This chapter has a few changes around one scene... if you read my previous version you'll know i took some stuff out and added some stuff. I have to definitely keep Crystal's confliction about her feelings towards Zuko, but hopefully i cleaned it up enough that her thoughts don't completely ruin the moment as they had before...

Chapter 14: Two Worlds Apart

(Crystal POV)

My right arm rested in the sling Iroh had helped tie around me earlier. My arm was pretty busted and still hurt like crazy. It had been a week since the storm, and we were still headed a path north. Zuko finally realized on his own where the Avatar was headed, coming to the understanding that Aang was trying to find a master waterbender. What better place to find one than at the North Pole…?

Currently the ship was docked at a trading port. A group of crewmen left to go buy some supplies upon Iroh's order. While they were gone, Zuko and Iroh decided to go train some below deck in meditation. Iroh asked if I wanted to come, but I knew my presence would only distract them both. I just smiled and told them to go on without me. They did so, although Iroh reminded me before he went that I needed to take my medicinal herbs before lunch. I nodded to let him know I would.

Being alone on deck, I was able to think as I walked along the edge of the ship and stared out at the town before me. My good hand slid along the rail as I went. Humming, I watched as the town's people walked back and forth going about their daily business. They looked like small creatures from where I stood.

As I was left to my thoughts, I recalled the understanding I had come to a few days ago. Letting Iroh burn the parchment in which I had kept track of my days of imprisonment, I finally had let go of the thought of me only being a prisoner to Zuko. I had started to feel for him as a friend… no… something even more than a friend...

However, I was conflicted by the feelings I had towards Zuko. While I was glad to finally know what love and affection towards a man felt like, and was relieved that I had found this love on my own without the influence of my tribe, I still felt uncertain about it all.

Zuko was the Fire Lord's son. He desired to lead the Fire Nation one day as the Fire Lord himself and continue conquering the world. He was after my family and Aang… and… No matter what, I was still a prisoner to him despite no longer being treated as one.

I knew if Zuko managed to capture Aang, and we went to the Fire Nation, the feelings I had towards him would be a waste. He would choose his honor. He would hand me over to his father.

Yet, as much as I considered these possibilities and tried to stop my feelings, I couldn't. The kindness and care Zuko constantly extended towards me, and his eagerness to make me happy and comfortable, only made my heart swell more with adoration. I'd always longed to find someone to love who accepted me for who I was and not who my father was. I'd always wanted to be seen as something beautiful rather than a dark memory of the past.

Zuko didn't see me for my scars… he told me I was beautiful. He enjoyed having me around. I was not a painful memory to him like I was to the other people of my tribe. I was a welcomed presence to him. In the last few days he spent a lot of his time with me, concerned about my health and wanting to make sure I was safe. I could see he had a similar affection towards me. The look in his eyes. His touch. The way he spoke to me…

However, I was scared of what could happen to us in the future. Because... I knew deep in my heart, Prince Zuko would choose his honor over me when the time came.

This fact alone only made me question further why I had fallen in love with him… Why had fate moved my heart towards the one man I feared I could not have?

Steps approached me suddenly. I jumped a bit from the sound. I had been so wrapped in my thoughts, I had forgotten about the guard who had been watching me from a few yards away. "Hey… You should head down below," my good guard friend Hul stated. "You need to take the herbs."

Rolling my eyes, I turned to Hul with kindness. "Stop worrying all the time. A broken arm isn't all that bad."

Ever since the storm, Hul had been eager to keep an eye on me. He told Iroh and Zuko he wanted to repay me for saving his life the other day. Hul had been the one I saved from falling overboard. He felt bad for not protecting me in return, and wanted to make up for it. When Iroh informed me Hul would look after me when he and Zuko weren't around, I was both surprised and grateful. The guard was definitely not a bad company to have around.

He didn't seem reassured. His dark brown eyes continued to stare at me with angst. "Broken limbs can remove even the strongest men from war. My father was discharged when he broke his leg during a battle."

I grinned. "Lucky for me, I'm not a man."

My joke calmed his anxiety. He laughed.

A bird suddenly landed on the rail nearby drawing my attention away from him. Most animals were distracting to me. Zuko had to drag me away often from any creature that was not a mouse-rat, because I would try to get a closer look out of curiosity. The bird was pure white with piercing black eyes. Its beak was black and it was no larger than my hand. It whistled a tune and hopped slightly on its perch. I gasped at its beauty, and silently stepped closer to it. The bird cocked its head when it heard my movement, but it made no move to fly off.

"A pebble-swan," Hul stated from behind me. "They're common in these parts."

I was intrigued as I watched the bird use its beak to ruffle its feathers. "I've never seen one before."

"It must be strange," he began. "I heard from the other crewmen that all you've ever known is the South Pole. Traveling across the world must be an exciting experience for you."

I nodded, my eyes still set on the beautiful bird near me. "Yeah… It's been a pretty wild ride these last few months. I've learned so much though. Every new discovery is so exciting."

Hul chuckled. "Yes. I'm sure it is." He stepped over to the railing as silently as he could. He also didn't want to scare the bird away. "You know… I have a daughter close to your age. I haven't seen her for three years now…" He sighed heavily. "Maybe that's why I worry about you so much. You remind me of her."

Curious about Hul, I asked, "Do you want to go home?"

He hung his head. "One day I will… There's no point going home with nothing to show for it though. I must help Prince Zuko on his quest if I am to earn honor and be acceptable to my family. Returning home empty handed would be a sign of weakness. I must earn the Fire Lord's favor to bring honor to my family."

I frowned, saddened to hear Hul feel this way. The bird took off suddenly and headed towards the town. I gripped the rail with my good hand now that the threat of frightening the creature had passed.

"Can I ask you something?" He nodded to answer. "Why is everyone in the Fire Nation so willing to follow the Fire Lord? Don't they care about the innocent lives they're destroying in the process?"

"Some do…" He stared down at the town. "Others are just extremely loyal to him. Just like his father before him, he is a good leader. I respect the man. He has claimed many victories in the few years of his reign, and kept my family safe from the enemy."

My heart turned hard. I scowled. "Respect…? That man doesn't deserve respect…" My eyes watered. "He's taken so much… and his father before him… they've both taken so much from me… Not to mention he's hurt his own child." My grip on the rail tightened. "That man is a monster who will only destroy this world."

Hul let out a heavy breath. He knew he could not change my opinions. I knew I could not change his thoughts on the matter. Hul spoke softly after a moment. "It's best to keep those opinions to yourself while on this ship, Crystal. Some may not look past such talk."

I grimaced. "They shouldn't expect anything different from me… I'm still Water Tribe no matter how long I've been on this ship. I'm not going to change my loyalties." I hung my head. "I'm going to head back to my room to take my medicine. My arm's starting to hurt."

As I walked away, I heard Hul let out another heavy breath. He followed me to escort me to my room. However, as we were just reaching the door to the inside of the ship, a terrifying growl suddenly sounded from behind us. The both of us whirled around just in time to see a massive beast jump up on deck. It hit the steel boards hard and caused us to stumble.

"Everyone step aside!"

Riding on the back of the beast was a woman of perhaps late twenties to early thirties. She was very thin and pretty, with jet black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a tight black short sleeved outfit, and had a tattoo on her left shoulder. The beast she rode on was known as a Shirshu. I'd read about them in one of Iroh's books. It was a huge furry animal with a long tail, a star shaped nose, sharp teeth, and no eyes. From what I could recall, the Shirshu was known for its lack of sight but ability to see through smell.

The crew scrambled and pulled out their weapons ready to fight the woman if she tried to attack. Hul grabbed my good arm and pulled me behind him as he yanked out his own spear from his back holder. The door behind us opened only a moment later, and Zuko ran out followed by Iroh. They both faltered when they saw our sudden trespasser.

"Hey!" Zuko stomped forward. "Get off my ship!"

She pulled on her beast's rein to keep it from attacking us. "Get back! We're after a stowaway."

The beast started to sniff the air again, and then pressed its nose to the steel deck. It proceeded to smash its powerful claws against the deck then, and created a huge gaping hole in the structure. As the beast stuck its head inside the hole, I saw Zuko was enraged by the damage done to the ship. We'd just gotten some repairs the other day, and it seemed we'd have to get more.

The beast pulled its head out of the hole again, and a second later an older bald man in torn clothing pulled himself out of the hole. My eyes widened at his presence, and I was amazed when the Shirshu shot its very long tongue towards him. The man tried to run, but as soon as the tongue hit him he fell to the deck paralyzed. The woman patted her beast to congratulate it. Then she slid off with a smirk.

Zuko was amazed. "He's paralyzed!"

She stepped over to the man who was staring over at her with horror. He was immobile and couldn't escape. "Only temporarily." She grabbed the man and lifted him over her shoulder with ease. My jaw dropped from her strength. "The toxins'll wear off in about an hour. But by then he'll be in jail and I'll have my money."

Zuko was curious to know more. "But how did you find him on my ship?"

With her free hand, she stroked the muzzle of her beast. "My shirshu can smell a rat a continent away." She maneuvered herself easily on the beast's saddle and placed the limp body of her capture in front of her.

Iroh seemed in awe at not just the creature, but its rider. "Well, I'm impressed."

She snapped a whip at the beast then, and it charged away jumping easily off the ship and onto the dock. As it disappeared, I could tell Iroh wasn't the only one admiring the woman that left. Zuko seemed contemplative as the presence of the beast left us.

"Very impressed," Iroh said as he stroked his chin. "That was quite a talented young woman."

Zuko turned to us with determination. "Yes… And she's just what I need to track down the Avatar."

My eyes widened. Stepping around Hul, I quickly approached him. "You… you don't really think that woman's going to help you, do you? She doesn't seem interested in that type of labor."

He was surprised by my question. However, he waved my uncertainty away and gave a smirk. "The woman just caused damage to my ship. I think I can convince her to do my bidding."

I frowned in dismay. "Zuko… Is this really necessary?"

He stepped over to me, and I saw his excited eyes soften. He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Don't worry… I won't hurt any of them. The Avatar is the only one I want. Once I have him, your brother and sister will be released."

His words didn't really reassure me. My arm started to pulse terribly, reminding me I still hadn't taken my medicine. I instinctively rubbed my lower arm to try and soothe the pain. The touch only made the stabbing sensation intensify.

"Come on," Zuko began, noticing my discomfort. "I'll walk you back to our room."

Silently, I followed Zuko below deck and through the hall feeling nothing but worry for my family. If this Shirshu managed to lead Zuko to Aang, then not only would Zuko's sudden appearance take Aang off guard, but the Avatar would have to also dodge a venomous tongue. I really didn't want that tongue going anywhere near Aang, Katara, or Sokka.

We weren't but halfway to our room when I suddenly grabbed Zuko's shirt sleeve to stop him from walking. He stopped in his step and turned to glance back at me with question.

Hanging my head, I stared at the floor not wanting to meet his eyes. I knew if I did I would only blush and my heart would flutter. "Please think about what you're trying to do Zuko… Is capturing Aang and returning home really the only thing you want? You could be happy somewhere else in the world. Your uncle mentioned wanting to find a place for you both in the Earth Kingdom… do you really have to go back home?"

When the young prince pressed his hand to my chin and forced me to lift my head, I wasn't surprised to see the agony and determination etched across his features. "Crystal… This is the only way I can be happy. I don't belong out here. I should be in the Fire Nation, helping to build my nation. Instead, I'm trapped journeying through a land I don't belong, surrounded by my enemy everywhere I go."

I grabbed his hand with my good one suddenly, holding it firmly in my grasp. He was surprised when my warmth radiated through his skin. "It doesn't have to be that way… there's always a different path... Going home will only send you back to square one… The Fire Lord may welcome you back, but what's to say a few years later you anger him again? He'll just punish you once more and banish you from home. Is that really happiness? You'll have to walk on your tiptoes for the rest of your life…"

He argued. His lips pulled down. "You're wrong… My father isn't the man you think he is. He will accept me with open arms and never banish me again. Delivering the Avatar to him will earn me more honor than even his finest Admiral. You don't know my father like I do."

My eyes fell from Zuko once again. I released his hand and let my own fall to my side. "I may not know him personally, but I've learned enough to understand what kind of a man he truly is."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Zuko's hand tighten in a fist. "Yeah… And what's that?"

I took in a heavy breath. "He's a coward."

The hall fell silent for a moment. I shut my eyes knowing I'd probably gone too far. However, I didn't mind saying it. I was glad to finally get it off my chest. The Fire Lord was no leader to me… He hid behind his men for constant protection, and sent thousands of other men to die in his place for power. He feared his son would turn others against him in the war meeting by speaking out against an evil plan, and so the Fire Lord burned Zuko and banished him to chase after a ghost in order for order to be restored amongst his council. The Fire Lord was no leader in my eyes. He constantly hid behind the shadows of his men and seemed to only care about controlling others. He was a cowardice monster...

"Maybe you should be reminded of what coward means," Zuko spoke finally, his tone tight as he tried not to yell at me.

Falling back against the wall, I still refused to meet his eyes. "I know what it means. A coward is someone who during the face of danger, opposition, and unpleasantry, hides behind a wall of protection and does away with anything that might harm him. Tell me, Prince Zuko… When's the last time your father ever left his luxurious palace to go fight alongside his men?"

There was silence from Zuko.

I continued. "Your uncle told me stories about his own battles in Ba Sing Se, and the trials and tribulations he had to face for his people. Iroh is a strong and brave man, who was willing to leave the comforts of his home to fight a battle your father fearfully stayed away from. When I hear stories about your father from not just the crew, but my own people, I don't ever hear anything special about him. What battles has he fought in? How many injured soldiers has he visited in the years of his reign? For a Fire Lord, he sounds more like a weak man in the background who lets others do his bidding. I don't understand why you want to return to a man like that. Especially one who saw you as a threat and banished you to chase a myth."

A hand suddenly smashed into the steel wall beside me. I froze as Zuko suddenly had me sandwiched between him and the wall. He was frustrated, but he was trying all he could not to yell at me. "My father is not a coward. He is the Fire Lord. There is no reason for him to fight at war if there are so many willing to do it for him. You have no room to act like you know him anymore than I do! You better hold your tongue when it comes to this matter, or I will hold it for you!"

His tone had turned dark. I was honestly wary of his sudden mood change. However, I refused to let Zuko bully me into submission. He would not scare me. "Go ahead and try. You shouldn't expect anything different from me, Zuko. I am Water Tribe, and that will never change. In my eyes the Fire Lord will always be a weak, hateful, and cowardice man who only wants power. He may accept you home one day, but he won't ever love you. If he did he would've let you come home a long time ago."

Zuko growled. His face inched towards me. "What do you know about love?"

My eyes looked towards Zuko with pity. "I know it's not something you'll find at your home."

He scowled. "Then where will I find it?" He leaned closer. He lost his cool and was yelling. "Surely not in the Earth Kingdom of all places! I haven't known love since my mother went missing!" My heart ached at the pain in his tone. "How can you possibly think I'll find this love anywhere else besides home?!"

Tears started to fall from my eyes. They weren't tears from my own pain or fear. They were tears for Zuko's pain and fear. I lost my cool as well."You already have it!" I shut my eyes tightly. "If you would just open your eyes for one damn second you would see it right in front of you!"

He grabbed my chin and forced me to look up again. I kept my eyes closed though. He snapped with irritation, "What are you talking about?!"

Shooting my eyes open, I shouted back with irritation, "Me, you idiot! I love you!"

As soon as the confession escaped me, I immediately stopped speaking and my blood went cold. My tense shoulders slumped, the hand I'd tightened into a fist fell away, and I bit my lip realizing my slip.

Zuko lowered his hand from my chin, and I couldn't figure out what emotions he had spiraling through him at that moment. He seemed at a loss for what to say. The tense air between us faded, and I knew then that Zuko was no longer angry. He was bewildered and stunned. We seemed to stand there for a long minute in silence, neither of us knowing what to do or say.

Finally, Zuko broke the pause. His voice had returned to the soft confused young man I'd come to know over the weeks.

"Crystal…"

Embarrassed, I tried to move past him to make a run for the room. I didn't want him to see my face; the blush was worse than it had ever been before. I'd just confessed my feelings to Zuko. I'd just admitted to him that I'd fallen in love with him. I was too embarrassed to face him. I had to escape.

However, as I tried to slide past him, he grabbed my good arm and pulled me back. He forced me to return to my previous position; my back was against the wall once more. Then he leaned towards me so our noses were only a centimeter from touching.

"Le-let me go!" I tried to jerk my arm from him, but in the process his body stepped closer. Our noses touched, and electric shocks went through my spine. "Zuko… I- I need to-"

He cut me off. My voice was stopped as something warm suddenly pressed against my lips. My eyelids dropped as Zuko's breath could be felt in my mouth. His breath tasted like mint tea. He pressed harder as his kiss intensified. My head started to go dizzy from what I assumed was lack of air. My shoulders fell back on the steel as Zuko forced me against the wall. His other hand slid behind my head and tangled in my hair, pulling my lips even more against his own. His eyelids were slightly shut as well, and I could see through my slight vision he was enjoying the kiss as much as I was.

For both of us, this was our first kiss. However, for Zuko's first kiss he definitely knew what he was doing. I'd always wondered about kissing a guy for the first time. When I was younger, I imagined my mystery love would be a strong warrior from the tribe. However, it appeared fate had a strange way of smacking me in the face. For some strange and unforeseeable reason, I had fallen in love with Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation.

His hand suddenly trailed from the back of my head to the side of my face. We hadn't broken our passionate kiss yet, and the feeling of his skin trailing along my own made me want to stay with him longer. As his thumb brushed against my scar, I leaned forward more wishing his touch could last forever. His breaths slowed, and I felt his lips start to pull from me. When he finally broke our kiss, I was breathing heavily and my head spun a thousand miles a minute.

We both tried to catch our breath, our foreheads resting against one another. As I tried to find my senses once more, Zuko's hand cupped my cheek shooting more warmth through me.

"You're right… I did need to open my eyes…" He breathed out heavily. "I've been feeling so much these last few weeks, especially when it comes to you." Our eyes met one another, and his amber orbs burned into mine. "I've been confused over it all, but I finally understand…"

He kissed me again, but this time it was softer and more gentle. His affectionate touch sent shocks through my body again, and I wished the new sensation never had to end. When he pulled away, he whispered with deep sincerity, "I love you too, Crystal."

His confession sent my heart pounding faster than ever before. Unable to hold back, I reached up and pressed my good hand to his face. He leaned into my palm with a sigh. His eyes shut, and his warm hand overlapped my own. As we stood there, both unable to understand how two people of such different worlds could ever love one another, I couldn't help but think what my family would say. I wished I hadn't thought of them at that moment. I was so relieved to finally break the ice and learn that Zuko felt the same for me.

However, the unwelcome thoughts came no matter how hard I tried to push them back. I knew if my brother and sister saw me, showing such affection and love towards the prince of our enemy, they would be greatly disappointed in me.

My hand started to shake against Zuko's cheek. He opened his eyes and stared at me with worry when he felt my trembling skin against him. "Crystal… Are you-"

"I'm fine," I cut off softly, giving him a sad smile.

I was pained that the thoughts of my family had ruined a moment I never wanted to end. Taking my hand away from him, I stepped back trying to hide the agony I feared my expression would reveal.

"I- uh... I should take my medicine," I said softly. "My arms starting to ache."

Turning, I went to step away to head towards our room. My eyes burned and I hung my head conflicted between my family and my heart. Zuko grabbed my shoulder though to stop me from escape. "Did I do something wrong?"

My hand instinctively slid over his and gripped tightly. I enjoyed his warmth, and hated that our worlds were too far apart. My eyes threatened to spill tears I didn't want to shed. "It's not you… I'm just conflicted… I just had a thought."

"A thought?"

Releasing his hand, I dropped my own down to my side. Turning back towards him, I gently placed my hand under my broken arm wishing I could cross them for comfort. He stared at me with question. "I just realized, that these feelings we share…" I hung my head. "These feelings can't work for us… You're the Fire Nation prince and I'm…" I hung my head more. "I'm just your prisoner… your prisoner who will be rewarded to your father once you capture the Avatar."

I didn't see his expression, but the hall fell silent. The only sound was our breathing and the flicker of the torches lit around us.

Finally, Zuko's broken and conflicted voice echoed through the hall. "It doesn't have to be that way…" Zuko tried to reason with himself more than me. "I'll tell my father you helped me capture the Avatar... He'll reward you, and you'll be a guest in the palace."

Shaking my head, I felt a tear escape my eye and fall down my scarred cheekbone. "I won't let you do that. The Fire Lord is no man I want to be a guest to Zuko. I'd rather rot in a prison than be praised for such a horrible deed… besides… Your father would never believe that. All he'll see me as is a waterbender who needs to rot away in a cell."

More silence passed between us.

Zuko sighed heavily. He rubbed the side of his head in both frustration and uncertainty. "So what about the kiss… Did it mean nothing?"

I blushed. My lips still tingled from our moment of bliss. "Of course it did!" Wiping the wet trail from my lost tear, I felt more tears take its place. "It was the best moment of my life!" I paused, my blush intensifying. "But that's all it can be…" My lips trembled and I tried to drop my hair over my face. "I love you Zuko… I know that now…" I took a heavy breath. "But we can't truly be together. Our people are sworn enemies, and we're two worlds apart."

"I'll find a way," he whispered suddenly. "This is the happiest I've been in years… I won't lose you."

"That won't be your choice in the end," I spoke with agony.

He took my hand suddenly and pulled me towards him a step. His other hand brushed away a few of the tears that spilled to my chin. "I'll find a way…" He leaned forward and kissed me gently on the forehead. His soft touch only made my heart yearn for him more. "I promise… I'm not losing you…"

When he pulled away, it took every ounce of restraint I had to not jump forward and kiss him again. He didn't seem to have the restraint. He moved down again and pressed his lips once more to my own. I welcomed his touch again, this time pushing thoughts of my family aside as my heart fluttered loudly. When he broke away again, he whispered, "I'm going to figure this out. Trust me." He then brushed his thumb against my scarred cheek. "Come on... You should go take your medicine now."

Nodding, slightly lightheaded by the blood pumping through me, I turned and made my way back down the hall. Zuko followed behind me in silent thought.

A few hours later Zuko and his Uncle left to go find the bounty hunter whom we'd previously met. While they were gone, I spent some time in our room thinking over what had occurred between the two of us.

Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation had kissed me… He had kissed me and I kissed him back… He had confessed his love towards me after I confessed my affection towards him.

I wanted to be with him… no matter how much I feared my family's opinions and disapproval, there was something about Zuko that I couldn't let go of. Even through his temperament and rash actions, I could see through the walls he put around him. I could see that Prince Zuko was just searching for happiness and meaning. He wanted to feel he belonged somewhere.

I wanted him to be happy, and to be the one that helped him find peace through the struggles of his life. It was just hard… it was difficult to truly accept that me being in love with Zuko was okay.

However, I wanted my love for him to be okay. After everything I'd been through with him, I loved him enough to be willing to take the risk. But… I still feared deep in my heart the risk would be a waste. Zuko would return home to the Fire Nation if he succeeded in capturing Aang, I would be thrown in a cell or worse, and the both of us would one day be separated forever.

There was no way I could ever be with him.

A waterbender and a firebender… No one would accept us…

But my heart yearned for him, and I knew as foolish as the act was, I wanted to try… because I didn't want to lose Zuko either...

Zuko POV

My mind was racing as June guided her beast across the Earth Kingdom towards the Avatar. I wasn't even thinking about the fight I would have to face in time. I wasn't thinking about capturing the Avatar. All I could think about was Crystal.

The moment of affection we shared with one another was one I hadn't wanted to stop. It was the first time I'd kissed a girl before, and I was glad my first had been with her. That kiss was magical and one I would remember for years to come. Her breath tasted like Jasmine tea and her lips were so soft on my own. The thought of the kiss made me only want to do it again.

However, her words did return to me and break my blissful thought.

"These feelings can't work for us… You're the Fire Nation prince and I'm… I'm just your prisoner… your prisoner who will be rewarded to your father once you capture the Avatar."

Hanging my head, I knew deep down Crystal was right. Once I captured the Avatar, we would be headed back towards the Fire Nation. Even if I could convince my father to not imprison Crystal, we couldn't be together; at least not in the public eye. If word got around that the Fire Prince was in love with a waterbender, my father would not be pleased. The last thing I wanted was to anger him again.

So then what options did I have…?

Go back to treating her as a prisoner and forget my feelings towards her?

I could never do that. I loved her too much...

Leave her behind once I have the Avatar, and let her return to her family?

The thought of being separated from her made my heart ache...

Convince my father to let her be my servant once we returned to the palace?

There was no way Crystal would cooperate with that for a second...

A deep sigh escaped me. Uncle looked back at me with question and I quickly looked at the trees passing beside us. The last thing I needed was his wisdom. I needed to sort my thoughts out on my own.

"What's up with you, Prince Pouty?"

June had heard my sigh. I scowled and held onto the Shirshu's saddle tighter. "I'm fine!"

She looked back at me briefly, and then turned her eyes back in the direction we were headed. "Let me guess. Nervous about catching up to your girlfriend. Just give her back her necklace and I'm sure she'll be swooning for you in no time."

Her joking only made me irritated. "I told you I don't want the girl! She isn't my girlfriend! I just want her companion!"

She shrugged. "Whatever. No need to get so defensive. Besides, that girl back on your ship is pretty enough to be your girlfriend anyway. Maybe you should give the necklace to her instead."

At June's mention of Crystal, I fell silent once again. I wanted Crystal to be my girlfriend so much, but I knew she was right. There was no way we could be together as long as my one goal was to capture the Avatar. A waterbender and a firebender in love would only make my father and others in the Fire Nation laugh.

But… I wanted to be with her… she made me so happy. She didn't care about my scar or my past. She loved me for who I was… there had to be a way to be with her… she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with...

"So you do like the girl?"

June broke through my thoughts again, and I wished she would just shut up.

I scowled. "That's none of your business."

She laughed. "Defensive, huh? Doesn't really matter to me, anyway. Your love life is your love life."

The rest of the ride was silent as the beast continued to follow the scent of Crystal's sister.

Crystal POV

The sound of a door swinging open was what brought me out of the book I was reading. Looking up, I watched as Zuko entered the room looking tired, beaten, and worn. He kept silent as he started to undo his armor. I knew from the look of defeat on his expression, that once again my family and the Avatar had escaped him. Although I was thrilled they were still okay, I felt really bad for Zuko. He was trying so hard to capture Aang, and I knew the task was beginning to weigh him down.

"Sorry for startling you," Zuko said softly. He dropped his armor on the floor carelessly, making a loud sound echo through the once silent room. When he was back in his casual wear, he walked over to me with exhaustion. "What are you reading?"

I smiled weakly. "It's just a book of poems. Hul gave it to me."

He nodded and sat down beside me at the table where the book was open. He picked up the book and examined the poem I'd been reading when he walked into the room. He seemed thoughtful as he stared over the words. "I used to read poetry all the time with my mom."

Nodding, I said, "It can be a relaxing way to pass time. My Gran-Gran would recite poems to us. She said she learned hundreds when she was younger, and made sure the ones she loved stuck in her mind."

Zuko stayed quiet as he looked absently at the poem. I wondered if he was even reading it, or just trying to avoid my eyes.

"Sorry I was gone for so long… Your brother and sister managed to blind the Shirshu and it paralyzed me."

I cringed at the thought of being hit by that awful tongue. "You'll have another chance Zuko…" I reached over with my good hand and gently touched his shoulder. Of course, I didn't want him to actually ever win. This was all so confusing. I was so conflicted between wanting him to be happy and the Avatar to be safe.

He hung his head as soon as I touched him and lowered the book. His hand suddenly slid over my own, and I felt comfort at his warm touch. "I know… I'm just so tired of losing."

I wanted to say something else to comfort him, but I didn't really know what else to say. While I was sorry for Zuko and his continuous defeat, I was also relieved he still had yet to capture the world's last hope. As much as I cared about Zuko and wanted him to be happy, I also wanted Aang to be safe. I was rooting for Aang a hundred percent, and for some reason that made me feel guilty. I wasn't rooting for Zuko at all on this quest. I cared for his safety, but I did not want him to succeed.

Last time I checked, loving someone meant supporting them. I didn't support Zuko in this endeavor. This hurt my heart. I wanted to make him happy, but what he desired to find his happiness was something I could not help him with.

I would not betray Aang or my family… I couldn't…

"I'm going to get some sleep," Zuko said softly. He placed the book back on the table. I took my hand away from him hating to see him so beaten. "Uncle's up on deck if you want to play Pai Sho or something. The ship should be setting off in an hour or two."

He stood from the table and headed over to his cot. Plopping down on it, he immediately started to drift. No more than five minutes later, Zuko was out cold. Silence filled the room, and I stared over at his back with sympathy. I wanted to assure him it would be alright, but I didn't know how true that would be in the future.

Standing from the table, I headed over to my cot and grabbed the blanket from it. Zuko was laying on top of his own blanket, too tired to crawl under. Heading silently over to him, I knelt beside him and draped the blanket over his body. He didn't move, but instead sighed at the warmth that wrapped around him. As he sank deeper into his sleep, I couldn't help but lean over and kiss him softly on the cheek. He looked so young and peaceful.

When I pulled away, I said softly, "Sweet dreams, Zuko."

Then silently I rose from the floor, headed towards the door, and made my way into the hall of the ship. As the door shut behind me, I leaned back against it feeling my eyes burn with tears. I hated seeing Zuko so defeated. I hated that I couldn't help him. However, I wouldn't betray Aang. I wouldn't betray my people.

As much as I loved Zuko, I also refused to watch the world be destroyed.