AN: Miss me? I've just got one thing to say. School's out! So, from now on, there should be less of a wait between chapters. I'm still not going to update everyday or even every other day, but it'll still be more frequent. Thanks to all of you who have continued to read this, I appreciate your comments. Who saw the show last night… uh, tonight… whatever. All Zuko, now that's what I'm talking about. Awesome! Now that my rant is over, on with the chapter!

Disclaimer: By now you should know that I'm just a broke college student. So, no, I own nothing!

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Katara rummaged around the room, getting ready for the day. She dressed quickly and closed the lid of her trunk with a soft 'thunk'. Ishi groaned. "Do you have to be so loud?"

Katara chuckled at her very hung over friend. "Well, you shouldn't have drank so much." Ishi groaned and burrowed deeper into her pillow. "I guess that means you're not coming into town today?" Another groan answered her. Katara laughed lightly and opened the door. She jerked back as a fist came towards her face.

Zuko pulled back his hand in mid-knock. "Sorry." He watched her pull back from him into a cold shell, arms across her chest. "Iroh sent me to get you. We're about to head into town." She gave him a stiff nod and went to brush past him but he grabbed her arm. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. It just happened."

"It just happened? How could something like that just happen? What were you even doing there?"

He dropped his hand back to his side. "I already told you. I was…"

"Would you two stop shouting! I already have a headache!" They looked into the room at an irate Ishi.

Katara smiled back at her. "Sorry. I'll talk to you later, feel better." She let the door slam shut and chuckled at the loud groan she left behind. Without looking at the prince, she marched up the stairs. They walked into the bright morning sunshine to see a handful of people already on deck. Katara made her way over to Sokka, Aang and Iroh followed closely by Zuko. "So what's the plan?"

Iroh gestured to the few men on deck. "We'll dock a ways off from the nearest town and send some men in on carts."

"I'd like to go too. But I think Ishi is out of commission for most of the morning."

Iroh smiled. "Some of the men are like that too. That's the sign of a good music night. You're welcome to join them, as is Sokka. But, Aang, Zuko and I should stay aboard."

"I'm going."

Iroh looked at his determined nephew. "I don't think that's such a good idea. Too many things could go wrong. Especially if Azula's looking for you."

"I'll be fine uncle. Unlike others, I can take care of myself." Katara glared at him but said nothing.

Iroh sighed. "Fine. But change your clothes. And try not to draw too much attention to yourself." Zuko turned and headed below deck. Iroh shook his head and turned back to the others. "Then Aang will stay with me. Sokka, I imagine it's safe to assume that you're going with your sister?"

"Yeah." He glanced at the door the prince disappeared through and then back to his sister. "Definitely."

"Then get ready. We dock in five minutes and you move out in ten. Oh, and Katara. Don't forget to pick up a good blend of tea."

O.o.o.o.o.O

The ride to town was long and extremely uncomfortable. She was squished between two of the most important men in her life. One who she was angry with at the moment and one who would really like to beat the other up for making her angry. All things considered, she was extremely happy when the town came into view.

The cart rolled slowly to a stop as it reached the market. She reached into her pouch and took out the list Iroh provided. She shook her head and crossed off the various musical instruments and statuary that was written down and handed half the list to Sokka. "Zuko and I will get the food, you get the rest."

"I don't like you going off with him alone. I'll help you with the food."

She raised an eyebrow. "I don't trust you near the food and I'll need help getting it back to the cart. So, shoo, off with you. The sooner we do this and get back to the ship, the better I'll feel."

"Fine." He brushed past Zuko giving him an evil glare. They separated in the market. Sokka going one way, Zuko and Katara the other.

They moved through the market silently. At first, Zuko enjoyed the quiet but, eventually, it began to grate on his nerves. "Are you planning on ignoring me for the rest of our trip?" She continued to ignore him. He clenched his fists. What is with her? I already said I was sorry.

He hung back and let her move from stall to stall. If she wants my help, she can ask for it. He watched her as her basket began to fill up but she refused to say anything. She looked back once to find him watching her with a smirk on his face. The glare she sent him could have frozen the hottest flame. Then she turned, nose in the air, and continued on her way.

Growing bored with the silent fight, his attention began to wander. It swept across the various knick-knacks on display and the vendors pushing their goods, but finding nothing of interest to land on. He snapped back to attention, though, when he heard Katara's voice. "I said no."

Two Fire Nation soldiers were circling around her, pressing close. "Come on. A beautiful thing like you? It's a shame to let you walk around by yourself, and carrying such a heavy basket too. What do you say?"

Katara was caught between the need to not attract attention and the desire to wipe the floor with them. "I said I'm fine but thank you gentlemen for your concern." She went to move away but one soldier caught her arm.

"We weren't asking." He pressed closer and she began to struggle. Suddenly, he was gone and someone was in front of her, burning hot.

"I believe the lady said no."

Katara looked up into Zuko's face and was shocked by his fierce expression. Her heart fluttered. He cares.

The soldiers turned to their new target. "Look, little boy, don't interfere with things that are beyond you. Walk away now and I won't have to hurt you."

His smile he flashed was all teeth. "You could try."

Katara grabbed his arm and tugged him back. His body temperature was so high, he felt almost feverish. Is this what happens when a firebender fights? She filed it in the back of her mind for later. She put her lips close to his ear and whispered, "Don't."

He turned his head slightly. "Don't worry. I can take them."

"That's not it. We don't need to attract anymore attention them we already have. Just leave them and let's go."

He couldn't ignore the pleading look in her eyes. He let out a quiet sigh and his body temperature returned to normal. "Fine."

But the decision was taken out of their hands. As he turned around, one of the soldiers took a swing. Instincts flared and Zuko countered. The man was down in an instant.

The second soldier, learning from the first's mistake, approached the man clad in brown more carefully. Zuko moved into the center of the street, away from onlookers and booths. They didn't have the money to pay for damages.

The soldier drew a long kris and held it ready before him. Zuko smirked and allowed the older man to circle him. The man attacked, going straight for Zuko's eye. The thrust missed but him but severed the strap of his hat. As it fluttered slowly to the ground, Zuko grabbed the outstretched arm and flipped him over his back. The man landed with a 'thud' and didn't get up. Katara walked over to him and they surveyed the damage.

"Katara!" They turned to see Sokka barreling through the market. When he reached them he doubled over, hands on his knees, gasping for breath. "I was… down at… dock… Fire Nation…" He swallowed hard and finally looked around. He blinked at the bodies sprawled in the road. "Well. I guess you already knew. Come on, we gotta get outa here."

Sokka took her by the hand and dragged her down the road. She looked back to see Zuko looking down at the men with an inscrutable expression. She tugged back on her arm, trying to slow Sokka down. Something wasn't right.

Zuko bent down to pick up his hat when he heard someone behind him. "It's been a long time, big brother."

As slowly as possible, he stood up and turned to face his sister. "Azula." His narrowed eyes took in features that hadn't changed much in three years. "What do you want?"

She smiled. "Well, isn't this a happy reunion. Where's uncle?"

Zuko gritted his teeth. "I don't know. We got separated."

"Pity. I was so looking forward to seeing him again." Her manner was almost playful as she approached him. "Father has been looking for you. He wants you back. He sent me for you."

Zuko looked shocked. "Father…" For a moment, he indulged himself in the memories of home. He allowed himself to believe that his father actually wanted him to return. But them he returned to reality. "If you think I'll believe that, you're crazy. You always lie."

She sent him a sparkling smile. "Why would I lie to my beloved brother? Besides, it's not as if I want you home. I'd be happy for you to stay in exile forever. But father, unfortunately, doesn't feel the same." She was no longer smiling.

He shook his head. "I'm no fool and I'm not blind to what father is. He's not the forgiving type. I'm not going with you."

She smiled again, but it was no longer sparkling, it was the smile of a predator. "Who said you had a choice." She gave an unseen gesture and he was surrounded.

He dropped into a stance and looked around him. Not good odds. He looked past them, into the crowd, and Katara struggling to get free of Sokka's hold. At least she's safe. Then they were on him. These men weren't like the ones before; these were specially trained to protect royalty, trained to be deadly.

Katara watched as they jumped on Zuko. "No!" Sokka clamped a hand over her mouth and held her tight. Zuko was good, a powerful bender, but even he couldn't hold out against twenty men.

The fight was over quickly and Zuko stood slumped between two men. Katara fought harder then ever to reach him but Sokka held firm. He whispered to her. "Wait. If we go help him now, we'll be caught too. And what good would that do? We need to get back to Iroh and Aang."

She wasn't listening. She continued to fight until she caught Zuko's eye. He was trying to tell her something. 'Don't risk it now, wait till the right moment.' She clamed down and nodded her understanding. He gave her a small smile, a real smile, and let his head drop. Together, she and Sokka watched them drag him away.

She struggled to stay calm and turned to her brother. "Follow them. Find out where they're going. Then we get back to Iroh."

He put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Her eyes narrowed. Sokka had never seen her so scary. "Let's just get moving." She flexed her hand, craving the presence of her water skin. I will get him back.

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AN: Muhahahaha. I love being evil. Ahem, sorry 'bout that. It's a mix of stress and lack of sleep. Does strange things to a person. I wonder when Zuko's mother will pop back up. Think he'll run into her during his travels? Or better yet, Katara and the others? I'm giddy with anticipation. Okay. You know the drill. Review and I'll love you forever. Or at least for the next few days afterwards.