The Price of Freedom-Ch 11

Sokka looked back at the Palace, feeling like this was the last time he was ever going to see it like this. Or maybe he would never see the Palace again. It was just this sickening feeling he had something wasn’t going to work out as planned.

“Do you think they are going to be alright? Do you think the plan will work? Do you think Ozai will find them?” Sokka asked. His plans always had some way of falling apart. There was no way he wanted this one to be the same way.

“I’m not sure son. I think its best we hope the plan goes well.” Hakoda smiled at his son, reassuring him. “Besides, Pakku is there to watch them. Everything will be fine.”


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Ozai walked down the hall towards Katara’s room. He stopped outside when he heard a voice that sounded like Zuko’s. That couldn’t be right. Zuko couldn’t really be there. Ozai had to find out himself.

“Why don’t you just leave me alone?!” Katara screamed at Zuko.

“I’m trying to help you! All you do is yell at me!” Zuko threw his hands up.

“Help? What makes you think I want your help?” She growled as she stepped closer towards Zuko. “I should have killed you when I had the chance.”

“I’d like to see you try.” He smirked.

“What do you think you are doing?” Ozai snarled, bringing the attention to him now.

“He came into my room and clamed he wanted to ‘save’ me!” Katara pointed at Zuko like he was the death plague.

“Right and you just looked so happy without us. Of course helping you was all in my head.” Zuko rolled his eyes.

“Enough!” The Fire Lord glared between Zuko and Katara, wondering who he should punish more. “How dare you come into my house like this. You are no longer welcomed. You will be dealt with severely.” Ozai growled at Zuko before turning his attention towards Katara. “You will be dealt with later on.”

Ozai called the guards in to attack Zuko. They had no problem forcing Zuko towards the ground or throwing several punches his way. Zuko knew this was coming, he just didn’t think it was going to be this painful or in front of his father or Katara.

“Take him out of my sight. I’ll kill him later.” Ozai turned his attention to Katara now. He wanted nothing to do with his worthless son.

“Wait. I have a better idea.” Katara smirked. Ozai looked in interest, wondering what could be so interesting. “Make him my slave. Make him follow my every demand, my every command.”

“What?! Katara are you crazy? That’s ridiculous! That won’t ever happen!” Zuko tried to convince her otherwise.

“I want nothing more than to see you lick the dirt off my shoes.” Katara eyed Zuko as if he was a piece of dirt, already her slave.

Ozai watched the two of them in great interest. The way his struggled against the idea was very enjoyable. Maybe it was a good idea. “I think I like this idea. Zuko as the one thing he should be-a slave. Guards take him away.”

“What? You can’t be serious! This is crazy!” Zuko’s voice echoed throughout the halls until it was just a whisper.

“It seems you are more like me than you realize.” Ozai smirked.

“You have no idea.” Katara walked around him.

“However, if I find out you are just using him or you plan on betraying me,” He grabbed her by her wrists. “I’ll make sure the both of you suffer in ways you never imagined. Along with your son. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly.” She wanted to make sure her voice sounded strong, but it wasn’t. When he let go of her wrists, she looked at them, remembering the last time someone grabbed them. I’ll save you from the pirates. Why did that sound so comforting right then?


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After Zuko was lead down to his room- a tiny filth of a hole- he tried to rest some. He knew he was going to have a long day ahead of him. It wasn’t going to be easy either. Thoughts ran thru his mind. Thoughts of the day, thoughts of the plan, thoughts of Katara.

Had she really been pregnant? Did she really have the baby? Was it his? Or was it Ozai’s? Something inside told him it was his. But how could he be sure? Where was the baby? Why did she not tell him? Did she think he didn’t know? Maybe he would have to say something to her about it.

A gentle knock and a guard brought Zuko away from his thoughts. Had he really been awake all this time?

“Time already?” Zuko asked even though he already knew the answer.

The guard nodded. Silence befell them both until he walked closer to Zuko. “Is the plan working?” He whispered low enough for Zuko to hear.

“Yes. Everything is going according to plan, Master Pakku.” Zuko smiled.

“Very good. I will watch you both as much as I can. In the meantime, Katara has summoned you. It’s wise you should obey your master.” Pakku smirked. Things were going to get very interesting.