Paper Clouds

Chapter Nine

By MiaVortice

*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: This is a work of fiction.


"That's impossible!" Katara gasped as she paused in the middle of peeling a lychee. Two ceramic bowls filled with the small fruit - one peeled, one unpeeled - were between her and her brother as they huddled under a tree together, happily catching up on Tribe news. "What did he say?"

"What didn't he say?" Sokka snorted. He was leaning against the tree in similar loose green clothes as his sister, casually dropping one lychee after another into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed before continuing. "He was so mad, he just started spouting off non-sense. His parents were so embarrassed that they threatened to send him back to the Northern Water Tribe."

A snort left Katara as she slapped her brother's hand as he reached for another lychee. "If you're not going to help peel, you're not going to eat."

"You sound like Mom," Sokka rolled his eyes. He reached into the bowl and lifted an unpeeled fruit to help. "Speaking of Mom, she was hoping I'd run into you while I was here."

"Really?"

Her brother nodded. Instead of putting the peeled lychee into the bowl with the peeled ones, he ate it and earned a slightly annoyed glare from his sister. "Yeah," he said as he grinned at her annoyance. "She's hoping you'll have some time between traveling with the Avatar to come visit."

"I haven't been gone that long," Katara pointed out.

"It's long enough for Mom," Sokka replied. "Also, there have been some inquiries."

The female sibling furrowed her brows as she munched on a piece of fruit. "About what?"

"What do you think, Miss Twenty-Year-Old-Single-Waterbending-Master?" Sokka scoffed. "Marriage inquiries. Some poor saps are asking for your hand."

His sister stopped eating. She choose to ignore the comment about poor saps and what her brother meant by it, and instead focused on the fact that there were marriage inquiries about her. "Are you sure they're for me? I mean, if the inquiries went to Grandpa or Gran-Gran, it could've been for another family member. Some of our relatives are of age -" she began, only to see Sokka shake his head.

"They went to Dad," Sokka said, frowning slightly. "And not just the subtle 'oh, has she found a groom, yet' questions."

Katara rolled her eyes. "Futile efforts," she assured him coolly. "Grandpa will say no."

"Grandpa has agreed that now is a good time for you to be married." Sokka lifted his hand and began to hit Katara's back with his palm as she nearly choked on her lychee. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and she looked over at him with a horrified expression.

"Grandpa said I didn't need to think about such a thing!" she nearly shouted.

"Yes, well, you're twenty now and a waterbending master," Sokka pointed out. "He thinks it's a good age and time for you to get married."

"That's ridiculous," Katara insisted. "First, most boys are engaged in their late teens. There probably isn't anyone around my age that could be interested."

Her brother looked away. "I never said they were young guys."

Katara froze in her seat once more. "What?"

"You know Elder Immak's son? His wife died last year and he wants a mother for their daughter," Sokka explained. "And Koda from the fishing guild never got engaged and he's very interested in you." He studied his sister's mildly terrified face. He wasn't sure if she was reacting simply to the prospect of marriage or the prospect of marrying a far older man. "I take it you're not interested."

"I'm not!" Katara scowled. "How can they bring this up at a time like this? Especially Grandpa!" she added, feeling somewhat betrayed by the old man who had always supported her. "They know why I left home. I can't possibly get married while I'm trying to sort all of this out!"

Sokka lowered his eyes. Katara's ability wasn't well known throughout their tribe. In fact, it was mostly kept within the family and amongst elders and close friends. When her ability began to resurface as an adult, Katara didn't want others to know or treat her differently, so only a few people knew that Katara could see the dead.

Sokka himself thought it was crazy. How could a living person see dead spirits? It was highly illogical and there was no way it could be proven, at least by his standards. Still, there was no reason for Katara's night terrors or sudden changes in actions when they were children. He could still remember his younger sister screaming into the night when they were children. It had irritated him at first. How was he supposed to get his precious sleep if Katara kept crying and yelling for someone to stop or get away from her?

There were moments where he had gotten angry at her and yelled, telling his parents that Katara was annoying and should've slept outside with the animals if she was going to yell. He'd received a prompt spanking for his comments and his grandmother made him stay and watch his sister sleep, just to see if she was faking, as he had assured them.

It had terrified him to watch her small hands claw at the air and her chubby legs kicking desperately. Her face was rust colored and her wet with tears as she screamed and fought some unseen being. He had tried to wake her and felt the full strength of her resistance.

"Why would she pretend?" their step-grandfather had asked him. "Do you not think it is painful? Why would she do that to herself?"

The Water Tribe Ambassador clenched his hands. "How are you doing with that, by the way?" Sokka felt silly asking it so casually, but he wasn't sure how else to ask.

Katara slowly continued to peel a lychee; her mind still lingering on the issue of marriage. "I don't panic as much. I'm still having trouble figuring out who is living and who isn't without outside help, but it's not as bad as before."

Sokka tossed a peeled lychee into the bowl and reached for another one. "You used to wake up crying," he said. "When you were little." He paused. "Even before you left," he pointed out. "You'd come to breakfast and your eyes would be red."

Katara tensed. She snapped her head towards him and crinkled her eyes. "You noticed?"

Sokka peeled another lychee, not taking his eyes off of it. "You're my little sister," he pointed out. "How can I not notice when you've been crying?" Katara looked back at the fruit in her hand. "I'm sorry," her brother said quietly. "I haven't been able to do anything for you."

Her eyes closed and she tossed the last of the lychee into the bowl. A weight she never realized was on her shoulders seemed to lift as her brother spoke. The waterbender took a deep breath and released it. "You used to chase kids who made fun of me," she reminded him with a small smile. "When they called me a liar, you fought with them."

Sokka shook his head and ate another lychee. "That's what big brothers are supposed to do," he assured her as he reached over and placed a hand on her head, rubbing it playfully. "I'm the only one who can make fun of you."

"Thanks for the consideration," Katara snorted. She reached into the bowl for another lychee and realized her brother had finished it off. "Sokka..."

"I'm hungry," he shrugged as he chewed on the last one. "Sorry."

Katara sighed and tilted her head up. She didn't think she'd be so relaxed two days into their Ba Sing Se trip, but she supposed it was due to her brother distracting her and lack of any real work to do.

Aang spent the last two mornings in briefings with the Earth King and then in the afternoons, he had city tours. The Earth King joined him while the Earth Queen saw to their guests when she could.

Katara had returned to her room on the first night, after a long walk to a gate that was actually open, and found her brother dozing off on the steps of her guest villa. At first, she was wondering if she was seeing things. It had been a long day and she was exhausted. She had approached the sleeping Water Tribesman carefully and began to poke at his face, as if to assure herself that he was real.

Sokka had jolted awake, immediately grumbling that she had taken too long and asking if she knew how long he had waited before engulfing her in a big hug.

The two siblings had been glued to each other since then. Every morning, Katara would go to her brother's guest villa and order him to get up. Whether he was just trying to make it difficult for her or not, Sokka refused to get out of bed for breakfast. When they would finally arrive, Queen June was the only one left at the table, with her husband and other guests having already finished.

This included Zuko.

With her brother around, Katara hadn't had much to think about him. Her eyes narrowed. Actually, she hadn't seen him except at dinners and even then, she had been engrossed with catching up with her brother that she hardly noticed him...or at least tried not to.

A small, heavy feeling lingered at the base of her stomach. She knew her reason for being distracted, but why hadn't Zuko come to her? He hadn't once checked in on her and he was always worrying. Was it because they parted awkwardly when they arrived? Was it because she was putting the distance between them by even avoiding his eyes when they were in the same room? Her eyes lowered and her expression saddened. She had been avoiding him, hadn't she?

"Are you okay?" her brother asked beside her, snapping her out of her thoughts. Katara blinked and sat up straight. She drew her head back and shook it.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking about what else we can do today," she offered. She gave him a weak smile. "I'm kind of bored."

He raised a brow. "Thanks, Katara. You really know how to make your big brother feel so much better," he replied deadpan.

Katara laughed and shook her head. "No, I mean, we've been in the palace the last two days. We should check out the city."

Her brother looked excited at the prospect before slowly narrowing his eyes. "Is that okay?"

She was already pushing herself up and dusting off her clothes. "Why wouldn't it be okay?" she asked with a small laugh. "We're guests, not prisoners here."

"That's not what I meant," Sokka sighed as he rose to his feet. He looked at her seriously. "Are you alright going into the city with...you know..." He trailed off and waved a hand over his eyes.

Katara sighed and rolled her eyes. "You can say it, you know," she told him. "My vision."

"Right," Sokka prodded. "With your 'vision'."

She released another heavy breath. "Yes, actually, I really should get of the palace. The reason I agreed to come with the Avatar was to get a handle on my abilities. I'm not handling anything if I don't get out and don't use them."

"But what about if you do see them?"

"I'll see them," Katara insisted as she began to walk down the hall. "That's practically a guarantee."

Sokka followed behind her, worry written across his face. "Are you sure? What if they attack you or something? Or you get overwhelmed?"

"We'll just take it slowly," Katara assured him. "We'll start in the Upper Tier and work our way down to the Middle Tier. We won't go any lower."

Her brother looked unsure, but conceded. "If it starts to be too much for you, tell me," he told her seriously as they walked up the steps and into the hall. "I'll get you out of there."

Katara smiled as she looked over her shoulder and gave him a nod. "Thanks, Sokka."

He lifted his head and raised his hand. "Katara, watch where you're going-"

She turned her head, but was unable to stop herself in time from running into a man. "Sorry, Katara," a familiar voice told her. "I wasn't paying attention."

Every sense she had sudden became overly aware of the man she had run into. Her wide blue eyes hesitated looking up, but did so anyway. She wasn't sure if she was hoping to find another person or not and wasn't sure how to feel, aside from mortified, to find Zuko taking a step back and adjusting the books he had pinned under his arm.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Sokka greeted sheepishly. "Our apologies. Katara and I were talking and weren't paying attention."

"It's fine," Zuko said as he moved to the side. "I was distracted, as well." He seemed to keep his eyes on a particular book, readjusting it under his arm despite not needing to.

Across from him Katara shifted awkwardly. She hadn't spoken to the banished prince in two days. They'd never not spoken for that long a time before. In fact, unless they were asleep or on separate errands, the most they hadn't talked to each other was a few hours.

"We're about to take a walk," Sokka told him as he reached the top of the steps and moved around his sister. "You're welcomed to join us."

Her heart leapt to her throat. "Thank you, Sokka, but it's quite alright," Zuko replied good-naturedly. Katara turned her head towards him, eyeing him as if asking why he had rejected the offer. Was he uncomfortable? Was he uncomfortable because of her? He lifted up his books. "I'm trying to get some reading done while we're still here. There are some great books in the Royal Library that you can't find anywhere else."

Katara's gaze shot down to the books in his arms. He seemed to have gotten quite a bit and from what she could see of the label on the first one, it had something to do with ghosts.

"Next time then," Sokka said. He glanced back at his sister and raised a brow. "Katara, are you okay?"

"What?" his sister blinked and looked back up.

"Are you sure you're up for going out? You seem well," Sokka pointed out. Katara shook her head quickly.

"No, no, just thinking," she assured him. "I'm ready to go!" She quickly passed him as Sokka and Zuko exchanged one more set of bows before parting ways.

"How hard did you run into him, Katara?" Sokka chuckled. "I keep telling you to look where you're going, but you never listen."

She shot him a small glare before looking over her shoulder once more. She could see the top of Zuko's head as he was walked down the steps and into the garden. She was sure that the books he was reading were related to her.

"You make it sound like I run into everything," Katara replied sharply. "I'm not the one who ran into the side of the house."

"I didn't know Gran-Gran was drying the animal skin door cover on the side!" Sokka insisted. "And I was eight!"

"You still ran into a wall."

"Life's full of walls," Sokka replied. Katara chuckled and Sokka smiled. "You just have to keep going until you're on the other side."


He wished he could turn back the time to several days earlier, before the train, before the indulgence of a kiss, and before the unbearable awkwardness that followed. They'd scarcely talked in the last three days, which was completely out of the ordinary, and as much as Zuko had tried to distract himself from it, he'd always find his thoughts drifting back to Katara.

Even the books he had gotten from the library somehow led back to her. The spirit world, ghost stories of Ba Sing Se, legends, hauntings, communicating with the dead, ancient rituals for the deceased, Water Tribe customs and traditions - everything related to her. He needed a break and finally decided to take a walk outside the palace of his own.

"Will you need a palanquin to take you down, Your Highness?" the Earth Queen asked calmly as she looked up from the feeding the massive brown mammal. "Or perhaps you'd like to take Nyla out for a ride." She turned to the shirshu and gently rubbed the side of her face. "It's been a while since my Nyla has been out."

Zuko resisted his urge to crinkle his eyes and step away from the beast with the numbing tongue. Everyone in the courtyard, from guards to animal handlers, seemed to take caution around it, except for Queen June. He'd never ridden a shirshu before and didn't feel keen on starting then.

"No, no, I wouldn't dream of forcing Nyla to take me around or ask for a palanquin," Zuko assured her. "I only wanted to take a walk and take in some of the city."

"I see," June replied before extending her hand and having a servant hand her a large brush to use on Nyla. "If you insist. Will you still be joining us for dinner?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," Zuko bowed his head. "I wouldn't dream of missing it." June nodded, but kept her eyes on the shirshu.

"Until dinner then, Prince Zuko." He bowed again and stepped back before turning around. He made it two steps before he heard her voice once more. "There is a festival for monks tomorrow night and we shall be attending a procession at the temple and following them through the city for their blessing. Ambassador Sokka and his sister will be joining us part way. We hope you will, as well."

Zuko took a deep breath and released it carefully. "I'll make a point to, Your Majesty." He quickened his speed and left the courtyard.

He hardly paid attention to various court attendants giving him bows as he walked through the palace. Princes didn't run in palaces, his mother always told him, though that never stopped him or his sister.

He walked outside the large gates and let out another heavy breath. That was the second thing lingering in his mind: his sister. Perhaps it was time for him to send some sort of letter to Azula. He hadn't contacted her at all since he had been banished. All his messages went to his uncle or his cousin, but never his sister.

Zuko had occasionally thought about sending her a note, but, due to her closeness with their father - the man who had banished him in the first place - he wasn't sure sending her a message would've been well received.

Until Katara told him that his sister missed him to the point that she was jealous of Katara and her brother. It was surprising. The two played together often, but as they grew older, they found themselves with clashing personalities, so aside from the normal sibling annoyance, they didn't have much contact.

Perhaps Azula was envious of the Water Tribe siblings because they were close. That had certainly been solidified into Zuko's mind the last few days; the two were inseparable. Maybe his own sister wanted that sort of relationship with him and didn't actually miss him as a person, but wanted the good relationship.

"I'm over thinking it," he muttered to himself as he walked down the street. He lifted a hand and ran it through his hair. He forcibly distracted himself and looked out at the street ahead of him. Streamers and little flags with the symbol of the main Ba Sing Se temple were hanging across the street in preparation for the festival the next night.

Zuko was pleased with this; admiring the displays and the decorations would take his mind off of women.

He continued down the street, occasionally watching shop owners cleaning the front of the their businesses and residents adding garlands around various statues. Even the park was preparing for the festival with booths being set up and lanterns being readied.

"I told you kids to get down from there!" a voice shouted as Zuko crossed the street. His head shot up as he saw a man rushing towards one of the far walls. Zuko followed the man with his eyes and found a little boy climbing atop a few, unsteady, raised pillars of earth to get on to the wall that separated the Upper Tier from the middle one.

"I just need to see!" the boy argued as he reached for the top of the wall. The pillars he must've earthbended began to waver and he glanced down. His eyes widened as the unstable earth began to crumble beneath him.

A skilled earthbender like Toph would never had had such a problem, but the child was instantly struck with fear and froze. Pausing at such a moment was one of the most dangerous things one could do.

"Brother! It's falling!" a little girl yelled.

Zuko was running before he realized he was. "Li-Li!" the boy yelled as he fell backwards.

Several men were yelling, dropping their tools and abandoning the booths they were setting up to get towards the child. They were too far away and too slow.

In the back of his mind, Zuko could hear a little girl crying and briefly remembered his own sister's muffled tears as they helplessly watched a wing of the palace burn to the ground, taking their mother with it.

"I've got you!" he called, unsure if he was telling the boy or trying to calm the boy's sister. The weight of the child's body slammed against him and Zuko continued to dart out of the way to avoid the falling clumps of dirt. He crushed the boy against his shoulder, covering his head carefully as he got them out of the way.

"Are you alright!?" someone shouted.

"Give them room! Give them room to breathe!" another bystander arriving ordered the others.

Zuko relaxed his shoulders and arms before kneeling down and placing the boy on the ground. He was shaking and as soon as Zuko released him, his small legs gave out beneath him and he fell on to his bottom. His wide eyes were staring ahead of him and he grasped at his clothes. A dark stain had appeared around his mid-section and pants. Zuko crinkled his eyes and looked down at his own borrowed clothes from the palace. A dark, wet stain was on the front of the dark green fabric and he inwardly groaned.

The child had wet his clothes, too.

"Brother!" a little girl's voice cut through the crowd around them. "Brother, are you okay!?"

"I...I...almost-"

"You almost fell, cracked your head open, and died!" one of the men yelled. He looked angry, red in the face and was trembling, but Zuko understood. They had all been terrified seeing the child teetering above them and then plummeting to the ground. "Didn't well tell you not to go up there!"

"But he was looking for my ball!" a little girl cried beside her brother.

"Can't you just ask your parents to buy you another ball? Are you crazy?" another man chided. "Climbing on the wall. That's no place for kids!"

"But it's my favorite ball!" the girl cried.

"So it's worth letting your brother climb up somewhere dangerous and almost die?" Zuko frowned. The little girl's mouth snapped closed. "Who do you love more? Your brother or your ball?"

The girl looked horrified as her eyes rimmed with tears. "I love my brother more!" she cried shamefully before apologizing to her sibling.

Zuko closed his eyes and shook his head as he let out a heavy sigh. Where were these kids' parents? He knew that the Upper Tier was generally safe, but surely they could've made sure that their kids weren't doing anything stupid and dangerous.

"We've waited for days and that lady never came back!" the boy argued as he looked away, trying to cover the wet spot on his clothes. "She said she'd go get our ball and waterbended over the wall a few days ago, but she never came back."

Zuko's head snapped. "A waterbender?" he asked. The little girl nodded, still clinging to her older brother.

"She said she'd look for it on the other side." Silently, Zuko swore to himself. There was only one waterbender he knew up there and that sounded exactly like something she would do, even if she had said that she wouldn't leave the Upper Tier.

"Maybe it's lost and she couldn't find it," Zuko told them.

"But it has to be there!" the girl insisted. "I saw it go over!"

"I'll walk down there and check," Zuko told her. "She's my friend and I know she's not the kind of person who'd make promises she can't keep, alright?"

"You're just going to run away," the boy snapped.

Zuko resisted the urge to glare at him. He saved the ungrateful little brat and he still had the gall to snap at him. A man smacked the boy on the head lightly. "Don't talk to your elders that way, kid," one of the workers chastised. "He saved you and is going to look for your ball. How can you be so disrespectful, especially after you peed on him!"

The boy's face turned red and Zuko struggled not to react at the reminder. "Li-Li!" the boy said suddenly as he scrambled to his feet. "Let's go home!"

"But he's going to look-" his sister began as he grasped her hand and began to pull her away.

"Tomorrow night!" the boy snapped as he turned back and galred at Zuko. "If you don't show up here tomorrow night with the ball, you'll have to buy us a new one!" he threatened.

Then, the two kids ran off. Zuko narrowed his eyes. What had become of good parenting? "Spoiled little..."

"Don't mind them," one of the workers said as they began to disperse and return to their jobs. "Parents, you know."

"Yeah," Zuko muttered. He gave them a small bow before turning around and heading back in the direction of the palace to change. He tried to ignore the few looks he received when others noticed the stain on the front of his robe. It was almost enough to make him not want to go back outside, but he was curious about the ball.

It wasn't like Katara at all to say she'd do something and not only not do it, but not come back and tell the children she couldn't find the ball. Carefully following the dividing wall once he got through the gate, he found himself in an alley behind some buildings.

He glanced around and looked back at the wall. It was odd that Katara couldn't have found it easily. It wasn't as if there were many obstacles for it to have hidden around. The alley was kept clean. Perhaps it sloped and the ball rolled away.

Zuko caught a movement from the corner of his eye and saw a young woman sweeping from one of the adjoining alleyways. The banished prince took a few steps forward.

"Excuse me, Miss," he called out as amicably as he could. "Miss?"

The young woman lifted her head her head and looked at him curiously. "Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for a ball that came over the wall a few days ago," Zuko said, making vague hand motions towards the massive wall beside him. "Have you seen it?"

"No," she replied with a shrug. "I sweep out this alley every afternoon and haven't seen a ball."

Zuko furrowed his brow. "Oh..." Someone else had probably picked it up. "Thank you, though." He gave the brown-haired young woman a small bow of his head.

She narrowed her eyes. "Do you think I'm lying?"

"No!" Zuko insisted quickly, raising his hands in his defense. "Some kids were looking for it and one nearly fell and hurt himself looking for the ball, so I said I'd check."

"So you think that one of our neighborhood kids took it, is that it?" she frowned. Zuko shook his head. "You think that since we're not from the fancy Upper Tier, we'd just steal whatever trash came on our side?"

'What? No, I never said-"

"Longshot!" the woman called over her shoulder. "Some guy from upstairs is calling me a liar and theif!"

"I never said that!" Zuko exclaimed tiredly. "I'm just looking for a ball!"

"If it was a fancy looking ball from the other side of the wall," a tall, slender young man came out of one of the doorway and gave him a small bow. "I saw some children playing with it down the street." He tilted his head to the side. "They probably figured it was abandoned and took it. I can ask for it back for you, Sir-"

"No, no," Zuko shook his head once and then gave the man a respectful bow. "It's alright." That would look great, wouldn't it? A grown man taking a ball from children. He could almost see Katara's deadpan expression asking if he was serious. Zuko shook his head to focus. "Thank you for letting me know."

The man gave him a nod and the young woman huffed. "Do the Wang kids have it? Those kids never ask when they take something. They'll just pick up whatever they find and run off with it. You know they took Jet's incense bowl last year?" the woman complained. "Those rude kids. Parents these days don't teach their kids anything!"

"We did leave it outside; they probably thought it was trash," the man replied in a low, calm voice. "Besides, Mrs. Wang gave it back."

"What kind of kids are they, anyway?" the woman snorted. "Stealing the bowl from a dead man's memorial."

Zuko narrowed his eyes a bit and took a step forward. "Forgive me for intruding, but did someone die here?" Katara hadn't gone back to those children for a reason...

"An old friend of ours died a few years ago in this alley," the man replied solemnly. "He had too much to drink at the festival. We found him here the next morning and it was too late to help him. Every year since, we've put up a small memorial for him and burned some incense."

The young woman beside him glared at the ground. "But I'm telling you, Longshot, he didn't just get drunk, fall, and hit his head!"

"Bee, we've been over this-"

"That woman betrayed him!" the woman insisted. "She broke his heart that night! It's her fault, Jet died!"


"Sokka!" Katara called out as she looked around and frowned. She let out a heavy sigh and tilted her head up, looking at the orange sky above her. "Let me make a stop at this poetry house, he said...," she grumbled to herself. "I'll meet you here before sunset and we'll walk back up, he said..."

She let out a snort and crossed her arms over her chest as she walked along a street where vendors were closing up for the night. Of course, she should've known that her brother would completely forget about her 'vision' and saving her if it became too much for her to handle. The moment he had gotten distracted, she knew she'd end up waiting. Sokka could be so predictable.

Katara decided to make the best of her situation. She walked around slowly, carefully watching the reactions of people and how they moved to assert whether the person she saw there was living or not.

It was frustrating that, aside from reactions from the living, there was no way she could tell immediately. No goosebumps or hairs suddenly sticking up. They didn't have the overwhelming presence that she had felt back in the forest with the colony ruins. That presence was powerful directed towards her, so she knew. However, for everyday spirits just wandering, there was no blatant warning. Most didn't possess enough of a presence to stand out from the living to begin with. It wasn't until she already realized that they were ghosts that Katara started to get goosebumps. That didn't help at that point.

While most recent attempt was a failure, at least there weren't any malicious spirits. Most were simply harmless ghosts wandering, but of course, that had been in the day light. Once it got dark, she'd see more. She'd already managed to help one, though had seen several others. When she had pointed them out to Sokka, he had become more nervous than she was and try as he might, he couldn't see what she was talking about and dragged her away.

"Stupid Sokka...," she grumbled as she stopped and looked around. She had wanted to be back in the palace before dark in order to freshen up before dinner. Katara shook her head and decided to return on her own. She'd ask some guards to go look for Sokka if she didn't run into him on her way back.

Katara began back up the street, heading for the gate to the next ring.

"Well, fancy running into you again," a voice said behind her. She turned around and gave a small nod of her head in greeting to a young man she had run into a few days earlier. He smiled brightly as he stood up from where he had been leaning against a large clay water jug. outside someone's home, on the street corner. "Out for a walk?"

"I was with my brother, but he's late. You wouldn't by any chance have seen a Water Tribe man in green robes, would you?" Katara asked curiously. "And it's Jet, right?"

"Right," he said as he gave her a bow. "And you're Katara. I never forget a pretty face."

She let out an amused snort. "Thanks," she grinned.

"Maybe it's my lucky night," he said as he approached her. "I was hoping to run into you again. Are you going to attend the monk's city blessing procession tomorrow night?"

"I heard about that! Yes," Katara nodded. "I saw all the decorations everyone is putting up. I'm sure it'll be fantastic."

"Oh yeah, it's gorgeous. The entire city lights up!" Jet assured her. "Plus the food. I have to say, there is something about festival food that's special."

Katara laughed. "So, I take it that you're attending?"

"Yes, I do every year," he told her. He leaned in closer and gave her a cavalier grin. "And I'd be most happy if a lovely young woman would join me to partake in the food and fireworks."

For a brief instance, her eyes widened. This was a first and she almost didn't believe her ears. Admittedly, she was a bit excited at the thought, but it quickly gave way to some disappointment. She had already made plans to go with Sokka and join the procession from the palace. Not to mention that as a companion of the Avatar, she was also expected to be in attendance. But still, she didn't often get asked out by attractive young men. Not even by the one who had kissed her so fervently on a sky bison's saddle.

"Katara?" Jet's voice called out again. "Hello...," he called teasingly. "Are you okay? Your face is red."

That was Zuko's fault, she asserted to herself. Katara shook her head and gave Jet an apologetic smile. "Sorry, but I'm afraid I've already made plans with someone"

"Well," Jet sighed. "I can't say I'm not disappointed. But if you have time, come by the area," he said. "I'll buy you some grilled pentapus balls. My friend, Smellerbee, and her fiance run a cart during the festival - the best grilled pentapus balls in the city."

"Oh, I heard those are good," Katara's eyes lit up as she nodded. She'd get some to show Sokka, and then eat them in front of him without sharing to get back at him for forgetting about her that day! A small, gleeful part of herself became excited as the prospect at battling it out with her sibling. "I suppose it won't hurt to drop by. Where should we meet?"

"Oh, up by the wall where we met a few days ago. Their cart is on the street past the alley. A prime location I scouted," he grinned.

"Sounds good," Katara nodded. She gave him a bow of her head . "See you tomorrow night, then!"

"Until tomorrow night, my lady!" Jet gave her a deep bow and Katara chuckled before waving and continuing her way.

It was amazing how a brief encounter with someone could change one's mood. She suddenly felt lighter and happier. She was less upset with Sokka, but that still wouldn't mean she'd wait for him. Katara let out a content sigh. An ego boost every now and then wasn't so bad.

"Katara!" She blinked and looked up as she reached the gate and the queue that was in front of it. Standing away from the line, beside the gate and the checkpoint, was Zuko. Her brows instantly furrowed as he came towards her with a worried expression on his face. "Are you alright?"

She didn't know how to feel. The light feeling Jet had given her with their chat on the festival and delicious pentapus balls vanished upon seeing Zuko. Her body tensed, her chest tightened, and her heart began to quicken. She could feel her face heating up, and while part of her wanted to turn, pretend she didn't see him, and avoid him completely, the other part of her was suddenly relieved to see him approaching her.

He was worried. He still cared. Katara shook her head. Ridiculous. She had more faith in Zuko than that. Of course he still cared; she still care about him. Things were just awkward, that was all...and it would pass.

"Katara," his voice was still laced with concern and she met his eyes. He stopped in front of her, lowering the arms that she knew were reaching out to her. He kept his distance and her chest ached. Gold eyes crinkled up. "Where's your brother? I thought he was with you?" He sounded upset that she was alone.

"Oh, he wandered off," Katara replied, diverting her eyes. "I thought I'd head back to palace and get changed and wash up before dinner."

Zuko swallowed the lump in his throat. He wanted to touch her and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. He wanted to stroke her hair and check her face. He could tell if she was bothered by her expression. Now, she couldn't look at him. Guilt and irritation bit at him. Maybe he did cross the line.

"I know it's none of my business," he began carefully. "But I thought you were staying up there."

Blue eyes flickered up to meet his hesitantly before looking away once more. "I thought coming down here would be more effective. There are more spirits here who are still tied with the mortal world." Zuko took a deep breath and exhaled. He knew that, which was why he was upset to see her by herself. What if something happened? What if she was overwhelmed again? "I'm sorry."

A small quiet voice reached his ears and he looked back at her. She bit her lower lip and kept her eyes downcast. "You didn't do anything wrong," he asserted, even if he did think it was dangerous. "I just don't want something to happen to you."

"I know," she murmured. It was comforting hearing that. She lifted her head once more. Slight irritation and concern were still written on his face. Had he been thinking about her the entire time? She remembered the books he had been reading. Her eyes crinkled up. What was she doing, ignoring him? This was Zuko, her trusted friend. Regardless of what happened on Appa or how it made her feel, it would always remain awkward if she avoided him. She also couldn't do so forever. She wanted to go back to how it was before. Katara met his gaze tentatively. "Are you going back?"

He blinked. "Yes," he replied. "I was hoping to run into you, actually."

Katara turned and headed towards the line, expecting him to follow. "Were you that worried?" Before he could answer, she turned around and extended her hand to beckon him forward. "Thanks."

His eyes softened. Zuko took a step forward and grasped her smaller brown hand in his. Keeping his eyes on hers, he lifted it to his lips and kissed her knuckle. "Thank you."

In silence, they fell into step with each other, her left hand still held his right as they lined up for the checkpoint. The line took longer than expected and by the time they reached the main gates of the palace, it was already dark.

"I helped one today," Katara said as they walked through the gates and headed for a side entrance to get to the guest villas. "A little girl was crying."

"Did she know she was dead?" Zuko asked as they walked up a few steps.

"I don't know, but she was scared. She didn't want to leave, Zuko. She was afraid of what was waiting for her," the waterbender said sadly.

"Did you tell her it was alright?" he asked. She nodded.

"I held her hand and told her go to sleep; that it would be okay if she did. Then she disappeared," Katara smiled softly. "It's rare that spirits talk. Most don't have the energy to. She must've been really scared."

Zuko nodded in agreement. "Ba Sing Se is built atop ruins. They say it may have been a holy pilgrimage site at one point," he said. "She might have gotten her extra energy from the location."

"Is that what you read in the books?" Katara asked as she looked up at him. She squeezed his hand. "You were reading a stack earlier."

"They were interesting," he shrugged. Katara narrowed her eyes slightly.

"You really are a worrier, Zuko," she sighed. He gave her a frown as she swung her arm playfully with his. "But, I'm happy you care to do so."

Now his face was burning up. "You're important to me."

"Because you want me to go with you to the Fire Nation and help you with your mother's death?" Katara asked softly.

He lowered his head. "You remembered."

"It's always been in the back of my mind."

He pulled his hand from hers and frowned, stopping as she took a step ahead and meeting her quizzical expression. "I don't want to use you, so don't think that the reason I care is because of that."

Katara's eyes widened. She jerked her head back at his strong affirmation. She hadn't exactly meant to imply that, had she? She wasn't sure herself. "Zuko..."

"Don't get me wrong; if you can help me get closure with my mother's death, Katara, I will owe you my life," he told her seriously. "And I had started with the hope that you would help me and came with you and Aang because of that."

"So, the reason you're here with us," Katara narrowed her eyes. "Has that changed?"

Zuko opened his mouth, but no words escaped. His lips moved in silence before he grit his jaw. He furrowed his brows and forced the heat from his face. "It has."

She almost couldn't breathe. Katara's heart was banging against her chest, aching as her hands began to tremble beside her. Before she could stop herself, she spoke. "Why did you kiss me back," she began in a shaky voice. "When we were hiding on Appa?"

His heart was tight and for a moment, it felt as if it would explode. Sweat collected at his brow as the waterbender in front of him looked at him, waiting for an answer. He'd asked himself that question a thousand times, along with one more.

"Why did you kiss me first?"

Was she caught up in the moment? Was it the excitement of almost being caught? He'd heard about that happening. Excitement mistaken for something more. His chest nearly collapsed into him as he waited for her reply.

Katara seemed to be battling for her own answer. She didn't step back or avoid his eyes. She kept his gaze, as if determined to clear the air between them.

"I wanted to."

A moment of uncertainty hit him. Zuko looked even more confused. "Why?"

"I don't know," Katara admitted as she shook her head. "You were on top of me and we were hiding. My heart was racing and..." Zuko lowered his head, utterly disappointed. So, it was just excitement mistaken for something more. "And I just wanted to, Zuko. Why do I have to have a reason?" she asked, clearly unsure why she had done so in the first place.

To Zuko, she had to have a reason because he need to know if his reasons were the same and if so, would it be alright to have them.

If it would be alright to act upon them.

Instead, he shook his head. "You don't need a reason," he asserted. "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable."

"You didn't," she answered immediately, even if the entire situation had made her uneasy. Katara squinted. "Zuko, you have been my irreplaceable friend and companion on this journey. I don't know how long we'll be on it, but I don't want things to be awkward between us any more. I don't want it to get worse and for you to leave because of this."

"Neither do I."

"So, I'm sorry that I avoided you lately. It's just...I've never...," Katara struggled to find the words. "You know with my 'vision', it's been difficult to really connect with others and aside from my brother and childhood friends-"

"Katara," Zuko cut her off gently. A small, warm smile was back on his face. He took a step forward and cupped her flushed cheek with his hand in that familiar manner she had missed the last few days. "I'm not going anywhere," he chuckled softly. "And it'll take more than being ignored for a few days to make me do so. As I said, you're very important to me and not as a woman whose gift is to be used."

Relief flooded Katara and she closed her eyes. She leaned forward and let out a low breath. "Zuko, I'm sorry if I made it uncomfortable when I kissed you and I'm sorry if I hurt you by avoiding you."

"It's alright," he assured her as he brought her closer. The relieved young woman gladly rested her head against his shoulder as his hand moved and stroked the back of her head comfortingly. "I reciprocated when I should've held back. We were just...both caught up in the moment," he tried to reason.

She closed her eyes and pressed her face against him. "Right." Her hands curled into the front of his robes.

"I'm sorry, too, Katara," he whispered above her. She felt his chin gently rest against the top of her head. "If I had crossed any lines that afternoon, I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Katara assured him, shaking her head against him. She smiled slightly as she whispered. "I enjoyed it."

Several paces away, a woman in lavish green robes raised an eyebrow as the attendants beside her waited for her to continue walking. She had thought she would go to the front gates herself to inform the guards to search for Katara, who hadn't arrived with her somewhat panicked brother earlier.

Instead, she found something far more interesting.

"As I said, all you needed to do was let her have some time alone." It almost made the female monarch laugh to watch the prince and the waterbender stumble apart and turn to look towards her with flustered expressions. "I take it you two have made up?"

"We just cleared up a...misunderstanding," Katara offered as she stood rooted a good arm's length away from Zuko.

Queen June gave them a small, acknowledging nod of her head. "So it seems." She turned around. "Well, then, since you are both here, we can rest easy. It seems that Ambassador Sokka was quite alarmed upon arrival. Apparently, he became separated with his sister."

Katara scowled. Became separated? He's the one who was late! "I'll have a talk with him later, Your Majesty," she said.

"I'll have him told that you have arrived safely. Will you both be joining us for dinner?" June continued as she began to walk back.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Zuko replied as he and Katara bowed behind her.

"I just need to freshen up and will join you all at the dining hall in a few moments," Katara assured her. June gave them a graceful nod of her head before leaving them.

"You're not going to scream at him, are you?" Zuko asked as they both straightened up.

"I like how my brother used 'became separated' instead of 'abandoned and forgot'," Katara twitched. Zuko grasped her hand and escorted her down the hall, towards her villa. "He's the one who told me he'd meet up with me later."

"At least he was worried about you."

"Big brothers only start to worry when they think they're in trouble," Katara snorted as they reached her villa. Two guards flanking her doors gave them small nods, but remained in place.

"Hey, watch it," he reminded her. "I'm a big brother, too, remember?"

Katara looked defiant. "I'm sure Azula would agree."

"Well, Azula isn't here."

"And I don't see you as a big brother," Katara concluded as she slid her hand from his and stood at her doorway. She prepared to turn and push her door open, when Zuko's hand grasped hers once more.

"Good," he asserted as he lowered his head and brought his lips to her hand. She could feel them press against her skin; hot and soft, as expected, but as he lingered there, longer than usual, the tightening in her chest returned, as did the heat across her face. His eyes slowly rose and met hers before releasing her hand and stepping back. "I'll see you at dinner, Katara."

She watched as he gave her a bow of his head before he turned around and walked away. Katara remained standing in front of her door, her mouth slightly agape as the tingling sensation across her body slowly calmed. She brought her hand back and rested it against her chest as she stepped back and went through the doorway.

As she entered the villa she looked down at her hand before bringing it up and covering her mouth.

The reason she had kissed Zuko couldn't be explained because she couldn't describe it in words. But at that moment, just as he stepped away, the reason returned and all she wanted to do was grab his fleeting hand and pull him inside with her.


"Your Highness!" The brown-haired man nearly shot of his chair, where he had been sitting pensively across from the Avatar, waiting for the rest of the dinner guests to arrive. The moment he saw Zuko enter through the door behind Aang, Sokka was on his feet. "Thank you! I heard you found my sister!"

"You're the one who found her, Zuko?" Aang asked as he stood up. "I'm glad. Nothing happened, right?"

It took a moment for Zuko to re-construe Aang's words as asking for confirmation that no spirits had overwhelmed Katara; not asking if they were caught embracing in the hall to reaffirm their relationship.

"She was fine. Actually, when we bumped into each other, she was on her way back," Zuko replied calmly. He gave Sokka a small bow as a greeting. "I believe she was looking for you."

Both the Avatar and the firebender caught the grimace on Sokka's face. "She's not mad, is she?"

"That's something you'll have to take up with her," Zuko grinned. "But she wasn't happy," he added.

Sokka let out a groan and returned to his seat. Aang sat up straight and smiled. "So, how was your walk with her then? Did you see her interact with spirits?"

Sokka ran a hand down his face. "I couldn't see them," he said, somewhat irritated. "I saw Katara look in a direction and I heard her talk for a little bit, but that was it."

"That pretty common. Katara's learned to read the reactions of people around a spirit to assess whether or not the person she sees is actually 'there'," Aang explained. "We're hoping that she can learn to tell a spirit apart without depending on others."

"We've had instances where it has been overwhelming, but those are rare," Zuko added. "I was reading that the more powerful a spirit is, the more they can communicate and move about, as well as stand out to a person with a vision."

"Sokka, maybe you can tell us more about what Katara saw or how she reached when she was a child," Aang suggested. "From another person's point of view."

"Well," the ambassador mused. "I can't say much. It was very confusing to Katara once she realized that others didn't see what she could. She'd panic. She'd even panic in her sleep."

"Come to think of it, when Katara sleeps, she's pretty calm," Aang thought a loud. "I don't recall her really waking in and screaming or fighting, as she said she did when she was a child, when she's around us."

"Perhaps it is because you are the Avatar!" Sokka piped.

"He's just the Avatar and a link to the spirit world, not a lucky charm," Zuko sighed. "She has calmed down and has been more focused on her reaction. Perhaps because of that, spirits aren't attracted to her as much?"

"A peaceful heart is less attractive to unsettled spirits," Aang offered. "It could be the case."

"So, has Katara really helped the dead find peace? How does she do that?" Sokka asked.

"It depends on the situation and what the spirit is trying to find. Sometimes, it is an object they lost and are searching for, sometimes, they just want closure," Aang explained. "There have been cases where they needed Katara to do something for them; to finish something they could not in their lives."

"It hasn't been dangerous for her, has it?" Sokka frowned. "In her letters, she's mentioned improvement and a few instances, but I know she's not one to give every detail to our parents, especially if they could be worrisome."

Aang glanced at Zuko briefly. "I admit, she's done somewhat reckless things."

"I knew it," Sokka groaned.

"However, when it comes down to it, she's not alone," Aang stressed. "I try my best to be of assistance and Zuko hardly ever leaves her side." A pair of blue eyes turned towards the firebender suspiciously.

Zuko silently wished Aang hadn't mentioned that. "We also spar together," he added, as if to justify why he was always around Katara. "Your sister is an excellent waterbender."

Sokka seemed to sit up proudly. "Of course she is! She's trained by the best. You know she's considered a prodigy?"

"I've heard," Zuko drawled.

"We got to see her bend plants at the Northern Tribe," Aang said. "It was pretty amazing."

Sokka nodded eagerly, but slowly drew back in his seat. "By the way, how was she up there?" he asked carefully. "I know that when she was a child, before her vision was sealed, there were a lot of things that she saw there that upset her."

"She handled it very well and even managed to help some of the spirits find peace," Aang smiled proudly. Sokka looked relieved. "Even the ones that were in your grandfather's house."

Sokka felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand. His eyes crinkled up. "There were ghosts in that house?" he asked weakly.

Aang nodded and looked at him, bemused. "Didn't you know?"

"Well...it's been a while since we were there and Katara had her vision," Sokka stammered. "I remember that she had the same reactions she did as a child the first few times we went, but I always thought that the spirits had purposely sought her out."

"Don't worry, Sokka. Katara's reactions this time were much better. She even managed to put to rest that female ghost that was stalking-"

"Your house," Zuko cut in quickly. "She was lingering around yourself and Katara put her to rest." He shot Aang a slight glare and the Avatar smiled weakly.

"That's comforting to know. I don't want to admit it, but whenever Katara starts interacting with one, either screaming or when she was talking, it's still unsettling. I can't see anyone in front of her," Sokka sighed heavily. "And then knowing they are restless spirits..." He shuddered.

Aang chuckled. "I admit, it does look a bit odd to someone who can't see them."

"When I was on my way back, I ran into some men closing up their vegetable cart. They were talking about a Water Tribe woman they saw laughing and talking to a street corner," Sokka frowned. He shook his head slightly. "I don't know how she can do it. Even knowing the situation, it's hard to believe. What more when you don't?"

"Talking and laughing to a street corner?" Zuko piped. It wasn't that Sokka pointed out how insane his sister probably appeared - it was something he, Aang, and Katara already knew, it was that Katara was doing more than just talking. Meaning, the conversation wasn't one-sided or a simple one. "Are you sure it was Katara?"

"When I described her to ask if they knew where she went, they said it was her," Sokka replied.

She didn't mention such an interaction earlier. Silently, Zuko made a note to ask about it later.

Across from him, Sokka smiled slightly. "But, she does look much better," he said softly. He sat up straight and looked back at Aang and Zuko, who sat across from him. He bowed his head low. "Thank you both for helping her."

Aang looked pleased. "It's my pleasure. Katara just needed a purpose with her vision and, even though we try to accompany her everywhere, she has found the strength within herself to react to those that reach out to her. It's very impressive, actually."

"It looks like she's come very far from when she was a child," Sokka admitted. "I was really worried, actually." He chuckled and shook his head. "When she left to seek you out, I wasn't really sure you could help, but...I can't deny the results."

"It's not just me," Aang piped. He motioned to Zuko, who was seated beside him. "Zuko has been very supportive, as well."

"Yes, thank you, Your Highness," Sokka bowed in his direction once again. "As Katara's brother, I can't thank you enough. Seeing her lively, regardless of her sight, is very reassuring. I'm sure the entire family will be happy to hear it."

Zuko gave him a nod. "It is an honor to be of help."

"The family has struggled with this, as well," Sokka added. "Most prominently our grandfather. Katara's kind of his favorite," Sokka chuckled. "I'm sure he'll be relieved to hear about this, especially now that he's decided that she's ready."

Aang looked curious as Zuko thanked a servant for some tea.. "Ready for what?"

"Marriage," Sokka piped. Zuko nearly sputtered out his beverage. "She's over the usual engagement age, but it looks like our grandfather and father are looking at prospective matches."


"Good night, Sokka." Zuko lingered in the open hall facing the villas. This was far more awkward than he thought it would be.

Conversations around the dinner table revolved around the next night's festival and blessing procession, so he had no time to ask Katara about her interactions with spirits that day; particularly the one where she had a verbal exchange and laughed.

He had found it unsettling. Since they had met, the only spirit Katara had actually verbally communicated with intelligently had been Yugoda and that had been in a strong spiritual center. There was enough spiritual energy there to give Yugoda power not only to linger for so long, waiting for Katara, but to teach Katara a bending style and speak to her.

They were in Ba Sing Se and even if the entire city was built on an ancient spiritual site, part of him couldn't shake the feeling that whoever Katara had been talking to on that corner had targeted her for less than honorable reasons. It was noisy and probably none of his business, but he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling.

After Katara and Sokka excused themselves and headed to their respective villas, Zuko followed. He had initially planned to intercept Katara before she reached her villa, but Sokka had walked her all the way to her door and Zuko couldn't bring himself to interrupt.

All he could do was wait for the Water Tribesman to leave and completely disappear from view before Zuko dared approach Katara's villa. He didn't want Sokka to get the wrong idea.

When he was sure the ambassador was out of sight, Zuko emerged from the hall, quietly berating himself for looking rather suspicious for approaching a young woman's private villa at night. Luckily, the guards recognized him and allowed him to knock at the door.

He heard footsteps approaching. "What is it, Sokka?" her voice sighed as she neared the door. It was pulled open to reveal the waterbender in an open robe over her usual sleepwear. Her hair was down and Zuko reasoned it was probably because she had been brushing it before she went to bed, as usual. Her exasperated expression turned confused as she saw a man who was not her brother at the door. "Zuko?"

"Sorry to bother you," he said as he lifted a hand to half-heartedly greet her. Him standing at her doorstep at night probably didn't make for the best impression. He crinkled his eyes and forced himself to get to the point. "Do you have a moment?"

She nodded her head solemnly and stepped aside, motioning for him to enter. Zuko gave her a small bow of thanks and stepped through the door. "Something on your mind?" Katara asked, somewhat amused as she closed the door behind them. She watched as he awkwardly looked around and tried to find a place to stand without looking completely out of place. Perhaps being in a woman's villa alone was too much for him. A small grin tugged at her lips.

"I wanted to ask you something earlier, but didn't have time. I'm sorry to come so late," Zuko told her apologetically.

She raised a brow. "If it's about sparring, Zuko, it's too late. I'm already comfortable and I'm going to sleep soon," she pointed out as she crossed her arms.

"It's not about sparring," he grumbled. "I just wanted to know how your day went...with...spirits," he struggled to explain.

She gave him a confused look as she uncrossed her arms. "Didn't I already tell you? There was a little girl, remember?"

"Did she talk to you?" Zuko asked. Katara nodded.

"Just a few words. She couldn't say much," the waterbender explained. She cocked her head to the side. "Why?"

"I'm just wondering. You know, about what I read about Ba Sing Se being built atop an old spiritual center," Zuko offered.

Katara smiled softly. "Zuko, it's fine," she assured him as she stepped forward. "I'm okay. I don't mind seeing them if I can help them."

Her warm hand cupped the side of his face and Zuko turned his head, pressing his lips against her palm as his hand covered hers. "You seem happy," he murmured as his eyes met hers.

"I was happy to help her," Katara said. "I admit, it felt very good. I felt I did something, you know. I made a difference. Someone is at peace because I helped. I actually kept smiling afterwards."

He mirrored her smile as he pulled her hand from his cheek and wove his fingers through hers. "Did you laugh too?"

"Laugh?" Katara raised a brow. "Why would I laugh? It was still a serious moment, Zuko." She felt his hand tighten for just a moment. Her eyes darted to their joined hands. "Zuko?"

"Weren't you on a street corner?" he asked, pulling back slightly. Katara shook her head.

"It was at an old park, actually," she replied. "Why?"

A small part of him began to fill with dread. "Are you sure you didn't have any more such contact with spirits this time?"

Katara raised a brow. "I'm sure, Zuko." She faltered as her eyes crinkled up. "At least, I'm pretty sure." She looked down as she tried to recalled anyone she may have felt different around that day.

Zuko bit his lower lip. Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe Sokka had heard wrong or those men had no idea what they were talking about.

"I take it that there isn't much change in deciphering the living form the non-living, then," he offered. Katara shook her head disappointed. "Maybe tomorrow will be different. We'll be with the monks on their procession. Aang had mentioned that the spiritual energy may be high."

Katara looked back up at him. "You'll be joining us?"

He gave her a curious look. "Am I not supposed to?"

"No, no!" Katara insisted. "I was just surprised...I mean...you'll be with us and the Emperor and the Avatar. What if other Fire Nation citizens recognize you?"

"In that crowded a procession, even if they do, it's still questionable," Zuko assured her. "I'll try to stay somewhere unassuming."

"No, you won't," Katara said as she grasped his hands. "You're sitting with me, Aang, and Sokka, up with the King and Queen."

Zuko mulled over it. "I suppose it can't hurt. We're only going halfway, aren't we."

"Yes," Katara nodded.

"Afterwards, I was going to look around the festival at the Upper Ring park." He let out a sigh. "I have some business to deal with."

"The whole time?" Katara asked. "Come with me and Sokka. We're going to wander around the middle."

"Is that alright?"

"Sokka won't mind."

"I meant with your vision. It's on a highly spiritual night. I don't doubt that the number of spirits you're going to see will increase," he warned knowingly. Katara took a deep breath.

"It'll be good for me," she said. "And if you're concerned, you can come to make sure."

Zuko looked unconvinced. "What is down there that you can't get up here?"

Katara lifted her chin. "Really delicious grilled pentapus balls." Zuko narrowed his eyes and she grinned. "I know a guy. His friends have a booth, so come try them with me." She smirked. "We can get some and not give Sokka any as payback for leaving me behind today."

Zuko chuckled. "Alright. Let me run my errand at the park and I'll meet you at the gate."

"Great," Katara beamed. "Bring your money pouch."

He let out a snort and pulled his hands from hers. "Just don't start eating without me," he rolled his eyes. He stepped back and gave her a small bow. "I'm going to head to my villa and get some rest," he said as he stood up straight. "Get some sleep."

As he turned around and headed for the door, Katara took a few quick steps forward and reached for him.

"Zuko," she called out. He turned around, his hand resting on the door handle. Katara lowered her arm slowly and then bowed. "I really am sorry for not addressing what happened between us on Appa and avoiding you for days. I started it and-"

"Katara," Zuko cut her off firmly. "Don't forget that I reciprocated." She lifted her head warily and met his eyes. The young man shifted awkwardly and lowered his eyes. "And...I enjoyed it, too." Katara's face filled with surprise as it heated up instantly. Zuko let out cough and turned towards the door, immediately seeking a distraction. "Um...Get some rest, Katara."

The door was pulled open quickly and Zuko seemed to flee. Katara could only remain staring after him as he stumbled down her steps, too eager to leave, and then fall.

"Your Highness, are you alright-" one of the guards began as he reached for the fallen man.

"I'm fine!" Zuko insisted, red-faced with humiliation as he pushed himself up. Had Katara seen that? Please, let Katara have not seen that. He straightened his hair and quickly brushed off his clothes before turning back to the open door, and meeting Katara's eyes once more. She had seen it. Zuko straightened up in an effort to regain some pride. The two held each other's gaze for a moment longer before Zuko gave her a more formal bow. "Good night, Katara."

She smiled softly as the flush seemed to settle over her body. He watched her soft, pink lips part as she whispered. "Goodnight, Zuko."

He remained standing in front of her villa until her door closed and the light through the covered windows went out. His heart was racing, he was embarrassed and, yet, elated at the same time.

It was clear now that he was feeling something more for Katara than just friendship.

And a small part of him prayed that she felt the same.


A Note From the Author

Thank you very much for reading! My apologies for missing last month's update and being late this month. It was the Fiscal Half End at my company (I'm an OL, I suppose) and I had numerous deadlines to meet, as well as training classes and seminars. I appreciate your patience.

Fess up - who thought Jet was actually alive and that I'd go into the whole love triangle trope? I'm going to estimate 95%-99%. In my rough outline, I wrote him out to be a conscious dead spirit, but I wasn't exactly sure what he'd do. I knew I wanted him as a ghost, but the execution of the scenario was the difficult part. It's not perfect, but I think it's coming together nicely.

I'm hoping this fanfic won't go over 15 chapters, including an epilogue, so hopefully I can stick to that. The once a month update schedule seems to be working, albeit more inconsistent than I'd like. Towards the last few chapters, I wanted to raise the rating a bit, but I'm unsure. Thoughts?

Once again, thank you very much for your patience and for reading.