Chapter 7:

"KATARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Sokka was close to giving up for the day. Katara was nowhere to be found, and had now been missing for about a week. A week! How long could his baby sister fend for herself? He turned and started trudging back in the direction of camp. Even he knew that there were limits to what you could do in a day. Arriving back he collapsed on Appa, looking at the stars. I'm sorry Dad. I said I'd protect her – but I've failed. I won't let it happen again. I will find her – I promise.

Little did he know that the gang were searching in the opposite direction to Katara's location.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Katara was oblivious to Sokka's cries. She was busy fixing a poultice for Zuko's wound. He was gaining strength quickly, now able to walk on his affected leg. At present moment he was sitting against the wall of the cave, eyes closed from the stinging in the snake-eel bite. The venom may have left his body, but there was an infection now to deal with. She deftly wrapped his wound with a scrap of fabric from her robe, then sat back to admire her handiwork.

"Thankyou." It was said so softly that Katara barely heard it.

"Don't mention it."

"No, really. Thankyou."

She stared into his eyes for a second.

"Why?"

Zuko looked confused.

"You could have left me to die. I would have left you."

"But you didn't. When I hit my head you brought me here."

Startled slightly, Zuko nodded.

"I guess… still. Thankyou."

Katara began to open her mouth to say something, but Zuko lifted his hand and silenced her.

"I won't say it again."

She stared at him, not quite sure what to say. This was a totally different Zuko to the one she had figured out in her head. This one was… human. Now looking at him properly, up close, without threat of third-degree burns, she saw life behind those golden eyes. Reaching out, she traced a finger around his scar. Sad how cruel life can be. I bet you would have been gorgeous without a scar. Maybe not so angry… Zuko winced and the moment was gone. She quickly pulled back her hand and stood, muttering something about needing more firewood. With that she was gone.

Zuko sat, bewildered. Although not quite sure what had just taken place, he discovered that he didn't mind it, whatever it was. Slumping down the wall slightly, he noticed that there was a mountain of firewood directly opposite him. Why the hell was she getting more firewood? Shaking his head he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. She is one of the most bazaar, crazy girls I have ever met.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV