The last chapter was too happy. The good times end here, people. Now, Zuko's luck catches up with him and things start falling apart. Here comes the first blast of the Storm. Now, just a fair warning. If you thought Chapter Eight was dark, then you are going to have a conniption over what happens now. There is much darkness, much more pain and suffering and the next few chapters are going to only get sadder.

Special and enormous thank you to Dragonfariex, who you Sokka mob can blame for what happens. She wrote that part for me and is an expert on torture. I bow to her genius. This chapter is for Whomever, who both terrifies and inspires me.

Breathe

Hotaru was dreaming of that day, the day Fate had torn her and her beloved brother apart.

"Mama, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Please!" she kept crying as her mother grabbed her hand. It was all her fault. Everything had fallen apart because of her! She could see the ship that would be taking her so far away.

"Mama, don't leave me!" Zuko kept pleading, holding onto the edge of Mama's cloak. He was sobbing, pleading, holding on with all his fight. Hotaru enveloped her baby brother into a hug. She could not leave him behind. Perhaps their combined weights could deter their mother.

"Hotaru, come!" Mama's voice had been so icy. Hotaru had never heard her mother speak that way. "We are leaving!"

"Mama, I'm youw thon!" Zuko cried, still holding on to Hotaru's hand. "Let me come with you! I love you!"

Mama had looked at Zuko with eyes colder then winter. "I have no son. You have no mother. You belong to your father. Get out of my sight!"

Hotaru gasped. Mama loved Zuko. She called him her special little boy; she could not have said those horrible things. "Mama, stop!" she begged, as she was pulled away onto the boat.

"Did you hear me? Just forget me; you are just like your father. I don't want you! Just go away!" she snapped.

"Mama!" Zuko kept weeping, being held back by servants. "Hotawu!"

"ZUKO!" Hotaru screamed, sitting up in bed. Her entire body was shaking with terror. She had cried for months after that event, pining for her family. She still had nightmares, even after all this years. She could feel strong arms around her, pulling her tightly into a hug.

"I can hear you, Sister," Zuko whispered, holding her close. "I'm here." His voice was trembling and he sounded just as terrified. He was fully dressed already and there was something very haunted in his eyes. "I'm here."

"I'm sorry. I just had a nightmare," Hotaru apologized. She should not be burdening her brother with such trivialities. He obviously had received bad news and she should be concentrating on supporting him, not giving him more problems. "I apologize for bothering you."

"It must have been a premonition," Zuko said numbly, his voice tight. The sadness in his face was growing more apparent. His jaw was tight and his scar stuck out more against his pale face.

"Brother, what happened?" Hotaru was getting terrified. Had the Avatar escaped? Whatever hurt her baby brother would be facing Hotaru's sword!

Zuko shuddered a bit and steeled himself. "Uncle has taken ill with Dragon fever." The pain in his eyes was heart-breaking. "Lt. Jee heard him vomiting and went to check up on him. His fever has not stopped rising."

Hotaru trembled at the news. Dragon Fever was an ailment that struck without warning in Firebenders. There was no telling how mild or severe the illness would be; only that Uncle would need constant care to break the fever. If the fever didn't break, Uncle's own inner flames would consume him from the inside. She felt a lump in her throat, which she forced herself to swallow. "I have to get back to him. I don't want Uncle left alone," Zuko continued, his voice shaking.

"Let me get a robe on and I'll join you," Hotaru agreed, giving her brother a tight hug. Surely, Agni could not reunite the family just to tear them apart. Could the Gods be that cruel? She could see that Zuko had taken the news badly. Her poor baby brother, how much he suffered. Hotaru tried to think of how to improve the situation. "I'll fetch the Water bender; she can keep Uncle's temperature down." It was a good plan, or at least all that the siblings could do till they found a healer.

"All right. That should help. Yes, good idea, Sister." For all his protectiveness, Zuko seemed like a frightened child. Hotaru longed to gather him up in her arms and kiss his fears away. Despite everything, he would always be her baby brother. "I have to come back to him. Just hurry. He's weak," he whispered miserably as he walked in.

Hotaru shoved on the simplest of her robes and went off to find the holding space for that Water tribe hussy. She could run so much faster in her old clothing, time was off the essence. When she opened the door, Hotaru was disgusted to find the girl still huddled on the floor, staring off into space. Why was she sniveling like this?

So what if the girl had been tumbled? She still had her life, she should be grateful. The image of her beloved uncle Iroh lying ill haunted her. "Get up. I am not in the mood for your peasant sentimentalism. The Prince of Fire might have besmirched your dignity a bit, but get over it. Wallowing in self pity won't help you. I am your owner now, so get used to it. I expect my orders fulfilled swiftly and silently. Fail and you answer to me. Is that understood, girl?" she snapped, hands on her hips. This girl was even more pathetic then her brother.

To her surprise, the girl just rose jerkily to her feet. She had put on the clothing Zuko had purchased and besides the dark skin, she could pass for the servants Hotaru remembered in her distant childhood. She seemed so numb and out of sorts. Yet, she was obedient. Hotaru supposed that was all that she could desire for now.

She motioned for the slave to follow her. She had other matters to think of now that she had the water-bender. Had they seen a healer on their shopping trip? They were a day away from shore, should they return or try to find port elsewhere? Hotaru just did not know.

She led her captive back to the room. "Waterbenders have natural healing abilities, I expect you to lower my uncle's temperature and cure him. Make any mistakes and I'll sell you to the worst brothel your pathetic little peasant mind can imagine," she threatened the girl. That made her feel a lot better, even if the girl did not even flinch. Well, a shocked prisoner was better then a surly one.

When they reached Uncle's room, Hotaru found her brother sitting by the bedside, his head bowed in prayers. "May Agni who is the source of all power, bring blessings of healing upon Iroh, son of Fire-Lord Sajja. Great Agni, grant him a healing of body and a healing of spirit. May those in whose care they are entrusted be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care. And may they be healed along with all those who are in need. Blessed are You, Agni, Source of healing," he was muttering over his uncle's still form as he held a cup to his uncle's cracked lips.

Hotaru gasped when she saw her uncle. His face was so pale that it seemed to be blend into the white blanket of the bed. Sweat poured off his body, soaking the blanket. Uncle seemed to be trembling in cold, yet Hotaru could feel the heat radiating off him. His breathing seemed so labored, and his teeth were chattering. Hotaru coughed to get her brother's attention. "I brought the Water bender," she whispered, kneeling down next to her brother. Her vision grew blurry with tears. "Get to work, girl."

The girl shivered and shook her head numbly. She seemed to on the verge of vomiting in sheer terror. "Please…no," she kept whispering, unable to look at Zuko. She scuttled to a corner, trying to get as far away from Hotaru's precious brother.

"Oh, get a hold of yourself!" Hotaru growled, slapping the girl across the face. "Just obey orders and I won't be forced to feed you your own entrails."

"The other Water child is a bender too. We can use him when I am sitting with him and you can use the girl. That way, we always have a back-up. I am going to go get some soup," Zuko muttered, clearly unwilling to force the issue. He caressed his uncle's hand and left the room, defeat in every fiber of his bearing.

Hotaru nodded and shoved the girl down by Uncle. "Troublesome wench," she muttered. "I will make sure she helps you, Uncle. You aren't going anywhere."

Zuko felt like he was in a nightmare. Throughout the most horrible events of his life, Uncle had always been there. When Zuko had been flogged within an inch of his life, Uncle had been there with salves. When Zuko had cried over the loss of his mother and sister, Uncle had been there, holding him. When Father made him feel stupid and worthless, Uncle had tickled Zuko till he laughed. When Zuko had been banished and lost hope, Uncle had been there for him.

Throughout Zuko's life, Uncle had been a symbol of strength, love and stability. Now the beloved father-figure was lying helpless. The great Dragon of the West was motionless in bed, sweat beading on his face. Zuko tenderly mopped his uncle's face, his hands shaking.

"Sakura…please don't make me do this. I can't…Ozai will kill us both," Uncle suddenly whispered deliriously.

"Uncle, it's me, your nephew. I'm not Mother. You're just confused," Zuko said, mopping Uncle's burning brow with a wet rag. Tears were stinging his eyes. His uncle's mind was going. This could not be possible.

"Sakura, don't make this harder. Don't force me to betray my brother again. I can't do this anymore," Uncle continued. Zuko ignored his uncle's mad ramblings. It was just the fever.

"Uncle, please stay still. You need to rest. You have to get better. I'm not Sakura, I'm Prince Zuko," Zuko urged him. His uncle was fine, the fever would break and they would all laugh about these ravings. What kind of foolishness Dragon fever could produce?

"My poor little Zuko. We must never tell him. Ozai would kill him if he knew," Uncle mumbled, his voice hoarse.

The hand holding the rag stopped in midair. Zuko froze, unable to know what to think. Tell him what? What would Father kill him for? What was the big secret? Was this some mad delirious product of Uncle's mind?

"Tell Zuko what?" he asked, hoping to learn more. A part of him wanted to know more, while the rest of him just wanted to forget whatever was said.

"No…never tell him," Uncle muttered before relaxing again. The fever had gotten higher, Zuko could tell by the sweat dripping off his uncle's body. Yes, these were only mad ravings. There was no secret!

"Uncle, what are you talking about?" Zuko whispered, feeling so out of control.

"Brother?" Zuko nearly jumped out of his skin. It was just Hotaru, who had walked in with some soup in her hands. Following behind her was the trembling Water Tribe girl, who looked like she was about to faint. "Are you all right? We don't need you getting sick as well," his sister asked.

"Yes, I am fine. You and the slave will tend to Uncle. I need to feed the Avatar," Zuko muttered, needing to clear his head. He prayed that Uncle would not blurt out anything else while he was gone.

As he walked down to the prison hold, he tried to pretend he was in control of his emotions. He tried to ignore the pounding in his head as he picked up the bucket of gruel prepared by the cook and placed by the door. He had forgotten to feed the Avatar yesterday and he knew the prisoner would be hungry. .

Opening the door, he saw the pale Avatar look up at him. What a strange looking boy, with those weird tattoos. This child was the greatest bender in the world, and he was Zuko's prisoner. If all else failed, he had that to comfort him. Of course he would gladly free the prisoner in exchange for Uncle's life.

"If you are going to keep me chained up like this, the least you can do is feed me!" the brat complained as soon as he saw him. Zuko wrinkled his nose at the stench of the Avatar's unwashed body. Before presenting him to his father, Zuko would have to have him perfumed.

"You look upset. You aren't the one in chains, you have me. Why are you so gloomy?" the Avatar chirped. He looked so calm, so unafraid. Zuko wanted to strangle him. Uncle was ill, how could anyone be tranquil?

"I don't want to talk. I feed you, you eat. There is complete silence. Is that clear?" Zuko wanted to return to his uncle's bedside as soon as possible. He did not have time for games.

"Oh come on. I am sure if you untie me and we play a game, you'll feel much better," the stupid Air-monk babbled.

Zuko whipped around, flames burning in his hand. "You will shut up! I don't want to have a little chat now; I have no time for our mental games of Pai Sho. I have a thousand worries and your mental well-being is not even on that list. So do yourself a tremendous favor and remain silent before I do something you will regret. I. Am. Not. Upset!" he shouted.

"Keep telling yourself that. Look, can you at least tell why you are in such a good mood?" Avatar queried, not getting the point. The chains around him clinked, but that sound seemed to no longer disturb the prisoner. Perhaps he had gotten used to it. "I can't say I have much else to do but listen to you. I'm a good listener; it might make you feel better. You can invite Sokka and Katara; we could make it a party! Come on, be a kid for once in your life."

"You want me to kill you, don't you? You are goading me on, trying to make me angry. I know your plan; you want me to end your pain. I'd love to but my father has commanded me to bring you alive. That is my final word," Zuko snapped, shoving the straw of gruel into the prisoner's mouth. All he wanted was some peace and quiet. Was that so much to ask for? As the prisoner ate, Zuko was rewarded with a bit of quiet. He was on the verge of breaking down; he could not show weakness to anyone, least of all the Avatar.

"Can I ask you one last question? Please?" the Avatar asked, as soon as Zuko removed the straw.

"I don't have time to waste. Make it quick before I lose my temper," Zuko growled, resisting the itching feeling in his hand to strike the insolent child before him.

"There was someone in the Fire Nation called Kuzon. He was from the Fire Nation Royal family; his uncle was Fire-Lord Sozen. Can you tell me what happened to him?" the prisoner asked, his voice hesitant.

Zuko's expression did not change. He knew this story; he knew Fire Nation history perfect fully. "Are you sure you want to know what happened?" he asked. He knew why the boy was asking and he knew the Avatar would not like the answer.

"I don't expect happy endings. Just tell me. After all, things can't get any worse," the Avatar said in a mocking tone which Zuko chose to ignore. Things could get much worse.

"Kuzon was condemned for treason. He had a best friend who was an Airbending monk. When Fire-Lord Sozen wanted to launch an attack on the Southern Air Temple, he demanded that his nephew reveal everything he knew about the monk. Kuzon refused to give any information, even under torture."

"It's all my fault. They tortured him," the Avatar whispered, as the information seeped into his juvenile brain. Zuko could see someone was sharing his pain, which made him feel slightly better.

"In the attack which preceded anyway, Prince Druzin, the brother of Kuzon and friend of Fire Lord Souzen was killed. Souzen was furious and only spared Kuzon's life after much pleading from the queen and Kuzon's mother."

"They did spare his life, right?" the Avatar asked desperately. Zuko knew how much information could hurt. He could lie right now and the Avatar would never know. Yet, why should he be spared the awful truth?

"In a manner of speaking. In punishment for the tacit fratricide he committed, Kuzon was sent into exile until he found the Airbending monk and killed him. Kuzon spent five years in exile before killing himself. His name went down in history as an example of a traitor and a weakling. He allowed his heart to get in the way of his duties and suffered the price," Zuko intoned, his voice trembling slightly. The story hit a little too close to home.

The blood drained from the Avatar's face. "He killed himself?" he whispered. Zuko understood his ancestor's feelings. Sometimes in the last two years, he had fingered his Dao swords a little too lovingly and debated ending his own miserable existence.

"In the note, he wrote that he would never betray his friend Aang and hence there was no point in him clinging to life in exile," Zuko informed him. He could not resist a parting shot. "And you know that it was your fault. You disappeared and left Kuzon to die alone and afraid. I hope you are satisfied with yourself. The least you could do is come quietly now."

The cheer had faded from the prisoner's face. Zuko pitied him a bit. Yet, he was grateful for the silence. "Is there anything else you want to know?" he inquired. He needed to get back to his uncle.

"Just go!" the Avatar said, tears rolling down his cheeks. Such pain filled his eyes that Zuko was almost tempted to pat his shoulder. Almost. "Just leave me alone." Finally, his happy little spirit had been broken.

"As you wish, prisoner," Zuko said as he slammed the door. He had to return to his uncle.

Hotaru and her brother spent two sleepless nights taking care of their uncle. They would fitfully sleep by his bedside, taking turns mopping Uncle's brow and coaxing him to eat. Hotaru had tried to make Zuko laugh by saying it was the only time they had to force Uncle to eat. Zuko had only looked more defeated and Hotaru had split her lip trying to hold back tears.

Uncle was not getting any better. The healer the crew had found had tried every remedy she knew but had been unable to bring down the fever. Although both siblings knew that there was no remedy but time for Dragon Fever, the healer's words had left them both in a terrible depression. Zuko had barely spoken the entire time. He would just stare sadly at his uncle. He barely remembered to eat and change his clothes. Hotaru had to remind him to sleep.

Hotaru was astounded that Zuko had not shed a single tear, but she knew crying would have been beaten out of him. The only person besides herself who was able to get through to the Fire Prince was the little water tribe boy, Aiiro. Zuko seemed to relish his presence, even above the cooling abilities the child had. He seemed a bit calmer when he was around. Hotaru did not understand it, but perhaps the boy's fragile innocence enchanted Zuko. Nothing seemed to soothe Hotaru's spirits. The Water tribe girl who helped her was no source of comfort.

Each morning, both would pray that Uncle's fever would break. They tried everything they knew, had the Water benders nearly freeze their beloved guardian, but Uncle still remained as overheated as before. It was beginning to seem helpless. Zuko was spending every moment away from Uncle in front of the Idol of Agni, praying on his knees.

Hotaru woke up once to what she knew was the sound of Zuko crying. Yet, she had said nothing. Her own pillows were wet with tears. She felt so powerless, so angry and yet, she dared not show her feelings.

On the third day of the vigil, when Zuko relieved her of her shift by Uncle, she decided to pay a visit to her old friend, the Water Peasant. This time, she decided to bring the Water-Tribe slave along with her. She would have her way with the brother and torment her. As for the boy, she wanted him to see what happened to his sister, she wanted him to be as broken as she was. She wanted everyone in the world to feel pain. That alone would improve her mood.

The moment the prisoner saw the slave, things began getting interesting. "Katara, have you gone bloody insane? You're hanging around with Firebenders, wearing their clothing and betraying the people who love you. What has gotten into you? If Mother could see what you've done, she'd have died again. You have disgraced the Entire Water Tribe," he shouted. "How could you!"

"Sokka, please. You don't understand!" Little Miss Katara begged. Her voice sounded so numb. "He forced me!"

"And that is why you betrayed us? I didn't see a knife to your back when you attacked Aang! Hopefully, you are just insane and not evil!" Sokka retorted. Hotaru was grateful for her brother, who would believe her unquestioningly.

"Sokka, please listen to me. Just hear me out! I'm your sister!" Katara begged. It was the most emotion Hotaru had seen in her in two days. How amusing.

"What could you possibly say? That Zuko entranced you with his handsomely deformed face and hypnotized you?" Sokka retorted. "Katara, what happened to you?" he asked, his voice softening.

Hotaru's eyes narrowed. "How dare you insult your master?" she broke in. She was entertained by the petty squabbling but no one had the right to insult her poor brother who was under so much stress.

"Your brother has no honor. He is so hated by his own nation that he got chained up by a commander in the army. I saw him at the Fire Temple; he's an outlaw who got arrested. With a pirate as a sister, who would be surprised that your brother is a criminal?" the prisoner spat back, signing his own death warrant.

Hotaru had reached the breaking point. Her brother was under severe emotional stress, her uncle was sick and she had severe issues with both her parents. This miserable grub was going to learn a lesson about upsetting a Daughter of Agni.
"I should kill you, but that would be too easy. I don't want to give that mercy. I am going to make you suffer good and long before I end your miserable life, you worm," she snarled maliciously, punching him in the stomach. The prisoner nearly collapsed in a heap of pain, but the chains held him aloft.

"That isn't going to make me like you anymore," the prisoner muttered painfully, trying to be defiant.

Hotaru was still not satisfied. She would have blood! Someone else would share the pain of her family. She turned to the guards behind her. "Have him flogged." She watched the flicker of fear go through his eyes. He would not laugh at that!

"NO!" the water girl shrieked, her face paling with terror. She tried to run to her brother, but the guards pushed her away.

"You are in no position to give orders, girl. Mind your tongue or you'll join him!" Hotaru spat. She was only too eager to unleash some damage on the other peasant; all she needed was a reason.

"My lady, are you sure?" said one of the soldiers with her. Hotaru was not pleased now. A soldier of the Fire Nation nervous to spill blood? That was laughable, but Hotaru was not amused.

"Are you questioning my orders?" Hotaru hissed angrily. She would not be defied! She was the sister of the future Fire-Lord, she was a warrior and she was in pain. Hence, everyone needed to feel her suffering. "I want you to teach this piece of dirt to respect your master's sister. Is that really so hard?" she demanded shrilly.

"Please, don't hurt him! I'm begging you!" the water girl begged, trying to reach her brother. Hotaru ignored her as she motioned for them to unchain the Water boy. "I'll do anything you say. Just don't hurt him," poor little Katara continued to plead.

"They really were forcing you, little sister…Katara, get out of here! Please, just go," her brother answered, obviously trying to spare his sister the sight of seeing his back opened up. Hotaru would still make sure she heard his screams.

The guards had dragged him over to two poles used for tethering rhinos and had tied him up. The prisoner struggled, but he had been deprived of food for the last few days and was too weak to put up much resistance. Katara screamed in terror as the guards began slicing open the prisoner's tunic, adding to the mood.

Hotaru sighed with longing, he was handsome. She was almost disappointed at having to mar his flesh, but she would take her pleasure elsewhere. Entertainment came in many forms. The rough handle of the komodo rhino whip settled evenly in her hand. She smirked, and glanced back at the water tribe girl before returning to her tedious, yet rather amusing task. "Consider yourself lucky my brother didn't let me deal with you. I have a feeling his methods were far more pleasurable. With any luck, you might have a bastard nephew or niece to give me," she smirked. She finally felt better about all her problems.

"What did that bastard do to my sister? I'll kill him with my bare hands," the Water Tribe boy said, obviously not thinking of his own predicaments.

"Oh, you will? " Hotaru smirked. The first crack sounded like the sound of wood snapping. Hotaru noticed with pleasure that everyone in the room was shuddering. It was good for them to have some fear, they were in the service of the future Fire-Lord, and they had better learn some discipline.

Hotaru was certainly peeved and she let another crack of the whip ring out clear as a bell. It was good for stress relief. Each blow leaving a faint red welt on tanned skin, leaving her mark. The boy was biting his lip, trying to keep the sobs in. Hotaru grinned eagerly, she would break him soon enough.

The prisoner still mustered all that he had not to give that wench the satisfaction of hearing him cry out. No worries, even he could last so only far. She'd make him scream. His eyes flicked back at Katara, noting her frozen state and stunned expression. "KATARA! RUN!" he hissed.

His voice was sounded so desperate, in amidst of the rain of lashes, but the sister stood there, watching in pained awe. Hotaru had to smirk. "Stubborn blood runs through your family." She retorted, arm flexing back, and paused for a mere second before bringing it down again. Crack. All that stress was just melting away.

Katara shuddered. Sokka's breathing became rapid and uneven, obvious acknowledgement to his own pain was heard. She bit her lip to hold in her own screams each time the leather whip made contact with his skin. Katara wished that she could take his place. This was all her fault! Had she only had thought of a plan to save her village, none of this evil would have happened. When the tenth blow came, Sokka was unwillingly voicing his agony. Blood was pouring in rivers down his back. Katara struggled, but was no match for the bigger guards. She would have defended him but there was no water to bend. She was completely helpless.

Katara turned to one of the guards holding her back. "Please, if you have a family at home, a mother, a father, anyone you love, please help him," she begged, shaking with pain every time her brother cried out in agony.

"The Lady's orders be done, girl. I can't help you," the soldier whispered. He had kinder eyes then the others, he did not look like the monsters the others were.

"Have mercy, please. I'll do anything. Just please don't let him die," Katara wept, her whole body shaking.

"I wish I could, girl. But Prince Zuko can…he doesn't like blood being shed. He can end this," the guard continued, letting go of Katara.

"Prince Zuko…" Katara whispered, wincing at the mental blow she received and the physical blow her brother took. She had avoided seeing him by only staying in the room when

"I can't promise he'll be lenient. This is his sister; he may punish you for speaking to him. He's in the first room past the stairs. Just pray to the gods, my girl," the guard said, pushing Katara down the hall.

Without looking back, Katara ran as fast as she could. She could barely feel the weight of her shackles. All she could think about was her brother's suffering, she had to end it. Even if it meant seeing that demon again, she would do it willingly. Her whole body still ached at the thought of seeing that monster. What if he attacked her again?

Bursting into the room, she saw Aiiro sitting with that monster, tending to the old man. Falling to her knees at Zuko's feet, she burst into tears. She shuddered at the mere sight of the prince, but forced herself to keep speaking. "Mercy. Please, I beg, have mercy!"

"Katara, what happened?" Aiiro begged, looking terrified, rushing over to her and embracing her.

"What are you blathering about?" Prince Zuko demanded haughtily. There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked murderous. Katara did not care; he could kill her for all she cared, as long as he saved her brother.

"She's beating Sokka, please have mercy and spare him," she begged, lowering her head and trying to look as humble as possible. Her heart was beating in her ears from terror, but she would not allow herself the luxury of fear.

"My sister would not hurt a fly, you stupid peasant. Stop slandering her," Prince Zuko shouted, getting angry. "Have you any shame? My uncle needs rest. Get out before I give you something to cry about."

"If you don't help him, she'll beat him to death!" Katara pleaded, her voice choking with sobs. "You have to listen to me!"

"I don't have to do anything, girl. I am not leaving my uncle," Zuko hissed, turning away. "You can go be delusional elsewhere. Get out before I call the guards. "

"Master, what's going on?" Aiiro asked. Katara embraced him tighter, her brave little friend. "I'm scared."

"There is nothing for you to worry about. My sister would not…" the prince replied before an odd look crossing his face. "All right, I will give her one moment and check this out for you, Aiiro. As for you, girl, I warn you, lie to me and I'll beat your brother for real," Prince Zuko snapped. "Aiiro, you will not leave my uncle for a second. I will be back shortly."

"Hurry, please!" Katara begged, as she led the prince back down to the dungeons. Would he care about what his sister was doing? Surely, there must be some pity in his stone heart! "You have to save him."

"You talk too much," Prince Zuko muttered irritably as he followed her. "I still don't believe you…," he said, when he heard a crack echo off the metal walls. The blood drained from his face. Without another word, he began running down the stairs. Katara, her hands still shackled could barely keep up.

A scream ran out through the ship, tearing a hole through Katara's heart. She and Zuko stepped into the room. Sokka's back was a sheet of broken skin, some welts looking fiercer then others. Dribbles of red blood ran down the length of his back, but nothing that was not expected. Sokka was barely conscious, he was being held up only by the chains.

"What is going on here? I did not give any order for interrogation," he shouted, visibly wincing. "Hotaru, explain yourself!"

"He insulted your name. Just decided to teach him a lesson and relieve some stress, my brother" that sadistic hussy simpered back.

"Give me the whip," Zuko ordered in a cold tone. His face was expressionless as he held out his hand.

"NO!" Katara screamed, thinking the worst. If Sokka took anymore of a beating, he'd die. She debated if she should attack the prince. She would do anything to help her brother.

The prince ignored her as he took the whip in his hand, and set it aside on the table. "I don't find anything stress relieving about beating people. This You should not have been down here, sister. You will return to our quarters," Zuko said, full of marvelous authority.

"Brother, I think you are overreacting," the brutal witch said, looking genuinely offended.

She moved closer to her brother, but he backed away and pointed for her to do leave the room. "Now!" he commanded. With a dark look, the evil monster left the room in a huff, looking murderous. He stared after his sister, unable to hide his anger.

"Sergeant, get this girl some medicinal herbs, bandages and food. Also fetch them some bed sheets from the next room!" Zuko ordered coldly, his eyes blazing with anger. walking over the prisoner. Taking a knife from his belt, he cut Sokka down from the posts. "Hold him steady." There was something in his eyes that made Katara want to believe that the boy who had tried to force himself on her might actually be good.

The sergeant returned a moment later, with white sheets in hand. "Spread them on the floor," Zuko commanded, as he helped Katara lay him down on the floor. Her poor brother had fainted, completely unconscious. Yet, at least no one was hurting anymore. "We are too far out at sea to get a healer. You will have to take care of him yourself," he answered.

Katara nodded. She would take care of him, she would heal him. She still could not completely face the prince, her tormentor, her jailor, her enemy and her savior. Nothing had changed, she was still a slave and he her captor, she would never forgive him and yet, she no longer wanted him dead. "Thank you," she whispered, looking at the floor as she ripped a piece of cloth from her clothing and began cleaning the wounds.

The prince stared at her from over his shoulder for a moment. "No one should be whipped," he answered before leaving the room.

Hotaru growled angrily. Zuko had believed that harlot over her, he had stopped her fun! How dare he? Tumbling with the peasant witch had been all right, but beating a prisoner was taboo? The nerve of that hypocrite! He had looked at her as if she was some kind of criminal! He had spoken to her as if she had been one of his servants. She had born being cosseted and costumed with good humor, but she belonged to no one!

Stomping angrily down the hall, she bumped into Lt. Jee. "Out of my way!" she snapped. She was not even in the mood to flirt; she wanted to just strangle something.

"Milady, are you all right?" Jee asked softly, backing away slightly. Hotaru knew she had the family temper and apparently, everyone on ship had learned to fear that fury.

"No, I am not all right! How could I be all right? I was disrespected by a peasant and my brother prevented me from giving him his just desserts. How could I be all right? My brother is a complete jerk sometimes. I know Uncle's sickness is getting to him, but surely the life of a peasant is less important then his own sister's feelings!" she snapped angrily.

"Please, my lady. You know that the Prince doesn't like violence. He sometimes loses control but he really has a gentle spirit. You know that scar is a symbol of that," Jee said, trying to calm her down.

Hotaru perked up. "The scar? You mean you were there when it happened?" she asked. She had a feeling this was a carefully guarded secret, but she felt she could bluff her way into him telling her.

"No, but your uncle was. He told us crew all about it. I still can't imagine the Fire Lord burning his own son in Agni Kai, all over that," Jee said soothingly.

Zuko dueled Ozai in an Agni Kai? "How badly was the Fire-Lord injured?" Hotaru enquired. She knew her father was a powerful master of fire, but any pain Zuko caused him was something to admire.

"I don't know. I imagine burning your own child must be emotionally painful. Prince Zuko didn't fight back though. He just fell to his knees and begged for mercy. You did know that, my lady Hotaru, right?" Jee asked.

Hotaru reeled. Her brother had begged for mercy from her autocratic bastard of a father? He had entreated for pity, instead of standing against that horrible tyrant that had hurt the family so much! He had pleaded for clemency from the father who tried to kill her and had brutally torn her from her home? "He just begged him for mercy?" she demanded, throwing herself into Lt. Jee's arms.

"Of course. The Prince cares deeply about his father," Jee explained, holding her comfortably close. "

Hotaru needed the hug; she was shaking in sheer fury. "He cares about that bastard?" she hissed. "You mean, Zuko got banished because he cowered?" she spat. All those years of pain and her brother still had no spine. He had lovingly submitted to his father and taken an unfair punishment. That was something you did for someone you cared about, not the bane of your existence.

The little boy she had dreamed about was gone. Instead of the ideal little brother, Zuko was some weak-willed, prim and mentally unbalanced brat! He protected peasant girls, he could not even fight his enemies!

She could hear her brother's soft footsteps approaching. Well, she would give that weakling a little shock! He thought he could control her? Well, Hotaru was a pirate, a warrior and she could shoot folly as it flies just as well as anyone else. She pulled Jee into a long deep kiss, knowing that it would make Zuko furious. Jee looked wide-eyed but seemed too stunned to react. Just as she thought, she heard Zuko howl in rage.

"AGNI KAI!"

I played the fool today

I just dream of vanishing into the crowd

Longing for home again

Home, is a feeling I buried in you

I'm alright, I'm alright

It only hurts when I breathe

---Melissa Ethridge "Breathe"

Okay I warned you it would be dark! And it's going to get worse, when Hotaru and Zuko have a nice family chat. And a guest comes to the ship to say hello. Now, this is the last chapter to be reposted. Next Wednesday is going to be fresh and original! I hope you all rejoice for that!