Chapter 63: Sleepless

(Crystal POV)

Three days had passed since Aang and Zuko returned from their trip to the Sun Warriors temple. During that time, they had been training non-stop and everyone could see that Aang had greatly improved in his firebending. When he started he was just creating sparks. However, yesterday he was shooting streams of fire from one end of the canyon to the other. The very sight of his firebending brought intrigue from everyone in the group. The more Aang improved, the greater hope the group had towards winning the war. As the excitement started to build amongst everyone, it was very clear one person in the group remained fearful.

Me…

While the gang began to chat about defeating the Fire Lord, I kept silent as the weariness and uncertainty remained within me. Although Aang was getting stronger, I couldn't shake the terrifying image of Fire Lord Ozai. His darkness was embedded in my mind, and I was scared of what would happen to Aang if he failed in defeating the man.

My mind replayed the events of my capture. I thought about how I used my bloodbending to stop the man from killing Zuko. Even if I could get close enough to help Aang by taking away the Fire Lord's movements, the thought of going near that monster again stopped me from even suggesting the option to Aang. Also, I knew offering my service to him in such a way would quickly be denied. Aang would never let me near that man again after what had happened to me, so I knew suggesting was a waste of air. Also, bloodbending made me nervous. I only wanted to use it again if I absolutely had to.

Katara began to notice, as the others spoke about victory, that I was remaining silent on my side of the fire. She was seated beside me, silently observing my expression as it twisted at times in pain. She grabbed my hand which reached to toss another twig in the flames absentmindedly, and this made me jump as she brought me out of the deep darkness of my mind.

"Hey," she began softly, making me stop my movement and shut my eyes with defeat. She was always so good at seeing through me. "You okay?"

She was trying to whisper so the others didn't jump in with worry. I grimaced wishing she wouldn't be so perceptive. She had been asking that question to me often in the last few days.

"Just have a lot on my mind. But it's nothing to worry about," I promised. "I'll be fine."

She slowly released my hand. "Are you sure you don't want to talk?"

Shaking my head, I opened my eyes to meet her sisterly gaze. "I'm just overthinking things. Don't worry."

She nodded slowly, but I could sense she was still worried. "Well, you know I'm here. If you need to talk I'm ready to listen."

I nodded to let her know I would come to her if that were the case. At the moment, telling her I didn't have faith we would defeat the Fire Lord would hurt more feelings than I wanted. I needed to trust Aang, and yet all I could think about was how unlucky these last few months had been. My uncertainty would offend the others. I had to keep my mouth shut.

Sokka broke in suddenly from the other side of the fire where he sat by Aang, noticing our exchange. "What are you two whispering about over there?"

Katara quickly dismissed his question. "If we wanted you to know you would've heard it."

He went to argue, but saw my exhaustion and decided not to comment.

Although I had been healed by Katara in the last few days, I was still mentally and physically exhausted. While my ribs, shoulder, and the discomfort on my new scar were barely noticeable, the nightmares continued. Because the nightmares continued, I had not been sleeping well and spent most of the night lying awake too scared to even try and return to my dreams.

The group had noticed my exhaustion as the days passed. Zuko voiced his concerns to me, especially when he started to see the dark circles under my eyes. He also heard from Toph that I hadn't been staying on my mat at night and was taking a lot of walks to avoid my dreams. He felt my condition was partially his fault, because the only reason I would not sleep was due to the trauma his family had put me through. I reassured him that I did not blame him for what his father and sister had done to me, and told him to focus on training Aang.

However, due to the consistent concern from Katara, Sokka, Aang, Toph, and Zuko there was a point in the last few days where I found myself avoiding them. This typically consisted of exploring with Ty Lee, Haru, The Duke, and Teo or spending time in my private corner in the hidden library Toph had found me.

Of course, avoiding everyone only made them worry more; which made me feel guilty because I knew their hearts were in the right place.

Zuko had returned suddenly with a tray of tea cups and a steaming kettle. He had left only a few moments before to go brew us some tea. It was a way to show not only thanks to the group for accepting Ty Lee so quickly, but also to congratulate Aang on his progress. Zuko walked around the circle, handing a cup to each person and pouring some tea carefully into the container. "No one can make tea like Uncle," Zuko began. At the mention of Iroh, I felt my stomach twist even more. "But hopefully I learned a thing or two. Would you like to hear Uncle's favorite tea joke?"

Katara glanced over at me again sensing that the mention of Iroh had upset me. She quickly spoke as Zuko continued to pass out the cups and pour the tea. "Sure. What have you got?"

Aang beamed, "I like jokes."

Toph nodded as she was handed a cup. "Bring it."

Zuko arrived over to Katara and I after giving a cup and tea to The Duke and Haru. "Okay. Well, I can't remember how it starts but the punchline is, 'Leaf me alone, I'm bushed.'" There was silence from everyone as they took in the cheesy and awful pun. Zuko poured Katara and I a cup then, and handed it to us. As he did, he grimaced realizing he told it wrong. "Well, it's funnier when Uncle tells it."

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

Zuko blushed with embarrassment as the group laughed. He sat beside me with a smile though, taking a sip of his own tea pleased to see he had amused the group.

Toph let out a deep breath. "Ah… It's so nice to relax for a change."

Her words only disheartened me more. I let my mind wander a bit as I stared at my tea with dismay.

We were relaxing, but others were not. The war was still raging around us. People were still dying, being captured, being enslaved, and who knows what else. Was Iroh okay? Had he gotten out of his prison or was he still in a deep dark cell?

The thought of a cell then made me think of my father. He was probably in a cell now. Was he in the Fire Nation Capital, or were they sending him to another prison? My hands shook, and I gripped my cup tighter.

What if the Fire Lord hurt my father? What if he killed him already?

His cruel laughter rang in my head again as I stared at the fire before me. My dream from last night returned to me. A dark cell… Cold laughter… The screams of my family. No matter how hard I tried to escape my cell to get to them, I couldn't. And then Azula would be there on the other side of the bars. Her piercing gold eyes would stare deep into my soul. Tormenting me with victory covering her expression as she stated that my people were being slaughtered because I was too weak to save them. And behind her emerged the Fire Lord, and he would grin beside her. And all I could do was back up in the dark cell with no escape, while the screams of my family and friends continued in the distance.

"Crys?" Zuko grabbed my wrist gently, and I was brought out of my wild thoughts. My shaking hand stopped and I hadn't noticed the trembling that was occurring. Glancing at him with shock, I looked around and was surprised to see that the rest of the group was staring at me as well. "You with us?"

I tried to shake my thoughts and come back to the present. While I knew we were safe at the moment, I feared the future: the possibility of my brother or sister being captured; Aang being killed by the Fire Lord; Toph being forced into a wooden prison; the rest of my friends being tortured or killed; Zuko being executed for treason by his father. The fear was so deep in me, and no matter how much I tried to look at the positive the negative constantly took over.

"She's been like this for days," Aang muttered.

I realized that I needed to come back to reality or they would all have an intervention again. I shook my head and tried to look around at everyone with a weak smile. "Sorry." I placed my cup down and slowly stood which caused Zuko to let go of my wrist so he didn't pull me back down. "I'm just tired… I'm going to lay down in my room. You guys keep up the party."

"I'll walk you there," Zuko stated. It wasn't an offer, and frankly I didn't feel like arguing. I was really tired. In the last three days I had only gotten a total of six hours of sleep. The constant terror I faced each night brought me no relief when the sun went down. Ever since the Fire Lord and Azula had tortured me, the happy memories were blurred. I tried to distract myself daily with reading and exploring, but no matter what the nightmares continued to overtake me.

Sokka had stood as well. "Wait... I'll walk with you both. I need to ask you something anyway, Zuko."

The three of us began to leave the circle. As we did, Ty Lee asked if she could have my tea to which I nodded to her. She skipped over and grabbed my cup, then returned to her spot by Haru. Teo and the Duke rolled their eyes when Haru threw his arm around her shoulder. Toph smirked sensing the disgust from the younger boys.

"Crystal," Katara suddenly said, right before we left the area completely. I looked back at her with question, and her deep blue eyes stared into my own with plea. "Please try and get some sleep. We're all worried about you."

Aang and Toph nodded to agree with her. I looked around at everyone feeling awful for causing them such concern.

"I'll try. Promise."

The three of us left the area then. As we did, the moon lit our path as we walked through the temples halls and along the stone bridges to the section where the rooms were. Zuko and Sokka were ahead of me as we went, which probably was a good thing since I didn't really know where I was going. My mind was still a mess as I thought about everything that had been plaguing me.

Sokka glanced back at me to make sure I was still standing upright as we finished crossing another bridge. I smiled weakly at him to try and reassure him, but in the process I stumbled over a loose column. Zuko, who was closer to me, turned in enough time to catch my shoulder. Once he steadied me, I let him know I was okay. He didn't seem convinced.

"Come on," Sokka said. He stepped in front of me, turning with his back to me and crouching so he could grab my arms and pull them around his neck. I was shocked when he forced me onto his back, and I grasped on with a gasp as he pulled me off the ground. Once his arms were hooked under my knees and he had me secure on his back, he started walking again. Sokka hadn't carried me on his back since we were kids, but I was too tired to protest. Shutting my eyes, I pressed the side of my face against the back of his shoulder relaxing from his warmth.

"So what's up?" Zuko asked.

Sokka kept walking, his pace steady as if I weighed nothing. Which honestly, I probably didn't weigh enough to cause him much strain. I had lost a lot of weight in the last year.

Sokka shook his head. "Not yet. After we get her to bed I'll chat."

"Now look who's the one with secrets," I muttered.

He didn't like my comment, and said with defense, "Let's talk about that nightmare you had last night if we're sharing secrets."

I fell quiet and pressed my face harder into his back. My eyes shut tightly.

Zuko sighed. "How about we just focus on getting her to bed instead of interrogating one another?"

Silence fell between us, and I felt my heart rate slow as I let sleep start to carry me away. As I began to drift, I only vaguely remembered Zuko helping get me off Sokka's back, and a blanket being placed over me once I was resting on the straw bed. Zuko kissed me lightly on the side of my head, and then he and Sokka made their way out. Their figures blurred and then darkness made me drift.

Third Person POV

The two young men stepped out of the room as Crystal slept within. Once they were outside in the fresh night air, Zuko turned to Sokka crossing his arms. "Shoot."

Sokka spoke to finally ask his question. "Look. You can't mention me asking this to Katara or Crys, okay. But I was wondering… If someone was captured by the Fire Nation, where would they be taken?"

Zuko was stunned. He fell quiet for a moment as he started to understand the secrecy and the young warrior's intention. "Sokka… if I know what you're thinking then there's no way I am giving you that information."

Sokka knew his friend would react this way and became defensive. "I just want to know where the troops who stayed behind when the invasion failed might be."

He shook his head. "I can't tell you."

The Water Tribe boy was irritated by the refusal to answer his question. "What? Why not?"

Zuko frowned. "Trust me. Knowing would just make you feel worse." Zuko turned to leave him and head back to where Crystal slept. He wanted to stay with her a little bit to make sure she was actually asleep.

Sokka grabbed his shoulder to stop him. "Please… It's my Dad, Zuko… I need to know what I put him through."

Zuko let out a deep breath. "First, this isn't your fault Sokka." He felt his heart ache as he thought about the father of his fiancée. He too wanted to save Hakoda, but it wasn't a good idea to go to where he knew the man was most likely being held. "Second, it's not good information you'll want to hear."

Sokka stood strong. "Please."

Zuko closed his eyes in defeat. "My guess is…" he turned to Sokka opening his eyes to meet his worried friend's gaze, "they were taken to the Boiling Rock."

Sokka frowned, not liking the sound of it. "What's that?"

"The highest security prison in the Fire Nation," Zuko began. "It's on an island in the middle of a boiling lake. It's inescapable. I was sadly relieved Crystal wasn't taken there because I wouldn't have been able to get her out. Such a thought was selfish, but I knew if she was taken to the palace at least I'd have a chance."

Sokka thought over Zuko's words, feeling immediately anxious by how wary the young prince was of the place. "So where is this place?"

Zuko narrowed his eyes with suspicion. "Why do you need to know? What are you planning?"

He tried to wave Zuko off. "Nothing. Boy, you're so paranoid."

Zuko wasn't convinced. He could see what the young man desired, and he knew he would either have to stop him if he tried something or help him. Of course, this was Crystal's father. If Sokka did end up going to save him, Zuko would definitely go along. "It's in the middle of a volcano between here and the Fire Nation. You guys actually flew right past it on your way here."

Sokka nodded taking in this info. "Okay. Thanks Zuko." He feigned a yawn and pat Zuko on the shoulder as he walked past him. "Just knowing makes me feel better."

Zuko watched Sokka walk away knowing what he really was thinking. "Yeah, I'm sure it does."

He turned and headed back into the room where Crystal slept with a deep sigh. Walking over to her, he could see from the light of the moon seeping through the shutter that she was out cold. He smiled slightly as he took in her form. It was the most at peace she'd looked since she was taken. He hoped she could stay that way through the night. He hated to hear her crying from her dreams. He hated knowing that she was losing so much rest from the images she was having of his deranged father and psychotic sister. One goodnights sleep not plagued by the torture his family put her through was all he desired for her.

As his hand lightly brushed her forehead to push a stray strand of her dark brown hair from near her eye, he heard her sigh from the familiar touch. He smiled weakly, wishing she would stay at peace like she was now. He feared it would be short lived if things went like they had the last few nights. He wished there was a way to help her no longer be afraid.

"I promise, Crystal," Zuko whispered. "I'll do everything I can to protect you and your family. Starting with helping Sokka..."

Later that night, Zuko found himself walking over to Appa who was sleeping. He knew what Sokka was planning, and he would be waiting for him when he arrived. As he stepped over to Appa, the bison woke groggily and looked at him with question. Zuko patted him on the nose, saying softly, "Go back to sleep, boy." He nudged Zuko as a sign of friendship, and then dropped his head to the ground again.

Zuko clambered up Appa and sat in the saddle. He had a feeling that Sokka would be arriving shortly, ready to sneak off to the prison to free Chief Hakoda. Sure enough, at about an hour past when the moon was in the center of the sky, Sokka arrived. His silent steps were careful and cautious as he crept around the temple trying not to wake anyone. Once he arrived at Appa, the bison opened his eyes again and watched Sokka with curiosity. Sokka shushed him, and then started to climb up the side of his body.

Zuko heard his actions and crawled to the side of the saddle. He stood with his arms crossed in victory. "Not up to anything, huh?"

Sokka yelped and let go of Appa, falling to the stone floor in shock. His bag and the contents went everywhere. Sokka quickly moved to his knees and started to shove the contents back in his bag. "Fine, you caught me. I'm gonna rescue my Dad. You happy now?"

Zuko shook his head and shrugged. "I'm never happy."

Sokka knew he was joking, and he got irritated that the prince wasn't taking him seriously. "Look, I have to do this. The invasion plan was my idea. It was my decision to stay when things were going wrong." He stood again and walked towards Appa once more. Zuko got out of the saddle and slid to the ground. He then stepped over to Sokka as the water tribe teen continued to speak. "It's my mistake and it's my job to fix it. I have to regain my honor. You can't stop me Zuko."

The young prince let out a deep sigh. "You need to regain your honor? Believe me, I get it Sokka. I'm going with you."

Sokka started to climb Appa again. "No. I have to do this alone. I need you to stay with the others and keep an eye on them in case something goes wrong. Plus, Crystal will only worry more."

"Of course she'll worry. She has every right to worry when she wakes up in the morning and finds her twin brother is gone. Besides, how are you going to get there? On Appa? Last time I checked, prisons don't have bison daycares. Plus, the last thing we need is to put Appa in danger too. He's already been through enough when it comes to prison."

Sokka grimaced, sliding back to the ground knowing Zuko spoke wise. He looked at Zuko to show that he had his attention.

"We'll take my war balloon," Zuko stated. "Let me go pack and then we'll go."

Sokka was bewildered. "Why do you want to help me? You know there's a risk you could be captured and forced to your father again."

The young prince grimaced at the thought of being captured, but he crossed his arms and looked at his friend with confidence. "Because I promised Crystal I would protect you and Katara. Letting you go to a Fire Nation prison on your own would be breaking that. You're also my friend too. I've got your back."

Sokka was a bit relieved to hear Zuko say this. "Fine… While you pack I'll get a letter together for the others. Try and calm their worries a little for the morning."

"What will you tell them?"

The young warrior thought about it for a moment. Then the idea struck him. "Going to get some meat. They'll believe it." He turned and walked across the balcony to go find some ink and paper.

As he went, Zuko shook his head. "The others won't like this when they find out the truth."

Sokka heard and stated as he headed to his task with confidence, "They will understand once they see the reason."

Rubbing a hand through his hair, Zuko was concerned more about how Crystal would react when she saw they were gone in the morning. She would only worry, and he feared it would mess up her health more. He hoped she was at least finally getting rest.

Crystal POV

My eyes shot open, and I gasped as I escaped the images I wished would leave me. Sitting up on the bed, I placed my face in my hands feeling my body shake and shiver from the sweat of my night terrors. "One night. Please spirits," I whispered. "Just one night is all I ask."

Letting out a heavy breath of defeat, I dropped my hands and pushed my blanket off. Looking out the cracks of the shutter, I could see the moon was still up. I'd probably only slept for two or three hours. The nightmares would come on so fast, it felt like I was trapped in a dream for years but the true reality was the night would still be young.

Letting my legs hang off the side of the bed, I ran a hand through my hair with exhaustion. The dream was similar to my other ones. Running through the dark palace, I would end up always finding myself in the throne room of Fire Lord Ozai, surrounded by a wall of fire. He would always be in the flames with me, and behind him would be my family, or friends, or someone I didn't even know being tortured or killed. Sometimes I questioned why I even tried to sleep.

Getting out of bed, I made my way out of the room and through the dark quiet halls. I needed to quench my thirst and clear my head, so I went to the area where we kept the fresh drinking water and canteens near Appa.

As I made my way over though, I heard a noise that stopped me. Voices whispered beyond the dark, and I stopped in my step surprised to hear someone else was awake apart from me.

Stepping around the corner of the stone wall, I was shocked to see Sokka and Zuko heading to the bridge that extended towards the narrow path where the hot air balloon was stationed.

Curious, I followed after them. As I tried to catch up, I was able to see from the light of the moon they had packs on their shoulders. Immediately I suspected they were up to something. "Sokka? Zuko?"

They both froze when they heard my voice, caught in the act of whatever they were planning. "I thought you said she was asleep," Sokka hissed at Zuko.

Zuko sighed. "Does she ever sleep anymore?" They both turned to look at me as I approached. "I thought she was though."

Stepping over, I asked, feeling like I was still asleep, "What's going on?" Crossing my arms as a chill hit me from the cool night air, I looked between the two of them with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Sokka let out a heavy breath, and snapped defensively, "This is why you can't sleep. You're constantly worried about the actions of others. Go back to bed."

Zuko stepped over with concern. "You looked like you were finally resting peacefully. Did you have another-"

I felt a bit frustrated they were both avoiding my question. "Don't change the subject." I looked at the pack on his shoulder. "Where are you two headed?"

He grimaced. He looked like he wasn't sure what to say.

Sokka stepped forward grabbing my shoulder. "Don't concern yourself over it. We're going on a trip and will be back in a few days. Go back to sleep."

"A trip?"

He nodded. "Going to get some meat."

I was shocked. Staring at my brother, I saw him drop his gaze like he did when he was lying. I knew immediately what he spoke was not true. "And you were just going to leave without saying anything?"

"We left a note with Momo." Sokka forced me to turn around and shoved me lightly back the way I had come. "Go rest. We'll be back soon. I promise."

I stopped and looked back at the both of them, knowing whatever they were planning was definitely not to look for food. "Zuko?" I looked straight at him knowing it was harder for him to lie to me. "Tell me what's going on."

Sokka turned and grabbed Zuko's forearm to stop him. "Don't. You know she'll just try to stop us. We're wasting time."

Zuko seemed conflicted. He met my gaze which revealed all of my anxiety. He pulled from Sokka and stepped over to me. His hand brushed my cheek as he spoke the truth. "I can't lie to her, Sokka… We're going to get your father back. I have a feeling I know which prison he is being taken to: the Boiling Rock. After everything I've put you through, saving your father will make it right."

I was horrified. My blood went cold as I pictured once again the worst things happening. "You're going to sneak into a prison to save dad?" I looked at Sokka who had sighed in defeat when Zuko told me their true purpose for sneaking off in the night. "What if you two get captured? Then it won't be just dad being a prisoner." I glanced back at Zuko. "You'll both probably be taken right back to the Fire Lord to be tortured or executed." I felt my voice catch in my throat. "This is a bad idea."

"We didn't ask your opinion," Sokka stated. "But you can't tell the others either." He gripped the strap of his pack hard. "Please Crystal… I have to do this. I need to redeem myself and save our father."

His words pierced my heart. I looked between Zuko and him knowing no matter what I said they would still go. And as much as I wanted to go with them, I knew I was in no condition to do so and would just slow them down. Looking at my brother with understanding, I gave a heavy breath of defeat. "Okay." I shut my eyes. "Three days… If you're not back by the end of the third day I'm going to assume something went wrong and then I'm telling the others."

Sokka looked relieved that I was not going to fight them. He smiled slightly. "Thanks, Crys."

Zuko grabbed my hand to reassure me. "We've got this. I've been to this prison before. My father took me as a child, so I know what to expect. I'll keep an eye on Sokka and we will return soon. I promise."

He bent down so he could kiss me softly on the lips. I put my arms around his neck to hold him there for a moment scared I might lose him. When I pulled away, I begged, "Come back to me. Both of you."

He nodded. "We will. You just focus on getting one night of sleep. Try to go lay back down."

As they both turned and started to walk away again, I watched them go knowing there was no way I would be able to go back to sleep now. As their shapes grew smaller and darker by the moment, I hugged myself wishing they weren't doing something so rash.

A Fire Nation prison was no place for a wanted Fire Nation prince and the son of the Southern Water Tribe Chief. If they were discovered, they would quickly be apprehended and then who knew what else. My heart quickened and I went to step forward. I stopped though. I had in the past my fair share of reckless endeavours. The day I stood up to Zuko and revealed my waterbending was only one of the many examples. I knew there was nothing I could do to stop them from their plans, and so with regret, I turned and headed away from them to return to my original destination.

As I went though, I felt my heart hang back as the two young men I loved headed to a dangerous place.

Third Person POV

The hot air balloon hovered above the wide expanse of ocean as the two young men rode within. They had both been quiet after they left Crystal behind, partly because they felt the guilt of causing her worry.

"You just had to give in and tell her," Sokka muttered, finally breaking the silence.

Zuko shot another flame into the vent. "I know her, Sokka. If we weren't honest she would've tried to follow us. Telling her the truth was the best for everyone. She knows her strength and limits right now. Telling her we are going to a prison rather than on a hunting trip stopped her from trying to come."

Sokka let out a heavy breath from where he sat against the side of the balloon basket. "I get what you're saying, but I still don't like it. She's already a mess as it is, so adding our plans in that wild brain of hers is only going to make things worse."

"I just wish she would sleep," Zuko muttered, running a hand through his hair. "She looks like a ghost."

Sokka frowned. "Unfortunately, this wouldn't be the first time she's been through something like this. There was a time when she went a good two weeks without more than two hours of sleep a night. The worst part about that time though was she was injured and needed sleep. Yon Rha had just burned her and left her for dead. No matter what father, Gran Gran, or any of the other adults did she would not sleep. Eventually she calmed from her night terrors though… it just takes time… she'll get there."

Zuko frowned. He shut his eyes hard. "Sokka. I've always wanted to talk to you about that day... I'm so sorry for what happened to your mother." He let out a heavy breath. "Yon Rha was sent by my grandfather. I didn't know about the raids. It was kept from my ears because I was so young. But as I grew up I learned about the attacks. They were embedded in my mind as victories. We were told that capturing the waterbenders of the Southern Water Tribe was the right thing. Of course, I was taught to believe the last waterbender was captured. I didn't know your mother was killed." Zuko stepped over to Sokka and sat beside him. "And then I showed up at the Southern Water Tribe to capture Aang, and when I saw Crystal waterbend, I was blinded by the teachings of my grandfather and father. I believed capturing the last waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe was the right thing to do. Everything that has happened to you and your family is because of my family and myself. I'll never be able to give back what we've taken from you."

Sokka soaked in the words of his friend. He then let out a deep breath. "You know. When I first met you and your uncle, I hated you both because I blamed you for the death of my mother and the pain and loss our Tribe has felt. When my sister chose you at the North Pole over us, I felt betrayed and wanted nothing more than to kill you for breaking my family apart." Sokka sighed. "But then when we crossed paths with you in the desert, and I saw the way you looked at my sister, I didn't see a monster like I'd always pictured. I saw a troubled teen who had been taught one way, but desired another. The way you looked at my sister when I took her from you… it's the same way I felt when I had to watch Yue sacrifice herself at the Northern Water Tribe. Despite who your family is, you are definitely not defined by them." Sokka crossed his arms. "You're a good man, Zuko. And the suffering of my people is not on your hands."

He nodded. "I can't right what my family did to you all in the past. But I can right what I'm going to do for your family in the future. We're going to save your father, stop this war, and then I will make sure Crystal and your people are given the support and respect you deserve."

Sokka gave a small smile. "Thanks, Zuko. Guess something good came out of my sister falling in love with you. I'll get to be the brother-in-law of royalty."

Zuko rolled his eyes and returned to the furnace to raise the balloon which had started to lower. "First things first… let's free your father."

Crystal POV

"Gone looking for meat?" Toph was bewildered after Katara read the letter aloud. "Do we really have time to be hunting when Aang needs to train?"

The group sat around the fire for breakfast. I kept quiet as the note Sokka had written a few hours ago was passed around. What was good about Sokka and Zuko's disappearance was no one noticed how exhausted I looked.

"I guess they wanted some man on man bonding time," Ty Lee shrugged. "You know how macho men can be."

Haru looked offended. "They should've invited me then."

Teo almost spat out his tea. "You? Why? Because you're the only one with facial hair?"

The Duke laughed.

"Well… since they're on a hunting trip, I'm going to go practice my waterbending." Katara stood and stretched. "Crys, you want to tag along?"

Shaking my head, I answered, "Actually, I think I'm going to take a walk in the forest nearby. I think I need to clear my head."

Katara frowned and looked at me with disapproval. "I don't like the idea of you going alone. Every time you do something bad happens to you."

Her concern was understandable. "I'll take Hawky. He can give me company."

The firehawk my brother took on as his companion squawked when his name was mentioned and flew over to me landing on my shoulder.

"You know that's not enough," my sister muttered.

Ty Lee jumped up. "I'll go with her. I need to stretch my legs anyway."

Katara didn't seem any more at ease by that suggestion. She looked over at Toph, who could sense her motion and gave a small head shake.

"Katara! Everyone! Seriously! I don't need a babysitter!" I snapped in irritation, and then stood with Hawky still on my shoulder starting to walk away. "I can go in the woods on my own!"

Aang was bewildered by my reaction. He jumped up quickly and intercepted my path. "I agree with the others, Crystal. You're prone to danger. It's not a good idea to go off on your own."

I shut my eyes hard. "I'm not weak, Aang. I can handle it."

"No one said you are," Aang promised. "We just want you to be careful. You've already been through more than anyone should in the last few weeks."

I looked at Aang with reassurance. "We're in an isolated place right now… I'm confident I'll be fine. You just worry about your training. I think I heard a badgerfrog croak a moment ago. You're supposed to be doing twenty sets of fire fists and ten hot squats. You know Toph will tattle to Zuko if you don't." Aang groaned when the frog actually croaked at that moment for emphasis.

Without giving anyone the chance to offer to accompany me again, I walked off from the group to head to the stairs that led to the forest beyond the temple cliffs. I felt bad for rejecting them, but I was tired and didn't feel like socializing. Not only was I worried sick about Sokka and Zuko, but I was exhausted from my sleepless night. I thought maybe if I found a spot in the woods away from everything I could clear my mind and try and get some rest.

Hawky remained on my shoulder as I carefully climbed the stone stairs. "They just don't understand personal space, do they boy?"

He pressed his beak to my palm as I stroked his feathers in response. "Yeah… I guess you're right… they do have the right to be concerned after the worry I've put them through." Hawky nuzzled my cheek with his beak and I smiled. Having Hawky beside me was a comfort as I headed up the stone steps more. While his presence didn't replace Iroh, he made me feel like a piece of the man I'd come to see as a father was with me.

"I hope Iroh is okay," I whispered to Hawky, dropping my hand to my side. "I miss him."

Hawky squawked as if to reassure me that Iroh would be fine.

I smiled weakly. "Yeah. Good point. He's probably already found a way to escape."

After a few more minutes of climbing the stone steps and crossing the small expanse of empty dirt, I finally arrived at the wooded area that stretched miles from the temple. Walking into the woods on a path I had taken before with others, I found the stream that we got water from and used for washing up. Sitting down on the bank in the grass, I pulled my knees to my chest and watched the water slowly drift by. Hawky darted into the water and came back up with a fish a moment later. He hopped back over to me and sat down eating the fish for his breakfast.

Shutting my eyes, I let out a heavy sigh as I listened to the water trickle by. My worries did not calm though. I thought about my brother, Zuko, my dad, the warriors, and Iroh. Who knew what kind of danger they were in. As I sat by the stream, I thought back to simpler times. Once long ago, we were just a family living together on an icy tundra. The war was something that had not touched our shores for decades.

I had everything I needed: Mom, dad, Sokka, Katara, and Gran Gran.

Those were simpler times.

Things were so screwed up, and those memories felt like dreams. My mother was dead. My father was captured. My brother was headed to a dangerous prison with the man I loved. The war raged on, and so many friends were captured or killed.

I wanted to believe in a positive outcome, but so far everything had been going wrong.

Shaking my head, I let my back fall onto the ground and I stared up at the sky above. White clouds slowly floated by, disappearing behind the canopy of the tree leaves. Shutting my eyes again, I tried to let my mind focus only on the sound of the stream. As I did, I felt my heart slow and my breathing calm. My mind carried me away from the world as exhaustion sent me to sleep.

Zuko POV

I was horrified as I stared at the balloon which was busted up from hitting the cratered surface of the inner volcano. We had thankfully survived our entrance into the steam of the volcano's lake but the hot air inside was too much for us to keep the balloon afloat with our own heat. By luck we managed to have our bodies thrown onto solid earth instead of boiling water. We were currently trapped in the center of the volcano's boiling lake right outside the walls of the prison. "How are we gonna get off the island if the balloon won't work?"

Sokka reached around him to retrieve his stuff which had fallen out of his pack upon us being thrown onto the rocks. Standing, I stared down at him with bewilderment as he answered, "We'll figure something out. I suspected it might be a one-way ticket."

I wasn't even sure how to respond to this reveal. "Crystal was right! You are rash! You knew this would happen and you wanted to come anyway?"

Sokka tried to remain calm and not show me he too was a little panicked by our being trapped in a fortified prison. "My Dad might be here. I had to come and see." He walked over to the war balloon to examine it and see if it was at all capable of flight anymore. From what I could see it definitely was not.

I groaned in disbelief. "Uncle always said I never thought things through, but this... ugh!" I grabbed my hair in frustration. "This is just crazy!"

The Water Tribe Warrior quickly became defensive as he chucked some pieces of the broken balloon's vent into the basket. He turned to me with frustration. "Hey! I never wanted you to come along in the first place. And for the record," he continued as he grabbed a wad of the fallen cloth of the balloon and shoved it into the basket also, "I always think things through. But my plans haven't exactly worked, so this time I'm playing it by ear. So there."

My jaw dropped. Crystal was right to worry about this plan. Her brother was way too stubborn when he had only one thought on his mind. I watched as Sokka shoved the balloon into the water and what remained of our transportation caught flame.

"What are you doing?"

Sokka turned back to me finally with resolve. "It doesn't work anyway. And we don't want anyone to find it."

I let out a heavy breath. "I hope you know what you're doing, Sokka. There's no turning back now."

Sokka looked over at me with confidence. "I'm getting my father back. And we will get off this island. I'm not sure how yet, but since we only have less than three days now before Crystal sends the rescue party we need to be quick. Last thing we want is the group coming here and possibly being captured. And I know Crystal… Now that you've told her where we really are she will find a way to come rescue us. I'm not letting her get captured again."

Sokka's determination would've encouraged others, but for me his thought process was still a bit insane.

Knowing there was no way of talking him out of it, I finally let out a heavy breath of defeat. "Fine. Let's get some disguises so we can at least blend in. There's a path that heads up the side of the fort. If we take it then there is an armory at the top where we can find some guard outfits."

Sokka was surprised by my knowledge of this, and then smirked. "Guess it was a good thing I brought you then!"

I scoffed. "You brought me?"

Sokka shrugged. "All part of the plan! Let's find somewhere to hide our stuff and then we'll go save the day!" He threw his bag over his shoulder and started to walk away. As he went, I smacked my hand to my forehead in disbelief. Crystal and Sokka were definitely twins: they were both going to be the death of me.

Katara POV

I couldn't understand what was going on in my sister's head, but her going off in the woods alone was a definite no. Sokka, Zuko, Aang, Toph, and I had all unanimously agreed that one of us would keep with her when she went off like this. I kept my distance, but I saw her moving ahead of me with Hawky on her shoulder. When we got to the stream, I kept behind a tree but peered around to not lose sight of her. She sat by the water while Hawky caught a fish and ate it beside her. After a moment of her sitting by the stream, she fell back into the grass and shut her eyes. Then shortly after her breathing slowed and she drifted to sleep.

It was as she slept that I knew right away she was exhausted. I had a feeling she hadn't slept again last night, and seeing her pass out so quickly confirmed it. As she napped by the stream, I walked over to her and then lowered beside her as quiet as I could. I listened to the water trickle by, and pat Hawky who had just finished his meal. Once I was certain she was in a deep sleep, I spoke softly.

"You always worry about others," I whispered, glancing at the discolored flesh on her face. "But you're the one that we all worry about the most."

She moved her hand to get more comfortable and I saw the scar on her wrist where the Fire Lord had burned her. My sister wouldn't tell me about the dreams she was having, and I didn't pry too much. I had a feeling talking about them would only make her relive the terror.

I thought back to when we were children. Before all of this had happened I was careless and not worried about the war. Then Yon Rha and his men came for me, but my mother sacrificed herself and my sister was almost killed. Things had taken a complete turn, and I missed the old days. I missed us being a family, doing constant chores, laughing and playing in the snow, and not thinking about the fight occurring outside our village. I couldn't believe my family and I were the ones helping the Avatar to end all of this.

As I thought back to the beginning of all that had occurred, I recalled the bravery my sister held as she revealed herself to try and save Aang. My sister always spoke negatively about herself, but in truth she was stronger than she gave herself credit. She was a fighter and a survivor all in one. My hand went up to the choker on my neck and I frowned. She had made so many sacrifices too. She gave up the chance to train back at home by hiding her abilities so that focus could be on my own training. She gave me Mother's necklace to comfort me when she was the one that needed comfort the most. She was truly going to be the most kindhearted and loving Fire Lady this world would ever know.

The thought did make me sad. When we did win the war and Zuko took his place as Fire Lord then my sister would be living in the Fire Nation. She'd be a whole ocean from us. I knew deep in my heart we would win, and this scared me. Would Crystal be okay living amongst those who were once her enemy?

Thinking of the separation that would occur burdened my heart heavily. The time we were separated when Crystal was with Zuko and Iroh was already torture. Once she married Zuko we'd probably only see her a few times in the years to come due to the distance between us.

I sat in silence for another half hour or so, waiting for my sister to wake up. As I did I played with some water by twirling it in the air. Hawky watched from where he sat by the river for a moment, and then turned his attention back to looking for more fish.

My sister moved slightly, and I let the water hover wondering if I had woken her. I was relieved to see I hadn't, and that she at least looked peaceful in this moment. I hated hearing her whimper through the night and knowing there was nothing I could do to help her. She thankfully slept on, and I went back to my water. Another span of time passed, and I was still so deep in thought that I didn't notice the nap had ended.

"Katara?"

Crystal's voice broke through my reverie. I jumped, dropping my water, and looked over to see she had woken from her nap but still looked groggy. She was looking over at me with a confused gaze.

I grimaced. "Sorry if I woke you… I know you wanted to be alone, but we were worried."

Crystal sat up from where she was still laying down. She was quiet for a moment, and then let out a deep breath. "No… it's okay…" She ran a hand through her hair and then rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Having you here is a comfort," she whispered. Her eyes watched the stream as we sat in silence for a moment. Then she let out a heavy sigh. "You know… I do understand why you all are concerned about me, but I will be okay. It's going to take some time, but I'll get past it all."

I frowned. "You shouldn't have to get past any of it though." I pulled my knees to my chest. "Sokka and I are supposed to protect you and we keep failing."

"It's not your responsibility to take care of me," she stated. She looked at the stream with resolve. "Besides… I'm just prone to bad luck it seems. There's nothing that can be fixed about that."

There was a pause. Her words stung my heart. She was right. The odds hardly played on her side.

She noticed her words upset me and tried to fix the issue. "But at least I'm still alive, so there's some positive in this crazy life." She looked over at me with sincerity. "And you and Sokka being alive is also another positive way to look at things." She paused again as the mention of Sokka made her remember something that concerned her. She grimaced. "Sokka being rash right now doesn't help my concern."

"I knew it," I muttered. "It's clear to me that Zuko and Sokka are not really on a hunting trip and you know their true destination," I stated in observation. "You looked disturbed when we read the letter earlier this morning. Where did they really go?"

She frowned with confliction. "I'm sorry, Katara. I can't say… I promised I'd give them three days. If they aren't back by sunset the day after next I'll tell you all."

Her statement only made me more concerned. "At least reassure me that they aren't going to jump into a volcano and I'll try not to pry." When I said this it was meant to not be taken so seriously. However, my sister looked away with confliction and I was bewildered. "They're jumping into a volcano?!"

She ran a hand through her hair with a deep sigh. "I wouldn't say that exactly… but I can say they seem to know what they are doing."

Zuko POV

Sokka was horrified as I finished telling him that there was no news of his father. We had just gotten done spying around the prison trying to figure out if any war prisoners had been brought by. As of the moment, no new prisoners had come in except for an assassin and some bandits.

"So we came all this way for nothing," Sokka muttered in dismay leaning against the wall we stood beside from the bridge that overlooked the prison yard. "I failed. Again."

I quickly tried to come up with a way to cheer him up. "Err, what would Uncle say?" I looked up at the clouds in the sky wishing more than anything my uncle were here to offer us his words of wisdom. "Sometimes clouds have two sides, a dark and light. And a silver lining in between. It's like a silver sandwich. So... when life seems hard…" I looked over at Sokka who suddenly beamed with delight and rushed to the railing. "... take a bite out of the silver sandwich."

Sokka exclaimed while I thought about how crazy my words just sounded, "Maybe we haven't failed after all."

I was relieved. "That's the spirit! I can't believe that worked. I didn't even know what I was saying."

Sokka waved me off. "No, what you said made no sense at all. But look," he pointed down at the prison yard towards a female prisoner around our age with shoulder length brown hair. "It's Suki!"

His statement surprised me. "Suki? The girl you like?"

"Prisoners!" A guard shouted from below. "Back in your cells!"

Sokka went to rush off, but I grabbed him quickly. "What are you doing? If you rush to her without a plan you'll get caught."

Sokka shoved me off. "I have to see her! And besides, now that I know she's here I'm breaking her out!"

I let out a heavy sigh. "Which brings us back to the question, how? Our balloon is gone."

Sokka looked at me with sudden determination. "We'll find a way. Please Zuko… you understand what it feels like to watch the person you love be trapped… if it were Crystal you would be wanting to save her as much as me right now."

His statement made me grimace. He was right. "Okay… but let's not be too rash. We get Suki when the time is right, figure out a way to escape, and get back to the Western Air Temple before Crystal sends the whole gang to our rescue."

Sokka nodded. "We'll go to her cell once the coast is clear. You can be my look out." He turned and started to walk off. I frowned as I watched him go. I knew from speaking with the group that Suki was a Kyoshi warrior and that concerned me. She probably would want to punch me in the face for what I did to her village so long ago when she recognized me. That made me a little nervous. If she recognized me, she could decide to break my cover. Then we'd be screwed.

"Hey. You coming?" Sokka had stopped when he noticed I wasn't following.

I shook my head to get out of my reverie. "Yeah. Right behind you." As I followed Sokka though, I muttered, "I have a bad feeling about this…"