Author's Note: I owe all of you guys a major apology. This chapter took forever for three reasons. 1) I had a gazillion parties and things I had to go to/get ready for 2) a research paper that is required takes priority and 3) I didn't know how to write the giant fight scene. My solution to number three? Skip it and come back to it later... maybe. Hahhaha. So, use your imagination for now, 'kay. Again. I'm really really really sorry.


Katara ran to Zuko as fast as she could. Behind her Azula screamed and bawled in her madness. Fatigue slowed the waterbender as she crossed the paved courtyard. The prince was curled loosely on the ground and the girl feared he was dead.

After a seeming-eternity she reached him. Her lungs wouldn't draw air as she flipped him over. Bile bubbled up her throat as she saw the burnt flesh of his chest, exposed by the tattered remains of his shirt. Katara's mind was filled for a moment with a flash of Aang's lifeless corpse with the same wound.

"Zuko," she whispered raggedly as she gloved her hand in water. Pushing away her worries, Katara laid her hand on his chest. Instinct led her hands and mind as she began to heal him. Beneath her fingers she could feel tissues taking form and veins connecting.

A few breathless moments later the bender ceased her work. Her face was pale and exhaustion weighed her lids. She had spent every last drop of her strength making Zuko whole. Her hands were still on his torso when he began to come to. His chest tightened as he tried to sit up but pain quickly made him grimace and he fell back against the pavers.

Relief flooded Katara and her blue eyes flew open to lock on his face. "Thank you, Katara." His voice was so weak. Tears filled her eyes.

"I think I am the one who should be thanking you," she said and captured one of his hands. Carefully the healer helped him sit up. "I was so scared, Zuko."

His trademark smirk spread across his lips. "So you won't kill me?" The young woman's startled laugh was interrupted by a kiss.

"Never."