Chapter Seventeen: Twice Shy

"I'm not one to complain, but can't Appa fly any higher?" Sokka groaned. "At this rate, we'll never reach the Northern Water Tribe in time to warn them about the siege."

Aang glared at him. "I have an idea. Why don't we all get on your back, and you can fly us to the North Pole?"

"We'll make it." Katara's voice trembled a little before developing an edge of determination. "We have to."

We were nearing the North Pole and had been flying for several days straight over the open ocean. The others had taken to bickering amongst themselves from the monotony, and I tried my best to drown them out.

I was reclined against one side of the saddle with my legs stretched out, and my head was tilted slightly upside down, allowing my hair to freely blow in the wind. I had changed into some spare clothes and burned the ones Zhao had placed me in. Unfortunately, they weren't as suited for the ice cold weather as I would've liked, and I focused on my breathing while I stared off in a daze.

"Tashi? Hello, Tashi?" Sokka waved his hand over my face. "You awake?"

I sighed. "What?"

"Are you sure you didn't find out anything else from Zhao?" He leaned over me, so we were making eye contact. "Like when he was planning to attack or any specific strategies?"

I folded my arms. "No."

"Are you sure? Maybe there was a hint of something?" he said.

"No." I closed my eyes and let out a tiny groan that sounded more like a growl. "I already told you everything. Now stop pestering me. Geez."

He frowned and went back to his spot. "I'm just trying to make sure we're prepared."

"If that's all she knows, Sokka, that's all she knows. Pestering her isn't gonna change the information." Katara looked at me. "And, Tashi, you shouldn't be lying on your back."

I shrugged. "It's been worse. My skin turned numb in some areas years ago, so I can barely feel anything at this point."

"Yeah, but even after my attempt to heal it, it's still bleeding from whatever Zhao did to you." She placed a hand on my arm. "When we reach the Northern Water Tribe, you should have it looked at."

"Whatever. If it means you'll stop nagging me, I'll do it." I turned on my side.

She furrowed her brow. "Are you… okay?"

"I'm fine. Why?" I said.

"It's just that–" She glanced away before meeting my gaze again. "Well, ever since Aang rescued you, you've been acting different. You're snappy whenever we try to talk to you, and then you ignore us for hours on end. You barely eat, and I know you haven't been sleeping."

She gestured to the dark circles that had formed under my eyes, and I groaned. "Stop worrying about me. I'm fine."

"No, you are not fine, and we have every right to be worried," she said.

I closed my eyes and curled myself until I could hug my arms around my knees. Katara was right. My time under Zhao's capture continued to plague my thoughts, but how could I explain what I went through to the others? The idea of mentioning it to Aang and Sokka made me uncomfortable. I mean, I know they both cared about me, but they're boys. There's just certain things you don't talk about with guys. All I had was Katara, and she was only fourteen. Would she even understand?

I was pulled out of my thoughts as Appa swerved to dodge a wave of ice that was coming toward us. Aang pulled the reigns and tried to guide us away, but Appa was hit and started going into a spin. We screamed and held onto the saddle for dear life. With a splash, we landed in the ocean and a sheet of ice formed around Appa to keep us from escaping.

"Is everyone okay?" Aang looked back at us.

"I think I just lost my lunch, but other than that, doing great," Sokka said.

I groaned. "What was that?"

Katara scanned our surroundings, and a bright smile appeared on her face. "They're water-benders. We found the Water Tribe."

I sat up and saw a group of boats surround us. They had waves and moon symbols on them, and the water-benders steering them were dressed like Sokka and Katara.

One of the water-benders stepped out onto the ice and walked over to us. "What business do you have here?"

Aang smiled. "I'm the Avatar, and these are my friends. I'm here to find a water-bending master to train me."

Sokka moved to the edge of the saddle. "And we have important information to deliver to the Chief about the Fire Nation. It's urgent."

The water-bender's eyes widened a bit before he bowed. "The Avatar, of course. We heard news of your return a few months ago. Please, allow us to escort you and your friends into the city."

The water-bender returned to his boat, and all of them unfroze Appa. We were led to the city, which was hidden behind a huge wall of compacted ice. The water-benders opened it for us, allowing Appa to swim through, and once we got past the wall, I couldn't believe it. The whole citadel was made of ice and snow with water canals for roads.

"This place is beautiful," Katara said.

"Yeah." I glanced around. "It'll be a shame when the Fire Nation shows up to destroy all of it."

She looked at me. "They won't."

I watched the Water Tribe citizens and noted how peaceful and happy they looked. It was like the war had barely affected them at all.

I frowned. "I hope not."

We reached the main part of the citadel where the palace resided. Everyone dismounted Appa, and I had to admit I wasn't too crazy about walking directly on ice. I took one step, and my foot slipped, making me fall on my behind.

"This is gonna take some getting used to," I said.

Katara chuckled and held out her hand. "Here. I'll help you."

We entered the palace and walked into what seemed to be a meeting room. There were a few people already there, and they seemed to be whatever the Water Tribes considered upper class. One of the water-benders leading us rushed over to a middle-aged man, who was wearing a more elaborate parka and accessories. They shared a few words before they both walked over to us.

"Greetings. I am Chief Arnook." The man bowed. "It is an honor to meet you, Avatar."

"Please. Just Aang is alright," Aang said.

Katara smiled. "I'm Katara. My brother, Sokka, and I are from the Southern Water Tribe."

Arnook nodded. "Of course. Members of our sister tribe are always welcome."

I stepped forward. "And I'm Tashi of the Earth Kingdom. We have urgent news. The Fire Nation is planning to lay siege to the Northern Water Tribe. You must prepare your people right away."

"What?" Arnook eyes widened a little before his expression became more stern. "When do you expect they'll arrive?"

"The commanding officer leading the siege is Admiral Zhao, and he's stationed in the Northwestern mountains of the Earth Kingdom. So I suspect within the next month," I said.

A boy, who looked my age or maybe a little older, walked over to us and narrowed his eyes at me. "And how do we know he's not on his way as we speak? You could've led this Admiral Choy right to us."

Arnook placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Hahn, show your respect to our guests."

I folded my arms. "Because we would've noticed and stopped him. And two, Zhao knows you guys have the home advantage. He plans on acquiring a massive invasion force, and gathering that many soldiers takes time."

Sokka looked at me. "Hey. You never mentioned anything about a massive invasion force."

"I didn't?" I blinked before shrugging. "Well, now you know."

Arnook nodded to me. "Thank you, Tashi. The information you provided is invaluable. For now, I will have all of you set up in one of our guest houses, and I'll make the announcement at the feast tonight."

Aang bowed. "Thank you very much."

"Wait." Katara held up her hand. "Is it possible that you have some available healers? Tashi was injured during our last encounter with some soldiers, and she needs medical attention right away."

"But I…." I said.

She nudged me. "You need to have it looked at. What if it gets infected, and you end up sick?"

"Hahn, why don't you escort her to Yugoda?" Arnook said.

"Yes, Chief." Hahn bowed to him before turning to me with narrowed eyes. "Follow me."

I followed him out of the palace while trying my best not to slip.

"So Earth Kingdom, huh?" Hahn glanced at me. "What's a girl like you doing traveling with the Avatar? Shouldn't you be at home getting married or something?"

"My village was burned down by the Fire Nation years ago. I don't have a home." I rolled my eyes. "And I'm traveling with Aang, so I can master air-bending."

His eyes widened a little. "But you said…."

"I am of Air Nomad and Earth Kingdom birth. Now are you done playing twenty questions? I'm very tired," I said with an annoyed edge in my voice.

"I'm one of the high-ranking warriors in our tribe. It's my job to ask questions and make sure you're not a spy." He stepped in front of me and glanced me over. "After all, it's kinda suspicious that you know so much about the enemy's plan. I mean, you're just a girl. How could you know anything unless it was some kinda set up?"

Is this guy for real? I glared at him. "I know because I fought against the Admiral himself. He's the reason I'm going to this Yugoda person in the first place."

"They let women be warriors in the Earth Kingdom? What a joke." He snorted and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "Listen, Tari, you should save the fighting for the boys. The air-benders, from what I've heard, were completely wiped out, and I'm sure the Avatar would be devastated if something happened to his girl."

"First off, it's Tashi. Second, I'm not Aang's girl. He's twelve, seriously… ew. " I stuck out my tongue. "And third–"

Ripping Hahn's hand from my shoulder, I yanked his arm behind his back and bent his fingers until he was in so much pain that he couldn't retaliate. He dropped to his knees and hissed out through his gritted teeth.

"Save the sexist crap for someone who cares. You might be high-ranking around here, but I can tell that you're too wet behind the ears to survive outside of this sheltered ice block." I twisted his arm further. "So show some respect for a real warrior, and keep your mouth shut."

I released Hahn, and he collapsed on the ice. Glaring at me, he jumped to his feet to throw a punch, but I dodged out of the way while tripping him with my foot. He fell face first and skidded across the ice.

I laughed. "If that's the best you got, you won't last five seconds against Zhao and his men."

"Why you…!" He sat up and clutched his bleeding nose. "Ow, you're gonna pay for this."

"Aw, is the little boy gonna cry? Why don't you run along to mommy while I find Yugoda on my own." I grinned. I hope this idiot isn't the standard around here. Otherwise, we're in big trouble.

"What is going on here?"

I turned around. A girl, who looked our age and was dressed in an elegant, purple parka walked over to us. What truly caught my attention was her hair. It was pure white like snow and made her look exotic.

"Princess Yue." Hahn quickly stood up and bowed while keeping his nose covered. "Perfect timing. This Earth Kingdom intruder assaulted me, and you're a witness. Tell your father to have her thrown out immediately."

Yue shifted her gaze from him to me. "Earth Kingdom? Who are you?"

"My name's Tashi. I arrived with the Avatar." I gave her a slight bow before gesturing to Hahn. "Your friend over here needs a lesson in manners. He has the audacity to accuse me of being a spy and insult my status as a warrior after my friends and I traveled all this way to help your tribe fight the Fire Nation."

"Oh, yes. I saw all of you on that giant, fuzzy creature. It is nice to meet you, Tashi." She smiled at me before turning her attention to Hahn. "Why must you always act so pompous, Hahn? You may be a capable warrior, but that doesn't mean you need to go around proving it everyone. Go take yourself to one of the healers, and try your best not to cause anymore trouble for the rest of the day."

Hahn gasped. "You're taking her side? But she's an outsider."

"Tashi is a friend of the Avatar, and while I may not know her yet, I know you." Yue folded her arms. "Now, march."

"Fine. But you won't be able to boss me around forever, Princess." Hahn sneered at me and stormed off in another direction.

Yue looked at me. "Sorry about him. Hahn has huge ego and a bad reputation with the other girls."

"Oh, so he's a womanizer on top of being an idiot. Good to know." I glanced around. "Anyway, I was supposed to be escorted to Yugoda's. Maybe you could help me, Princess Yue?"

She nodded. "I'd be happy to. Follow me."

….

I stared at the flag above my bed and knitted my brow in frustration. Would I ever return home? I knew the Avatar was traveling north to the other Water Tribe, but there hadn't been any sign of him since I wasted my time with that infuriating bounty hunter. It didn't help that Zhao was impeding my progress with his new power as Admiral. It would only be a matter of time before he'd capture the Avatar, and I'd lose everything.

I stood and began to pace. There has to be a way. If only I could find him.

Of course, I'd have to get past his friends first. The two Water Tribe peasants were no threat in a fight, but they still played a key role in their little group. The boy was clearly the brains. He was the one who turned the pirates against me, and he figured out how to defeat the Shirshu with perfume.

His sister, however, had a strong will. She'd never give up the Avatar even if her own life was in danger. Then there was the newest addition, and she was an air-bender no less. I wondered if there were more like her, but I couldn't find any reports or records on other sightings.

She's also more of a threat. I leaned against the wall and folded my arms.

The air-bender girl wasn't a master of her element from what I've seen. The Avatar dodged my every move and was always on the defensive. It was like trying to catch the… well… the wind. The girl, on the other hand, was aggressive and powered through all of my attacks. Her movements were almost similar to a fire-bender's now that I dwelled on it.

I touched my scar where she had kissed me. She also wasn't above using sneaky tactics to win, and I don't know why I let that throw me off guard. Then again, I don't know why I helped her back at the Pohuai Stronghold either.

My father wants the Avatar. I closed my eyes. I should've just left her there.

Yet, when I saw her pout at me with those pleading, large gray eyes, I couldn't. I shouldn't have cared, but I did. I convinced myself that I freed her because she'd be useful later, but was that really the truth?

I removed my hand from my face and shook my head. Of course it's the truth. She's just a half-breed, Earth Kingdom peasant. She means nothing to me, and I'll just have to remember to be more careful around her next time.

The sound of my door creaking open pulled me from my thoughts. From the corner of my eye, I saw my uncle enter the room, and I turned away.

I sighed. "For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn."

"No, it's about our plans. There's a bit of a problem," Uncle said.

Hearing another set of footsteps, I turned toward the door and saw Zhao walk inside.

"I'm taking your crew. I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole," Zhao said.

"What!" I stomped over to them. "Uncle, is that true?"

"I'm afraid so. He's taking everyone." Uncle covered his face with his sleeve as though he was crying. "Even the cook."

"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar." Zhao narrowed his eyes at me. "But I can't have you getting in my way again."

I was so furious that I could strangle him, and my uncle had to hold me back. Zhao had been a thorn in my side since I first found the Avatar, and now he was about steal any chance I had away. If only I could burn the smug look off of his face. However, as I glared at him, I noticed something different. It was faint under the dim, red light, but I could see a scar that ran from Zhao's chin to his right ear.

"What happened to your face, Zhao?" I pulled away from my uncle. "Instigate another fight you couldn't win?"

For a second, Zhao's eyes sparked with fury before he recovered his composure.

"Oh, I won the battle and the war even if the little wench doesn't realize it yet. Although, I can't quite wrap my head around what she sees in you, Prince Zuko." He grinned. "But I suppose you could learn a thing or two from her. As you've observed, she's willing to do what you were too cowardly to."

She? I blinked.

Zhao watched me as though he was waiting for a certain reaction, and when I didn't give it to him, he frowned. I could only ponder who he was talking about, and why the mention of her almost set him off.

And it's someone who knows me? I furrowed my brow. It can't be Azula. She's never seen anything in me except someone to torment. And Zhao would never call the royal family's favorite a wench.

"I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko," Zhao said.

My eyes widened as I realized that Zhao noticed my swords mounted on the wall. He pulled one down and started examining it.

"I'm not. They're antiques. Just decorative," I said.

Zhao didn't seemed convinced, and as he ran his hand along the blade, I knew he could tell that it had been used. "Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?"

"Just rumors. I don't think he is real," Uncle said.

"He's real, all right. He's a criminal and an enemy of the Fire Nation, but I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon." Zhao handed the sword to him and briefly glanced at me. "Along with that air-bending wench."

Uncle raised an eyebrow. "So it's true that another air-bender has survived?"

"Yes. She's one of the Avatar's companions, and apparently has close ties to the Blue Spirit. After he freed her and the Avatar from the Pohuai Stronghold, she tried to protect him and lead me off of his trail," Zhao said.

He watched me to see my reaction, but I was speechless and completely confused.

"But now that everything's back on track, I can't wait to see her face when she learns of her precious hero's fate." He nodded to my uncle before leaving. "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands if you change your mind."

Zhao closed my door as he stepped out, leaving my uncle and me alone. I snatched my sword from him and placed it back on the wall. It felt like everything that could go wrong was. I punched my fist into the wall. Flames burst across the metal before dispersing, and I screamed aloud.

"Calm down, Prince Zuko," Uncle said.

"Calm down? Calm down!" I turned around. "Do realize what this means? Without a crew, I'm finished, and you know Zhao will keep us from leaving the area on our own. It's over! Without the Avatar, I'll never restore my honor to my father and return home!"

I punched the wall again.

"Hope is not lost, Prince Zuko." He walked over to me. "You can still find a way."

"How, Uncle?" I collapsed on my bed. "The Avatar's probably at the North Pole by now, and I'll never make it there before Zhao without a ship."

Uncle knelt beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "We'll figure out a plan. For now, just try to relax. You're not going to think clearly if you're all worked up."

I crossed my arms and looked away from him.

He sighed. "Well, you could always look at this from the bright side."

"What bright side?" I said.

"At least you earned a secret admirer." Uncle gave me a sheepish smile. "It seems like that air-bender girl has quite a little crush on you."

I groaned. "And what makes you think I want anything to do with some half-breed peasant? I don't even know what Zhao was talking about. I fought her one time. I hardly know her."

"Clearly you did something to impress her. Why else would she have kissed you back at the Abby?" he said.

He saw that? I felt my face heat up and scowled. "That didn't mean anything. She tricked me to get the upper hand."

Uncle chuckled and stood up. "You still have much to learn in the ways of women, my nephew. While I'm sure there are exceptions, most would swoon over being rescued by a handsome prince."

"I didn't rescue anyone. That was the Blue Spirit," I said.

"Of course. My mistake. Hopefully, Zhao has also made the same mistake." Uncle gave me a knowing look before heading for the door. "I'm going to help send the crew on their way. Would you like to…?"

"If those traitors want to leave, they can help themselves." I looked away from him and focused my attention on the wall.

I heard my uncle sigh, followed by the sound of the door opening and closing, and then silence. Finally, the one thing I wanted. I wracked my brain, trying to figure out a way around this situation, but I was coming up empty. Every attempt became more and more frustrating until I gave up completely. I decided to sleep on it, but after closing my eyes for several minutes, I realized I wasn't tired. Well, I was, but I was too angry and stressed to relax enough. Instead, I stared up at the dark, metal walls around me, feeling defeated.

That air-bender girl… what was her name? I know she said it. Not able to remember, I frowned. She must've given Zhao that scar. If she weren't my enemy, I'd congratulate her. Although, that also means she's more dangerous than I thought.

However, what confused me the most was Zhao alluding to her connection to me as myself vs my Blue Spirit alter ego. How did he know she had an interest in me, and why was she interested in the first place? Had my uncle's hunch been right? Had she been easily swayed from me rescuing her? It was strange. The air-bender girl wanted nothing to do with me when she found out I was the Prince of the Fire Nation, and she even threatened me to stay away from the Avatar.

But she also protected my identity from Zhao despite holding no loyalty to me. He clearly thinks I care about her. I shook my head. The joke's on him. I have more important things to worry about than the actions of some crazy girl.