Chapter 55: Dark Craters: Part 1

(Crystal POV)

"Here!"

Staring at the spot where Sokka dropped his bag, I shook my head in disbelief. We'd flown from Hama's a few hours ago, and once the sun finally rose we landed Appa in a crater hidden from curious eyes. We were all ready for some much needed rest. After Sokka, Toph, Aang, and Zuko freed the villagers from Hama's cave prison, and Katara and I managed to stop Hama from her madness, we left quickly afraid the villagers would come for us since we weren't Fire Nation.

As we flew away, I assured my family I would never use bloodbending again. Everyone tried to reassure me that everything which had occurred was not in my control. A little ironic since Hama was completely in my control. I decided to drop the matter though, knowing they wouldn't let me beat myself up over it. Zuko kept reassuring me that it made him think nothing more of me. I was just a beautiful waterbender that saved his life again. That did make me feel better.

After we flew for a few hours, we arrived at an area where three different craters stood. Once we landed in the largest crater, Sokka went to find the best place for his sleeping bag, acting like it was the hardest task of his life. Zuko and I watched him with amusement from where we stood by Appa as Sokka walked around the crater in deep thought, while the others ignored him getting their own belongings.

"Here is where I will sleep! I stake my claim on this pile of rocks! Any objections? I didn't think so!" He rolled out his bag then, and smoothed out the wrinkles. "Anyone has an issue with it, well too bad and so sad."

Zuko smiled at Sokka's action, and then nudged me to tell me to pay attention. He grabbed his own sleeping mat, walked over to Sokka's, dropped his beside the open mat, and said, "Cool. I'll take this spot."

My brother jumped up in protest. "What?! No way! You can't sleep that close to me! There's tons of other spots!"

Zuko ignored him and smoothed his mat out parallel to Sokka's. "Yeah, but this one is the flattests and has the nicest view of the sky."

"The sky is above us! You can see it everywhere!" Sokka looked over at me for help, but I just shrugged trying my hardest not to burst into laughter. I'd never seen Zuko so at ease before, joking around like someone his age would. It was good to see him in such a good mood.

"What's the big deal? We sleep this close on Appa other nights!" Zuko was egging him on, and the rest of the group was listening also. "Or would you rather I just put my mat by Crystal?"

Immediately, Sokka's cheeks turned red. "No! That's a definite no!"

Toph smirked. "Why, Sokka? Not ready to be an uncle?"

This time my cheeks went red, and Zuko looked like he was a bright turnip. Sokka was horrified and then pointed at Zuko. "You better not make any babies until I say you can!"

"Oh my spirits! Can we stop talking about this?" I covered my eyes and shook my head. Toph burst into laughter.

Aang chimed in over Toph's cackles. "I think Zuko and Crystal would make a cute family."

"I do admit, it would be pretty awesome to be an aunt one day," Katara spoke from where she was listening.

"Yes. One day!" Sokka exclaimed. "Not tonight."

Toph had stopped laughing and spoke again. "You never know what could happen under a starry sky?"

Glaring at Toph, I snapped at her, "Nothing is happening!"

Sokka agreed. "You're absolutely right! Because tonight, Zuko is sleeping with me!"

An awkward pause fell over the camp, and we stared at Sokka with disbelief. Toph however broke the silence by bursting into laughter again. My sister joined in while Aang looked puzzled. Zuko picked up his mat walking a good distance from Sokka. My brother went red from his own embarrassment. "That's not what I meant!" He looked over at me for help. "You know what I meant, Crystal!"

Shaking my head, I crossed my arms and responded, "I can't believe you're trying to steal my fiancé from me."

Zuko placed his mat down a good three meters from Sokka. "No worries, Crys. I'm not interested."

Sokka shouted in defense, "I don't want you to be!"

Once camp was finally set up, and everyone had their own spot to sleep in, I decided to go for a small walk to stretch out my legs since we'd been on Appa for so long. Toph volunteered to go with me since Zuko was busy teaching some more firebending moves to Aang. We'd invited Katara and Sokka, but my sister was nervous about leaving Aang alone while he used firebending and Sokka wanted to sharpen his sword.

Walking along a narrow path, Toph and I stayed silent for a moment as we listened to the quiet craters around us. We hadn't been alone like this since the day Toph ran into me before we found the others in the abandoned ghost town. That was the day Iroh was struck with lightning. My heart ached as the thought of Iroh returned. Although I'd tried to push it to the back of my mind, I was greatly worried for the man.

"This dirt feels so similar to the dirt in the Earth Kingdom," Toph suddenly commented as her bare-feet hit the earth below us. "You'd think being on a foreign land, everything would feel different."

Nodding, I looked over at Toph as she focused on the vibrations in front of her. "You must miss it… the Earth Kingdom..."

Silence fell over us for a moment. However, her sigh broke it. She nodded, frowning as her memories took her back to what she left behind. "I miss my mom and dad. Even though their constant worry and protection was overbearing, they cared about me and only wanted me to be safe. I love the freedom of being with you all, but I do miss my home." She shook her head. "But don't tell anyone I told you that. If they know I'm homesick they'll never let me live it down."

I smiled weakly. "I'm sure you'll see them again. They will be happy to know you are safe."

A laugh came over her. "Safe? I'm in enemy territory with an Avatar, a traitorous prince, and three water tribe kids. Don't know how safe that makes me."

Her statement made me smile more. "We are definitely a strange group of people."

Toph nodded, and stopped walking. She grabbed my arm to stop me too. "You know… I do miss my parents," she began. "But my family is right here. You all accept me for who I am, and that fact alone makes me feel at home." Her hand released me. "If I wasn't with you all, who knows how miserable my life would've become."

Her statement made me squeeze her shoulder in comfort. "You're definitely a little sister to me Toph." I dropped my hand from her. "And I know you are to the others too."

Toph sniffled, and quickly wiped her eyes to try and hide that she was emotional. Then she punched me in the arm making me cringe from the pain. "Don't tell anyone about this, Princess."

Rubbing my arm, I promised, "Trust me. I have no desire to get on your bad side."

"Good. Because Katara doesn't seem to care," Toph joked. "One of the reasons I slipped a bug in her sleeping bag the other night."

Shaking my head, I stared up the crater wall as I said, "You definitely keep this group entertained."

She smirked. "So you don't mind me picking on you and Zuko?"

Her question made me blush again. "Actually, that I do mind. Keep it kid friendly. Zuko and I aren't like that…"

Toph laughed. "Sure, sure. I'll protect your innocence. Just one of the other things I need to add to the list of reasons to protect you, Princess." She took the lead and I glowered at her back.

"I don't always need protection."

She stopped walking which caused me to halt in my step. "You know there's an assassin after you still, right?"

Frowning, I crossed my arms and dropped my gaze. "I'll handle him. We haven't seen him in a while. You all worry about the invasion. If he attacks I'll get him away from the group."

As I went to walk around her, she grabbed my arm to stop me again. "Wait… So what you're saying is when the time comes you plan to face that crazy guy alone again?"

Shutting my eyes, I reached for her hand and pulled it from my arm. "This is my battle, Toph. Whoever is targeting me with this guy, it has nothing to do with you all. I will keep you and my family safe no matter the cost." Walking away, I added. "I won't let anyone hurt the ones I love."

Third Person POV

Azula sat in the sand looking out towards the ocean's horizon with frustration. She wore a two piece dark red bathing suit, and her hair was in a low ponytail for once in her life. She hated being in such casual clothing. Not only had her father sent her on this pointless trip while he met with important men about the war, but she was on this pointless trip and not having fun at all. Ty Lee was surrounded by a group of young men flirting carelessly, while Mai sat under the shade of an umbrella moping about having to be out in the sunlight. As Azula watched Ty Lee giggle and twirl her long braid, she scowled.

"That's so disgusting," Azula hissed. "What does she have that I don't? I'm a princess, and she's just a circus freak." Azula had tried to flirt with some guys on the beach and they cringed from her.

Mai listened to Azula's irritation, and then spoke up for the first time that day with animosity. "Speak for yourself… I lost the guy I've been chasing for years to a washed up nobody from the Southern Water Tribe."

The spite in Mai's tone filled Azula with satisfaction. "I know, Mai. I cannot fathom the hurt my brother has caused you by falling in love with that waterbending tramp. But don't worry… My father and I will set him straight. Once our three eyed buddy acquires Miss Wonderful we'll make sure she remembers her place. Zuko will come back to our side and realize his fancy for this freak is all foolishness."

The depressed thin girl in a two piece bathing suit with long dark hair didn't seem convinced. However, she did sound hopeful when she stated, "I want to make him pay for breaking my heart. When that girl is brought to the palace, I want to show her just how much hurt Zuko caused me."

Azula nodded. "I'm sure I can arrange something with my father. He's adamant about hurting the girl too much because he needs her for leverage, but I'm sure we can find a way to give her the welcome we desire." She smirked. "I've been waiting to give her my regards since Ba Sing Se. Turning my brother against me… Definitely makes me pissed."

A silence fell between them as they watched Ty Lee giggle some more and do some cartwheels in the sand. Mai spoke again after a moment. "All of this started with the Avatar… I'm glad that kid is dead."

Mai's statement made Azula frown. "Unfortunately Mai, I fear that may be wrong. I know Zuko's waterbender has healing abilities… I worry they may have revived him."

This revelation stunned Mai. "You think so? Even in the state she was in. We left her pretty messed up that day."

She nodded. "As much as I hate that freak with a passion, she healed up my uncle pretty well that day I struck him in the desert. I'm sure she healed herself and the Avatar."

Mai sighed. "Just when I thought things were going to get easier."

Azula shook her head. "Don't fret Mai." She looked back at her closest friend with a devilish grin. "The Fire Nation can beat a group of misfit kids."

Meanwhile, back at the crater...

"What do you call that?!"

Aang grimaced from the leftover smoke that lingered in the air as Zuko snapped at him. "Uh… A fireball."

Shaking his head, Zuko waved the smoke away and stepped over to the young Avatar who stood stiff and too careless. "First, you're standing wrong. Put your feet further apart to balance better! Also, your fists aren't tight enough! And breathe!"

Aang cringed. "Yes, Sifu Zuko."

Zuko slapped his forehead. "And quit calling me that!"

The young airbender cringed again. "Yes, Si- I mean… Okay, Zuko."

Zuko let out a heavy breath, while Katara spoke up from where she stood to the side in observance. "You know. If you didn't shout at Aang then you probably would help him learn better. When Toph tried these tactics it did no good."

"This is how my tutors taught me and I learned just fine!" Zuko grabbed the airbenders shoulders. "Lower! Wider stance! Breathe!" He stepped back to give Aang room. "Now fire!"

In panic, Aang shot his fist forward and a large spout of flames shot out soaring through the air. His fire dispersed and then turned to black smoke that covered much more of the crater this time.

"Better," Zuko commented. "But just because you release the fire doesn't mean you release control! You have to keep concentration until your flames hit your target. Otherwise you'll just be shooting everywhere!"

Sokka added from where he sat cross-legged on a rock, "And we definitely don't want injury."

Aang let out a deep breath. "Sorry… I'll do better… I don't want to injure anyone ever again."

Zuko went to speak, but then he saw the disturbed expression on Aang's face and stopped. His eyes shot to Katara, who grimaced at the memory of the day Aang burned her. Crystal had told him the story of Aang's first attempt at firebending. He decided it was best to reassure the kid if they were going to continue their practice in the future. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep sigh. "Look, Aang… You aren't the only one who accidentally burned someone firebending. I'll admit when I was younger I was just like you. You're going to make errors just starting out… I scorched my firebending teacher numerous times due to being overconfident. Firebending is all about control. Once you figure out that part, then you can get stronger."

The air was silent as the three other kids took in Zuko's words of encouragement. Katara smiled then, saying, "Aw… You do have a soft side, Zuko."

Sokka slid off his boulder perch and stepped over. "You should know he has a soft spot, Katara. Remember when dad was trying to marry Crystal off to Areto. Zuko's proposal had us all in tears." He tapped his chin. "I mean, me that is. I think everyone else wanted to strangle and maim him."

Zuko grimaced from the memory of the Water Tribe warriors back when he first met Chief Hakoda. "Yeah… I'm sure I'll receive a similar reception after we defeat my father from the rest of your people."

Sokka slapped Zuko on the back. "No worries, bud. We've got your back." He then grabbed Zuko into a chokehold. "But you ever hurt my sister and the whole Tribe will stake and burn you."

Katara rolled her eyes, while Aang laughed at Sokka's joke. Zuko struggled to get out of his hold, snapping, "Sokka! Knock it off!" Sokka let him go, and Zuko stumbled back.

"Well," Aang began. "Looks like practice is over. I'm going to go with Momo to find food." Upon his suggestion, Momo landed on his shoulder and chirped with delight. As he turned to leave, Katara exclaimed that she'd tag along.

"Hey! I didn't say we were done yet!"

Zuko's shout was met by deaf ears. Katara and Aang kept walking, intentionally ignoring him. Zuko let out a sigh in defeat.

Once the two left the area, heading up the slope that Crystal and Toph had gone earlier, Zuko and Sokka were the last in camp besides Appa who was watching the group with disinterest.

"You know," Sokka began, walking over to his bag and yanking out a wooden container. Opening the container lid, he picked out some bright green cashews. "It's fun having you in the group, Zuko. I finally feel like we're not just a crew of misfit kids. Now I feel like we're an actual army!"

His statement puzzled Zuko. "Army?"

Sokka nodded. "Yeah! Admiral Sokka, General Zuko, Commander Aang… Uh… Captain Toph because she's so bossy… Colonel Katara… Crystal… Hm... Well, she is my twin so I guess she can be co-admiral."

"Wait!" Zuko crossed his arms. "Why do you get to be admiral?"

Sokka chewed on a cashew, swallowed, and then pointed at his chest. "Because I'm the leader! We've had this discussion in the past. You just weren't here."

Zuko narrowed his eyes. "For some reason I feel this discussion was one sided." He stepped over to Sokka. "But okay, Admiral Sokka. All provisions must be shared with your men." Zuko reached into the container and grabbed a cashew. Sokka was stunned, and then he sighed. "I suppose you're right." He turned to go chase after Aang. "Hey Aang! Come back! I have cashews!" Zuko shook his head and followed behind.

When they caught up to the others, they were surprised to find Aang and Katara crouching beside a plant growing out of the crevice of the crater. The plant had berries the color of blood, and the two were debating if they were edible or not.

"There you are," Sokka exclaimed. "Zuko made an excellent point that all provisions should be shared with the group. Here are some cashews!" Aang and Katara glanced up at the container that Sokka extended towards him. Momo, who was perched on Aang's back, grabbed the remaining cashews in the container and shoved them in his mouth.

"Momo!" Sokka gasped as the little lemur took off flying with his mouth full of cashews. "Bring back my cashews!" He raced after the lemur with his empty tin. As he went, Aang and Katara laughed while Zuko shook his head in disbelief.

"Alright, Fire Nation guide," Katara began, getting back to business. "What is your observation of these berries? Are they edible."

Zuko crouched beside Aang and Katara, grabbing one of the berries. As he examined it, he recalled when he was younger doing something similar with his mother in the Fire Nation garden. The familiar berry commonly used for jam and other delicacies made him smile. "Hm… Seeing as they are not called a Du fruit, but a simple redberry, I'd say it's safe to consume as long as you wash them."

Katara beamed. "Great! We'll take some back to camp for lunch." As she picked some from the bush, Aang held his hand out to let her drop them in his palms.

"It's strange that they are growing out here in the middle of nowhere though…" Zuko glanced around the crater with question. "I wonder if this area used to flourish with them. Looks like this place experienced some heavy damage from meteorites or some other trauma."

"Probably was from those meteors that fell the other day. The one where we got the material to make Sokka's sword was small compared to others that fell that night," Aang commented. "They probably hit this spot."

Katara contemplated it. "I don't know… You would think the meteors would still be around somewhere. I'm thinking earthbenders."

"What are you all doing?" Toph's question surprised the three of them, and they looked back to see her approach. They were surprised to find Crystal wasn't with her. Toph sensed their concern and quickly reassured them. "She's getting fresh water for our canteens. We found a stream beyond the craters."

"You left her alone!" Sokka had returned with his empty cashew container unable to apprehend the thief, and overheard Toph's statement. "What if Sparky Sparky Boom Man arrives?"

Toph sighed. "I listened to the earth before I left. There's no one for miles but you guys. She's fine. Stop worrying."

"Easy for you to say," Sokka muttered. "You haven't known her your whole life. She's prone to getting into danger even if you think there is none."

"Speaking of the assassin…" Aang stood. "What's the plan if he does attack again?"

Zuko and Katara stood also, while Sokka turned serious. "I actually want to talk to you all about that. This is actually perfect timing. Everyone's here, and it's something we better discuss before Crystal gets back."

Katara furrowed her brows. "What is it?"

He crossed his arms. "I don't want Crystal fighting this assassin. She's adamant on doing so, thinking it's her duty because she's the target. But if we let her fight him there's a greater chance he will get her."

Aang could see where he was going. "So… We restrain her…? I don't think she'll like that very much…"

Letting out a deep sigh, Toph stated, "I guess that's a good idea. She was just talking to me about how she planned to face him alone again."

Zuko was horrified. "She what?!"

Toph grimaced. "Something about getting him away from the group and handling him on her own."

Katara sighed heavily. "That settles it then… If the assassin shows up any time soon, we separate her from the fight and handle it ourselves."

"She won't like that," Toph stated.

Sokka shook his head. "It doesn't matter." He stared down at the empty tin in his hand. "I won't lose anyone else to this war. I already lost mom… Yue… Suki… I won't lose my sister." He looked over at Zuko. "We have to protect her. No matter what."

Zuko nodded. "The assassin is after her because of me. If anyone should face him, it should be me."

Aang spoke up. "We face him together. Crystal's part of this team. You mess with one of us, you get wrath from all of us."

The group took in the Avatar's words. They all agreed with him. Sokka stated with resolve, "It's settled then. If Sparky Sparky Boom Man shows his face to us, we protect Crystal no matter what. Five of us against one assassin. We are sure to win."

Elsewhere, at a Fire Nation Village twenty miles away...

The room was dim from the light coming in through the shutters. Tables were scattered around the room and a bar extended at the front of the establishment. Men and women sat at the round tables on the musty wooden benches sipping on their mid-day whisky and other beverages. A group of six large, armor clad very buff men sat at one of the round tables sipping a dark liquid from their mugs. The other patrons took the seating that was distant from this rough looking group, deciding to keep out of their business.

The door to the bar opened then, and eyes shot over to the intruder that entered. The attention came more so from the loud clomp of a metal boot that hit the wooden floorboards. As the man with three eyes entered the bar, people shrunk in their seats while others decided to drop coins and take their leave.

The metal booted man stepped up to the table where the rough crew of men sat, and the leader stood to confront the guy who was a head taller. "Well, well… If it isn't the three-eyed legend." The leader had long black hair tied back in a tight braid with the sides of his head shaved, and wore a red feather headpiece. His armor was just a black and red cuirass with some dark pants and arm bands. On his nose was a golden hoop piercing.

The man known by the Avatar's friends as Sparky Sparky Boom Man stepped up to the leader of the Rough Rhinos with determination. "I have a mission for you," the metal booted man spoke with composure, his face straight as if he were a terrifying statue.

The leader of the Rough Rhino gang grabbed his drink and chugged the liquid down. As he did, his eyes remained on the two lower eyes of the man before him. When he finished, he slammed his drink down on the table and sat back down.

"Leave us boys," he ordered the rest of his men. His group was stunned that they were being excluded from their leader's conversation with the renowned assassin, but they begrudgingly did as they were told. Once they were gone outside, the leader gestured for the man to sit before him. The assassin made no move, and the seated man grinned.

"I see you're still as stiff as ever. Still can't get you to join my team?"

The three eyed assassin narrowed his eyes. "I'm here to claim the debt you owe, Mongke."

The man grabbed a mug that still had liquid from one of his groupies and sipped the remnants. Pulling the mug away slowly, he stated, "That's Colonel Mongke." He held his hands up in surrender when the man growled. "But okay… You're right. You did help me out with that traitor, so I am happy to compensate." He leaned forward. "What can me and my men do for you?"

The Assassin stepped closer and dropped a ragged poster down on the table that unrolled to reveal the faded image of a young female waterbender. "I need to acquire this target." He pointed his large finger at the girl.

"And you want us to help you, I presume?" He dumped the remaining liquid down his throat, and then wiped his mouth with his hand. "The Rough Rhinos are being recruited to capture a single woman? Are you losing your touch, Three Eyes?"

The Assassin grit his teeth. "The girl is mine. Her friends are what I need help with."

Colonel Mongke raised a brow. "Her friends?"

He nodded. "There's five of them. And a giant bison creature that flies. I need to separate her from the gro-"

He jumped up from his seat slamming his mug down on the table. "Giant Flying Bison! Those brats from the Earth Kingdom?!" He looked down at the picture with realization. "I knew something struck me as familiar with this poster! She resembles that waterbending gal from Chin Village!" He growled. "I've been waiting to show those kids a lesson since they ran us out of that town!"

The Rough Rhino leader met the assassin's gaze.

"Where are they?!"

Crystal POV

Staring at the berries before me, I picked one up with uncertainty. "Are we sure this is safe?"

Zuko grabbed one from the pile and popped it in his mouth. He chewed for a second, swallowed, and the rest of us sitting in the circle of our makeshift campfire watched with worry. After a moment, he shrugged and grabbed another. "Tastes like the redberries back at home. Should be fine." His statement made everyone relax. "Of course," he added, "we all could end up dying in a few hours."

Sokka had just popped a berry in his mouth, but upon Zuko's comment, he spit it out and gagged. "Are you serious! Are you trying to kill us?"

Zuko smirked, grabbing another one. "Relax. I'm just kidding. These are perfectly safe. I'm not going to let you guys eat something I'm not positive is edible."

"Yeah," Toph began, grabbing her own berry from the pile. "We don't eat dangerous plants like you and your twin sister, Sokka. Chill."

I grimaced as the memory of the Du plant came back to my mind. That was the last time I ate a plant that caused me that much pain. I'd prefer to have an allergic reaction to a peony or other flower over that horrible sensation.

"My plant wasn't dangerous! It just gave me some weird hallucinations." Sokka scratched his forehead. "I think at one point I was worshipping a mushroom god or something."

Katara nodded. "Yep. Really you were just bowing down to an explosion that Aang set off from his wrath of losing Appa."

Another grimace came over me from that memory as well. Appa groaned from where he ate some hay Aang found him, telling us he remembered that time of our journey vividly too.

"I'll never forget that part of our journey…" I shut my eyes. "That was probably the longest period of this whole year. I'll always feel responsible for not being strong enough to protect Appa from those thieves."

Aang sighed. "It's in the past, Crystal… That wasn't your fault either. That battle wasn't yours to fight alone. He is my bison. I was supposed to protect him."

Shaking my head, I stated, "It won't happen again. I'm stronger now. With Katara's training and the experiences I've had in the past I'm ready to win any battle thrown my way and protect you all."

Sokka let out a deep breath. "You've proved to us enough you're strong. And after seeing your bloodbending the other night, none of us will ever doubt your strength again."

Bringing up the bloodbending part made my heart twist. Toph sensed my discomfort and tried to change the subject. "So I guess our next stop after this is going to be the meeting spot right?"

Katara nodded, realizing why Toph diverted the conversation. "Yeah. Feels like forever ago since we saw dad and the others. It will be good to regroup."

Aang nodded. "I'm the reason we split in the first place, so I'll be sure to get you all to the spot in one piece tomorrow."

Zuko grimaced. "I can't believe this is all happening so soon… I can't imagine how I'll feel seeing my father again."

"Is he really that terrifying?" Sokka leaned forward. "I've only heard stories."

Zuko sighed. "He burned his own son and banished him that same day… If that doesn't make him terrifying I don't know what else would..."

I frowned, grabbing his hand to comfort him. "None of us will let him do that to you again. He's going to pay for the pain he caused you."

Zuko smiled weakly. He gave my hand a squeeze, and then brought it to his lips kissing my knuckles softly. "As long as he never hurts you, I don't care what he does to me."

A playful gag sounded. "Stop being lovey dovey!" Toph grabbed another berry. "If you want me to cut out the baby jokes, stop making it so easy for me to make fun of you two. I say you both just get married now and start having kids. You both clearly can't be separated."

"No one is getting married," Sokka snapped.

Aang smiled thinking ahead. "You know… As the Avatar I could probably perform your wedding in the future! That would be fun!"

Katara shook her head. "This is no place for a wedding! I have everything already planned out in my head! We are not making my sister a bride in a crater!"

Her words stunned me. "You've been plotting my future wedding?"

"Of course," she exclaimed. "As your sister I get to be your planner!"

Zuko smiled weakly. "Also, I offered to let her." His reveal was met with my bewilderment. "It was my way of apologizing to her for what I'd done in the past."

Shaking my head, I crossed my arms in defeat. "Fine. But it better not be anything too extravagant. You know how I like simplicity."

Sokka laughed. "Simplicity? Nothing about you is simple!"

"Well, she is your twin," Toph stated. "Your crazy probably rubbed off on her."

"Yeah. But she's my crazy," Zuko stated. He leaned over suddenly and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled at his gesture, while Toph gagged again.

After our small meal and a little more conversation, we decided to go to sleep once the shade of the canyon fell over us as the sun lowered. Since we were exhausted from the night before, we all quickly conked out and slept the rest of the afternoon away. Sleeping on my mat between Katara and Toph, I had a few dreams that made no sense which I preferred. Those dreams were better than running from insane firebenders.

However, only a few hours into my sleep, I heard Toph shout, "Wake up! Guys, wake up! Something is coming towards us!"

Toph's alert woke me with a gasp. Sitting up, I looked over at her to see she was on her feet and looked ready to fight. Her feet were firm to the dirt, and she looked in deep concentration. The thought of a metal man made me quickly fill with fear. Had he finally decided to show his face again?

Getting up, I found the others were getting to their feet as well. Our eyes searched around the crater for what Toph had sensed, but we didn't have to search long. A blast of fire shot out of nowhere towards our camp, and we gasped as the hot element hit the earth nearby causing hot air to send us stumbling back.

As dust surrounded us, I coughed from the dirt entering my lungs. Aang shot air around us to push the dust and smoke away. When he did this, I could finally see what had caused the blast so abruptly. A group of men on six giant rhinos were advancing from above down the rocky slope. The rhinos struggled to stay upright from the angle they descended, and their riders snapped harshly at them to stay steady.

As the rough group of men on rhinos approached, the others were horrified and amazed. "Not these guys again! What are they doing in the Fire Nation?"

Aang's question threw me off. Looking over at him, I asked, "You know these guys?"

Zuko clearly did too. "Colonel Mongke and his Rough Rhino crew! I haven't seen these jerks since the desert."

The others were getting their weapons ready, and were shocked that Zuko knew them also. Katara asked with amazement, "How do you know the Rough Rhinos?"

Zuko lit a flame in his hand. "They tried to capture my uncle and I for a bounty. How do you?"

Aang answered, "They attacked us back at Chin Village on Avatar Day."

Zuko was puzzled. "Avatar day?"

Sokka gripped his sword tight. "Long story. All you need to know is these jerks stole my boomerang!"

Toph wasn't at all pleased. "So definitely bad guys. Let's pound these freaks! I get the one on the right!"

Zuko stepped ahead of us. "I get Colonel Mongke!" He shot fire up at the men on rhinos then, and the leader shot his own flame while holding his beast's reins. The two blasts met causing another explosion. While this occurred, and smoke filled the air, I whipped out my own water from the pouch I'd grabbed and prepared to fight. Toph shot three boulder projectiles at the advancing group of six men and beasts, but they managed to dodge.

Once they were down in the crater, the men charged at all of us with their rhinos and we split to avoid the hit. Appa groaned in frustration at the disturbance and shot his tail down hard sending a blast of air at one of the rhinos. The man on the rhino with a heavy battle mace was thrown off as his rhino was knocked onto his side. While he tried to recover, the rest of us flung our own attacks at the other rhinos headed our way. Sokka had his sword ready beside me as I flung a strong torrent towards the dark shadow of the rhino coming towards us. My water hit the man on the rhino sending him falling back onto the ground. Bringing my water back, I put it back in my pouch having learned to hold onto my weapon. As he landed in the dirt, his rhino continued towards us letting out a growl and I realized we were in the line of fire.

"Sokka! Look out," I shouted, grabbing his arm and jerking him out of the way. The rhino missed us by a hair, while the man who was knocked down stood from the dirt and ripped out his spear ready to fight. Sokka quickly ran forward with a warrior cry, while the man ran forward with his own. The two met halfway and my brother's sword clashed with the man's spear sending sparks through the moonlit area.

My eyes shot over to my sister, Toph, and Aang who were fighting off their own men. Katara was busy fighting a man with spinning chains, Aang was dodging the flaming arrows of an archer, and Toph was dealing with a man in full armor who kept throwing explosives at her stone shields. The rhinos had gone off to the edge of the crater to stay out of the fight, mainly because Appa was intimidating them with his intense growls. Momo sat on Appa's head hissing also.

"How did you find us?!" Zuko's question brought me out of my observation. Looking over at him, I saw he was fighting the leader, their fire meeting one another with hot intensity.

Mongke cackled as he blocked another one of Zuko's blasts with his own. "We had a tip!"

A deep cry rang out suddenly from nearby, and turning my attention back to my own situation, I saw the man who was originally thrown off his rhino by Appa charging towards me with his battle mace. Pulling my water back in front of me, I shot the stream at the man who dodged to the side with a growl. As he continued my way, I brought the water back towards me and it hit the man in the back sending him stumbling forward. He caught himself, but stopped in his advance. Yanking my water back in front of me, I shot it towards him again sending a projectile of ice missiles his way. He used his mace to block the sharp element, but one of the shards hit his hand causing him to drop his weapon in pain.

As he tried to rip the ice out of his skin, I raced towards him bringing the remaining water out of my pouch. "You and your buddies ruined our sleep!" I threw a hard stream towards him, and he jerked to the side dodging my attack by a hair. As this happened, a harsh explosion shot between us and the heat from it sent me flying back. As I landed backward on the hard dirt, I felt my body vibrate in pain.

"Well it's about time you showed up!" The battle mace man snapped from afar, and I tried to see who he was speaking to through the dusty air. As the smoke and dust from the explosion started to settle, I was horrified as a shadow emerged from the darkness. The sound of a metal boot clomping on the earth sent dread through me. As I looked up at the tall figure before me, I scrambled to my feet and grabbed my water which had dampened the ground. Bringing it over to me, I shot it towards the assassin as he breathed heavily. His fire shot towards me as my water hit his stomach. He stumbled back, but as he did his fire hit the spot in front of me. The blast caused an explosion that sent me crashing back once again.