A/N: I'm continuing the story again! After futile attempts at copying my rather chicken-scratch-ish writing. About a year later, I'm continuing War: Defeating the Firelord! Please excuse the change in writing style. I've evolved over one year. And I am continuing from the episodes where they left Avatar-lovers at a cliff-hanger where Zuko betrays the gang in the Earth Season. Eventually my plots will kind of fit. Constructive criticism only please. Here goes Chapter 9, Enjoy!

Chapter 9: Cherry Blossoms

Lee woke up early this morning; usually he'd find Iroh awake at sun-up. He had never been up early enough to view the sunrise gradually rising like a panda out of the bamboo stalks. The navy blue sky was tinged with rainforest-green color varieties. To the northeast, the horizon was splashed with the colors of a Pandalily flower.

The boy stopped staring out the window. There's no sense in looking at the horizon, if I can't be out there to experience the scents. He closed the shutters and tip-toed quietly to the door. Just as he clutched the wooden frame, he heard stirring. Oh shoot, that can't be Saya up already!

He looked back at the bed with Sayamiko pulling up the covers to her collar bone. Her serene face made her look like a true goddess with the first soft rays of the sun illuminating her face. Lee slightly smiled at how beautiful she looked. She was tough but fun which made her a sisterly figure to him. He slid the door open and disappeared across the center chamber and ran out to the garden.

Once in that Zen landscape, he smiled pleasantly and stretched his arms, open to the horizon. He took a deep breath, noticing all the greenery. Lee saw the cherry tree and frowned. The poor tree had a scar of some sort; a burn mark perhaps? He drew near to it, hesitant to touch the bark. This poor tree… well, I guess this is what happens when something gets in the way. Dad used to tell me that everything has a spirit. This one's hurt- he reminds me of… An image of Zuko flashed in his head. His thoughts only stayed silent as he plopped down onto the grass in front of the tree in a meditating position.

Lee wasn't the one to concentrate, but guessing from his latest experiences in life, he had matured quite a bit. He sat almost perfectly still, thinking. Maybe Fire Nation citizens weren't how he thought they were after all.

Daybreak was a few hours far from where Sayamiko had awakened. Yawning and stretching, she looked around and something caught her eye.

Lee wasn't in the room… yet again. But she had a pretty good idea where he'd be.

She found the door already opened and peered through the center chamber. Why isn't he here? I thought he'd be eating by now. She walked to the garden and found Lee sitting in a meditation position.

"What're you doing here?" she asked. Unlike other times, Lee didn't jump in surprise, nor did he slowly turn around.

"Meditating, or at least trying to," he replied, twisting his upper body to look at her.

"Well, if anyone asks where I am, tell them I've gone to the day spa."

"You're going to a girly day spa? YUCK!"

"Shut up," she shouted, giving him a soft punch on his head. Lee rubbed the top of his head gingerly. "I can at least be feminine, can't I? Aren't I a girl?"

He looked up at the tree in a thinking mode. Sayamiko knew that he had implied that just to be annoying, and he was succeeding. This was almost exactly like having a sibling again. She gave him a glare just as he turned around. He got the note and didn't say more- he only nodded a nervous gesture in reply to Sayamiko's question.

Sayamiko walked out of the property after dressing in her normal day-clothes. She concealed her katanas beneath her cloak, just in case the Dai Li decided to place a sneak attack while in the spa. Apparently the agents were on Taro and Natsume's side.

The day spa was crowded with incoming, elegant ladies. They strolled past Sayamiko with glowering looks. They came wearing simple, long dresses with elaborate, piled hair designs. Sayamiko walked in elegantly, blending with the crowd of young women. Upon entering, she paused in her footsteps to admire the scenery.

The airy spaces had earthen columns supporting the high ceiling, and ivy vines twisted around these structures. There were corridors of numerous lengths, which probably led to a spa bath or a secluded room of some sort. Carpets engulfed the hallway floors with a mossy green color.

"Miss, are you here for the day spa, or are you going to daydream all day like an idiot?" a voice asked rudely. Sayamiko was face to face with an elderly female attendant. She was dressed in a beige robe and had a white set of towels slung over her forearm. She had creases on her forehead and a few grey hairs standing out of her black bun.

"I'm here for the day spa, but I won't tolerate your rudeness." There was a short silence and then the woman called over her shoulder for a woman Sayamiko's age who stumbled into the room in a hurry. She dressed like the other elder, except her hair was in a short, black braid that hung over her shoulder. She curtsied in a welcoming tone.

"Ying-Xui will lead you to the fifth spa on the right hall," the elderly woman instructed, attending another customer. I'll remember to tell her off later, Sayamiko thought as she crossed her arms and followed Ying-Xui to the spa.

The colors of the candles and other items were slightly different from way Sayamiko had remembered. There were no petals, but only soft wisps of steam that rose up, rather than the common mud bath. Sayamiko and Ying-Xui were not alone- there were two other customers, and two more attendants accompanying them. Both girls looked familiar to Sayamiko- she could've sworn that she saw them somewhere before. One girl in a mud bath had sapphire eyes and deep brown hair, while the other had dark brown hair and cloudy green eyes. She must be blind. I SWEAR I've seen those two before.

Ying-Xui unfolded the towel and held it up like a screen. Well, change and get in," she suggested timidly to Sayamiko. Hesitating for a moment, Sayamiko looked uneasily at her. "Never mind them or me, Miss. It's alright, go ahead and jump in." Slowly Sayamiko untied the cloak and carefully set it on the ground, so as not to reveal the katanas. Next she untied the back of her halter-top garment, then she untied the laces to her forearm sleeves, and finally she removed the trousers, shoes, and undergarments and stepped into the water.

The water felt like lotion to her thirsty, dry skin. The lukewarm water served was an amenity to her flesh, engulfing her up to her shoulders. Ying-Xui retracted and folded the towel as Sayamiko had relaxed. "Would you like a manicure, a pedicure, or hair wash?"

"Well, I don't know about that."

"Hey, if you don't mind my comment, I think you should go with the manicure rather than a pedicure," the girl with the clouded eyes said.

"Toph, you shouldn't be butting into other people's conversations," the other girl amended. Toph… Toph… where have I heard that before? I think they've traveled with the Avatar- yes that's it! Sayamiko thought. Right at that moment, Sayamiko lifted her eyes lifted and her hearing grew keener at the mention of Toph.

"Well, it helps to give advice, Katara," said Toph, "besides, I'm only warning her of the pain she'll suffer through while getting a pedicure."

"You're just talking about your first experience at the spa-"

"Actually," interrupted Sayamiko, "I will take Toph's advice for that." She turned to Ying-Xui, "A manicure and a hair wash would be nice. And how about you bring me a calm-scented soap, please."

"Yes, ma'am," she replied, bowing out of the room to search for the materials needed.

"So, do you live in the upper ring of the city?" asked Katara. It wouldn't hurt to tell her…besides, Iroh's and Zuko's false names are Mushi and Lee Jr. Sayamiko thought. As she fiddled with her hands under the water, she answered.

"Yes, but it's more like on the outskirts of the upper ring. Mushi, the one who gives me hospitality, owns his own tea shop: The Jasmine Dragon."

"Seems nice, how'd he get the job?" Toph asked, leaning back on the edge of the mud bath.

"I think some people offered him the job, all because of the brew. The last I heard, the whole city was talking about his tea being the best in Ba Sing Se," Sayamiko replied. She didn't know much about Zuko and Iroh's travels, but she had a vague idea of where they'd been. "How often do you come here?"

"Maybe once a week, that depends. But we'll be here tomorrow- that's for sure," said Katara in an annoyed tone. Sayamiko smirked, getting the idea that someone at home annoyed her.

"Are you having sibling problems?" Sayamiko guessed. Katara yanked her gaze away from the water to look at her.

"How'd you know that?"

"Lucky guess, besides, I have a 12 year-old to take care of. He's not my brother, but he sure acts like one."

"Tell me about it, I have an older brother but sometimes he acts so much younger. He has occasional temper tantrums, he whines, and-"

"Let me guess. Sokka, right?" Sayamiko interrupted. Sure enough, that description sounded like it would be him. She heard them talking before, just as she was watching them, getting ready to make her move at the meadows of Ba Sing Se.

"Ok, now I think you know. I don't think you could be guessing," Katara said. Sayamiko sensed panic in her voice.

"Don't you remember the person who pinned Azula to the tree with the arrows?" Sayamiko asked, and Katara nodded in response. "That was me- who do you think saved you all from getting captured by Natsume?"

"So it was you trying to protect us. I guess we say 'thanks'," Toph added, "your name's Sayamiko, right?"

"Saya, it's Saya," she corrected. Sayamiko thought it was annoying how people wouldn't call her by her nickname. She didn't like the long-syllabled name given to her. Yet that name was all she had of her biological mother before she passed away.

"Ok, Saya it is, then," Katara said.

"Alright, miss. Manicure products, hair care products, and a fresh bar of soap are here," Ying-Xui's voice announced. She dumped the products into the bucket by the bath. Sayamiko nodded in gratitude and took the soap bar. Lathering her arms and shoulders, Sayamiko replenished and moisturized. "Please lean your head back on the edge of the bath." Sayamiko obeyed and leaned back. A jug of water was poured onto her scalp, giving relief. As the attendant washed her hair, Sayamiko scooped water up in her hands and poured it onto her lathered skin.

"Now that's spa treatment," Katara commented. Sayamiko looked out of the corner of her eye after that comment and smirked.

"You'd better believe it," Sayamiko replied. Ying was soon done with lathering and rinsing her hair. "So Katara and Toph, I'll be seeing you tomorrow, hopefully. How about we meet at the fountain of the lower ring at noon?"

"Sounds good to me," Toph accepted.

"One more thing- can you come with the entire group? I'll bring Lee as well," Sayamiko suggested. Katara and Toph nodded in agreement, although curious of why she needed to have the entire group tomorrow.

After dressing, and having the towel on her head drying her hair, Ying attended to her nails. After a fresh, clean manicure, Sayamiko thanked Ying-Xui and tipped her with two gold pieces. Since Sayamiko was complete with pampering, she bid good-day to Toph and Katara, proceeding home to Iroh's household.

"Lee, I didn't know you were interested in Pai Sho," Iroh acknowledged as he saw that Lee had decided to compete with him.

"Well, my dad used to teach me this game. Even though Pai Sho is an old game, it's pretty fun," he said, shifting a piece forward. Iroh's eyes widened slightly at his move.

"I can't believe I'm losing to a 12-year old child!" The reply to this statement was a simple fit of laughter from the boy. Just then, a silhouette blocked the doorway.

"Saya, you're back!" Lee exclaimed, jumping up from his seat and rushing to hug her. He pulled his face away from her garments to look at her, "You took most of the day- it's an hour past noon! Did you even get lunch?"

Sayamiko laughed, seeing that he sounded overprotective of her. She walked over to the center chamber and relaxed on a mat. "Is Zuko meditating again?"

"No, but I do believe he is outside under the cherry tree," explained Iroh.

"Alright, and by the way," Sayamiko began, getting up and heading for the garden door, "may I take my lunch out there?"

"Of course, after that I need to check up on my tea shop. I've been taking the day off for almost the day already," Iroh replied.

"Please don't go- it'll be boring without you here!" Lee protested, tugging Iroh's sleeve vigorously. "Who's going to play Pai Sho with me?"

"Lee," Iroh said wisely, "you'll find something to do, I'm sure you will. Now I have to tend the Jasmine Dragon. I'll see you all at sundown."

"Bye, have a nice time at work," Sayamiko said. She looked at Lee, who had been uncertain. "It'll be fine; he'll be back sooner than you think."

"Ah Saya- the lunch is right by the counter all set out," Iroh instructed.

"Oh, thanks, I can handle things from this point," Sayamiko said as she took a bowl of rice in one hand and took chopsticks in the other. I'll have a drink later, she thought, looking at the pure white, steamy rice in the ceramic bowl.

She shoved the sliding door to the side. Zuko was sitting on the grass with his back against the tree. His elbow rested on his knee and he almost looked as if meditating. "Hey," she greeted as she sat beside him with her back leaning against the bark of the tree. He greeted her as well, but coldly at that.

Sayamiko looked up at the crown of the tree and saw pale pink buds forming on the leaves. They'll bloom any day, now… and they'll fall like snow, she thought intently. "This one's a late bloomer, right?" she asked rhetorically.

Zuko answered, despite her hint, "Yeah, it is." He was unsure of his own thoughts and feelings at this point. What had happened yesterday between Sayamiko and himself caused him to think differently about his time in the cave with Katara. These new feelings… these odd glances… and this sun goddess (rather sun spirit) hadn't touched his scar yet, if not in several years. He thought he'd always feel comfort in that water bender regardless of who came across his treacherous path. This girl, however, was different in ways that he had to work harder to convince her, since she was stubborn.

It had never occurred to him that anyone had the guts to glare him down and say what she really felt until the night he met the water-tribe girl. That kind of attitude inspired his desire in her. The complication in their bond was that he never knew if she had the same feelings for him. Sayamiko was stubborn, and wasn't easily led to sorrow and fear, while Katara could be brought to her knees at the mention of a painful memory. He was content for only a moment at the thought of being the one to comfort her.

"Zuko?" the autumn-eyed girl asked. Zuko blinked and came out of his own thoughts to end up gazing at Sayamiko. As they met eyes, he thought the glowing ember orbs had trembled for a moment, and she averted her eyes towards the ground between them and she fiddled with her wide sleeves. "Uh… I wanted to ask you a little favor."

"What is it, then?" he asked with curiosity. The fact that she looked nervous as she talked made him curious and anxious to know. She struggled in beginning to find the words to say. "Well?"

"Umm…" she tried. The next words she said came out shaky and quick, "I was wondering if you'd let us house Aang and his friends for a while."

"Huh?" He hadn't heard clearly what she said, but he heard her say "Aang" and at the moment, he knew she referred to the Avatar.

"Look, I don't want you to get angry," she said more slowly, taking her gaze back up to his gold eyes. She continued hesitantly, "but I was wondering if you'd let us give hospitality to Aang and his friends."

No response came from Zuko. He comprehended these words and remained silent. Inside, he was fuming- outraged, and the heat of his anger made the air around the two seem warmer than the humid summer breeze. He was angered that she would even consider keeping the Avatar in his midst, and expect him to not try capturing him for the Fire Lord. On the other hand, it puzzled him that she'd offer that option. He'd have time alone with the water bender while she traveled with the Avatar, so he needed to resist the urge to yell at Sayamiko.

"Zuko, this is the only chance I have to fulfill my destiny," she pleaded.

"It's always everyone else's needs," he said through frustrated breaths while grazing his fists into his knees. She didn't have to make this decision difficult for him. "Why can't anyone ever think of my destiny?"

"It's not like that-"

"Don't you tell me 'It's not like that'!" he bellowed, beginning to stand up. He was stopped when he felt Sayamiko's hand clasp his wrist. He looked back at her as she sat down beside her. Something about the way she downcast her eyes and resisted looking at him, made him reconsider. She still didn't look at him as he waited for her to say something in return. He made the assumption that she only grasped his wrist in fear that he'd get up and walk away from her. So far, this was the weakest point in emotional status that he had seen her. She drew in an uneven breath before unexpectedly saying, "I'm… sorry."

"What?" he asked in a surprised tone. She had him confused again. What does she have to be sorry for? Nothing was really her fault.

"I'm sorry for even bringing it up. I just didn't know you'd be up and yelling at me like that. But that's to be expected, isn't it?" she explained. He continued listening as she still wouldn't look at him, "I guess that I shouldn't be bringing it up at all. If we start getting into these fights over them, it's better if it's left alone." He was amazed at how she continued resisting the urge to make eye contact with him. Finally she turned her gaze to meet his gold eyes once again, "I tend to dislike arguments, especially with you."

He stayed silent for a while and thought. Something in her voice… her stare, made him feel guilty. "I- I guess you could give him hospitality here," he said hesitantly as he looked away.

"Are you sure?" she unsurely asked him, "Are you for real about this?"

"Yeah," he said before gripping her wrist back and pulling her closer to him, "but don't ever tell anyone about this." She nodded and a slight smile came, which Zuko returned with a small curve of his lips and a glance away from her.

"Thanks," she said simply. She slowly released her grasp from his hand and returned to fiddling with her sleeves. It made her somewhat happy that he could let her have an opportunity like this. She noticed that after the conversation, they moved closer to each other. With a deep sigh, she leaned her head back against the bark of the tree and closed her eyes.

There was only one thing that echoed in her mind. What are these feelings? It shouldn't be love… but it could be. If it is… then what does he think of me? I've doubted it for so long. Her eyes snapped open, but she remained looking at the branches of the tree. She realized only then, that she was destined to be on no one's side. She was a spirit, and she realized that there weren't any real villains from the beginning of the war- there was no necessary good or evil. Evil only came from hate of good, and good only came from hate of evil.

She searched her memory, remembering back almost 100 years ago when the toil of war had first begun. In the lives before, she was Sozen's wife- Kiyo, and begged him not to cause devastation on the rest of the world. But her immense power of fire bending that came with being the Sun Spirit drove him to madness by the time the comet came. Their love had been strong until he envied her gift. The opportunity arose the moment that a comet came. Kiyo ended up trying to object, but it ended in her demise.

I can't trust Zuko with my heart because Kiyo's holding me back. I guess I'm afraid of being betrayed like she had been a century ago. She had been in love with Sozen's protectiveness of her and she knew it. Something gave her the idea that Kiyo still loved him- and he would've remained loyal had they been inseparable by true love. Envy fueled Sozen, and Kiyo was ironically slow to anger. Her affections for him were immeasurable until the day she died- maybe even after. Sayamiko feared to tell him of Kiyo and Sozen.

Sayamiko didn't move from where she looked, but said, "You know, I've been thinking about the war…" she saw out of the corner of her eye that she had his attention, "there isn't really good or evil- just hate, right?"

She lowered her head and looked at him for his answer. He had looked to the ground by then, appearing to be thinking. "I guess so, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"I just told you, Zuko- in the war, there isn't good or evil," she explained, "There's just hate. See, I've been considering being on nobody's side- just mine. Why can't the Fire Nation live in peace with everyone else?"

"Saya, it's not that simple."

"Not that simple?" she could hear fear in her own voice as she asked. No matter how she tried to hide it, she was sure he could hear it in her shaking voice.

"I mean that the people have been raised to hate everyone who's not of Fire Nation race," he said, "There's no sense in trying to change them."

"Zuko, what do you mean?"

"You heard me."

"Hey, anyone wanna play Pai Sho with me?" Lee's voice rang out through the backyard. Both Sayamiko and Zuko turned to Lee who skipped out of the doorway fancily. As he approached the two, he stopped dead in his tracks, seeing how the two were seemingly close to each other.

He looked rather amused at the pair, clasping a hand over his trembling mouth. Upon seeing Lee's struggle to hold back laughter, Zuko couldn't help but feel bitterly annoyed.

"What could possibly be funny?" he asked impatiently, raising an eyebrow. Lee struggled more, realizing Zuko had figured out. He tried shaking his head vigorously while smothering his quivering lips into his green sleeve. As long as he's that close to her, I'll be holding back from breaking down into a laughing fit!

"How stupid do you think I am? I want answers!" Zuko shouted. He was impatient and annoyed greatly at Lee's hesitation to respond.

"Very… and nothing was funny," he lied, fighting the urge to chuckle.

Zuko scowled and tried charging at Lee, but Sayamiko stopped him. She held him back by grabbing his shoulder and yanking him back down. He looked back at her and she shook her head.

"You both are boring if you don't play the game," he threatened childishly. He turned away, heading for the house with a last remark, "but I'll see you lovebirds later."

A success and a loss for Lee this was. That bold comment had Zuko's acute attention. This time though, he wasn't held back by his comrade. He lunged up right behind him and held back the force in punching his jaw while giving him a signature glare.

"Ow, why does everyone keep doing that to me?"

"Next time, it'll feel a lot worse," Zuko explained, releasing his fist.

"I tried warning you he wasn't worth the trouble," Sayamiko stepped in between the two as she stated, "it's just what little annoying kids do, so deal with it."

"WHAT?" Zuko yelled in disbelief, "Don't tell me you're taking his side now!"

"Zuko," she began, pushing Lee into the house. She turned back to him, "I'm not taking anyone's side. Sure, I was angry at Lee's statement, but I'd only tell him to knock it off. You should really not get so hot-headed… at least not as often."

He snarled in frustration and clenched his fist while steam clouded from them. Sayamiko remained staring at him. "Why do you have to be so difficult?" he asked through clenched teeth. He leaned close to her and continued, "Do you expect me to change the way I am, just for you?"

"Yes and no," she said in his mood, "and yes, I'm difficult… so get over it!"

"I won't let it go," he said with his nose nearly pressed against hers.

"Get… over… it."

"You don't tell me what to do!"

"I don't care, Zuko. That was an order."

"No one orders me around."

"Well fine!" she exclaimed as she pulled away from him. She proceeded into the house, not looking back at him. Expectedly, he followed her out of curiosity, "Hey wait, just where you think you're going?"

"What does it look like? -Away from you. And I'm not in the mood to talk."

"Then why are you still talking to me? Go ahead, go- I'm not stopping you!" Zuko argued, glaring at her while folding his arms.

"If you'd shut up, then I'd be able to," she complained. She approached the tea table, while Zuko followed behind. "Why are you following me?"

"Who says I'm following you?"

"Would you two stop bickering? You sound like an old married couple," Lee interrupted the conversation. Zuko glared back at the boy who lay across the formless, cotton-bag couch in the corner of the room.

"Lee, it's not helping," Sayamiko tried to restrain him. She looked over Zuko's shoulder at the spoiled child.

"Yeah, and it's not going to help him," Zuko mocked.

"Whatever, I'm going to meditate," she said apathetically. She gripped Zuko's jaw and turned him to face her, "Just make sure he doesn't yelp too loud as you beat him up."

She pat his shoulder as she left for her room. Zuko looked astonished at how all of the sudden she allowed him to beat up the boy. I'll take the opportunity while it lasts.

Zuko grasped Lee by the ear, pinching it while he whined. "Listen kid, if I wasn't so fond of you like before, I would've burned you by now," he said. Lee widened his eyes at him.

"I'd like to live, thank you," Lee said, backing away from Zuko. After bruising his ear, Zuko released his grip on him.

"I'm watching you. Anymore love comments like that and it'll be a major beating for you," Zuko said while glaring at him in a manner that Lee did not want to be involved with. "Understood?"

"It's crystal-clear." Zuko nodded and punched the boy for the fun of it. Lee rubbed his arm roughly after the punch, and walked outside.

"Where's Saya?" Katara asked impatiently, kicking up pebbles every so often in her path under the hot streets of town.

"Be patient, will ya?" Toph protested. She folded her arms and kept walking for a few more moments until she abruptly stopped.

"Who's this 'Saya'?" Sokka asked suspiciously. He was cautious these days and didn't like the sound of that name. It sounded all too familiar, like Nastsume and Taro.

"She's the one that saved us from capture by Azula," Toph replied. "She also is the new friend of ours that we met yesterday at the spa."

"…This warrior went to the day spa," Sokka said slowly in disbelief after a silence. He and his sister stopped next to Toph who still stood her ground.

"Aang, you and Appa need to stop walking. The vibrations I hear are drowned by your air bending and Appa's thumping feet."

"Sorry," Aang replied quickly, stopping his fanning, "but it's hot out here!"

"Quit your whining and stay still," Toph interrupted. Momo crawled up to sit on the arrow on Appa's head and began purring and making complaining sounds. "Shut up, Momo!" she whispered harshly as she wheeled around. He immediately stopped his chattering and pinned his fluffy ears down by his head.

Toph's ears began adjusting to the silence almost immediately. She turned back to face the alley. She heard footsteps—soft, but audible to her at least. "Somebody's coming," she explained, having her fists clenched in case the Dai Li approached the gang. The footsteps sounded catlike and feminine. She could register faint rustles of silk, and cotton fabric. A sword-clang came now and then, and she guessed it to be sheathed weapons.

The figure that came around the corner happened to be Sayamiko, which only the earth bender knew. She came around the corner and greeted them rather energetically.

"So where does this Mushi live exactly?" Toph asked suspiciously after Sayamiko and Katara discussed the plan.

"Not too far from here," Sayamiko replied. She did not sound too sure to Toph. She could feel the warrior's pulse and it wasn't matching the pulse from yesterday.

"There's something you're hiding," Toph said in the middle of the conversation. Upon hearing that statement, the rest of the bunch gave her a questioning look.

"I'm not hiding a thing. I just got back from Mushi's tea shop-"

"Your pulse is different—that's how I know," Toph confirmed. It offended her that an intelligent girl like Sayamiko would doubt her listening skills. She was blind, but she was no deaf.

"Saya, Toph doesn't lie," Katara argued.

"Fine… it's excitement. That's why my pulse is probably faster," Sayamiko lied. Even as she was trained by her elders, they taught her to vaguely slow her pulse to blur the hearing of others. She was really hesitant as to what they'd think of her if they realized the two men were Iroh and Zuko. "So why don't we get going?"

As she turned to leave, Katara gripped Sayamiko's shoulder. "We- we have some bad news…" Sayamiko turned and saw her sapphire eyes trembling. Something in her stomach sunk and she knew it couldn't be anything with a hint of hope.

"What is it then?"

"Those people you mentioned are Iroh and Zuko of the fire nation," Katara began hesitantly. "The earth kingdom has already fallen to Azula because of the Dai Li and Zuko. He's taken her side. They've betrayed us."

Sayamiko defied her ears the moment that the words were spoken. Her breathing became erratic and she wasn't willing to believe what she heard. How could he betray them, most of all me? He promised me… She downcast her eyes and bowed her head in thought. The thought of such an empty promise made her grieve inside. She dragged a hand over her head, unsure if she were to believe the Avatar's friends to force an end to her loyalty for Zuko.

"So that's why Zuko and Iroh weren't home last night…" Sayamiko thought aloud. She realized what trick the gang would be trying to pull and she backed away from those four figures in denial. "No, no, NO! You all are lying! Why should I believe you?"

"Because the earth King is here with us," Sokka tuned in, gently and respectfully bringing the kind out of the shadows by the wrist. "We fled the cit, but Katara remembered you and decided we'd better come back for you."

Sayamiko's jaw opened widely at the sight of the earth King out of his threshold. This time she knew they were trustworthy people. All had kept their word to her. "We need to go back for Lee and break out Iroh before we leave."

"Woah-woah-woah, did you just say 'break out Iroh'?" Sokka asked shortly after Sayamiko finished. "We are not risking getting our butts kicked by Azula and her creepy groupies."

"Don't worry, I have a plan," Sayamiko said cleverly. "I'll come up with something; I just need all us girls to disguise as fire nation women of power."

"There is no way that I'm dressing up like a girl again!" Sokka bellowed. The rest of the group looked at him with weird stares.

"One: this disguise is for girls only- you boys will get a role in the plan," Katara explained, "and two: we wouldn't want you to cross-dress like you did on Kyoshi Island."

"What?" Sokka bellowed again, "I didn't cross-dress! I was a Kyoshi warrior!"

"Okay, whatever. But this part of the plan is not about you," Toph commented.

"Then let's get started," Sayamiko said, sitting down cross-legged in the dirt. When no one responded, she further explained, "Well, let's get to work on discussing this plan." Everyone in the group gathered into a circle and sat down with her.