AN: Here's another chapter for today!

DISCLAIMER:

I don't end "ATLA." Dang it.

CHAPTER 10: START

KATARA'S POV

The next evening, Sokka cornered me as I helped Zuko load the stuff onto the bison. We were both dressed in Zuko's own black clothes.

When Zuko handed them to me, he added. "They might be too big for you."

He was right. His shirt dangled at my knees. It looked like a dress. The sleeves were fitted loosely around my arms. The turtleneck was at my nose, so I tugged it down. I smelled cinnamon and inhaled the scent as Zuko put his shirt on.

Back in the present, Aang was also talking to Zuko. "It's not right to kill someone. She needs to forgive him."

I turned to him. "He killed my mother and burned my back. He deserves whatever pain I bring him." I tossed my hair, as Zuko sat on Appa's head.

"But-" Zuko interrupted Aang. "This isn't Air Temple preschool. This is the real word. Think-you have to kill Ozai. Actually end him, before he does any more damage." Aang looked down in shock and I pushed myself into the saddle.

"Katara." Sokka added. "This is dangerous."

"I'm a Master Waterbender and Zuko's a Master Firebender. We'll be fine." I said shortly.

"Zuko, protect my sister." he whispered, looking up at Zuko. "If anything happens to her, I'll break every bone in your body."

"I'll keep her safe. I promise." he replied, looking back at me and smiling.

"I don't need protection." I answered, albeit harshly at Sokka.

"Katara-"

"Appa, yip yip!" Zuko snapped the reins and we took off.

Zuko steered Appa towards the Fire Navy communication tower. It surprised me how much Appa liked him, and how nice Zuko treated the bison. He didn't yell at him or yank the reins if Appa went off course. He simply tugged loosely on the reins and told Appa the direction to go. when Appa was headed in the right direction, Zuko patted his shaggy head and told him. "Good boy, Appa."

I made an ice raft to surf us across the ocean. We left Appa on a rocky "island." Zuko guided me carefully to the air vents and pushed it open. It was a tight space. Once or twice, Zuko's boot got in my mouth or I crawled too fast and bumped into him.

When we got the records, Zuko grinned and slapped his finger down on the location. "Whaletail Island."

I nodded. "Whaletail Island, here we come."

I steered Appa. The sun was beginning to rise. I felt tired, but did not rest. I needed to find the man, punish him.

"Katara." Zuko said, waking up from the saddle. "You've been awake for hours. You need some rest."

"I'll be fine." I snapped.

"No..." he crawled carefully to Appa's head and took the reins from me. "You need sleep. You are in no shape to fight."

"The moon will give me strength." I challenged, as I yanked the reins from him. Appa groaned in protest.

Zuko patted his head. "Keep going." He sat beside me and shook his head. "Not enough."

"It will. Trust me. Just let me drive!" I hissed.

To my surprise, Zuko sat behind me, his legs around me. I was leaning into his chest. His arms came around me and took the reins again. I was practically in his lap!

"Zuko!" I growled. "What in Tui and La's name are you-"

He pulled my head back into his chest. "Since you're so insistent to keep watch, sleep here. I'll steer. And I'll wake you up when we reach the Southern Raiders. I promise."

"I'll...steer..." I murmured as I felt sleep close my eyes and dull my brain. My hands loosened.

He stroked my hair and let me rest my head against him. "Sleep, Katara."

Zuko started to hum something peaceful and stroked my loose hair. I sighed, and relaxed in his grip.

I fell asleep, smelling cinnamon.

AN: The real adventure-and it's not going to be like the episode-continues tomorrow! Review!