Disclaimer: I don't own ATLA

Avalon was cuddled up against Zuko's chest as he waved at the people on the docks. It had been a week since she had woken up without her powers.

They were on a ship, heading to the Fire Nation capitol. Aang was still AWOL. Katara had left them to find him. Zuko's coronation was set for three days from tomorrow.

They arrived at the harbor amid crowds of cheering people. Zuko looked out on his soon-to-be subjects, knowing that not half of the nobles had shown up.

He had a long way to go, and he knew it. Avalon had shrunk into his side, trying futilely to disappear like she used to be able to do. People stared and pointed at her, and rumors circulated.

Zuko smiled and took her hand, leading her to the palace, where they would live. She smiled for him, but it was forced.

"Aang, where are you?" Katara muttered to herself.

"Talking to yourself isn't going to get us anywhere, Sugar Queen," Toph snapped. Things were almost like they used to be when they were on the run from Zuko, way back when.

"Oh, and what exactly are you doing to help?" Katara hissed, her nerves frayed, "Making snide little comments? Is that your idea of contribution?"

"Ladies, please," Sokka began.

"Shut up, Sokka!" they both screamed at him, and then went back to glaring at each other.

Sokka sulked for a few minutes, wandering over to the river. He dropped to the ground, intent on taking a nap in the sun. A large, bison-shaped shadow stole over him, and Sokka grumbled at first because of the unwelcome shade. But then he opened his eyes to the under-belly of Appa.

"Aang!" Sokka screamed at the top of his voice, trying to get the driver's attention. Appa slowed and fell in a spiral to the ground. Aang was sitting at his head. He looked … old.

"Aang?" Katara burst out of the woods and hugged Aang tightly.

"I'm okay, Katara," Aang said softly to her. She looked up at him and nodded, "And I'm sorry that I left. That was wrong of me."

"No, Aang, it's okay. We understand," Katara soothed him, letting her head rest against his chest. Aang didn't wrap his arms around her though, and he didn't seem to be enjoying her touch like he usually did.

"Where did you go, Twinkle Toes? We've been looking everywhere for you?" Toph butted in.

"Just … around," Aang shrugged. Katara pulled back to look at him, concern in her eyes. Had Azula's death hardened him this much? It seemed as though it had. Katara felt a little piece of her heart break off. Aang's boyish innocence had been destroyed. Even in death, Azula was capable of killing.

"We're due at the Fire Nation for Zuko's coronation in three days," Katara said, wanting desperately to change the subject.

"Okay," Aang mumbled, "Let's go."

"Well, we don't have to go now. We have three days, you know," Katara smiled, trying to lighten the mood, "We could maybe go to Omashu and slide down the chutes again. Or we could find something fun to do in the Fire Nation."

"No," Aang shook his head, "We have grown-up things to do, Katara. We don't have time for fun."

"Don't say that, Aang," Katara pleaded, letting her arms drop from this stranger. Toph and Sokka sidled away furtively, neither wanting to intrude.

"It's true," Aang said, raising his arms above his head, and bringing his voice to shouting level, "We're not kids anymore, Katara."

"Yes, we are. You're only fourteen," Katara said stubbornly.

"No, I'm one hundred and fourteen. And I'm damn tired! You think a kid could take a life? Well, I did! That must make me an adult!" Aang shouted. Katara started back, like she had been slapped. She had never heard Aang lose his temper like this before.

"Aang, please," she began, but Aang interrupted her.

"What, Katara? What do you want me to do? You might as well just say it straight, because you have me wrapped around your finger anyway!"

"Aang," Katara gasped, insulted, "What's wrong with you?"

"Um, everything!" Aang shouted, before jumping back on to Appa.

"Aang, don't go!" Katara shouted after him. She leapt onto Appa's side, climbing onto his back. Aang turned around to look at her, angry tears making their appearance on his face, "I know Azula's death marred you, Aang, but you can't do this! You can't lose yourself. I'm not going to watch this happen to another one of my friends!"

"Another?" Aang asked quietly after a long pause.

"It's Avalon. She lost her powers."

Aang's face, which had moments ago seemed so stiff, softened considerably, "Oh no," he said under his breath, "How is she?"

"I don't know. She went half way to crazy before I left. But I hope Zuko is bringing her back."

Aang turned bitterly away from Katara, his face set back in its mask. Katara stared at his back for a few more moments, before leaving.

Aang sat in silence a few more moments, but his thoughts were interrupted by Sokka.

"Who do you think you are?" Sokka yelled gruffly at him, "Making Katara cry like that! She has done nothing but love you and support you for these last few years, and this is how you repay her?"

"No, Sokka," Aang leapt off of Appa, landing right in front of him, "She has done nothing but lead me in circles."

They glared each other down for a few more seconds, and then Sokka calmed down despite the obvious insult on his sister and said, "What did Azula's death do to you?"

"Opened my eyes," Aang replied bluntly.

"I know you didn't want to kill her, but you had to. She was going to kill us," Sokka exasperated. He didn't have Katara's gift for seeing the other person's point of view.

"No, there was another way. There had to be. You don't understand, Sokka. That went against everything I've ever been taught."

"Well, you learned something new, then," Sokka said, "You're the Avatar, Aang. If you lose yourself, the world will lose itself. You have to bring yourself together. You're stronger than this rage. I know you are. Me? Hell, I'm not even half as strong as you."

Aang made eye contact with Sokka, and a small smile flitted across his face briefly, "Thanks for the heart-to-heart Sokka."

"Yeah, well," Sokka coughed and punched Aang's shoulder, "Don't get used to it."

As they headed for the Fire Nation, Toph sat next to Sokka, "That was really good of you, Meathead. Maybe there is hope."

Sokka coughed again, "Like I said, don't get used to it."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Toph laughed.

"I know you're going to love it here, Avalon," Zuko kissed her forehead. Lately, he had been overly nice to her, trying to ease her burden.

"Yeah," she smiled at him. She could give him at least this. Let him know that she really did love him, even though he would soon doubt that. Avalon just couldn't do it for much longer, but for the last few days she would put all of her effort into making him happy.

"I think most of the nobles are really quite taken with you," Zuko continued babbling happily.

"Great," Avalon rolled her eyes. Zuko laughed a little at her response.

"Zuko?" she said.

"What is it, Avs?"

"Thank you. For everything. I know it's probably been incredibly hard for you these past couple weeks. But it won't be soon."

"You don't have to thank me. I wouldn't have it any other way," Zuko said, rubbing his hand around her back.

"I know. But still … I really appreciate it. And if you … want anything, just ask me now," Avalon didn't look at him when she said this. He probably wouldn't pick up on the hint, but he didn't know that he wouldn't be able to ask her anything soon.

"Nope," Zuko said, "I'm fine." Avalon nodded. He was completely oblivious.

"Prince Zuko?" a servant appeared at the door and bowed, "The Avatar and his friends have arrived."

"Okay, I'll be right there," Zuko said and the servant bowed again and left. Avalon's heart fluttered. She didn't want to see Aang and the others again. This would have to be good-bye.

"I … have to run to my room and clean up a little before I go see Aang. Do you mind?" Avalon kept her anxiety carefully hidden from her features.

Zuko looked confused, but not suspicious, "Not at all. Do what you must."

"Thanks," Avalon got up from the couch and Zuko rose with her, "I love you, Zuko. Forever."

Then she kissed him deeply. If Zuko was slightly confused before, now he was totally baffled.

"I love you too, Avs," he said, pleasant surprise showing through his perplexity.

She left him standing in the hallway, seemingly heading for her room. She made a sharp turn to the kitchens as soon as he was out of sight, though.

Zuko was about to go greet Aang, but he remembered that there was a dinner planned in the Avatar's honor for the night he arrived. He should tell Avalon to wear a nice dress.

He hurried to her room and knocked. When there was no answer from the inside, Zuko opened the door.

On her spacious bed, her bags were packed and waiting. Suddenly, all the things she had said earlier today and before that clicked into place. She was leaving. Panic welled inside Zuko and he sat down on the bed with a huff, his body too stiff to do anything else.

Why? Zuko wondered numbly Why?

Author's note – Aw, second to last chapter :( Hope you guys are still enjoying it, though. Don't forget to review!!