Somehow, the ragtag band had managed to quietly pack up and slip out, leaving the pair in alone with only the stars as their company.

He had pulled away first, suggesting that they should maybe head out. It was getting late, he had whispered. We don't want the adults to worry.

She had nodded, blindly, glad for the darkness to hide her telling blush. Her thoughts tripped over one another in her head, and she wanted to say something-what, exactly, she didn't quite know-but her tongue was all twisted and she couldn't think straight.

She had just kissed him. Zuko. Kissed. Kissed. Zuko. ....

Zuko. Her enemy. The guy that she had been yelling at and telling him to watch his back. Telling him she didn't trust him...

But you have to trust someone to kiss them, her mind whispered.

Trust. And it was true-she had trusted the Blue Spirit. He had been her lifeline and her savior in the dungeons, and Katara would probably be dead by now if not for him. It was only when he took off his mask, made himself vulnerable, when she started to doubt him.

How could it be that she could trust a mask and not a person?

But maybe she did trust him. The words they shared that night had meant a lot. It wasn't just idle chatter-they had talked. Meaningful conversation. She had relaxed-maybe too relaxed, the warrior in her had thought-but he had been different, tonight. Softer. Kinder. Different-but not in a bad way.

And then he had kissed her. Her hand came up and briefly touched her lips.

It was her first kiss, but she could feel it was special. It had made her all warm and tingly inside, all the way down to her toes. His lips had been warm, and his hands that cradled her head were so gentle. When he pulled away she felt surprisingly empty and cold, and would have pulled him back if not for the rush of emotions that had barreled into her when his words brought her back down to earth.

She yawned slowly-it was late, after all, and it had been a big evening-and wavered as her foot caught in a small hole in the uneven ground. She righted herself quickly, but not before feeling the warmth of Zuko's hand rest on the small her her back.

"Be careful," he whispered. "Don't want to fall."

Too late, she thought, sighing.

"Thanks."

_ _ _ _ _ _

Zuko felt like he was about to jump out of his skin. He was hyper aware-he could feel the crisp night air invading his skin, the quiet rustle of cricket-hoppers, and his heart thudding in his ears.

The night had been wonderful. They had kissed-actually kissed!-and it was everything he could've ever wanted and more.

He looked over at her now, walking beside him, blushing prettily and touching her lips. Her forehead was furrowed in deep thought, and she looked adorable. Her yawn, which turned her perfect pink lips into a wide "o", made his stomach drop and heart clench.

He sighed and shook his head. This whole kissing thing had messed with his mind. Wonderful? Blushing? Adorable? Where was he getting these words from? This girl...she had too much power over him. His manliness was disappearing all because of a simple kiss. This could not happen!

He grinned like a fool the entire way back to camp.

_ _ _ _ _ _

They had reached the quiet campsite in a gentle silence. Neither felt like talking, too lost in their thoughts to put them into words.

Zuko watched Katara kneel beside his sleeping bag, brushing out her long hair with nimble fingers. With her back to him, she removed the dark costume to reveal a small, white shirt and shorts. Her tanned skin shone out in the moonlight, and Zuko couldn't seem to pull his eyes away.

His sigh made her still, and slowly crane her head back to look at him.

He greeted her with a lazy smile, and she blushed, averting her eyes. She quickly slipped into the sleeping bag, murmuring a quick "Good night, Zuko."

He didn't know what to feel-disappointment at tan skin being tucked away from his view, or a decidedly male possessive surge of pride at seeing her curl up inside his sleeping roll.

He sighed and leaned back, truly relaxing for the first time in months.

"Good night, Katara."

He slowly slipped into a peaceful slumber, content and happy.

_ _ _ _ _ _

Zuko awoke a little after sunrise to find the campsite deserted except for his old uncle, puttering around the fire.

Iroh looked up from where he was, fussing with a chipped teapot, and smiled. "Good morning, nephew...would you like a cup of tea?"

A hand came up and pinched the bridge of Zuko's nose. Well, things are certainly back to normal...

He rose and shuffled over to the fire, accepting the piping hot cup of amber liquid. He sat beside his uncle, and slowly sipped the tea.

"Where are the girls?" he asked, noting Katara and Ursa's absence.

"They left a little while ago to visit the market and return the costumes," Iroh said. "They wanted to get some more clothes and food before it got too crowded. They supposed we would be leaving today. Ursa told me of our plans to find Katara's friends and join them. I wish to join you."

"And speaking of Katara," Iroh murmured with a sly glance, "How was your night? Did anything happen after me and your mother left?"

Zuko bit back a cough and felt a blush tingle over his cheeks. "None of your business, Uncle."

"So something happened, I presume."

Zuko's silence told Iroh everything he needed to know.

"I am glad for you, Zuko. She is good for you."

The two sat in silence for awhile, drinking their tea and watching the sun settle into the sky. Birds chirped and flitted, and the buzzing of insects met his ears. Summer is coming, they said. Get ready.

"Uncle...where have you been? And tell me the truth, this time. I deserve to know."

"Do you?" His uncle said, raising his eyebrows. "I believe we all remember your betrayal at Ba Sing Se...there are things I deserve to know, too."

Tense, Zuko nodded. His uncle was right. "You go first," he said, voice hoarse.

Iroh sighed. "After my escape, I hid for a few days. There were scouts and such on my trail, but I was able to throw them off soon enough. I then started to work my way around the Fire Nation. I had made up my mind to join the Avatar long before yesterday."

"I knew we would need an army, a large one, to take down my brother. And believe it or not, we do have allies here, old friends that support the Avatar's cause and want to help."

And with this he took out a worn tile, carefully painted with a white lotus flower. He tossed it up into the air, hard wood glinting in the sunlight as it spiraled down to earth.

"Ahh...," Zuko said. "The White Lotus Society."

"Yes," Iroh nodded. "I had to...check their allegiances to the cause. Many were as resolute as always, but some needed some...persuading."

"...What kind of persuading are you talking about, Uncle-"

"Zuko, it doesn't matter. All that matters is the fact that we have many allies here in our homeland, ready to help if needed. And I had a feeling you would be at the festival, if your mother's promises held true. She always loved Kuzhuolo," Iroh drifted off, a dreamy look in her eyes.

"Had...had you known my mother was in the prison? All those years...had you known?" Zuko couldn't control the shaking in his voice.

"No, nephew," Iroh said sadly. "I wish I had, so I could have helped her. But there are always things we wish we could have done...you and I know that very well."

"Uncle, I can't tell you why I did it. At the time, it looked like the easy way out. I truly thought that Father would welcome me home. And the Avatar had gotten away. So...I thought it had almost been a success. I got to go home, and the Avatar remained uncaptured. I should have known it was to good to be true."

"Ozai didn't welcome me home like I thought he would. I believed things were going to be normal between us. Maybe...maybe he would love me again, treat me like a prized son. But he didn't. He ignored me. It was like I wasn't even there."

"And then Azula started...torturing," He choked out the word, hating it so very much, "torturing Katara, beating her and starving her. She was so broken and hurt, I had to save her-"

"Azula tortured the girl?" Iroh frowned. "But she looks so healthy now. How did she survive?"

"They kept her alive as bait. Azula was careful not to maim her too much. And I took care of her, sneaking down at night as the Blue Spirit to feed her and care for her wounds. I...couldn't let her down. She trusted me."

"I was there when Ozai told the war council of his plans to destroy the rest of the world. He talked about how he would take over the Earth Kingdom and annihilate the Water Tribes. And after spending so much time with her...I couldn't let that happen. I knew what I needed to do."

"It...wasn't what I expected, Uncle. I thought...I thought things would turn out different. But I see where I was wrong, now. And I'm doing everything I can to make it better."

He finished in a whisper, face full of emotion.

His uncle sat, deep in thought.

"I know you are, Zuko," he said roughly. "I am proud of you for that. You took a risk, in saving Katara and your mother. But you also saved yourself."

"You will become a great man, Zuko. You have goodness in you, unlike your father or sister. You may not see it, but you are a thousand times more blessed than they. Because you have the chance to become good. They are too far set in their evils to change. But Zuko...you have the choice. You have hope. And I know that you will make the right choice, now."

Zuko nodded, and reached for his uncle. They hugged, for the first time in months. Zuko allowed himself to be vulnerable and sagged into his uncle. He was surprised to find himself crying-where were all these overwhelming feelings coming from?-and slowly pulled away.

"Thank you, Uncle," he whispered, and realized the old man was crying also.

"Now, now," Iroh chided, smiling. "Pull it together, nephew. Your girl will be back soon and you don't want her to catch you crying!"

Zuko laughed, the wet kind of laugh that comes after a good cry.

"Now how about another round of tea," Iroh said, poking the fire.

Zuko smiled. Really, truly smiled.

_ _ _ _ _ _

A weary Hakoda called the haggard group together for a meeting.

Sokka, Toph, Suki, and Aang gathered out in the woods with Hakoda and Bato. The sky was slowly darkening with heavy clouds of rain.

"I hate to say this...but we have to move on." Hakoda sighed. "We have to think of the good of the world. The comet is coming, and we have to get ready. Aang needs to learn firebending, and we need to gather up a decent sized army."

Haru and a few of the other earthbenders had left a week ago to gather up as many earthbenders as they could, and had decided to meet back in the northern Fire Nation port of Tang Hao in one month.

"We'll need to get everyone to Tang Hao by the time Haru arrives back. Hopefully we'll be able to find you a firebending teacher well before then. From there we can formulate a plan."

The group nodded, silent.

Anger welled up inside Aang. At himself. At the Fire Nation. At the rest of the group, for trying to move on. At the whole world.

"I think...we need to have a funeral for her. She deserves that." Suki's voice wavered unsteadily.

"Suki's right," Sokka murmured. "My baby sister deserves a funeral."

The group had accepted the fact that Katara was probably dead. They hadn't heard a word about her since the eclipse, and the remains of her dress, torn and stained with blood, told them all they needed to know.

With a heartsick cry, the Avatar raised his glider and flew off, leaving the group behind.

With a strong clap of thunder the heavens opened and rain fell, furious and angry. The wind blew and water hit, sharp and wet against their fragile hearts.

"Tomorrow, then," Hakoda said. "We will have her funeral tomorrow."

_ _ _ _ _ _

The group gathered on the crest of a rocky hill. It was still raining, and the ground was muddy and sighed when they walked. The birds were mysteriously silent, and the air hung hot and heavy.

The group had cleaned up as best as they could.

Using ash, Sokka, Hakoda, and Bato had painted their faces in traditional Water Tribe mourning fashion. Black paint was crusted on their faces, mixing with the rain and streaking down their necks.

Toph, in a true show of love for her lost friend, had carefully washed and had Suki brush back her mess of hair.

Aang had showed up late that night, and had not spoken a word to anyone since.

Sokka held Katara's dress in a tight ball, clutching it to his chest and staring off into the distance. Suki stood by his side, holding his arm and leaning her head on his shoulder. Toph stood a few feet away, holding her arms to her chest and crying silent tears. Aang stood next to Hakoda, straight and tall and distant.

Hakoda cleared his throat and clenched his fists.

"We have gathered here today to release the spirit of Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, our beloved Healer, Warrior, Bender, Sister, and Daughter." His voice cracked on the last word, and he paused, steadying himself.

"My daughter always worked hard to love and care for others. She worked tirelessly as a healer and used her bending skills for good. After my wife's death, Katara took it upon herself to care for the small children in our tribe and be a good role model for them."

Sokka nodded, and wiped his eyes, tendrils of black ash wiping away on his hands.

"She left our tribe to extend her helping hand to the whole world. She fought valiantly to help free others trapped under the tyranny of the Fire Nation. She was kind and loving to everyone she met. She was brave, and courageous, and strong. I am sure," he said, crying hard. "I am sure...I know she fought hard until the last minute."

A low moan arose from Hakoda's side; Aang had his hands pressed to his face and was kneeling on the ground, desolate.

"No," he murmured. "No, no, no..."

"She would want us to continue what she started," Hakoda yelled over Aang's screaming and the pounding rain. "She would want us to finish this war, have her strength and bravery, have her heart. We have to do this, for her. For our Katara."

Toph openly cried, now, clutched at the air. Sokka held the tattered blue cloth in a fierce grip, holding onto Suki and sobbing in her arms.

"Toph?" Hakoda motioned. Tears streamed down his face as he pointed to a smooth patch of grass.

The girl stepped forward, and the group fell silent. Toph carefully carved out a small rectangle, new soil being muddied by the rain.

Sokka stepped forward, unsteady, wobbling and crying. He hugged the dress to his chest for one long moment, before taking a deep breath and placing it carefully into the ground.

"Love you, baby sis," he whispered. "Love you."

And he fell back into Suki's arms.

"You may pay your final respects, now," Hakoda murmured.

Toph approached and placed both of her hands on the cloth. Her shoulders dropped, and she bowed her head for a long minute before kneeling and gently kissing the dress. "Miss you, girl," she said. "Don't get into too much trouble up there."

She stepped back.

Suki untangled herself from Sokka's arms and approached the grave. She knelt and said a short prayer before returning to her spot next to Sokka.

Hakoda kneeled and one hand touched the dress. He leaned down. "Oh, baby," he said. "Oh, sweetheart. I love you, and am more proud of you than I can say." He sobbed, now, big fat tears rolling down his cheeks. "Love you, sweetie. Have fun with your mother. I will be there as soon as I can. Watch over us." He stepped back, shoulders shaking.

Aang fell upon the ground, crawling next to the small hole.

"Katara," he said, voice achingly high and pained. "Katara, I am so, so sorry. If I had known what they would do...If I had known I would never have left. I would have fought until they killed me to save you. I thought...I thought I would be able to save you. I didn't think...oh gods, Katara, I am so sorry. I love you, Katara. I love you. I love you I love you I love you..."

And he stayed there,repeating that phrase over and over, until Bato pulled him up, to his feet.

"Now we release Katara to the Great Spirits. May they bless and watch over her." Hakoda sighed, and bowed his head. Toph covered the dress with a thick layer of earth.

A great streak of lightening shattered through the air, making the group jump. Thunder followed moments later, and the ground began to shake.

Aang stood, shaking, eyes and arrows glowing an electric blue. His mouth opened in a never ending scream, and his body slowly began to rise above the ground.

The wind picked up, and the leaves and grass rustled. The group crowded closer together as they watched the Avatar in all his fury.

It rained harder, now, and the wind and water swirling high in the air. The ground was quivering, and thunder boomed. Aang's moans of heartbreak echoed through out the valley, and the group cried beneath him.

Suddenly, it was eerily quiet. The rain stopped and there was absolutely no sound. The wind had stilled, and nature held its breath.

The group looked up to see Aang with his hands raised, pulling the rain up carefully from the earth. It receded into the clouds, which he then pushed back with a great gust of wind.

The sky shone a deep, dark blue (just like her eyes, her clothes, her element) and the sun shone coldly, glowing high above in the open sky.

The wind slowed, and Aang spiraled slowly down to earth, the broken child falling limp into Bato's arms.

The group stood in shocked, stunned, heartbroken silence.

"Let us go," Hakoda murmured moments later before turning and shuffling down the hillside.

The rest of the group followed slowly, numb, bereft.

_ _ _ _ _ _

Emotional chapter! Wow. I hope I didn't go too overboard with the funeral. Also, please check out the new Chapter 1. I went through and made some additions and I like it a lot more now. Hopefully you do too.

PLEASE review!