A shorter chapter than others, but I have to skip the Southern Raiders episode since I already covered that in my sea Ravens chapter. Also, as promised i will be posting the new chapters on the old version and the new. Thanks again everyone for your patience with me. I really feel reconnected to this story again. Enjoy!


Chapter 65: Flight or Fight

(Crystal POV)

The sun seeped in through the window and shined on my face as morning arrived. Slowly opening my eyes, I saw Zuko was still sleeping next to me from exhaustion. I could tell he was tired. Usually, he was awake by sunrise. This morning he seemed to be in a much needed deep sleep. His face seemed peaceful, and I was glad to see him relaxed for once. He had earned the break after saving my father and Suki.

As I lay beside him, I looked over his features in the light and ached to touch his cheek to feel his warmth on my hand. I resisted the urge though, knowing that my touch would wake him. He had washed up before going to sleep, and his hair was messy from the pillow he rested his head on. I loved his hair long and messy though. Before, when he kept his hair in a topknot he looked so rigid and confined. Since the South Pole though, I could see so much change in him. Not only his hair, but also his body. He was so much more relaxed, and so much healthier than before. The stress and anger in him before meeting me had probably been destroying him from the inside out. Being with us, Zuko had finally found happiness and peace.

After a few more minutes of staring at his sleeping face, I decided the group would start to wonder where I was. I didn't think my brother or father would be thrilled if they discovered I was sleeping beside Zuko. While my dad had accepted Zuko finally as my future husband, I knew seeing us so close would greatly earn us some disapproval. With caution, I tried to sit up carefully to not disturb him. As I went to sit up though, his arm wrapped around my waist and he pulled me back to him.

"No… Five more minutes," he whispered with a tired voice. "Please."

I sighed as I nestled my head against his chest again. "If Sokka or my dad see us we're dead meat," I joked softly. "They've probably noticed I didn't sleep on my mat."

Zuko pulled me tighter. "I've dealt with both of their wrath before. I think I can handle it again. It's not the first time we've done this before."

I shut my eyes as he pressed his face into my hair. "But before we were miles from my dad," I joked. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

We fell quiet as the two of us rested with one another for a little longer. Zuko didn't let me go, and I knew I was pretty much trapped until he was ready to release me. After a moment, he asked softly, "Did you sleep?"

I gave a small smile. "Yeah. Finally dreamless. I guess I'm just relieved you made it back safely."

"Honestly, Sokka had me worried. I was really stressed we were going to be trapped there."

I frowned then. Opening my eyes I stared at the fabric of his shirt but let my mind wander a bit. "I overheard you and Sokka last night… Is it true Mai helped you escape?"

Zuko sighed. "Yeah…"

I felt my heart clench a little. I knew why. Mai had feelings for Zuko, and for a second I felt insecure.

Zuko must've sensed my feelings. He brushed a hand through my hair. "We spoke to one another, and I explained to her my feelings towards you. She wasn't thrilled, but I think she finally understands. I tried to convince her that Azula isn't the one she should be loyal to. My pep talk must've worked. I only fear she is being imprisoned now for treachery."

I was silent for a moment as I thought of Mai. Even though she was creepy and cruel to me, I could only imagine to Zuko she was just misunderstood. I thought back to her putting a knife to my throat, and shoving my face into a bowl of mush like an abused animal. While I wanted to believe Zuko that Mai was confused and misunderstood, it was really hard to find it in my heart to forgive her for all she had done in the past. At least with Ty Lee, the one time she struck at me was to paralyze me to help my pain. Ty Lee always found ways to help me, while Mai was blinded by envy and constantly hurt me.

My heart could forgive at times, but I found no forgiveness towards Mai upon Zuko's words.

He sighed when I made no response. "Crys… I know what you're thinking, but I feel nothing towards Mai. I promise."

His promise did help ease my concern. I frowned. "I'm sorry… Everything just has me worried right now. I guess I'm just on edge about a lot of things."

"Well, think of the positive," he stated. "We're safe from the Fire Nation right now. Aang's catching on pretty well with firebending. Plus, we saved your father and Suki. I know things don't go great for us, but at this moment we're starting to turn things around."

Pulling from him slightly, I looked at his sincere gaze. "I know," I said softly, and then cupped my hand against his cheek to feel his soft skin. "I'm just still a little messed up I guess from everything that has happened. The nightmares may stop, but the memories never leave."

He frowned. "I'm sorry…" His hand covered my own so he could give it a comforting squeeze. "I wish I could take away every memory you have of that horrible experience. But I can't… So instead, I can do my best to make sure no one hurts you again."

I sighed. "I just wish I could protect you in return."

He rolled his eyes. "I think you've done that plenty. Don't sell yourself short. You saved me from drowning after Zhao blew up the ship and you rescued me from the North Pole. Not to mention you alerted Uncle and I about Azula that day she came to capture us… And Hama… you stopped her from having your brother kill me… if it wasn't for you I would've never made it this far."

I made no response. I knew he was trying to make me feel better, and I appreciated his attempt, but I still wished I could do more for him.

He noticed I was still putting myself down. He wrapped his arms around my waist again and pulled me to him once more. The warmth of his body felt nice. His breath sent my heart pounding. "If it helps you feel better, I really don't mind rescuing you all the time. It makes your family like me more."

I couldn't help but smile. "It must be very tiring though having to save me all the time."

"Well, I will probably get gray hairs because of you," he joked.

"Did we start the honeymoon already?"

Toph's sudden presence startled the both of us. My eyes widened and Zuko gasped. We both pulled apart which caused me to roll away and land on the floor with a yelp. Sitting up while rubbing my arm, I looked over to see Toph leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed and amusement.

"Maybe you two lovebirds should wait until after we defeat the Fire Lord. You might enjoy it a little-"

I snapped, "It isn't like that! We were just…" My cheeks burned. "Cuddling."

Zuko got off the bed once he realized I'd been shoved to the floor and quickly helped me up. Toph broke into laughter. "Oops! Sorry Princess. Didn't mean to interrupt your 'cuddling' session."

"Is there a reason you did?" I asked.

Toph pointed behind her. "Yeah. Everyone's wondering where the two love birds are. Also, Aang won't sit still. He wants to train, and since Zuko neglected his teaching duties these last three days he needs to stop slacking and get to work."

Zuko crossed his arms. "I was breaking people out of jail."

She snapped, "No excuse!"

I rolled my eyes. "You're just upset they didn't bring any meat last night."

She held her hands up. "Do you blame me? I was looking forward to some food!" She turned and started to walk away. She stopped though and snapped with her back towards us, "If you both aren't to the training grounds in ten minutes I'm telling the whole group about your cuddle-fest."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "What are they going to do? Banish me?"

Toph shrugged. "That or dangle you upside down from the temple. That would actually be entertaining. Won't be able to see much but hearing your horror would be satisfying."

A few hours later, I sat on a broken column as I watched Aang and Zuko practice some simple firebending moves. Aang seemed to be getting the hang of it as his flames kept straight and in control. Zuko seemed satisfied with Aang's progress as he instructed him. While they trained, Sokka and dad went over future plans. Toph practiced bending her space rock. Katara and Suki seemed engaged in a conversation. Ty Lee, Haru, the Duke, and Teo were listening to Chit Sang talk about his unfair imprisonment and how he was wrongly accused. Everyone seemed to be keeping occupied. I even practiced some waterbending at the fountain, attempting to make some octopus arms. I couldn't do as many as Katara, but I managed at least four and that was an improvement in my eyes.

As lunch rolled around, my dad came over to me as I cleaned the pots and plates to put away with our supplies. He told me he wanted to speak to me later, and I let him know I would meet him at the fountain once I put everything away. A few moments later, I found my father sitting on the edge of the fountain with his eyes on the temple floor. Heading over to him, I asked, "Everything okay?"

He patted the spot next to him. "Have a seat. I want to discuss something with you."

I was a little nervous, but I did as he asked. Sitting beside him, I fiddled with my fingers. The way he called me over to speak with him so suddenly wasn't usually a good sign. I was wondering if Toph had mentioned to him that Zuko and I had slept in the same bed together last night. To my tribe this would've been greatly frowned upon. Of course, we didn't do anything. At the thought, I blushed.

Dad spoke after a moment, not noticing that my mind had started to think about things yet to happen. "I wanted to speak to you alone, because something concerns me."

I jumped a bit, and looked back at him a tad wary. Was he going to ask if Zuko and I had done more than just kiss? I really did not want to have this conversation with my father. I was so not ready to discuss with him about such private matters that had yet to happen. I had always promised Gran Gran that I would wait until I was married for anything more than affectionate kisses and embraces. I hoped dad wouldn't go any direction towards my love life.

Dad cleared his throat. "So… Your brother and I were speaking earlier, and we discussed a few things about the future. More so, what will happen if Aang is able to take down the Fire Lord in the next few weeks." He frowned and his eyes shut with dismay. "Sokka brought up uniting the Fire Nation and Water Nation through you and Zuko's union. You are aware of what that means, right?"

Relief fell over me. He was asking about something I could discuss. I gave a sad smile. "If this is about living in the Fire Nation after I marry Zuko, then yes… I'm aware."

My father let out a heavy breath. "I want to tell you that you're too young to get married and take on such duties, but I know I'd be a hypocrite after trying to give you to Areto. And your mother and I were engaged around your age, so that isn't the issue here." He looked over at me with sadness. "I guess in my mind I always saw you in the South Pole, married to Areto, and close to home with my future grandchildren. I always pictured my children safe within the walls of the Southern Water Tribe." He grimaced. "But my dreams for the future were clearly foolish."

His hand brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. My hair had gotten back past my shoulder blades since I had cut it in the desert, so it was easy for him to tuck the long strand behind my ear. "I realize you all aren't children anymore. The journey each one of you has had has given you more wisdom and maturity than some of our oldest kin. I see in each of you the heart of a leader. With that thought in mind, I don't doubt that you will be one of the best Fire Lady's the Fire Nation has ever known." He took my hand in his, and gave it a squeeze. "It's hard to let you go, but I know you don't need me after everything you have already been through. You have seen more of the world than I could ever imagine. You have been through more than I can fathom. I know you are wise and will make me proud."

He took a moment to squeeze my hand a little more, as if he were frightened to let me go.

"All I ask is you don't rush into anything with Zuko if you aren't ready. Sokka has a plan in which as soon as the Fire Lord is defeated by Aang, you and Zuko will marry and start to rebuild the Fire Nation together. But if you aren't ready to make that commitment, there's no shame in waiting. You've been away from home for so long. I'm sure Zuko would understand if you need some time."

I met my father's gaze with a smile to comfort him. "I've thought a lot about what I should do if we can defeat Ozai in the next few weeks. As much as I miss home, I know in my heart I won't be able to leave Zuko. At least not right away. Once Aang defeats his father, and we take down Azula, Zuko will have nothing but Iroh and I. I can't abandon him when he'll need me the most."

My father took in my words with understanding. "You truly have a heart of gold… and you will be missed by your tribe. But, if this is what you want then I won't stop you. Just understand that no matter how much the Fire Nation becomes part of you, you will always be of the Southern Water Tribe. Don't forget that."

I nodded. "I won't… You know you all will always be my family."

He sighed. "It will definitely not be the same without you. However, I don't have room to talk. You and your sister were right to be mad at me about leaving you kids to take care of the tribe. I put too much responsibility on you, and we didn't realize that the Fire Nation would come to our shores again. We had been untouched for so many years since your mother died." Hawky suddenly landed beside me, and I released my dad's hand to stroke Hawky's head. Dad watched me, but was still thinking about the future. "I guess there will be a lot I will need to get used to once this war is over. It's been three years since I've been home. I don't even know how your grandmother is doing."

His statement made me realize I had completely forgotten the news I received from Ozai.

"Oh… I actually don't know if I've told anyone yet," I muttered with embarrassment. "Frankly because my mind has been a little everywhere after being taken prisoner by the Fire Lord, but I got some news about Gran Gran... if it's actually true that is..." He was surprised by this and looked at me with curiosity. "Turns out that Katara's waterbending teacher Master Pakku took some troops with him down to our tribe to help us rebuild. He and Gran Gran got married."

"What?" My father was bewildered by this news. "Married?"

I nodded. "The Fire Lord seemed to think that this information was valuable and he could use me as leverage to have the whole Water Nation surrender. I told him he was crazy. I betrayed both the Southern and the Northern tribes. As far as I see it, I'm the last person anyone would want to surrender for. But, I was glad to hear in that moment that Gran Gran had found love. I couldn't imagine how hurt she was when she heard about me and Zuko. She always wanted me to find love on my own, but I don't think a firebender was what she had in mind."

Dad chuckled. "I never would've imagined you falling for a firebender either. But more important… Your betrayal in the past has been forgiven, Crystal. I know at least by our tribe. I can't speak for the North, but you will always be my daughter and an important member to the South Pole. We will always welcome you with open arms." He sighed. "And Zuko… he can come to the South Pole too as long as he doesn't melt any of our homes and walls again."

I cringed. "He… he was a conflicted man back then."

"I know," dad whispered. "You've taught him a lot." He suddenly pulled me into a hug, and I returned his embrace. "It's hard to imagine one simple waterbender from the South Pole caught the eye of a prince from the Fire Nation. But your mom always said there was something special about you. I should've believed her."

I sighed in his embrace. "I miss her."

He nodded against me. "Me too." He tightened his embrace. "She would've been so frustrated with me if she knew what I was trying to do to you back in the Earth Kingdom. I wish I could take back all the wrong I did to you in the past. Not listening to your feelings when it came to Areto… and then I always was treating you like a reminder of the past… I can only imagine the hurt I caused you. But from now on I will support you anyway I can. I love you, Crystal. I always have, and I always will."

I shut my eyes, pleased to hear my father's honesty. "I love you too dad… Thank you for listening. I know the thought of me staying with Zuko can't be easy for you. I just don't see a future without him."

"Seeing how much that young man loves you, I've started to accept that my daughter belongs to another," he whispered. "Let's beat the Fire Lord so you can find your happy ending."

I nodded. "With all of us working together, we can definitely win."

Later that night everyone had washed up from the long day of training and discussions. Zuko and I decided to stick by the others near the campfire so we didn't run into any further concern about my brother or father seeing us in a situation they wouldn't find too appropriate. Sokka was already over-protective about my and Zuko's close contact. I could only imagine dad's reaction if he found Zuko and I in the same bed together again.

As I lay on my mat between my sister and Suki, I couldn't help but miss the feeling of Zuko beside me. I'd enjoyed his warmth the night before. As the others slept, I stayed awake a little longer thinking about all that dad had spoken to me. If we managed to beat Ozai soon, my youth would officially end. I would take on a whole new role in the world.

Fire Lady…

My gaze shot through the dark to where Zuko slept. As I saw his shape in the distance, I finally came to a much prolonged conclusion: as long as Zuko was with me, I would be okay. Living in the Fire Nation and helping him rebuild not just his people but the world would be terrifying for sure, but Zuko would be right beside me every step. We would be together. This realization finally helped me drift to sleep.

However, my sleep did not end in peace. A loud explosion shot me from my dreamless rest. Waking with a start, I was horrified as another fireball shot towards the temple. Aang rushed forward and shot a gust of air at the columns around us. I was amazed when they spun and turned into walls suddenly.

Fireballs hit at the walls in intensity, causing the whole temple to shake. We were all up and scrambling to start grabbing our supplies for retreat. Once our supplies were on Appa, Toph rushed to the side of the cliff the temple was built out of and created a tunnel.

"Come on," Toph urged. "We can get out through here!"

Aang started to tug on Appa's reins, while everyone else started to head through the tunnel. I went over to help Aang, seeing him struggle to get the big guy to move towards the darkness in front of us.

"Come on, Appa. I know you're scared, but we have to go buddy," I begged. He groaned in disagreement, his anxiety towards tunnels making our pull on his reins futile.

I released the reins, and tried to think of anything we could do. I knew Appa hated going underground because of what happened to him with the Dai Li. The temple shook again as another fireball hit, and this time one of the rotating walls Aang had swung shut, broke in half. When this happened, I caught a glimpse of the mass of hovering airships in the canyon.

I looked at Aang with terror. "We have to go now or we're toast!"

Zuko, who hadn't gone to follow the others, looked back at us with determination. "Go ahead, I'll hold them off. I think this is a family visit." He looked at me, and stepped over giving me a sudden hug as if he were worried he wouldn't make it. "Stay with your family." As he kissed me on the forehead and turned to leave, I went to grab him to stop him. My hand missed his arm as he ran towards the airship.

I was horrified. Aang was too.

Aang shouted after him with worry, "Zuko, no!" He didn't follow although he wanted to.

Uncertainty didn't stop me. I went to rush after Zuko, not wanting him to get hurt or captured by who I knew was definitely Azula and her army. I was suddenly restrained by Sokka though who knew my intention before I could put it to action. He wrapped his arm around my waist to bring me back. "Come on Aang, we've gotta get out of here."

Aang looked at Sokka with uncertainty, but then nodded.

"No! We aren't letting Zuko fight her alone! There are too many firebenders!" I struggled against my brother who wasn't listening to me and pulling me back towards the others. I watched with agony as Zuko jumped over the broken debris and disappeared into the dust and smoke. "Let go! He needs help!"

"He'll be fine! He knows what he's doing!"

I ignored my brother's reassurance as I watched a flash of lightning shoot through the smoke. Azula let out a cry of outrage that echoed through the temple walls.

"Zuko!"

I tried to wiggle from Sokka but he kept me in a tight grip.

"Stop! Are you crazy?! There's no way I'm letting you go near the chick who wants you dead," Sokka snapped. He jerked me away from the direction Zuko had gone over to the others. "We have to get out of here! He'll be okay!"

I scowled. "Let me go! We can't let him face them alone!"

The temple shook again as another fireball shot against the column walls that Aang had shut moments before. Sokka stumbled and let me go for a brief second. I took my chance and went to race forward again. However, I only made it a few feet when I was intercepted again. I was shocked when I ran into my father this time, who had run in front of my path when he noticed Sokka had lost his hold on me. He grabbed me around the waist as well, and this time I was lifted off the floor and thrown over his shoulder.

I gasped as he walked us back towards the others. "No! Please! She'll kill him!"

My dad ignored me. We had gotten back to the group at this point. They were standing at the tunnel edge waiting. My eyes stayed planted on the direction Zuko had gone.

No… I couldn't lose him. Please!

"Aang!" Katara cried from somewhere nearby. "What's wrong?"

Aang answered from where he still was tugging Appa's reins, "I can't get him to go in there. Appa hates tunnels."

Katara raced over to help, while my father finally put me down but kept a firm grip on my arm. My only desire was to run out and help Zuko. I knew I was rash and stupid, especially after just recovering from my time in the Fire Nation Capital, but I feared for Zuko's safety. My heart pounded wildly in my ears from my panic.

Katara and Aang still had no luck pulling Appa. Katara cried over the explosions, "Aang, there's no way we can fly out of here!"

Aang grunted with one last pull, and then gave up. "We'll have to find a way."

Sokka spoke with dismay. "We need to split up. Appa can't carry all of us and it's not safe." He looked over to dad and the group waiting at the tunnel entrance. "Dad, take the tunnel and get everyone to the stolen airship. There's supplies on there to last you. Also, take Hawky too. He may come in handy, and I don't want him hurt. Get somewhere safe."

Hawky jumped onto my dad's shoulder. Sokka stepped over and pet him to say goodbye.

Katara was horrified. I came to my senses slightly to understand what was happening too.

Katara cried, "No! The Fire Nation can't separate our family again!"

My dad released me to walk over and comfort Katara. "It'll be okay. It's not forever."

As father embraced my sister, and then my brother, he embraced me last. He hugged me close, whispering, "I love you." He kissed me on the forehead.

"I… I love you too… be careful," I whispered. I was a mix between concentrating on my father and worrying about my true love.

I watched dad go for a moment, saddened by his departure. However, I heard Zuko shout from a distance and my sadness turned to concern. My eyes shot back towards the battleground.

"Crystal! No!" Sokka shouted seeing me turn.

I went to rush forward again since I was no longer restrained by my father. "No! I'm going to help him!"

I didn't make it ten steps. A small body suddenly jumped in front of me and fists pounded against my legs, arms, and sides. My senses went numb, and I crashed onto the temple floor. I gasped as I was momentarily paralyzed by Ty Lee's chi block.

"Ty Lee!" I lay flat on my stomach, staring up at her, feeling betrayed.

She frowned. "Sorry, Crystal. But this is what Zuko would want."

Sokka was suddenly beside me, and rolled me onto my back. "What did we tell you about running into danger?! Do you just ignore everything we say?"

I was able to move my head and speak. "Zuko needs help! He's outnumbered and his sister is crazy! I was going to help him!"

Sokka sighed, knowing he couldn't reason with me. He looked at Ty Lee. "Thanks. Last thing I need is her getting hurt again."

He managed to scoop his arm under my knees and his other behind my back to lift my paralyzed body up in his arms. He asked Ty Lee once I was off the ground, "Are you coming with us or going with them?"

She looked back at Haru, who was waiting for her at the tunnel entrance."I'll take care of your dad and friends. I know the best places to hide in the Fire Nation. It's best if one of us from the Fire Nation stays with them." We all knew she really just wanted to stay with her new boyfriend.

Ty Lee then looked over at me as I glared at her for attacking me. "It should wear off on its own in a few hours. Don't hate me. We just know you running into danger isn't the wisest decision." She skipped over and pecked me on the cheek. "You're still a great friend! Tell Zuko I said see you soon!" She took off then after Haru, who held his hand out to her. She took his grasp and they followed my dad, Teo, the Duke, and Chit Sang to the airship.

I watched her go with disbelief. She would pay for this one. "Ty Lee!" I could move nothing but my head. "Get back here!"

Sokka adjusted me against him and started to carry me over to Appa where Katara, Suki, and Toph were on the saddle. They were bewildered when Sokka eventually climbed us up Appa's tail and set me in the saddle in my paralyzed form. They had been busy preparing for take off and didn't see the events that had just occurred.

Katara asked. "Ty Lee?"

My brother sighed. "Yep. Our sister was about to run into danger again like she always does."

Toph crossed her arms. "'Bout time someone stopped her from running into danger for once. Getting tired of saving her constantly."

I protested. "This is different! Zuko needs help!"

Aang jumped up on Appa, grabbing his reins. Momo sat on his shoulder holding to his head. Everyone ignored me. Instead of acknowledging my statement, Aang spoke to the person standing beside me. "Hold onto her, Sokka. This is going to be bumpy." My brother did so, pulling me up so I was leaning against him as he sat against the saddle. He had a hold on my waist again, while he held onto the side of the saddle ready to keep us both from falling off.

Toph jumped down from Appa for a second, and I wondered what she was doing. I couldn't move to see. She shouted from below a moment later, "I can clear that away and we can fly out through there." She reappeared on Appa, and stepped closer to where Aang was at Appa's head.

Suki, who sat on the other side of Sokka, stated, "Umm, there's an awful lot of fire in that general direction."

An explosion sounded and the temple shook again as if to prove her point. Pieces of the temple fell to the temple floor and a column collapsed.

Aang spoke with confidence, "We'll get through, let's go. Appa! Yip yip!"

Appa took off towards the rotated walls and Toph shot her hands forward just as we were about to collide. Making a hole in the wall, Toph took the removed pieces as we passed through the exit and brought the stone in front of Appa creating a large shield to cover the front of him.

Fire shot all around us then. I could see the airships as we flew past them. Sokka tightened his hold around me as Appa jerked left and right to avoid the blasts shot our way. I could still hear Zuko and Azula shouting in the distance. I saw a flash of lightning from the corner of my eyes.

Tears filled my eyes. "Please! We can't leave him!"

"We have to get out of her," Suki argued. "Zuko will be okay."

Just as she said this, we caught a glimpse of an airship in the distance that was rising up. Zuko stood on the top, and I was relieved to see he was okay. On another airship, I could see Azula standing on the top in waiting. I then watched with horror as Zuko ran forward on his airship and propelled his body towards Azula's. Azula shot fire at him as he flew towards her, and he quickly kicked the flame aside and shot more fire her way. He landed a second later on the one with her, while Azula dissipated the flame he shot her way.

Appa jerked up, and I lost sight of the fight. More fireballs were shooting at us and it was becoming harder for Aang to steer through the canyon.

"Aang! You have to take us up," Katara shouted.

I protested again. "No! We are not leaving Zuko! He's part of this group! If it were anyone else we would turn back!"

We heard a loud explosion from the distance as Zuko and Azula's attacks collided. Then we heard Zuko shout.

"Crys is right! I'm going back for him!" Aang jerked the reins and we darted back down the canyon. I felt relief. At least someone was listening to me.

We dodged more fireballs as we headed back to rescue Zuko. Katara stood to use her waterbending to stop some of the fire as we flew down quickly. During our descent, I was horrified when I saw Zuko was falling beside Azula who was falling as well.

"Zuko!" My heart pounded painfully. I could do nothing but watch as my body was immobile.

Aang shouted, "I got it!"

Appa swooped beneath Zuko, and Katara reached her hand up quickly as he fell towards us. Zuko grabbed her hand and she pulled him back down on the saddle. He dropped beside Toph, who was still bending the shield in front of Appa.

Aang shot us up again to escape the canyon. As more fire shot at us, I heard Zuko say as he moved to stare at his falling sister, "She's not going to make it…"

There was a flash of blue light. I couldn't see anything from the position Sokka held me in. However, I managed to catch as we dodged another flame that the evil Fire Nation princess had managed to propel herself to the canyon wall and was hanging onto it. She had survived the plummet.

Zuko muttered a moment later, "Of course she did."

We shot straight up then out of the canyon, and the last of the fireballs shot our way. However, a moment later we broke through the chaos and reached the sky above. Once we were above the clouds, and fire could no longer be felt around us, we all let out breaths of relief. Appa groaned with his own delight as well.

"Thanks," Zuko breathed out. "Just saw my life flash before my eyes."

I shut my eyes, dropping my head back against Sokka. I was so relieved Zuko was okay. Although, every part of me wanted to smack him for doing something so reckless. Then I realized if I did that I would just be a hypocrite. I'd jumped into my fair share of fights in the past that others had deemed reckless.

Aang asked with concern, "Is everyone okay?"

Suki sighed. "Alive."

Katara, who still sat on her knees by Zuko, stated, "Better, now that we're out of the battle zone."

Sokka spoke with a heavy heart. "I just hope the others make it out okay."

Toph tried to reassure him. "Haru will get them out of the tunnel, and your dad seems pretty handy with steering. They will be fine."

Zuko finally realized our group had dwindled. "I'm guessing Ty Lee went with the others?"

"Yeah," Sokka said. "She had to stay with her new boyfriend. You know how blind love can make you. I mean, some people will try to follow their true love into a battle with a sadistic chick that wants them dead. Love is dangerous."

I defended myself. "Shut it, Sokka! You would've done the exact same if it was Suki!"

Zuko was horrified though. He looked over at me with disapproval. "I told you to stay with your family! Do you enjoy running into danger?!"

I looked at him with tears. "You can't just kiss me goodbye like that and run into fire without me freaking out for your safety!"

He sighed, shutting his eyes and shaking his head. "I may have been blinded by rage and wanted to make her pay for what she did to you. It's over now, though." He looked over at me. "I'm sorry for worrying you." He then fell confused. "Are you paralyzed?"

"Ty Lee better watch it the next time we cross paths," I muttered. Of course, I knew her heart was in the right place.

Zuko moved across the saddle over to me. Sokka handed me off as Zuko sat against the saddle beside us. As my fiance's warm arms encircled, I felt the last of my pounding heart finally return to a normal pace.

"I'm sorry…" he whispered again. "I'm okay."

"Just next time, give me an extra second to at least try to restrain you," I muttered.

He propped me up so my head was against his chest and he could put his face to my hair. "I'll remember that."

"So…" Toph began. "Now what? Where do we go?"

"I have an idea," Zuko commented. "There's an island about a day's journey from here, but with Appa we can get there in half a day. My family has a resort on the island that hasn't been used in years. No one will go there, or expect us to go there. We'll be safe."

"Safe… safe sounds good," Sokka said, scooting back and putting an arm around Suki.

Toph nodded. "Resort. I like the sound of that."

Zuko sighed. "This won't be a vacation. We need to continue training."

Katara argued. "I'm sure we can have a little fun though in between."

Aang seemed delighted by the idea. "Great! What's the island called?"

Zuko answered, "Ember Island."

I was surprised when he said this. I remembered him telling me about the island before when we were discussing his past some time ago. He hadn't been to the island since his mom disappeared.

"Are you sure? It won't be too painful to go there?"

Zuko brushed a strand of hair from my cheek behind my ear. "No. I can make new memories. And hopefully by the time we get there you'll be able to move and enjoy it too."

I sighed. "I get why she did it, but Ty Lee better watch out the next time I see her. She won't be dry when I'm through with her."

Zuko laughed. "You won't do anything. You're terrible at holding grudges."

"Yeah… there's only two people right now I despise," I muttered.

My thoughts went back to Azula, dangling on the side of the canyon. Part of me had wished as I watched her fall that she had dropped to her death… war was making me bitter…

And the Fire Lord… I prayed his time would end soon as well.

Zuko had fallen silent from my words. However, he whispered to me a moment later, "I despise them too. They'll pay for everything they did to you."

"And to you," I whispered.

He moved me enough to kiss me on the forehead. His lips on my skin felt nice.

"At least I can feel," I said softly. I tried to move my arms and legs, but I felt nothing. I huffed and asked, "How long does this block stuff last?!"

Sokka answered. "When she hit my arm back in Omashu it took about two hours."

I groaned.

Zuko pressed his face into my hair again. "I don't mind holding you for a little bit."

I sighed. "Well… at least the bumpy part of the ride is over… how did she find us though?"

Zuko tightened his embrace as his own frustration built inside him. "She probably figured we were hiding somewhere away from the Fire Nation… it was only a matter of time before they checked the temples to see if the Avatar was hiding there. Azula's evil and smart."

"Yeah… you got the evil part right."

Aang broke into our conversation. "Which way, Zuko?"

As Zuko shouted directions to Aang, I dropped my head back against him. At least for now we were safe again. However, I knew the battles to come would only get worse. With the comet coming, we were running out of time…

The fate of the world rested on our shoulders.