Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or any of its characters.

Summary: Set after the Firebending Masters. Zuko finds out what happened to the troops including to Katara's dad during the invasion. What will he do? Paring: Zuko/Katara

Chapter 5: The Breakout

Zuko and Hakoda spent about an hour releasing the troops. Their strategy was to unlock three cells and take the soldiers to the tunnels where they would wait and then unlock three more. They were lucky enough not to grab attention and alarm the entire prison. They got caught a few times, but it was with only one or two guards so it was easy enough to knock them unconscious and throw them into an empty cell.

Once Zuko and Hakoda were done they headed for the tunnels where the troops awaited for orders.

"Everyone, this is the Blue Spirit. He is the reason why we are here instead of locked up in those cells waiting for our execution. Now, he has a plan to get us out of the Fire Nation safely so I expect you all to listen and follow his orders."

Zuko decided to slightly disguise his voice in case he ran into anyone in the room as Zuko, Prince of the Fire Nation.

"In a moment I will lead you through the tunnels to a room which holds Fire Nation armor and weaponry. We will disguise ourselves as one of them and take a weapon you can carry in case we come to a point where we need to fight. Then we will make our way to the docks and use one of the ships to leave. We must do this quickly and get past the fleet of ships that surround the Fire Nation before anyone realizes you are gone. If we come across any problems or if a guard comes and question us, leave them to me. I am familiar with the ways of the Fire Nation."

The plan was going perfectly. In no time the troops were on the surface disguised as the Fire Nation army heading to the docks.

Before they were about to board the ship one of the gauds went up to Zuko. (Zuko and the rest of the troops have the mask thing on their helmet so no on can see who they are)

"State your business."

"Orders form the firelord. We are to assist Princess Azula in the capture for the Avatar, his friends, ex-prince Zuko, and ex-general Iroh." Zuko took a scroll from his belt and handed it to the guard. The scroll looked authentic from the writing to the signature of the firelord.

"When you get to the fleet just stop in front of one of the ships and hand them the scroll and they will let you through."

"Thanks"

The guard gave Zuko back the scroll. Zuko ordered the troops onto the ship. Once they left the dock Hakoda went up to Zuko.

"That was clever. I thought we were going to get caught. How did you come up with that? Did you steal the scroll?"

"No, I didn't steal it. I wrote it. I have similar handwriting as the firelord and I have seen enough papers by him to write this."

"Impressive."

"Thank you, but we still have to get this through the fleet and then we are in the clear."

Half an hour passed before they made it to the fleet. One of the ships stopped and the captain along with two guards behind him boarded Zuko's ship.

"We have orders form the firelord to go out and assist Princess Azula in the capture for the Avatar, his friends, ex-prince Zuko, and ex-general Iroh." Zuko gave the scroll to the captain.

Once the captain was convinced, he signaled the fleet to slow down. He gave the scroll back to Zuko and went back on his own ship.

A few minutes after they passed everyone was relieved and happy to be free. Zuko went to the back of the ship and leaned against the rail watching the sun slowly rise over the Fire Nation.

'I'm glad this went so smoothly. Nobody is hurt, we are all safe and alive, and Katara will soon have her father with her.'

While Zuko was gazing at the sky he noticed a hawk fly to one of the ships in the fleet.

'No'

Next thing he knew, two ships started heading his way and balls of fire were being thrown from them.

Please review and tell me what you think about the story.