I am so sorry everyone that its taken so long to post this. I've actually had this written for awhile and I have the next chap half written. But, my computer ended up with a few viruses and it took awhile to fix everything up. I do recommend scheming the past chapters if you cant remember a lot of this story. I'd write a summary, but I really want to just get this chapter up. After you read check out the bottom A/N

9- Dream?

To say Zuko was shocked at Katara's decision would be an understatement. But, he was too happy to question it. "I'll show you back to your camp so you can grab your items before we head to my ship," suggested Zuko.

After showing her the way back, Zuko hung back out of sight so that Katara would feel confident that he was going to honor her request and leave the avatar alone, for tonight. It didn't take very long before she returned with a small blue bag slung over her shoulder.

He expected her to be upset over leaving her brother and friend. But, he saw no sadness. There was only a determination that could rival his own. If he didn't know any better he would say she had a plan in the works that was all her own.

"Well, are we going to your ship or camping out here?" she joked pulling him from his thoughts.

"Right, of course. This way," he said gesturing with his head.

It was the middle of the night when they arrived back at the ship. So, most of the crew was below deck sleeping. The few that were awake were smart enough to not question Zuko on why the girl they had held prisoner the day before was now walking on the ship side by side with their Prince.

Zuko ignored their curious stares for now. He would explain all they needed to know about Katara in the morning. He led Katara down below deck where the VIP rooms were held. The crew had a few larger rooms that they all shared on lower decks. But, each fire nation ship had about five rooms that were used for either high ranking officers, nobility and royalty. Zuko and Iroh were currently the only one's occupying any of these rooms. Zuko now led Katara to the room just across the hall from his own.

"This will be your room. Its not much right now. But, we can fix it up with things you find at port," said Zuko. The room consisted of one bed, a closest and a large red tapestry with the fire nation insignia on it. In fact, just about everything in the room was red or gold. Zuko doubted this fact would make her very comfortable.

"So, the other soldiers onboard?" she started.

Zuko already knew what she was asking so answered before she had to ask anymore questions." They believe as we do. That the fire nation is not all powerful like Ozai believes and this war is not justified. They are fully aware of my mission and support it one hundred percent. You are safe around them. I will point out one that should be avoided if possible though," he added as an afterthought.

"Why would he need to be avoided if he believes as we do?" she asked.

"He's just a bit rough around the edges and I'd rather the two of you were never in the same room." replied Zuko. "My room is right there," he said pointing across the hall. "And Iroh is right there," he said pointing to the one to the right of his. I'll leave you to make use of the rest of the night."

"Good night, Zuko," she said before closing the door.

Despite his lack of sleep the night before Zuko woke up the next morning with the sun. His body was so used to his routine, that he was dressed for morning training before he could even think about it. This morning seemed like every morning he'd had since had stepped on his boat. He stopped by Katara's door on his way to the training arena, afraid that the day before, including finding her alive had all been a dream. Part of him wanted to open the open the door and peek in just to check. But, another part was too afraid to do so.

He stood in front of the door, hand poised on top of the handle.

With a sigh of frustration he let his hand drop and walked away from the door. He made it to the end of the hall before turning around and walking back. He hadn't let fear stop him since he was about six years old and he wasn't about to now. He didn't let himself think about it anymore as he opened the door just a crack.

The sight that greeted him was the most disappointing in his life. Everything was exactly the same as he had seen it last. The bed even remained without any blankets or pillows.

It had all been a dream, he realized. If his mind wanted to torcher him, it couldn't have chosen a better way to do it. He turned to leave the room and take his frustration out on some random soldier. He was half way out of the room when something caught his eye. He spun around and looked closer at the side of the bed.

When he had gotten a better look a large grin spread across his face and all feelings of disappointment quickly switched to amusement. There among a heap of pillows and blankets lay Katara. She must have fallen from the bed and was so deep in sleep that she hadn't awaken.

Zuko shook his head holding in his laughter before bending in her direction. He picked her up off the floor along with her blanket and gently laid her back down on her bed. He then picked up her pillow and placed it under her head.

Still holding in his laughter he left her room in search of the training arena. After a quick meditation, he grabbed one of his soldiers at random and the two quickly got into a sparring match.

A few hours later Zuko was starting to feel fatigued and was about to call an end to the match and eat some breakfast. But, just before the words were out of his mouth he caught a glimpse of blue out of the corner of his eye. Katara had awaken and apparently gone in search of him. She now sat quietly on the bench provided at the edge of the arena watching him.

The idea of rest and breakfast didn't really appeal to Zuko anymore. The other soldier quickly felt the change in his Prince. He didn't know the reason for the change. But, one thing was certain. This was no longer just sparring, Zuko was in it to win.

It didn't take very long for Zuko to pin him. The soldier was tired and knew better then to anger Zuko. Once it was over the sound of clapping could be heard from across the arena.

Both boys glanced at the sound to find a smiling Katara. The soldier gave Zuko a knowing grin. "Oh," was all he said.

"Shut up," responded Zuko. "Go back to your duties."

"Yes sir,"he responded. But, there was still amusement in his voice.

Zuko ignored his solder and walked up to Katara. "You've gotten even better," she told him.

"I should hope I've improved some in ten years," responded Zuko, "Are you hungry?" he asked.

"I could eat some breakfast," she responded.

"Come on," he said. "I bet Uncle's already there." The crew ate their meals in the kitchen. But, Zuko, Iroh and now Katara were served in a small dining Zuko predicted Iroh was already there, tea in his hands.

Iroh was finished with his breakfast before the two teenagers were even settled with theirs. "Well, I think I'm going to go hunt for a decent Pai Soi game. You two have a good morning Katara, it was very good to see you again and know that you are alive and well."

"Thank you, it was good to see you again too Iroh. I can't believe I didn't recognize you all this time. You haven't changed at all," replied Katara.

"Well, considering the only time you saw me, you were tied to a tree I think you had other things on your mind," said Iroh.

"Uh, please don't remind me of that," interrupted Zuko.

His Uncle chuckled at Zuko's embarrassment before saying goodbye once more.

"So, when and how exactly did that start?" asked Katara. When Zuko gave her a questioning glance she continued. "Why would you think I was dead?"

"My father found out about the South having one more water bender and sent a fleet of ships whose purpose was to kill you. They came back saying they had succeeded in their quest. My father was very pleased," Zuko added shaking his head.

Katara had grown very quiet while Zuko was speaking. When she gave no response he continued. "How did you make it though? They would have been searching for you specifically. They even came back saying that it had been a female they had killed." Zuko cut off his questions when he heard a sob come from Katara's direction.

He stiffened, not sure what to do with a crying girl. He sat there in uncomfortable silence listening as she sobbed. Finally he couldn't take the silence anymore and spoke up. "Katara?" he questioned.

"My mom," she started. "I remember the raid your talking about. I didn't know they were looking for me. But, I could tell they were looking for something. My mom was the only one killed in that raid. They left soon after that."

"Your mom must have found out they were looking for you. Then said she was the water bender to protect you," Zuko said. Katara nodded in response. Zuko was torn in his feelings. He was grateful that because of this act of motherly love Katara was alive. But, Katara had to live without her mother.

"I lost my mother too," he finally said. "When she looked at him for more he continued. "Even though Uncle and I didn't agree with my father sending the fleet to kill you, we didn't risk voicing that in front of my father. The moment my mother heard about it though she confronted Ozai. She told him how wrong it was and how disappointed she was with how much he had changed. He wasn't always like this. That night was the last time I ever saw her. Ozai, still refuses to tell me what happened."

"I'm sorry, Zuko," she responded.

"Thanks," Zuko replied glad to see she had stopped crying. "There's a few things I need to get done today. I'll be on deck mostly if you need me. No where is off limits to you and the crew have been ordered to follow all your orders as if they were mine or Uncles. Will you be alright on your own?"

"I'm sure I'll find something to do," she responded.

Hi, so I'm getting busier and not finding as much time as I used to write. So, the updates are not going to be as frequent. Their not going to be as long as this last one. The real world does have to come first. But, I do understand that you are there waiting for updates. So, everyone who wishes for a preview to the next chapter can PM me and Ill PM them back with that preview. Rules: First preview no earlier the a week after the latest update, Then you can ask for another one a week after that. I hope I explain that so everyone understands. If you have any questions PM me. To say sorry for the long wait and to give you an example of what those previews will look like I've provided one bellow from chapter 10.

"Did we kidnap her?" asked one bold officer.

"I've told you to follow her orders as well as mine. What do you think?" responded Zuko.

"I'm just asking. If this is some kind of scheme we would like to know now before we get... attached," he continued.

"Because a lot of us are already starting to like her," added another.