Zuko walked into the room as you were all getting supper around. "Listen, everybody! I've got some pretty bad news." He hung his head. "I've lost my stuff."

"Don't look at me! I didn't touch your stuff!" Toph denied, holding her hands up in surrender.

"I'm talking about my firebending."

Your eyes widened.

"It's gone."

Laughter rang through your ears. You turned, glaring at Katara. "I fail to see the humor in this." You spoke sharply.

"I'm sorry." She said, though she clearly wasn't. "I'm just laughing at the irony. You know how it would have been nice for us if you lost your firebending a long time ago?"

"Well, it's not lost it's just… weaker for some reason." Zuko informed, clenching his fists by his sides.

"Well, maybe you're just not as good as you think you are." She snapped, raising a bowl to her lips.

"Ouch." Toph voiced.

Zuko looked away before turning back. "I bet it's because I changed sides!"

"That's ridiculous." Katara said.

"I don't know." Aang piped up. "Maybe it isn't." He looked over at Zuko. "Maybe your firebending comes from rage. And you just don't have enough anger to fuel it the way you used to."

"Sooo, all we have to do is make Zuko angry. Easy enough." Sokka said. He began poking Zuko with his sheathed space-sword, pointing and laughing.

"Okay! Cut it out!" Zuko yelled after a moment.

Sokka was so startled that the sword flew into the air, falling back and landing on Sokka's head.

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, even if you're right, I don't want to rely on hate and anger anymore. There has to be another way."

You smiled in pride.

"You're going to need to learn to draw your firebending from a different source." Toph spoke. "I recommend the original source."

"How is he supposed to do that?" Sokka asked, a joking tone in his voice. "By jumping into a volcano!?"

"No. Zuko needs to go back to whatever the original source of firebending is."

"So, is it jumping into a volcano?"

"I don't know." She set down the bowl she was eating out of. "For earthbending, the original benders were badgermoles. One day, when I was little, I ran away and hid in a cave. That's where I met them. They were blind, just like me. So we understood each other."

You clutched your knees to your chest, resting your chin on them as you listened to her story.

"I was able to learn earthbending, not just as a martial art, but as an extension of my senses. For them, the original earthbenders, it wasn't just about fighting. It was their way of interacting with the world."

"That's amazing, Toph." Aang said. "I learned from the monks, but the original airbenders were the sky bison." He leaned backwards so that he could see around Toph to look at Appa. "Maybe you can give me a lesson some time, buddy!"

Appa stopped eating for a second to roar in response.

"Well, that doesn't help me." Zuko said quietly. "The original firebenders were the dragons, and they're extinct."

"What do you mean?" Aang asked. "Roku had a dragon, and there are plenty of dragons when I was a kid."

"Well they aren't around anymore, okay?!" Zuko snapped.

You stood, placing your hand on his shoulder in an effort to get him to calm down.

"Okay, okay. Sorry." Aang tried to appease.

"But maybe there's another way. The first person to learn from the dragons were the ancient Sun Warriors."

"Sun Warriors? Well, I know they weren't around when I was a kid."

"No. They died off thousands of years ago. But, their civilization isn't too far from where we are, now. Maybe we can learn something by poking around the ruins."

"It's like the monks used to tell me. Sometimes the shadows of the past can be felt by the present."

"So… what? You'll pick up some super Sun Warrior energy just by standing where they stood a thousand years ago?" Sokka questioned.

"More or less." Zuko replied. "Either I find a new way to firebend, or the Avatar has to find a new teacher."

"You be careful, alright?" You told Appa, scratching his head lovingly.

He roared softly.

Aang walked over and you turned to face him.

"Ready to go?"

He nodded. "I'm ready. And kind of excited." He added with a smile.

You grinned over at him. "Be careful. Who knows what's happened there? The building structures might be unstable."

Aang nodded again. "I will." He turned. "Ready, Zuko?"

Zuko walked over. He nodded, throwing some supplies in the saddle that sat on Appa.

Aang climbed on Appa's head as you turned to face Zuko.

"I might as well tell you to be careful, too." You half-joked.

"I'll be fine."

You nodded. "Come back with some firebending, or we're in trouble." You whispered. "No pressure, of course."

Zuko's eyebrows narrowed slightly. "Thanks." He climbed in the saddle.

"Yip, yip."

Appa rose into the air, disappearing from view.

"With this technique the dragons showed us, Zuko and I will be unstoppable." Aang said happily as he and Zuko showed their firebending combined with some fancy steps.

You all clapped as they finished, fists together.

"Yeah, that's some great dancing you learned there." Sokka pointed out.

"It's not a dance." Zuko denied, standing and turning to face Sokka. "It's a firebending form."

"We'll just tap dance our way to victory over the Firelord." Sokka continued.

Zuko approached Sokka. "It's a sacred form that happens to be thousands of years old!"

"Oh, yeah?" Katara challenged. "What's your little form called?"

Zuko frowned. "The… Dancing Dragon." He muttered.

Everyone else laughed.

You looked up at him. "Well, I thought it was lovely."

His frown lifted slightly into a smile. "Thanks."

"No one can make tea like Uncle." Zuko informed, pouring some tea into several cups that sat on a tray. "But hopefully I learned a thing or two." He turned to the group. "Would you like to hear Uncle's favorite tea joke?" He asked excitedly, placing the tea pot aside and picking up the tray.

"Yeah." You said, smiling.

"I like jokes!" Aang exclaimed.

"Bring it!" Toph agreed.

"Okay." Zuko crouched down between The Duke and Haru, letting them get their cups of tea. "Well, I can't remember how it starts, but the punchline is, 'leaf me alone. I'm bushed'."

You all stared at him.

You hid a smile.

"Well, it's funnier when Uncle tells it." Zuko muttered, moving so that Katara and Aang could take their tea.

"Right. Maybe that's because he remembers the whole thing." Katara joked lightly.

Aang chuckled as he picked up a cup, everyone else laughing along.

Zuko smiled, moving between Tao and Toph.

"It's nice to get a chance to relax a little." Toph admitted. "It hardly ever happens." She said as Zuko handed Tao a cup before passing her one.

Zuko approached you and Sokka, handing you a cup of tea.

You smiled appreciatively at him.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" Sokka asked Zuko.

You and Zuko exchanged glances briefly before he followed the Watertribe warrior out.

You looked over your shoulder, seeing them talking, but not hearing. You pursed your lips.

What on earth were they talking about?

You all walked outside the next morning.

"What does it say?" Toph asked.

You turned, seeing Katara holding a sheet of paper as Aang yawned, rubbing his eye.

"Need meat. Gone fishing. Back in a few days, Sokka and Zuko." Katara read.

Aang stretched, walking away and lying back down.

"One more thing. Aang, practice your firebending while I'm gone. Do twenty sets of fire-fists and ten hot-squats every time you hear a badger-frog croak- Zuko."

A croak rang through the air and Aang groaned, standing from his sleeping bag. "Nobody else has homework." He grumbled. He placed his hands on the back of his and began squatting down. "One hot-squat. Two hot-squats. Three hot-squats. Four hot-squats."

You shook your head, walking away.

"Guys! They're back!" Aang shouted.

You quickly stood, scrambling to your feet and rushing out.

"What are you doing in this thing?" Katara asked. "What happened to the war balloon?"

You looked up, seeing a war ship.

"It kind of got destroyed." Zuko informed with a smile.

"Something tells me you didn't go fishing." You remarked, crossing your arms as you eyed their clothes.

"You didn't get any meat?" Toph questioned.

"We did. The best meat of all." Sokka said. "The meat of friendship, and fatherhood."

You raised a confused eyebrow.

Suki and Hakoda, and someone you didn't know, emerged from the war ship.

"I'm new. What's up everybody?" The man asked cheerfully, waving.

"Dad." Katara muttered, eyes filling with happy tears.

"Hi, Katara." Hakoda greeted softly.

Katara rushed forward, hugging her father. "How are you here?" She turned to Sokka. "What is going on?" She asked, still smiling. "Where did you go?"

"We… kind of went to a firenation prison." Sokka informed.

Katara grabbed his arm, pulling him into a group hug.

"Seriously. You guys didn't find any meat?" Toph questioned.

You smiled, turning to Zuko. "I better hear what happened."

He smiled. "You will."

You awoke to a loud sound.

The air temple shook.

You hurried to your feet, rushing over to Aang, who was facing outside. "What's going on?!"

"We're under attack." He informed.

You turned, seeing several war ships lifting into view.

Aang swung his staff, blowing a strong gust of wind and closing the metal protectors.

The attacks didn't cease.

You looked up as the ceiling shook, chunks of it falling out.

"Watch out!"

You turned, seeing Zuko charge, grabbing Katara and rolling out of the way.

"What are you doing?!" She demanded.

"Keeping rocks from crushing you." He answered simply.

"Okay, I'm not crushed. You can get off me now." She said, climbing out from underneath him and rushing away.

Zuko paused. "I'll take that as a 'thank you'." He muttered to himself before standing.

"Come on! We can get out through here!" Toph yelled, pointing to a hole that she and Haru just made.

Appa roared in protest as Aang tried to drag the bison into the cave with everybody else.

Aang paused. "What are you doing?!"

"Go ahead!" Zuko shouted. "I'll hold them off!" He looked back towards the war ships. "I think this is a family visit." He muttered before rushing out of the crumbling barrier.

"Zuko! No!" Aang yelled.

Sokka and Katara rushed out, grabbing Appa's reigns to help Aang.

"Come on! We've got to get out of here!" Sokka shouted.

You ran passed them, trying to get to Zuko.

"Y/n, where are you going!?" Sokka hollered.

"To help Zuko!"

The wall crumbled in front of you, blocking your path.

You covered your face, trying to keep the dust in your eyes to a minimum. You dropped your hands back down to your sides once the dust cleared. "Zuko!" You yelled hopelessly.

"I can't get him to go in there!" Aang shouted. "Appa hates tunnels!"

"Aang, there's no way we can fly out of here." Katara reasoned as they all continued to pull.

"We'll have to find a way!"

"We need to split up!" Sokka determined. He rushed over to the others. "Go through the tunnel and get to the stolen air ship!"

"No!" Katara denied, walking away from Aang and Appa. "The firenation can't separate our family again!"

"It'll be okay. It's not forever." Hakoda reminded.

Katara hugged him before climbing on Appa.

Sokka hugged Hakoda as well, grabbing Suki and giving her a boost to Katara. "Y/n, let's go!" He yelled, climbing in.

You rushed over, jumping up as Sokka grabbed your hand, pulling you in the saddle.

Toph placed her hand on the wall. "I can clear that away and we can fly out through there!" She informed, launching herself into the saddle.

"Um. There's an awful lot of fire in that general direction." Suki noted.

You all ducked down as the temple shook again.

"We'll get through." Aang assured, sitting on Appa's head and grabbing the reigns. "Let's go."

They burst through the wall, Toph holding some chunks of rock in front of Appa to act as a shield.

Once you were passed the war ships, she dropped them.

You all turned around, seeing Azula watching you.

A war ship behind her raised, revealing Zuko standing on top of it.

You breathed a sigh of relief.

Zuko ran, jumping from his war ship to his sister's.

Azula shot at him, but Zuko blocked it, sending another one at her.

"We're taking fire!" Sokka shouted.

You looked up, seeing a few of the war ships shooting at Appa.

You and Katara blocked the blows with your water.

You heard an explosion.

Turning, you saw smoke lifting from where Zuko and Azula were battling.

Your eyes widened and your mouth parted.

It didn't register that you were yelling Zuko's name until you were out of breath.

Appa dove.

You looked around frantically, seeing Zuko and Azula falling through the air.

Zuko stretched his arms out and you and Katara each grabbed onto one, pulling him into the saddle.

You clutched him to you as you fell slightly from the sudden weight. "Are you okay?" You whispered.

Zuko nodded as you both sat back up. He looked behind him, prompting everyone else except Aang to do the same.

Azula was still spinning through the air, falling.

"She's… not going to make it." Zuko muttered, slight concern in his voice.

She may be trying to kill him, but she is still his little sister.

Azula shot fire out of her feet, rocketing herself towards the cliff wall. She stuck a knife in it, sliding down until she came to a stop, watching you all with a confident smile.

"Of course she did." Zuko noted, a hint of bitterness noticeable.

You sighed. "Let's hope we lose her."

You all sat around the campfire at your new base camp.

You looked up at the stars. "I kinda missed the open air." You confessed, looking around at the rock formations and grass.

"Camping. It really seems like old times again, doesn't it?" Aang asked.

Zuko broke a piece of bread. "If you really want it to feel like old times again, I could… chase you around for a while and try to capture you."

Everyone laughed.

"Ha ha." Katara spat.

You glared over at her.

"To Zuko." Sokka declared, holding up a cup for a toast. "Who knew after all those times he tried to snuff us out, today, he'd be our hero."

"Here, here!" Everyone agreed, raising their own cups.

You and Aang hit Zuko lightly to show your affection.

He smiled at both of you before turning back to the group. "I'm touched. I don't deserve this." He said quietly.

"Yeah. No kidding." Katara said sharply, standing and walking away.

"What's with her?" Sokka asked.

"I wish I knew." Zuko admitted, standing and walking after the waterbender.

"What's with him?"

You turned to look at Sokka. "What do mean 'what's with her'? She's your sister. You tell us."

Sokka shrugged. "If I could understand my sister, life would be a lot easier and I'd be a lot happier."

You frowned, looking towards where the two went. "Yeah."

The next morning, Katara marched over, a look of determination on her face. "I need to borrow Appa."

Zuko was behind her, a bundle over his shoulder.

"Why?" Aang asked, handing Appa more hay to eat. "Is it your turn to take a little trip with Zuko?" He joked.

"Yes. It is."

Aang's eyes widened and he turned to fully face them. "Oh. What's going on?"

"We're going to find the man who took my mother from me."

Sokka looked up and stood, walking over.

"Sokka told me the story of what happened." Zuko said. "I know who did it, and I know how to find him."

"Um, and what exactly do you think this will accomplish?" Aang questioned, looking slightly worried.

Katara scoffed, shaking her head. "I knew you wouldn't understand."

"Wait! I do understand! You're feeling unbelievable pain and rage. How do you think I felt about the sandbenders when they stole Appa?" Aang asked, placing a hand on his chest.

You frowned, stroking Appa's fur.

"How do you think I felt about the Firenation when they wiped out my people?"

"She needs this, Aang." Zuko spoke up. "This is about getting closure… and justice."

"I don't think so." Aang disagreed. "I think it's about getting revenge."

"Fine. Maybe it is." Katara voiced, her tone harsh. "Maybe that's what I need. Maybe that's what he deserves."

"Katara… you sound like Jet."

Katara spun around. "It's not the same. Jet attacked the innocent. This man… he's a monster."

"Katara, she was my mother, too." Sokka reminded, stepping forward. "But, I think Aang might be right."

"Then you didn't love her like I did!"

"Katara-"

Your eyes widened in rage. You stepped away from Appa, stalking towards Katara. If you were a firebender, you would have left fire trailing behind you. "How dare you." You pointed a finger at her chest. "She was his mother, too!" You yelled, pointing at Sokka. "You think that you loved her more!? You ignorant and selfish brat!" You tugged at the roots of your hair. "Why do you suck so much!?"

"The monks used to say that revenge is like a two-headed rat-viper." Aang cut in before you killed her. "While you watch your enemy go down, you're poisoned yourself."

"That's cute, but this isn't Air Temple preschool." Zuko said. "It's the real world."

"Now that I know he's out there, now that I know we can find him, I feel like we have no choice." Katara informed.

"Katara, you do have a choice." Aang reminded. "Forgiveness."

"That's the same as doing nothing!" Zuko challenged.

"No, it's not. It's easy to do nothing." You defended, looking over at him.

"It's hard to forgive." Aang added.

"It's not just hard. It's impossible." Katara determined, walking away.

Zuko followed.

You let out a loud grunt in irritation.

"So you were just going to take Appa anyway!?" Aang demanded as you, he and Sokka came out from behind a rock.

"Yes." Katara replied, tying her hair back.

"That's okay… because I forgive you." Aang said softly, head hanging slightly. He looked up at her, grinning broadly. "Did that give you any ideas?"

"Don't try to stop us."

"I wasn't planning to. This is a journey you need to take." Aang assured seriously. "You need to face this man."

Katara nodded, climbing up Appa and sitting on his head as Zuko tossed some supplies in the saddle.

"But when you do, please don't choose revenge. Let your anger out. And then let it go. Forgive him."

"Okay. We'll be sure to do that, Guru goodie-goodie." Zuko sassed, climbing up Appa as well.

You shook your head in disappointment.

Aang walked over to Appa's head, looking up at Katara.

She looked down at him. "Thanks for understanding." She faced forward. "Yip yip!"

You all watched as Appa lifted into the air, flying away.

"You know, you're pretty wise for a kid." Sokka informed, his hands on his hips.

"Thanks, Sokka." Aang replied, still watching Appa.

"Usually it's annoying, but right now I'm just impressed."

"I appreciate that." Aang assured, though his expression betrayed him.

"Soo, can I borrow Momo for a week?"

Aang looked over at him. "Why do you need Momo?"

Sokka shrugged.

You rolled your eyes.

"They're back!" Aang yelled.

You looked up, seeing Appa approach. You rushed over, standing with Aang and Sokka.

"Well?" You asked, seeing Zuko.

"Where's Katara?" Sokka and Aang questioned.

"By the dock. I'll explain on the way there." Zuko informed.

You all climbed in the saddle and listened as Zuko explained what Katara did. Or rather, didn't do.

Appa landed and Aang slid off, walking with Zuko over to Katara, who was seated at the end of the dock.

You turned to Sokka. "How do you feel about all of this?" You asked quietly.

Sokka was silent for a few moments, thinking it over. "Honestly, I feel okay." He admitted, tearing his eyes away from the others to look at you. "Mom's death had always affected Katara so much. I guess I'm just glad she finally has closure."

"What about you? What about your closure?"

He shrugged. "Closure for Katara is closure enough for me."