Chapter 9: Ember Island Talk

As the crackling fire died down, Iroh and Sokka went to bed, which left Katara and Zuko sitting on one side of the fire and Aang and Toph on the opposite side.

"Ok, now that old guy and Ponytail have gone to bed, tell us what really happened, and I'll know if you're lying," Toph inquired smugly.

"What do you mean? We told you everything that happened," Katara replied honestly, confusion in her tone.

"Not about your imprisonment, I mean about you two."

"What about us two?" Katara asked curiously whilst furrowing her brows.

"Oh come on Sugar Queen, there's definitely something going on, you and your boyfriend over there have been acting strange with each other since we left that ship."

Zuko shouted, "She's not my girlfriend," whilst Katara shouted in unison, "He's not my boyfriend."

Toph was instantly in hysterics, falling off her earth made seat. Between laughs she said, "Well that just proves my point." Then she shot up and addressed the trio, "Well I'm off to bed, G'night all." As she wandered off the three heard her snickering and mumbling something inaudible under her breath.

Katara yawned and followed Toph's lead, as if completely oblivious to Toph's previous episode, "Yeah, I think I'm going to go and get some shut eye as well, I'll see you two in the morning." She headed in the same direction as Toph and it was only Zuko and Aang left to sit by the warmth of the fire.

Minutes passed as they sat uncomfortably on their earth made seats. They were alert tonight, and whenever they heard the slightest noise they would jump and look at the direction where the noise came from. Zuko coughed and Aang was on his feet, in his offensive stance in one motion. "Glad to see your ready for a fight with anyone," Zuko said.

Aang laughed a little nervously, "Yeah." There was more silence as Aang sat back down. "Hey Zuko, thank you for helping Katara, I'm sure it was tough for you both."

"I should be thanking you, you're the one who found us and got us out of there."

"It was nothing. But I finally think that Katara has accepted you and fully trusts you."

"Well after what we've just been through, I should hope so." There was a pause. "So, did anything else happen while we were gone?"

"Not really, I've been watching Sokka and Toph do some sparring that's about it."

Zuko stifled back a laugh. "Toph was sparring with Sokka? A master earthbender fighting a…boomerang?"

Aang laughed. "Sokka has a space sword, and he didn't go too badly. He's been to a swords master."

"Oh really? I didn't know that. I think I'll give him a run for his money tomorrow," Zuko said cracking his knuckles.

"What? With swords?"

"Yeah didn't you know? I rely a lot on my swords, especially when I'm acting as the Blue Spirit."

"Oh, I remember, you threatened to kill me with them, but that was just to get out of that prison."

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Oh right, you know I am sorry about that."

"It doesn't matter, you saved me and now I've saved you. We're equal."

"Thanks, I'm glad your so understanding, not many people would see it that way. So are you ready for some firebending training tomorrow?"

"Are you going to give me lessons on breathing?" Aang whined.

Zuko laughed at his reluctance and replied, "Not really, maybe a bit of breathing but then we will work on your stance mainly. Sorry, but we have to do the basics first because you can't master firebending without the basics, don't worry, I've tried."

"Um, well do you know a place where we could go to practice…away from everyone?"

"What's wrong with out here? Do you think you're going to make a fool of yourself?"

"No, I think that I'm going to hurt someone."

"No you won't, I'll teach you to control it," Zuko said earnestly.

"But what happens if something goes wrong and I burn someone. Can't we find somewhere else to go?" Aang asked a little desperately.

Zuko shot him a questionable glance and shrugged. "Well if you really want to I'm sure we can find somewhere."

Aang exhaled. "Ok, thanks."

"But seeing as though I'm going to be your firebending teacher, if there's something that I need to know that's going to affect your training it would be good if you could let me know."

There was a brief silence as Aang stared into the burning embers that laid only a few feet away from him turning into ashes. As he looked down at his feet Aang explained, "Well, the first time when I tried firebending I wanted to start learning how to shoot flames not do breathing exercises. So I got carried away and lost control of my bending and I…I burnt someone. I burnt Katara, and I will never forgive myself for that."

"Things like that happen, Aang," Zuko reasoned. "I've lost count how many times I've burnt myself, Uncle or my crew. But isn't she a healer anyway?"

"Well yes, but she didn't know that then, she only found out that she was when she placed her hands in the water after I burnt her."

Zuko got up and walked over to Aang, sitting down next to him. "Ok, well if you feel strongly about bending near anyone until you get the hang of it, we'll find somewhere else to go."

Aang nodded and smiled. Zuko returned the smile, one of the many traits that was very rare for the young ex-prince. And they to soon headed off to bed, in which sleep took over them quickly and they fell into a deep slumber until the early morning sun rose above the horizon.

Well once again thank you all for so much feedback, it has given me enough encouragement to continue with a sequel. This will be the last chapter of 'Imprisoned In Your Own Ship' and the sequel will be called 'Fighting For Your Life'. I couldn't think of anything else haha. It will be more based on the war/defeating Ozai and all the rest. Also, could you all please tell me whether you want Taang or Tokka. If your lucky I'll bring in another character like Suki. So if you want Sukka or Sukaang, or whatever lol just tell me and I'll try and make them happen! So make sure you look out for the sequel and tell me pairings!!! Thanks again, El.