A/N: Thanks for the reviews!

Katara was roused from sleep when she felt Appa landing, but she lay still, unsure if she was ready to face Aang and Sokka yet and the questions they would have for her. After a few minutes, she finally forced herself to sit up expecting to see their curious faces, but she was surprised instead to see a beach.

"Where are we?"

"Ember Island," said Zuko as he was climbing down from Appa. "We used to vacation here."

"Are...are we in the Fire Nation?" she asked looking at him from over the saddle.

"Yes."

"Do you think it's safe for us to be at your old vacation spot?"

"It should be. No one'll expect us to be here."

She jumped down next to him. "What if someone shows up?"

"No one's been here in years."

Chiara was standing a short distance away staring at the beach where they used to play and tears came to her eyes. Zuko walked up to her.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded, but the tears fell, so he took her in his arms and hugged her.

"What's wrong?" asked Katara walking up to them.

"There are a lot of memories here," said Zuko softly as he released Chiara and tenderly wiped away her tears.

"You came here together?" she asked.

"Yes. The whole family." He took Chiara's hand. "We should look around."

They walked up and down the beach making sure it was secluded. When they decided it was safe and isolated enough, they stopped in front of the familiar path leading to the beach house and stared up at it.

"Do you want to look inside?" he asked her.

She hesitated knowing what was just beyond the door. "I...I don't think I'm ready yet."

He nodded in understanding, not sure he was ready either. They walked back to Appa who was grazing on the beach grass.

"It's deserted enough," he said to Katara. "We can bring the others back here."

He pulled their supplies out of the saddle, and they sat on the beach and ate lunch. After allowing Appa to rest and graze, they packed up to fly back to the rest of the group.

"I'm going to stay here," said Katara looking out over the water.

"Do you want me to stay with you?" Chiara asked her.

"No. I...I just want to be alone."

Chiara tenderly caressed her back before turning to climb up on Appa.

"We probably won't be back until sunset," said Zuko.

"I know," she said.

Chiara pulled out fresh water and food from the saddle and handed them to Zuko.

"I'll leave these here," he said setting them on the sand next to her.

Katara nodded, and then Zuko and Chiara left on Appa to get the others, Zuko holding the reins as Chiara sat next to him.

"Did you ever imagine yourself flying the Avatar's sky bison?" she asked him.

He smiled. "Not without kidnapping him."

"It feels much freer this way."

"You're right, it does," he said softly.

They were quiet as he thought about the last few days, and he remembered something he wanted to talk to her about.

"I...I saw Katara do some form of waterbending," he started, "but...but I don't know what or how she was doing it exactly."

"What do you mean? Describe it."

"When we were interrogating the captain of the Southern Raiders, it...it looked like she was restraining him...without touching him. It was like an invisible force was controlling him and pulled him to the ground."

Chiara, who had been leaning against him, sat up.

"What?" he asked. "What is it?"

"Bloodbending."

"Bloodbending?"

"Yes. We have water and other fluids throughout our bodies that can be manipulated. It can be used to stem blood flow from wounds, but I...I never heard of it being weaponized."

"Could you do it?"

"To control someone? I don't know," she answered. "I'm not sure I want to know."

"It was...terrifying knowing that someone could possess your body like that." He could still see the distorted limbs of the commander as he was forced to the floor as if controlled by invisible strings.

"I've done it a few times to slow bleeding while I was healing a wound, but I only focused on the area of the injury," she said sadly, Surak immediately coming to her mind. "I also pulled water from Tedo's lungs after he fell overboard, but I was very specific to pull only the water that shouldn't have been there."

He was amazed by her ability as he thought about that night.

"It was really good having a waterbender around," he said as he pulled her closer.

She leaned against him enjoying the warmth of his body amid the cool air above the clouds.

They arrived back at the camp where Aang, Sokka, Toph, Suki, and Izin were anxiously waiting for them.

"How'd it go?" asked Aang as they were jumping down from Appa.

"Where's Katara?" Sokka was already asking before they could answer Aang.

"We left her on Ember Island," said Zuko.

"You what?!" he said taking a step towards him. "You left my sister behind?!"

"How could you do that?!" yelled Aang.

"Whoa...wait...," said Zuko moving Chiara behind him while holding a hand up at Aang before he went Avatar State on them. "...we didn't just leave her anywhere. She wanted to stay behind."

Izin was now by Zuko's side ready to fight for him and Chiara as Toph and Suki came running up upon hearing the yelling.

"And where exactly is this island?" demanded Sokka, anger still in his voice. "It sounds Fire Nation."

"It is...," said Zuko.

The normally cheery Avatar was looking upset. "Why would she want to stay behind in the Fire Nation?"

"She wanted time to herself...," he said calmly.

"So you just left her alone in Fire Nation territory?" asked Sokka.

"Trust me, she's fine...," insisted Zuko.

"But she's by herself...!"

"Hey, Scuffles!" interrupted Toph causing Sokka to stop and look at her. "Do you really think Sparky and Princess would leave your little sis somewhere dangerous?"

"We can all stay there," said Zuko. "She's waiting for us."

Aang's anger started dissipating, but Sokka was still feeling agitated that Katara was left by herself in enemy territory.

"So we get to live in the Fire Nation again?" asked Toph.

"Great," said Sokka sarcastically. "Another cave."

"No, there's a house," said Zuko. "It's abandoned, and it's secluded enough that we'll be safe there."

"If you say so," he said, still not enthused by the prospect of living in the Fire Nation again.

They quickly packed up their camp, and Zuko sat with Aang as they flew to Ember Island.

The sun was setting when they arrived on the island. After landing Appa, Aang immediately ran to the dock where Katara was sitting as Zuko and Chiara casually followed him.

"Katara, are you okay?" asked Aang.

"I'm doing fine," she answered sadly still sitting on the edge of the pier.

"Zuko told me what you did...or what you didn't do, I guess. I'm proud of you."

"I wanted to do it. I wanted to take out all my anger at him, but I couldn't. I don't know if it's because I'm too weak to do it or because I'm strong enough not to."

"You did the right thing. Forgiveness is the first step you have to take to begin healing."

She stood up. "But I didn't forgive him. I'll never forgive him." Her eyes softened as she looked up at Zuko. "But I am ready to forgive you."

She walked up to him and hugged him. When she let him go, she hugged Chiara.

"Thank you," she said to her before walking down the dock towards the beach.

"You were right about what Katara needed," said Zuko to Aang. "Violence wasn't the answer."

"It never is," said Aang.

"Then I have a question for you. What are you going to do when you face my father?"

Chiara looked at Aang who was not sure what to say.

"I...I don't know."

They slowly walked back to the shore.

"...something could've happened to you!" they heard Sokka scolding Katara as they approached the beach.

"I told you I was fine, Sokka," she said.

"But what if somebody saw you?"

"There's nobody around here."

"And did you even think about Zuko and Chiara? Aang nearly killed them thinking they left you behind," he said.

Aang's eyes grew wide as Katara looked at him. "M-me?! What about you, Sokka? You were angry too."

"Yes, but I wasn't about to go into the Avatar State and wreak vengeance."

"Aang!" said Katara in an admonishing tone. "What about revenge and the two-headed rat viper?"

"Uh...y-yeah...," he stumbled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "...I-I didn't...you know...go into the Avatar State..."

"Guys, it's okay," said Zuko as he was helping Izin unpack Appa. "Katara's safe, and Sokka and Aang didn't murder us in a fit of vengeance."

Aang looked even more ashamed, but Sokka just shrugged.

"Who's the angry jerk now, Water Tribe?" said Zuko throwing him a bag with a little extra force behind it nearly causing Sokka to lose his balance.

"Hey, at least I didn't send out a ring of fire burning everyone," he said.

Zuko chuckled. "Yeah, that was pretty cool."

"Sounds to me like it was pretty hot," joked Toph.

"It sure was," said Chiara which set the other girls to giggling and Zuko to blushing amid the pride he felt from her compliment.

"Hey, hey...there are children present," said Sokka whose seriousness caused even more laughter among the girls.

"Speak for yourself, Scuffles," said Toph.

"I'm sorry," said Chiara smiling. "Was it inappropriate to think a firebending technique hot?"

"What do you expect from someone who thought a waterbending technique was inappropriate," laughed Katara.

Now Sokka was blushing. "Ugh...girls..."

Zuko was smirking as he walked by him. "I don't have any complaints," he said as he lifted Chiara's hand to his lips.

"You're just encouraging this," said Sokka. "You know that, right?"

"Aw...I think it's romantic," said Suki.

"Hey, I know how to be romantic, too..."

Suki's eyes lit up as she held her hand out only for Sokka to put the strap of a bag over it.

"Gee, thanks," she said expressing her disappointment.

"When it's appropriate," he finished.

After gathering their belongings, they walked towards the beach house.

"So, hanging out in the Fire Nation...," said Sokka, "...again."

"But this isn't just any place in the Fire Nation," said Katara. "It's the Fire Lord's house."

"You brought us to the Fire Lord's house?" asked Suki.

"Ozai doesn't come here," said Zuko.

"It's been years since we've been here," said Chiara. "We haven't been here since...since before Lu Ten..."

Zuko caressed her hand as she held his arm.

They followed the path towards the porch, where they ascended the front steps. He stopped at the door and looked at her.

"You ready?"

She nodded. He reached for the handle and pulled, but it was locked, so they stepped back and he kicked the doors open. As he and Chiara stepped into the foyer, he dropped the bag from over his shoulder before producing a flame in his hand. They looked up to see two portraits: one of Ozai, Ursa, Zuko, and Azula; and one of Iroh and a young Lu Ten. Chiara fought back her tears seeing Lu Ten's image as Zuko stared at his mother's. The others filed in behind them.

"This place is huge," said Sokka.

"And really dirty," said Suki.

Having sat uninhabited for years, everything in the house was covered with a layer of dust.

"So that's your family," said Aang.

"Is that your Uncle Iroh?" asked Katara.

"Yes," said Zuko softly.

"He looks much...slimmer," she said.

Izin stared at the portrait impressed by the image of the Dragon of the West, Prince Iroh of the Fire Nation whom he had once expected to become Fire Lord. What he had never expected was that he would one day be standing in the home of the Royal Family being treated more as a welcome guest than a common subject of the empire.

The others started looking around leaving Zuko and Chiara alone to look at the portraits. Zuko's eyes left his mother's face and moved to young Azula. She looked so innocent in the portrait, but he knew better. She had been as cold-hearted as Ozai, caring for no one but herself, having been molded in his image. His eyes scanned Ozai's face, his serene countenance hiding a cruel, ugly interior.

When you were born, we weren't sure if you were a bender at all. You didn't have that spark in your eyes. I planned to cast you from the palace. How embarrassing for a prince of the Fire Nation to have a nonbender as his firstborn! Lucky for you, your mother and the Fire Sages pleaded with me to give you a chance. Azula, on the other hand, never needed that kind of luck. She was born lucky. You were lucky to be born.

Zuko spent years trying to win his favor. As he was wondering how he had been so blind for so long his eyes were drawn to his own image. He could see the innocence in his young, unmarred face. Suddenly, his flame formed into a fireball and he drew his arm back.

"Don't you dare," said Chiara moving in front of him placing her hands on his chest.

He looked in her eyes, the fireball still suspended in his hand. "That family doesn't exist anymore. I don't think it ever existed."

"I won't let you destroy that image of you or Aunt Ursa."

He sighed as lowered his arm, his fireball dimming into a small flame.

"It was all a lie," he said softly.

"It wasn't a lie. You were happy then."

"That's because I didn't accept that he was a monster."

"A monster that you'll never be," she said. She reached up placing her hand on his left cheek. "And one day, you'll be a better father than he ever was."

Her words softened his heart, and he leaned towards her and tenderly kissed her lips.

"May I at least burn off that sorry excuse for a father?" he asked.

"If you feel you must desecrate it in some way..."

She stood out of his way, and he threw his flame towards Ozai's face directing the fire burning as much of him out of the picture as he could. When he finished, he drew up another smaller fireball that lit up the dark foyer.

"What's that for?" she asked.

"Azula."

"No. She's...she's just a child."

"And she was a cruel child," he said. "Even at that age."

"And you already removed who was responsible for who she became."

His little ball of fire reformed into a small flame which kept the darkness of the house at bay. She placed her hand on his arm and they went in search of the others. They eventually found them on an outside patio where Izin had built a fire in the fire pit, and Katara was sorting through their rations for dinner.

After eating, they relaxed as they discussed their plans for Aang's training and restocking their food supplies.

As the sky grew darker and with their appetites sated, everyone began feeling tired.

"So do we all just sleep out here tonight?" asked Toph.

"There are plenty of rooms upstairs," said Zuko. He looked around. "Chiara's still gone."

"She's been gone for a while," said Suki.

"Where'd she go?" asked Aang.

"She went for a walk," said Zuko. "I think she wanted to be alone."

"I didn't even notice her leave," said Sokka.

Katara looked at him. "Do you notice anything when you're shoveling food into your mouth?"

"I notice the food."

She just shook her head.

Zuko got up and the others followed him inside and up the stairs. At the top of the staircase were two full size portraits: one of Iroh, Mina, and an infant Lu Ten on the left and Ozai and his family on the right. Zuko made a mental note to burn Ozai out of the portrait when no one was around. He noticed a light down the hall coming from Lu Ten's room and he knew that was where Chiara was.

"You guys can take your pick of the first four bedrooms down either hall," he said.

"Was this like your uncle's side and your father's side?" asked Sokka as he pointed left and right, respectively.

"Yes."

"We'll take bedrooms on your uncle's side," said Sokka as he pulled Suki with him to the left.

Zuko walked down the hall towards the light. He noticed that his uncle's bedroom door had been opened before turning into Lu Ten's room where Chiara was sitting on the bed.

"I miss him too," he said as he sat next to her and put his arm around her.

"This...this is really hard being here," she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I know. I'm sorry. I just thought it would be the best place to hide..."

"You're right, it is. I'll deal with this."

He held her close.

"I miss the General, too," she said. "I hope he's safe."

"So do I."

They were drawn out of their sad worries by loud arguing, so they stood up to check on the others. Zuko picked up her lantern and took her hand, and they walked out into the hall.

"Why do I have to have a room on the Fire Lord's side?" asked Toph. "Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I get last pick of the rooms."

"Well, I called dibs on two rooms on this side," said Sokka. "I can't help it if Aang and Katara picked the other two."

"What's going on?" asked Zuko.

"I want a room on your uncle's side," said Toph. "I think it's only fair since I was friends with him first."

"You can always desecrate Azula's room," said Zuko.

The others were laughing.

Toph considered it. "That is tempting."

"Or you can have my old room, Lady Toph," said Chiara. "It's right next to the General's."

"Really?" said Toph. "Hmm...good Fire Princess or bad...," she said thoughtfully. "Okay, you win. I'll go with the good Fire Princess."

Zuko chuckled.

"Come on. It's down here," said Chiara.

Toph followed her to her old room.

"It's quite dirty, but I'll start cleaning the house tomorrow."

"Not a problem," said Toph as she moved her hands across the bed driving all the dust onto the floor.

"Or maybe you'll be cleaning tomorrow," she laughed. "Good night, Lady Toph."

Chiara went back down the hall to Zuko who took her hand and walked to the other side of the staircase.

"I guess they didn't want to be on my family's side," he said softly. "Not that I blame them."

"I want to be on your family's side," she said as she looked up at him.

He smiled at her. "But you have no choice now. You are my family." He looked at Izin who was walking with them. "Sorry, Izin, I guess you're stuck on my family's side of the house."

"I'm just honored to be here, Prince Zuko."

"We'll see you in the morning," said Zuko.

"Good night, Izin," said Chiara.

"Good night, Prince, Princess."

He bowed before choosing a bedroom. Zuko led Chiara towards his old bedroom where he opened the door and they looked around after stepping inside.

"It seems smaller than I remember," he said.

"You're just bigger," she said as she smiled at him.

"This is the first time we'll be sleeping in a bed since we've been married," he said as it just occurred to him.

"A bed that needs cleaned," she said walking over to it.

She began pulling off the blanket with his help. They took it out to the balcony where they shook it out. After shaking out the linens, they redressed the bed and lay down on it.

"I forgot how good a real bed feels," she said not having slept on one since Ba Sing Se.

"The mats feel like stone compared to this," he agreed.

It did not take long for anyone to fall asleep that night in their comfortable beds.

The next morning, Zuko and Chiara woke up early and sat on the balcony quietly meditating as the sun was rising.

"Is it okay if I raid yo...Ozai's closet?" she asked him when they went inside.

"What?" He looked at her. "Why?"

"Izin's still wearing prison clothes. I think Ozai's clothes might fit him."

"Oh...yeah, sure. That's a good idea."

Leaving his room they approached his parents' old bedroom where he reached for the door handle but hesitated. She placed her hand on his and looked at him.

"You don't have to do this." She knew it was difficult for him to see reminders of his father and mother. "I can do it later."

"No," he said. "I'm fine."

He opened the door and they both entered the large bedroom. It was dim inside until Chiara pulled the curtains open to allow the sunlight to enter. Like all the rooms, everything was covered in a layer of dust which also floated through the air in the streams of sunlight after having been dislodged from the heavy drapes. She walked over to Zuko's side as he stood next to his mother's vanity where her brush and hair combs lay. He picked up a bottle of perfume. He had a sad smile when he held it out to her.

"It smells like her," she said softly.

They left the vanity and opened the wardrobe where they looked through Ozai's clothes. She pulled out several casual garments.

"These'll be perfect for him," she said. "Suki will need some clothes too, but I don't want to pillage Aunt Ursa's."

"It doesn't matter," he said softly. "It's not like she's ever coming back."

"I still don't feel right about it. Besides, I don't ever recall her wearing anything casual, even at the beach. We might find something more comfortable for Suki in the servants' quarters."

He took Ozai's clothes from her, and they left the bedroom.

"I imagine everyone'll sleep in late," she said as they descended the stairs. "I can get these washed up before breakfast."

Before going to the washing room, they headed towards the servant quarters. Looking through the rooms, they collected clothes for Suki.

"This might fit Izin too," she said holding up a tunic.

"I'd rather he wear Ozai's."

She knew he was thinking it would be a slap in the face to Ozai that his princely clothing would be worn by a commoner and an army deserter.

Zuko remained with her when she went to the washing room where she washed and dried the clothes.

Later, on the patio, Chiara was going through their rations and setting out what they had to eat while Zuko started a fire. When he spotted Suki, he picked up the clothes they collected for her.

"Suki," he said holding out the garments, "we found clothes that should fit you."

"Oh, I can finally get out of these prison clothes," she said excitedly as she took them. "Thanks." She quickly disappeared to change.

Zuko picked up another set of clothing. "These should fit you, Izin," he said as Izin stepped out onto the patio.

He looked at them noticing the rich material of the tunic folded on top. "Prince Zuko, I...I shouldn't wear those..."

"Why not?"

"They were made for the royal family..."

"So," said Zuko.

"My family's not even from the nobility," he said. "They're not meant for me to wear."

"Izin, I don't care that you're not a noble. You've shown far more honor than any noble I've met at the palace."

There was a look of complete shock on Izin's face at Zuko's compliment.

"It...it's not right for me to put those on," he said, his humility preventing him from accepting the fine clothing.

Zuko did not want to order him to wear them, but he had another idea. "You offered to serve Chiara and me. It's only fitting that you wear these."

"But..."

"Chiara spent all morning washing and drying them for you," he interrupted. "It'll really hurt her feelings if you don't wear them."

"Yes, Prince Zuko," he said without further argument as he took them, his loyalty to Chiara overcoming his humility.

The prince smirked as he watched him walk away with the clothes.

"Good morning, Hotman, Hotwoman," greeted Aang cheerfully as he bounced out onto the patio.

"Good morning, Aang," said Chiara as she held out a bowl of food.

"Thanks."

Sokka, Katara, and Toph were not far behind, and Chiara served them all breakfast.

Suddenly, Sokka stopped eating. "Suki?" His eyes were wide as they followed her walking towards them wearing Fire Nation garments. "You look...wow."

She smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Where'd you get the clothes?" asked Katara.

"Zuko gave them to me."

Sokka's wide eyes narrowed. "Why is Zuko giving you clothes?"

Zuko looked up at him. "She can't go to the market in a prison uniform."

Sokka relaxed. "I guess that makes sense."

While they were eating, Chiara began making a list of items to be picked up at the market.

"Did you write down ash bananas?" Zuko asked her.

"Of course."

"It's been forever," he said.

She looked up from her list. "Anything else?"

"You have what you need to make cookies?" he asked softly.

She smiled and looked down through the list. "I think this'll cover it."

"Wow, Izin," said Sokka. "You look more like a prince than Zuko."

Izin, who had just returned, looked nervously at Zuko whose shoulders slumped at Sokka's words.

"Way to go, Water Tribe."

"What? I was giving him a compliment."

"Do you know what it took me to convince him to even wear those clothes?"

"They look nice on you, Izin," said Chiara.

"Thank you, Princess, but I shouldn't wear these. I'm not royalty."

"It's fine," said Zuko.

"Where did you get them?" asked Aang.

"Ozai's closet," he answered.

Izin looked even more nervous.

"You gave him the Fire Lord's clothes?" asked Toph. She started laughing. "Oh, that's great."

"Actually, they belonged to Prince Ozai," said Zuko. "He never wore anything so casual after he became Fire Lord." He looked up at Izin. "Trust me, you'll blend in better wearing those than a prison uniform."

"It seems kind of weird that we're hiding from the Fire Lord in his own house and going through his closets," said Katara.

"I told you, Ozai hasn't come here since before he was Fire Lord," he said. "It's the last place anyone would think to look for us."

When they finished breakfast, Izin, Sokka, and Suki went to town to purchase supplies while Zuko and Aang started training out in the courtyard. Toph sat with Katara and Chiara as they were cleaning dishes, and when they finished, Chiara disappeared inside the house.