Zenith

"You burned Toph! You're just evil, Zuko, pure evil!" Katara yelled lashing her water at Zuko sending him into a wall or pillar every time he tried to stand.

"I didn't… mean to… hurt her," he wheezed.

"She came to my camp and I was startled. I didn't see her and sent out a flame, but it was wrong. Fire is dangerous, and I was careless. I knew better." Zuko ground out in a wet heap on the floor dizzy from the suffocating and brutal assault. He may have broken a rib just now.

Katara was about to whip Zuko again when Aang stayed her hand and walked over to the half-drowned prince. Aang's face was full of sadness.

"Zuko, when I was first learning fire bending I was careless, and I burned Katara. She's the closest person to me and I hurt her badly. I think you are supposed to be my fire bending teacher. If everyone else agrees, I'll do it." He said. Zuko stood unsteadily but watched as each member of Team Avatar consulted together.

"Well, I did startle the guy and he really didn't mean to hurt me. Besides, I'll have plenty of opportunities for revenge…I'm in," Toph cackled. Zuko swallowed. That's one, I think. Sokka wasn't present for the drama in the cave, so he deferred to Aang.

"Buddy, if you trust him, I'll trust him, but I'm watching him." He warned looking directly at Zuko. Ok, fair enough. That's two. The only person left was Katara. The one he hurt the most. Katara narrowed her eyes.

"Aang, I think you're making a terrible mistake…" she said flatly. Zuko's face fell.

"But… if you think this is right then I won't stop you. Do what you think is best even if I think it's going to end in disaster." She said coldly. It was permission, but Zuko had a sneaking suspicion that she wasn't really talking to Aang.

Later that evening in his new room, Zuko was wrapping his torso tightly with a bandage. He couldn't be sure he broke a rib, but it definitely felt like it. Zuko was left alone for the most part and he didn't expect a warm reception anyway. He would just do his job and see it through.

There was a noise in the doorway and Zuko glanced up to see Katara.

"You may have everyone else fooled into thinking you've changed...again, but you and I both know your struggle with doing the right thing in the past. You get one chance. If I think you're going to betray Aang in any way, you don't have to worry about destiny. I'll end you and your destiny permanently. Sleep well, prince." She said as she walked away without looking back.

Zuko shivered as he pondered her threat. Katara meant every word.