>>>Elizabeth’s POV<<<

               The next day, I got up really early in the morning. I hadn’t slept well, and so I decided to just get out of bed and roam around the ship. Either that or just go up on deck. Just anywhere where no one will bug me. Walking out into the hallway, I decided that I might as well roam the ship. I strolled through random passages, but never reached a dead end. I challenged myself to find at least one dead end before breakfast, or at least before I see anyone in the hall. I must have been roaming for twenty minutes or so when I finally found one. I smiled at myself, feeling a sense of accomplishment. It’s fun to give myself random missions whenever I don’t have anything to do with myself. I stood facing the dead end for a few moments, but when I turned around there was a guard standing a few feet away. He took off his helmet, showing brown hair that covered over his ears and orange eyes. He was younger than most guards, looking about eighteen or nineteen. He had a smirk on his face, and I knew he was checking me out.

               He started walking forward, backing me up against the wall. “Get away from me, you pervert!” I shouted. He covered my mouth and I could feel his breath on my neck as he spoke.

               “Shush. Or else.” Right when as he put his hand on my hips, a familiar voice spoke from behind him.

               “What are you doing?!” Zuko’s voice rung out. The young guard whipped his head around.

               “I was… uh…” his eyes flicked between my frightened eyes and Zuko’s piercing glare. Zuko walked up to the man and grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him forcefully, pushing him hard against the wall. He went close to the guard and whispered something harshly in his ear, and the guard nervously ran back down the hall. I exhaled, not even realizing I had been holding my breath.

               “You okay?” Zuko asked worriedly, looking straight into my eyes. I nodded.

               “I never thought I would be saying this, but… thanks!” I gave him a small smile.

               “Don’t mention it,” he said. “Why don’t we head to breakfast in my Uncle’s room?” he suggested, starting the way back to the other parts of the ship, me following. I didn’t bother asking why they eat in Iroh’s room, for it was probably just something they do. “Why were you all the way in a different part of the ship, anyway?”

               Shrugging, I said, “I got bored, so I decided to wander around.”

               “That’s not a very good idea.”

               “Whatever.”

               We continued walking in silence. I wonder when he’ll find the Avatar. it can’t be too far away.

               A few hours later, we were up in the helm room. I was watching Iroh and some other old men play Pi Sho. The game was really complex, but Iroh kept winning by a landslide over and over again.

               “Prince Zuko, this might interest you,” the helmsman said, handing a telescope to Zuko.

               “It looks like I found the Avatar,” he said more to himself. “And his hiding place. Come help me prepare for battle!” he yelled, running down the stairs. I jumped up and ran down to my room, throwing my things in my bag carelessly. I would somehow need to join the Avatar. Well, he’ll let Zuko capture him, right? I’ll just talk to him them and escape when Katara and Sokka bring Appa! I threw my bag on the bed, and told myself to get it later, for it would look too suspicious if I brought it around with me.

               The ship suddenly jolted, and I took that as a sign that we arrived at the Southern Water Tribe. I ran to where I saw the light from the open part of the ship, and Zuko and two guards were walking down into the frightened village. I peeked out the side, for I didn’t want to be caught. I saw Sokka get thrown to the side with upper body stuck in the snow, and a gasp of fear went through the villagers. I quietly stepped out and helped Sokka out of the snow. He gave me a weird look which I couldn’t decipher, and I motioned for him to attack Zuko, even though I knew it wouldn’t do much good.

               I waited until Sokka’s boomerang had hit Zuko in the head, making Zuko furious. His fists were clenched, making fire daggers. I suddenly couldn’t control myself, and I ran at Zuko.

               “Stop! Don’t hurt anyone!”I yelled, but the two guards at Zuko’s side grabbed me and pulled me back. I struggled against their firm grips but failed.

One of the guards leaned down towards my ear and whispered, “Hello, my sweet.” I immediately recognized the voice as the man that pretty much almost raped me earlier that day. I panicked and kicked snow into the man, but instead of a little snow, tons of snow threw the man back. By now, Aang was coming down on his penguin, but Zuko was looking at me.

               “You’re a waterbender? Why didn’t you tell me?” he yelled.

               “I didn’t know!” I shouted back. He thought I was traitor now! Well, I guess I was going to join Aang anyway, so it didn’t really matter.

               “Bring her back to the ship!” he ordered the guard who was still holding me back. He forcefully pulled me back inside the ship, and he dragged me into my room.

               “Stay in here. I’ll be guarding in front of the door until further orders, so don’t get any ideas.” He closed the door, leaving me in the room alone. Of course, there was lunch sitting on the table. I took the pot of tea and took off the lid thing, and took the empty cup, too. I placed both on the floor and sat in front of it. Now to see if I really am a waterbender.

I took a deep breath and moved my hand up in a slow, upward motion over the teapot. Some liquid from the pot started streaming out, following after my hand. This startled me so much that I lost my concentration, causing the tea to splash on the floor around and on the teapot. How was I a waterbender? I’m from a whole different world! It’s not like my parents could bend anything!

I was snapped out of my confused thoughts by hearing commotion out in the hall. It must be Aang! I grabbed my bag and threw it on my back, and quietly cracked the door open. The guard wasn’t there. I ran out, and when I reached the intersection of hallways, Aang was running by. I ran after him, and he sped up when he could see me.

“Aang! Wait! Aang! I’ll help you!” I yelled after him. He ran Zuko’s room where his staff was, and he ran in to get it, me behind him. The door slammed shut.

               “Uh oh. I forget about this…” I muttered to myself, and I mentally scolded myself for jumping in here after Aang. I heard him gasp and I reluctantly turned around to face Zuko. He was glaring harshly at both of us. I wish he knew that I had no idea that I’m a waterbender! But he won’t believe me anyway…

               “So, look who is here. The Avatar and the traitor. I guess I underestimated you.” He got into a fighting stance, as did Aang.

               “I didn’t know, Zuko. I don’t even know how I ended up here! Just believe me!” I whispered. Zuko’s expression softened for a split second, but hardened as he shot fire at Aang. I gasped and laid down on the floor on my stomach in fear of the flames. My eyes were shut tightly, and I could feel the flames above me every few seconds. I have to get up! When I felt the coast was clear, I quickly sprang up and ran for the door.

But my timing was off. Just as I touched the door, Aang went by on his air scooter with the fire trailing close behind him. I ended up being in between the air scooter and the fire, and I felt the familiar unbearable heat burn my stomach. I yelped, falling to the ground.

               The last thing I saw was Zuko looking at me with regret and worry, but then darkness took over.