A/N: I would like to thank those of you who asked me questions/ideas; Renthread015, Cutegenius, Eternal Eyes. They will be answered at the end of the chapter. And I would like to thank jmac1220, animallover2000, ArrayePL, and Sarcasm22 for their comments :-D Always welcome.

This one is kinda short but a lot happens. :-D

As always please read and review. Comments, questions, and ideas welcome.

Disclamer: I own nothing related to Avatar.


Katara and Zuko had been walking for around four hours. They had gotten dressed and then ate breakfast in the small inn before they left. It was not hard to figure out which paths lead into the mountains. They were all labeled "To mountain top", while the rest said to what town they were heading to. They could now hear the flooded river that ran at the base of the mountain. It was still a little bit off, but they should be there within ten minutes.

Katara and Zuko were avoiding each other's gaze as they walked. Neither wanted to bring up last night again and neither wanted to look at the other. Needless to say it was going to be an awkward walk up this mountain.

Once at the river Zuko pulled out a rope, a knife, and a bow and arrow he had bought in town. He cut four short pieces off the rope and then tied one end to the arrow. He scaled a close by tree and shot downwards toward a tree across the river, hitting the tree at the base. The arrow lodged itself halfway down the shaft into the tree.

Zuko took the four extra pieces of rope out and laid them on another branch of the tree he was sitting in. He took his pack and tied one end of the rope to it. Next he put the short rope over the rope leading over the river and tied it to the other end of his pack. Slowly he pushed it and his pack slid the length of the rope to the other end of the flooded river.

He repeated the process with Katara's bag and then tied a rope around himself in the same fashion. He handed the end of the long rope to Katara, who wrapped it around the tree a few times to gain leverage and counter his body weight.

Slowly he let his full body weight test the arrow and Katara's strength before he made his way across the river. Once across he wrapped his end around the tree and braced himself, while Katara tied off her end. She slowly made her way across the river as well.

Once across they continued in silence up the mountain. Leaving the rope for their return trip. Both knew it would take all day to get there, if they even made it, so they walked at a steady speed to not get tired.


"What is with these two? They aren't speaking but they know what the other is thinking without a word. They are freaky."

Sitting in a tree watching the scene in front of him was none other than Yami. He was favoring his broken arm slightly but if you didn't know he had broken it you would never know.

Once the two were out of sight but still within earshot Yami made his way across the flooded river via their rope. Once across he continued to follow them discreetly across the woods.

His brother had broken him out of jail, stitched him up, and then gave him a brace for his arm and sent him on his way. Yami immediately went to finish his job. He tracked the Fire Lord, as Ryuji had informed him, to the small village in the Earth Kingdom. Once there, it was quiet easy to find the two, as they stuck out like a sore thumb. He followed them into the woods and now that he was across the river he could off them and no one would know for weeks, until the floods recede.

"This is the perfect plan. Now I just have to wait until the right time."


Night was beginning to fall. Katara assumed that they would be stopping for the night to rest and then search the mountain tomorrow. They had reached the end of the path and nothing was there. They stood at the end waiting.

Zuko was thinking about what to do. He didn't want to stop but soon it would be dark and they wouldn't see a thing. "We are stopping here."

It was the first words spoken between the two. Katara just nodded and stared to set up camp. Zuko set up the fire while Katara set up the beds and got out some food to eat. The silence returned.

Are we ever going to talk again? Is he nervous? I know he would have at least joked about this morning and how much I freaked out. What should I say? Should I not say anything at all? I don't know what to do here. A little guidance would be nice.

"Katara" Zuko started and then paused.

"Yeah?"

"I think." Was all that Zuko got out before an arrow flew in front of his face and hit Katara in the right shoulder.

Katara screamed and fell backwards. Zuko stood in front of her with both hands on fire. "Katara!"

"I'm fine." Katara slowly stood and broke the arrow off. She knew if she took it out she would bleed profusely and be no help in battle. "Just focus." Katara put her back against Zuko's while opening her water pouch and calling forth the water.

Zuko felt slightly better to see Katara standing and feeling her against him, but he could feel her shaking slightly and knew she wouldn't last long. "Just stay behind me."

Slowly they searched the darkness outside of their camp for a person and found nothing. Zuko was starting to feel paranoid when another arrow came at him. Ducking he pulled Katara with him.

"I see the Fire Lord is a little faster than I thought."

Katara froze. "Yami." She whispered to Zuko while they lay on the ground.

Zuko nodded and they stood. "I see that Yami is still an asshole. Want to tell me how you got out of jail this time."

Yami walked into the fire light of camp and started to speak. "No I'd rather not." Yami pulled back another arrow and released.

Katara barley dodged this one as she fell to the ground. She is getting weaker. I need to end this. "Let's fight then shall we. Or are you going to rely on your stupid bow."

It was true, Yami's arm was starting to burn and he could tell the stitches couldn't hold up through much more of the bows pull. But he also knew that the Fire Lord was much better with hand to hand and a sword than he ever was. "Not just yet. I think my bow is working wonders."

He pulled back another arrow and Zuko placed himself in front of Katara. Yami released his arrow and Zuko moved out of the way and pulled Katara with him behind a tree. She is getting paler. Her shirt is nearly stained to her stomach. This is not good. I can't leave her here in the open either.

Zuko looked worried Katara could tell. She was beginning to get dizzy and could only assume she didn't look good. "Zuko kill him this time." Katara said as she looked at him. "I won't move."

Zuko looked at her in worry and then nodded. "Consider it done." Zuko ran around the tree straight for Yami.

Yami released another arrow as Zuko ran at him. Zuko easily dodged it and continued to run at Yami. Right before he was within arms length Yami released his last arrow. Zuko dodged it again and threw fire punches at Yami's gut as he heard a scream.

As Yami collapsed from the fire hitting him, Zuko turned around to see Katara holding her side. She had been grazed by the arrow and blood was slowly seeping through her fingers.

"You asshole. I am fucking going to kill you." Zuko said as he turned back to face Yami.

Yami looked up as he pulled his sword and took a few steps back. The Fire Lord's eyes shown pure evil. It was in his blood. How could it not surface when someone he loved was dying while he was taking his time to kill the bastard that had done it.

Zuko pulled out his Duo Blade sword from his back and ran at the man. Both blades were ablaze by the time he reached Yami. Yami blocked the blades but the fire was reaching for him.

Zuko was seething with hatred for the man. He would kill the man without even worrying. Asshole hurt Katara. And she is dying and I can't do anything until he is dead. Die you fucker!

Yami continued to block as Zuko extended his fire. This is no good. I can't win with his flames coming at me. I am going to die here. What can I do? Yami started to glance around in desperation. His arm felt as if all his stitches had come out and he knew that a few more blocks and his arm would be useless. Then he saw it, Katara sitting at the base of the tree gasping for air as she quickly lost blood. Yes!

With one final block Yami pushed off and ran towards Katara. A look a panic entered Katara's very pale face, while a look of rage entered Zuko's stern features.

Yami was running full speed. I got this in the bag now. I will threaten her life and he will be dead within minutes. Suddenly he stopped. He couldn't feel his body anymore. He looked down in pure horror.

Once Katara saw him running at her she gathered all her strength and threw an icicle at him.

At the same time Zuko created a dagger of fire and pushed it at the man running at the woman he loved.

Both hit him at the same time. Yami had looked down to see two giant holes in his stomach, one of ice and one of fire. He collapsed as the blood slowly started to leave his body.

Zuko ran to Katara. She had a look of pure horror on her face. She was so pale, she didn't look like she could last much longer. Come on. Come on. Zuko was freaking out and his breath was coming in pants of panic. "There is so much blood." He whispered before he spoke again. "Katara. Katara! Focus!"

We just. We just. We just killed a man. She felt Zuko pull her up some but did not respond. It is too hard to move, don't make me move Zuko. Suddenly she heard him yell at her. "Ughm." Was all she could muster as a response.

"Katara I need you to tell me where water is so I can take you there to heal!" Zuko had seen a few lakes on the mountain map they had but he had no idea if he was anywhere close to them. She looks so small and lifeless. "Katara!"

Katara gathered her steagth after he yelled and searched for water. "I think it is that way."

Zuko picked Katara up bridal style and ran in the direction that she had pointed. As he ran Katara faded in and out of conciseness. "Katara, you cannot pass out. Stay awake." Zuko was starting to panic. Where is this fucking water! He started to run faster thinking it was too far away for her to make it. "Where is this fucking water?"

"To the right about 10 meters." Katara responded to his yell of frustration.

Zuko turned and ran at full speed. As he reached the small lake he ran into it, not worried about his clothes becoming wet. Zuko walked until he was waist deep and then slowly knelt down so that he and Katara were completely covered to their necks with water.

"Ok Katara, we are at the water. Heal yourself." Zuko said as he felt slightly relived, but was still worried.

Katara slowly started to glow blue as she healed herself. She was thankful that Zuko was holding her because she knew she could never hold herself up at this point. They sat there for close to 30 minutes as she healed herself. When she finally said she was done Zuko pulled them out of the water and sat on the bank.

"How does it look?" Katara asked as she leaned against the tree and watched his eyes look over her body.

"It looks like it will scar on your shoulder but I think your side will be fine. How do you feel?" Zuko asked as he placed his fingers on her shoulder. When they got back he would have to put a bandage on it, it wasn't quiet healed over and could still bleed lightly.

"Tired. Can I sleep now?" Katara asked in a pleading look.

Zuko laughed, "Yes you can."

"Thank you." Katara said as she leaned against the tree to pass out.

Zuko laughed and picked Katara up to head back to where they had made camp. She is going to be ok. And the bastard is dead. I can finally focus on other things.


Once back at camp Zuko looked at the scene before him. There was blood everywhere, from both Yami and Katara, and a dead body next to the fire. Zuko slowly sat Katara down on the mats and began his work.

He dug a hole next to the dead man's body and rolled him into the ground. He marked the grave with the bow he was carrying and the biggest stone he could find at camp. Even though he was Zuko's enemy, he still deserved a grave. He was someone's son as well, and that someone should have somewhere to go.

Next he began to pack up their things. This was a death site not a camp site. Katara would never get better if she woke up to this. Once everything was packed he put out the fire and picked up Katara to travel to another location.

I wanted to tell you how I felt. I wanted to tell you I am scared. I wanted to tell you that I love you. And look at what happened while I let my worry take over me. You were hit with two arrows and almost died. That can never happen again. Zuko looked down and the girl sleeping in his arms. "All I want is for us to be happy together. Will that ever happen?"

Zuko walked a bit farther and set up camp again. He stayed up for a short bit thinking about what had happened. Finally only a few short hours before dawn he laid down next to Katara on the mats and pulled her into his arms. "I am never letting you go again." And with his final words he passed out.


Katara woke up to the smell of something amazing. "Something smells good?"

"You're up." Zuko walked over to where Katara was laying.

"Yeah. How long have I been out?" Katara asked feeling like she had slept for only a few hours.

"Almost a day." Zuko said as he sat next to her.

"A day!"

"Yeah. I didn't think that I should wake you up. It will be dark again shortly. We will stay here again tomorrow and if you are up to it we will try to find my mom tomorrow." Zuko said as he slowly spoke to her.

"Ok that sounds good." Katara did not feel like moving. Her arm hurt, her side hurt, her head hurt, hell her entire body hurt. "A day? What happened to Yami?"

"He's gone. We moved. Enough said." Zuko said obviously not wanting to talk about it.

"Ahh. So what is for dinner then?" Katara asked changing the topic.

"Stew. I tried to make it from memory of how you taught me but I don't think it ended up the same." Zuko said nervously as he placed his hand behind his head.

Katara giggled. "I'm sure it ended up fine."

Zuko was skeptical but handed her a bowl anyway. They lapsed into silence as they ate. When they were finished eating Katara leaned against a nearby tree while they started some small talk about Uncles tea shop and how well they thought Kim would run it.

Finally once it was time to go to sleep Katara sprawled out on a mat next to Zuko. "I feel like I didn't sleep at all." Katara yawned as she tried to get comfortable but couldn't seem to find that right spot. "Ugh!" She finally let out in frustration.

Zuko watched the entire scene play out in front of him. He chuckled lightly to himself, and then pulled Katara to his chest. She froze for a moment but then relaxed as she finally felt comfortable.

"We slept like this the last night. I had to make sure you were ok. It helped me relax and not think about what happened to you." Zuko said as he placed his head on hers.

"It helps me relax too." Katara said before she even processed it. She froze for a moment and then thought I really don't care anymore. I just want to be happy for once.

The two relaxed both with content happy smiles on their face, slowly falling asleep.


In the morning the two reluctantly woke and started to travel uphill again. Katara was moving slower than she had when they started but they were still making good time. When it reached noon the two stopped to eat.

"Zuko I think I am going to go to the spring over that way, and try to heal myself a little more." Katara said as she dropped her bag next to Zuko.

"Ok just be careful." Zuko reluctantly let her go. He didn't want to let her go but he knew she needed to heal again.

Katara slowly walked the 20 minutes to the spring. She got in the water and started to heal herself. She closed her eyes and started to focus on healing.

"Well it doesn't look good but it is healed." Katara said aloud as she ran her finger over her new scar. "At least I have a good story to go with it. Maybe it isn't that noticeable." Katara turned to the water and looked at her reflection. She couldn't really tell as she was creating ripples in it.

"Excuse me?"

Katara froze. Who the heck is out here? "Yes?"

"How did you get up the mountain during the rains?"

Katara turned to face a woman. She was beautiful. "I came with my friend and we used a rope to cross." Katara said. Better to mention a friend in case she is crazy.

"Where are you from?" The woman seemed a little bitter and defensive now. "I have never seen you in the village."

"I am from the Southern Water Tribe. I came here with my friend form the Fire Nation." Katara explained leaving out a little as to not compromise their trip.

"Why are you here?" Now the woman was angry and raised a bow to Katara.

Katara flashed back to a few nights ago when she had been shot and froze answering the woman's question. "We…we..we are here to find my friend's mother. We have…have information that she may live on this mountain." Zuko! I am freaking out here! Its gonna kill me to defend myself for a long time. Where are you?

"And who is your friend." The woman now pulled the bow back and prepared to fire.

"Zu..Zu..Fire Lord Zuko." Katara choked out as she felt herself start to shake but still raised her hands to fight.

The woman froze and lowered her bow. "Zuko is Fire Lord?"

Katara looked at the woman confused. "Yes. He has been Fire Lord for the last five years."

"And you are looking for his mother?"

"Yes." Katara was becoming confused and started to drop her guard.

"Do you know her name?"

"Usra." Now Katara was completely confused and her hands were at her sides.

"And what is your name?"

"Katara." Katara was completely baffled. This woman had gone from going to kill her one minute and then asking her random questions the next.

"Well Katara, it is nice to meet you. I am Usra, Zuko's mother."

Katara froze and then went running at the woman, hugging her. "You have no idea how happy Zuko is going to be when he sees you. He has been looking for you since he was crowned." Katara pulled away from the now smiling woman. "You did a great job of hiding yourself."

Usra laughed. "Well thank you."

"Let's go find Zuko." Katara said, smile clearly plastered on her face.

"Ok." Usra paused. "Do you think I look ok? I wasn't planning on meeting my son today."

Katara laughed and smiled at the worried woman. "I am pretty sure you could be covered in mud and be wearing rags and Zuko would be happy to see you."

Usra laughed and started to walk with the young woman. I like this girl. She seems very sweet. I hope Zuko is happy.


A/N: Here are the answers to the questions/comments/ideas I recieved:

Renthead015: OMG! You are so right! I totally forgot to change it. LOL! In a chapter coming up they have a feast and it took me forever to come up with the names. How could I have forgot in this? O_O Nice catch and thanks for keeping me on my toes.

Cutegenius: You have so many questions, I loved it! :-) Question 1: Zuko didn't use Firebending against Yami for two reasons, one he didn't want to hurt Katara since he was holding her and two because he favors his swords, at least in my story. I should have clarified that, but I added some Firebending in this one just for you :-D Question 2: Once they have returned from their trip Mai and everyone else will be in the story. You will get her and the others not mentioned until now then. Its a surprise :-P Question 3: Yes Appa is just going to hang out in the woods. Since no one is looking for the Avatar anymore I assumed that Appa could just relax in the woods instead of carting them around. Also he would be a huge give away of who they were and they wanted to keep in on DL. I also assumed that since he had been captured during ATLA he had learned to defend himself a little more. But that is just how I see it. Question 4: The palace in the South Pole was built in the last five years by Waterbenders once Katara's father was crowned King. Hope that answered all your questions :-P

Eternal Eyes: LOL! I loved your comment about the person promoting themselves. It made me laugh so hard. But don't worry about them getting together too quickly. They do have two years until they have to get married. I am not saying that they will take the entire two years, maybe, but they will take their time :-P We have a few more mishaps to happen until then.

To the person who PMed me about the use of the faces I use during my A/N and how they are unprofessional. I am sorry, I enjoy expressing myself through them so they are staying. And this is not for something professional it is for fun. So :-P but thanks for letting me know.

Hope that you all enjoyed the story. Sorry it was so short. I will try to make the next one extra long. Happy Holidays :-D