A week had passed since they arrived in Omashu. Everyone had fallen into some sort of routine. Zuko and Katara spent the day together or with Sokka and Suki discussing future plans, rescue ideas, or their shared concerns over Aang and Ty Lee. Toph had taken it upon herself to eavesdrop on as many conversations as she could. Apparently, Kai and Aang had been spending most of their evenings together. It was evident by the deep purple circles under both of their eyes that weren't sleeping. Ty Lee hardly trained anymore or did any of her strange acrobatics. She moped around the palace, the city, or along the city walls.

Toph was still upset, but knowing that they would get their friends back kept her from giving in to her worries or fears like the others had. Every night she would invite Aang to stay with her in hopes of getting him away from whatever he and Kai were doing, but he always refused. It hurt that he would rather spend his time with Kai than her. Zuko had become her sliding partner since Aang had grown more and more distant. The whole group only saw each other for dinner each night. Toph had tried to follow Kai and Aang multiple times but it was like Aang knew and would catch her and send her to bed.

Tonight she had decided she wasn't going to try and follow them and instead hope he would come to her. She walked to her room with Zuko and Katara who hugged her goodnight. Zuko ruffled her hair and told her to come by the room if she needed anything like he had every night. She usually made a joke about catching them fooling around, but tonight she was just too exhausted and upset to do so.

Aang watched from down the hall as Zuko and Katara's arms circled around each other outside Toph's room. "She isn't going to follow them tonight?" Katara asked him as he lowers his head down to hers shaking it slowly. "Zuko, I'm really worried about Aang and Kai. They look like they haven't slept at all this week. They hardly eat. Kai won't talk to Sokka anymore. Sometimes he'll talk to me but it's just about mundane subjects." Aang watches Zuko tighten his hold her and kiss her forehead. Aang could see the worry on the prince's face as he hugged Katara.

He scoffed and turned on his heels knocking on Kai's door. The warrior opened up his door, shirtless, groggy, and irritate. "Hey man come in." Kai rubbed the sleep from his eyes and handed Aang his glider. "Give me a minute okay?" Aang nodded and found the bottle he must have been nursing before passing out.

"How long did you sleep today?" Aang called out as he took a swig from the half empty bottle. Kai held up the number three with his fingers and Aang sighed. Combined they had slept five hours that day. When Kai returned from the bathroom, his hair was brushed back into his wolf tail, his shirts and pants were clean and wrinkle-free, and his face lacked it's five o'clock shadow. Kai grabbed a fresh bottle of the Earth Kingdom rum and the duo wandered out to the makeshift training grounds. "So these are the two last forms I need to master before I go see Gyatso about getting my tattoos and the title of Master," Aang explains and shows Kai the forms that he drew earlier that day.

"Well, they don't look that difficult. I'm sure you can get them in the next few da-"

"No! I want to get them down tonight. I need too okay Kai?"

The lack of sleep was showing on both of the boys. Kai frowned but nodded. Both of them had been working on gaining their titles as Master after being plagued with nightmares of their friends dying because of their inadequacy. Every night they meet up, work until sunrise, and then drink until they pass out.

"Here are the forms I have to master. Five left and I think I've got this one down but these four are giving me trouble."

"You'll get them, Kai. We'll keep working until we're both ready."

The two teens moved through the stances giving each other pointers before sparing the remainder of the evening. Once the sun begins to rise they sit on the ground nursing their bottles of rum, deep in thought. Neither one shares his fears, nightmares, or regrets. The only thing they share is the bottle of rum until they're both wobbling and stumbling to their rooms. He watched as Kai looked down the hall with a sad expression, knowing he couldn't ask Katara to come stay with him. Kai clapped his hand down onto Aang's shoulder and gave him a sad smile. Aang noddded in understanding, knowing they share the same fears and concerns for their friends.

Aang was about to slip into his room when he instead tentatively knocked on Toph's door and let himself in. He could see Toph in the early morning rays as she rubbed her eyes and looked towards the door. She looked beautiful with her long, silky, black hair down instead of in its usual bun. He stumbled over to the bed, placing his almost empty of bottle of rum on the ground. "Who's there?"

"It's just me. Can I stay here for a while? I can't sleep."

Toph threw the covers back and patted the space next to her. He crawled into the bed and hugged her, resting his head on her chest. She is the person he fears losing the most. He's never met someone like her before. She's harsh, brash, intense, strong, stubborn, and crude, but those are all of the things he finds to be so endearing about her. His arms crush her as he curls around her fighting the images of her lifeless body on the ground, in his arms, under rumble. Toph stroked the fresh hair that now covered his head and naked back. She was sure the monk had been bald when they met. Just more evidence that something was seriously wrong. She wished he would just tell her what was going on, but she could smell the booze on him as he fell into a restless sleep on top of her.

Ty Lee had never felt so isolated before and she would give anything to be surrounded by her sisters. Once she had like she couldn't get away from them soon enough and loved when Azula called for her to come and stay at the palace or join her on Ember Island. Now all she wants is for her sisters to comfort her, hug her, tell her everything was going to be okay. Were they worried about her? Did they know what happened? What were they told? Has she been labeled a traitor?

She only finds peace at the gardens where she eats most of her meals and bathes in the sun. Sometimes she ventures into the city, taking in its beauty and the kind residents who live there. Sometimes she walks along the walls that surround the city in hopes that Mai or her family will be outside of it. Other times she walks along the wall to make sure that Azula or Ozai aren't waiting for her and the others outside.

Every day she turns on the television in her room waiting for the announcement from Ozai about what happened in the games. She hopes to see Mai on-screen, alive, maybe a little bruised and battered, but alive. Now, she sits in the garden after another day with no news. No news is good news, right? She thinks as she picks a blade of grass. She blows into it thinking about Mai taught her how to make it whistle. She still can't do it, but it brings back sweet memories of them cuddling in the gardens at Mai's home, running through the fields around Ty Lee's home, and having tea with Zuko and Azula at the palace.

"Hey, Ty! I've been looking for you!" Ty Lee turns to face the voice she knows belongs to Suki. Sokka trailing behind her with a fond smile on his face. "I was hoping we could check out the noodle shop in the city together." Ty Lee looks out at the city and sighs standing up. She brushed the dirt and grass from her pants and walked over to her friend looping their arms together.

"Noodles sound great Suki thanks."

"Wonderful! Sokka, go find one of the boys and stay busy. I'll see you later."

Sokka raised an eyebrow, chuckled, and threw his hands up in defense. "I'll go do man stuff. Have fun ladies. Ty if she's driving you crazy its only because she cares." Ty Lee watched the look they shared before the handsome warrior shoved his hands into his pockets and called out for Aang to slow down.

"Noodles then? Maybe we can check out some of the shops. Prince Lu Ten gave me some money to do some shopping."

Ty Lee squeezed her friend's arm and the two girls giggled and talked about fashion, clothes, makeup, fighting styles, and food. It's an easy conversation and it makes Ty lee smile more than she has all week. She can't express to Suki how much she needed just a day of not sitting with her loss of hope and depression. They return to the palace with bags full of clothes, jewelry, and shoes. "I'll see you at dinner tonight in that red dress we found," Suki tells her and hugs her before walking off towards her bedroom.

Ty Lee shook her head, walked into her room, and began to put her new things away. She walked into her bathroom and changing into the red, figure hugging column dress along with the red heels. She shook out her hair from its braided ponytail and let the loose waves tumble down her back. She applied a light layer of makeup and smiled with pride at her reflection. She looked like she had the night of Mai's birthday the year prior. Just dressed up enough to draw attention to herself but not enough to outshine the birthday girl.

She still had some time to kill before dinner so while she waited she turned on her television. "Mai…" The remote fell, she ran to the screen touching her friend's face and let out a desperate cry.

"I'm so sorry..."

Mai awoke in her room at the contestant center. Her head hurt, her body was sore, and she couldn't remember how she had gotten back there. She looked around but the room was completely dark. Only a single blue flame lit the corner of the room. Sitting in the armchair where she and Ty Lee would sit after their day training and talk about the budding relationships, how awkward Zuko was being, how cute some of the male contestants were, and about the escape plan.

"Azula?"

"Finally. Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to wake up?"

Mai rolled her eyes and sat up in the bed, crossing her arms over her chest. Of course, the princess would be there scolding her for oversleeping. "I apologize. What can I help you with?" Her monotone voice didn't give anything away and Azula hated how calm her former friend could be.

"Where is Zuko?"

"How would I know?"

"Because you love him. Obviously not as much as Ty, but you do. So where is my brother?"

Mai reached over and turned on the lamp beside done with the princess's dramatics. She found a brush on the nightstand and began to brush her hair.

"I honestly have no clue where Zuko is. I was just told to get him out of the arena."

The annoyance on Azula's face is enough to garner a smirk from Mai. She stands and walks to the bathroom leaving the door open because she knows Azula would just open it again.

"Do you honestly think we would hurt Zuko?"

"Have you seen his face?"

"That was an accident."

"I'm starting to think that was a lie. So how about we make a deal Azula. You tell me the truth and I'll tell you what I know."

Azula snuffed out her flame and slapped the Mai hard across the face with her still hot hand. Mai swallowed the pained cry she wanted to release but held her burning cheek.

"You'll talk...eventually." Azula turned to leave the room, a satisfied smirk gracing her flawless features. "Put some ice on that. You'll need to look nice for the cameras." Mai wanted to nail her in the back one of her knives but the princess was gone before Mai could leave the bathroom. She placed an ice cold, wet washcloth to her face before asking the guards at her door for a healer or burn ointment.

Mai expected to be left alone, but she didn't expect the screams. All day and night she listened to Haru blood curdling screams as he was tortured. She had some idea of what was being done to him, but she also knew that Haru would never say a word. So the screams continued for a week before Mai caved and asked for Azula.

"Ready to talk or should I continue my work in the next room?"

"I don't know where they went Azula, but I'll answer your other questions."

"I'm afraid that's just not good enough Mai. Father is very concerned about Zuko's well being."

"We both know you're father could care less about Zuko's well being. Ask your other questions Azula."

"Do you remember my father's friend, Long Feng?"

Mai froze, her narrow eyes grew wide as she watched the Dai Li agents walk into her room. She stepped back stealing one more glance at Azula before reaching for her knives, only to remember they had been taken from her. She grabbed the hairbrush and threw it at one of the agents before stone hand clamped around her wrist.

"If you won't work with us willingly, then we'll make you. Enjoy your time with the Dai Li Mai. I expect you'll be a completely different person when I see you next."

"Azula! Azula! You bitch! You're a monster! You're mother was right about you! Monster!"

Azula flinched at the mention of her mother as her former friend screamed a string of curses at her from down the hall. She caught her reflection in the mirror and tucked a loose hair back into it's place before stepping out of the room.

"Send a healer to other prisoner. I want him to look presentable."

The guards walked off to find Haru healer while Azula stepped into line with Zhao. Her father's closet friend and Admindral placed his large hand on the small of her back as he led her out of the contestant center. They waited until they were in the privacy of the carriage before she climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. His lips found hers as his hands gripped her hips. Azula had taken to the man during the games. He had always made his intentions very clear and Azula had needs that weren't being met. It was mutual understanding. Torture the traitors and take out their frustrations or celebrate their break throughs on each other. Tonight would be a delightful mix of both.

"She's with Long Feng now. Hows the earthbender?"

"He's strong but I give him another week before he breaks."

"Wonderful."

Zhao watched as her golden eyes shimmered with excitement. The past week had been filled with her taking out her anger on him body. He couldn't complain though. The princess was his and even though she was strong and cunning she was still just a girl with more issues than anyone cared to discuss. Now she sat in his lap, pressing herself to him to celebrate her victory over an idea he had. It was a thought he shared with her in passing, making her think it was hers. He smirked as he felt her hands slip into his trousers and lifted her chin so they were face to face.

"Slow down my love. We'll be back at the palace soon."

Azula took her hand back and sighed as he stroked her cheek and her hip. It was the type of affection no one had ever shown her. Her father praised her but never hugged, kissed, or showed her true love. Ty Lee had rejected her advances, effectively severing the friendship. Chan was dead. She leaned into his hands and opened her eyes staring back into his. Finally she had someone who wanted her and she would do anything to keep him.

Zuko, Katara, Suki, Sokka, Kai, Toph, and Aang were huddled around Ty Lee as she wept. The girl on the screen wasn't Mai, they all knew that, but it was Mai. Her cheek was burned and her eyes looked dead.

"Mai, what happened in the arena? How did you make it out?"

"I wanted to keep Ty Lee and Zuko safe, but they're traitors Jin Wei. They used me and the games as means to escape to work with the rebels…"

Another deafening sob left Ty Lee's throat and Kai and Sokka couldn't handle how heart broken she sounded. Kai lifted her up and placed her the bed where the girls circled around her holding her, smoothing her hair, whispering that it wasn't Mai.

"Do you regret your time with both of them?"

"Of course! They used me! They used all of us! They're traitors. They deserve to die for their crimes."

"Those are harsh words Mai. Are you sure you feel that way?"

Mai flinched as if she wanted to say no, some light came back into them like she was waking up. Azula came into the shot and placed a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Yes- TY! TY! STAY SAFE!"

Azula whispered something into her ear and Mai stopped screaming, closed her eyes, and when she opened them again they were dead again.

"I think Lady Mai has been through enough Jin Wei. She's traumtized and still recovering from her wounds. Look at what my brother did to her face! And he claimed to love her once…"

Zuko felt his fist catch fire. Katara covered her own hand with water and placed it on top of his killing the flame. They shared a look before laced his fingers through hers. The feed cut to Ozai who was standing at the balcony of the palace with a few men standing tall and proud behind him. One of admiral Zhao and the other looked like...Long Feng?

"My son has betrayed his nation, his people, and his family. Due to his betrayal he is here by banished from the Fire Nation and stripped of his title. Princess Azula will be my new heir apparent. She will one day rule over the Empire with an iron fist as all of the Fire Lords before her have done. To my former son, I don't know where you are but when I find you you will be punished to the fullest extent of the Empire's laws. You are as weak, worthless, and disgraceful as that pathetic murderous mother of yours. You have dishonoured this family for the last time."

Katara shut off the television before Ozai could say anything more. Ty Lee was surrounded and being comforted by friends. "Zuko…" He looked calm, almost indifferent.

"It's nothing I haven't heard before."

And with that he left the room with Katara by his side. It wasn't until he got the garden when he collapsed onto the grass and curled up into a ball. She had never seen the prince look so broken before. She joined him by his side and pulled him against her. Her hand smooth his hair as she whispered sweet words into his ear.

"You are not worthless or weak. You are so strong Zuko, so kind, and brave. Please know he's lying."

Zuko clung to her like she had done everynight when they went to bed. He fisted the light blue dress in his hands and pulled her into his lap. His head fell to her chest as he continued to cry. He had always known how his father felt about him, but to declare it in front of the world and disown him like he was casting aside a new robe hurt more than Zuko could bear.

Years of hoping his father would eventually see how talented, smart, strong, and eager to lead he was. Nothing was enough for Ozai. Azula was his favorite and now both were getting their way. Ozai would a have a powerful, deadly heir to continue his legacy and Azula would be the Fire Lord.

"Shhh I'm here. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. You have more honour in your pinky finger than Ozai does in his entire body."

As Katara continued to whispered into his ear and kiss everywhere she could he felt himself calm down. The sobs slowed to tears that she would wipe from his cheek with her sleeve. It was when he heard his name that the tears stopped completely. He looked up to see Katara staring behind him and followed her gaze.

"Uncle!"

Zuko set Katara aside and ran to his uncle, doubling over in his arms. "You're alive! You're okay!" Fresh tears fell as the two kneeled together on the grass. The older gentleman held Zuko like he was his own son. Katara watched as Lu Ten walked to join them and gathered both of them in his arms. It was the sweetest scene she had ever witnessed. After several minutes she stood and quietly started to walk away.

"Wait! Master Katara I presume?"

Katara froze and turned around to see all three of them looking at her. They all looked so similar. Lu Ten and Zuko could be brothers with all of the similarities in their features. The only exceptions being their height, build, and the scar on Zuko's face. Both of the younger men shared the same golden eyes, silky hair, and chisled jaw, and sharp cheekbones as the older man.

"The one and only," She teased as she walked back over to the small group.

"I am General Iroh and it is an honour to finally meet you," Zuko watched as his uncle embraced Katara and pushed some of the stray hair from her face. "You have the same eyes as your mother." Katara, Lu Ten and Zuko all stared, wide eyed, and slacked jaw.

"You knew my mother?"

"Before she was killed it was my job to renegoiate the trade deals with the other nations. Your father and her worked as quite the team during the discussions. She was pregnant with you at the time. I believe your brother tried to attack me with a boomerang."

Katara's lips curled into a small smile, but it did sound like something Sokka would do. Iroh cupped her cheeks, a defeated look in his eyes. "I'm sorry for what happened to her. A woman that gracious and kind should never had met that fate." Katara's fingers drifted to cool carved stone at the hollow of her neck. "But I am happy to see that you and Zuko are getting on so well. Did Zuko carve this for you or did he ask someone for help?"

"Oh no! This isn't- well it is but it was my mothers. My father gave it to me after she-"

"My apologies. I thought after the way you two acted in the arena Zuko would've proposed. He's never been very patient, especially when he wants something."

Katara looked over to Zuko to see him blushing the deepest shade of crimson and couldn't stop the giggle that left her lips. She walked over to him and felt his arm wrap around her. "I can wait," His raspy voice filled the silence and it sounded like a promise. She rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his waist to close the space between them. Her free hand rested on his chest. As the two smiled warmly at each other.

"A discussion for another time then. Come we should head back inside and eat."

The group walked back inside to the dining room to find everyone seated already. Aang and Kai were standing off to the side whispering to each other before taking their seats. Zuko and Katara sat beside each other as Iroh took the seat at the head of the table. The servants brought their plates and filled their glasses with wine. While everyone ate Kai and Aang cleared their throats. Everyone turned to face them as they stood awkwardly facing Pakku and Gyatso.

"We would like to take out masters tests."

"We've been practicing our forms and we both feel we're ready to receive our titles."

Gyatso and Pakku shared a look before turning to the boys. The dark circles under the eyes were more pronounced and the weight they both had loss made them look less like warriors and more like sick teenagers. Katara could see that Pakku didn't think either one should be demonstrating higher level forms.

"Thats amazing guys! When do you want to do your tests?"

Kai looked over at Katara and mouthed a thank you before turning back to stony faced Pakku.

"We're ready. We can do it after dinner."

"Yeah! We've been practicing every night this week. We both only had a handful of forms we needed to learn." Katara watched as both of them squared their shoulders and try to look as mature and prepared as they could. Gyatso was the one to answer.

"I'm so proud to hear that you both have continued to work on your forms, but when was the last time you both slept?"

"And for how long?" Pakku added as he watched their confidence falter.

Aang and Kai froze had to think about their answer. Katara could guess that they had maybe slept a few hours each. From what Toph told her they stayed up all night. "Uh well we've been training so much that sleep has kinda been the last thing on our minds." Kai winced as Aang told the partial truth. Pakky shook his head and Gyatso looked at them both sympathetically.

"I feel I can speak for both of us when I say you two need an actual nights sleep. Not just a nap here and there. You cannot preform at your best without rest."

The room fell quiet as both boys looked defeated. Kai nodded, knowing it was useles to argue with Pakku. Aang stayed standing though, his hands curling into fists.

"I've mastered every form and I even came up with my own! I've been up every night working! Mastering my forms so that I can help the rebellion! Why won't you just let me go through with my test!?"

It was strange to watch Aang get so angry. Toph could feel the anger coming off of him as he yelled across the table to his teacher and guardian. She reached up trying to grab his hand but wretched it away from her.

"I wish everyone would stop trying to comfort me! It's not working!" Katara winced and Toph looked like she was on the verge of tears. "Monk Gyatso please! I'm ready! I've never been more ready!"

"Aang go to your room, turn off the lights, and go to sleep."

It was the last straw. Aang blew all of the food off of the table and stormed off towards the doors that led outside. Sokka stood but Kai put his hand on his forearm.

"He needs to cool off. Go check on him in a few hours." Katara watched her friend run his finger through his hair before calling over a servant. She watched him...flirt? Yes, Kai was flirting with the servant girl before excusing himself from the table. She touched Zuko's arm and excused herself chasing after him.

"What the hell is going on Kai?"

Kai spun around as the servant scurried off. In his hand was a fresh bottle of some liquor in his hand. She pushed him into his room and shut the door behind her. Kai was already opening the bottle and taking a long swig of the amber colored drink. He sat on the bed and handed her the bottle.

"We train every night, because we can't sleep. This helps a little. We get drunk enough and just pass out."

Katara watched him as he took another swig. He looked exhausted as he continued to drink. "Why not just talk to us?"

"About what!? Kat you're always with Zuko, Sokka's always with Suki, and you have your own shit! I'm not going to burden you with any more of mine."

She stepped away from the bed and heard the door open behind her. Sokka walked in taking in the scene. "Drinking isn't going to help Kai. Give me the bottle. Sober up, I'll stay here with you tonight." Kai hugged the bottle and Katara could see the boy who curled up under the pelts with them when a bad storm would hit their village.

"No please…" The sound broke her and she was by his side in seconds.

"Go ask someone for the tea that helps me sleep. I'll help him sober up. Have them make enough for Aang too." Sokka nodded and stepped out of the room to find one of the servants. "You said we would still be friends. Friends talk to each other. Instead you and Aang have been drinking to cope, not sleeping, and not eating. You really think Pakku would pass you and give you the title of Master when you can hardly function."

Kai looked up at her as she dumped the bottle into the sink and walked back out with a glass of water. "I figured I would just wow him with my talent."

"Well that's incredibly stupid. We both know you're not as talented as me." Kai chuckled and finished the water handing her back the glass. Instead of leaving his side she bent more water into the glass and forced him to drink another glass. "Just because I'm with Zuko doesn't mean that I'm not here for you. What was Aang talking about?"

"I don't know about Aang. We don't talk, we just train."

"Then why do you not sleep?"

Kai kept his eyes down on his glass. Sokka stood outside the room listening. "Because I couldn't protect you, Sokka, Yue, or Camilla… I told Haru to leave and go help Toph and now he's stuck in the Capital. I thought I was so strong but I couldn't keep anyone safe and then I was burned so badly I couldn't do anything to help once we were on the boat. I don't even remember getting on the boat. I failed everyone…"

Katara took the empty glass and placed it on the table by his bed. She knelt down in front of him and tok both of his hands, squeezing them tightly. "You didn't fail anyone. If you hadn't told Haru to go help Toph we probably would all still be in the Capital. Without Haru helping Toph the arena wouldn't have been destroyed, Toph wouldn't have had the backup she needed to tunnel through the mountain, and none of us would've made it to the boat. And you are strong! I was just joking about you not being as talented as me. Pakku will make you a master, but he's right you need an actual nights rest. Maybe a few nights…Really Kai have you not seen yourself?"

Kai groaned and got up to go look in the mirror. What he saw surprised him. He must not have been looking, because he didn't recognize the man staring back at him. Sokka walked in with the kettle and three tea cups. Kai heard Katara ask about Aang but Sokka said that no one could find him. When he walked back out he saw Katara and Sokka sitting on either side of the bed with space between them. "Get in Kai. We're having a slumber party." Sokka patted the space next to him, waggling his eyebrows.

"The bromance can wait til tomorrow morning when I leave." Katara slipped under the covers and Kai crawled in beside her. Sokka handed him the tea cup and all three chugged the tea. "This is what helps me sleep."

"You mean besides the handsome prince you're curled up with every night?"

"Sokka!"

"Woah both of you got mad? Wow…" Sokka poured more tea into each of their cups before settling the kettle down. All three finished their second cup and placed their cups on the tray before Sokka set it down on the floor. "Alright, just like when we were kids Kat!"

Kai looked over at Katara and then Sokka before being squished them. "Guys! No! We aren't six anymore!" They hugged him tighter and wrapped their arms protectively around him. His arms went around Katara and their foreheads rested against each other. "Thanks KitKat," He whispered to her and she dropped her head to his chest as the tea lulled them all to sleep.

Zuko and Toph wandered around the palace looking for Aang, Kai, Sokka and Katara. They checked all of the open spaces before checking their rooms. Zuko opned the door to Kai's room and found all three water tribe teens snuggled against each other.

"What are they in here? Everyone feels asleep."

"Yeah Kat, Kai, and Sokka are all here. They look like theyve been asleep for a while. Come on lets try outside again for Aang."

Zuko took one last look at the way all three of them curled around each other and felt a pang of jealously. Kai would always be apart of her life. Even after a week of Zuko trying to keep her at his side they found each other and ended up in a small way back together. He knew it was irrational to be this jealous. She was sleeping in his bed every night and they were always together. He all but promised to propose to her earlier that evening and she seemed to be just as excited about the idea as he was. And Kai was one of her oldest and closest friends.

"Love sucks…" Zuko looked down at Toph as she walked beside him, reading his thoughts like she always did.

"Yeah it does."

When Toph froze so did he and looked to where she was facing and saw a very drunk Aang working through his forms. They were sloppy and destructive. They called out to him and warned him of their presence before trying to stop him from airbending them into the next village. "Aang, can you please stop." Zuko watched as the blind girl walked over to him with more grace and gentle steps he had ever seen. Aang looked her up and down before joining her back on the grass and collasping into himself. "Just talk to us." Zuko joined them and listened to the monk quiet tears. The rumble from the earth startled all of them as his flying bison, Appa, joined them as well. His large furry body curling around the three of them and letting out a distressed whine.

"I hate this Toph. I'm not cut out to fight in wars. I'm a pacifist who's going to get you all killed." Zuko and Toph looked over his crying hunch body and both surrounded him with a hug.

"No one asked you to give up your ideals Aang. We aren't asking you to kill anyone."

"But thats a problem! Zuko you and Katara were...were fearless in the arena. You both fought like seasoned warriors. I just deflected attacks and ran away. I can't do that when it comes to actual battles. What if because of my weakness, my inability to take a life one of you dies?"

Toph held him tighter as more tears escaped him. She wished Katara was out there with them because she always knew what to say. Even with Ty Lee earlier she knew just what to say before leaving the room with Zuko. And the way Sokka, Kai, and her were sleeping told Toph that once again she given some sort of spirited speech to help Kai. Zuko lifted the bottle to his nose and almost gaged at the smell. Apparently him and Kai were drinking the strongest alcohol they could find. He dumpped the contents of the bottle to prevent him from drinking any more, cleaned it with some of the pond water before filling it up with water for him to drink instead.

"Aang listen to me. Would you ever let anything happen to me?"

"No-"

"Would you ever let anything happen to Katara?"

"No-"

"How about Zuko, Kai, or Sokka?"

"No they're my friends-"

"And Ty Lee and Suki?"

"Toph I wouldn't-"

"Then why are you doubting everything you've done so far? You saved Katara when she was trying to heal Yue, you got me out of the arena when Kuzon was sending lava out way, and you love all of us. We know you do. You wouldn't let anyone hurt your friends so stop trying to act like someone your not. You don't need to be like Kai or Zuko or Sokka. You need to be Aang. The gentle, warm, fun loving airbender who ride weird animals and find fun almost anywhere. Even in the arena! You had Yue laughing and screaming for joy while riding your airscooter. We'll help you train, get stronger, but please don't try to be something you don't want to be for our sake."

Aang pulled Toph against him and cried into her shoulder. Her words as sweet as the way she held him that morning. He felt a warm hand cover his shoulder as Toph rubbed his back.

"Now, why aren't you sleeping?"

"Nightmares… everytime I close my eyes I Yee coming to attack me again or Kuzon trying to kill Toph."

Zuko sighed and handed him the bottle. Aang still thinking it was liquor took a large drink before pulling back and looking it over. He raised an eyebrow at Zuko but continued to drin kthe water without argument.

"I think we're all having nightmares. Katara talks and screams in her sleep most nights. I wake up covered in sweat worried about her. Sokka has Suki to keep him calm and Ty Lee has started to drink this special tea at night to help her sleep. I think Katara drinks it too, but it only helps a little. Why don't we try the tea and you can-"

"You can stay with me you have a nightmare I'll wake you up and you can tell me about it. And I'll tell you how stupid you're being for thinking anyone could kill me."

Aang drank more wate and slowly nodded his head. It wasn't much of a plan but if it could get him sleeping at least partially through the night he would take it.

"Can we stay with Appa tonight?" I've been neglecting him enough as it is."

Toph wrinkled her nose and Zuko eyed the large beast warily. The looks on both their faces had Aang laughing his first genuine laugh in days. The duo took that as a sign and set about making the space by Appa more comfortable. Zuko had ran back inside to ask for the tea and picked up some blankets and pillows fo each of them. Aang and Toph were setting up their little make shift beds right beside each other. Zuko set his up by Aang's side and thanked the young servent who brought them out the tea set.

"So this is it? Special sleeping tea?"

"It's that just chamomile tea?"

"This tea has some plant that is suppose to keep you asleep all night not just help you get to sleep. Come on drink up."

The trio drank their cups of tea and forced two more cups down Aang's throat before letting him sink into the ground, under the covers.

"Do you really think it will help him?" Toph asked as she stretched her arms and let out a loud yawn.

"I hope so. He was right about one thing. We all need to be ready for battle. Im sure sooner rather than later…"

Toph shivered but nodded in understanding. Her and Zuko understood each other very well. They were both raised by parents who didn't love them the way they deserved, but raised them to be fighters. They both understood the cost this impending war would have, but it would not take their friends. It was the only thing Toph would guarantee. Her friends would make it through all of this alive, just like they had the arena. Broken, scared, and wounded too, but alive.

"Where are the rebellion forces located?"

"I don't know!"

"You're lying."

Mai ground her teeth together and looked up at Long Feng as he held the spinning light in his hand. Since her interview she had been locked back up with Long Feng, being questioned about the rebellion. She did everything in her power to stop from looking at the light falling under it's spell again.

"Where is Ty Lee?"

"Safe."

"Where?"

"I'll never tell," Mai spat in his face and tried to rock the chair so that it would fall over. Azula caught her chair and tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear.

"Just tell us now so we don't have to use the light again." Mai watched as Long Feng fingers slowly released the light. She closed her eyes and struggled against her bindings, screaming for help, for Haru, for anyone. "Wrong choice."

The blinding pain of being burned forced her eyes open as the light came in and out of view. Over and over again until she felt like she was sleeping. "The Fire Lord welcomes you to Lake Sozin." And everything went black.

"Father they aren't ready for battle plans, attack strategies, or joining units. You saw the airbender and the water warrior. When was the last time they slept?"

General Iroh sat at his desk while King Bumi, Master Pakku, Master Jeong Jeong, Master Piando, and Monk Gyatso began to discuss the next steps of the rebellions plan. Lu Ten watched in horror as they spoke about using the teens who were just barley holding it together in their plans.

"I understand your worry for them but they need to be ready. Ozai has Haru and Mai. Both of them know were we are and if what you said is correct and that was truly Long Feng behind him then we don't have much time to prepare. Mai is a strong girl but even she isn't immune to Long Feng's tactics."

Lu Ten looked over at Jun and Teo who both looked over the maps for the safest way to Ba Sing Se. Now with it back under the Earth Kings control and the walls were finally coming back up it would be the safest placed for everyone. He still worried. His cousin had just heard the awful things his father had said, his girlfriend was struggling to cope with what had happened to her, and his friends were trying to pick up the pieces of their lives and failing miserably.

"They'll figure it out and everyone will be okay. Your father is right though. They need to be ready." Lu Ten took her hand, squeezing it in his. He remember what she was like after the games. She was a shell of the girl he had watched that week before the games. The strong, independent, foul mouthed girl came back scared, twitchy, and almost helpless. Teo had come back in his chair and said almost nothing to anyone. How many 'winner' had Lu Ten met? All of them were changed after the games, but eventually seem to find themselves again or just get really good at hiding their fears around the wrong people.

"We will show them the underground city tomorrow. That way they know where to go if or when we get attacked. I'll have my earth and metabenders fortifying the walls and continue building the domes for the city and neigboring villages." Iroh thanked his council and excused for them for the night. His next order of busy was an escape plan for Mai and Haru. The generals were currently working with Jun to make those plans and bring them to him for approval.

"Father what Ozai said about Zuko… Do you think we'll be bale to go forward with our plan if the Empire looks at him as nothing more than just a boy…"

"With Katara by his side they we will see him and her as leaders of a better world. Those kids are the key to a brighter future Lu Ten. We must do everything in our power to make sure they survive and succeed."