tiny book knocked her chin. "Hey aren't you supposed to know this stuff first hand?"
Katara looked at the page they were on and rolled her eyes handing it back to her.
"See it says Pickle-plum mustard!" Akiko said pointing to it.
"First off, there is no such thing, and second the ink is smudged dummy. I was right because it's MY favorite food." Katara said wriggling under her covers.
Akiko waved off her words. "Whatever. It seems to me that you have this whole thing down."
Katara yawned closing her eyes, "Yeah…I suppose."
"Kinda seems like you have no insecurities about it now."
"Sure."
"When are you planning on telling Zuko?"
Suddenly Katara's eyes flew open and she sat upright. "What do you mean?"
Akiko shut the book and put it into her bag. "He has to find out at some point right?"
"No he doesn't!"
"I don't need to what?" Zuko's voice echoed from the doorway. Katara clenched her eyes closed. She could feel Akiko staring at her.
"Nothing…"
Zuko shrugged and opened his bag. He grabbed his razor that Katara recognized immediately and she flushed. Zuko paused.
"Why does my razor smell like citrus?" he said slowly not looking at either of them.
Akiko was now REALLY staring at Katara. Katara cleared her throat awkwardly.
0000
Katara sighed and rolled over in her bed. She couldn't sleep. Too much was on her mind. Mora was something she was, something she should be comfortable with, but it was someone who she didn't know. There were so many things she didn't tell her friend about that night in the forest, and she didn't tell Zuko ANYTHING! There was no way she would be getting to sleep anytime soon.
Silently and swiftly Katara swung her legs over her bed and felt the cold wood on her bare feet. With a few cracks in her knees she stood and crept out of the room. She stepped on deck and smiled as the sea air danced around her outlines burning the sensitive flesh on her cheeks. Her dress flapped and swirled freely in the wind and she slowly glided for the rail. She needed to be by her element if she would be surrounded by Fire Nation for awhile. Her gentle tan hands curled around the cold metal railing sending her nerves on a fritz. She watched the ocean below bubble and purr in its nightly slumber. Katara extended a hand to see if she could actually reach into its depths. If only everything was as simple as reaching to touch the water on a windy night.
"What are you doing up?" Zuko asked behind her. Katara closed her eyes not too surprised that he showed up. She somehow knew he wouldn't be able to sleep either.
"I couldn't sleep. There is a lot going on."
Zuko rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, there is." He slightly made a hallow chuckle, "It's almost unreal what has happened in the past few weeks."
Katara nodded. She stiffened when he came up next to her pressing his body fully on the rail as she was, hands gripping the cold iron tenderly. Katara smiled to herself at how this felt. She couldn't even describe it.
Zuko stared at her out of the corner of his eye and his heart practically stopped. In the moonlight her eyes were deep blue but were still so bright. A heavy but gentle wind soared their way making her long wavy hair blow back but leaving strands to explore the mocha skin of her neck. Her dress flowed behind her and her sleeves rippled. As much as Zuko had seen beautiful women, he could never get over the unique beauty of the Water Tribe girl. She had such young features but even he could tell they were maturing every day.
"Zuko…"
Zuko looked away quickly. "Yeah?"
"Do you think I'll cut it as Mora? What if they don't believe me?" Katara bit her lip and stared at the water intently. Zuko closed his eyes letting another chilly breeze numb his face.
"Yes, you are very convincing. They'll accept you."
Katara put her hand over his. It was amazing how much their skin tones contrasted against each other but it looked almost perfect. "They'll accept you too Zuko."
Zuko slowly turned his head to look into her eyes but saw the sincerity before he even saw her. "I hope so."
Katara smiled and suddenly looked down at her hand still comfortably placed over his. She blushed and slowly pulled away. After a long silence she furrowed her brows. "You know what I noticed…"
"What?"
"Captain Hal's eyes…"
Zuko's eyes narrowed and his fists clenched on the railing.
"They aren't Earth Kingdom eyes…and they surely aren't Water Tribe or Air Nomad. He may be…"
"Look I don't want to talk about some Captain's eyes okay?" Zuko growled and turned away from her. Katara widened her eyes. She put her hands on her own shoulders like he had punched her.
"I-I didn't mean to offend you…if I did that…I just was saying..."
"Saying what?" Zuko said trying not to snap at her, it didn't work.
Katara drew back feeling hurt yet again by his words, she lowered her arms. He was so hard to communicate with! "Nothing…forget it."
Slowly Katara backed away and turned to the door. She opened it and glanced back at Zuko again the wind blowing her hair across her shoulders. Zuko sighed when he heard the door shut and his features softened.
"What's wrong with me?"
0000
"Whoa hey there pretty ladies!"
More hollers and whistles came as they walked across the deck. Akiko and Katara moaned and quickened their paces. Suddenly a big burly man stepped in front of them with a crooked grin and golden teeth.
"Excuse me…" Katara trailed off not making eye contact. What were they thinking getting on a ship with tons of pirates?
The man didn't move.
"Do you not speak English? We said move!" Akiko growled. The man smirked.
"Is there a problem here Darbus?" a voice chimed.
The girls whirled around to see Captain Hal standing there in all of his handsome glory. He looked hotly at the man apparently called Darbus. The big man glared back and began backtracking. When he was out of sight Captain Hal bowed up to them.
"I'm terribly sorry. Darbus is…well…one of the more rebelious crewmembers. He doesn't like to follow the rules."
"Typical pirate stuff." Akiko commented.
Captain Hal chuckled. "Yeah I suppose. But we're not really pirates."
"I wasn't aware there was another term." Akiko said lifting her chin. She tried to seem arrogant but Captain Hal could easily see her fighting a smile. He chuckled.
"I guess we're like them in ways, but without the stealing and illegal trading. We sell our earned goods and travel and sell for a living."
"Really?" Katara asked.
"Yeah. Most of us are runaways. You know run away from war invaded areas but still help by supplying goods."
"Are you a runaway?" Akiko asked shyly.
Captain Hal didn't say anything.
….
"So this is where you keep all the merchandise?" The room was filled with clothes, jewelry, books, scrolls, anything.
"Yep. We have everything. But what do you need?" Captain Hal asked leaning against the wall.
Zuko scratched the back of his head. "Well…I need to makeup with someone."
"A girl?"
Zuko averted his eyes.
"Okay, well how about this?" Captain Hal asked holding up a diamond the size of a cantaloupe. Zuko shook his head. The Captain looked surprised.
"It needs to be more sentimental, something she can put to use."
Captain Hal pondered. He grabbed kimono that made Zuko's eyes bug. It was a purplish blue with a shiny gold design. Zuko leaned in closer to see what the golden pattern was. A dragon and fish beginning at the waist and the trail of magic they left at the bells of the sleeves, the skirt of the dress. Zuko nodded being completely silent. Captain Hal found the matching slippers and gold earrings with a small dragon and fish on the ends.
"Is that everything?" Hal asked appearing slightly impatient.
Zuko frowned at his findings. His eyes found a Sungi horn on a shelf. He smirked. "Not quite."
0000
Akiko examined the gem in her hand. Her heart raced every time she heard that she was going home. Back to Myricus, it had been so long! She would be married…
She didn't want to think anymore. Slowly she raised the golden strap to her neck and tied it. It rested ever so gently over her scar and it felt odd wearing it again. Her fingers ran over the carving. Yes, it felt very strange…
She sighed and left her bunk and went out on deck, in the sunshine. She ran into Katara. "Hi Katara."
"Akiko have you—oh wow Akiko! You're wearing the necklace?" Katara was beaming at it.
The girl smiled and touched the gem.
"Akiko," a voice said, "Do you have a moment?"
Akiko slowly turned to Captain Hal. Her face flushed and she felt very unreal wearing the necklace now. She slowly moved her hand up to cover it. She snapped it back down. She should not be ashamed of being engaged!
"Um…sure,"
When they got to a secluded area the Captain began speaking with her about the evenings events. Akiko smiled and nodded unconsciously holding her palm over the gem again. Suddenly the Captain stopped and stared at her neck. Akiko froze. Had he seen it? And why was she dreading if he did? Slowly Captain Hal's fingers slid through her hair and pushed it back over her shoulder leaving the flesh revealed. He frowned.
"That's…quite a scar you have there." He mumbled.
Akiko looked away only with her eyes. "Yeah…but…it was an accident."
"Did Prince Zuko do this to you?" Captain Hal's voice was very calm. So understanding. It was almost scary how he could know everything on one guess. He was very unique.
Akiko hesitated. "Y-yes… but like I said, it was an accident."
Captain Hal nodded. "I understand." His hand hadn't moved from her neck. "Fire Nation rage; and it looks like he just barely missed."
Akiko gulped. "M-missed what?" She felt so vulnerable.
"You're face. Even in his state he knew to never hurt his friends the way, you know, he was hurt."
Akiko furrowed her brows. "How do you know all this?"
Captain Hal smiled and backed away.
0000
"Well we covered everything I need to be a royal." Katara said bitterly. She braided her hair in the mirror. Akiko lounged on the bed behind her.
"Almost everything." Akiko said with a smirk.
Katara turned around flipping her fresh braid behind her shoulder. "Almost? What else is there?"
Akiko shrugged and sat up. "You still can't do what is most important to the Fire Nation."
Katara put her hands on her hips and cocked a brow. "Oh yeah? And what is most important to the Fire Nation? Do I need to pick up How-To-Kill 101?"
"No. As ruthless as our country may seem, we have plenty of culture. And the base of our culture is…"
Music began to play from above deck.
"What's that?" Katara mused.
Akiko shrugged innocently. "Why don't you check it out? They may be having some sort of music night."
"But I thought you were-"
"Hey don't worry about it. We'll talk later. I have to take a bath now anyway." Akiko explained and walked easily into the bathroom. Katara sighed and began walking up the stairs and onto the deck.
She gasped and put her fingers to her mouth in shock. The deck was dotted with lights that pooled out orange light across the deck making the sea look pitch black. The moon was low and huge radiating a yellow color. Music was playing from the corner, several crewmembers playing instruments with ease like it was second nature. But that wasn't what surprised her most. There in the middle of it all was Zuko looking slightly uncomfortable in nice Earth Kingdom clothing. He slowly held out his hand.
"W-what's all this?" Katara asked slowly walked to him her eyes couldn't stop darting around.
"If you want to be accepted into the Fire Nation, you have to be able to perform our dances. Who better to teach than me?" Zuko said. His voice was slightly mono-tone and scratchy. Katara smiled, her teeth glittered in the moonlight. Zuko couldn't watch her look at him like that, it made his body feel weird. He grabbed her hand and swirled her into him.
Everything seemed to move in slow motion at that point. Katara felt her cheeks warm as she was curled into his arms, the golden tinge…
"Now back out…" Zuko instructed and she was twirled out of her comfortable place. She was darted back into a pose directly in front of him. "Put one hand on my shoulder and put your other hand in mine." Zuko directed.
Katara did as she was told and her blush intensified when he slid a warm calloused hand on her hip. Slowly he pressured her backwards then to the side then back again. Katara felt like she was as light as a feather as they twirled, stepping back twirling to the side and then back in rhythm.
"Listen…I just really want to apologize for last night. I was behaving stupidly over nothing." Zuko said softly as they turned out from each other. Katara smiled slightly when she was pulled back in.
"It's fine. I shouldn't have been talking…well actually I don't understand why it would matter." Katara laughed lightly.
Zuko looked away as she twirled under his arm, "It doesn't."
Suddenly the music slowed and so did their dancing. "If the music slows you pull closer for more complicated synchronized steps."
Katara nodded slowly. Her frosty blue eyes slowly lifted into his smoldering golden ones. The story behind his eyes intrigued her. He intrigued her. Her heart swelled a moment as she lingered on that thought. She narrowed her eyes and forced a wall between feelings. She couldn't think this way. It wasn't real. It wasn't real…It wasn't…
"You never told me why…you wanted to come to the Fire Nation." Zuko said almost sounding half-asleep. But he wasn't, his eyes were clear but his facial expression was slackened in a way Katara had never seen.
Katara surprised herself by sounding the same way. "I…I can't talk about it now. You'll see soon."
"Yeah."
Zuko slowly turned the corners of his mouth into a slacking smile. They continued dancing, swirling, stepping, moving as one. Zuko had not expected this to be so easy, so graceful like dancing through the clouds. He slightly frowned now. He wasn't supposed to be getting enjoyment out of this. This was supposed to teach the waterbender how to dance so she wasn't embarrassed in front of the Fire Nation. He was making up with her.
The music almost slowed to a crawl now. Katara looked dazed, even she could feel it. Something about doing this made her lightheaded but full-hearted. She sighed taking in the smells of cinnamon and shampoo. Zuko's smell.
"Now dip," Zuko said almost in a whisper. Katara curled her back over his arm, his hand holding her hand for balance. Slowly she was brought up again and they made eye contact. It was so heavy but so light at the same time, if there was such a thing. Katara was breathing slowly but she felt like she was moving a million miles an hour. Their eyes were cleanly laced their eyes together. Katara felt herself tilting her head up as Zuko was lowering his head. Her eyes closed and she swallowed as quietly as possible.
Zuko's slackened eyes opened to normalcy again and his heart ached slightly. For reasons he didn't know when he brought his head back. Katara didn't open her eyes.
"I'm dizzy…" she said in such a soft voice Zuko didn't know if he really heard it or not.
"We should stop." Zuko said airily. Katara nodded and opened her eyes. Zuko frowned deeply. He felt so odd. What was he about to do? He never even used her real name. But he knew it. He knew it.
Slowly they parted. Katara bowed. "Thank you for the lesson Zuko. It was…"
"I know." Zuko said. "At least now you'll be able to do some Fire Nation steps. When we get there you'll be ready."
"Fire Nation?" a voice bellowed. It was deep and gruff. The instruments sharply stopped playing.
"Darbus, not now!" Katara heard Captain Hal hiss.
"There is no way we will be going back to the Fire Nation!" Darbus growled. There was a bang and Captain Hal went flying to the side of the ship.
"NOW GET OFF THIS SHIP!" Darbus wailed Katara and Zuko also Akiko who was standing in the doorway. Zuko narrowed his eyes and stepped in front of Katara.
"No way."
Darbus growled and whipped out a sword. It was long and gleamed dangerously. Zuko knew better than to use his firebending with so many people around so he grabbed his broadswords from a table nearby and put them in a defensive position. Katara narrowed her eyes and opened her flask.
Though it seemed as if Darbus was outnumbered slowly emerging from the shadows were more of the rebellious crewmembers. They pulled out their own weapons. Katara gulped and pressed her back to both of her friends.
"We can take them." Akiko said.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Darbus smirked.
One of the men behind him stepped forward and shot an arrow at them so quickly it didn't register for awhile. Zuko slashed it through with one of his swords and that is where it began. With large roars all the men attacked. A good twenty men.
Katara lashed out her water and made a wide swipe of her arm causing the thick stream of water to wipe out three men at a time. Next to her Zuko was slashing away arrows like mad. They were flying at them with almost super speed.
Akiko right hooked a man and sent him flying back. Someone caught her from the arms behind. Akiko growled and squirmed but to no avail. She grit her teeth and sent electric currents up her arms making the man scream in horror and with a hideous sizzle he was blasted back. Akiko wavered unsteadily and she felt a more gentle hand on her arm. She saw Captain Hal smiling at her with a black eye. She smiled back.
"Zuko watch it!" Katara said as five arrows came flying at them at a time. Katara put up a wall of ice catching the arrows in it. She narrowed her eyes turning the ice back into water still holding the arrows in tact she threw the water not in any direction in particular. Zuko smirked at her but his eyes widened in horror that when she smiled back an iron ball was launched her way. She gasped and tried putting up her wall of ice but she wasn't fast enough. The ball shattered through the thin layer of ice sending her flailing back. Zuko grit his teeth and set one of his swords aflame and chucked it at the person that launched the attack. It made enough of a distraction for him to run over to aid the waterbender.
"RR—AGH!" Akiko had her foot caught in mid air and she was thrown to the side of the ship. She narrowed her pale eyes and slid her fingers through the air collecting energy.
"Not so fast missy." Darbus growled and kicked her feet out from under her. She hadn't even seen him coming!
"agh!" she wailed as she landed on the hard deck. Akiko saw his sword coming down on her face. She widened her eyes and slid her body out of the way propping herself on the balls of her feet.
Darbus growled as his sword was stuck in the wood of the deck. He yanked it out and smirked at a battling Captain Hal. He charged holding the sword for a quick attack. Akiko gasped and shoved Captain Hal out of the way. She fell over her feet landing on top of him. She blushed as his tawny eyes stared into hers. His…eyes…
"YOU GIRL!" Darbus wailed when his attack was denied. He grabbed Akiko by the collar holding her up. Akiko flapped and flailed about but she couldn't get into a firm enough stance to bend without hurting innocent people. Darbus slid his sword under her chin. "You listen to me wench, we ain't going back to the Fire Nation!"
Akiko was thrown to the floor. Her eyes were out of focus but she could see Darbus hovering over her with his sword out ready to take her head off with one easy swipe. She cringed back. She couldn't do anything. Then like a miracle a wall of hot orange fire shot between them. Akiko gasped when she found it was not Zuko, but Captain Hal.
Darbus looked equally surprised. Captain Hal's eyes were almost glowing as he raised a lit fist. "Get…Off…My…Ship!"
Slowly Darbus backed away. His whole body trembled. "F-firebending!" he wheezed clutching the rail. The battle almost seemed to stop.
Zuko left Katara and pressed his back to Captain Hals. They nodded to one another and shot their arms in the air. Whips of fire seemed to lick down from the heavens chasing the men around deck, some leaving burns all over the rebellious bodies. Katara and Akiko smirked and began attacking the men around them as well. The crewmembers stopped suddenly and dropped their weapons. They looked around with wild eyes before running inside and to their bunks.
Captain Hal straightened up and blew the smoke from his fingers. Zuko growled. "So that's it? No punishment? No anything!?"
"No, they learned what their fate will be. But there is something you must understand about my crew…"
Akiko and Katara joined them.
"There are only a few here from the Earth Kingdom, I'd say about three. The rest of us are Fire Nation. Prince Zuko, it has been awhile since you have been there. It isn't pleasant. Innocent people are being tortured." Captain Hal said with a frown.
"Tortured? W-why?" Akiko sputtered clutching the gem at her neck.
Captain Hal turned away from them. "Many of our citizens are starting to see this war as a bad idea now. Families are being torn apart, the soldiers that do come home are hardened and cruel. And the government is trying discipline the people."
"T-that's awful!" Katara shrieked.
"Isn't it though? But that's not the worst part. Because the government is getting to be so cocky and full of themselves, they abduct girls as yourselves and have their way with them. My sister…was one of these girls. And my crewmembers have suffered of one or more of these fates. They would do anything to get rid of their Fire Nation roots. Many of them, no matter the situation, refuse to firebend. So when I firebend and remind them of the Fire Nation, they are forced to stay in line. It's horrible." Captain Hal faced them, "This will be the last uprising you will hear from them."
"But they still have to come into the Fire Nation. Won't that upset them more than a little firebending?" Zuko asked feeling awfully skeptical.
"I can't answer you without babbling like a fool because I honestly don't understand it either. But no, they see firebending as the source of all their pain."
0000
"WE HAVE HIT FIRE NATION WATERS!" rang a voice. Zuko stiffened and sprang from his seat. Akiko held onto her gem with watery eyes. Katara stroked down her braid nervously.
"We have to change into some decent clothes straight away." Zuko said glaring at them.
"What's wrong with what we're wearing?" Akiko said standing.
Zuko's eyes flicked over her short grey dress, high boots with the bottoms caked in mud and her navy pants ripped in a few places. Then at Katara with her boring Water Tribe garb.
"Everything. You guys are in your traveling clothing!" Zuko exclaimed. He began pacing.
Katara groaned. "Look Zuko, first we have to find Myricus."
"That will be impossible. The first thing that is going to happen is they will want to see us arrested." Zuko snorted.
"Oh…" Akiko trailed off.
Zuko's features softened. "I'm sorry. We will see him once we are in the clear."
"Good afternoon Katara, Zuko and Akiko." Captain Hal said formally. His eyes subtly lingered on Akiko's for a few moments longer than the other two.
"Morning Captain." Katara smiled handing him a cup of tea which he graciously refused.
"I am here to say I wish to accompany you."
Zuko coughed heavily. "W-what? Why? What about the crew."
Captain Hal nodded. "I am a fully respectable noblemans son. They will surely welcome me with open arms. As for the crew, they will continue on without me."
"Huh? Okay rewind and stop!" Akiko said rubbing her temples.
"Yes I suppose I should." Captain Hal chuckled. Why did this man have such a complicated back round? "Well, when I was sixteen I was supposed to sign a document sending our men into a battle. Which would have been fine but ten or more of my closest cousins were in the fleet on the front lines. I wasn't thinking about my country, I was thinking only of personal matters. So I told my father that I didn't want to sign to anything, that I would trade our goods until I felt I was ready to take such responsibility. And now, I think I am."
"What makes you so sure your father will accept you with open arms?" Zuko asked bitterly. Envy was shining through his eyes.
"He told me that no matter what I decided, I was his son."
Zuko grimaced. "Great for you."
Katara frowned and laced her fingers over his arm. "Please don't Zuko."
Zuko looked at her intent on saying something. Nothing bitter, but something.
"COMING INTO THE DOCKS!"
All of them tensed.
"This is it you guys." Akiko said quietly, she found herself holding to her necklace. Katara frowned again.
"Akiko…why don't you go with Captain Hal once he puts in a good word for us. You can go to your village."
Captain Hal beamed. "Yes Akiko, I would be delighted."
Akiko bit her lip. Hal meeting her betrothed? She fought a cringe. She didn't want them to meet. Something was telling her it was a bad idea. But she couldn't say no to Captain Hal. His eyes were so true and pure but they were also so dark and mysterious. They made her shiver in a way Myricus could never make her shiver…
"I would also be delighted." Akiko murmured though still unsure.
The ship soon hit the docks and instantly guards stalked onto the ship making Zuko stiffen beside Katara. Katara reached down and gave his hand a squeeze before letting it go. A tall and scary looking guard before tons of men with the white plates placed in their helmets stepped forward reading off a scroll.
"By order of the Fire Lord, banished Zuko and Katara of the Water Tribes will be placed under arrest. Any other company will be questioned."
All four of them looked at each other with plenty of emotions swarming through their eyes like angry bees.
It isn't my best, I admit. I don't find it to be awful but it certainly isn't worth bragging about. Sorry, but writers block has slapped me down and kicked me numerous times lately. Review anyway!
And once the story is completed ((not long off)) I think I am going to re-write it to perfection! ((grins)) anyway, like I said, REVIEW!