"Wait, so you guys were serious about this dance thing?"

Zuko had just hopped off Appa's saddle, seeing other members of the uprising setting up different types of instruments and directing other earthbenders where to move the seats. The earthbender had a faint moustache that seemed to be out of place and just odd as he pushed his hair back, raising two more chairs and pushing them around to complete the circle. Aang landed softly next to Zuko, a wide grin on his face. The firebender couldn't help but chuckle as the airbender was just shaking with excitement. He shifted to Katara quickly, watching her slide down Appa and began walking with her brother and Suki.

"Of course we were," Aang said. "This just helps everyone relax and forget about the world for a few hours."

"I guess it's a good idea," Zuko replied.

"Of course it is!" The airbender exclaimed.

The firebender nodded, his eyes shifting over to Katara, who was walking with Sokka and Suki and laughing about something. The way her smile framed her face made Zuko smile as well, not paying attention to the incoming footsteps that were approaching him. He barely had time to turn around before he felt a fist come across the side of his face. Everyone stopped what they were doing, looking back and seeing Zuko crash into Aang and come to stop on one of Appa's legs. He looked up, the setting sun obscuring his vision. All he could see was the reflection of the sun off hook swords and a wheat straw hanging loosely in the attacker's mouth.

Jet.

"What the fuck are you doing here, scarface?"

Zuko pushed himself up, dusting himself off and narrowing his eyes at Jet, who was already starting to reach back for his swords. He felt blood already trickling down his lip, brushing it away with his finger. Sokka and the others were already there, Katara standing in front of Zuko and looking over at his face.

"What the hell is your problem, Jet?" Sokka shouted.

"This asshole got me fucked over on the ferry," Jet snapped, glaring at Zuko. "Remember? I told you about the guy with the scar when I got here."

Katara now turned around, glaring at Jet, feeling an instant distaste for the cocky swordsman and his cocky eyebrows. "What does this have to do with Zuko?"

"Zuko?" Jet raised his brow, pointing an accusing finger at Zuko. "His name is Lee."

"It's Zuko," the firebender snapped. "You really think I would give my name to some random guy on a ferry?"

Jet was snarling now. "I thought you said joining the resistance was futile."

"For you, maybe," Zuko snickered, a smirk rising on his face.

The swordsman charged at Zuko, shoving Katara out of the way. Zuko caught Jet's fist, turning on his heel and sweeping out Jet's legs. He let out a yelp before landing in Appa's fur. Before he could even get back up, Zuko had twisted his arm around his back, causing him to let out a short scream. He quickly straddled his back, leaning closer to Jet's ear and snarling.

"Don't embarrass yourself, Jet," Zuko whispered through gritted teeth.

Zuko stood up now, releasing his hold on Jet and walking over to Katara. He checked out the mark on her arms from where she was shoved. She nodded that he was okay, looking over at Jet and watched as he was already stomping off with anger radiating from his body. Zuko sighed as everyone was now turning to stare at him. He caught Sokka's intense glare, knowing this wasn't something he wanted to explain.

"Care to explain," Sokka prompted, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

"I met Jet on the ferry and he wanted me to help him steal food and join you guys," Zuko explained, seeing Toph nodding to confirm his truth.

"Why did you say your name was Lee then?" Sokka asked.

The firebender scoffed. "Do you go tell any random people that you're really the Silver Wolf?"

Katara stepped in front of Zuko, pointing a finger at Sokka. "Enough. Zuko didn't do anything wrong. And I'm tired of you always accusing him of something wrong. Let it go, Sokka."

Sokka said nothing else, only shoving his way through Zuko and Katara and into the cave. Suki followed suit, while Toph and Aang stood up and set themselves in front of the Avatar and firebender.

"Can we just forget this and have fun?" Aang asked. "You two will love this dance. I'm sure of it."

"I'm sure they will, Twinkletoes," Toph snickered, earning herself a glare from the firebender.

The music was blasting now as the makeshift band played song after song and the rebels began to get up and move to the music. Zuko was sitting by himself, finally losing the robe. He was dressed in a brown shirt with a red and gold sleeveless robe draped over him. His legs were crossed along with his arms as he kept his eyes locked on everyone. Sokka and Suki were dancing, the leader keeping his hands on the girl's hips as they had lustful looks in their eyes. Even Aang and Toph were dancing… both with their own unique style. Toph looked rigid and lacking of rhythm, while Aang was flowing with the sound of the music.

"Hey, Zuko," Katara's voice came from his right.

Zuko jumped slightly, narrowing his eyes at Katara as she laughed softly, sitting down next to him and looking out to the dancefloor. Zuko took the time to notice her outfit. She had a different set of blue robes on, her midriff bare. She was wearing the same leggings, but took off the arm sleeves. Zuko's eyes trailed up to her neck, noticing the necklace. He furrowed his brow in confusion. Had that always been there? Without warning he reached out to cup the pendant, tracing it with his fingers.

"It's beautiful," Zuko whispered, catching Katara's blush.

"Thank you," Katara smiled up at Zuko. "It belonged to my mother. She had passed it to me just a few days before she died."

The firebender released the pendant, nodding once to the Avatar before they both turned and stared out at the dance floor. One dancer was flailing his arms crazy as others began getting into the groove of things now. Zuko chuckled as Toph and the guy with the moustache - was Haru his name? - began dancing now. Aang was bouncing all over the place now, a large grin on his face. They both realized now that Sokka and Suki were no longer on the floor, both also realizing where they were as they looked at each other and started laughing loudly.

"Do you wanna dance, Zuko?" Katara asked as the two finally calm down from their laughter.

Zuko's smile vanished. "I'm not one for dancing."

"Oh, don't be like that," Katara said, standing up and pulling Zuko's arm. "It'll be fun, come on."

"Fine," Zuko sighed as he stood up.

Zuko couldn't help but smile as Katara pulled him into the middle of all the people dancing. Zuko began listening to the music, hearing the sound of drums and the tsungi horn. He began rocking his body slightly, his hands somehow finding Katara's hips as she took began moving to the music. She was blushing, but her smile overpowered it as they found the rhythm and began moving in sync with the music. The firebender felt a smile pull at his lips as her body began moving closer to his.

"I used to play the tsungi horn," Zuko admitted, causing Katara to laugh.

"Really? I can't imagine you being a music person."

They both shared a laugh now as everyone was now looking in their direction. An idea came into Zuko's head as he leaned his head down.

"Follow my lead, okay?"

"What?" Katara asked.

"It'll be just like bending, trust me."

Zuko pulled away from Katara slowly, placing the back of his hand against hers, standing in an attack position. She did the same, slowly catching on as they began circling each other, never taking their eyes away from each other. Zuko made the first move, sliding forward. Katara did the opposite, both quickly turning around and raising their feet into the air. They hooked each other, slowly bringing them down and moving onto the next moves. Zuko flipped into the air, Katara ducking under him and spinning on her heel. Zuko charged now, sliding on his knees and having Katara front flip off his shoulders.

"Wow," Aang said, still beaming as he turned and watched the two dancing.

"What's going on?" Sokka asked as he and Suki returned, their hair a mess and Suki's pants on backwards.

Katara smiled widely as Zuko slid in front of her now, quickly realizing the situation they were in now.

"Zuko, everyone is watching," Katara protested.

The firebender smirked. "Don't worry about them. It's just you and me."

Zuko and Katara were facing each other now, circling each other with their hands pressed against each other. They made quick movements with their hands, moving through the air as if they were bending. They locked hands, pulling each other past another. As they came back, Zuko raised his leg and swung over Katara as she ducked the fake kick. Zuko spun around Katara, grabbing her hands and pulling her towards her, their lips inches apart before they both pulled back again. They kept smiles on their faces as they flipped through the air, Zuko forcing himself to go higher and Katara went under him. As they landed, they came back together again.

"Zuko is actually a really good dancer," Suki snickered.

"It looks more like bending," Aang observed.

"Feels like they both enjoy the hell out of it," Toph snorted. "So much for Zuko not being a dancer."

The firebender smiled again as they sliced through the air once more before Zuko grabbed Katara by the waist. He spun on his heel, lowering his arm with her in it. Katara kicked one leg out, finally stopping as they stopped and stared at each other. Both were breathing heavily as they stared deeply at each other. Zuko's golden eyes stared with passion into Katara's blue eyes, which had the same passion.

It was the thunderous applause that broke them out of it, both standing straight up and blushing as everyone was clapping and cheering. Even the band had stopped playing and cheered for the performance in front of them.

"That was amazing!" Suki cried out as Zuko and Katara reached them.

"Who knew Sparky had such light feet," Toph chuckled. "Maybe he's part airbender too."

"Thanks," Zuko said as he sat down next to Aang, who was already asking him to teach him those moves.

The firebender blocked out those questions those as something else was running through his mind. He felt the way Katara's heart was racing, just like his was. There was no denying it now as he turned his gaze over to her. She was staring at him with hooded eyes, a smile on her face and blush creeping all over her face. Zuko wasn't even sure if it was possible that he could begin developing feelings for the Avatar. It wasn't part of the mission, after all.

But Zuko was beginning to remember he didn't care about the mission.

Hours had passed, the music still playing softly and others still having the energy to dance. Zuko was tired, standing near the edge of the cave and staring out at the moon. His arms were crossed, like always, but he felt at peace though. The wind was bringing a slight chill through the air as it breezed past him. He heard footsteps, turning around and seeing Katara saunter up to him. A smile pulled at his lips as he saw her grinning widely at him.

"Hey," Zuko said.

"Hey," she replied, tucking some hair behind her ear and standing next to him. "Staring at the moon?"

The firebender nodded, looking back up at the sky. "Yeah. My mother used to tell me about how the moon was a guardian watching over all of us."

"Sokka keeps saying his ex-girlfriend turned into the moon," Katara shrugged, earning a confused look from Zuko. "Don't ask."

"Wasn't planning on it."

"Zuko, can I ask you something?"

He nodded, looking back out at the moon with a content look on his face.

"What ever happened to your mother?"

Zuko sighed, closing his eyes as the memory played in his head once more. "I don't want to talk about it."

Katara had thought of something to say, but it never came. Instead, the sound of an explosion ripped through the air. The two benders were launched off their feet and back into the cave as screams rang through the air. Zuko was the first one up, running back the entrance looking up into the sky. How he didn't see it, he didn't know. Two warships were flying directly towards them. He saw the flicker of fire growing larger and shoot towards him. Zuko took a step forward and sliced through the air, snuffing the flames out before he turned on his heel and blasting his own shot of fire. His eyes widened as his fire was knocked away with blue fire.

"What the fuck?" Sokka's voice came. "Was that blue fire?"

"No, it can't be," Zuko whispered as he turned to Sokka. "You need to get everyone out of here, now."

"Why?"

"Only one person can bend blue fire," Zuko explained. "Princess Azula, daughter of Father Ozai."

"How did they even find us?" Katara asked as she skidded to a stop.

Zuko shook his head. "Someone must've tipped them off. My money is on the Mechanist."

"It doesn't matter," Sokka said, pulling out his black sword. "We have to get out of here now. Everyone, move!"

No one needed to be told twice as they began running now. The earthbenders of the group raised up slabs of earth, shooting them at the warships. Blasts of fire destroyed the slabs. Zuko only watched as Sokka and Suki were directing others to the ships they had from the Water Tribe. Katara and Aang went off to put out the fires that had stared. Zuko looked back up at the warships, seeing Azula and her royal guards jumping down towards them. The firebender quickly pulled on his robe, pulling the robe over his head as he tossed his sack onto Appa's saddle, knowing that was their only chance to get out of there in one piece.

"Get them," Azula snapped. "I want the Silver Wolf and Blind Bandit brought to me alive, understand?"

Zuko wasted no time as he flipped into the air, kicking arcs of fire at his sister. He knew Azula dodged it as blue fire raced by his head.

"You'll pay for that, traitor," Azula sneered. "How dare a firebender join these classes of scum."

Zuko knew that Azula didn't know it was him underneath the robe. Her blue fire exploded behind Zuko as he rolled forward. He summoned two fire whips, swinging down on Azula as she easily backflipped away from the fire. She punched her fist out again and again, multiple fireballs ripping towards Zuko. He cursed under his breath, spinning to the side and sweeping his leg across his body, sending a wave of fire out. Azula forced herself over the wave, sweeping her leg down and shooting her own arc. Zuko sliced through the middle of arc, forcing the fire around him.

"Mai, Ty Lee, I could use some help here," Azula snapped in a very demanding tone to her right.

The firebender didn't have time to reach as a stiletto sliced through his shoulder. He staggered back, seeing blood already on his hand as he looked up. Mai, his former betrothed, was charging at him with daggers in her hands. Ty Lee, the bubbly girl in her pink outfit, sprinted right next to her. Zuko crused under his breath, dodging the incoming daggers before Ty Lee began jabbing at him. He did his best to push away her attacks, knowing she could chi block someone and disable their bending. This wasn't the best time for that to happen.

Ty Lee pulled back, Mai charging at him now now. She was holding two short blades, twirling them around before slicing at Zuko. He quickly formed his own fire daggers, wishing he would've grabbed his dual dao swords before tossing his bag away. Mai was quicker than he remembered, Zuko barely having time to dodge the attacks. He quickly spun underneath Mai's swing, elbowing her in the ribs. The gloomy warrior staggered back before Zuko shot a blast of fire at her feet, making her leap backwards.

Now Ty Lee was on him again, punching faster as Azula began launching fireballs at his direction. Zuko rolled sideways, barely having time to dodge the incoming shurikens from Mai.

"Zuko!"

Zuko's eyes widened underneath his hood, as did Azula's. Katara's voice was soon replaced with a scream as a stream of water crashed into Ty Lee's chest, sending her flying backwards into the warship. Mai was still charging, though. Toph, who was right behind Katara, shot forward two clods of earth, knocking them into her and sending her sprawling onto the floor. Zuko was sure that he heard bones cracking.

"Zuko…" Azula trailed off.

He sighed, removing his robe and tossing it aside. The princess instantly saw the scar, her face contorting into one filled with rage and malice. Before he could say anything, Azula was running full speed at him now. Zuko could only step back as Azula sliced at him with her sharp nails. Zuko was able to lure her into the cave, grabbing her by the wrists and tossing her aside over his head. He quickly scrambled to his feet, staring at his enraged sister with wide eyes.

"You bastard," Azula shouted as she jumped to her feet. "How dare you show your marked face around the Fire Nation."

She gave Zuko no chance to speak, charging again. Zuko equally matched her attacks, slapping away her hands and giving quick jabs to her body. Azula snarled as she jumped into the air, double kicking Zuko on the sides. He groaned at the pain, gasping as he felt his legs being swept from underneath him. As soon as he hit the ground, Azula was straddling him, her hands around his neck and squeezing tightly. Immediately, his hands began clawing at her face, trying to shove her away from his body.

"How could you leave me, Zuko?" Azula cried. "Do you know what he did to me? Do you?"

"Azula… stop," Zuko managed to croak out, feeling her squeeze tighter.

"You left and he punished me for it," Azula snapped, tears forming in her eyes. "I had to suffer because of you. He made me into the perfect soldier. I became his favorite, like you always said."

Zuko gasped as he felt her grip slack. He sucked in all the air he could, coughing as he heard her slam into the ground. Looking up, he saw Katara running towards him with eyes glowing white, picking him up and trying to get him to go to Appa. Zuko looked back once, seeing Azula stand up glare at him. He couldn't hear anything as more fire exploded around him. Toph lifted everyone up onto Appa's saddle.

"Yip yip," Aang yelled.

Appa roared as he took off, flying high into the air. Zuko snapped out of his daze enough to turn and defend them from the oncoming fire blasts. The last stream was blue, racing towards him. Zuko was ready to deflect it, but it stopped just short, fizzling away before it could do any damage. A broken Zuko sighed, dropping back onto the saddle and trying to catch his breath. Zuko turned over and stared at Katara, her eyes back to their normal blue color now.

"Who the fuck was that?" Suki asked.

"That was the Princess of Caldera, Azula," Zuko sighed.

"How did she know you, Zuko?" Katara asked, looking down.

Zuko forced himself to sit up, feeling all eyes on him. It was Aang, Toph, Suki, Sokka, and Katara now. Every pair of eyes, including the blind ones of Toph, was staring directly at him. He let out a rush of air as he dropped his head.

"Azula is my sister," Zuko said.

"What?" Everyone asked.

"My father is Father Ozai," Zuko explained. "Eleven years ago, he was selected to rule Caldera. Azula is my younger sister."

Sokka was livid now. "And you just happen to mention this now?"

"I left that city behind and everything I had there," Zuko continued, pointing his finger to his scar. "After my father took over the city, he gave me this scar for being weak. I left Caldera on my own. I exiled myself and left Azula alone... I left her alone with him."

"Your… your father did that to you?" Katara looked up at him with sorrow and anger filled eyes.

Zuko nodded. "Yeah, he did."

"You lied to us," Sokka snapped, ignoring this moment. "You even lied to Katara, I bet. That's why you broke her out, huh? Because she's the Avatar and you knew you could prove something to your father."

"You're wrong," Zuko snapped, looking up. "I saved her to save her. That's it. If you assume I have any loyalty left to Caldera, you truly are an idiot."

"Go fuck yourself," Sokka snapped, turning away from the firebender.

Zuko had no response, looking over at Katara, who turned away as well. That stung deep in his chest as he looked down again, leaning back into the saddle.

"Where are we going?" Toph changed the subject.

"We have to lay low a bit in the Fire Nation," Aang said. "We have to bounce around until we're sure that Azula can't find us."

"There's a little village named Jang Hui that's pretty much isolated," Zuko spoke up. "It's by a lake so we can have some better water at least."

"Sounds good enough for me," Aang said.

The firebender nodded, looking over at Katara. His eyes were fixed on her as she moved towards him. Zuko had to admit that he was confused, watching her with careful eyes as she reached up, softly brushing the edge of his scar with her fingertips. His eyes closed, both of their breathing matching as he felt her warmth moving closer to him. His eyes only opened up when he felt her lips softly press against his. Zuko pushed back ever so softly before she pulled back, smiling softly as she looked down into her lap.

"What was that for?" Zuko asked.

"I thought I was gonna lose you today," Katara sighed. "I... I can't lose you, Zuko."

Zuko nodded once, letting the Avatar sink in his arms as he draped one around her. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, watching as her eyes fluttered shut before sleep quickly came over her. Zuko smiled to himself as he too closed his eyes, finally feeling at peace with what he had going on in his life.