After the rush back to the ship, Hikari decided she had too much of an adventure for one day...or was it two? Hopefully, she would never pull an all-nighter again. It was for Iroh, but that did not make it up to her state of being. She was exhausted. Sleep immediately pulled her into welcoming darkness.

     She woke up, still feeling groggy. Quickly, she brushed out her hair, grabbed her belt and began her decent to the lower deck. All the while, she was throwing her hair into a messy ponytail. The sun blinded her the moment she reached the deck.

     Chaos greeted her. The ship was going at the fastest speed she had seen it run. Men were rushing to and fro. Zuko was shouting orders. It seemed only the oldest man of the entire crew was the calm in the current storm. The brunette approached him, standing to his left. She watched on silently, soon enough, catching sight of the flying bison.

     "Oh, so we've spotted the Avatar," Hikari spoke.

     "Do you not remember the man we questioned," Iroh asked.

     "I fell asleep."

     "We're sailing into Fire Nation waters. Of all the foolish things he's done..."

     "I get the feeling we're asking for more trouble than all of this is worth."

     The old man sighed, "I believe you're correct."

     Soon enough, orders were going up to bring out the catapult. It was an impressive invention. The only thing that was not so thrilling was the ball ready to be launched. There was smoke coming off of it. It smelled horribly! The stench was enough for her to cover her nose. Beside her, her uncle had a fan, attempting to direct the smell elsewhere.

     "Uh, really Prince Zuko," Iroh scowled, "couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?"

     The prince in question ignored him, "On my mark! Fire!"

     A guard beside him sliced the rope holding back the catapult. The flaming projectile raced through the air and towards the animal. She felt herself go stiff for the group. The fireball landed in the water, but it lead to her sights landing on a much bigger problem. Steadily coming closer was a line of war ships. She could barely make out the flames on deck. There was no way they were on fire.

     "A blockade," Zuko shouted.

     "Technically you are still in Earth Kingdom waters." His uncle placed a hand on his shoulder, "Turn back now and they cannot arrest you."

     "He's not turning around!"

     "Please, Prince Zuko! If the Fire Nation captures you, there is nothing I can do! Do not follow the Avatar."

     The prince bowed his head, "I'm sorry, Uncle." He threw out his right hand, "Run the blockade!"

     The brunette could feel her heart rate pick up. This was dangerous on many levels. If adrenaline was not coursing through her veins at that moment, then she did not know what was.

     Fireballs were begging to launch into the air. The aim was at the Avatar, but their ship was in danger too. Unlike the flying bison, the ship could not maneuver so easily. She held her breath as the rain fell all around them. The back of the ship was struck, shaking the machine and threatening to throw the girl off balance.

     There was billows of black smoke trailing into the sky. It was scary to think it might as well cause the sinking of the ship. An engineer came running out, covered in ash.

     He had to balance himself on the railing, "Prince Zuko! The engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!"

     The prince only turned away, "Do not stop this ship."

     "Blockhead," Hikari muttered.

     She wanted to offer her aid to the engineers. The problem was that the fireballs were still raining down. The boat they were on was still rushing towards the blockade. Bodily function seem almost impossible.

     Water splashed onto the deck, wiping some of the men off their feet. She went to help the closest crew member get back into action.

     "We're on a collision course!"

     Sure enough, two of the giant war ships were slowly making a closing. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. She could barely make out the prince saying they could make it. Whoever was watching over them, let them actually live through this.

     By some miracle, the giants stopped in their tracks and allowed the little ship to pass. Zhao was in sight, watching with a steady gaze. He was up to something. He knew they were after the Avatar. He was letting them lead the way to the goal.

     Hours passed. Zuko was beginning to pace. They all knew the commander had let them pass for a reason. Whatever his true intention was, he would most likely be using it to get his hands on the banished prince as well.

     It got to the point where the teen gripped the railing with white knuckles, "What's he up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?"

     "Because he wants to follow you." Iroh raised a brow, "He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after: the Avatar."

     The girl crossed her arms with a loud sigh, "If anything else, he'll make this a two in one opportunity: get the Avatar and arrest you.

     "If Zhao wants to follow a trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do," Zuko stated, looking at the billowing pillar of black.

     "What do you mean?"

     Without another word, the prince stormed off. His two closest companions looked at each other. Not knowing what he was thinking, they followed him to the small scout boats. They could probably hold six people of not more. He started pushing it into the water. Of course, Hikari was quick to help.

     The prince explained his plan while the little boat was being shoved. The ship was going to be the cover for an escape. The commander would follow the wrong thing. It would be a long enough distraction to get the Avatar. If the enemy stopped following, Iroh and the rest of the crew would sail back into Earth Kingdom waters.

     Zuko hopped in once it was in the sea, "Uncle, keep heading north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail, while I use it as a cover."

     The girl hopped in to join him, "I'm coming as back-up. You never know what might happen."

     Her fellow teen actually smirked. She knew it was because he was welcoming her help for once in a blue moon. Still, she could not help but let the heat rush to her face. They departed from their main ship and set towards the closest island.

     A thought struck her, "Do you think Zhao might suspect we're trying to throw him off."

     "He'll be foolish enough to follow Uncle until it's too late." He looked to his clinched fist, "I will be the one to get the Avatar."

     "Somehow, I wouldn't push it past him."

     "...Are you scared?"

     She sent him a glare, "Of Zhao? Absolutely! If he has the nerve to flirt with me and then threaten me, then I'm highly cautious and yes, scared. Better yet, I'm terrified to even think of being left alone with him. If you were a female and in my position, you would understand why." She let out a deep sigh, turning to look for the island, "Now maybe I am a woman of little faith, but at least we're the last people the Avatar would suspect to be following right now. So we have an upper hand there."

     Steam escaped his nostrils when he huffed through his nose, "I'm wondering why I even let you come."

     "You trust me to be helpful... Well that, or you didn't want to waste time arguing...maybe even a combination of both. I can never tell what's going through your head."

     Once they reached the island, the boat was docked. They ran through the front entrance and made for the stairs. They had many flights before them. It was tiring, but as they neared the top, they heard voices. Zuko signaled her to keep quiet. They quietly neared the voices.

     "Come quickly! The Avatar has entered the sanctuary," someone shouted.

     "How did he get in," another asked.

     "I don't know. But look at the scorch marks! And down there!"

     By this time, the two teenagers made it to the top. Low and behold, the Avatar was right before their eyes. He was watching whatever was going down with the other people in the room. The prince took this opportunity to sneak up on the kid and lock the other's arms behind his back.

     "Quit struggling; it's over Avatar," Zuko growled.

     The girl loosened the chain from the kusarigama, "You need to bind him?"

     "Now, Aang," someone shouted,

     There was a moment of silence before female voice called out, "Aang! Now's your chance!"

     Aang made the struggle to move forward to show what had happened. Hikari followed and saw the two siblings from the Southern Water Tribe.

     "The Avatar's coming with me," the banished prince stated.

     The girl waved sheepishly, "Sorry about that."

     "Why are you apologizing?!"

     "We ruined something apparently!"

     He rolled his eyes, "Close the doors! Quickly!"

     The girl saw that the siblings, along with one of the holy looking people were getting chained to a pillar. She felt bad, but at least Zuko had the Avatar...

     That did not last long at all. Aang knocked her legs out from under her. He started with a B-line towards his friends.

     The water tribe girl nodded her head towards the closing doors, "Go!"

     Without hesitation, the child charged for the doors. Hikari stood and got out her kusarigama. He managed to avoid on man's fire punch. Then, he used two of the other men as a spring board.

     The brunette took the opportunity to throw the chain, only to realize too late she had accidentally thrown the whole thing.

     "Duck!"

     Thankfully, the one who was in the way dodged just in time. The doors closed with the Avatar on the other side. Her weapon bounced off harmlessly. The door glowed a bright blue and she had a feeling that they were all locked out.

     "Sorry about that." She retrieved her fallen item and helped the poor guy stand, "Still learning the trade."

     "I thought you were better than that, Hikari," the prince chastised her.

     She scowled, "In my defense, it was a split second decision that I didn't really think over. Next thing I know, it's out of my hands." She put it back into its sheath, "It was an accident and I'm not a master at it...yet."

     He made her move out the way, while he and the other firebenders tried to blast the door open. Since they were doing that, she went to talk to the "prisoners". They sent her a glare. She could understand, so she shrugged.

     "Again, sorry about that." She put a hand on her hip and shifter her weight that way, "We're kind of in a hurry though. How have things been? I haven't really seen you since our first encounter at the South Pole."

     "Why are you talking to us?" The brother was glaring at her, "Shouldn't you be with your boyfriend?"

     "Yeah." The sister's eyes narrowed, "Shouldn't you be helping?"

     "Two things." The brunette held up her hand, "One: I'm not his girlfriend. Technically, I'm his prisoner. Two: I'm a non-bender. Doesn't the weapon give it away?"

     "If you're his prisoner...why are you still with him?"

     The boy gasped, "Is he threatening you? Do you need help escaping?"

     "It's nothing like that." Hikari glanced at the line of firebenders, "Zuko and his Uncle actually saved me. I don't know where I'd be right now if it weren't for them... For one thing, I wouldn't be holding a weapon." She pointed to the bruise, "Or hurting myself with one."

     "Stop talking to the prisoners," the prince shouted.

     The girl jumped before replying, "I haven't seen them in a while! Plus, I'm the only girl on the ship. I can't firebend and I have nothing else to do."

     "Nevermind..." He looked to the other holy people with him, "Get the traitor; I have some questions for him."

     "Does he have to be moved? He's already tied up."

     "I didn't ask for your opinion, Hikari."

     "Fine, whatever."

     "And get away from the Avatar's allies."

     "Yeesh," she rolled her eyes. "Yes, mom."

     The water tribe duo stared with wide eyes as the girl completely ignored the death glare pointed directly at her. She simply smiled and waved to them before returning to the prince's side. In the meantime, their only firebending ally was forced to kneel before the prince. His hands were tied behind his back.

     "Why did you help the Avatar," Zuko demanded.

     "Because it was once the sages' duty." The sage raised his head proudly, "It is still our duty."

     Suddenly, there was clapping. The brunette whipped around. She glared, placing her hand on her kusarigama. Commander Zhao had made his appearance with six guards behind him. This was about to get very interesting.

     "What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand, when you explain why you betrayed him," Commander Creep commented.

     The leader of the sages bowed his head, "Commander Zhao."

     "And Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work." A guard caught her arms from behind, another did the same to Zuko, affectively trapping them, "Two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased."

     "You're too late, Zhao!" The banished prince struggled against his captor, "The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed."

     "No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out."

     "He'll kick your creeptastic butt when he comes out though," Hikari growled.

     "Ah, it's you again." He stepped toward her, "You forget child, because you're here assisting the prince, you are marked a traitor as well."

     "You think you're high and mighty, but really, you're a coward hiding behind his men. You hide behind your title. You abuse your authority and care nothing for whoever you control, as long as you get what you want."

     "I've warned you before to not speak out of turn."

     "I'll gladly drown before I obey another order from you."

     When he turned to glare, she spit at his feet. She smiled smugly, knowing very well that she had ticked him off. With a wave of his hand, she and Zuko were dragged backwards and chained to the next pillar. The two of them were struggling to loosen the chains or even break free.

     Zhao's firebenders stood in a straight line between the two pillars. They were ready to attack the Avatar. If they were successful, they would most likely turn on everyone here. The leader stood off to the side with the sages.

     "When those doors open," the commander shouted, "unleash all your firepower!"

     "How's Aang gonna make it out of this," the water tribe girl asked.

     Her brother retorted, "How are we gonna make it out of this?"

     Hikari looked down at the chains, "That's a wonderful question."

     At that moment, the door glowed a bright blue again. It slowly began to open. White smoke poured out. This was all followed by a bright light, causing everyone to turn away. When it faded, glowing eyes appeared through the smoke.

     Zhao held up his hand, "Ready..."

     The other female shouted, "No! Aang!"

     "Fire!"

     Commander Creep along with this firebenders sent a blast of fire at the Avatar, creating a beautiful, yet deadly wall of flames. Surprisingly, those flames were swept away. An old man, dressed in Fire Nation attire stared at them. The man's glowing form and eyes proved to the girl that this was a past Avatar.

     "Avatar Roku," someone said in awe.

     Avatar Roku drew the fire back to himself in one motion. He sent it forward in a powerful wave that seared the whole room. People were knocked off their feet. The chains melted.

     Zuko grabbed her hand the moment the chains were off. They fled the building. The shaking threw them into the railing. Other times, there was a misstep that nearly sent them falling the rest of the way down.

     Once outside, they got into the boat and sped away. Behind them, the once tall, mighty temple was sinking into its own home. Sinking and breaking apart.

     "I think my heart just broke," the girl said.

     The prince sent her an annoyed scowl, "What are you going on about?"

     "...Nothing. Forget I said anything."

     They continued on in silence. Even after the sky turned dark, the moon was full, lighting the way back to Earth Kingdom waters. The water around sparkled in the reflecting light, mostly getting disturbed by their little boat. The heavens seemed to treat them to a mine of diamonds, decorating the black canvas above them.

     "Star-gazing was a good idea," Hikari said, breaking the silence.

     "That isn't what we came out here to do," Zuko reminded her. "We came to capture the Avatar."

     "When's the last time you even did any star-gazing. You've been out at sea for two years to enjoy this sight."

     "I can't restore my honor by doing something so rubbish and stupid."

     The brunette stood next to him and pointed towards the sky, "Look up and tell me that it's stupid."

    "Hikar-"

     "Zuko." She tilted his head up so he would look, "That up there... That is a mine of gems, only a god could ever reach. Those are jewels, shining in reflection to the moon. Those are speckles of another world. Those stars create shapes. They tell stories. What they have seen over the last millennia could never match up to what history tells us. The stars see the right and wrong, yet they take no side. They are merely humble onlookers who mourn an innocent death, rejoice in victory and watch over us as silent guardians.

     She took the prince's hand in her own, "Star-gazing isn't stupid. Star-gazing is looking into the past and wondering about the future. They've seen discoveries made, heroes born, villains fall. Once in a while, they need someone to watch them too."

     When he looked at her, Hikari felt like her heart had been caught in her throat. The way he looked at her now was unlike the way she was used to. For the first time, she actually saw something soft in those gold eyes. There was some sort of tenderness. The un-Zuko like gesture caught her off guard and ultimately caused her to look away.

     The prince smirked at her, regaining his usual appearance, "You have a way with words."

     "Thank you." She realized she was still holding his hand and let go, turning to look at the dark waters again, "Yeah... Thank you."

-------------------------------

A/N: And here I am watching a play through of Okami while I edit this. 

I love writing these little scenes. They're so cute. Expecially for season 1, we don't get a lot of a soft hearted Zuko. So it's pretty fun, especially with easily flustered Hikari.

I also like writing Hikari's interaction with Zhao. They hate each other, and it's clear they would kill each other if left alone, without supervision. 

So yeah.

Tootles~

-Muse