The messenger hawk stretched its wings a few times before getting itself comfortable on the stand by her window. Katara reached out her slim hand to softly stroke its head. The bird happily nipped at her hand and was even more delighted with some leopard sea jerky she gave. Smiling at it happily munching away, Katara returned to her desk. Several documents laid spread out over the dark wooden surface.

She had been back at the Southern Water Tribe to help her father, Chief Hakoda and brother Sokka with leading the tribe. Several years had passed since the restoration of the South Pole had begun, and it hadn't always been a smooth process either. The necessary but rapid development gave conflict and complicated matters. Neither her father nor Sokka were the best at diplomacy and despite her own fiery temper, it was something she was better at. Currently she had been looking over some of the trade numbers supplied by the Northern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation. Her father had asked her to check them before he would sign any kind of agreement.

Having left the Southern Air Temple almost 3 months ago and only having her bending lessons at the Kya Bending School, Katara was happy to be given some more work. Meaningful work that was. The last few years hadn't felt that meaningful to her. As happy as she was for Aang to rebuild the Air Temples and bring back at least some of the Air Nation with the Air Acolytes, it had never been her dream or ambition. But that wasn't a problem, the problem was that she just didn't feel necessary anymore. She didn't feel necessary and in the case of some acolytes she didn't even feel welcome.

Of course she hadn't told Aang about some of the dismissive behaviour by some of the women. He had enough on his mind and was happy the be rebuilding something of his culture, with people who had the same appreciation for it. Katara didn't want to add to his burden. Sokka as usual had told her she was coddling him too much and she could hear Toph's voice telling her to stop worrying about Twinkletoes. But that was difficult for her to do. And whenever she did try to bring up points with Aang, he didn't know how to deal with them, often deflecting and running away from the conversations, some times even quite literally. He could be gone for days, mediating on some peak, making Katara worry and feel guilty. She knew he didn't mean to hurt her that way. He often told her so while apologizing once he returned. He was still so young after all. But as he was nearing his 18th birthday, Katara couldn't help but feel more and more frustrated. Whenever it became a bit too much she would travel to the South Pole. There she could blow off some steam and also reconnect with her people and be more… helpful.

She thought back to their last conversation before she left on another trip.

"So, you're leaving again?" Aang had asked her, his grey eyes filled with disappointment. He had grown these past 5 years, now towering over her. But his lanky frame still showed off his young age.

"Yes Aang. We've discussed this. You want to go to the Eastern Air Temple and I need some space. Besides Master Pakku asked me to come back for a while. My students miss me." She said with a sigh. She thought this had been settled the night before.

"But what about me? About us? I need you Katara, especially at the Eastern Temple. There is so much to do. I need you there."

"Aang, I know this is hard for you, but you won't need me there as much as you think. Most of the acolytes are coming with you as well. I am sure two extra hands can be spared with the cooking and cleaning." And perhaps, she thought, this might force some people to pull their weight a bit more than meditating 10 hours a day.

"I know the school means a lot to you Katara and I am happy for you, but you can help rebuild a nation with us."

"I have been helping you Aang at the other three temples and I am thankful for that, but I have my own nation and culture to rebuild as well."

"But surely your father, Sokka and Master Pakku can manage that without…"

"Aang!" She said frustrated, her eyes turning icy. His own widened in trepidation. He was always unsure how to handle her 'moods'. "I am not discussing this further. I am going and that's final." Her heart broke seeing him hurt. She sighed again and took a step to him, laying a hand on his face.

"Don't worry too much okay? I'll only be gone for a few weeks and then you can show me the progress you've made."

"I know, I am sorry. I just miss you when you're not with me."

"I understand and I miss you too. But we will write and see each other soon." Now he smiled at her again and gave her a warm hug. Pulling back, he gave her a quick sweet kiss.

"Be back soon?"

"I will, if you promise to write me?" She laughed and he gave her his signature grim.

"Of course I will!"

3 months had passed and he'd only replied to one of her letters and even that reply had been short. He and the acolytes were very busy and making a lot of progress. How wonderful and helpful it would have been if she had been there to see all of it. She hadn't able able respond to that. The jab at her absence hurt, letter writing definitely wasn't one of his talents.

But her heart was currently beating faster knowing that the person who had sent the messenger hawk was a much better writer. Katara wasn't really sure why the golden fire symbol on the scroll had initiated such a warm response. Possibly because it meant some excitement and change where finally heading her way. She always enjoyed Zuko's letters, or from Iroh for that matter. She had even started to correspond with Ursa, Zuko's mother after she had accompanied Zuko, Aang, Sokka and surprisingly Azula to find the lost Fire Lady. She more than anyone knew the pain of losing a mother. She and Zuko had talked about it often. He had even been afraid to admit to her that his mother could potentially still be alive.

After their Southern Raiders mission together and facing Yon Rha, there had been a stronger connection and bond between them. They fully understood each other's pain and anger. Even after deciding not to hurt Yon Rha, they had still talked together about it, often late at night when the rest had gone to bed.

She remembered one time more clearly than the others. A few days had passed and another evening when she couldn't seem to fall asleep. She had slipped out of the Summer Palace and made her way to the private beach. She sat down in the sand and gazed at the moon. Would Yue think she had made the right decision? Would her mother? She had talked about it at length with Sokka, for of all apologizing for her means words to him. Sokka had forgiven her, knowing that she hadn't truly meant it and that she had needed this closure like he had needed his father's approval and pride. He had assured her that mom would have been proud. But he hadn't known the whole story. She had purposefully left out the one thing from him and Aang, and now it plagued her to no end.

"Can't sleep either?" His deep rough voice sounded behind her. He had a voice she could recognize anywhere.

"No, there's too much on my mind." She shrugged and patted the sand beside her. Zuko swiftly sat down next to her.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked softly and she glanced at him. He was sitting on her right side, meaning she looked at his scarred wide. She had noticed he did that often, as if he felt safe around her to expose his most vulnerable part of himself. She couldn't stop the smile coming to her face.

"You know you are one of the only people to ask me that. Usually that's my line." He simply shrugged.

"It something is bothering you, you should be allowed to talk about it. I've learned it's not good to keep all of your feelings bottled up inside." She couldn't help but feel proud at his inner journey. But unlike the rest of the group, he never needed that reassurance or push, he put the work in himself. She looked at the ocean and wrapped her arms around her knees.

"I still can't help wondering if I made the right choice." He didn't immediately answer her with reassurances, but took some time to think. She liked that about him, it was refreshing.

"I don't think you'll ever truly know that. But I think you should be proud of how you handled the situation. Your mother was a brave woman Katara, and so are you."

"Thank you… It's just that… I don't know if she would be proud." She replied softly.

"Why not?" He asked surprised and she bit her lip, shame filling her body.

"Well because I did hurt someone with…. With bloodbending." She couldn't help the shiver running along her spine.

"So that's what its called." Zuko said simply and thinking she was cold he lit a small fire in front of them. She appreciated the gesture.

"You haven't asked about it?" She mumbled confused.

"Did you want me too?"

"I don't know. I thought you would. It's horrific and I am not proud of it. I didn't tell Aang or Sokka, they would be upset if they knew."

"I see…" He replied and frowned in silence.

"You don't think it's bad? I feel like a monster."

"Katara, my father burned half my face off, I know what a monster is."

"Oh Zuko… I didn't…" But he cut her off.

"No let me finish… I wanted to say that I know monsters and I know you aren't one. I will admit I was surprised… I didn't know waterbenders had that ability… though it does make sense. I guess every type of bending has something special."

"You think it's special?" She gaped at him, unsure if she heard him correctly.

"Well yes…. It's also terrifying and I understand your concern about it. But there are always good and bad sides to every element. Like fire." He gestured to the flames crackling before them. "For so long I saw fire as a means to channel anger and power, but its more than that. Its also life and warmth. Your water heals, but it can also be deadly in combat. We need water to survive but we can just as easily drown in the sea." For a silent moment they both stared at the waves, shimmering in front of them. She tried to let his words sink in before Zuko spoke again.

"You have been in so much pain and deserved the answers you were given. Bloodbending was a way to get those answers. And if your not proud of using it, than that just proves you are able to handle such power."

"What do you mean?"

"If my sister or father had this ability, I know they would abuse it and only use it for pain. But you used it and feel horrible regret even though you had every right to be angry. Despite a terrifying night I am sure the solider is fine. If we defeat my father, I will personally send him flowers for you." She couldn't help but laugh at that and she looked at his dark golden eyes.

"Your conflict only shows your strength Katara, and I am sure your mother would be proud of that." Tears glimmered in her eyes and she swallowed heavily.

"Thank you Zuko, that means a lot to me."

"You're welcome." He gave her a friendly nod before looking away.

"I am sure your uncle would be proud to hear you talk like this." Now it was Zuko's turned hang his head in shame.

"I doubt that. I've hurt him too much to be proud of me."

"Would you like to talk about that?" To her surprise he smiled.

"No, not right now, but thank you for asking."

"Thank you for helping me get some closure. If I can ever return the favour and track down your mother's killer…" Again he looked away, almost embarrassed.

"Actually Katara… I haven't been able to tell you this yet and I didn't want to… well hurt you…"
"What is it Zuko?" She asked, worry appearing on her face, Zuko couldn't quite look her in the eye.

"On the Day of Black Sun I faced my father…"

"Yes I know."

"Well he told me…" Zuko sighed at the memory. "He told me my mother had been banished."

"Banished? So that means…"

"Yeah… I don't know if its true or not. I don't think he was lying… But I always thought she had died… she else would she be gone?"

"Why did you think that would make me upset?"

"Well I don't know… I didn't want you to think I lied about that in Ba Sing Se. I can't bring your mother back Katara and I felt guilty…"

"But maybe yours can come back." She said softly and he turned to her.

"You're not angry?"

"What? No of course not. This is great news Zuko." And she beamed at him.

"Again, I'm not sure… I don't even know where she could be."

"Wherever she is Zuko, I promise you I will help you find her."

She would never forget how hopeful and happy his golden eyes had looked at her at that moment. She had only felt happier when mother and son had finally reunited after so many years. She had even stayed in the Fire Nation for a few weeks after they brought Ursa home to help her readjust and settle back in. During this time, she bonded with her and Zuko's half sister Kiyi. It was so nice to see Zuko interact with her, to be able to fulfil a brother role, one he had never been able to have with Azula. She knew this was still very painful to the family and so she always made sure to ask about her. If they had heard anything about her whereabouts or wellbeing. Despite having defeated Azula with Zuko, Katara still felt some sympathy towards the girl, they were the same age after all. Perhaps it was her healer instinct, but she hoped she could find a way to help her and make the family whole again. Everyone deserved that at least.

Back in the present, Katara delicately opened the metal cylinder. Two letter appeared inside. The first was a very fancy and formal invitation, inviting her to the 5 year anniversary celebration of Zuko's coronation. She couldn't believe 5 years had passed already. She could still remember the day as if it happened yesterday. Carefully she lay the invitation to one side and unfurled the second letter. It definitely wasn't as formal as the first, but Zuko still kept a clean and steady hand. Katara always felt he put great time and care into all his letters no matter how long of short they were.

"Dear Katara,

I hope this letter and invitation finds you well. I cannot believe it's almost 5 years to the day and cannot thank you enough for your contribution. At first I didn't think an invitation would be necessary. I am sure you remember it as vividly as I do and you know you and Team Avatar are always welcome here. But Uncle advised me to send the formal invite anyway. If he or my mother have a say in it, it will be a grand affair.

I know you and the rest don't really care for such extravagance. But it has been a while since we have all been together in one place. I think the last time as at the South Pole three years ago. I think its time to change that. Again, I am sorry for not being able to attend your last birthday. 20 years should have been celebrated more fully. I have ensured that my Council Ministers won't plan a conference that day again. I hope your gift can make up for my absence. Anyway, I have decided to take a week off before the celebrations and want to invite you all to Ember Island so we can spend some time together. Do let m know if it works for you. I'll make sure the Summer Palace is prepared to house all of us.

I hope you are doing well in the South Pole. I was surprised to read that Aang didn't join you, but I understand how busy he must be at the Air Temples. Reconstruction at Cranefish Town can be quite draining for him. If we have some time once you are here I would love your opinion on some plans I've drawn up. There was been an influx of Northern and Southern Water Tribe settlers there and I want to make sure their needs are met as well as possible. I figured you would be the better person to ask than Aang. I was glad to hear you have been getting more waterbending students to teach, that must be very exciting. Your tribe should be proud that you are able to pass on these traditions.

Also thank you for your kind gift to Kiyi for her birthday, I don't think mother and Noren were very happy with another weapon but she's been able to channel her firebending very well through the whalebone sword. I am very proud and I am sure she will give you a demonstration once you are here.

There has been quite a lot of development around here, but I will tell you all about it in three weeks' time. Stay well and have a safe trip.

-Love Zuko"

Katara couldn't help but smile at his letter. Excitement filled her at the suggestion for a holiday at Ember Island. It would be great to see everyone together again and especially to reminisce in such a beautiful and special place. All of them had thrown themselves into the restoration projects that followed after the war. Perhaps as a way to cope with everything they had gone through. Not even Toph had given herself time to relax. This would be the perfect opportunity. She also had to roll her eyes at his birthday apologies. It had been months now. Of course she had been disappointed that he hadn't been able to be there. But Aang hadn't been able to stay long either and Zuko's gift had certainly been very special. He had tasked the silver smiths in Yu Dao to craft a decorative comb for her. It slightly resembled a Water Tribe whalebone design but made of fine silver that was beautifully polished. A single half moon rested upon four swirls of water that ran along the back of the comb. The hilt was decorated with evenly spaced blue gems. They matched the colour of her mothers carved stone necklace. It fit perfectly in her thick wavy brown hair. She had blushed profusely when she received it. She wasn't used to such personal gifts and she wondered if he had thought about her a lot when requesting it to be made. At least she knew she would definitely bring it with her, she couldn't wait to show him.

Without thinking she wrote a short but sweet reply back to him assuring that she would definitely be coming to Ember Island. She already included Sokka en Suki in her message. She knew her brother and his powerful girlfriend well enough that they would not pass this up. Sokka and Zuko had become as close as brothers and she hoped that she could call Suki her sister very soon. Knowing Sokka she wouldn't have to wait very long anymore.

Normally she would answer for Aang as well. She often helped him with his correspondence. But as she dipped her brush in the ink she stopped. She wasn't sure Aang would be able to come, let alone want to come. Would he make an exception for Zuko, his best friend? She could hear Toph's voice in her head for the second time this evening and for once decided to listen to it. Zuko would have sent them all an invitation. She could not decide Aang's schedule for hi, especially when she didn't know what his plans were. He was mature enough to answer it himself. So instead she signed off how she did all her letters: Much Love, Katara.

Tomorrow she would send the messenger hawk back. She checked her time keeping candle. It was late, almost midnight, but instead of heading to bed, she went into her bedroom and got out her trunk. In three weeks they were expected at Ember island and the journey by boat would take them two weeks. A week to organise everything was not a long time but Katara was sure she could make it work. Too excited to sleep she started packing and try as she must, she could not stop wondering what it would be like to finally hug Zuko again after almost 2 long years.