Avatar the Last Airbender RPG made Story

by DracorianAmanda

Just a fun RPG that a friend and I made that I decided to post for others to see. It's quite long. Lots of shipping, plenty of action, and set after Western Air Temple, so beware of spoilers! See what new adventures await the Avatar cast!

6. Episode 6: Homeward Bound

Next chapter Hope you like it!

Episode 6: Homeward Bound

Katara sat at the back of the boat, steering it at well as she could. She had never driven in a motorboat before…it was a neat experience once she got used to it. Occasionally she glanced up at the sky, searching for a giant fuzzy bison flying somewhere in the clear skies. The wind blew through her hair as they sailed forward, throwing it against her face. She wiped a stray strand away from her eyes and felt the cool ocean spray against her skin. She could get used to traveling like this. Now that she felt safe within her own element, she gained confidence. "So…are you feeling better?" she asked over the sound of the motor, hoping to start a conversation with her companion.

Zuko sat quietly beside her and until he was spoken to, he'd been gazing straight ahead. "I am feeling a lot better." He smiled at her warmly. Her company made him feel cared for and safe. Whoever Katara decided to marry and have children with would be one lucky man. ".. Thanks to you. I think you'll make a great mother some day."

Katara blushed, but still had a small smile on her face, "Thanks, Zuko. I'm sure that you'd make a good father someday. Hopefully this war will soon be over…and you can be with Mai again." She knew he loved the girl. She could see it in his eyes every time he encountered her. She knew how it felt. Aang's face appeared in her mind, as prominent as if he were standing right before her. She smiled. He really loved her…and she loved him too.

Shaking her head to get rid of the thought, she gave an awkward cough and scratched the back of her head.

When Mai was mentioned, the prince also blushed. "I would like to be with Mai again.. and I believe this war will soon be over. Once we defeat my father." He turned a little more red as he looked back out to sea. "I'd make a good father? Do you really think so...?" In that moment he thought about having children of his own to look after. He had two, and one was a girl. The other was a boy. They seemed about the same age, and they both had gentle smiles on their faces. They didn't know war. He hoped he could be a good father. Maybe if he only modeled after his mother then he'd be alright... motherly... but better than the sort of role model his father was.

Katara watched as Zuko gazed out at the sea, apparently daydreaming. She gave a sigh and rested her back against the boat, holding the rudder still with her free hand. She was heading towards the East, the direction that she knew the earth kingdoms were located. As she directed the boat in the right direction, her own mind began to wander. She imagined the entire gaang hanging out at a beach after the war was finished. She was floating on her back, allowing gentle currents to carry her around through the water, and watched Aang glide through the air. Sokka was building a sand fortress for the fun of it, and Toph was relaxing on more solid ground, gazing sightlessly towards the sky. She looked around, and saw Zuko and Mai sitting next to each other on the beach, sitting beneath the shade of an umbrella. Appa was floating not too far away from her, and Momo was resting on his back. She gave a sigh, but her mouth turned down into a frown. Would they ever live peacefully like that?

Zuko realized they'd both been silent for quite some time after he'd finished daydreaming. He looked at Katara, also leaning his back against the boat. "I can't even imagine being a father. Mai said she doesn't even want children. They're needy and annoying. She can't understand why people think they're cute. I guess I feel the same way..." He wasn't being very truthful, but he actually didn't know anything about children. Sure, as Firelord he'd have to continue the line, but he couldn't imagine the... baby part. "But... I have to have children anyway..." He seemed confused.

Katara listened to his words and shrugged, "Well, I guess you won't know unless it happens. Though I can't see how you guys don't think that children are cute. I've lived with quite a bit of them growing up, and they always stole my heart." She chuckled softly, "I guess I'm just a softy when it comes to them. Since you HAVE to have children, I guess you'll have to just spend some time with one so that you're prepared for anything." She chuckled, "I can't imagine you doing that, but it would be pretty entertaining."

Zuko's heart began racing when Katara said it. He'd always said it, but to hear someone else say it. "..." The look on his face said it all. "I don't know... I wish I didn't have to. It's.. scary.. The thought of bringing new people in this world. I don't want to fail them as a father.." He wouldn't admit to his dislike of small and dark places, and yet here he was, confiding in her about his discomfort of children.

Katara looked at him, seeing his uneasiness. "Don't worry, I'm sure that…when this is all over and the Fire Lord is overthrown, you will become a good fatherly figure in the future years." She sighed, "I'm sure you'll think differently when the time comes. I really don't want to think about it myself, I'm too young to have those thoughts yet. Though I did used to enjoy taking care of some kids back at my tribe." She smiled fondly, recalling a long lost memory, and shook it away. She couldn't brood on the past, right now she had to concentrate on the present, and get them both out of the ocean safely.

The prince smiled, his heart still beating fast. He was thankful for her words. They were reassuring. She knew exactly what to say to him. "Hey, did you notice that it's almost been a whole day and we haven't fought... at all? I think we even enjoyed each other's company... I've enjoyed your company..."

Katara laughed, "Yeah….that's strange. I guess I didn't realize how much we were alike, or how much we really needed to rely on each other. I guess I was wrong to say the things I've said back at the Western Air Temple…after these past few days, you haven't shown any dishonorable deed that would make me lose your trust. I guess…I owe you an apology." She looked down at the floor of the boat, "I'm sorry for threatening you…I was just so angry and hurt after what you did in Ba Sing Se…I just felt like I could never forgive you."

Zuko listened quietly, his heart leaping for joy. His smile betrayed his feelings towards what she was saying. "I'm so happy you've forgiven me." His gaze was soft. It almost seemed impossible that he was the same Prince Zuko who obsessively chased Aang. "I don't know what pushed me to continue pursuing Aang in Ba Sing Se. I had been running from the Fire Nation as a fugitive for quite some time at that point, and the last time I saw Azula had been when she struck my Uncle. I guess... I really wanted to believe that my father would love me if I did that." He looked away. That sounded more pathetic than he had meant it to. "In hindsight I think it was a rash and poorly thought out decision. I would have chosen otherwise if I hadn't been interrupted by Azula. Or at least I wouldn't have... " And now he sounded like he was his sister's little puppet. "... Uh... Not that Azula... I don't know."

Katara felt as if a large weight was lifted from her shoulders as he accepted her apology. He sounded sincere, but at the mention of Azula, he faltered. It really wasn't him that the Waterbender didn't trust, she now realized. It was his manipulative sister who steered his thoughts towards what she wanted him to do. So as long as Zuko kept his thoughts clear around the princess, well, she felt she wouldn't have to worry.

"Don't worry about it…I really think we need to start over…I don't want to think of you as my enemy anymore…and I don't want you to think the same about me…" She sighed and looked out at the water as it zoomed past in a blur.

"I never really thought that way about any of you in the first place, even though I was trying to. I never wanted to capture Aang... He's a child. It's not fair.. I never actually hated any of you." He smiled sheepishly at his lap before looking up at the clear blue sky. "... And now I know it's okay to follow what I feel is right. I was always jealous of you guys, free to do what you wanted. And you are all so happy together... I always wished I were one of you." He almost laughed at himself.

Katara smiled, "Well, now you are one of us…so at least you got your wish." She closed her eyes and gave a sigh. They were actually getting along now…something she wouldn't have thought possible just a few days ago. He felt like a brother to her, one that irritated her to no end, but also one she wanted to help when he was in trouble. The few times they spent alone together had allowed them to see each other through different eyes. All it took was for her to get to know him.

She opened her mouth to say something else, but she saw something from the corner of her eye. As she twisted her upper body around to look over the back of the boat, her eyes widened in shock as an all-too familiar looking ship came from behind, "Err…Zuko…remember those pirates we fought before…I think they're back…"

Zuko stood up and turned around. "I remember the pirates. Should I be getting used to this!" They had tried to kill him before; were they returning to finish the job? "I wonder if they recognized us, or if they're just trying to steal from us unknowingly." He glared at the opponent. "Do you think we can escape...?"

The big lipped man looked through his telescope. "It's definitely the waterbender. She's traveling with.. My my... The prince of the Fire Nation really did survive after all... What should we do captain?"

The captain's eyes narrowed, "We have some unfinished business to attend to…full speed ahead!" The reptile bird on his shoulder cawed eerily as the captain drew his sword. "This time, they won't escape." He muttered darkly.

Katara got to her feet and noticed that the ship had gained speed, "One way to find out…" She threw both of her arms behind her and sent them flying forward once again, using a current of water to push the boat forward faster then it was before. She ignored the soreness and continued to push the boat, hoping it was enough. However, whenever she looked back, she saw that the pirate ship was gaining on them. There was no way they were going to outrun them, "Ugh…looks like we have to fight." She smirked, "I'm stronger then I was the last time I fought them. They're going to be in for a rude surprise."

Zuko smirked back at Katara. "So am I." He took in a deep breath, twisted his body, and subsequently lunged his entire upper body like a spring, moving his arms out from his body. It resulted in a huge fireball that came right for the ship body. Something about those pirates apparently personally irked the prince. He wasn't playing games with them.

The big lipped guy yelped. "Fire blast dead ahead captain!" The blast hit the ship body, causing a large hole. The ship caught fire as well, and the crew began rushing to put it out.

Katara's eyes widened in shock at Zuko's impressive attack. Her eyes followed it towards the ship and she watched as it blew a huge hole in the ship's hull. She leapt out of their own vessel and formed two blocks of ice on her feet before controlling her direction with the water beneath her. She was practically skating across the ice and she sent blasts of water at the pirates above the deck, knocking a few of the crewmates off board.

The Captain clenched his teeth angrily as the boat took a major hit. As a blast of water from the Waterbender came towards him, he sliced his sword through it so it would split on both sides of him, "We need to destroy their vessel! The Firebender would have to fight on our ship, and the girl can't stay out there forever. Fire the cannons from both sides when we draw near enough!"

The crew scurried in different directions. Some to help the ones who fell overboard, others to put out the fire, and others to operate the cannons.

Zuko's eyes narrowed. "You won't even get the chance!" He shot two well placed fireballs at the cannons, causing them to blow up before they were ready. The cannons blew holes into their own ship. "Come down here and fight me you cowards!" Zuko gestured for them to come on down.

Katara smirked as Zuko took out the cannons. She was about to fire at the lip-guy once again, but something flew at her and she ducked as the talons of the reptile-bird nearly got entangled in her hair. She sent a blast of water at it, sending the irritating creature flying in the other direction.

The captain glared and leapt off the side of his ship to land onto the benders' vessel. He lashed his blade towards Zuko as he soared down towards the ship and swung it in a cross-like motion towards him.

Katara noticed the big-lip guy preparing to jump and she quickly skated beneath him and sent a blast of water into his stomach, sending him flying back onto his own ship. She then lifted herself to their vessel with a pillar of water and melted the ice from her feet as she landed on the deck floor. Getting up to her feet, she got into a fighting stance and glared at the pirate, "Long time no see." she said with a smirk.

"You'll pay for that map with your head! I know all about you! The Fire Nation would pay a fortune in bounty just for you! Or I could wait until the Avatar came along to save you.." The big lipped guy smiled and threw a smoke bomb from out of nowhere right at Katara's feet. He then jump kicked into the cloud.

"You're going to have to do better than that! And after trying to kill me I will give you no mercy!" Zuko threw a series of small punches at the captain, jumping back to avoid the captain's lame attack.

Katara's eyes narrowed as the smoke surrounded her. She closed her eyes and listened carefully, hearing something come at her directly. She twisted to the side and drew a whip of water from the ocean, lashing out at the figure that appeared directly in front of her. The Waterbender froze the whip as it wrapped around the intruder and sent a blast of water over the side of the ship towards them.

The Captain dodged the blows quickly and lashed his blade at the flames that drew too near to dodge. When Zuko leapt back, he leapt forward, striking his blade towards the Fire Prince's legs.

Zuko jumped toward the captain, simultaneously dodging his blade. He drew his arms close to his body and then unleashed a wave of fire right at the captain with a growl. Just thinking about the pirates got him angry, and this was his opportunity to show them just how he felt. He remembered his heart racing as he thought he was going to die, managing to survive only to see his one and only ship burn down never to be replaced, and feeling this bitter desperation. His rage was fueling his firebending more than he'd like to admit, especially to Katara. He hoped she didn't notice how angry he was.

The big lipped guy heard a whip coming but it was too late as he was trapped and forced to deal directly with this huge wave of water. The wave of water broke the whip and sent him swimming off the ship, screaming. "HELP! HELP HEELP!" Not much of the crew remained on the ship at this rate. There were several people unsuccessfully trying to put out the flames and a few who were trying to help other crew members get back onto the ship. No one directly initiated with Katara.

The Captain's eyes widened in shock as the wave of fire came towards him and he leapt above the flames. As he crashed back down onto the boat, the vessel rocked violently, threatening to throw off both of the fighters. The Captain noticed the Fire Prince's anger, and the cry of his first mate told him that they were losing this battle quite badly. Giving an angered roar, he rushed forward, jabbing his blade towards Zuko's stomach. Using this as a distraction, he ducked and swept his leg in a kick at Zuko's feet.

Katara, realizing she was free to do what she wanted, threw her arms out and formed ice around the bottom of the boat, rendering it useless in the water. She then turned her attention to Zuko and the Captain and watched carefully in case the Prince needed her to help.

His eyes widened as the sword came for his stomach, but he also noticed the Captain's little trick. He couldn't believe he had previously struggled against this man. He solved his problem by simply jumping back, but his arrogance had caught him, as he ended up on the small ships edge, almost falling over the edge, but he barely managed to keep his balance.

The Captain took the opportunity to rush forward and began to slash his blade left and right, his anger at losing the battle fueling his actions, making him act recklessly.

Zuko simply allowed his enemy's own movements to be used against him. He stepped aside and shoved the idiot captain overboard with a smirk.

The Captain cried out in shock as he was thrown into the sea. He noticed the same fate befell most of his crew, and he glared angrily in defeat, "We'll be back, Prince, and next time you won't be so lucky!"

Katara rolled her eyes and leapt nimbly onto the boat, "Yeah right. You guys barely even lasted two minutes! The next time you decide to fight, make it a bit more of a challenge. I'm bored to tears!" She lifted her arms and moved them forward quickly, sending a small tidal wave crashing down on top of the pirates, not large enough to submerge them, but enough to properly humiliate them. She then started up the motor and sat back against the wall of the boat, "Well, that was easy."

"They're just a bunch of slimy sneaks. They can't do anything unless your back is turned to them." Zuko was not hiding his anger and left over frustration. He sat down again, still feeling the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Katara frowned, "So...what happened between you and the pirates? Aside from fighting for Aang...I wonder why you looked so mad when you were fighting them." She was curious...

"Zhao hired them to kill me, and they almost succeeded. They blew up my ship. Luckily I was the only one in it, but I can't say I walked out unharmed.. My uncle wouldn't let me out of his sight for a while after that. He was shaken by it." Zuko's angry expression grew. "I can't believe the nerve of them! What a bunch of cowards!"/quote

Katara frowned and closed her eyes, "So that's why you were all bruised up when we fought at the Northern Water Tribe..." Remembering the battle that they had, she shook her head to clear that thought and murmured, "That is pretty low...even for pirates." She recalled the reason why they were after her. It seemed so long ago...when she first stole that Waterbending scroll in order to train herself...

Zuko nodded, touching his face and cooling off a bit. "Yeah, I was so desperate I didn't even allow myself to rest properly first. But I'm glad I went there, not because of Aang. Because I got to see Zhao and give him a piece of my mind before his inevitable... passing. After angering the ocean spirit he and his massive fleet were given no mercy. I can't believe I was trying to fight someone like Aang."

Katara closed her eyes and smiled, "Yeah...Aang's really amazing. Sometimes I can hardly believe he's just a little kid. He's an extremely powerful bender..." she opened her eyes, remembering the fortune tellers words so long ago. Her smile grew. When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Zuko looking at her and she blushed.

"I remember that was really haunting for me. Being forced to go after a kid, especially one as powerful as him. One who's been merciful to me again and again. It was bad... But now that I'm on his side, I feel invincible... Even though the past few days have been nothing but trouble..." Zuko seemed oblivious to Katara's blushing.

Katara smiled, "Yeah...we have run into quite a few problems since you joined us. But it hasn't been anything too serious. At least we now have fewer people out there trying to kill us. And I guess that isn't a bad thing..." She closed her eyes, recalling the events from the past few days. So much had changed...She went from absolutely hating Zuko to tolerating him within a night, and they fought the pirates together and actually acted like a team. It was strange...yet it felt kind of nice. Maybe they would become friends...It just...had to take some time.

The prince pulled his hair behind his ears, brushing his hands through it as if to sooth it. He watched the ocean with awe. The ocean spirit could have killed him as well, and yet he was spared time and time again. Even just recently the ocean didn't successfully drown him, it gave him back to Katara. "I've changed so much in the past year, and yet I feel more like myself than I have in a long time. I almost forgot who I was, lost in my father's shadow." He looked back at his hands and then Katara. Never forget who you are. She reminded him of his mother again, and it made him smile at her. Katara assisted in helping him to remember who he was. She brought out a soft contemplation in him just like his mother did.

Katara looked at him as he gazed out at the ocean. He had changed…She remembered the tough, seemingly emotionless teen that attacked their village all those months ago…When she saw him in the cave at Ba Sing Se…she barely recognized him until she saw his scar. And now…he appeared like he really cared about Aang's well being. Deep inside, she really felt like she should trust him. When he looked at her and smiled, her doubts began to fade away. Yes…there was a chance that they could become friends.

Their eyes made contact for several long thoughtful moments before he realized perhaps he was being rude, staring at her like that. He cleared his throat and gazed out at the ocean once more. The smell of the ocean was so strong it was almost unbearable. Oh wait, maybe there was still seawater in his nose. The thought made him cringe a little and sniffle.

The silence had returned between the two. When he was with Aang, the Avatar would talk his ear off half the time. They always had things to say to each other. Katara and he seemed to have a lot more peaceful and quiet moments when they weren't arguing. The prince was almost tempted to annoy Katara just so that they could have something to do. But being so well bred, he didn't. What's that? Oh, it's just a cloud. I wonder what Aang and the others are doing right now.

As Zuko's eyes met her own, Katara thought she could see an inner peace within his gaze. It was a feeling that she only felt a few times, usually when she was on her own, or when she was helping a loved one. It amazed her that she saw it in the Prince's eyes when it was just the two of them. As he looked away, she rested her chin on her arm, listening to the gentle whir of the boat's motor. The silence was beginning to get overbearing. She wanted to lighten up a bit, so she smirked slightly to herself and pointed over to the left side of the boat.

"Zuko! Check out that awesome fish!" she yelled. With her other hand behind her back, she began to form a swirl of water that she would send up at him at just the right moment.

The prince looked at Katara with a confused face. "Why would I want to look at a fish? A fish is a fish.. Are you that bored? Why are you so excited about a stupid fish?" Although getting him to turn around didn't work, it appeared he hadn't understood the prank Katara had up her sleeve.

Katara inwardly groaned and continued to point furiously, "I've never seen that kind of fish before! I need you to help me figure out what it is!" Her hand gesture was quite comical as her finger waved up and down. She continued to swirl the water, Come on…Just look already! she thought eagerly.

"Why would I know? Aren't you the one obsessed with water?" He started to become suspicious. "Wait a second. Why would you want me to turn my back to you so badly? Are you trying something childish?" Yeah, that would get Katara flustered, he thought with a smirk.

Katara blinked, but retained an innocent look, "Me? Do something childish? That's Toph's job." She looked back at the spot she was trying to get him to look at and gave a sigh, "Well, nice one, Zuko, you missed it." She made a subtle motion with her hand in order to send the stream on the other side of the boat, nearer to Zuko.

Zuko turned to look where Katara had been frantically pointing. "Really? I mean, maybe it'll show up again." He looked around. "I don't think it was actually there at all."

Katara watched as Zuko turned around and with a quick gesture of her hand, she sent a thick blast of water towards the back of Zuko's head. As it made contact, she smirked and began to laugh, "Man! It may not have worked right away, but the outcome is still as funny as heck!" She leaned back against the boat, still chuckling slightly from splashing him. It definitely didn't work out the way she wanted it, but it was still fun.

"AWGH! I'm all wet! That was so childish Katara!" Zuko gave her an angry pout, his amber eyes flashing. He dried off relatively quickly though, so what he continued to pout about seemed petty. "Now I'm cold again; I can't believe this." He noticed that Katara was laughing, and it made him lose focus on being angry. He forced back a smile and began wringing out his hair.

Katara gave a satisfied sigh as she calmed down a bit to take a few deep breaths. "Childish, yes, but fun too. And you're a Firebender, a little cold won't hurt." She sat up straight and streamed a bit more water between her hands, tossing it back and forth. A mischievous smirk appeared on her face.

Zuko had a mischievous look of his own as an idea popped into his head. She couldn't keep tossing water on him if...

And he could make her confused and annoy her all at once. He'd do it. "But now I'm really cold. And it's your fault so I'm using you for warmth." Without even giving her a chance to retaliate, he grabbed her arms and pulled them down, causing the water to land right on her lap. He then wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Were you bending water just a moment ago? Why'd you drop water on yourself like that? Brr... I'm so chilly..." The prince seemed ultimately satisfied with himself. Happy.

Katara cried out in shock as Zuko leapt at her. As he pressed her arms down, her bending form broke and the water crashed onto her lap, soaking her. She was about to leap up and fight back when he wrapped his arms around her, pinning her arms to her sides.

"HEY! Getoff!" She yelled, caught completely off guard by his gesture. Clenching her teeth, Katara squirmed to try and get out of his grip, "No fair! You can't pin me like this!"

Zuko gave her a sweet and innocent glance and a sugary smile. "Pin you..? I don't know what you're saying. I'm just cold." He held her closer, squeezing her but not so much to hurt her. As long as he was able to hold her, she couldn't waterbend the water on her lap, which endlessly amused him.

Katara's eyes narrowed and she shivered as she felt the cool water against her skin. She continued her futile struggling, but it only served to get her more wet and frustrated. She closed her eyes and took in a hiss-like breath before letting herself go limp. She hoped to get his guard down so she could get him back.

Zuko was completely assured in himself until he felt Katara go limp. "What's the matter Katara?" He let go and watched her carefully, concerned. "What did I do? Are you alright? Oh no! What if Aang finds out I hurt her! Ugh-- stupid stupid stupid!" He smacked his palm against his forehead repeatedly. He really was naïve.

Katara opened her eyes a crack and noticed that Zuko was looking at her, concerned. Taking this chance, she leapt to her feet and shot her hand forward, sending both the water from her lap, and some water from the sea, soaring towards the Fire Prince's face.

His one eye widened a lot and his mouth gaped as he was yet again completely soaked. He coughed, having gotten some in his throat. "That's not funny Katara! You looked dead and knowing my luck you could have been!" The seawater again dried very quickly. "Eww I'm all salty..."

Katara rolled her eyes, "Yeah, because I really could have died from you holding onto me. How weak do you think I am?" She then smirked, "You're afraid of a little salt?" She had a longer stream circle around herself and she gave him a challenging look, "Care to try that again? I have plenty of water, and I doubt that I'll ever tire of splashing you with it."

"Oh come on! I'm tired! I know I held my own against the pirates but dealing with a crazy girl is too much! I nearly drowned yesterday! I don't want to get wet anymore! Come on Katara! I'm going to go under the deck and leave you alone if you keep splashing me!" He pouted at her as if this would ensure he got his way. He hated being under the deck in these tiny boats. It was just so... tiny. But that wouldn't stop him from doing it to punish Katara.

Katara's eyes narrowed, "Crazy? Just because I'm trying to lighten the mood a bit doesn't mean I'm crazy." Her voice lifted a bit, "Why don't you stop whining and enjoy life for a little while, instead of hiding away because of some stupid mishap? It's not like I'm going to throw you overboard! I'm just trying to have a little fun."

The prince grew red in the face, indignant. "I'm not-- Ugh! You-.. I'm going below! Don't disturb me!" He headed for the door and pulled at it again and again. It was locked. "What the... I can't believe it's locked!" He kicked it in frustration without even denting it and sat back down with a childish huff.

Katara watched as he uselessly kicked at the door and she folded her arms over her chest, "It sure looked like that worked out well. You really looked immature right there. Why don't you just grow up and stop being such a grump! I'm trying to cheer you up so you don't have to be so depressing!" She sent the water around her back into the ocean and muttered something inaudibly.

Zuko folded his arms and glared at Katara for a while with no vocal response. He then huffed again and turned away from her. "I can't wait until we find Aang. You're so annoying."

Katara's eyes flashed dangerously, "What! I'm the annoying one? I'm not the one constantly throwing tantrums when I don't have my way! And at least I'm actually trying to keep our spirits up! You didn't have to get all defensive because, like it or not, I had a great comeback after you made me splash myself!"

"I'm not being defensive! You're trying to make me angry so you don't have to be friends with me! You're picking on me! I don't like water, so stop splashing me with it! I feel disgusting! I need a nice hot bath and I need to wash my clothes and I want a hot meal and I hate this! I'm supposed to be teaching Aang firebending right now but something always gets in my way! It's always something!"

Katara yelled, "That's not true! I'm not trying to make you angry! I'm trying to tell you what I think about your pouting and complaining! You're constantly doing it and it drives me crazy! You're going to have to wait until we actually find Aang, and complaining is not going to make things go any faster!" She huffed and sat back down at the end of the boat, looking out ahead. She saw a thin strip of land further out to sea and she gave a relieved sigh, "Thank goodness…" She muttered, "I was beginning to get tired of being stuck in this small thing with you."

"Well EXCUSE ME for alerting everyone in the market there was a huge bounty on my head and getting us locked up in the first place! And I don't pout! I'm not pouting! I'm just so angry that you can't seem to play around without SPLASHING ME! Can't I be angry I was almost killed by my sister twice in the past few days!"

Katara felt blood rushing through her face as he reminded her of her big screw up, "Hey, at least I made up for it for saving your butt in the ocean! Do you think it was easy for me trying to drag you through the water AND fight your psycotic sister AT THE SAME TIME! You DON'T have to take your anger out on ME! And how else do you expect me to LIGHTEN you up! Hug you! I already did that once and I'm NOT looking forward to doing it again!"

It was a half-lie. She felt kind of bad about what happened the night before. She actually enjoyed having someone close to her when she slept. It gave her a sense of security and warmth, a feeling she hadn't had since her mother had died…She closed her eyes, remembering the times her family would spend huddled around the fire in their home, their arms wrapped around each other in loving embraces. That one time with Zuko reminded her of that…

"Fine! I won't hug you! Ha! I don't even like hugs! Hugging is just a waste of time! I don't care about hugs! You know the only reason I hugged you was to use you for warmth because you nearly drowned me! It's not like it was comfortable or anything!" He didn't even know what he was saying at this point, so he was mainly taking everything he really felt and swapping it because it hurt so bad that she'd say such a thing. He actually liked hugs, and he liked hugging Katara. He had thought she was just so motherly and huggable. But if she didn't like hugs...

"Yeah, I don't even like you!" Zuko turned away, glaring at nothing. He was just saying things to hurt her feelings at this point, not even considering she may be doing the same. She's just been pretending to like me. That's so screwed up.

Katara looked up and felt a pang of guilt strike through her heart as he yelled. She closed her eyes, feeling tears well up in them. "Yeah, I don't even like you!" His words hurt…She could hear his anger and felt it within her. She didn't mean to offend him, or hurt him. She just didn't want to admit that she liked the kind gesture.

She turned her head away, allowing the hot tears to fall down the sides of her face. Did the hug mean anything to him? "You know the only reason I hugged you was to use you for warmth because you nearly drowned me!" Her shoulders shook as his words replayed through her mind. She tried not to cry aloud, her lips quivered as she fought to remain silent. Her shaking and the tears were the only signs of her sadness. She felt terrible…Why did she have to start an argument with him when they were just getting along? Why did he say such hurtful things, when they were just arguing like before? She was confused and emotional. She wanted to lay down and sleep her worries away, but she couldn't. Not while Zuko was still angry. But she didn't know how to make it up to him, so she remained silent, unable to express her feelings in words.

The prince turned around after a small period of silence to see what his shipmate was doing. There was no yelling, no angry glare. There wasn't any reaction at all. She's shaking. Oh no, is she crying? What did I do? I'm such an idiot. Maybe she was just saying things too. Maybe she didn't mean what she said. I didn't mean it either. But how do I even explain myself? Why do I always screw up? He had to do something, anything. His anger had died down immediately after she began crying and it was all replaced by guilt. He could just imagine her big blue eyes filled with tears, and it was all his fault.

If she was actually pretending to be friends with him, why was she so upset?

His eyes softened and he walked up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I... I didn't mean what I said. Please don't cry. I... don't know why I said that..."

Katara blinked to allow the newly formed tears to slide down her face. She felt Zuko's hand on her shoulder, and she looked back instinctively, imagining her mother standing behind her. When she saw Zuko with her teary eyes, she blinked again and wiped the back of her hand across her eyes, "I…it…it's okay…" she muttered, sniffing slightly as she turned her face away. She didn't shake his hand from her shoulder, she felt the warmth it gave off, and was comforted by the gesture. "I don't know…why I said the things I have too…I sort of enjoyed this time we…had together." She ran her arm over her eyes to wipe away the tears that continued to come and gave a shaky sigh, "I'm sorry…"

The sight of her eyes in that state of utter sadness compelled him to do something. She liked the time we had together? He took her into his arms, embracing her. "It's okay.. I liked spending time with you too." What would cheer her up? What could possibly help her to feel better? Something, anything to comfort her. "I don't not like you..." Real smooth, he thought to himself.

Katara's eyes widened as Zuko wrapped his arms around her. She then closed her eyelids and leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. She missed hugs…they were so few and far between in their group. Throughout their adventures, they hadn't had much time to really…well…hug.

"I don't not like you…"

She shook her head, a faint smile coming to her lips. He really had a way of expressing himself… "I don't not like you too." She wrapped her arms around him and returned the hug. She hoped he didn't get the wrong idea, the idea that Aang probably would have if he saw them like that. It was a friendly hug…nothing more, but nothing less.

It was almost as if Zuko was on the same wavelength as Katara. "But I also don't like you like you either. Not that I don't like you. Just..." He sighed. Yet again, real smooth. He wanted to make sure that line was drawn not because he thought anything would happen between them, it was more so that if this ended up being mentioned later her stupid older brother wouldn't start putting ideas in everyone's heads. "Sokka wouldn't like seeing me act brotherly towards you. I think he'd get the wrong idea. Especially after the platypus bear incident." Once he felt that his intentions were clearly represented, he hugged her tighter. It's like having a little sister that I can actually love. Should I share that with her? She'd probably think it was funny. The fire prince adopting a little sister, yeah, what a riot.

"... You're like a younger sister I can actually.. um... do things with?"

Wow, I just shouldn't say anything out loud. I'm definitely better off as the 'stoic' one in the group.

Katara smirked, "Don't worry, because I don't like you like you either. And don't worry, I won't tell Sokka anything about this." She had images in her mind of how her older brother would react, none of them all too pleasant. If he saw them hugging…well, chaos would ensue in the group and he'd never let her live it down. Even if she became really irritated with Zuko, she doubted that she'd spitefully share what their relationship was like these past two days.

At his little sister comment, she chuckled softly and looked up at him with her bright, blue eyes, "You mean a little sister that won't try to kill you every time you turn your back?" She hugged him tighter, "And you're like another older brother who drives me nuts at times…but I guess you do have your sweet moments." She inwardly smirked, remembering how he looked when he slept.

As Katara iterated her mutual only-friends feelings Zuko nodded with complete agreement. It made him wonder though why they had to explain this to each other in the first place. Was it that ultimately forbidding for any sort of feelings to develop between the two? On his side, absolutely, in fact. He'd never really pondered it before that moment. He never even SAW her as a woman before now. As the crowned prince who is going to rule this nation someday, I guess I can understand my apprehension towards women.

The prince smiled at the mention of 'sweet moments'. "Sweet moments? What kind of sweet moments are you talking about?-- And I'd like to be thought of the older brother who can actually bend, who's well read, smarter, and generally better at everything. Because... you already have an annoying older brother."

He finally released Katara from his firm hug and placed his hands on her shoulders, leaning in close to her face to check if her emotional state had improved.

Katara blushed, "Well…sweet moments like…when we were talking about your mother…and when we…" she blushed even deeper and as he looked her in the face she turned her eyes to the side, "When we huddled for warmth in the cave. I never expected that out of you…" Her blush slowly faded, and she gave him a lighthearted smile, "Well, I'm sorry, but you probably won't be thought of as that. The bending part is all you have going for you. You're definitely not smarter or better then him." A small laugh escaped from her lips.

Zuko watched her softly, nodding at her words until she said 'I never expected that out of you', and then he pouted. He sneered at the statement about him not being smarter or better than Katara's brother. His face was very amusing.

"Hey... Even when I considered you as an enemy, I always had mercy. I thought I was being the good guy; that's all I ever wanted to be. That's why I'm here now. I'm not heartless. On the contrary, I'm very passionate about.. everything."

He smiled, retaining that soft look on his face. Then he raised his brow, pouting again. "But there's no way Sokka is as good at fighting as I am." A small smirk escaped from him, he was probably joking. Either that, or he was thinking that Sokka was such a lame fighter.

Katara pulled back to get some space from him and smiled, "Okay, maybe you're a little bit better." She spaced her thumb and forefinger a centimeter apart, "By maybe that much." She smirked and rested her arm over the side of the boat. She closed her eyes and gave a sigh as her hand trailed through the water, propelled by the boat itself. She had a thought to splash Zuko again, but maybe later. She didn't want him to start complaining again.

Zuko's hands slid to his sides as he continued to slouch. "I don't think so. Last time we sparred it only consisted of him running away." The land was slowly growing closer. "... Is that mainland?"

Katara smiled, and then squinted as he mentioned land, "It sure looks like it…" She smiled and stood up to her feet, "The sooner we reach land the better. Hang on tight."

As she stood, she send a few streams of water towards her feet and turned her ankles slightly to form some ice around them. Then, she threw her elbows back and sent her arms forward, causing a powerful current to press against the boat once again. She wasn't going to waste time, the sooner they got to land, the sooner they could find out where Aang and the others were.

Zuko inwardly hoped there was a nice giant town they could stop in. He'd like to buy a change of clothes, have his washed, take a bath, and sleep in a giant fluffy bed. It was a nice dream, but he knew as well as Katara how much Aang needed them. But if they were near a large town, they could also be near smaller towns while they travelled back towards Aang's direction.

They could buy a map to situate themselves as well.

Within minutes, the land came closer into view, and Katara was able to put the ship onto shore, quite a ways from the nearest port. She didn't want to cause mass panic in the village if the people there saw the Fire Nation boat. As she leapt out of the vessel and landed on the ground, she looked around at her surroundings. It wasn't the place they were at before they were captured, but it was a start.

After Zuko climbed out of the boat, she once again hid the boat within a clump of trees and turned to him, "Are you ready to go?"

The prince nodded, looking around. He then walked on beside Katara, heading for the town. "... Do you think my clothes stand out too much?" He pointed out his somewhat tattered red hood and cape. If Katara hadn't screamed out his identity, the clothes probably gave away he was at least Fire-Nation. He hated shopping but at least he'd get some clean clothes if his current ones were deemed unfit.

Katara looked over his appearance and tapped her chin in thought, "Well, we should be good for a little bit, but you should really get some new clothes…" She closed her eyes and gave a sigh, "I'll try not to blurt out your identity…I really don't want to end up in another situation like that…" [IThough it did give me some time to bond with him…/I she added in an after thought.

"I'm not worried about it." He smiled warmly at her. He wasn't going to push for new clothes, but the whole seawatery dirtfest that was going on wasn't really doing it for him. Dirt was sticking to his face; he looked like a common bum.

He'd never looked less presentable. Not many would even take the watertribe girl seriously. If he saw himself in the mirror, he would have probably absolutely insisted on bathing and dressing properly. He must not have known how bad he looked.

Katara smiled back and quickened her pace, "Maybe…before our search…we can find a nice place to cool off. I'm sure we could find some hot springs around here…or at least we could make our own." She thought about the idea. It would work…all it would require was some thought, and a nice place to set it up. She was sure that if someone happened to stumble across a hot spring where there wasn't one before, it might be suspicious.

Soon, they were in the town, and Katara looked left and right to find a good source for information. "Hey, do you have any cash on you? If we're going to buy you some new clothes, we should make sure we have enough money." She kept her voice down, enough so that no one would over hear her, yet she wouldn't seem suspicious.

Zuko pulled out a bag of cash and dug through it. "It's mostly not Earth Kingdom money, but I do have a little bit left over from while I was in Ba Sing Se." He handed her the cash he sorted through and put away his other cash. It was something he did without thinking. He then realized he did and hoped she didn't notice he had just treated her like one of his servants. The prince was 'too good' to carry his own money after all. All those rules made him want to puke. It was purely out of habit.

"Let's situate ourselves first." He sniffed his arm and made a face. He smelled gross. Like old seaweed baked in the sun. "But bathing would be nice too." He looked around for a little while before finding a tourist shop. He stopped there and looked around. "So.. Uh... Where exactly are we sir?"

Katara blinked as he handed her the money and she stared blankly at it for a second before wrapping her fingers around the change. She was about to ask him why he did that, but he was walking towards the tourist shop.

The elderly man at the counter tapped his chin and smiled at the two, "This is the village of Chang Ying. It's a small town, but it's very prosperous for its size!" He motioned towards the shops around him and gave a warm smile, "You should check out some of the great stores they have here. Our produce comes straight from the colonies themselves!"

Zuko's eye widened. "This is a colony.. Oh right. I should have guessed." He gave the town around him another glance. Most of the people there wore some sort of red garment, and those who didn't wore brown or a dirty green. They were a mesh of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom customs. It felt familiar and foreign to him all at once. "One map please." He took the map offered to him. "Look on the back", the old man said to him. And so he did. "Oh.. it's a list of local stores. Thanks." He promptly began leaving without even paying, apparently from lack of practice with merchants. The man gave Katara this look. "Two silver pieces please."

The prince noticed that there was a clothing shop not too far away. It was just down the market street. Great. New clothes. I've never been so happy to go shopping for new clothes before. Actually, I've never been happy to shop before.

Katara gave an irritated look as Zuko left and she passed two silver coins to the man, "Thank you for your help." She gave him a kind smile and then turned around to catch up with Zuko. She saw him heading towards a clothing store nearby and quickly rushed to his side so they wouldn't be separated. The town was small, but crowded.

"Alright, let's get you some new clothes…I think mine'll be fine. I'll was them when we get cleaned up." She pressed the coins into his hand, forcing him to take them, and smiled, "Get something nice now, I'm sure you don't want to walk around looking like a slob."

"I don't look like a slob... do I?" The prince took a glance as he fingered his money into the store's display mirror. He saw a scarred up, dirty faced, messy haired... ew. "Ugh..." He began looking through the outfits. There were a lot of green and brown ones at this store. The store clerk eyed him suspiciously.

Katara looked at the image in the mirror and smiled, "Does that answer your question?" She stood nearby, watching as he looked through the clothes. From the corner of her eye, she saw the store clerk giving him a suspicious look, and she edged closer to the Fire Prince, "Hey, would you mind speeding this up a bit. The longer we stay here the more likely we're going to get caught." She made sure to keep from looking suspicious, keeping her voice at a low whisper while she pretended she was looking at clothes along side of him.

The clerk closed in on the two. "Hello there, how may I serve you today? I only have the finest clothing... How much are you looking to spend?" Zuko twisted his lip in thought and then looked at Katara. He wasn't sure how haggling even worked, or if they had to do it. He didn't want to be swindled since they were on limited funds. Maybe she knew more about this sort of thing. "My... uh.. girlfriend is in charge of the money... She's helping me pick out a nice durable... outfit. I sort of.. ruined this one really quickly." The clerk immediately seemed to back off, nodding. "Ohh I see. You two make a nice couple. Might I also interest you in some fine dresses young lady?"

Katara stiffened as the clerk came towards them and she turned and gave a meek smile, "Uhh…we're here to spend as much as we need to, no more, and no less." At Zuko's comment, she hissed, "Girlfriend!" audible only to him and sidestepped closer to him to elbow him roughly in the side, "Yeah, he's a hopeless case, he can't find a good price on objects if his life depended on it…As for the dresses, I'm not really interested…sorry, but my boyfriend here is the one who needs to be clean."

Zuko felt as he was elbowed roughly and rubbed the spot. It was going to bruise. "Ow.." The clerk seemed pleased enough, beginning to mumble about his first love and how he used to be a hopeless case. Never so dirty though. Poor girl. Way too pretty for him. Zuko glared at the clerk before continuing to look through potential clothes. "I think I like this one." He pulled up a lovely green and brown multi-layered piece. The clerk smiled. "You have exquisite taste. That one is made of the finest silk available." Zuko nodded, stroking it lightly. At least his hands were clean, otherwise the clerk would get angry at him surely. "I see the master stitching as well. This was made very well. I want it. How much is it?" The clerk smiled, cash in his eyes. "Yes, I'll take no less than forty gold pieces for it. A fine deal for quality like that. It's meant for nobility." The prince smiled politely and began counting his money, but then frowned. That's practically all I have. Why is it so expensive?

Katara narrowed her eyes, "No way that outfit costs that much. It's nice and all, but it's not THAT nice." She tapped her chin in thought and looked at Zuko's money. They had to have extra in case they didn't find the others soon enough. "We won't give more then 30 gold pieces."

Zuko frowned and looked at Katara. "I don't even think we'd pay 30 gold pieces for it. The other clothing store had a similar piece and it was marked 20 gold pieces. Such a nice price. No wonder it's more crowded there." He set the piece down and began to leave. "What? The other guy is selling a similar piece for 20 gold? That RAT! I'll give it to you for 17!" The prince perked and turned around. "Oh really? Deal." He gave the man the money and took his well earned outfit. Smiling, he began to leave.

As Zuko grabbed his things and left, Katara quickly followed and chuckled when they were out of hearing range of the store clerk, "Great one, Zuko. I didn't know you could haggle like that. That was pretty impressive." She looked around, noticing a food stall nearby and took a few coins from Zuko, "I'll be back, I'm going to get some food for us before we go into the woods." She raced over towards the stall and began looking at the food items.

The prince smiled at her compliment, beaming. "I just used a trick I've seen my uncle do. We were on a tight budget in Ba Sing Se." He watched as she left his side and held the outfit closer to himself. He saw the general direction she'd gone in, but the road was so tight he'd quickly lost sight of her. Didn't she just tell me we should stick together? He began walking in the direction he'd seen her go.

As Katara payed for her food, she turned to meet back with Zuko and stopped in her tracks as she heard the Fire Prince's name being said.

"…Prince Zuko and a waterbender friend of his were last seen in the ocean. Apparently they gave the Firelord's daughter a hard time before escaping. I sure hope they stay out of sight…" Katara thought she saw the man glance at her quickly before he looked back at his companion, "I hear Azula has been looking all over, searching for them."

The Waterbender blinked, and clutched the food tightly before slowly making her way back to Zuko. She relayed what she heard back to him, and murmured, "We should get out of here…If that man was right, and Azula's around, it'll be better if we make ourselves scarce."

"No, if my sister is here then let her find us. At least if she's targeting us, she won't be targeting our group", Zuko murmured in a quick reply. "And if we move too quickly, we'll create suspicion around ourselves. We don't need anything else for now, so let's just idly walk to the edge of town and figure out where we might find Aang." Zuko nonetheless put his hood over his head and looked around a bit with his new clothes firmly pressed against his chest before striding off towards the edge of town.

Katara closed her eyes and nodded, "Alright…I guess you're right." She blushed slightly. Why did she never think these things through? Of course it was more reasonable for Azula to find them instead…but she was pretty nervous about it. The princess wanted them either dead or captured…neither of which seemed like very good options in her opinion.

As they walked towards the outskirts of town, she began to feel vulnerable without her trusty waterskin at her side. She gave a small groan, now she knew how Sokka must've felt when he lost his boomerang. She hated having to rely on plant water to attack. It seemed like such a waste…

"Okay…so we're out of town…where should we go from here?"

Zuko put his things down and rolled out the map. He pushed his hood off his head and began fingering seemingly random places on the map while deep in thought.

"Oh... I saw something and I thought of you Katara." He unraveled his new clothing and gave her a well crafted deep red and gold waterskin. "I know it's not much, but at least until you can get yours." He began paying attention to the map again.

Katara's eyes widened in shock as he passed her the beautiful waterskin and a wide smile came on her face, "Th…thank you, Zuko!" She wrapped her arms around him in a quick hug and quickly hung the satchel over her shoulders.It curved around her side just right so that she could access water with it easily. She took the opportunity to find a nearby stream and she filled it up, feeling the familiar weight of it. "Much better." She said with a smile, "Now I don't have to keep killing trees."

The prince expressed mild shock as he was hugged, and then he smiled happily. She really likes it. He watched as she filled it up and then finished his calculations. "We split with our gang on this very island. We are east of there by several hours. If we start traveling by boat now we can easily reach them before nightfall." This meant he wouldn't get a chance to bathe, which disturbed him more than a little. He gave Katara a once over. She looked FINE. I'm so jealous. He pouted.

Katara's heart lifted when he told her the others would be nearby. She started to walk in the direction of their boat, but at a quick glance, noticed that Zuko was looking at her, a pout on his face. She lifted an eyebrow in a confused look and shrugged before leading the way back in the direction they came from, going around the outskirts of town instead of through it. They could never be too careful.

Why does she get to be clean? I'm disgusting. It's not fair. Zuko walked along side her for a little while but then stopped. "Wait, let me at least bathe quickly. I can't stand this anymore." He side tracked, heading for the stream they'd been near. He began stripping, hoping Katara didn't stupidly follow him. He just couldn't stand the sticky dirtiness anymore. It was overwhelming. "Don't follow me. Just stay there."

When he was satisfied, believing that she wasn't following him, he finished stripping down to his undergarments and tossed the shredded clothing aside. When he stepped into the clean fresh stream it was a relief. Immediately he scrubbed his face with his hands and began trying to get the salt out of his hair.

Katara nodded and watched him leave before taking a seat next to a tree. She rested her back against the trunk and closed her eyes, allowing herself to doze off a bit while she waited. She pictured meeting up with the others, hugging them all before explaining their little side adventure. She had never been separated from the group this long before. And the last time she was, ironically she had been stuck with Zuko…It was as if fate were playing tricks on her, trying to get her to befriend the prince.

It took much scrubbing without any soap to get all of that salt out of his hair. And he wished he had his razor too, because his face was making him itchy. He should have purchased one at the market. "Oh well..."

Once clean, he pulled himself out of the water and then heat dried. Then he pulled on the new clothes. They were a bit big on him, but he managed to adjust them.

"Okay. Let's go then." He walked past Katara, looking great besides his little lip whiskers.

Katara snapped out of her dozing state and nodded quickly before getting to her feet. She noticed the start of a mustache growing on him and she looked away to hide the smile on her face. "Alright, the boat shouldn't be too far, let's get out of here!"

They soon arrived at the spot where they hid the boat, and Katara swiftly pulled it into the water with help from a controlled wave. She looked around, checking their direction, and climbed into the vessel, "Alright, let's get going!" She started up the motor and directed the boat in the right direction. She closed her eyes and smiled; in a few hours, they would be with the others.

Zuko sat beside her, itching the side of his face idly. Maybe it wasn't itchy because it was dirty after all. He pictured himself with a full beard like his father or uncle and made a slight face. How could they stand it? It was so itchy. But now that he was coming of age, he'd be expected to grow something pretty soon. And be married too. And have children.

"..." He looked up at the vast sky and inhaled and in turn exhaled. But for now, I'm not doing any of that yet. One step at a time. In a few hours, he'd be trying to make up for lost time with Aang.

Katara covered her mouth and gave a small yawn as she steered the boat with the other hand. She was almost getting sick of being on the ocean. She just wanted to sit down around a nice fire and talk with the others. She actually missed Sokka's humor, Toph's attitude, and Aang's playfulness.

"So…you have quite a bit of catching up to do with Aang's lessons, don't you?" She asked, "And I'm sure the others are completely lost without me being around to take care of most of the chores." She chuckled, "They probably miss us."

"I don't know. I'll bet they're..." And he trailed off. There was this speck, and it was coming closer to them. "... here?" The speck, what was it? "What is that!" It was Aang, and he was free falling right for them. "GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUYS!" He used his glider last minute, but then crashed right into Zuko, smiling goofily at Katara. "Hey Katara. Hey Zuko. I'm so glad you guys are okay!"

Katara's face lit up with a huge smile as Aang looked up at her. As the Airbender got up, smiling sheepishly at Zuko, Katara quickly wrapped her arms around him, "Aang! I missed you so much! I'm so glad you're okay as well!"

Aang returned the embrace and closed his eyes, "I thought we lost you! It's such a relief to see you guys alive and well! You have to tell us all what happened! The others are camped out on the shore not too far from here! Let's go!" He pointed towards the forest and Katara quickly adjusted their course, relief flooding through her as the boat turned. It was so great to see him again.

They soon arrived at the shore and Katara waited for the other two to get out with their things before she sent a tidal wave towards the back of the boat, tipping it over. She didn't want anyone to see it and find out where they were, and they really didn't need it anymore. "Okay, Aang, lead the way." She said with a smile.

The Avatar nodded and leapt forward into the trees, full of energy. He was greatly relieved. He was afraid something terrible had happened to them. But now, seeing them, all his fears were dispelled and his cheerfulness returned tenfold.

Zuko walked awkwardly, somewhat like a gimp. "Ow... You couldn't have just landed in the water Aang?" Somehow he felt Aang was taking some sort of subconscious revenge on him for stealing Katara away. "Did you take my things with you?"

Sokka eyed Zuko suspiciously, throwing the prince's bag in his arms. He then hugged Katara, his eyes teary. "Katara! I thought I'd never see you again!" Toph ran over to Katara and also hugged her. There was some sort of obvious preference going on as the prince was left alone with his bundle of stuff.

The fire prince glared and walked off with his stuff, searching for his nicely decorated knife. Where was that thing? Oh right, it had been with him the whole time. He smacked his forehead, pulling his knife out of his boot. He began shaving, pretending to be too busy for everyone's hugs anyway.

"Are you okay Katara? We heard you'd been captured, but then it was a trap for us, and we were captured. Then we got out, and unable to find you, we left for the closest mainland hoping we'd find you there! I'm so glad you're safe!" Sokka wiped at his face after squeezing his sister one more time.

"I'm happy you and Zuko didn't kill each other while alone." Toph smirked widely.

Aang grinned, "But that wouldn't have been nearly as fun, Zuko!" He said as he watched the prince walk away. He noticed the others hugging Katara and he joined them as well.

Katara smiled and closed her eyes at the hugs, smiling as she welcomed the embraces. "I'm fine! We're fine…We were captured, but we managed to escape as well. Then we were stuck on an island and had to survive a night." She smirked at the memory, "Poor Zuko was practically helpless, but we managed to live." She looked over Sokka's shoulder to give a smile to the Prince, but he wsas busy shaving. She frowned and then turned to Toph, "Yeah…well, we got along…fairly well." She began to blush and turned her head away to keep Sokka from seeing, "He didn't get on my nerves too much."

Toph's face became incredulous for a moment, and then she smiled and chuckled.

"You guys actually got along? Really?" Sokka looked over at Zuko and then at Katara. "How did THAT happen? We last saw you two having a huge argument!"

Zuko finished shaving and looked at the group, who was looking between him and Katara. "I wasn't completely helpless. You nearly drowned me! ... What's everyone looking at! Let's just move on."

Katara's mouth opened in shock at Zuko's statement, "I almost drowned you! I saved your life!" She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, trying to lower her frustration. The last thing she needed to do was get into another argument with him, not after they were getting along so well. "…Let's just sit down and take a breather. I want to hear about what happened with you guys."

Sokka laughed at Katara and Zuko. "I knew it was too good to be true. You two are the same. You're probably just more used to the arguing now." Toph was smug about something, but she remained silent. The prince seemed to be angry over something, but he didn't deny that Katara had saved his life. He had so many things he COULD say to her, but he left it alone.

Toph decided to tell their tale. "Well basically several hours after Aang and Sokka came back and you two hadn't shown up, we began getting worried. So we all travelled back to the town and began asking about you. A lot of the people wouldn't talk. They were afraid of something. But one townie finally told us that you'd been arrested for being loud in pubic. We all believed it and went to the sheriff's office to bail you guys out, but then we were captured. Soon Azula had shown up to be sure we were properly taken care of. She was really mad about something. Anyway, so we ended up escaping blah blah blah she chased us around, almost killed us, blah blah blah. We thought maybe you'd also been captured by Azula, but we couldn't find you and she hadn't mentioned you so we assumed you escaped from her. While on Appa we guessed to check out this big island that was close to the mainland because it seemed like a good 'meeting place', and while the rest of us hid Aang set off on his own to find you. Then he did. And here we are."

Katara listened to their tale, frowning at the mention of Azula. It was really her fault in the first place that they were all in that mess, but she guessed that what was done was done, and she didn't have to fret about it anymore. She then began to tell their story, about their capture and escape, their time on the island (leaving out the hug and the air-vent incident), and the pirate attack. She explained it in detail, and ended with them meeting with Aang. Then, giving a deep breath, she smiled, "And that was it."

Sokka laughed with relief. "For a little while there we thought Zuko'd gone and turned on us and captured you. And once we were trapped we were even more afraid of that. But then it was his sister and we were like 'oh'. Yeah. Man I'm glad we're all back together."

Azula's older brother glared at Sokka and then looked away angrily. It was Katara's fault, not his. He thought better than to defend himself and tried to let it go. He almost missed being alone with Katara. Sokka was unbearably annoying. And so he did the next best thing. He took charge.

"We're going to keep moving to lose Azula's trail and then make camp for the night. Aang, I'm going to train you some more tonight. We can't keep being set back like this. It's exactly what she wants. Alright, let's go." Zuko began putting things onto Appa, who wasn't too far away. Momo seemed happy to see Katara and had climbed onto her shoulder with a happy chitter.

Sokka just stood there for a moment as he watched everyone follow exactly what Zuko said. "..."

"... Hey! I'M THE LEADER! Why is everyone listening to ZUKO?"

Zuko glared at Sokka. "Got a problem with the plan?" Sokka pointed at Zuko. "YES! Stop ordering us around!" The prince gave him an 'are you kidding me' look and then continued what he was doing.

Katara frowned at Sokka's comment and silently agreed with Zuko's plan to get out of there. When Momo hopped onto her shoulder, she smiled and scratched beneath his chin, hearing him give a soft purr before he lay down on her shoulders.

When Zuko and Sokka began to yell, she gave a tired groan and turned to her brother, "Sokka, just listen to him for once. He's right, we have to leave as soon as possible so Azula doesn't find us. I'm not in any mood to get into another battle right now, and I'm sure the others feel the same."

Aang nodded in agreement, "She's right. Let's just get our things packed and leave. I don't want to stick around long enough for Azula to find us."

Sokka put his finger down and complained while following everyone else. "I know... But I'm the leader guy. He's trying to take my place. He's already taken my 'complaining guy' title and my 'I'm the oldest' title. It's not fair!" The two angry jerks sat on opposite ends, both with their arms crossed and looking away from each other. Once everyone was on, Sokka took the reigns. "Yip yip!" And off they went towards the South East. Toward an unfamiliar and large peninsula of Earth Kingdom land.

When Appa landed in a secluded area, Katara immediately set to work and began unloading their things. She refused to rest as she set up tents and a fire pit with Aang's help, but she was beginning to feel her responsibilities build up, especially with the extra person in their group, "Zuko, you can use my tent from now on." She said, "I really don't need it, if it rains, I can just bend the water." She then added teasingly, "Plus you'd be able to get a bit of extra rest if the sun shines in your eyes again."

Aang listened to her, and wondered why there was such a sudden change in her attitude around Zuko. They obviously had time to talk when they were both captured, but how could that keep them from arguing so much? Was it because Katara saved his life? Or was it something more?

Zuko shook his head. "Katara, you can't bend rain while you're sleeping. I'll be fine. I'll just sleep with Aang if it starts raining." Toph grinned. "Or you could sleep with Katara." Zuko shook his head. "She's a girl! I don't sleep with girls!" Toph cracked up at how flustered the two felt. She wasn't entirely sure if something had happened between them or what, but it was funny. "That's okay Prince, I'll just make you a tent if it rains." She pat him roughly on the back, almost causing him to fall over.

The prince stalked away from Toph, lighting the fire pit. "It's not even going to rain anyway."

Katara sputtered furiously at Toph's statement, "Are you crazy! I don't want him sleeping next to me! That would be wrong!" She then stopped and blinked, realizing that it had happened before in the cave. Could Toph possibly have figured it out? No…That was impossible, but still…She felt extremely uncomfortable around the blind Earthbender now, so she turned to the others, "Are you guys hungry? I bought some food…" She opened the cloth that held some vegetables and meats wrapped separately, "We'll have enough for a while, but I don't want to make a meal and realize that no one's hungry for it."

Zuko watched the fire, responding to Katara first. "I'd like to eat. I'm so hungry. I can make the dinner. You're probably tired."

Sokka watched Zuko suspiciously. "We haven't really gotten to eat all day actually, so yeah we're all pretty hungry. Actually I'd like to cook tonight. I'll give you a break little sister." He smiled sweetly at her.

Zuko shrugged. "Oh, I guess it makes sense to take turns cooking dinner." Sokka frowned. "Yeah, of course it does." Because I'm right. And I'm a good brother and I don't need you butting in on my sister. "Besides, while dinner's cooking you two could do your little jerk bending." The prince glared at Sokka. Once the two made eye contact, a glaring session began. "It's not jerk bending! It's a sacred martial art that's a vital part of my culture!" Sokka stuck out his tongue. "Yeah, the culture of burning things to the ground is SOOO cultural and sacred."

Katara rolled her eyes at the two and gratefully moved aside so Sokka could cook. However, he was too busy glaring at Zuko that he failed to notice, and she cleared her throat to get his attention.

"You know…nothing is going to get done if you guys keep fighting like this…" She felt like a hippocrite. Wasn't it just her and Zuko arguing that way a few days ago? She chuckled softly, she definitely changed in the past few days. Zuko on the other hand…he didn't seem like he changed at all.

Aang waited patiently for Zuko and Sokka to stop glaring and he murmured, "Zuko…should we begin our lessons soon?"

Zuko stopped glaring at Sokka and nodded at Aang, still irritated. "Yes, before the sun goes down. Let's get started." He walked off, expecting Aang to follow, and stopped not too far away from the group. He sat in a clearing and began picking at grass. What was he going to teach him next? What would uncle teach him?

Sokka sighed grumpily and began cutting the meat and veggies into bite sized pieces. He'd gathered specifically sized and type sticks from the pile of sticks and began creating kabobs.

Katara sighed as Zuko led Aang away and she watched Sokka cut up the food. She went over to Appa and leaned back against his soft fur. She just wanted to sleep…but her stomach gave a dull rumble that betrayed her hunger. Rest would have to come later, but it was impossible for her to not doze off. Her eyelids grew heavier by the second, and it took all her concentration to keep them open.

Aang sat in front of Zuko and watched as he picked at the grass in front of him. A strange silence came between them and the Airbender gently coughed to get the Fire Prince's attention, "So…what are you going to teach me now?"

"You can create fire. The key now is precision. You need to master your basics before you can get any further. Let me see your stance." Zuko watched as Aang got into his firebending stance. "A little wider. You look like a waterbender when you stand like that... Okay that's better." Zuko tapped his chin in thought for a moment. "I want you to firebend while concentrating on your proper breathing. I'll stop you if I see any mistakes."

Toph sat beside Sokka and began cheering him up, talking to him softly so as not to disturb Katara, who was obviously wiped out.

Aang fixed his stance as Zuko instructed him and he took a deep breath. Then, breathing out, he shot his fist forward and a bright flame shot forward, spiraling through the air a few feet in front of him. It vanished before it could hit anything and Aang lowered his hands, breathing out a long sigh as he did so.

Katara couldn't stay awake any longer. She closed her eyes completely and felt her mind drifting off. A few thoughts went through her mind, but she was too tired to think clearly on them and she soon fell asleep. Her head rested against Appa's sides, and her arms rested on the grass beside her.

Zuko nodded. "Well, apprentice. That wasn't too bad. Now I want to see you make as small of a flame as you possibly can, while keeping in mind proper breathing."

Sokka watched as the kabobs slowly cooked. He took off the ones that were entirely vegetables. Those were for Momo and Aang. The rest still weren't done yet. Momo perked at the kabobs but a firm glance from Sokka told him not to go after them. He lowered his ears sadly and fell asleep beside Katara.

Aang nodded and held his hand out in front of him. Then, breathing in deeply, he let it out slower and a small flame, about the size of a candle light, appeared right at the tip of his forefinger. It remained that way until his breath ran out and it slowly died out. "How's that?" he asked, smiling slightly.

"That was okay for a first try. Again! Longer this time!" Zuko folded his arms and watched from his seat on the ground. "I want you to hold that flame as long as it takes. This requires breathing in exactly a way which will not put out the fire, but will also not feed it."

The Airbender gazed down at his hand and took another breath. Then, he formed the flame once again, but controlled his breathing so he would continue to breath in and out occasionally, but it would not move the flame. He felt how smooth his breathing went, and watched as the flame continued to live at his fingertip.

Katara was once again back home, but things were peaceful this time around. When she got out of bed this time, her eyes widened in shock when she saw her mother sitting beside the fireplace in the corner, stirring the soup inside with a spoon.

"Mom…" Katara mumbled in her sleep. Her thumb, fore, and middle fingers twitched slightly.

Katara reached for her mothers shoulder and gently rested her hand upon it. She smiled as her mother looked at her with the same sapphire colored eyes that she shared, and she felt her mom's comforting arms wrap around her.

Momo wrapped his arms around Katara as he slept on her, purring.

The fire prince watched Aang carefully for what felt like forever before he broke the silence. "Stop. You've shown me enough. You're a quick learner, Avatar Aang." He smiled at his friend. Once he was brought the question "what's next", he played with his new outfit in thought. He wasn't sure what to teach him, but surely there was something they could do before dinner was ready. "Let's meditate now. We're going to focus on our breathing while connecting with our inner selves. The selves which aren't attached to worldly concerns and are totally at peace with the flow of life." At least, that's how his uncle put it anyway. He always still felt pretty attached when he meditated, although it managed to cool him down somewhat when he was feeling high strung.

Katara helped her mom finish the soup and she sat back to watch her pour it into separate bowls. It had been so long…since she had seen her. She didn't register that it was only a dream, it felt completely real to her. Her mother walked towards her and took a seat, wrapping a comforting arm around her daughter's shoulder. Katara leaned against her and closed her eyes, feeling tears of joy run down her face.

Aang smiled and sat cross-legged in front of Zuko. He closed his eyes and felt the way that he breathed. He wasn't sure if he was doing it right, but as he breathed in and out, he felt himself relax and he continued to inhale and exhale in a slow, steady way.

Zuko's mind moved from thoughts of Aang to thoughts of Katara to thoughts of his mother and his uncle. He let them slowly drift away and felt as the sun replaced the void left behind. Even though it was sinking over the horizon, strangely he still felt it giving him life and energy. That was something he'd never noticed before. He couldn't see it, but it was still supporting him. This was tremendously relieving for him. He sighed softly, smiling.

There was a long period of graceful and peaceful silence with a backdrop of crickets and other night time animals.

"DINNER'S READY!... Hey, what're you guys doing? Sleeping? I thought you were supposed to be training." Sokka watched them curiously and laughed inwardly as he disturbed them, especially Zuko. The look on his face was priceless. "HEY! Can't you interrupt us more QUIETLY! We were meditating you buffoon!" Sokka glared. "BUFFOON? I'm not a buffoon! You're a giant seal-turtle turd! Yeah, you're WELCOME for cooking DINNER!" He stomped off, huffing. He was sure Zuko had done something wrong; he just hadn't figured it out yet. But that didn't mean he had to be nice to him. That sister doer wronger! ... Person! I know he wooed Katara.. or worse! Kissed her! Or he hurt her! Or something bad! They were alone TOGETHER! I was so stupid to leave them alone!

Sokka wasn't even thinking straight at that point. He really had a bad two days. He lost his sister and spent sleepless hours worrying sick about her, imagining the most terrible fates for her and his father's disappointed reaction. Imagining that perhaps she'd died or was unable to escape a torturous prison. He was really still upset over all of that.

Zuko glared at Sokka stormed off. "What's his problem? I didn't DO anything and he keeps attacking me."

Aang sighed and shrugged his shoulders, getting up from his position on the ground, "Sokka was in pretty bad shape after you guys disappeared…he was worried sick. Just…give him some time to cool off, now that Katara's back, he should be feeling a bit better, but the fear he had is still in him. He'll be back to his good ol' self in a few days, I'm sure of it."

The prince groaned at Aang's statement. Why is it okay for me to be picked on? If he were taking this out on Katara it wouldn't be okay. "I didn't have the best time either. Drowning's not exactly fun. Fighting my sister's not fun. Fighting with Katara wasn't fun. Give me a break." Without allowing Aang to respond, Zuko got up and began walking towards dinner.

Aang frowned and watched as Zuko walked off without another word. He gave a sad sigh and walked over towards the camp. Zuko never really got a warm welcome, unless he counted himself crashing into him on the boat. The Avatar quickened his pace and placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder, "Zuko, I'm glad you're okay, and I'm glad you're back. I really did miss you." He gave him a gentle smile, "It was awefully lonely not having you two around. I missed you both."

Katara, still leaning against her mother's shoulder, barely heard the alarm bell as it went off. However, she heard the cries of shock and alarm, and her head immediately shot up from alertness. Her mother gave her hand a comforting squeeze and she helped her to her feet. Katara staggered a bit. This scene was…familiar. She could hear the warriors crying out to each other, and her father's voice rang out the loudest of them all.

"The Fire Nation is attacking!"

Her breathing grew heavier as her mother pulled her out from their igloo. She desperately tried to pull back, crying out, "Don't Mom! I can't lose you again!" But her mother surged forward, in the direction of a younger Sokka, who was brandishing a small boomerang.

"Really?" The prince smiled softly. "I missed you too." He gave Aang a pat on the back. "You're a lot of fun." He wasn't sure how to describe the warmth he felt for Aang. Even when we were fighting on opposite sides fate kept us both looking out for each other somehow. He thought about that a lot. "It's quiet without you." So what if some of the group doesn't like me; I'm here for Aang and Aang likes me. He missed me.

Aang grinned and rushed forward to sit beside Toph around the fire. As he took his seat, he stole a glance over at Katara, who appeared to be sleeping. Her breathing was a bit quicker then what it normally was, and he frowned. Her hand twitched every so often because of the dream she was having. He also noticed a small tear streak that ran down her face.

"Sokka…should we wake her up?" he whispered to the young warrior, pointing towards Katara.

Sokka turned around and before he was able to respond, he noticed that Zuko was waking her up already. This made his eyebrows twitch.

"Katara, dinner's ready." The prince gently shook her shoulder, causing Momo to wake up and hop off. He noticed the tear and watched with a bit of concern. Does she have a lot of nightmares too? "Hey Katara, you're having a nightmare. Wake up."

Sokka rushed to his younger sister's side and shoved Zuko away. "Katara! You're crying! Don't worry! Big brother's here!" The warrior hugged Katara with much a sense of overprotection. Zuko turned back around and glared at Sokka before getting his dinner and leaving the circle with a grumble.

Katara felt someone shaking her shoulder and the dream slowly began fading away from her mind. She saw her mother grab Sokka's wrist in order to run to safety, but the dream vanished to be replaced by the familiar feeling of being hugged. She blinked sleepily and murmured, "Sokka…you can let go now…I'm fine."

Aang looked over at Zuko as he separated himself from the group. He took his own kabobs and went over to the Fire Prince, "Do you mind if I sit and eat here?" he asked, motioning to the place in front of him.

Zuko sat quietly in the darkening forest underneath a tree and on a rotting log. "... No..." He didn't say or do anything else to acknowledge Aang's presence as he began eating. He pulled off each piece and chewed it individually, taking time until he swallowed.

The southern warrior released his sister and grabbed her kabob for her. "Here you go sis. I hope you like it." He smiled at Katara reassuringly. "Was it mom again?" He hadn't seen that particular face on Katara in a while. She wasn't having as many nightmares as she used to, but he was certain that dream had resurfaced just by the look on her face.

Toph quietly ate, enjoying the fact she could see with her feet again. She could tell what was going on within the whole group. Aang was sitting by a high strung Zuko on a rotting log under a tree. They were probably going to discuss something boring that would reassure the sensitive prince. Sokka was worried about Katara, who was shaken from a dream she'd had. And best of all, I'm not involved in any of this; so I get to eat my food and listen as the entertainment continues until I go to sleep.

Aang ate his food quietly, gazing down at the ground. It was as if he was afraid that if he caught Zuko's eye, it would only further irritate the prince. Instead, he ate in silence, waiting for Zuko to speak first, if he was going to. There was no sense in making him more upset.

Katara grabbed the food gratefully and gave a weak nod, "Yeah…it was." She rubbed her wrist under her eye to push away the remaining tears and took a bite of the food. When she swallowed the first piece, she sighed and rested her chin on the arm that was draped over her knee, "I miss her…so much."

Sokka watched his sister with loving concern. I hate to see her so sad."... I miss her too. But at least we have each other. I felt so lost without your nagging." He smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, sitting beside her.

Zuko never said a word while he ate, but he wasn't feeling angry anymore. The feeling of anger was being replaced by a feeling of awkwardness in the silence between the two. He didn't think he should break it, considering his past pathetic attempts at breaking awkward silences. He finished his kabob and began fiddling with the rotten log, poking at it with the stick.

Katara gave him a small smile and rested her hand upon his. She then picked the last of the food off and ate it before throwing the stick half-heartedly into the fire. Then, leaning against Sokka, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I'm going to get back to sleep…I'm still tired, and I'm sure you guys have plenty to talk about…I'll leave you be." With a tired wave, she went into her tent and snuggled into her sleeping bag. She closed her eyes and fell back to sleep immediately, completely drained from the events that occurred in the past few days.

Aang cleared his throat to break the strange silence and said, "So…Is there anything else I should adjust in our lessons. I'm not used to Firebending, and I want to make sure I have everything down right."

Zuko continued to play around with the stick. "You're doing great. I've never seen someone as talented at fire bending as you are. You're a natural. I think after one more day of practicing the basics I may be able to teach you more advanced moves." He thought about how Sokka was being especially sensitive about him interacting with Katara. So, either he could ignore Katara and avoid confrontation but hurt Katara's feelings, or face Sokka head on. He knew exactly what he was going to do in that matter.

Toph pat a dejected Sokka on the back. "She's tired. You're tired. We're all tired. Let's go to sleep. G'night." Toph made her tent up in no time flat and fell right asleep. They barely slept the night before. Sokka decided that was a pretty good idea and also went to sleep, leaving Aang and Zuko alone.

Aang smiled at Zuko's praise, "I wouldn't have gotten so far if it weren't for you. You're a very great teacher." He noticed the others going to bed and he tapped his chin in thought, "More advanced moves…like what?" He was really curious. He was so close to mastering every element…he wanted to get it off of his chest so that there would be no fear when it came to fighting the Fire Lord.

"Fire balls, quick shots, shooting out of other chi points such as your finger tips and feet. Using weapons to extend fire bending, and breathing fire. And perhaps you can advance further than me. Blue fire, lightning. Those require the peace of mind and tranquility I know you're capable of." The prince was gazing off into the darkness. He felt cold again, and he wasn't quite sure why. His body had recovered, didn't it? He threw the stick and crossed his arms, keeping them close to his body.

Aang smiled, he could do all of that? He saw Zuko hugging his arms close to him and he frowned, "You're cold? It's not that chilly out here. Definitely not compared to the North or South poles." He gave a big smile, "Have I ever told you about the time that I went penguin sledding? That's so fun, you should really try it some time once the war is over. Katara and I had a blast when we did it."

"Penguin sledding?" The older boy curled up for warmth. "You mean, using a penguin as a sled? I never went sledding before... Are you sure you're not cold?"

Aang nodded, "Yeah, the penguins didn't seem to mind since we gave them some treats before hand. And I'm sure, it's actually pretty nice out." A concerned look came upon his face and he looked over at Appa, "Maybe you should lie next to Appa, His fur'll keep you warm, and he's very plushy. He makes a great pillow." He smiled warmly, "We should get our rest as well and continue training in the morning. These past few days have been quite draining." He stood up and offered Zuko his hand in order to help him up as well.

Zuko took the avatar's hand and got up. It's not as though his hand was cold, it was plenty warm. He offered a nod to the suggestion and walked over to Appa. Appa was half asleep, but still managed to greet Zuko with a happy little lick. "Uh! Down boy... bleh..." The prince wiped his face and fell onto Appa, finding a comfortable position. The beast was really warm and it helped him to start falling asleep. He was still feeling a little chilly inwardly, but it didn't stop him from falling fast asleep. Deep into dreams of long lost bonds and new friends. Ones he'd never talk about of course, since we all know him by now.

Aang smiled and watched as Zuko took his place next to Appa and he went to take his own place beneath his tent. The grin stayed on his face, even as he closed his eyes and went to sleep. It was great having the whole group together again. When he lost Zuko and Katara, it was like he lost a part of him. Katara…he had to spend more time with her. Maybe after his Firebending lessons with Zuko, he could continue healing lessons with her? His smile grew at the thought, and he sank into a pleasant sleep, dreaming of the lessons that were to come.