Author: Becky L. Sly
Title: The Moon's Dragon
Genre: Romance/Adventure/Drama
Rating: T (there will be cusswords, violence and some non-explicit sexual situation that might not be appropriated for all readers)

I don't own anything. All characters belong to Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and Nickelodeon.

Chapter 10 – The Counterstrike Plan

Appa was flying towards the South Pole, crossing a beautiful sunset sky filled with orange and pink clouds. The cold breeze reached their bodies as they flew further into the Southern Sea, forcing everyone to bundle up. The Kyoshi warriors had gathered themselves into a cluster to protect themselves from the frigid air. Katara noticed that they were slightly hurt, with some bruises and small scars all over their faces and arms. She scooted over and helped them, using her bending to heal those wounds. Sokka guided Appa, holding his ribbons tightly and making sure to get to his village as fast as they could.

They were all in shock with over the recent events. In fact, the first two hours or so had been spent in complete silence. Katara swore she could hear every individual breath everyone took on that saddle.

Zuko turned to them and sighed. "What happened back there?" he asked. They all sighed and exchanged solemn glances, before one by one, they started telling everything that happened after Zuko had escaped with Suki.

Katara glanced at Zuko. He seemed far away as the warriors told their story, and she couldn't help but feel a bolt of worry course through her. They revealed that it wasn't the Fire Nation's army who had rebelled against Zuko. Instead, Azula had managed to contact some of the older generals and officers that Zuko exonerated when he became the Fire Lord. With the help of Tai Long and his army, who called themselves the Red Lotus, Azula had planned a coup under Zuko's nose.

Katara sighed. Although the truth about Zuko's attack was more complicated than Katara imagined, at least they now knew what really happened that day. The waterbender glanced at Zuko. He was still quiet, having not spoken a word. What was he thinking? Katara watched carefully, trying to pick apart the firebender from afar. His chin rested in his hand, and he stared out into space. A frown was settled onto his face, and Katara could only imagine what that meant. However, Sokka's voice brought Katara back to the ground.

"What about Aang?" he asked, looking over his shoulders. "Zuko said he couldn't find him. Do you know what happened with him?"

Katara felt her chest tighten. She had been so certain they'd find Aang in that prison. However, each cell that was empty or without him had been a bruise to her heart. She wanted to believe that he was okay…alive. Although they didn't manage to find him, finding the Kyoshi warriors was still such a relief, at least.

The warriors looked at each other.

"If weren't for you," one of them said. "We wouldn't have known that Aang was a hostage at all."

"No one spoke about him. Not even the guards at the prison," said another warrior.

"And the guards tried to tell us everything that was going on", said a warrior near Katara. "They all helped us, bringing blankets and food. We knew them from when we were Zuko's personal guard."

"They're scared of Azula, Fire Lord Zuko," said the girl next to the firebender. Katara saw Zuko nod absently. He scooted off to the side, facing the sunset in the horizon. Katara sighed and looked back at the girls, her gaze drifting to the shrunken body at the corner of the saddle. Katara crawled to her side, pulling the water from her pouch and pressing her hand softly against Ty Lee's head.

Katara could feel all eyes on her as she worked to heal the girl. Not that she minded; healing was as fascinating to watch as it was to do. Still, she focused her attention on Ty Lee. She was pretty beat up. Bruised and burns were painted all across her arms, legs, and face and her hair were choppy and short.

To put it bluntly; Ty Lee had been brutally tortured. Apparently, Azula had loved bringing her into the palace as a punching bag of sorts, only to return her to the prison with more injuries than when she'd left.

Even unconscious, Ty Lee seemed scared. Her face was drawn up in terror, and her muscles remained tense. Katara couldn't even imagine what the poor girl must have endured.

"Come on, Ty Lee," Katara murmured softly. The worry was palpable in the air, and Katara could see the warriors watching the healing process very intently. They were all worried about the Fire Nation girl.

"N-no..."

Katara nearly relinquished her control of the water in shock. She peered down at Ty Lee, blinking in surprise as the injured girl stirred beneath her hands.

"T-Tai Long..."

There was a lot of shuffling as everyone on the saddle crawled closer.

"Is she awake?" Sokka asked. Katara shook her head, leaning closer.

"Ty Lee, can you hear me?"

Her eyes flickered open, and she gazed up at Katara, confused. "Hmm?"

"You're safe now. There's no need to be scared."

Ty Lee, bolted upright, fear clouding her expression. "He's the leader of the Nine Dragons!" she cried. "He's controlling her! Oh, Azula! Please!"

Katara looked up and saw that everyone was staring at each other, probably considering what they had just heard, as she was doing herself. She faced Zuko, noticing the frown form upon his face.

"What else do you know?" he asked Ty Lee rudely, making the others warrior stare at him.

"Zuko, she's not okay," Katara cried, frowning at him. Zuko snorted, looking away from her. He looked back at the warriors and Katara and sighed.

"Okay. I'm glad that we were able to find you," he said softly, looking at each one of them. "Soon you'll be safe at the South Pole."

"What about Suki, Fire Lord Zuko?" asked one warrior, her eyes filled with concern. Zuko smiled slightly.

"She's fine. I'm sure she will be more than glad to see you all."

All the warriors smiled and sights of excitements spread over their faces. Zuko stood up and moved a little way from them on the saddle. Katara looked at the warrior next to her and asked her to take care of Ty Lee for a moment. She crawled next to Zuko, determined to make him talk.

"Zuko," she hissed, but she could hear the anger in her voice. "You are going to tell me what happened with you while we were there," she said seriously, facing the back of his head. He was staring at the horizon again absently. After a few moments, he finally looked back at her and gazed her deeply into her eyes.

"I went to the Fire Nation to find Aang," he started saying, moving his left hand in the air slightly, producing a small, yet intense flame. "But he's not there."

Katara sighed. "Do you think he escaped?" she muttered, hoping to see him nodding at that question.

"I don't know," he said, looking away from her gaze. "But I think he's okay, wherever he is."

Katara stared at him, searching for any sign in his face that would make her believe in his words.

"Do you think so?" she asked and Zuko nodded, still not facing her.

"I know he's not one to be caught easily," he said looking at her, a slight smile on his face. Katara chuckled, understanding that he was talking about the time he wasted running after Aang.

"Yeah, I know that," she said softly, feeling her heart a little less heavy. She stared at the sunset in the sky. Soon it would be night, and the cold weather of the Pole was starting to reach them.

"Katara," Zuko called her softly, making her glance at him, meeting his gaze. "While I was there, Tai Long found me. He told me that he used his bending to find me and he attacked me. I escaped, but if it wasn't for this old lady called Mityko, I wouldn't be alive."

Katara gazed at him, listening to the story he was telling her. She was amazed to hear that the people of the Fire Nation still considered him as the true Fire Lord. She was proud of him, and deep inside she wanted to cry in happiness and hold him, telling him that she was right the whole time. He was worthy and a brave Fire Lord. However, she kept quiet, but she couldn't fake the smile upon her lips.

"They told me they need me," he said blissfully. "It was then...I felt something inside me. I felt my strength back… I don't know how to explain this, but something awakened inside me."

Zuko looked up and stared at Katara deeply into her eyes. His gaze made goosebumps all over her skin.

"I was confused, but now I'm sure. I'm their Fire Lord, I can never change that," he muttered, taking her hand softly and squeezing it. "I need to protect my people and my country. I need to find Aang. I need to take my throne back."

Without letting her hand go, he sighed. "Do you…" he paused for a long time, making Katara frown. "Do you… understand?" he asked her slowly.

Katara smiled at him, squeezing his hand back. She understood everything and she was happy about him. However, the way he was telling that to her made her feel that he was saying his goodbyes. Her heart tightened, just with the thought of having to let him go. It was then that she felt, deep in her heart, that she was unable to let him go. She needed him, even if he didn't feel the same way as her.

But, he asked her if she could understand him leaving. Katara sighed, not finding the words to tell him the truth.

"Zuko… that changes a lot of things," she muttered and he nodded slowly. "You belong to the Fire Nation and you have to protect your citizens from your sister's madness." Katara tried to smile. She remembered how he bent that huge fireball to save them from Tai Long's waterbender. Going back to the Fire Nation helped him to restore his own strength, and she couldn't ignore that.

"You don't think it's a total madness?" he asked her and she chuckled.

"Of course I do," she smiled and he smiled back. "But that wouldn't prevent you from choosing the right choice."

Zuko thanked her and smiled at her. He cupped her cheek with his right hand, without breaking their gaze. Katara held his hand over her face, feeling how soft his hand were.

Just five word. C'mon. You're braver than this.

Her mind was killing her and her heart was beating rapidly. She could also feel a knot forming in her throat.

Can I go with you?

How could she ask him that? She wasn't sure if he wanted her company, in the first place.

"Zuko…" she started saying, noticing that Zuko was wide-eyeing her. However, Sokka's voice made them jump.

"Welcome to the South Pole, ladies!" Sokka exclaimed, looking back at the saddle. They all looked at Sokka at first, but then they moved over the saddle's edge, staring at the lights of the Southern Water Tribe in front of them. The lights began getting bigger and soon they managed to see the Harbor and the igloos. They saw the shadows of the Water Tribe ships docked at the port. However, there was one ship, in particular, that was different from the rest.

"Is there…" Katara started, narrowing her eyes. "Is there a Fire Nation Ship?!" she exclaimed, staring at Zuko, who looked back at her in horror.

Shit. Tai Long had managed to follow them to the South Pole! Katara felt her heart at her throat. She looked at Sokka and saw that he was also in a panic.

"How did they get here first?" Sokka cried, not quite believing what he was seeing.

"Well," said a warrior, making Katara look back at her. "That was the kind of revanche that we were waiting," she said, stretching her arms. Katara faced the other girls and saw that they all were stretching, getting prepared to fight. She looked back at Zuko, who was facing her already.

"What are we going to do?" she asked him. He narrowed his eyes at the Fire Nation ship.

"We need to be careful," he muttered. "If they are looking for us, Tai Long can put the whole village in danger."

"What are your orders, Fire Lord?" muttered a warrior seriously.

Zuko took a deep breath. "If something happens, I'm willing to give myself to them."

Katara held his arm strongly. "No!" she cried. "This is not going to happen. We'll find another way."

"Maybe we should get down in there and attack them" Sokka shouted over Appa's head. "If they came here to catch us, let's show them they messed with the wrong people." Katara faced her brother and nodded. Zuko turned to Sokka and asked him to flank the ship.

Closer to the port now, they noticed that the ship wasn't so big. Appa landed on the soft snow. They all climbed down the big bison, with the exception of Ty Lee and another warrior, who stayed behind. Zuko told the warrior that if something happened to him or to the village, she was to take Appa and fly away to get some help.

They walked carefully towards the ship, making sure to stay unnoticed. Katara noticed that no one was there, not even the waterbender workers that were building the Harbor. That thought made her shiver; it was not a good sign at all. They kept walking, getting closer. They all stayed behind a big icy rock.

Zuko put his head out to find out what was near the ship.

"There are some people there," he said. Katara moved closer to him, also peeking behind the rock. "I can see four people."

Katara narrowed her eyes, getting a better look. Her heart stopped beating when she recognized who was there.

"It's my father and Pakku, Zuko," she said, looking up and seeing that Zuko was also analyzing the people. "I think Suki is there too," she said, looking at the Warriors.

Sokka came closer to them to peek too. "Hey, the fourth person is…" Sokka started, but Zuko cut him down.

"I can't believe," said Zuko, starting to walk towards that group.

"Zuko, wait," Katara said, following him. The others also got up and followed them too. Katara tried to reach Zuko, but he was running now.

"Uncle!" Zuko cried, a little bit breathless due to the weather and the running.

The group in front of him moved to where his voice was coming. Katara's father and Pakku were surprised to see Zuko and the others behind him, running after them. However, when Iroh heard the voice of his nephew, he also ran towards Zuko.

"Zuko!" Iroh cried. He got closer to the firebender and pulled him to a hug. Iroh hugged Zuko as hard as he could. Tears were coming down his face.

"Uncle, I-I can't believe you are here," Zuko muttered breathlessly, hugging his uncle back.

"I thought that I had lost you, Zuko," Iroh murmured painfully, passing his hand through Zuko's hair. "I almost lost my mind. I-I couldn't… lose another son."

"Uncle," Zuko muttered, hugging, even more, his uncle. "How did you know where to find me?" he asked Iroh, who finally freed Zuko from his hug. The general looked at Katara before answering it and then he turned his gaze at Zuko.

"I had a thought," Iroh said, smiling. Zuko looked at Katara surprised and then back to his uncle. "It seemed that I was right."

Katara thanked that no one was looking at her because she could feel her cheeks burning. She looked at Suki, who was now being hugged by the other warriors.

"I'm so glad to see you, girls," she said, her voice trailing and her eyes filled with tears. All of them were hugging her and passing their hand over Suki's bump, probably surprised with that news.

"Katara," she heard her father's voice and in the next minute, she was being hugged by him and Sokka. "I was so scared. Why you didn't warn me?" Hakoda asked both his kids, and Katara could hear the pains in his voice.

"We had to, father," said Sokka.

"The Elder Ones would be mad if they found out what we did," Katara said, but her father frowned.

"They already know."

"What?" Katara wide-eyed him. She glanced at Suki for a moment, wondering how they had found out about them. Suki nodded at Hakoda's words.

"They found out the next morning after you went to the Fire Nation," said Pakku, standing behind Hakoda. "They were looking for Zuko. The next morning you run away, General Iroh had arrived here. He was looking for Zuko. When we told him the truth, the Elder Ones found out what happened.

"They… are not happy," Hakoda started, looking at Zuko and Iroh, who had joined them in the conversation. "They prohibited General Iroh and his crew to enter the village."

"What? That's insane!" Katara yelled, feeling her anger boiling inside her blood. "They can't do that! Zuko is our guest!"

"That's enough!" A strong voice echoed through the field. Katara looked up and noticed three figures looking at them. The Elder Ones started to walk towards them, and by the look on their faces, they weren't happy at all.

"You… we trusted you, Zuko," hissed Shaila angrily, pointing her finger at Zuko. "You put our village under danger with your reckless behavior!"

"I didn't intend to put you in danger," Zuko muttered, taking a deep breath.

"You went to the Fire Nation without our permission," Yakon yelled at Zuko. Katara looked over the old man and noticed that some Water Tribe natives were coming down to see what was going on. "And even worse, you took two of ours natives with you," Katara jumped, Yakon staring at her. She narrowed her eyes, closing her fists.

"But we didn't have a choice," Katara growled. "Zuko got his throne usurped and you didn't care about that. Someone needs to do something about Azula!"

"We needed to find Aang," Sokka said at Yakon angrily, coming closer to his sister. "You seemed not worry at all about the Avatar, as well."

"And where's the Avatar?" Yakon taunted cynically. Katara sighed, feeling her heart tightening.

"We… didn't find him," she said cheerlessly, facing the ground.

"That's what I thought," said Yakon, looking down at Katara.

"You said you didn't intend to take your throne back," said Shaila angrily, gesturing her arms in the air dramatically, her gaze fixed on Zuko.

"I changed my mind," said Zuko and suddenly everybody stared at him, surprised. "When I was there, I realized how bad things are. I need to help my people. I'm their Fire Lord," he said seriously and the Elder Ones gazed him in disbelief. Suki stepped closed to Zuko, being followed by the Kyoshi Warrior.

"We are going to fight along Fire Lord Zuko," she said firmly, and Zuko glanced at her, thankful for her words.

"That's not our problem," Shaila snapped.

"Not our problem?" Katara yelled, not quite believing what she was hearing. "You are doing nothing."

"How dare you?" said Yakon, taking a step next to Katara. He glowered at her deeply into her eyes; his light blue eyes were restless. "You are just a girl with delusions of greatness who doesn't know your place!" he yelled and Katara blinked a few times.

"Don't talk to her like that!" Zuko growled, stepping in front of Katara.

Hakoda stepped in, glancing at the Elder Ones. "We, from the Southern Water Tribe, will be more than happy to help Fire Lord Zuko," said the old water tribe chief, glancing at Zuko and nodding to him.

"This is not up to you to decide!" yelled Yakon, challenging the water tribe chief.

"These are my lands!" Hakoda snapped, narrowing his eyes at Yakon. "The Southern Water Tribe welcomed Fire Lord Zuko. He's my guest until he decides to leave. As well as general Iroh and his crew."

"When are you going to understand, Hakoda?" said Yakon coldly. "You don't have power here. Your tribe belongs to the Northern Water Tribe."

"And we were kind to let general Iroh dock his ship here," said Shaila coldly. "But no Fire Nation citizens will disturb our peace."

"Dear Elder Ones," said Iroh softly. "I didn't mean to disturb. I was only looking for my nephew, but now that I've found him," he said, looking at Zuko. "I'm more than glad to go."

"There's no need for this," said Hakoda, still glowering at Yakon, however, the elder man was staring at Zuko angrily.

"You must leave. NOW!"

"That's it," said Ukka coldly, stepping closer to other ones. "We decided that general Iroh could stay at the Harbor, only. Now that Zuko arrived, it's time for him to go," he continued, turning now his gaze at Zuko's. "You're not welcome here anymore."

Zuko nodded quietly. Katara felt her heart breaking. However, Pakku was the first one to break the silence.

"This is not right," murmured Pakku and Ukka turned to face him.

"I thought that you, from all, could understand," he said coldly. "Chief Hakoda, I hope you won't do anything against my decision." He raised an eyebrow.

Hakoda stayed quiet and after a while, Ukka nodded. He turned his back and started to walk back to the village. The other ones followed him, heading towards the group of people that had been listening to the whole arguing. However, before they were out of sight, Ukka turned to face Zuko one last time.

"I hope to see any Fire Nation's ship here by noon tomorrow," he cried loudly.

A dead silence spread across them. Everyone seemed humiliated about what had just happened. Sokka announced that he was going to find Appa and bring him back to the Stable. Suki and the other warriors joined him. Iroh invited Katara, her father, and Pakku to come to the ship. They accepted and Zuko lead the way.

In the ship, Iroh offered them some tea. They all sat together at a big table in the center of the ship's kitchen. Everyone was still quiet, dealing with their own thoughts. Sometime later, Sokka, Suki, and the Kyoshi warriors appeared. Sokka was bringing Ty Lee in his arms. The ship's captain, Lieutenant Jee, lead the Warriors towards their new room, once they would also ship away with Zuko in the next day.

Sokka and Suki sat at the table as well. The ship's cook handed two cups of tea to them. Hakoda sighed, facing Katara and Zuko.

"What happened while you were there?" he muttered and both benders looked at each other.

"We went there to find Aang," Katara murmured. "Sokka and I went to the Capital's prison while Zuko headed towards the Palace."

"We found the Kyoshi Warriors in the prison," said Sokka from the other side of the table. "Zuko, however, he found Tai Long." Sokka glanced at the firebender, who nodded slightly.

Iroh narrowed. "It's not a strange name," said the old firebender. Zuko stared at his uncle.

"He has an army called the Red Lotus," said Zuko and Iroh frowned. "Does it have something to do with White Lotus?"

"I'm not sure," Iroh, muttered, scratching his chin. "Maybe I'll need to ask my friends about that."

"Ty Lee said that he called himself as the leader of the Nine Dragons," Katara muttered, glancing at Zuko. "She said that he's controlling Azula."

"So… I guess that the Fire Nation is being ruled by the Red Lotus and… these Nine Dragons?" Pakku asked, staring at Zuko and then Katara.

"I'm not sure." Zuko sighed. "Perhaps the Nine Dragons and the Red Lotus are the same things.

"That's something we must keep an eye on," said Hakoda seriously. "Even if the Elder Ones disagree." He glanced at Pakku, who nodded at his words.

"Whoever they are, they have Azula and Aang," muttered Sokka.

"They saw you?" asked Pakku, facing both Sokka and Katara. The warrior shrugged, looking at his sister.

"We are not sure," she murmured. "They tried to prevent us from escaping, so I used my bending to fight against this other waterbender. He was with Tai Long."

"We tried to be careful," continued Zuko. "No one seemed to be following us."

"We must be prepared in case they attempt to visit us," said Pakku to Hakoda.

"Maybe, things will get better when I leave," Zuko muttered. "They want me." He shrugged. Everyone glared at him, waiting for him to continue to speak. He took a deep breath before speaking again.

"I need to return to my people, to rule my country. I can't let Azula do whatever she wants to, not even Tai Long, if he's really controlling her," he said, Pakku and Hakoda nodding at his words. "I must go to the Fire Nation to find help, to build an army and fight against Azula and the Red Lotus."

"Azula is a dangerous woman," said Iroh gravely. "The Fire Nation should be ruled by you Zuko. It doesn't matter that she managed to usurp your throne. You are the righteous Fire Lord."

"That's right, Fire Lord Zuko," said Lieutenant Jee, who had just come back from the rooms. "You are the only one able to restore the honor of the Fire Nation,"

"Only you can stop Azula," said Hakoda. "You already managed to do it in the past."

"I'm proud of you, Zuko," said Iroh, smiling at the firebender. "I'll be more than happy to help you."

"And also we'll be the Kyoshi Warriors," said Suki with a big smirk upon her lips.

"The Southern Water Tribe we'll help you as well," said Hakoda, standing up from his seat and raising his arm to Zuko, who grabbed it. "If you ever need any help, you must know that you have allies here," he said and Zuko thanked him.

"You also have friends around the world," said Sokka, excited. "I'm sure we'll find someone to help you kick Azula out of the throne," he laughed. "At least, I'm willing to help you to do that!"

Zuko smirked, his expression showing how glad he was with the support of his friend. However, before anyone could say anything else, the ship's helmsman appeared.

"Fire Lord Zuko, there are some people here that want to speak with you."

Zuko frowned but asked to see them. The helmsman opened the door widely; showing that behind him was a group of three water tribe natives. Zuko recognized Khan, the waterbender that came to speak to him one time. Besides Khan, there were two girls, who by the look of it, seemed to be twins.

"Good night, Chief Hakoda, master Pakku," said Khan, bowing to greet the men. He looked at Zuko and also bowed to him. "Fire Lord Zuko," he said and Zuko stood up and stepped next to him.

"Khan," muttered the firebender. "What are you doing here?" he asked him kindly.

"I come here with my friends," he said, looking at the girls behind him. One of them took a step.

"My name is Nuka, Fire Lord Zuko," said the girl. She seemed to be younger than Katara, probably fourteen or fifteen. She had very light blue eyes and a short curly brown hair that framed her beautiful face. "I'm a waterbender and I'm pretty good at healing."

"I know you," said Katara, also standing up and heading next to them. "You worked with me at the Healing Center," she said smiling and Nuka nodded, smiling too.

Nuka's twin also took a step.

"And I'm Asta," she said, gazing at Zuko. She was very similar to Nuka, despite from her hair, which was very long and wavy, with a lot of braids. "I'm also a waterbender."

"That's nice," said Zuko, "But, why are you here?"

Asta and Nuka looked at Khan, waiting for him to speak. Khan glanced at Zuko and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Once I told you that I would help you to fight," he started, his eyes filled with bravery. "I saw what happened with the Elder Ones. I don't agree with them, neither do Nuka and Asta. We are here to join you, Fire Lord," he said seriously, filling his chest with air to appear bolder.

"What?" yelled Pakku behind Zuko. The old waterbender master stood up and headed angrily towards the waterbenders. "I didn't bring you to the South to get your heads into more trouble," he glowered at Nuka and Asta.

"But our grandfather said it was okay," Asta snapped, crossing her arms.

"We want to help," said Nuka softly.

"This is madness. It must be your doing, Khan!" yelled Pakku at the boy. "You're not ready to fight. I won't allow it."

"But I want to," said Khan firmly. "I want to protect the Water Tribe and the only way to do it is by helping Fire Lord Zuko."

"If the Fire Lord accept us, we'll do anything to help him get his throne back," said Asta.

"Thanks," said Zuko, raising his hand. "I appreciate the gesture, but I can't ask you to fight this for me."

"You're not asking," said Nuka softly. "We're volunteering."

"Are you all sure about it?" asked Zuko, staring carefully at each one of the waterbenders. They all nodded together. Zuko looked at Pakku, who sighed and nodded too.

"All right," said Zuko with a slight smile upon his lips. "I'm glad to have you with me."

The three waterbenders thanked Zuko and promised him that they would be at the ship as soon as the day started. They happily said goodbye and headed towards their homes, probably to pack their things before leaving.

Hakoda also said that he was going to let Zuko rest; but that he would come back in the morning to wish him farewell. Everybody stood up and headed out of the ship. Before leaving, Katara turned to Zuko, her heart beating rapidly.

"Zuko," she called him softly.

"Don't worry," he told her. "I'll do anything to find Aang," he said and she nodded. She bit her lower lip, trying to find the right words.

"It's everything all right?" he asked her and Katara looked up.

"I-I'm just worried," she lied. Zuko stared at her for a moment and she could tell that something was on his mind.

"Katara, I want…" he started, but his voice trailed off. He took a deep breath and looked away for a moment. "I want to thank you for everything you've done for me," he said, his gaze on hers. She sighed, filling the knot inside her throat.

She nodded, trying her best to hide how hurt she was, knowing that soon he was going to leave. She walked away from him slowly, heading towards her home.

Katara couldn't sleep. When she reached her home, she walked straight to her bedroom. She shut the door to let no one know that she was crying. She was angry about everything she had to hear from the Elder Ones. She was angry that she couldn't find her friend Aang in the Fire Nation. And she was angry because she couldn't tell Zuko that she wanted to be with him.

She threw her herself onto her bed, trying to cool her mind down. Stupid. Stupid. She was afraid of asking to join him; she was afraid he would tell her that he didn't want her with him anymore. However, just imagining the sight of him leaving her broke her heart even more.

Katara heard someone knocking her door. She quickly rubbed her face with the back of her hand.

"Yes," she muttered. The door opened slowly and Sokka appeared behind it.

"Hey, gotta a second?" he asked her and she nodded. He walked to her bed and sat next to her.

"I thought that maybe the right thing to do is to join Zuko," he said after a moment. He sighed heavily before continuing. "But, I can't let Suki alone now," he muttered, staring at his sister.

Katara nodded and Sokka seemed more relaxed.

"I talked to Suki and we decided that as soon as the baby comes, we'll meet Zuko," he muttered.

"How is Suki feeling?" Katara asked and Sokka shrugged.

"She's happy that the Kyoshi warriors are fine. Although she wanted to help them and Zuko, she knows that she is not… you know," said Sokka.

"She must be sad," Katara murmured absently, but Sokka heard her and nodded. "But I think you are right."

"Thanks," he said and Katara noticed that he really needed her opinion. "I'll help Zuko to take his sister down and find Aang when the time comes."

"Do you think Aang is alright?"

"Yes," he said seriously. "He just hasn't appeared yet. He does that all the time, right? Goes somewhere and only shows up when nobody is expecting."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right,"

After a few minutes of silence, Sokka sighed before speaking again, "I'm going to bed now." Sokka stood up from Katara's bed and headed to the door. "Zuko said that he's going to leave early tomorrow," he muttered before closing the door.

Katara kept silent for a while, considering what her brother had just told her. She sighed. She knew that Zuko was right, that he needed to take his throne back, to help his people. However, she wanted to help him, she wanted to be by his side and help him to defeat Azula like she did many years ago. She wanted to find Aang as well.

And she wasn't going to do any of that if she remained in the South Pole

Katara stood up from her bed. A thought came to her mind and now she was determined to follow it. Right now, her place wasn't in the South Pole. Her place was along with Zuko. She was going to join him and help, even if he hadn't asked her to do so.

Katara headed towards the main room of the igloo. Her father was sitting at the table.

"Dad," she called him, sitting next to him. He seemed absent, not even looking at her.

"I'm just thinking," muttered Hakoda. "When the Northern Tribe came here, I thought that it was something good. They were helping us to rebuild," he murmured, still without facing Katara. "But now, I see that we lost our freedom. What Zuko is doing is the right thing, and I'm sure that a lot of men here would be more than ready to help him. Luckily he has now those three waterbenders."

"Dad, that's exactly what I want to talk about," Katara started. "I'm going with him, too"

Hokoda finally looked up to his daughter. "What? Katara, it's too dangerous."

"I know, but I feel, with my whole heart, that I must do it. I fought by his side to defeat his sister once. I can't see myself not doing that again."

"Katara…"

"I know that I'll be gone for a while," she muttered, also feeling sad for leaving her family again. "But… I have been out in the world and now I feel that I need to go out again. I don't feel that my place is here right now," she murmured, her eyes starting to water. "I'll miss you and Gran Gra, but I must keep helping people. This is what I love to do," she said sobbing.

"That's why I'll join him."

Katara stared at her father, waiting for him to disagree with her. She could feel the tears coming down her face, Hakoda, however, said nothing for a while, he just kept analyzing her. After a few minutes, he finally sighed and a smile broke on his face.

"Well, once they told me that it wasn't going to be easy to have a warrior for a daughter," he joked and Katara chuckled. She stood up and threw herself at her father, hugging him tightly.

"Please, be careful," he said, passing his fingers gently through his daughter's hair, hugging her tightly.

"Don't worry, dad," Katara said softly, still hugging her father. "I can take care of myself."

"Yeah." He smiled. "I know you can."

Zuko was rolling over his bed. He was staring now at the ceiling of his room. That ship was smaller than the one he used to have. He didn't have his personal room anymore, and now he was sharing the room with his uncle, who was sleeping in the other bed next to his.

The firebender sighed. He couldn't sleep, and the snores from his uncle weren't the main reason behind it. He was nervous about everything that happened. He knew that in the next day he would leave the South Pole to start his plan against his sister. Although he was determined, he would be lying to say that he wasn't sad about leaving.

He rolled to the other side. He knew pretty well what was keeping him from sleep. He didn't want to leave Katara.

Just three words.

Come with me.

He tried to ask her to join him many times. However, at the end, he never seemed to be brave enough to do it. He thought that it was unfair to ask her to abandon her family, to leave with him. But that was exactly what he wanted. He wanted her with him against the world. But he didn't know how to ask her to fight along with him in a war that had nothing to do with her. Why would she fight for the Fire Nation, in the first place?

Those thoughts haunted Zuko until he fell asleep. However, a single thought came to his mind when he was almost out.

Just three words.

Come with me.

Maybe tomorrow he would be braver.

Zuko woke up early on the next day. Although he didn't sleep well the night before, he felt himself fully rested, ready for what was coming. He dressed quickly, heading towards the ship's bow to wait for the waterbenders.

Iroh was walking after Zuko, talking to Lieutenant Jee about ship's providers and others matters. When they reached the bow area, the sun was showing itself shyly in the sky. A chill breeze blew at them, making both Iroh and Jee shiver slightly. Zuko chuckled at that sight. At least, the whole three months he stayed at the South Pole made him a little more tolerant of the cold weather.

Zuko took a deep breath and stared at the Harbor in front of him. He contemplated the Southern Water Tribe for a moment. He saw the igloos, the lights from the Central Tribe Square and the top of the Healing Center. He knew he wasn't welcome there anymore, at least for the Elder Ones. He wondered if it was the last time he would be at the South Pole.

Before Zuko could get any further into his thoughts, he heard footsteps, and in the next second, he saw the figure of Khan, who was being followed by the twins.

"Fire Lord Zuko," said the young bender, with a huge grin on his face. "I hope not to be too late."

Zuko smiled. "You're just in time," he said, stretching his arm to greet Khan. The young bender smiled and grabbed Zuko's arm. The firebender looked at the girls behind Khan. "Packed everything you'll need? We're about to start a very long trip."

"Yeah," said Nuka, patting the big bag hanging across her body. "We packed everything."

Asta snorted. "As if we had that much to pack," muttered Asta and Nuka rolled her eyes.

"I'll show you your rooms," Iroh said to the waterbenders. They nodded and followed the old firebender towards the inner part of the ship. Zuko stayed still. Sokka told him the night before that he would come to the ship to give Zuko more of his ninja stinky balls. Although Zuko didn't know where he would stock those things, he promised he would wait for him.

It wasn't noon yet, but he knew that the Elder Ones wanted him to leave as fast as he could. And although Zuko doubted they would come to wish him farewell, he could feel that somehow they were watching him.

Zuko sighed. He knew that if Sokka appeared to say his goodbyes, so would Katara. He didn't know how she would react to him leaving, or how he would. He didn't want to leave her, but he had to be brave enough to ask her to come.

A few minuted later, Zuko saw that both Chief Hakoda and Batto had shown up.

"I wish you a safe journey, Fire Lord Zuko," said Batto, stretching his arm to greet Zuko.

"Thank you." Zuko grabbed Batto's arm and smiled. Hakoda approached to talk to he firebender. "Chief Hakoda, I want to thank you for everything you did for me while I was here."

Hakoda smiled. "You must know that the Southern Water Tribe supports you," he muttered seriously and Zuko nodded. "We'll be ready when you need us."

Zuko thanked the chief and not so long after that, he noticed that some Water Tribe natives started to appear at the ship's bow. Most of them were warriors and waterbenders, all wishing Zuko good luck and repeating Hakoda's supportive words. Some of the kids he taught sword fighting also showed up, looking sad to see that he was leaving. That warmed Zuko's heart in a way even he couldn't explain.

The warmth in his heart was similar to the one he felt when he was at Mityko's basement, back in the Fire Nation a couple of days ago.

Sokka finally showed up, walking along with his Suki. The Kyoshi warrior was the first one to approach. She hugged Zuko softly and wished him good luck. She told him that she had talked to the others Kyoshi warriors and as soon as Ty Lee was fully recovered, she would lead them.

"If anyone from the Fire Nation shows up here," Suki muttered. "We'll handle them. In the meanwhile, we'll keep you updated and Ty Lee will keep us updated."

Zuko nodded. "I appreciate everything you're doing Suki," he said softly. "I'll always trust in your judgment."

"I wish I could be doing more," she said, trying to fake a smile, but Zuko could tell that she seemed sad.

"You did more than enough already," he said seriously and Suki nodded, smiling slightly. She asked if she could see the other warriors before they leave and Zuko indicated her the way. She left Zuko and Sokka behind.

"She's really sad," Sokka murmured, looking at Suki while she walked into the ship. "But we talked a lot last night and we decided that we'll wait until the baby is born to join you."

Zuko wide-eyed him. "Sokka, there's no need for you to join me on this," he said, still surprised. "I'm not asking you to do that."

"Hey, C'mon," Sokka smiled, patting Zuko's shoulder. "Do you think that I would let you have all the fun?"

Zuko smirked. "Well, I hope to have some fun until you show up."

"Just...let me kick some firebender butts. I'm really missing the old times," said Sokka, punching the palm of his hand. Zuko chuckled and nodded. Sokka smiled and approached to hug Zuko.

"Take care, man," muttered Sokka, patting Zuko's back.

"Yeah, you too," said Zuko, also patting his friend's back. "And good luck with the baby," joked the firebender, eliciting a laugh from Sokka.

"Yeah," he said, stepping away from Zuko. "I'll beg for Katara's help," said Sokka and Zuko's heart ached for a moment.

"Is you sister… coming?" he asked and Sokka shrugged.

"I thought she was already here to say goodbye," Sokka murmured, raising an eyebrow. "She was weird yesterday. She was worry about Aang and everything that happened."

Zuko remained quietly. Perhaps, Katara didn't want to say goodbye, and somehow, Zuko was glad about that. He didn't know if he could say his goodbyes to her. Maybe this is for the best.

"I see," Zuko muttered, passing his fingers through his hair. "Maybe it's time to go."

Sokka nodded. "See you soon, Fire Lord Zuko," Sokka grinned and Zuko also smiled at that.

"See you soon."

Suki came back and joined Sokka to make their way back to Hakoda's home. Everybody was leaving the ship now, leaving Zuko alone. Iroh walked towards his nephew, touching his shoulder softly.

"Fire Lord Zuko," said his uncle. "It's time." Zuko nodded and turned to Lieutenant Jee, asking him to set off the ship. The Lieutenant was screaming for the other members of the crew to get everything done.

Zuko was heading towards his own room when he heard someone yelling from outside of the ship.

"Is there room for one more waterbender?" yelled a very familiar voice.

Zuko hearts stopped when he recognized the voice. He ran towards the ship's bow and leaned his body out to look at Katara.

Right there, at the ship's ramp, was Katara. She was holding her bag, staring at Zuko with her big blue eyes. He could see the sparkle in those eyes. Pakku and Kana were also with her, both staring at the firebender. Zuko screamed at Lieutenant Jee to stop the ship in a shout. Iroh looked at Zuko with wide-eyed, probably noticing the desperate in his voice. But Zuko didn't care. He ran towards Katara, barely believing what he was seeing. Zuko smirked when he reached them.

"Are you… coming with me?" he asked her, stammering a little. He couldn't hide the silly smile on his face. Katara nodded and smirked at him. Before she could say anything else, Zuko grabbed her arm gently and pulled her for a hug. She hugged him back tightly and he felt his heart full of joy. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear.

"I couldn't leave you," she whispered back, warming his heart. Zuko freed her from his arms, noticing that she was blushing. He grinned at that sight, his gaze meeting hers.

"It's an honor to have you with us, Katara," Iroh said behind Zuko. Katara looked at him and bowed to him. In the meantime, Pakku walked towards Zuko. The firebender held his breath in for a second.

"When I was younger, I was arrogant and ambitious," said Pakku, looking deeply into Zuko's amber eyes. "I was stubborn and small minded for a lot of things, especially to change. That cost me a lot of things, things that only now I could get back to my life, at this old age. But you…" he paused and Zuko swallowed hard. However, Pakku's face had softened; he smiled at Zuko. "You're not like me," he said and Zuko let out his air at once. Pakku held the firebender shoulder.

"Thank you," muttered Zuko and Pakku nodded. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have woken up."

Pakku nodded, smiling kindly to Zuko."Go to the North Pole. Find my brother," said Pakku seriously. "He'll help you there."

Zuko raised an eyebrow. "I thought that you agreed with the Elder Ones," he teased and Pakku grinned slightly.

"Let's just say that being here in the South made me change my points of view," he muttered, glancing at Katara and Kana. He turned his gaze at Zuko again. "But don't press your luck just because I started liking you," he teased Zuko and the firebender nodded. Before stepping away, Pakku handed Zuko a wrapped package.

"This is a gift for you," said the old waterbender. Zuko frowned at first, but he accepted the gift. "I think… You'll know what to do with it," continued Pakku, and Zuko raised an eyebrow. The old master looked back at his wife, who was smiling at them.

Pakku walked towards Katara, ready to say his goodbye to her. Kana approached Zuko, holding a big bowl in her hands.

"I brought this for you," she muttered, handing the bowl out to Zuko. "It's five-flavored soup. I know it's your favorite," she smiled and Zuko smiled back, thanking her and grabbing the big bowl.

"Thank you, Kana," he said softly, but she raised her hand to cut him.

"I already ask you to call me Gran Gran," she muttered softly. She stepped closer to him and hugged him carefully, surprising him. Before she let him go, she muttered lowly in his ear. "Please, take care of my granddaughter. I know you have feelings for her, as well as she has for you," said the old lady, freeing Zuko from her hold. He wide-eyed her, feeling his face burning.

He cleared his throat before speaking. "Of course. I won't let anything happens to her, Gran Gran," he said and the old lady gave him a huge smile, not holding back a few tears that had fallen down her face. Kana moved towards her granddaughter to say goodbye. Zuko couldn't help noticing that Kana also said something to Katara that made her blush.

Kana and Pakku headed out of the ship, walking towards the crowd in the Harbor that was waving to the ship that was ready to set off. Katara leaned over the bow, waving to her family one last time. The ship set off, heading towards the open sea. Soon, the Southern Water Tribe became smaller and smaller, until Katara couldn't see them anymore. She sighed, cleaning the tears from her face. Zuko approached to her and asked her if she wanted to see her room.

Zuko leads Katara towards her room. She noticed that he put a wrapped package into his pocket while they walked through the iron halls. It was very hot inside the ship and soon Katara knew that she wouldn't need her big parka anymore.

When they reached a big iron door, Zuko turned to face Katara.

"This is your room. You'll be sharing it with Nuka and Asta," he said and she nodded, happy that she didn't have to sleep alone. "I'll talk with Lieutenant Jee now. If there's anything you need, you…" he said, but she shook her head.

"I'm fine Zuko," she said. He smiled, opening the door for her. Katara walked in, noticing that both Nuka and Asta were already in the room.

There were two bunk beds in the room, and Asta was arguing with Nuka because she wanted to sleep in the higher bed. The two sisters were arguing fervently and soon their noisy voices were starting to give Katara a headache. Tired of the arguing, Katara told Nuka that she could stay at the higher bed of her bunk bed. The girl thanked her, and for a moment the chaos was gone.

But that moment didn't last and soon the twins found another subject to argue about. Katara stood up from her bed, heading towards the ship's bow to get free from those girls. If she found Zuko, she would ask him if she could sleep anywhere else.

She stopped at the door of the Kyoshi Warriors room. The door was opened and Katara noticed there were three bunk beds in their room. Unfortunately, the Warriors took them all. She also noticed they were all sleeping. They needed to rest after all they had to endure, especially Ty Lee.

Katara kept walking, passing through the kitchen. She sensed the smell of her Grandmother's soup. She smiled, knowing that probably they would have five-flavored soup for lunch.

She finally reached the bow area, and for her surprise, Zuko was there. He leaned his body over the edge of the ship, staring at the horizon. Katara smiled and walked towards him.

His eyes were closed and the chill breeze was blowing at him, messing his hair.

Zuko was thinking about the time he was exiled. Being on a Fire Nation's ship again brought back all those memories. He stayed three years in a ship like that, trying to restore his honor and searching for the Avatar. Now here was he again: trying to restore his throne and searching for the Avatar. He chuckled, thinking about how things turned around.

"Beautiful," said Katara and Zuko opened his eyes and stared at her. He didn't notice her approaching. She was staring at the sea right in front of her. He grinned.

"Yes," he said, also facing the open sea. "You know, when I was far from home, the only thing that made me feel happy was to stare at the sea."

"Sometimes, I would spend a whole evening contemplating the sea, being quiet, thinking what the next step was," he muttered and then he looked at Katara, her gaze already on him. "I always liked the sea," he shrugged and Katara chuckled, glancing at the sea.

"You are starting to speak like a Water Tribe native," she teased him.

"Maybe it's due to the food I ate," he muttered and she faced him again, raising an eyebrow. "If a spent any more time in the South Pole, I'd be at the size of my uncle."

"As if you weren't enjoying our food," she snapped, but a smiled crossed her face. Zuko laughed and Katara punched his shoulder softly, laughing too. They kept laughing for a while, Zuko staring at Katara. The sunlight reached her face, emphasizing the blue of her eyes and the beautiful color of her skin. That sight hit Zuko hard and his heart started hammering in his chest. He was feeling like he was sixteen again and he quickly looked away from her, changing his expression.

Kana's words reached Zuko mind and suddenly he was feeling hot. He couldn't lie about having a feeling for Katara. He tried to deny it for her, for himself. But now, it seemed impossible to suffocate it. However, there was something that he needed to ask her first. Something that was haunting him for a long time by now.

"Why?" he asked her coldly and Katara frowned, staring at him.

"What?" she asked and he could tell that she was confused.

"Why you kissed me?" he asked harshly, looking at her. Katara blinked a few time, wide-eying him. "If you had feelings for Aang back then, why you kissed me?"

She seemed to be caught off guard, however, she sighed heavily before speaking. "What you saw that day, in Ba Sing Se, wasn't what you thought," she started, looking away from his gaze. "Aang kissed me, but I didn't want that. I was confused back then, but I didn't expect you to go away… without saying goodbye. You didn't let me explain to you what happened."

"But why did you kissed me?" he asked, stepping closer to her. Katara shook her head before staring at him. Her gaze showed him how annoyed she was. She narrowed her eyes.

"Like you said once, Zuko," she muttered coldly. "That happened a long time ago. Everything changed," she snapped, looking away.

Zuko took a deep breath.

"You're right," he said and before Katara could say anything, Zuko leaned towards her and gently grabbed her chin. He pressed his lips on her, kissing her tenderly. At first, he thought that she was going to push him away, but he felt that she was kissing him back. Zuko let her go, staring her deeply into her eyes. Her blue eyes were intoxicating.

"Now we're even," he muttered, walking away from her and getting inside the ship.

Katara was left alone. She didn't know if she should run after him and yelled at him and… she didn't know what she wanted to do next. She turned to stare at the sea again, getting lost in her thoughts, thinking about a certain Fire Lord that was driving her crazy.

What she didn't know was that someone witnessed the whole event. Iroh was looking for his nephew, holding the bowl of soup in his hand. When he reached the ship's bow, he saw that Zuko was talking with Katara. He heard everything and he was slack-jawed when Zuko leaned towards Katara to kiss her. Iroh even tried to hide when Zuko passed through the door.

Iroh thought about all the times he had seen his nephew and Katara together. Something inside him knew that something was wrong when Zuko left Ba Sing Se without talking with her and that same feeling made Iroh travel to the South Pole to find his nephew.

"I guess I was right this whole time," murmured Iroh, with a sly smile on his face.

N/A: Happy new year! I know I'm pretty late and I'm so sorry for the lack of updating. But I'm so happy with all the views and followings we achieved. Also, almost 100 follows and almost 50 reviews! I'm dying here! The reviews, favorites and follows warmed my heart! I can't tell how good is the feeling to open the email to find out your comments and thoughts about my story. I promise I'll try my best to update the fic more often! HOWEVER, you all can be sure that I WILL NOT give up this fic the same way you didn't give up on me! Thank you all!

This chapter was beta'd by vixensheart and ManofManyHats17. They also write fics! Go check them out!

Well, now the things are warming up, and not just because we left the South Pole (ha-ha). Please, tell me your thoughts and guesses! I'd love to know!

Review!