6 - The Pirates

They had gone a full solid week with no sighting of the Avatar. The trail of white hair had also disappeared. They must have discovered that was how Zuko was following them and done something about it.

With no trail to follow they followed what Zuko believed to be their plan, returning to the North Pole. No one but Iroh of course understood why Zuko insisted the water duo was from the North and not the South. But, they followed him loyally believing he knew something they didn't.

Zuko, as hard as he tried couldn't get the young water bender out of his head. He had avoided water benders ever since Katara. It was just too difficult for him to watch the art when he knew that Katara would never do those things again. Seeing a young water bender with the same features and the same age, just served to remind him of what could have been.

He had an instant dislike for the girl. She caused his heart too much pain when he saw her. He was constantly asking himself why Katara died while this girl lived. The fact that she was helping the avatar didn't help his feelings for her much either.

The irony that he was trying to save the rest of the nations while hunting down a member of the air nomads and two from the water tribes didn't escape him. He did see how backwards it made him look to be trying to capture the very people he was trying to save. But, it wasn't like he had a choice. He needed the avatar to get his throne back and end the war. Its not like he'd hurt the young boy. The avatar would be treated with the upmost respect while onboard.

Zuko chose not to think about what he knew would happen to the avatar once he turned over the young boy to Ozai. They wouldn't kill him at least and when Zuko was Fire Lord he could free him and apologize. Surely, he would understand the necessity. The water tribe people he didn't need. He would release both of them on land the moment he could. Of course, he had to capture the three friends first.

He was pulled out of his musing by his Uncle's excited voice, "Zuko we are very close to a port. Do you think we can stop there to refill our supplies?"

Zuko did think his Uncle was right that they would be needing supplies soon. But, he also knew the real reason Iroh wanted to land. "You really can't last a week without shopping Uncle?"

Iroh actually had the nerve to look offended. "Fine," he said throwing his hands up. "If you wish for us to die of starvation and LACK OF TEA..."

"Running out of tea is unlikely to happen anytime soon," Zuko interrupted.

"We will run out of food if we don't stop soon," replied Iroh folding his arms over his chest.

"Which is exactly why, this morning I told Lieutenant Cogun to stop at the nearest port," Zuko told his Uncle grinning smugly.

Iroh just glared at his nephew before sporting a smirk himself that had Zuko very nervous. "Your coming with me to help carry my things," he told him.

Zuko's mouth dropped open as he replied to Iroh's already retreating back. "We have a whole ship of soldiers you could use." Iroh never responded back.

They docked on land early afternoon and while the crew set to work on restocking the ship, Zuko was dragged along after his Uncle. Iroh walked along the flea market and looked at the little trinkets that were for sale like they were treasures made of gold or silver. Zuko followed after his Uncle dragging his feet and carrying whatever struck Iroh's fancy long enough to buy.

They got to a part of the flea market rather close to the docks when Iroh spotted a large ship selling different bobbles. "Lets take a look in there, Zuko."

"Uncle, that's a pirate ship. They're going to rip you off even more then you already have been," was Zuko's reply.

But, Iroh ignored his Nephew and pulled him along anyway. The whole time Iroh browsed, Zuko was watching the pirates. They appeared to be focused on something other then selling their stolen items. Curious, he made his way closer in order to overhear them better.

"I'm sorry captain, they just disappeared," the smaller one said.

"You were suppose to be keeping an eye on them while they were here. No one steals from me," the captain replied.

"Well, we almost had the young water bender girl. But, before we could grab her the one with the blue arrow on his head blasted some type of wind at us and they were long gone before we recovered," another pirate told him.

"I wont have anymore of your stories. There are no more air nomads anymore," the captain said outraged.

Zuko had heard enough. "I can help you get your merchandise back," he told the captain.

The pirate captain glanced at Zuko for the first time and gave him an appraising look. "How do you plan on helping us and what's in it for you?" he asked.

Zuko, for obvious reasons did not trust the Pirates. So, that night as they hunted down the small gang they were in two separate boats. They were searching the river so the boats were much smaller then either of their sea ships. But, they still were able to carry a considerable amount of pirates and members from Zuko's crew. Zuko and the captain had agreed that the pirates would get the scroll while Zuko would have the three young thieves. Zuko did not reviel the truth knowing the pirates would want the avatar for themselves.

They were searching down the islands river because of their combined knowledge of the enemy. The pirates knew the children had been at the island around noon. Zuko had not seen their flying beast, so he knew they had to still be here. They were most likely camping out close to the river.

It wasn't long before Zuko heard a promising sound. He could hear the sound of splashing followed by groans of distress. Zuko and two of his men left the boat to investigatethe sounds and were rewarded with the sight of the Avatar's young water bending friend. She was already distracted and Zuko was easily able to sneak up behind her and grab her. His hand covered her mouth so she couldn't scream for help and he lifted her off the ground making it more difficult for her to fight back. It didn't stop her from landing a few kicks to his shins.

He finally managed to get her to a tree close to where their boats had stopped and the two men who had come with him helped to tie her to it. "Where are your friends," Zuko asked her. Her only response was to glare at him. It became rather obvious that she was not going to talk. So, he left her with his uncle and the two soldiers. While he would never admit it aloud, he had left Iroh and his men there more as protection then as guards. As much as he may dislike her, he wasn't about to leave her alone and tied up with the pirates so close by. He knew very well what they would do with such a young beautiful woman.

It didn't take too long for them to find the camp with the two sleeping boys. Zuko didn't want to take any chances this time. So, he and one of his men took their swords and with the hilt knocked them unconscious before they had a chance to wake up. At the same time the rest of the group including the pirates tossed ropes over the white buffalo and tethered him to the ground. Zuko knew the bison would be able to free himself in a few hours. But, he planned to be long gone before then.

Two of Zuko's men tossed the boys over their shoulders and headed back to where they had tied the girl. They left the pirates there to loot the camp. Both sides considered their alliance over. When they got back it was to see Iroh and one of the soldiers left behind arguing with each other.

"Was that really necessary," Iroh asked the guard.

"What, she was getting annoying," replied Jee Lee.

Zuko rolled his eyes he had never cared much for Jee Lee. One glance at the girl and Zuko knew what had his uncle so upset.

The girl had probably been yelling or trying to escape, which had annoyed Jee Lee. Jee Lee must have then solved his problem by knocking the poor girl unconscious. Of course Iroh had an issue with this.

Zuko took a deep breath and ordered Jee Lee back to the ship with the rest of the crew. He then walked up to the girl unconscious and still tied to the tree. He cut her loose and caught her before she fell to the ground. He then hoisted her up over his shoulder like his men had done for the boys in her group and turned around to leave.

He gave a groan of irritation when he turned around to see his uncle's disapproving eyes. He knew what was wrong instantly and only to appease his Uncle shifted the girl around. He now held her in front of him one arm under her back and the other under her legs.

He raised an eyebrow at his Uncle who now seemed please with his actions and both started for the ship.

Hey, I apologize for the long wait. I had difficulty with this chapter and it took longer. I'm still not fully satisfied. The good news is that I know exactly what is happening next chapter so it should be up much quicker and without giving away much I can just say its a big one. I realize that there were differences in this chapter and the shows episode. I appreciate all your feed back and constructive criticism. With, that said I wanted it know that I intended things to be different. This is not a cannon story. Again, I do appreciate your opinions and hope this statement does not deter anyone one from continuing them. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you next week with chapter 7 - The ... You didn't really think id give it away. Did you? ;)