Author's Note: Ello' Loves. I hope you guys are enjoying your day because … well I am sitting at a computer at the moment with no life. But we can all enjoy the little things. I figured as much as grammar is always important, I think the author's note is the one place where I can make fragments and spelling mistakes with no worries at all… that Or I just write what I think and it transcribes to this little section. Anyways, please enjoy chapter 16.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar and never will because Zutara did not happen like it was suppose too.


Chapter 16: Kidnapped


Zuko remained in his office after the encounter, the only noise from the room was the small sounds that came from the shuffling of papers and documents. Everyday was the same thing for him and recently it appeared as though more papers were being dropped off.

"Those old bastard," He mumbled, "Why would I need to approve music night for Uncle Iroh?"

The fire bender growled at the nonsense he saw in front of him. He swore that the Fire Counsel was trying to keep him busy. Most of these things didn't need his approval. They could just bring the request to the person in charge of whatever it was they wanted. Fire Lords are suppose to approve laws and events… but not small matters like Music Night.

"Approval for a new training room… Signature needed for trainer approval... What the hell am I paying General Tai for then? He's the one in charge of hiring new recruits."

The Fire Lord threw the papers onto the floor as he got up recklessly from his desk. He needed a break. He wanted to go meet with Katara, to walk around town, to get away from everything in this palace, however, he knew that it was impossible. He didn't see why he couldn't help Katara organize the wedding. The elders told them that Zuko was far too busy to concentrate on small details, but, isn't it his big day too?

He knew most guys didn't want to sit through all the small details that came with a wedding. He didn't want to argue about who sat where and what everyone would eat, but, a part of him had to admit that he couldn't have mind. It seemed like Katara and Iroh was doing everything for the big day and he was stuck here… in a small room, alone.

"I hope Katara isn't too overwhelm…" He thought to himself as he stared at the paperwork by his foot.

He let out a small sigh and bend down, his fingers lingering above the document as he hesitated to pick up the parcel. It was as though he was debating with himself once again. Should he give into his title and sign all these meaningless papers or act his age and sneak out of the palace? How long has it been since he did something reckless and fun without worrying about getting in trouble.

When he thought about it, he couldn't remember the last time he tried to have fun with anything. Instead, his entire life was filled with being serious. Before, he never use to complain about doing paperwork in his office. He would have a routine and a method to getting everything done and when it was accomplished, he would retire to his room for the rest of the day. He was happy like that… or so he thought until everything changed for him.

"Zuko?"

"Yes?" He answered.

"Can I come in?"

"You never ask before, Uncle, Come in."

The door opened with a small creak as Iroh came in with a tray of tea and snacks. He had his usual smile on his face, yet as he saw his nephew on the ground a small hint of sadness flashed in his eyes.

"Windy day?"

"The paper just fell," The fire bender answered quietly as he picked up the documents and returned to his desk, "Is something the matter?"

"I was just wondering how your conversation with General Tai went," The old man replied, "Should I be holding interviews for a new General?"

"No," Zuko said softly, "I made a promise to Katara and kept it. Tai is just… On probation."

"My, my," Iroh said as he poured a cup of tea for Zuko, "He got off very easily."

"It's not about getting left off, Uncle," The fire bender commented, "I just don't want Katara to get upset. I can watch my men where they are… I don't need my fiance to get flustered over simple matters."

The old man smiled as he smelled his own cup of tea. He never saw this side of Zuko before, innocent and caring for another human being. He knew that his nephew had a sensitive side, yet constantly kept to himself. Time… was a wonderful thing.

"How much longer until the wedding?" He asked in a soft tone.

"Do you not remember my own birthday, Uncle?"

The old man chuckled, "Of course I remember! Only 3 more weeks from today."

"3 weeks and 2 days…." Zuko added quietly.

Iroh watched as Zuko's eyes lit up slightly by the small phrase. It was almost as though he was counting down the hours that would mark him as a married man. Nothing else made him more happy than to see Zuko happy. His nephew was like his own son and he wanted to do anything he could to make sure there was always a smile on his face at the end of the day.

"Seemed like only yesterday our water bender stepped off the boat!"

"It does…"

A while had passed since Iroh served the Fire Lord his tea, but neither of them said anything. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Zuko and Iroh rarely said much to one another, instead, they always had some sort of mutual understanding for each other. Today, however, seemed a little different. Zuko noticed Iroh standing in the center of the room, his tea cup occasionally being lifted to his lips as the old man stared at the various objects placed in the office. It wasn't the older bender's first time in the room, yet, he was acting as though he was trying to avoid looking at the Fire Lord.

"Uncle, Is there a reason you are here?"

"I cannot visit my favorite nephew?" The old man asked, "I am hurt. After all the times we shared together! We slept under the same stars… ate from the same bowl!"

"I'm your only nephew," Zuko said casually, "And there's usually a reason why you are visiting during office hours."

"Is there really? I should make it a habit to come visit more often then for a simple hello…"

"Please don't." Zuko intervene

" But like I said, I just wanted to see how your talk with Tai went," Iroh continued as he ignored the previous comment that came from his nephew's mouth.

"I told you the answer already, Uncle… if there isn't anything else you need I have a lot of things to go over for the counsel."

The retired general looked at the boy in front of him. He always considered Zuko a boy no matter hold old he was, then again, everyone was a boy to Iroh, He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He ended up closing his lips instead and smiled a kind, old smile,

The fire bender didn't change his expression as he continued to focus on the bender in front of him. He knew his uncle wanted to say something to him, however, instead of trying to get it out of him he remained silent. He knew by now that if Iroh did not say something right away… it was normally serious.

Then again, a part of him wanted to ask his Uncle for advice too. He wanted to confide in someone about his childish thoughts and for a moment considered doing it. How long has it been since him and Uncle had a conversation that wasn't about work or nonsense? How long had it been since he treated him like a father and not family member who was there?

"Love," Zuko started to say as Iroh looked at him, "Is a very strange thing, isn't it Uncle?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"It's a scary thing. It can make a strong man weak and a senseful man… senseless. I always thought that as long as you loved someone, it did not matter what other people think. I thought that love was not strong enough to make you into someone that you did not want to be, yet, after talking to General Tai… I'm starting to wonder what kind of love is really love."

"What do you think, Zuko? Do you think love is crazy?"

"If it can make a man like Tai go crazy… maybe it is. Maybe we, as benders, have no place in falling in love with someone who cannot connect with us…"

"Is that what you think?"

There was a silence. Zuko was staring at his desk as he could sense the elder man looking at him. In the eyes of his Uncle, Zuko was always just a kid. He didn't hold any titles and he wasn't anyone important, just his cute little nephew who needed guidance in life. He took a step forward and for a moment rest his hand on the Fire Lord's back.

"Love makes people do things that they would normally never do…" Iroh said, "But it's because of how they feel for the other person that they do it. No one can make you do something that you do not want to do. The more out of character the action is, the stronger the love."

"Stronger… the love?"

"You would never kill someone for a person you hate, would you? Everyone knows the consequences that could happen with their actions… but if you deny it and do it anyways you care more for the person than your own life. Don't you think?"

Zuko didn't say anything. He thought for a moment about his own life. Did he love Katara as much as Tai loved this woman? Would he kill someone for Katara or even take her own life in anger? He wanted to say that he would protect the water bender no matter what. He knew that he would. Yet, he didn't know if his love was strong enough that the thought of killing Katara could ever cross his mind if something went wrong.

"You love Katara, right?"

"Of course I do!" The fire bender exclaimed as he stared up.

"That's why you let Tai go without punishing him? Do you find that crazy? Even if it makes Katara happy?"

"I don't find it crazy," Zuko mumbled, "I think of it as... just trying to make Katara smile."

"Than that's not a senseless action. That means you are still a senseful man."

"But Tai… He… his love- how can someone just kill…"

"I won't say that killing someone you love makes sense, however, because you are still young, nephew, there are still matters of the heart that you won't understand until you experience it yourself. Because this is your first true love with another person… the idea of a heart break so drastic is something that you do not know yet. I hope you never know this feeling… but if one day you do, I believe that you will understand Tai a little more."

The fire lord's eyes cast down as he took in what Iroh was trying to say. This entire time, he was trying to make a connection between love and action. He thought that the love General Tai felt made him go crazy. He knew that whatever he did was just the result of his judgement, however, he knew that Tai was not crazy. He was a well educated man, but, at the same time, fell victim to a small thing like love.

It was true that Zuko never had his heart broken. He couldn't connect with people the way Iroh and Katara could so he would never understand a person like Tai. He wanted to, but at the same time he felt as though it was something he wouldn't accomplish in this lifetime.

"It's strange, Uncle, up until recently… I never mind being locked in the palace. I hate going out in public and I never wanted to be around other people. Now… now I feel like very task I get is a hinderance on my time outside- in the real world. Am I getting sick?"

Iroh let out a small chuckle. "I watched you as a little boy grow up to a young man," The old general commented, "It wasn't until this arrange marriage had happened that I started to see the little boy I use to care for come out again."

"What do you-"

"I know that you started to care for this country because I could not take the place of the throne. I know you and Mai tried to work things out because she was someone you were familiar with. There were countless nights that I walked through the halls and you would still in this little office… reading documents and signing papers like your entire life was a routine. I cannot express to you, nephew, how happy I am to see you today."

"Uncle…"

"Katara had brought out the joy in your heart again, Something that you locked up the moment you took the Fire Lord's crown. You don't need to stay here all the time. You don't have to waste your youth on these papers. I know you do not want to make a mistake, but there's a girl out there that is waiting for your company! Is it not senseless to take care of yourself before taking care of others?"

"But the counsel…"

"The council is a group of old men who thinks they know everything. Don't you want to experience the full impact of love? After this marriage things will not go any easier for the two of you guys. This is the time to enjoy what you can!"

Zuko was conflicted. It was like sending a kid into a candy shop and telling him he can only choose one item. He looked down as he felt Iroh's hand lift off his back.

"I believe in you, Nephew," Iroh said as he headed toward the door, "If you change your mind about living in this office, Katara and I will be going into town later. The council wants her to visit some stores and she had asked me to accompany her. Oh if only I was 10 years younger! We would look like a young couple - "

"If you were ten years younger," Zuko commented, "You would still be old enough to be her father."

"Well, her father is a nice, strong, man," Iroh said as he exited, "I would love to be him."

The fire lord looked at the list of things that still needed to get done and then cast his eyes toward the door. He knew he had to read and sign all these papers to stay on track with his schedule, but he couldn't kick what Iroh had said from his mind. He wanted to be a child and lost that to his father. He wanted to be a teenager, but was stuck in a life long mission. Now, he wanted to be an adult and was left with the label of 'Fire Lord.'

"Katara…" He said quietly as he sat in his chair.

The two of them rarely spend time with one another and he was worried that she would eventually realized that her feelings for him were short lived. He wanted to go on dates with her into town and take her to places that she wanted to go. He didn't want her to keep heading out with the guards and Iroh, something as small as walking around should be done together.

"Maybe I can…" He started as he scanned the documents in front of him, "Figure out a way to quicken this pile…"

As the young fire bender started to organize his desk he paused for a moment, a smile on his face as he said out loud, "Thank you, Uncle Iroh."


Darkness. Darkness was the only thing Katara could see as she could hear the faint noise of a carriage carrying her somewhere. She was scared, her hands couldn't move and she wasn't sure why her water bender wasn't working. This had only happened once when her pressure points were sealed, however, she was positive that Jet was too idiotic to know something like that.

"Jet," she thought as she hissed at the image that came to her mind, "What the hell was he doing here…"

She remembered him vaguely from her memories, but knew that the hatred she had for him was still as strong as ever. She never forgave him for playing with her heart and manipulating her emotions, yet, why did he show up at the palace? Why did he kidnapped her? What is his motive? She felt a short stop before she heard various footsteps around her.

"Jet!" A voice called out.

"What do you have there?"

"A certain water bender…" The familiar voice commented, "And she's staying."

"Water bender?"

"DO YOU MEAN KATARA?"

"Exactly," Jet commented, "We are going to keep her with us until we get the mission done."

"Mission?" Katara thought as she tried to listen harder.

"But Jet," A smaller voice said, "the consequences…?"

"THERE ARE NO CONSEQUENCES! Right now we have the one person who is going to save us from any punishment we can get. We are god right now!"

The water bender tried to connect the small pieces that she could hear together, yet she found the entire thing confusing. One thing she knew was that Jet was still crazy and she had to find a way to get out of this situation as soon as she can.

"We have her here because Tai couldn't do anything…. that good for nothing bastard chickened out on every command we gave him."

"But…" The small voice said once more, "What are we going to do with her?"

The water bender could sense the anxiety coming from the smaller voice. She couldn't tell the age, but knew it was a young female companion. She was getting shivers through her body as the silence grew louder and louder before she heard a small outburst come from Jet's mouth.

"We are going to ruin her!" He growled as he opened the carriage.

Jet grabbed Katara's arm and pulled her out, the action causing her to fall on the ground with a loud thump. The water bender cried in pain for a moment as her shoulder hit the dirt, but seeing as she was in an unknown place, her survivor instance kicked in and she held back her shock.

She felt the rough tug on her skin as Jet removed her blindfold, her eyes adjusting to the surrounding as she saw around her various faces she couldn't recognize. Everyone was gazing at her, their expression blank as none of them spoke. It was almost as though this was a common thing to them and that thought only made her more nervous.

"Where… where- am I?" She asked in a confidence voice as she tried to mask the impending fear she felt.

"Are you in any position to ask questions?" Jet growled as he raised his hand to strike her.

She closed her eyes for the impact, but saw it never came. Instead, when she opened them back up she saw a little girl hanging onto Jet's arm, her eyes closed as she tried to stop the older man from hitting her.

"WAIT!" she cried out, "We shouldn't… We can't…. We-"

"KARI, GO BACK INSIDE," Jet yelled at the little girl.

Katara recognized the voice to be that of the little girl she heard before. She was the only one saying anything against Jet and realized that she must have been important if she jumped on him to save her.

"Bend, water, bend-" She thought before she took a look at her hands, "What the-"

"Ah…" Jet said spitefully, "I couldn't have you bending the fuck out of us, so we had these specially made in your honor, my lady. These are special metal, square cuffs. They cover your entire hands so that your bending is no longer effective."

"How did you-"

"When you are to become Fire Lady, many of your secrets are no longer safe… especially how to take down a water bender."

"She doesn't look like a bad person," A young woman said, "Why is she so important to our mission?"

"Because she is the next Fire lady. That fire bender will do anything to have his whore back."

"Why don't we just kill the Fire Lord?"

Katara eyes widened at this comment and before she could say anything she heard Jet speak once again.

"Because this woman… is the Fire Lord's weakness. As long as we have her he will do anything we want. We don't need to dirty our hands. He will dirty his own hands… and one we are done controlling the entire land he will be left with the guilty conscience of ruining his people."

"So she's bait?" A man questioned.

"Why are we treating her like dirt then if she is not important?"

"Because," Kari started, "When they were younger this lady and brother-"

"KARI!" Jet let out again, "Stop, NOW"

The entire group was taken aback once again. No one wanted to say anything and as Jet stood in front of Katara, his eyes remained glued on her small frame. The water bender didn't back down. Even without her water bending she still had her spirit and that was all she needed to show Jet that she was not afraid of him. Her eyes glared at the man before her as pale blue turned dark aqua.

Jet had not changed much from the previous time they met. He was still wearing the same black and red armour, but his hair was now slick back. Instead of the young face he once had, his feature had mature into an adult male. Anyone who saw him would have said he was handsome, but to Katara he was an ugly being. His heart was already tainted with too much evil.

"Jet, Let me go!" The water master demanded as she tried to stand up to her feet.

"Quiet," He hissed, "know your place!"

The bandit moved his feet so that it pressed against the water master's shoulder. This one action was strong enough to keep Katara down on her knees, however, she was already at a disadvantage to begin with.

"What are we going to do with her now?"

"If we get caught we are all going to be eliminated."

"You're so stupid Jet. The palace guards would have notice her missing!"

"It's still daylight… what were you thinking, Jet?"

"WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME! The rebellion… once this spiteful marriage is commited no one will listen to us, is that what you want? Do you remember the past?!"

No one said anything, but Katara could see hate flash in their eyes. What was going on? She was confused and scared. She wanted to scream, but as she looked around she saw wooden walls and various trees poking from outside the window. She knew she was far away from civilization.

"Hero, Take Katara to the cellar…"

A large man wearing a thin green shirt and dark pants stepped forward as he stared at the water bender. He looked confused and at the same time hateful. As he grabbed her arm he threw her over his shoulder, she could see the small face of Kari staring at her, sadness in her eyes.

It was no longer than a few minutes that the two of them reached an underground room. Darkness was the only thing that was around them until Hero had opened the door to the cellar. Without hesitation, he threw Katara onto the ground, her body crashing once again into the dirt as he walked to close and lock the cage that bounded her to their unknown location.

"W-wait!" She cried, "WAIT!"

The young man stopped before leaving, his action contemplating what to do as he turned to face the water bender.

"Why… why are you listening to Jet?" She questioned, "Why are you doing this?"

There was a pause in the air.

"It's… not like we know you," he said in a low voice, "Yet I feel like I hate you already."

"What did I do…?"

"It's not what you did. It's what the Fire Nation done."

Katara's eyes widen as she realized that this was the same situation that the lost boys were in. She wanted to tell them that they were wrong and that they were following the wrong person, but as she started to speak she heard a loud bang. Hero hit the cage, his hands red from the metal.

"I'm sorry," He whispered, "But you should just be a good girl… or else the consequences could be worst than just dying."

Katara didn't notice before, but, she realized that the person in front of her must be around her age… if not a little older. Most of the people in their group were older besides Kari.

"What do you mean…?"

"You'll see."

With the last parting words he walked away, the sound of a door closing prompted for darkness to filled the small area. Only a small window on the other side of the wall gave a small amount of sunlight into the cellar. The water bender sigh. The only hope she had now was to wait and pray that one of the maids noticed her missing. It was almost time for her and Iroh to go into town. They were going to visit a blacksmith and a merchant today before grabbing lunch in a small store Iroh knew.

She was growing desperate, her mind filling with every worst scenario. What if they were going to kill her? What if they were going to demand money and ransom from everyone in the town? They were good, honest people now… they didn't deserve to be threaten for her sake. Zuko's face suddenly came to her mind.

She never needed anyone's help. She was a bending master and had her fair share of rescues, yet, as the birds continued to chirp outside she rolled up in a small ball. This time she would be powerless. This time she was alone. She was facing a group of bandits that had a plan and a mindset of hatred in their hearts. What was she even going to do?

"Zuko...Please save me."


Inside the small office, Zuko finally smiled as he let out a small sigh.

"Finally," he groaned, "With this… I should be able to get some more free time in."

He had separated the documents into a pile of urgency and nonsense. He was going to show them to the counsel later on and had hope that this would cut back on the paperwork they would give him.

As he stared at the time, he got up and brushed his Fire Lord robe off, "There's still time to go with Uncle and Katara."

Zuko flicked his hand and as a snapped came out the candles around the room went out. He made his way to the door and headed outside, the sound of birds and workers filling his ears as he was greeted by different people.

"Have you seen my Uncle?"

"He should be in his room getting ready, My Lord," The maid answered quietly, "Would you like me to get him?"

"It's fine… I'll find him myself later, please let him know before leaving that I will be joining them."

"In town?"

"Yes," The fire bender replied, "I'm just going to change into something less formal."

The maid bowed slowly as Zuko walked off. He was excited to be getting out of the palace during the day time and was happy to be spending time with Katara.

"I wonder what she's wearing…" He thought as he tried to picture the look on her face when he showed up at the gate before them.

On the other side of the palace, the hallways were being filled with Iroh's playful whisheling. He was making his way to Katara's bedroom to leave for town.

"Meat bun, meat bun, I love meat buns!" He sung as he waved to the passing workers.

The maids greeted him with a smile as they commented on his 'lovely' singing, however, as he turned the corner he saw a man sitting on the ground, his hands covering his face as his body language read 'defeated.'

"Are you okay?" Iroh questioned as he walked up to the person.

He looked for a moment before he realized that the armour belonged to General Tai. It was a very specific uniform that was much different than the guard's outfit. Higher rank officials earns their place by being skilled and therefore didn't require the heavy equipment that the others needed. Instead, Tai just had to wear the nation's color and the clothing typically had their insignia sewn across the back.

"Tai, What's wrong are you sick?"

The two generals stayed in the hallway as time seemed to have froze in the spot Tai sat in. Iroh waited for a response, but as he noticed no movement from his friend he bend down to meet his face.

"If you are going to mop you should do it in your chambers…. the workers will get the wrong-"

"Time…"

"Time?" Iroh echoed as he heard the words escape from Tai's mouth.

"We're out of time. time… time… it's too late… there's no time…"

"What's too late?"

"time...we lost time...we lost hope… we…."

"General Tai," Iroh said more sternly, "I command you tell me what is wrong."

Tai looked up at the older man, his eyes bloodshot as his lips were bleeding. His face was black and blue from bruises as his eyes trembled with fear and sadness. He looked much older than he truly was. He looked like he had seen death in the face and had nothing left to hold onto.

Iroh knew that this could not have been Zuko's doing, but he didn't know who was capable of hurting the general. After all, he was a skill fighter.

"What happened?!" The master bender exclaimed, "Who did this? What's going on?"

"We're out of time, Iroh. I'm out of time. It's all ruined… all gone… I lost. I can't believe I fucking lost. Why the hell did I go through all this pain? She doesn't deserve it… both of them don't! I know that now, I'm so sorry.I'm sorry. I'M SORRY!"

"Why are you-"

"Katara."

Iroh froze at the name before gaining composure again, "Why did you say…"

"They took Katara because I couldn't do my job…"

Anger and fear flashed through Iroh eyes as pandora's box opened before him. However, not wanting to break the only person with answer he proceeded calmly.

"Tai… what did you do…?"

"I WAS SUPPOSE TO KILL HER SO HE WOULDN'T!"

"Who? Why? Kill?!"

"The boy, the boy with the scars on his arms… he came to me and told me things. He feed me words until they were all I believed. He kidnapped Kana. He kidnapped Kana. He's going to kill her. He's going to kill her and then Katara!"

Tai lunged toward the old man as he mumbled nonsense, the once strong general crumbling as tears came down his face. Iroh stood up, his feet moving quick as he yelled down the halls, "GUARDS SECURE THE AREA. FIND LADY KATARA THIS INSTANT!"

Footsteps were heard in all directions as everyone rushed to accomplished the task. Iroh looked behind him, his friend rolled in a ball on the ground. It was something that he had never seen before. Within a day's time… a person with honorable mentions had become instable.

"What's going on…" He mumbled.

"UNCLE!"

"Oh god," the fire bender whispered, "Zuko…"

The Fire Lord ran up to his Uncle as he heard the command from down the hall, "Uncle, what's wrong?"

"Zuko… I need you to remain calm."

Iroh looked at his nephew whose eyes were caught on Tai's figure. He turned to listen as his eyes widened by the next thing out of Iroh's mouth.

"Katara… may have been kidnapped… and could be in danger."

It was not even a moment before Zuko lunged toward Tai, his hands on fire as he growled and hissed at the general.

"WHAT DID YOU DO? WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER, TAI?"

"I-I-I-"

"ZUKO!" Iroh yelled, "Let Tai go."

"NO. I GAVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE. SHE BELIEVED HIM- WHAT DO YOU MEAN KIDNAPPED? How long ago was this? When was this? How did this happen?!"

Iroh threw a flame ball in their direction which caused Zuko to release Tai. He was huffing and steaming as he glared at the coward before him. If his eyes could burn holes into someone, Tai would be cheese by now, however, he took deep breathes in. He closed his eyes and he screamed, fire coming from his lips as he turned his glare toward Iroh.

"Explain."

The ex general told Zuko all he knew, but it wasn't enough. Zuko ran down the halls and barked orders to everyone. Not a moment passed before Guards filled the palace and men ran through the town. Yet, no matter where they looked Katara was in neither places. As the fire bender ran around his home, Iroh stay behind. His back toward his friend as he cleared his voice.

"Tai… whatever happened, I will not judge you, but we need to know what happened… please… please calm down and tell me."

"I…He said If I didn't do what he said... he would kill Kana…"

"Isn't Kana dead already, Tai?" Iroh said with no remorse, "Didn't you tell Katara you killed her?"

There was a silence before Iroh heard a small whisper come from Tai's lips.

"Kana… I did kill her," The General said with very little movement, "But… the Kana he took iis my daughter… she's still too young to know what is going on, but he stole her. He stole her from her relative's house and demanded me to kill the future fire lady or else- he said he had a history with her… that she caused him pain and left him to die. He said the Fire nation had to pay, that there was no change and-"

"What is this man's name?"

"He said his name was Jet."

"You have put us in a bad spot," Iroh said deeply as he could hear Zuko exploding at everyone that came in contact with him.

"And I shall die for my actions…"

"No one is dying," The ex general said without looking at the man behind him, "Let's just focus… on getting our princess back."


Katara didn't know how much time had passed since she been in the cell. The morning sun had said goodbye and the sky was being painted with a pale orange tone. She could see the animals fleeing from the sky as they returned to their family.

Family. She knew that by now someone had notice that she was missing.

"I wonder if they're looking for me right now…" She thought with a sad smile, "I hope Zuko isn't getting mad over everything… That.. That he's being nice and he's safe... I feel bad for Iroh, " She giggled quietly, "He probably has to deal with that… hot head."

She tried to look around to see if there was anything she could use, but, no matter what she saw she still had the problem of the restraints on her hands. She tried to bang the cuffs against the wall, yet nothing good came from it besides sore hands. They were heavy. It was not only designed to stop her bending, but made it so that she could not run too far with them on.

"I need to warn everyone…"

As she was about to give up, she heard the door open, her eyes darting to the entrance as she saw a small frame peaking from behind the door. The person didn't say anything, instead they stood behind the large frame.

"K...Kari?" The water bender asked with little hope.

The little girl stepped out and closed the wooden door. She walked to the cell and sat down quietly.

"Hi."

"Hello…" Katara said softly as she stared at the innocent child in front of her.

"How are you?"

It was a strange question to ask someone who was being held prisoner, but as Kari's brown eyes sparkled with curiosity and fear, Katara smiled. Regardless of why she was here, this child knew nothing of evil or bad intentions.

"I'm fine… how are you?"

"I'm bored, no one will play with me."

"Really?" The water master said, "That sounds like me when I'm… at home."

"Really? But you live in a big palace!" The little girl said

"Yeah, but sometimes everyone is busy and it's just me."

"That's sad," Kari responded, "But we can play now if you want."

"Why are you here…?"

The little girl looked at the bender with a strange expression. It was as though Katara asked a stupid question and everyone was about to mock her for it. Instead, the little girl looked around and then back at the cell.

"Because Jet said my dad was coming to get me soon."

The water bender stay quiet as she tried to think of the right questions to ask.

"Do you know Jet?"

"Jet is my brother! Well… he's kind of like my brother. He knew my mom and always came to visit me when mommy went away."

"Went away?"

"Yeah! Jet said mommy got a job far far away and I had to stay here like a good girl."

"What does she mean…" Katara thought.

"I was too little to know where mama went," Kari continued, "But I'm a big girl now so I can handle myself!"

"You sure are…" Katara said with a small smile as the conversation was leaving her with even more questions than answers.

"But, I never saw him so mad before… you seem like a nice lady though,"

"I'm glad I come off that way," The water master answered.

"Yeah! I see you in town sometimes with the fat guy."

"Oh," Katara giggled, "That's my uncle Iroh."

"Yeah, he's funny!"

The two of them looked at one another as Kari's eyes remained focused on the water bender. She looked like she was only 6 or 7 years old. Her hair was brown and short, but her face was small. She had brown eyes and wore a simple red dress that had a teddy bear sewn onto it. Her skin was pale and no matter how Katara looked at her, she was definitely a fire nation child.

"Who's your daddy…?" Katara whispered, "M..maybe I know him from town?"

"His name is Tai! He's a very important man. He's always helping out the palace and everything!"

"Gene...General Tai?"

"YEAH! Jet said he was a general!"

The water bender didn't breathe for a moment. Now she knew what was going on. She had so many unanswered questions and nothing was helping her get answers. She did figure out, however, why Tai may have been acting so strange. His little girl was in danger and the poor child didn't even know she was being held hostage.

"A...Are you sure he's-"

"I never met him, but Jet told me he was always busy making the town better. He said if I was a good girl and behaved with him and his friends I could see daddy soon. Oh! That reminds me, where are my manners? My name is Kana," The little girl said happily, "What's yours? Oh wait! I know it's Katara. Jet told me about you!"

"Kana..? Didn't Jet call you-"

"Kari!," She stated quickly, "Kari is my middle name. He told me that daddy might not like calling me Kana so I should get use to Kari. Kana was my mommy's name."

"Oh god," The water master thought, "This girl..really is Tai's…"

"Jet said you guys use to be friends, but you got into a fight and left him. He said he was really angry, but no matter what you should never hit anyone!" She exclaimed as she remembered what Jet was about to do, "I told him he had a bad temper. He said he had to be tough because they were about to have a big battle with the castle! You live in the castle right?"

"Right…" katara answered slowly, "I do live there… but it's not a bad place. Me and Jet… we fought when I was 16, but… It was over something very bad. I had to leave… I don't know why I'm-"

"Kari," A voice called as the two of them looked toward the door.

Jet was standing at the doorway as his eyes were focused on the two girls in the room. He had his hand rested on his hip as his eyes shifted from child to bender.

"Didn't I say not to come down here?"

"But… I wanted to play with Katara,"

"Katara is busy playing prisoner with me."

"I want to play too!" Kana exclaimed.

"We can play later, right now… me and Katara are making up, remember?"

The little girl looked at Jet and then to Katara before nodding.

"Please go back so me and Katara can talk."

As the room remained silence, the water bender didn't know what to say. Instead, she watched as the little child got up, bowed, and left the room. The only people that remained was her and Jet.

She could have yelled for Kana to stay. She could have told her the truth, but what kind of coward would she be if she put a little girl in danger? This was a battle between the present and the past.

"Jet."

"Katara."

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I'm doing what I always said I would do," Jet replied, "Not that you care anymore, traitor."

"Jet," Katara responded, "that was years ago… things has changed-"

"NOTHING has changed."

Jet made his way toward the cage, his eyes blazing with anger as he leaned in toward the metal.

"Don't you remember what happened, Katara?" he whispered, "You told me yourself… the fire nation killed your mother. How can you marry one of them?"

"He didn't kill her, Jet" She said, "Their people are trying to make things right… why can't you-"

"You left me to die that day," He growled, "you left me and saved the other people with the avatar."

"You lied to me." the water bender spit out.

"I did what I had to do!" He exclaimed, "Just like now."

"What… what are you trying to accomplish?"

"First… I want to take down the fire nation and the best way to do that is by destroying its heart. If I defeat the fire lord and take the place for my army, nothing will stand in my way of total domination!"

"That's insane," Katara responded, "The palace is too big and the Fire Nation had started to turn peaceful… you can't ruin that!"

"Then…" Jet continued as he ignored Katara's words, "because the old fire lord is no longer here… the sins he had committed must be given to his offspring."

Katara winced at his words and knew he meant that Zuko would have to pay for what his father had done.

"Zuko had done nothing wrong. He had no connection to his father or his actions! He's trying to fix all the mistakes, Jet! If you would just talk to him you would understand… this isn't like it was when we were teenagers!"

"The only way to crush Zuko… the only way to get my revenge on him… is to make him feel the pain I felt when my mother was taken from me."

"Zuko doesn't have a mom either.. he understands us!"

"HE UNDERSTANDS NOTHING! Are you so caught up in your love and lust that you forgotten everything? Is he that great of a fuck, Katara? Listen to yourself!"

The water bender remained quiet. She didn't know what to say anymore. It was almost like everything she said went in one ear and out the other.

"I'm not saying this out of lust! I'm saying this because it is the truth!" She screamed.

"And was your action truthful back then… or did you merely do it because you had a crush on me?" He smirked.

The water bender was taken back by the question. She bit her lips and knew that she couldn't lie about her behavior years ago. She believed too easily because he was handsome, yet, as time passed she understood what was wrong with the whole picture. Jet was crazy. He was too extreme and didn't wait for anyone else, but himself to bark orders.

She had to think of something. She had to get out of this situation.

"What can I do…" She thought.


Meanwhile, as a frantic Zuko continued to bark orders toward everyone, the entire Palace was in a rut as they tried desperately to locate their queen. The only thing Zuko had to go on was a name and a motive. After Iroh had talked with Tai, he became more rational and had come to his senses. He apologized every 3 minutes, but he was in control of his body and his actions.

"Nothing good is going to come with you just sitting there," Iroh said to his friend, "You may hate yourself now and you may want to die for your sins…. but rather waiting to kill yourself, shouldn't you be a man and fix mistakes?"

"How am I going to fix something that I have no control-"

"Do you think Zuko has any control at the moment? He has nothing to go on besides some words given to him… but he's out there trying his best to save the person he loves. Don't you love your daughter? Didn't you feel Katara's kindness? No matter how far a person has fallen… Katara has taught us that people deserve second chances. This is your second change, you decide what you do with it,"

The three benders retreated into the office after the fire lord had assigned everyone available a job in locating the water bender. Inside the small room, everything remained quiet. An air of both anger and fear suffocated the batch as Zuko sat at his desk with his eyes closed.

Tai looked at him, his eyes shaking as he wanted to say something, but couldn't. He had no excuse for what he had done, but he knew that he had to try to fix what he did. Iroh stay in the corner of the room, his hand on his lips as he tried to think of something to help the situation.

"Tai," he spoke, "You said this Jet person was someone Katara met on her journey?"

"Yes," He said softly, "He had told me that he wanted Katara dead because of an encounter they had in their previous years…. He said she had left him to die because of his actions of wanting to drown a village that was housing Fire benders, but… I didn't…"

"Nephew, do you think we can get Aang to help us?"

"By the time we reach him, Uncle, Katara could be…"

Zuko continued to sit at his desk, his responses slow and quick, but quiet. He didn't know what to do anymore and knew that time was important.

"Where did you go…" he thought as his eyes slammed shut.

He was killing himself over this. He was running every worst situation through his mind. He threw the things on his desk off as he hissed and kicked at everything around him. Both older men remained quiet, their stares fixed on something else.

"HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO FIND HER?"

Zuko fell to the ground, for once his spirit breaking as he was taking in everything that happened. He knew that in situations like this… the kidnapped was going to be torture. His blood boiled at the thought and his mind went blanked at the image.

"Who cares about being the Fire Lord if I can't even protect the one person I care about…?"

A long silence passed as the sorrow continue to grow in everyone's heart. It was as though they had given up hope and no one knew what to say anymore. Yet, being a former general in an ugly war, Iroh couldn't accept that fate. He knew as he watched Zuko give up that he had to create some sort of sign for him to continue.

"Tai," Iroh said, "Do you have any clues on where they might be?"

The general shook his head, "Jet never gave me their location because my daughter would be there… we only met in private in town…"

"I should have you KILLED FOR THIS," Zuko screamed as he blew smoke around the room.

"We need more information…" The Ex general commented as he ignored the temper tantrum Zuko was throwing.

"We don't need information!" Zuko spit out, "We need Toph, Aang, Sokka… someone who knows this Jet guy!"

"We don't have enough time…" Tai commented quietly.

"You know what is going to happen, Uncle," Zuko screamed, "YOU KNOW WHAT THEY'LL DO."

The entire room remained quiet as the fluttering of footsteps filled the silence from outside the door. No one was making progress in this matter. Not one guard had come with good news and every maid was heard screaming to one another.

"Lady Katara is a water bender master…" Tai said quietly, "I'm sure she can defend herself if trouble comes her way…"

"That is true," Iroh replied, "However, if these people are skilled, they must have found a way around her bending. No one is stupid enough to kidnap a bender unless they are one themselves…"

The two elder let out a sigh at the fact that they had just poked a hole in the only piece of hope they had had.

"Nephew," Iroh said as he took a step toward the fire bender, "Are you going to be okay…"

Zuko didn't look at either of them. Instead, he formed a fist and squeezed it until his nails dug into his skin. He had to make sure he was awake. He had to make sure this wasn't a bad dream.

"Just this morning… Just this morning she was in my arms. She was safe! She was here not moments ago telling me to be easy on this man!" He exclaimed as he pointed toward Tai, "She… She…"

Zuko's eyes widened as he seemed to remember something.

"She. THAT'S IT!"

"What is it?" Both general said simultaneously.

"UNCLE!" the fire bender cried as he stood up, "Come quickly!"

Without hesitating, Zuko bolted out of the room, Tai and Iroh following after him in confusion. As the fire bender ran toward his chamber, he swung the doors opened and grabbed the blue robe that Katara had on this morning. He threw it over his shoulder as he swiftly changed into his training gear. He needed to be ready to fight. He needed to prepare for a war. It wasn't a full body armour, however, It was a simple outfit; a black t-shirt and red pants with a single yellow sash tied around his hips. The belt was the only thing out of the ordinary, but, whenever Zuko would play the role of the Blue Spirit, the sash made it easier to carry his swords around.

"Nephew, where are we-"

"THAT WOMAN!" he screamed, "That stupid woman with the stupid sniffing dog!"

"Dog?"

"You know, the one you had a small crush on, Uncle!"

"Crush… hunter? June? Oh! RIGHT NYLA!" Iroh exclaimed as he recalled the person.

Back in their journey, they had met a woman who was a skilled bounty hunter. June was not only attractive, but she had Nyla, a creature with incredible smell. If they could find June and Nyla, Nyla could track down Katara with the scent from her robe.

"But where are we going to find June?"

"That woman is unclassed… and I know exactly where she will be to get a good deal."

x x x

Zuko and Iroh ran out of the castle, their mind set on one destination, Downtown Fire kingdom, a place where black markets thrives and crime was not uncommon. Zuko had traveled down there as the blue spirit numerous times to protect the people and every time he went he would run into June at the MoonFire pub.

It was the only place where people can connect after their travels and exchange information and jobs. It was only a 20 minute walk with a short cut from the back alley, but as Zuko called for their horses to be prepared, he figured that they could cut the time in half. He only prayed that June was looking for a job.

As the two fire master ran through town, they ignored the waves and hellos of their people. No one knew what was happening at the moment, but Zuko had no time to be formal with anyone. Instead, he focused his mind on the present and looked away from the future. The future was dark. It was no longer bright and he had no desire to try to make it seem like everything was going to be okay.

As they ran through the alley, they saw various looks and whispers emerge from the darkness. They were no longer in disguise and everyone could recognize the royal family's symbol sewn onto their clothing from a mile away, however, as they reach MoonFire pub, Zuko hopped off his house, his feet moving quickly as he crashed through the doors.

Everyone stopped what they were doing.

"It's the fire lord!"

"FIRE LORD ZUKO!"

"EVERYONE!"

there was a mad scatter to escape as everyone feared what was about to happen, but as a riot was about to grow near Zuko hissed, his feet moving swiftly as he kicked the air and shot fire acrossed the faces of the people who was trying to escape.

"I encourage you all not to leave." He said in a low dangerous tone.

"My, my Fire Lord Zuko…. aren't we a sight for sore eyes. You aren't in your costume."

"June," he breathed a breath of relief as he walked up to her."I have a job for you and every person in here who is willing to make money.I do not care by which means this is accomplished as long as no one is hurt. The only person that this rule does not apply to is a bandit name Jet. You may leave if you are uninterested, but if you want to remain I will pay your weight in gold."

The sound of money caught everyone's ears as they were eager to hear why the Fire Lord had come to the black market for help. It was a place where the law no longer applied and people came to visit when they needed something done that was illegal.

"My fiance… was kidnapped."

A small gasp was heard throughout the crowd as Zuko continued to speak, "I have here a robe that she worn this morning. June…. Nyla can sniff out the scent, right?"

"Yes."

"If you can track down where she is and the remaining men and I go to the location, I will reward each of you involved handsomely- as long as my bride is retrieved."

Some people had questionabe looks on their faces while others were preparing their items for battle. Iroh watched everything unfolded as June made her way toward him.

"Hello, old man," she remarked as she called for Nyla.

"Hello to you too, beautiful," he said with a smile, "thank you for your help."

"I only do what I can for money."

"Right."

The large creature came crashing down from the rooftop before greeting her master.

"Nyla, Tell me where this scent is."

As Nyla sniffed the robe given to her her nose reached toward the air. June hopped on her back and called to the men.

"Whoever wants to be paid better follow me, or else everyone's reward is mines!"

As June rode off with Nyla, Zuko jumped on his horse and followed her, careful not to lose sight of her as Nyla jumped from building to building. Iroh followed behind, but lead the man in their direction as he hoped that everything would be okay.

"Please be safe…" Zuko mumbled as he could feel his heart beating faster.


x x x

The two old companions stared at one another as the tension in the air did not let up. Katara wanted to say something to Jet, but nothing she could say would stop whatever he had plan.

"Why? Why would you do this?"

A small laugh escaped from Jet's lips as he threw his head back in utter amusement.

"Because you ruined everything I ever wanted. You left me to die and left me for the enemy. Do you know how hard it is to get out of your trap, Katara?" He said as he lifted up his sleeves, "The ice you made was too sharp. It left these scars on me as a reminder of how I failed to kill every fire nation member that day! Now? Now I'm going to destroy your life and his happiness. Starting with," he said with an evil expression, "taking the person that makes him the most happy."

As he approached Katara, she could feel her heart stopping. She knew what was going to happen, but as her hands remained bounded inside the metal squares, she couldn't bend to save her own life.

"After all… Katara, You have grown into such a beautiful woman."

She closed her eyes and expected the worst to come.


Author's note:
Okay this chapter is a tad shorter…. only because it's ony of those annoyin filler chapters where I have to transition to BWAM! A big event. Which the next chapter is a BAM! chapter. Filled with crazy things like an epic war. A touching reunion. An impending death? More lemonade goodness. and yes. everything in between.

Of course things are always subjected to change.

COMING SOON TO UPDATES NEAR YOU
"If we never got into this silly arrangement… this would have never happened. You wouldn't be hurt and I wouldn't be standing here trying to apologize to you. I know I can't say much to you at the moment. I know I can't make everything better. I know that you are hurt and there is nothing I can do about it. Why are we even here, Katara? This is suppose to be the beginning of all the wonderful new memories that we never got to experience before… why… why do I feel so sad?"