H'okay, last chapter for today.

I UPDATED! WOO! BREAK OUT THE CONFETTI~! hahaha just kidding, it was about time for me to move my lazy a$$... ^^;

Patty Cake Rocks, thank you for your review! I tried! Hahaha

SnoopyGirl213, do I detect a hint of... *gasp* Sarcasm? Hahaha jk sorry they're short...

CrazyJulz16, I UPDATED! Hey... CrazyJulz? CrazyJulz? ... uh oh. She died from lack of updates... O.o (everyone, shhhhh! The police don't know, and they're not gonna know, okay?) Heheheh

Julymoon, ...I'm terribly sorry for the lack of updates. I'm pretty sure you're disappointed and... I hope this makes up for it? (Me: Not a chance :/ )

CasperAce13, thank you for your keen observation. I shall try to not make the same mistake again, but at this point it's kind of late, so let's all pretend Katara's feet are VERY quick healers? :)

RedRoses224, (love the name btw) I hope this suffices?

ALRIGHT, on with the shooooooow!

Only two more to go!

Chapter 7

The frigid air of the South Pole was filled with cries of rejoice and surprise. The Southern Water Tribe had not seen a Fire Nation Warship since that fateful day when Aang reawakened, and many wondered what news it brought from the other lands.

As the boarding ramp was lowered, Katara ran over it (causing Zuko to shout "Be careful!" at her as it was still moving) and rushed to embrace her father, Chief Hakoda. It was a teary and happy reunion as father hugged daughter with love and worry. Zuko and Iroh walked down the ramp (once it was fully down) and bowed low to Katara's father.

"Chief Hakoda," greeted Fire Lord Zuko. Iroh smiled at the puzzled warrior and proceeded to shake his hand.

"Hello, sir!" He said, his voice jolly. The villagers immediately warmed up to them after seeing that they weren't under any threat and that their Waterbender was back with them.

Katara whispered something in her father's ear and looked at her friend, giggling slightly. Then, her face changed into one of grave seriousness, as she whispered in his ear some more. Hakoda looked from his daughter to the slightly uncomfortable Fire Lord and walked up to him.

"My daughter says very interesting things. I think we should have a talk, the three of us. If your uncle wishes to join us, he may."

Zuko glanced uneasily at his uncle and nodded, following the two into a large igloo, as he wondered what Katara had said.

…..

It was a long and uncomfortable hour as Hakoda grilled Zuko for details on what happened. He asked many questions and looked extremely worried. Not that Zuko could blame him. After all, his only daughter had joined forces with several other teens and had set out to save the world, and then lost her boyfriend, and then got herself kidnapped by filthy, lusty pirates.

At least Zuko wasn't the only one uncomfortable. Katara was blushing profusely when Hakoda asked about the two, inquiring whether or not they were "together", and if they had sex, and if they did, did they use protection?

After several things were cleared up (Katara soundlessly begged Zuko to not mention her nightmares), Hakoda nodded, mostly satisfied and yet still worrying and curious, emerged from the igloo to face his tribe. He made a long speech about what had happened, and captivated the listeners as he described how a Fire Lord had saved his beloved daughter. Once he finished the story, he clapped his hands twice.

"That's the signal for dinner." A Water Tribe girl whispered to Zuko. Giggling, she took Zuko's hand (she couldn't have been more than twelve) and led him to the Dining Hall.

It was a sort of misnomer, actually. It wasn't a hall, it was just a rather large igloo made sometime during the absence of Hakoda's children. Zuko and Iroh joined Hakoda, Gran Gran, and Katara at the far end of the igloo, where they were served sea prunes and something that vaguely looked Fire Nation.

Regardless, the food was delicious and the fires warm.

After dinner, several younger children surrounded Katara and began cooing over her, asking about her adventures and braiding her hair, trying to help as much as possible. They gasped when Katara showed them some of her scars, and listened in awe as she recounted (and possibly exaggerated just a bit) about her adventures with the Avatar. Zuko smiled. Evidently, she was having fun being treated like royalty by the children.

He jumped slightly when Hakoda began talking to him.

"Will you be staying the night?" He asked softly, though still in a curious tone. Zuko shook his head politely.

"I wouldn't want to impose, sir, and besides, I have a ship. We'll be gone by tomorrow morning, if you want." Hakoda sighed.

"You needn't hurry off. I'm sorry if I scared you a bit. I'm just… so worried about my little Katara. Well, she's not little anymore… but still I am concerned for her… she flies around the world and gets in fights and spies, breaks in, and steals. Not that it was bad, during the war… I'm just worried that some of Her supporters will want revenge on my daughter… Thank you so much for rescuing her." He said, turning to face Zuko.

"We're all grateful to have her back with us. What can we do in return?"

Zuko looked taken aback.

"N-n-nothing, sir." He finally stated nervously, somewhat laughing.

"It's not like we could just leave Katara with those disgusting excuses for humans. Although… would it be too much trouble to ask for permission to anchor here in one month's time?"

Hakoda's face was unreadable. There was a thoughtful pause, and Zuko was beginning to fear the answer when the Chief nodded.

"Of course. Now, it's late. You should get to bed. As should you, Katara." He said, smiling at his daughter, who mock-scowled as she continued walking towards them.

"I'm not eight, Dad. Besides, it's not that la—"

"Katara… go get some sleep." Laughed Zuko. Honest to Agni and back, she looked so cute when she pretended to scowl.

"Sweet dreams…"

~TBC~

Only so more to go!

A/N: Oooh, is there some speculation on who exactly said 'Sweet dreams'? Guess, hahaha!

Oh, and a QUIZ for you dearly beloved, loyal readers out there who've stuck with me this far.

Who thinks they know what's happened to Katara?

Yes, it has something to do with Pirates. Zuko's got a close guess, too... (mwahahaha)

Until next time! (Hopefully by next week, but NO LATER THAN THAT. If it is, I give you all permission to shoot me with a BB gun. Really.) Heheheh, take care!

Good chapter and then we finally the next one then mine start, chapter 9 NOT 11 I counted wrong, so get ready for that. Til next time!