Zuko hid watching as the Avatar played with his freak monkey with the big ears. The watertribe guy sat nearby, cleaning his boomerang. He could take him with his eyes closed. The Avatar, obviously, would be by far more challenging. And where was the waterbender? And the blind one? It would be harder still to take the Avatar if they were to interfere. Especially now that night was falling.
Backing out of his hiding place, Zuko searched for the two female benders. He knew this was a risk – the earthbender seemed to be able to detect him whenever he came near. It was a risk he must take – best to know where all your adversaries are before launching an attack.
He trudged along beside a creek. It was dark now, leaving Zuko with only the moonlight to guide his way. He heard splashing ahead. "Katara, I'm pretty sure you're done now. You just do this because I can't 'see' in water!" Zuko stopped and smirked. Can't see in water, ay? He stepped into the creek and continued toward the sound of splashing. He watched as a wet and shivering Toph made her escape, leaving behind a giggling Katara. Zuko hid behind a large rock, ensuring that he was still safely standing in the creek, out of 'sight' of the earthbender.
Katara laughed watching a disgruntled Toph escape into the distance. It was her turn. She removed her dress and trousers, leaving her only in her underwear. Immersing herself in the water, she felt it slide across her skin. She surfaced; shaking her hair free from the plait she usually contained it in. Here, alone in her element beneath the moon, she felt free. Free of her duties to her gang. Her family. Her mother role. Free to be herself. She stepped onto the creek bank and turned towards the water. She had imagined a new technique while lying on Appa earlier and was dying to try it out.
Zuko felt a warm flush creep to his cheeks. There was no honour in watching a girl bathe. Even this water wench. Yet, there was something intriguing about her. About the way she moved, the way her hair sparkled in the moonlight, the way her lithe body seemed to glide through the water. He watched her in fascination, as she closed her eyes and stepped out – onto the water. Her feet rested on the glassy surface, leaving small ripples as she took each step. She went through the movements of battle, though slowly and rhythmically, like a dance. Zuko couldn't take his eyes off here. She could walk on water! He had to admit – she was a powerful bender. A powerful bender that the Avatar to care deeply about. If she were to go missing, he would try to find her, right? Zuko was about to step out from behind the rock when Toph emerged from the bushes again. "Come on Sugar Queen, play time's over." Zuko hid until he was sure they were gone before disappearing to find his uncle.
Zuko had troubled dreams that night. He kept seeing the waterbender dancing on the water, her hair flowing gracefully around her. Zuko stepped out, arm outstretched, asking her to dance. She screamed and turned away. "Leave me! Monster! Hideous monster!" Zuko sat up, breathing heavily. "Are you ok, Nephew?" Zuko turned away from his uncle, so his scar was hidden. "I'm fine Uncle." He lay back down and closed his eyes, willing sleep to take hold once more. Iroh watched for a while, looking at Zuko with an expression of both sorrow and concern.