Here is the updated Chapter 3! :)

CHAPTER 3

Zuko had just come out of the bathroom, and was wearing more casual clothing. "I feel deprived of sunlight. I'm going to take a walk, would you like to come?" A big grin grew on my face as I lit up. The last time I had been outside was leaving from the ship to come to the palace. I'd never really had a moment where I could take a stroll and not have to worry about anything in what felt like forever. In dark times like these, it was the littlest things that kept me from falling too far into the depression surrounding this place. Zuko smirked just as he turned around to head to the door.

"Kim, would you mind getting some suitable clothes for Katara? We are going to take a walk outside." I didn't see who Kim was before Zuko shut the door behind himself.

"Why don't you take a bath and get yourself cleaned up before we leave." He handed me a towel and opened the bathroom door for me. I was eager to rid my body of the filth of the man from last night. Feeling refreshed would help boost my happiness.

When I got out of the bath, I was careful not to pull on my stitches as I put on my clothes. Kim had brought them in and left them beside the tub. She had given me red, with a mixture of pink, Fire Nation robes. They were nice, but they weren't as luxurious as Zuko's clothes might have been. After all, I was supposed to be a harem girl. It was better than having so much skin hanging out for everyone to see. I felt proper instead of slutty. Clean instead of used.

As Zuko and I left the room, I was worried since I didn't know how I was supposed to act. I was still confused on what exactly was going on with Zuko and I. For all I know, he saved me from his Father and killed a man last night after he had raped me, so he seemed like he could be trying to save me from what lies in the harem. However, there was the chance he just wanted me for himself. When I had talked to Yue, she talked about how Zuko never claimed any girls from the harem. My mind was reeling on all the possibilities of why Zuko asked for me. He treated me like a normal human being, but he had betrayed me once before. He could do it again just as easily.

We got to a big set of two doors which opened into a vast courtyard. As the sun rays hit my face, I immediately felt the warmth I had been craving for so long. The feel of the sun on my skin made me feel like I was wrapped up in a blanket. Of course, I craved a taste of the moon more than anything, but the sun would do. Being outside made me feel alive again, like I was taking my first breath of air after almost drowning. The air was filled with the scent of cherry blossom trees, and it overwhelmed my senses. There was a light breeze, and as it hit my face it carried along with it the feeling of freedom. Of course, I wasn't actually free and I was still a prisoner. But I was allowed to walk outside without being kept bounded or humiliated.

The sounds of birds chirping were carried in the wind to my ears, and the brush of the leaves being tugged along in the grass. I noticed there was a pond in the center of the courtyard, which held turtle ducks swimming in it's shallow depths.

"Are you coming?" Zuko chuckled at me, and I realized I had been too in tune with the nature surrounding me and hadn't heard Zuko trying to move along. I tripped over my own feet as I jogged to catch up with him. He was quick to catch me by my arm as helped me to regain my balance. I smiled to thank him. He nodded back at me in understanding as we continued along, walking into the grass. I wasn't sure if I had been blushing at my clumsiness.

"Thank you for coming with me. I thought it would be nice to have you get out, that and I needed to recharge. Being kept inside all day makes my bending weaker." I knew that firebenders rose with the waking sun, but I never knew how much energy the sun provided for them. It was like a waterbender and their moon, providing strength and a type of comfort that was unknown to any non-waterbender.

"Yeah." I wanted to keep my replies short and simple. Being around Zuko had me feeling somewhat vulnerable, and my trust was guarded. Yet, I had this desire to talk to him more, as if I wanted him to know everything. I was usually very social and outgoing.

"So, I wanted to explain to you everything a bit better after last night. I want you to know that I didn't ask for you to use you. Personally, I believe using girls to be barbaric. My father and his men do believe different, obviously." We stopped walking as we neared the edge of the pond. Zuko sat down, holding out his arm to let me sit.

"I asked for you because no matter how much conflict you and I have had in the past, no one deserves to be in that harem. I understand you don't trust me, or so I assume, and I know this is really weird. But I couldn't let my father hurt you, especially after seeing you the way you looked when you first arrived." Zuko paused and started rolling around a piece of grass in between his fingers. His tone was sad, I could tell that what he was saying was true. There were no anger in his words, excluding when he was talking about me being in the harem. It surprised me how he could be so angry towards it, and that in itself was what made me really want to listen to him. I wanted to forgive Zuko for all he'd done, there was a huge part of me that believed that he could be turning to the good side. But only actions could prove my thoughts true.

"Thank you, Zuko." Zuko's face seemed grim, and it held a seriousness.

"Katara, I was thinking last night about what happened in the crystal caves when we were trapped together. I got you to trust me, and then I betrayed you. You opened up to me, and I hurt you in return." His words shocked me. The Fire Nation Prince who was born to a psychotic family actually showed signs of genuinity.

"I am trying to change for the better. I'm so sorry for what I did to you and your friends. I hate following under my father's chaotic rule. I'm not quite sure how to be good, but I'm hoping that you can help me. I want to change my perspective on the world since I've been raised to believe that the Fire Nation is all powerful. They're not, and everyone is equal. But my morals are so far off from the rest of the world's." So Zuko was trying to change sides. With his wording I knew that he wasn't sure how exactly how to explain himself, but I understood.

"It's okay, Zuko. And it's not that hard to be good. A huge part of it is trying to see the positives in everything, and basically looking on the bright side. Being optimistic I know is not really something you excel in, but it comes down to realizing that no one is lesser than you." Zuko laughed, just as we were interrupted.

"Zuko, I've been looking for you." Mai stood over us, glaring down at me. Was she really jealous over me?

"I was in a meeting this morning, and I just wanted to get out." He looked up at her, and I could tell by the way he acknowledged her, he was not in love with her like some people may have thought he was. I wondered why he was even with her if he didn't care for her as he should.

"Well we need to talk. Preferably away from the whore." Really? I wasn't a whore. I could feel my rage fueling inside me, and I wanted to scream at her. Looking over at Zuko, I could see his fists were clenched, and he was biting his tongue as if he was holding something back from being said.

"Okay, we will talk." He motioned for me to leave, and so I did without saying a word. All I wanted to do was yell at Mai for calling me a whore. But I remembered that I was supposed to be Zuko's, and I had to act the part of a whore. Fighting back would only prove that I was not being used as I should, and the Fire Lord could end up taking me back. That was the last thing I wanted.

When I arrived back in Zuko's room, I collapsed onto the bed. I remained in the clothes I had changed into, and tried to go to sleep.

The sun's rays danced in my eyes as I opened them. I stretched out of the position I fell asleep in and let out a big yawn. As I sat there, I thought about how much I missed water. The feeling I got when I was surrounded in it's purity and bending it made me feel complete. I craved it's touch, and energy I felt from it. The way water moved always had me so mesmerized at it's beauty, and so I decided I should take a bath.

I got up quickly and skipped over to the bathroom. As limited as the water may be, I still wanted to relax in it's comforting warmth. As I opened the door, I unexpectedly ran into Zuko. He was laying in the bathtub with his head turned away from me. My face heated up, and I could feel my cheeks blushing a crimson red. I accidentally glanced into the water and saw his naked form. How the water droplets were settled on the skin around his broad shoulders intrigued me. Zuko's hair laid flat on his head, and I noticed how well-defined his muscles appeared to be leading from his shoulders on. I remembered how they felt being wrapped around me, and how safe I felt. Even with the current situation and relationship between us, something about it made me feel good, and I felt what others would call butterflies in the pit of my stomach. Tension grew in my body as I stood there, and only seconds had gone by when Zuko looked over as he sensed my presence. I made contact with crisp golden eyes and if I could've blushed harder, I felt like I did. I yelped as I came to my senses, which surprised the both of us.

"Oh, sorry!" I darted out of the bathroom as quickly as I had came, and slammed the door shut behind me. My heart was racing, and I felt incredibly embarrassed. A part of me enjoyed what had just happened, and I couldn't stop the feelings spreading like vines growing throughout my body. Although I was so awkward, I felt all giddy. It was unusual. When I turned around, I watched as Kim was laying clothes out on the bed. She noticed the look on my face and smiled to herself.

"Here are some clothes for you, Miss Katara." She sidestepped and folded her hands in front of her. "May I ask?" My cheeks were still flushed and I knew that she thought something happened between us. I hated lying to people.

"I just ran into Zuko a minute ago, that's all." She chuckled silently at my reply, but left it alone thankfully. The picture of Zuko taking a bath was permanently stuck in my mind. Before any of this happened, I would've been horrified. But I almost felt like I was developing a connection to him; one that wouldn't seem to fade. But I didn't have any intention of talking about it.

"Anything else, Miss Katara?" I shook my head quickly, trying to get her to leave as soon as possible. But as I did this, my stomach growled, giving another answer. So I decided to ask for something more fulfilling, to which she gladly said okay and then left. I breathed out heavily the moment she exited the room. Eyeing the clothes that were laid out nicely on the bed, I noticed they weren't very elegant, but definitely more than I expected. They looked similar to what Kim wore, but instead of a tan color, they were black with a red lining.

I listened in towards the bathroom, in case there was another surprise with Zuko and I as I started changing. As I looked over everything, I noticed that she brought me proper under wrappings; I thanked her silently. Wearing these made me feel secure, since I hadn't previously been allowed to wear them throughout my time on the ship and in the harem. I wrapped the cloth carefully around my chest, careful not to make it too tight. They felt comfortable on my body, and fit perfectly. As I started to put on the kimono, my arms felt through the sleeves until they slipped out on both open ends. The fabric was much nicer than my tribes, but still felt like fake silk; definitely not fit for a princess. I reached around and pulled my hair from the back to lay it flat on either sides of my shoulders. My hands rolled down the fabric, evening out every edged bulge. I felt like I looked nice, and I loved it.

Just as I turned around to look for a mirror, I ran into the scarred Fire Nation Prince. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on anything." He was very shy, and was nervous as he reached his hand up to itch his back awkwardly. I blushed once more, hoping he hadn't walked in on me, since he was so light on his feet.

"How long was I asleep?" I ignored his apology, trying to make the moment less uncomfortable. I took the few seconds of silence to breathe in deeply, which calmed me. When I looked back up at him, I found I was staring into his eyes again. They were teeming with an alluring warm sunrise, on the verge of unleashing its light into the awaiting world. They drew me in.

"About a full day?" Zuko took me by surprise. Had it really been a day? It felt like only a few hours ago I had left him with Mai in the gardens. "I let you sleep because I figured you really needed it. I know that I would want to sleep in if I were you." Another day now past, another day without my friends.

"Thank you."

SOKKA POV

"We're here!" Hakoda's shouts echoed around from the bow of the ship. As I stood on the side of the ship, I lifted my chin and looked out to see the Fire Nation colonies living among the edges of the water. We were coming here so myself and everyone, but my dad and Bato, could stay at a 'trusted' friends' home. However, they were stupid if they thought they could leave to save my sister and Aang without me. I had previously tried arguing with Bato and my dad, begging and pleading for them to let me go with. Although they always said no, I refused to sit around in wait for them to return. I had to save my sister, there was no way I could live with myself if I failed in getting her back.

"Sokka, is everyone dressed in the proper Fire Nation attire? If anyone isn't dressed-" I stopped him mid-sentence. Whether he was the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe or not, I was angry.

"Yes, dad. I know if they're not ready, we will all be arrested. You've told me at least five times already." Hakoda's frustration and stress elevated at my tone, but then calmed himself. He knew I was only upset because of his 'final decision'. Ever since Aang and Katara had been kidnapped, I was furious with my dad and Bato. Bato I was mad at more than anything, since he influenced my dad's decision in leaving me behind. He refused to let me help in any way to save her. They planned on sneaking their way in without me, even though I was the master planner when it came to everything. Yet, even though they refused me, I still planned to get onto their ship and infiltrate the Capital of the Fire Nation. My dad nodded and then started to walk away.

As we anchored at the docks, everyone stepped off of the boat, me being the exception. I followed my plan and hid behind a large cargo box.

"You too, Sokka." I whined in reply and stepped out from my hiding place. Tears started developing in my eyes, half forced. This was my last chance to convince them into taking me w them. Finding another way to get there would take far too long, if I even got there. I stood straight up and walked over with confidence in my step. My fists were seized at my sides, and my trusty boomerang and sword remained secured on my back.

"What is so wrong in me going with you guys to save my sister. She is just as important to me, and more to me than Bato. I lost her and I couldn't save her. She called for me when she was taken onto that damned ship. Not any of you, me! I couldn't save her, just like mom." My words were harsh, I knew that. But it needed to be said, and I was done playing games with them. Bato scoffed at my words, but compared to my sister, he was nothing to me. His opinion meant absolutely nothing.

"Sokka, we already talked about this. You need to understand that we have no idea what kind of state she could be in right now, whether it be badly injured, traumatized, or whatever. I don't need you risking your life, as well as your well-being, from being scarred forever. This is something serious and cannot be taken lightly. You're just not old enough." Hakoda spoke his words surprisingly calm. Bato came over and attempted to shove me along off of the ship with the others. I knew that he meant well, but I needed to stay on this ship with them. I shoved his arm away.

"I'm not getting off of this fucking ship until you say I can go with you guys." I yelled at them, and my voice started to become hoarse. "I am old enough, I am 18 for fuck's sake. I can handle it, and I want to help. I am taking this as seriously as anyone else." Tears boiled over in my eyes and I was so angry. My dad looked at me with sadness. I didn't think he had ever seen me so emotional about something.

"Let him go." Hakoda looked over to Bato. "He's good at making plans anyways. He could help us get into the Fire Nation." Bato nodded, accepting the decision. If Hakoda believed it was okay, Bato would follow through with it. I was still agitated, but elated that I could do something to help. The rest of the group was staring at us in awe of what just happened. I ignored their looks of bewilderment and looked towards Suki who was smiling shyly at me.

As we all walked together to the Fire Nation home that everyone else would be staying in, I thought about how I had to take a moment to say goodbye to Suki properly, away from wandering eyes. I slowed my pace as everyone continued walking. Suki gave me a confused look as we ended up at the back of the group. Just as an alley came up, I pulled her to the side to press her up against a wall. Suki looked puzzled as I stood against her and ran my finger through a braid in her hair. I admired how silky her auburn hair felt between my fingers, and I knew I was going to miss that feeling.

"Sokka, what's going on?" Her blue eyes were glistening with confusion as I continued to play with her hair.

"I needed to have one last moment with you before I leave." A smiled started at corner of her lips as she placed both hands on the side of my face to pull me in for a kiss. She was gentle, yet her lips held so much urgency as we both knew this could possibly be the last time I kissed the love of my life. My hands trailed down her waist and then stopped at her hips, where I held Suki firmly against me.

I place one more kiss on the corner of her lips before pulling away, "I'm sorry that I have to leave you here, but I need to save my sister, and Aang." My hands cupped either side of her warm face as I locked eyes with her.

"Thank you, Sokka. But if she were my sister I would do the same. I wish I could do more to help, but my place is here keeping everyone safe." Her hands untangled themselves from my hair and I pulled her into me, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.

"I know, I want you to go but I could barely talk my dad into letting me go, and I don't want to push him too much. But this is a dangerous mission, and only so many people could tag along. I don't know what I'd do with myself if I lost you out there to the Fire Nation." She nodded into my chest in understanding.

"Come home safe, please. Save your sister and Aang." Her arms squeezed tighter around my waist as if she was afraid to let me go. I nuzzled in the crevice her neck, locking her smell in my memory. As far as saving Katara and Aang, I had no idea how long we would be gone for, let alone if we would even come back. But I had to have hope. This could be the last time I ever saw Suki. Her tears soaked into the material of my shirt and stuck to my skin. I was subduing tears which yearned to come, and a few slipped out.

"I love you." I whispered into her ear, and she let out a small whine, swollen with sorrow.

"I love you too, Sokka." Her words were soft and held so much pain. As we pulled away, I left one last kiss on her cheek before grabbing her hand to catch up with the others. We nearly lost them, but it was worth it.

KATARA POV

Still, I could not believe that I slept for the whole day after leaving Zuko with Mai. It made sense now why I was so disoriented but felt so well-rested just after waking up. I looked up to Zuko and saw that we were standing closer to each other than we had been. The heat radiating from his body echoed against mine in an odd harmony. It was peaceful and comforting. His presence itself was a little overwhelming as he was much taller than I, and held this pride as he stood over me. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and I realized he only had a towel wrapped around his waist. In that moment I felt vulnerable and I was trying so hard to hold back the pink flush that was slowly rising in my cheeks once again. Seeing Zuko like this was not normal, and I hadn't ever had a feeling like this towards him. Memories from my first night with him came flooding back, and I realized how much I missed the skin to skin contact with him, and the warmth he emitted which enveloped me. I felt like gravity was suddenly taking strong hold of me as I came to realization of where I was and what was going on. Which then led me to think about my current situation as a prisoner and supposed harem girl. I pondered on what Aang could be doing right now. That is what started my worry and anxiety up all over again.

"Zuko, where's Aang?" He gulped, and I knew that couldn't be good. He had to have known that this question would come up eventually. Something wasn't right, and I knew officially as soon as he looked at the floor as he bit his lower lip.

"I should have known this would be brought up eventually. Katara I didn't want to be the one to tell you this, I'm sorry.." Zuko looked up into my eyes and my fear began to consume my mind. It rapidly then turned to anger as he stood there in silence.

"Tell me what happened, Zuko." I was more assertive this time and then took a step back so as not to make him feel attacked. The look on his face told me he felt guilty.

"Katara.." He started to stumble with his words. "The Avatar, when he was taken, he was beaten… severely." As the words spilt out of his mouth my anger resumed to serious worry.

"How bad?"

"Bad enough for them to bring in a healer to keep him alive, several different times. I've never seen someone get so beat to a pulp or tortured. When I saw him he looked like he wasn't even there anymore, like his mind was elsewhere." This whole time, Zuko pitied me; the girl who was raped by many men and women and treated like shit. My experience was nothing compared to how Aang was probably feeling right now. I had been receiving treatment for my wounds and given rest, while my best friend was being beaten to death, almost.

"Where is he, Zuko? I have to help him." All I wanted to do is save him, but couldn't run around the palace screaming for Aang who probably wouldn't even be able to answer back. I wanted to kill the Fire Lord, which went against all my morals. I started walking to the door, waiting for Zuko to lead me to him.

"Katare, you can't." He ran over to me then slammed his hand on the door before I could even try to open it. "My father stated so clearly that if anyone enters his prison cell other than him or given permission, they will be killed on the spot. And it won't be an easy death. No one can see the Avatar. I only was able to see him when my dad asked me to check on the healers to see if they were done. Regardless of you being 'mine' he will kill you, and then Aang will never have a chance of getting out." I didn't know what to do. No matter how much I needed to get Aang out of there and save him, if I died he was already dead.

"Fine." I backed away as I folded my arms.

I would find a way eventually, no matter what it took.