((AN: This was a nice chapter to write, even if it's a break from the Kataanginess, at least some. x3 I had the idea of writing out some potential missing moments from each of the life-changing field trips Zuko took with the others in order, starting with Aang. Zuko was one of my favorite characters in the series from the beginning, because he's a very good example of an antagonist with more layers to him than an onion. I like people with an anti-hero personality...those who might play on the wrong side but still have values, feelings, hearts, and fair reasons for doing what they have to do. To say that I was happy when he finally ultimately joined the Gaang was a bit of an understatement.

So, it's interesting to see how his opinion of the Gaang develops with these trips he takes with them. His opinion of Aang must've certainly been refined after "The Firebending Masters", because it's only after that episode I've noticed that he actually calls him by his name, rather than just "The Avatar".

So anyway, yeah, this takes place between the end scenes in "The Firebending Masters"...one of my favorite episodes, I might add.

Enjoy! And thanks again to Faith Angel for the Aang portion of the idea. I agree, they do have a funny older brother/younger brother dynamic. xP))

Katara wasn't an Earthbender…but if she was one, she would have more than likely sent a good chunk of the Western Air Temple tumbling into the foggy canyon below with every irritated stomp she took in her restless pacing.

Only just that morning, Aang had taken Zuko on Appa to search for the spot they'd talked about the night before: the ruins of the ancient Sun Warrior civilization, to search for the secret of Firebending. He'd insisted that the rest of them stay behind, and that they'd be back soon enough. The others were hesitant in letting the Avatar travel with the exiled prince, for he wasn't yet fully in their realm of trust. But Aang argued that Zuko indeed deserved a chance like this to really prove himself. And the Firebender had given his sincere word (decidedly sincere thanks to Toph's sense of truth-telling) that he wouldn't do anything out of line.

Even so, Katara had relented with the utmost reluctance only after stomping up to the scarred teenager and pointing her index finger between his eyes.

"Not. One. Step. Backward." She'd venomously repeated her warning, her eyes narrowing hard. "I will come after you."

None too nervous under the Master Waterbender's steel-plated scrutiny, he repeated his earlier promise to keep Aang safe (with the Airbender giving his own fond reassurance on the matter), and soon enough they had mounted Appa and disappeared into the morning sky.

That had been hours ago. It was now well past nightfall; and as her brother and their friends looked on with concerned expressions, Katara kept pacing back and forth nearby, muttering angrily beneath her breath every so often.

"Will you sit down already, Katara?" Toph growled towards her from her seated position with the others around the campfire. "I can't stand all this stomping you're doing."

The girl swerved around on her foot and sent her friend a glare, fists loosening at her sides. "Well, excuse me for being worried!" she roared, throwing her arms up. "They said they'd be back soon!"

"They said they didn't know when they'd be back," Sokka nonchalantly pointed out. "'Soon' could mean any amount of time."

"Just sit down and relax," Haru spoke in a reassuring manner. "We don't know anything about this place they're supposed to find. It might've taken them all day just to get there."

"Relax? Relax?" Katara snarled and started her pacing again. "You're all taking this too well! Even you, Sokka, I'm surprised at you! You know what Zuko has done in the past, and you're willing to just…let Aang go off with that jerk? For all we know he could've led him into an ambush or something!"

"Hey now!" her brother sat up. "I'm worried too, you know I am. But Zuko gave his word, and Toph said he was telling the truth, so we have to take their word for it!"

His voice turned softer as he saw Katara's expression slowly drop, the muscles in her limbs slackening. He sat back against the column again. "Remember, Aang has to learn Firebending, and if this is the only way to do it, then we have to take a chance here. And besides…Aang can take care of himself. He'll fight back if something happens with Zuko. Both him and Appa will."

"Seriously, Sugar Queen," Toph sighed. "You should trust Aang's judgment."

"I do!" she argued, tensing up. "It's just…I don't feel right letting him leave, alone…with him," the Waterbender practically spat as she finished.

"Look," Sokka hummed. "Just give it another day or two. If they're not back, then I promise, somehow, we'll find a way out of here and go looking for them."

Katara stood there, frozen with her friends' concerned eyes all trained upon her. She turned her gaze away into the depths of the night-colored canyon, gripping her upper arms. Her sense of logic agreed with them…but it was too far overshadowed by the poisoning resentment she had for the Fire Nation and for its prince, who was still too far out of her realm of forgiveness yet…if he would ever be. A part of it was such worry for Aang…she never liked not being there to stand behind him as always. Ever since he'd woken up from his lightning-induced coma, he was hardly out of her sight. And now he was too far away—who knew where now—with one of the people partially responsible for his near-death.

Her friends couldn't understand what she felt. And in ways, she didn't either. Every thought of Aang made her pulse rise, and made her hope that he'd just return unharmed…and every thought of Zuko with him caused her blood to boil. She couldn't even think of sleeping that night; her entire body was too tense, enraged, and fearful.

She shook her head rapidly and snorted, flushing from the self-consciousness building up from the others watching her. "Fine…just a couple more days. Then we have to go."

"I just bet they'll be back before then, anyway," Haru hummed before turning to Teo and The Duke. "Tomorrow, maybe."

"I bet they'll be back first thing in the morning!" the group's youngest member piped in, which elicited hopeful laughs.

"We're still gonna have to think of a way up out of here if they're not, though," Teo hummed. "Maybe we can find flying machines around here to work with, too."

"Or the resident Earthbenders could craft some stairs up the canyon, genius," Toph snorted, causing Haru to snicker and the young refugee to blush in slight embarrassment.

Only Sokka didn't join in the banter, going back to watching Katara move to the water fountain to let out her frustrations in her bending as she often did. He could hear her lowly-spoken words rather clearly, along with see every pause and angry gesture she made to the air.

"That jerk had better get back…better not be a single scratch on Aang, I'll tear him to pieces. Then I'll tear the pieces to pieces, just you wait…not gonna wait around and let any stupid Firebender get the drop on us…why did he have to decide to join us anyway, this whole thing reeks…"

The warrior sighed and resigned himself to getting ready for bed, glancing again up to the sky and narrowing his eyes.

That little trip had better be worth it, Aang.

Thankfully, the group wouldn't have to wait for two days to end. Their friends were heading back in the evening of the next day, a little before sunset.

As Appa faithfully soared through the heavens with the Avatar at his reins and Zuko reclining in the saddle, he paid little heed to the silent humans…who were still reeling in disbelief at the events that had transpired.

While Aang kept one hand on his bison's reins, he cradled a small, conjured flame in his other hand and practiced the simple maneuver of keeping it aglow with his energy and calm breathing as he was taught long ago. The flame flickered and pulsed with life, just like a beating heart, and the young Avatar was staring as if dazed into it…pondering what it meant to know that he was holding that little orb of warmth.

Now, he was ready to master the fourth element. Now, he was truly a Firebender. And even though the memory of burning Katara still stung his heart, he was ready to learn how to control the dangerous element with the utmost discipline.

"I still can't believe it," his newest teacher hummed from his seat, eyes wide as they stared out. His voice was rather level, but still low with awe. Aang figured that if Zuko could ever be giddy, that was as close as he'd ever get. "We just learned Firebending from dragons."

"And from an ancient civilization older than mine," Aang added, shaking his head with a whistle. "This was some day. The others won't believe a word of it."

"Not that it matters," Zuko turned his head to the Airbender, "Considering we swore up and down to the chief that we wouldn't tell anyone."

Aang sighed and extinguished his flame. "I know, but…I don't like keeping secrets from my friends. They're more than that to me."

Zuko's expression softened slightly. He'd forgotten just how different things were among the Avatar's group. He'd never had friends that close to him. Only Mai had ever come to that level…and the only other exception was his own mother.

He quirked the corner of his lip upward in thought. "Well…maybe we can just play down the story a little bit. Mention the dragons, or the statues…not the Sun Warriors."

Aang paused, and then nodded slowly in agreement. "That sounds good. Heh, we can show them the dance moves."

"I'd hardly call it a dance."

"It's called the 'Dancing Dragon'."

Zuko huffed. "Only because it looks like a dance. They're Firebending forms all arranged together in a pattern."

"Pretty gracefully though."

"Whatever," the fire prince dismissed with a wave of his hand. "It's not a dance."

Aang rolled his eyes. "What've you got against dancing, anyway? It's just like fighting; you balance intricate footwork and quick reflexes. Now, Airbenders were great dancers."

"I just bet," Zuko muttered with disinterest.

"And the Fire Nation had great dances a long time ago," Aang continued, unaware of the Firebender's pointed ignorance of the subject. "I'll have to show you some moves sometime."

Zuko let out a loud snort. "Yeah, and I won't be paying attention."

The Airbender sighed. "I give up."

"Good."

Aang shook his head at the futility of the situation. Still, he had to allow himself a small smile. When his adventure began…heck, even just a week ago…he'd have never imagined accepting Zuko as his teacher. And now there he was in Appa's saddle, speaking and arguing with someone he'd only considered a target for the longest time…like a friend. That day, the banished prince had proven to the Avatar that he was truly serious about his mission in life. The dragons too had seen it, and blessed them both with the sacred visions of Firebending.

Destiny works in weird ways…Aang thought as silence crept in between the two. But, probably in ways best for all of us.

It was then that a memory flickered through the younger boy's mind, and at once, he found himself remembering a day that had transpired months ago…but a day that had first given Aang something about the prince's nature to contemplate. The first day that he really thought that...just maybe…there was good in him somewhere.

"Hey, Zuko?"

"Hm?" the scarred Firebender turned his head again.

"I never really said thanks."

The teenager's good eyebrow rose. "Thanks? For what?"

"For, well," Aang began, wondering if what he was about to say wouldn't perhaps open a wound in Zuko somewhere about it. "Saving me from Zhao, that one day."

Surprised, and finding himself reeling in the memories of his forays as the Blue Spirit, Zuko turned his head again in a bout of self-shame. "…Well, that was out of nowhere. Why would you thank me for that? It was for selfish reasons that I freed you."

Aang shrugged. "I sorta figured so. That's what my friends thought when I told them about it. But still, it was dangerous and risky, and you went out of your way. I couldn't help but feel indebted."

Zuko's glare softened, and his head tilted in curiosity. "…So then…is that why you didn't let me freeze to death at the North Pole?" he asked. "Paying the debt back?"

The Avatar turned his head to face him briefly. "Not really. I just didn't want to leave you there to die. Even my enemies don't deserve that."

Taken aback, Zuko gaped slightly and narrowed his eyes, searching for understanding. "So…even though I captured you, and took us out in the middle of that snowstorm, and after everything I did, everything I would have done…you still wouldn't leave me there?"

The boy shook his head. "Of course not. I'm not heartless."

This was certainly something new for the Firebender to take in. It was interesting to learn more things about the Avatar every day as a friend, but this concept of him was the most foreign by far. He had compassion toward everyone, this he knew, but that he was willing to extend the benefit of the doubt even to his enemies…

Selflessness. Zuko was brought up to believe it was stupid and dangerous. A weakness to exploit. But where he'd used it only when it felt in higher honor of him to do so, Aang had certainly made a discipline of it.

It made himself feel even smaller, compared to this young boy next to him. For so long, Zuko had thought that he was in the right. And even after he knew that he was really in the wrong, it was that revelation that showed him just how wrong he had been.

"Then…thanks for that," the Firebender relented in a humbled tone. "I guess."

"You're welcome," Aang smiled genuinely and turned his attention back to the reins. "Anything for a friend."

A friend. Me. Zuko allowed himself a slight smile of his own.

After a pause, he barked a slight laugh. "Speaking of my saving you, I have to ask. What was with the half-frozen frogs hopping out of your shirt?"

Aang snorted back a laugh of his own. "Oh man…well, Sokka and Katara were really sick that day, so I went into the mountains for a cure from a crazy old herbalist in a ruined town nearby."

"…I think I met her," Zuko mused, reminded of the old woman and the cat presumably wanted by the Fire Nation. "What'd she say?"

"She said I had to get a bunch of frozen wood frogs out of the swamp. And that my friends had to suck on them before they thawed out, or they'd be useless as medicine," Aang snickered.

The prince looked a little sick. "Suck on frogs?"

"Yep," the Airbender grimaced. "Did the trick though. Once they thawed, my friends sat up straight and spat them right out." Aang laughed. "Sokka was mad at me for days."

Zuko barked a laugh. "Yeah, I'd probably be too." As the mirth died down right then, a thought occurred to the prince. "So…your friends were sick when you were captured?"

Aang nodded solemnly, eyes narrowing. "Yeah. The whole thing scares me a little to this day. If you hadn't helped me escape, I wouldn't have been able to help them. As I was chained there in that cell, all I could think about was going back to them."

The prince regarded the Avatar with a little sadness behind his unintentionally-crass expression. "And you weren't worried about yourself?"

"I was, a little," Aang admitted. "Zhao said he'd keep me alive…but only barely. I could've been left to starve, or tortured, if the Avatar State wouldn't kick in to save me. Still, I was just worried more for Sokka and Katara than myself."

Zuko had no reply to that. The Airbender was a brave one, to be sure, even after standing to face the threats of a monster like Zhao.

"If you had caught me," Aang began, "What would you have done with me?"

"Me?" the Firebender's head snapped up.

"Yeah. Just out of curiosity."

"I'd have…" he grimaced, closing his eyes in shame. "I'd have probably taken you right to my father. And…he'd have probably killed you. Which makes me glad right now that I decided to switch sides."

"Me too," Aang agreed with a hum and a short laugh. "You would have probably treated me better at least."

That, Zuko had to think about. But the answer itself was plain enough. "Of course I would have," he said with an insulted air. "I'm not heartless either. Prisoner or not, Avatar or not, you're still a person. And a kid besides. It's not honorable to treat a child like an animal."

Aang smiled a little at that. "You and your honor. See? You had some good in you even then."

Zuko just had to chuckle. "I guess."

"Still, that's in the past," the Avatar dismissively waved a hand. "I'm your student now, not your prisoner. Not that there's a clear distinction."

The prince sputtered, eyes wide. "Hey! Are you saying I'm a bad teacher?"

"No, I was just joking!" Aang immediately said with his palms up in a gesture of peace. "I'm sure you'll be a great teacher. Sheesh, you need to refine your sense of humor."

"My sense of humor is just fine."

"Not from where I'm sitting," the Airbender grinned toothily.

The prince grimaced. "Just for that," he stuck his index finger out, "You're getting double the training drills when we start."

"Augh!" Aang groaned, letting his forehead fall into his palm. "I gotta remember not to give any lip to my teachers."

"Darn straight."

The silence settled between them again, but this time it was thick with a newly-found understanding and a few forged threads of friendship. Aang had finally accepted that, in time, Zuko would be as priceless a friend as everyone else.

"Thanks though, Avat…er, Aang," the prince confirmed in a more amicable tone. "For accepting me."

"Like I said," Aang reiterated, smiling as he finally saw the landscape in sight where the Western Air Temple was hidden. "Anything for friends."

It would take the Firebender a little getting used to…but certainly, he knew that the rather wise kid was just as invaluable as he'd always known. Not as a prize or a target, but as a companion.

"There they are!"

Katara's head snapped up from her lethargic stupor as she heard her brother's voice, having been sitting at the edge of the fountain for most of the day in an exhausted heap.

Appa's roar thundered across the canyon in an echo, musical to the gathering of people around them. They encircled the landing platform near the campsite as the bison expertly touched ground.

As soon as Aang leaped down from the saddle to greet the others, he was immediately pounced upon and hugged by Katara, followed by Sokka. The others greeted Zuko while the display was going on.

"We were worried sick!" the Waterbender lamented as she loosened her grip on the lightly-blushing Avatar. "What happened?"

"Yeah, did you guys learn something about Firebending?" Sokka inquired.

Aang grinned. "We did. Look!"

As the others took a few steps back, Aang expertly produced a small flame from his hand and cradled it there. "I can finally do it without any trouble. And Zuko can bend again, too."

"Oh, joy," Katara muttered.

Ignoring her sarcasm, Aang excitedly pulled her along with Sokka towards the group. "Guys, c'mon, you gotta hear the story."

As they walked back toward the campsite, once the Airbender released her wrist, Katara pointedly stayed behind to give Zuko a short glare, crossing her arms.

The prince caught her look and bit his lip. "See?" he said, trying for a peaceful tone. "I brought him back, like I promised. I have no intention of hurting him."

The Waterbender's eyes narrowed. He did bring Aang back, certainly…but her opinion of Zuko didn't seem to change. At the most, she was a couple of notches toward the thought of forgiving him.

But only a couple of notches.

"I've still got my eye on you," she said in a low, snarling tone. "But…thanks for keeping your word for once."

The Firebender sighed, partially in relief and partially in frustration. He was a friend to Aang, but he would have to do a little more to gain the trust of his protectors.

It's a start, Zuko resigned himself to the thought as Aang called him toward the circle of their friends and practically begged to help him demonstrate the Dancing Dragon.